Balanced armature receiver

Abstract

The present invention relates to a balanced armature receiver. An acoustic receiver for producing sound is disclosed. The acoustic receiver comprises: a receiver housing having a first internal volume and a second internal volume; a first diaphragm dividing the first internal volume into a first front volume and a first rear volume, such that the first front volume has a first sound outlet port; a second diaphragm dividing the second internal volume into a second front volume and a second rear volume, such that the second front volume has a second sound outlet port; a motor at least partially disposed inside the housing such that the motor comprises an armature mechanically coupled to both the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm; and an acoustic seal between the first front volume and the second rear volume such that the acoustic seal accommodates the mechanical coupling of the armature to one of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of December 10, 2020, application number 202011433213.5 and invention name “Balanced armature receiver”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to acoustic devices and, more particularly, to a balanced armature acoustic receiver having multiple diaphragms. Background Art

[0003] Acoustic devices including balanced armature receivers are well known, which convert an electrical input signal into an acoustic output signal characterized by a varying sound pressure level (SPL). Such acoustic devices can be integrated into a hearing aid, headphone, hearable device or earplug worn by a user, as well as other hearing devices. The receiver generally includes a motor and a coil to which an electrical excitation signal is applied. The coil is arranged around a portion of an armature (also called a reed), and the movable portion of the armature is arranged in a balanced manner between magnets, which are usually held by a yoke. Applying an excitation or input signal to the coil of the receiver modulates the magnetic field, thereby causing a deflection of the reed between the magnets. The deflected reed is connected to a movable portion of a diaphragm arranged in a partially enclosed receiver housing, wherein the movement of the paddle forces air through a sound outlet or port of the housing.

[0004] As the size of sound-generating acoustic devices like balanced armature receivers decreases to accommodate the increasingly smaller space allotments in host hearing devices, the sound output generated by such acoustic devices also decreases.Therefore, there is a need to improve the output of balanced armature receivers without significantly increasing their size. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a balanced armature type includes: a shell having a first internal volume and a second internal volume; a first diaphragm, which divides the first internal volume into a first front volume and a first rear volume, the first front volume having a first sound outlet port; a second diaphragm, which divides the second internal volume into a second front volume and a second rear volume, the second front volume having a second sound outlet port; a motor, which is at least partially arranged inside the shell, and the motor includes an armature mechanically connected to both the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm; a wall portion, which separates the first front volume from the second rear volume, and the armature is connected to the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm through a connecting member that can extend through an opening in the wall portion; and an acoustic seal, which is between the first front volume and the second rear volume, and the acoustic seal accommodates the mechanical connection between the armature and one of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, wherein the acoustic seal is at least partially located in the opening.

[0006] Preferably, the acoustic impedance of the acoustic seal is greater than the acoustic impedance of the first sound outlet port in the frequency range perceptible to humans.

[0007] Preferably, the acoustic seal comprises a flexible membrane extending at least partially across the opening of the wall portion. More preferably, the flexible membrane is a generally planar and resilient material. More preferably, the flexible membrane has a shaped fold. More preferably, the flexible membrane is coupled to both the wall portion and the coupling. More preferably, the coupling extends through the flexible membrane and adheres to the flexible membrane and the diaphragm. More preferably, the coupling is coupled to the flexible membrane without extending through the flexible membrane, and the flexible membrane is coupled to the diaphragm, wherein the flexible membrane is disposed between the coupling and the diaphragm. More preferably, the acoustic seal has an acoustic impedance greater than the acoustic impedance of the first sound outlet port in a frequency range perceptible to humans.

[0008] Preferably, the acoustic seal comprises a gel at least partially blocking the opening of the wall portion, and the coupling extends through the gel.

[0009] Preferably, the acoustic seal comprises a ferrofluid at least partially blocking the opening of the wall portion, and the coupling extends through the ferrofluid.

[0010] Preferably, the first rear volume is acoustically coupled to the second rear volume.

[0011] Preferably, the sound outlet port of the first front volume is acoustically coupled to the second front volume.

[0012] Preferably, the motor is located in the first rear volume, and the first front volume is located between the first rear volume and the second rear volume.

[0013] Preferably, the motor is located in the second rear volume, and the second rear volume is located between the first front volume and the second front volume.

[0014] Preferably, the motor is located in the second front volume, and the second rear volume is located between the first front volume and the second front volume.

[0015] Preferably, the motor is located in the first front volume, and the first front volume is located between the first rear volume and the second rear volume. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing a sound receiver according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing a sound receiver according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a sound receiver according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing a sound receiver according to an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing a sound receiver according to an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing a sound receiver according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 Shown from different angles for clarity Figure 6 a perspective view of a portion of a sound receiver;

[0024] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view showing a sound receiver according to an embodiment;

[0025] Fig. 9 Shown from different angles Figure 8 a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an acoustic receiver;

[0026] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view showing a sound receiver according to an embodiment;

[0027] Fig.11 A cross-sectional view showing a sound receiver according to an embodiment;

[0028] Fig.12 Show Fig.11 A side view of a sound receiver;

[0029] Fig.13 Show Figure 1 Detailed view of the acoustic receiver;

[0030] Fig.14 Show Figure 2 Detailed view of the acoustic receiver;

[0031] Fig.15 A partial cross-sectional view showing an acoustic receiver according to an embodiment;

[0032] Fig.16 A partial cross-sectional view showing an acoustic receiver according to an embodiment;

[0033] Fig.17A partial cross-sectional view showing an acoustic receiver according to an embodiment;

[0034] Fig.18 A partial cross-sectional view showing an acoustic receiver according to an embodiment;

[0035] Fig.19 A partial cross-sectional view showing an acoustic receiver according to an embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of a sound receiver according to an embodiment is shown.

[0037] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity. It will also be appreciated that certain actions or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence, and it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required unless a particular order is specifically indicated. It will also be appreciated that unless a specific meaning is otherwise set forth herein, the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning consistent with such terms and expressions with respect to the corresponding fields of inquiry and study to which they correspond. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure relates to sound producing acoustic receivers (also referred to herein as "receivers") for use in hearing devices such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids. Such receivers may also be used in headphones, wired or wireless earbuds or earpieces, or in some other hearing device that extends into, onto, or can be placed in close proximity to a user's ear.

[0039] The present disclosure relates to a balanced armature acoustic receiver that generates sound and has multiple diaphragms. In certain implementations, the acoustic receiver that generates sound has multiple internal volumes defined by a housing, each of the internal volumes being divided into a front volume and a rear volume by a diaphragm. In some examples, the acoustic receiver has a motor that is at least partially disposed within the housing, wherein the motor includes an armature that is mechanically coupled to the diaphragm. In addition, an acoustic seal acoustically separates one of the front volumes from one of the rear volumes while accommodating the mechanical coupling of the armature to one of the diaphragms. For each of the front volumes, the acoustic receiver also includes a sound outlet port acoustically coupled to the front volume.

[0040] The receiver is configured in one of many different implementations. The receiver typically has at least two internal volumes (a first internal volume and a second internal volume) separated by a wall portion of the housing, and a corresponding diaphragm divides each internal volume into a corresponding front volume and a rear volume. Both the wall portion and the acoustic seal are located between a first front volume of the first internal volume and a second rear volume of the second internal volume. In addition, the armature is connected to the first or second diaphragm by a connector that can extend through an opening in the wall portion. Typically, all receivers are implemented so that: in the frequency range perceptible to humans, the acoustic impedance of the acoustic seal is greater than the acoustic impedance of the first sound outlet port.

[0041] In some embodiments, the acoustic seal is a flexible membrane that extends at least partially across the opening of the wall portion, and the connector extends through the membrane. In some other embodiments, the acoustic seal includes a gel that at least partially blocks the opening of the wall portion, and the connector extends through the gel. In some other embodiments, the acoustic seal includes a ferromagnetic fluid that at least partially blocks the opening of the wall portion, and the connector extends through the ferromagnetic fluid. Other embodiments implement the acoustic seal as a tubular flexible membrane coupled to the wall portion and a first or second diaphragm coupled to the connector, so that the tubular flexible membrane is aligned with the opening in the wall portion and the connector extends through the tubular flexible membrane. In other embodiments, the acoustic seal includes a non-blocking portion of the opening between the wall portion and the connector.

[0042] In some embodiments where the flexible membrane is used as an acoustic seal, the flexible membrane is a generally planar and resilient material. In other embodiments, the flexible membrane has a shaped fold. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is coupled to both the wall portion and the coupling. In embodiments where the flexible membrane is coupled to the coupling, the coupling extends through the flexible membrane and adheres to the flexible membrane and the diaphragm. In other embodiments where the flexible membrane is coupled to the coupling, the coupling is coupled to the flexible membrane without extending through the flexible membrane, and the flexible membrane is coupled to the diaphragm such that the flexible membrane is disposed between the coupling and the diaphragm.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first rear volume is acoustically coupled to the second rear volume. In other embodiments, one or both of the rear volumes are open to atmosphere. In embodiments where the rear volume is sufficiently large, no opening to atmosphere or the other rear volume may be required. In some other embodiments, the sound outlet port of the first front volume is acoustically coupled to the second front volume.

[0044] In different embodiments, the position of the motor is also different. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some embodiments shown in FIG. 1 , the motor is located in the first rear volume, so that the first front volume is located between the first rear volume and the second rear volume. Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 10 to Figure 11 and Fig. 20 In some other embodiments shown in , the motor is instead located in the second rear volume, so that the second rear volume is located between the first front volume and the second front volume. Figure 4 In other embodiments shown in , the motor is instead located in the second front volume, so that the second rear volume is located between the first front volume and the second front volume. Figure 8 In other embodiments shown in , the motor is located in the first front volume, so that the first front volume is located between the first rear volume and the second rear volume. In other embodiments, the motor is partially in more than one internal volume; such embodiments include configurations in which the armature forms part of the diaphragm assembly, among other configurations.

[0045] In one implementation, the housing of the receiver has a third internal volume in addition to the first internal volume and the second internal volume. Therefore, the receiver also has a third diaphragm, with the armature mechanically coupled to the third diaphragm, the third diaphragm dividing the third internal volume into a third front volume and a third rear volume.

[0046] In embodiments where the third diaphragm is included in the third internal volume, the receiver also has a second acoustic seal (in addition to the acoustic seal as previously mentioned) to accommodate the mechanical coupling of the reed to the third diaphragm. Figure 3 In some receivers with three diaphragms shown in FIG. , the second acoustic seal is located between the second front volume and the third rear volume. In e.g. Fig. 9 and Fig. 20 In other receivers with a third diaphragm shown in , the second acoustic seal is located between the third front volume and the first rear volume.

[0047] Details regarding the receiver will be disclosed in further detail below, wherein embodiments are provided as non-limiting examples of the various configurations and embodiments provided herein.

[0048] Figures 1 to 14 and Fig. 20 An example of a balanced armature receiver 100 is shown having two sets of interior volumes within a housing 102: a first interior volume 104 and a second interior volume 106. A first diaphragm 108 separates a first front volume 110 from a first rear volume 112 in the first interior space 104. A second diaphragm 116 divides the second interior volume 106 into a second front volume 118 and a second rear volume 120. An armature 126 included in a motor 124 is coupled to the first diaphragm 108 or the second diaphragm 116 via a coupling 132 that extends through an opening 134 in a wall portion 130. In some examples, the first front volume 110 is acoustically coupled to the first sound outlet port 114, and the second front volume 118 is acoustically coupled to the second sound outlet port 122.

[0049] exist Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 20 , including a third internal volume 300, such that the third diaphragm 302 divides the third internal volume 300 into a third front volume 304 and a third rear volume 306. According to various embodiments disclosed herein, some of the front volume and the rear volume are acoustically sealed from each other via one or more acoustic seals (e.g., acoustic seals 128 and 308) (the acoustic seals are arranged in a wall portion that separates the front volume and the rear volume), while some of the rear volumes 112, 120, and 306 are acoustically coupled to each other to provide additional internal volume to enable the armature to move more flexibly, thereby improving the quality of the acoustic output of the receiver (such as the bass output of the receiver).

[0050] Figures 1 to 4 , Figures 8 to 9 , Figures 11 to 16 and Figures 19 to 20 An example of a balanced armature receiver 100 according to an embodiment as disclosed herein is shown, using a flexible membrane 136 extending at least partially across an opening 134 of a wall 130 that separates a first front volume 110 from a second rear volume 120. The flexible membrane 136 is made of any suitable material such as polyurethane or other polymers, and forms an acoustic seal 128 between the first front volume 110 and the second rear volume 120. The acoustic seal provided by the membrane or other implementations described herein is characterized by an acoustic impedance greater than the acoustic impedance of the sound outlet port within the frequency range perceptible to humans. In general, any of the receivers described herein may use any of the acoustic seals described herein or a combination of flexible membrane acoustic seals.

[0051] exist Figures 1 to 4 , Figures 11 to 14 , Fig.16 and Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the flexible membrane 136 has a formed fold 138 that enables the membrane 136 to move in response to movement of the coupling 132 while maintaining the acoustic seal 128 between the first front volume 110 and the second rear volume 120. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the fold 138 is not present in the first acoustic seal 128 but in the second acoustic seal 308, and the second coupling 146 extends through the second acoustic seal 308 to adhere to the first diaphragm 108 and the third diaphragm 302, as further described herein. In some examples, one or more of the couplings 132 and 146 include a resonator 148 that changes the acoustic response of the balanced armature within a certain frequency range. Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 8 , Figures 11 to 14 and Fig. 20 , the connector 132 extends through the flexible membrane 128 and adheres to both the membrane 136 and the first diaphragm 108 .

[0052] exist Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 20 , or any suitable example having three sets of internal volumes (e.g., internal volumes 104, 106, and 300). To accommodate the mechanical coupling of the armature 126 to the third diaphragm 302, according to various embodiments, the second acoustic seal 308 is disposed between the two volumes. Figure 3 For example, the second acoustic seal 308 is located between the second front volume 118 and the third rear volume 306, and Figure 8 and Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the second acoustic seal 308 is located at Figure 8 and Fig. 20 between the third front volume 304 and the first rear volume 112.

[0053] exist Figures 1 to 4 , Figures 8 to 9 , Figures 11 to 16 and Fig. 20 In FIG. 1 , the flexible membrane 136 is coupled to both the wall portion 130 and the coupling 132. Figures 8 to 9 , the coupling member 132 is coupled to the flexible membrane 136 without extending through the flexible membrane 136, and the flexible membrane 136 is coupled to the second diaphragm 116, so that the flexible membrane 136 is disposed between the coupling member 132 and the second diaphragm 116. Similarly, Fig.16 The coupling 132 is shown coupled to the flexible membrane 136 without extending through the membrane 136, but is not limited to coupling the coupling 132 directly to the second diaphragm 116. The coupling 132 is coupled to any of the diaphragms 108, 116, and 302, as previously disclosed. In these and other embodiments described herein, an adhesive, glue, or epoxy may be used to couple the membrane to the coupling and the diaphragm.

[0054] In some embodiments, the acoustic seal 128 has additional support members. Figure 1 and Fig.13In the embodiment shown in , the acoustic seal 128 has an internal support 1300 located between the coupling 132 and the formed fold 138, and the internal support 1300 is formed as a ring or a disk. The acoustic seal 128 also has an external support 1302 located between the flexible membrane 136 and the wall 130. The internal support 1300 and the external support 1302 are made of any suitable material (e.g., metal or plastic) that is less flexible than the membrane 136 they support. In some embodiments, the acoustic seal 128 has one or more openings 1304 with high acoustic impedance, and the openings 1304 are formed by piercing the flexible membrane 136, for example, to enable air to flow therethrough. The openings 1304 can be used as a feature in any acoustic seal opening 1304 to change the acoustic response of the balanced armature or to relieve pressure accumulation that may occur in the sealed rear volume due to temperature changes or atmospheric pressure changes.

[0055] exist Figure 5 , the acoustic seal 128 is formed by a gel 500 between the first front volume 110 and the second rear volume 120, with the coupling 132 extending through the gel 500. The gel 500 may be any suitable material having a low stiffness such that it will have a low impact on the overall system stiffness, but still strong enough to remain in place and maintain at least a partial seal.

[0056] exist Figure 6 to Figure 7 In the embodiment of the present invention, the ferrofluid 600 forms an acoustic seal 128 between the first front volume 110 and the second rear volume 120. The ferrofluid is a viscous fluid like oil in which magnetic particles or dust are suspended. The ferrofluid 600 provides an acoustic seal 128 by covering a portion of the yoke 158 that extends above the opening 134 while allowing the coupling 132 to actuate the diaphragm without adversely affecting its flexibility. The coupling 132 extends through the ferrofluid 600, and one or more non-magnetic dams (such as, Figure 7 The non-magnetic dams 700 and 702 in FIG. 1 are attached to the yoke 158 and / or the magnet 162 to help control the positioning of the ferromagnetic fluid 600.

[0057] exist Figures 8 to 9 and Fig.15In some embodiments, the membrane forming the acoustic seal 128 is flat or substantially planar. In some examples, the flat seal is formed using an elastic material. In some examples, the flat seal is formed using an elastomeric material having a soft modulus. In some examples, the soft modulus is defined by an effective Young's modulus ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 MPa. In some implementations, the carrier 900 is disposed between the membrane and the wall 130, wherein the carrier 900 is made of any suitable material (e.g., metal or plastic) that enables the membrane to be attached to the wall 130 while maintaining the membrane in a predetermined configuration. For example, if improperly handled, the membrane may curl or wrinkle when being attached to the wall 130. In order to prevent such curling or wrinkling, the membrane is first attached to the carrier 900 to ensure that it is in an uncurled and unwrinkled configuration, after which the carrier 900 is attached to the wall 130. In some examples, the carrier 900 is made of the same material as the internal support 1300 and / or the external support 1302 or has similar physical properties thereto. exist Figures 8 to 9 In the embodiment, glue 902 is provided to bond with the membrane and at least partially close the acoustic path between the second front volume 118 and the second rear volume 120.

[0058] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, the acoustic seal 128 is formed by a tubular flexible membrane 1000, which is coupled to the wall portion 130 and to the first diaphragm 108, and the coupling 132 is also coupled to the first diaphragm 108. The tubular flexible membrane 1000 is aligned with the opening 134 in the wall portion 130 so that the coupling 132 extends through the tubular flexible membrane 1000. The tubular membrane 1000 forms an acoustic coupling 200 between the first rear volume 112 and the second rear volume 120 while maintaining the acoustic seal 128 between the first front volume 110 and the adjacent rear volumes 112 and 120. In other examples, the glue 139 can completely block any openings in the diaphragm 108, thereby blocking any acoustic path between the rear volumes. In some examples, the tubular membrane 1000 is formed of the same material as the flexible portion of the first diaphragm 108 , such that the tubular membrane 1000 is an extension of the first diaphragm 108 , for example, the extension is attached to the wall 130 using glue to provide the acoustic seal 128 .

[0059] exist Figure 11 to Figure 12In the embodiment, the acoustic seal 128 is formed around the link 1104 (the link 1104 is stiffer than the coupling 132 in all directions (including rotational freedom)), so that the first diaphragm 108 moves in a piston-like manner without loss of motion through the link 1104. The link 1104 enables a stronger connection between the diaphragms 108. In this embodiment, there is no coupling between the armature 126 and the second diaphragm 116, and the second diaphragm 116 is directly attached to the armature 126. In other examples, the rigid portion of the diaphragm 116 can be completely formed in a shape integrated into the armature 126, and a separate rigid diaphragm component 116 is not required.

[0060] exist Fig.16 In the embodiment of the present invention, the coupling 132 does not pass through the acoustic seal 128 (in this example, the acoustic seal 128 is a flexible membrane 136), but instead the flexible membrane 136 is elastically extended toward the diaphragm 108 (or 116 or 302, as appropriate), after which the coupling member 139 attaches the diaphragm 108 and the coupling 132 to the flexible membrane 136. As shown, the coupling member 139 is applied to both sides of the flexible membrane 136.

[0061] exist Figures 17 to 19 In the embodiment, the acoustic seal 128 is formed in the opening 134 in the wall portion 130. Specifically, in Fig.17 134 is partially covered by a sealing body member 1702 (also referred to as a sleeve because the configuration surrounds the coupling 132) having a non-blocking portion 1700 through which the coupling 132 passes. The non-blocking portion 1700 forms an acoustic seal 128 because the surface area or diameter of the non-blocking portion 1700 is significantly smaller than the surface area or diameter of the opening 134, thereby enabling a high acoustic impedance at the non-blocking portion 1700. Fig.17 The embodiment enables the opening 134 to be aligned with the location of the drive rod, thereby reducing tolerance stack-up, and it also decouples the sleeve length from the wall thickness, thereby permitting the use of longer sleeves for higher impedance seals. Fig.18 In some examples, the opening 134 in the wall portion 130 has a smaller surface area or diameter than the openings 134 previously disclosed in other embodiments. As such, the opening 134 is small enough to enable a high acoustic impedance, thereby forming an acoustic seal 128 therein. Fig.17 and Fig.19 The non-blocked portion 1700 or Fig.18 Grease is added to the opening 134 in the housing to further increase the acoustic impedance of the acoustic seal 128 formed.

[0062] exist Fig.19In the embodiment of the present invention, a flat or substantially planar flexible seal is formed at the opening 134 by attaching a flexible membrane 136, for example without a fold 138, to the wall portion 130. Figures 8 to 9 and Fig.15 Different in Fig.19 The flexible membrane 136 in the embodiment of the present invention is not glued or otherwise attachably connected to the connector 132 that passes through the non-blocking portion 1700 in the flexible membrane 136. However, the size, surface area or diameter of the non-blocking portion 1700 is small enough to enable high acoustic impedance at the non-blocking portion 1700, thereby forming an effective acoustic seal without the use of any glue or other connecting member 139.

[0063] Although different types and examples of acoustic seals are described above, it should be understood that no acoustic seal is specific to the examples of the acoustic receiver in which they are shown as being implemented in the figures, and that the acoustic seals are interchangeable for different examples of the acoustic receiver. In some examples, different types of acoustic seals may be employed in a single acoustic receiver when deemed appropriate. In some cases, the benefit of the diaphragm and acoustic seal employed in the above-mentioned embodiments is that the bass output of the receiver is increased compared to a conventional acoustic receiver having a single diaphragm while maintaining high frequency performance.

[0064] In some examples, such as Figures 1 to 12 and Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the motor 124 is located in the front volume or the rear volume and includes an armature 126 (also referred to as a magnetic reed) and a pair of magnets 160, 162 disposed at a yoke 158 and one or more coils 156 disposed at a bobbin 154. Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the motor 124 is located in the first rear volume 112 . Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the motor 124 is located in the second front volume 118. Figure 6 to Figure 7 , Fig.10 and Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the motor 124 is located in the second rear volume 120. Figures 8 to 9 In FIG. 1 , the motor 124 is located in the first front volume 110 . Figure 11 to Figure 12 , the motor 124 is located in the second rear volume.

[0065] The motor 124 is powered via wiring (not shown) extending from the motor 124 and leading to an electrical terminal or interface 152 of the receiver 100. In other examples, the coil 156 may be disposed around the armature 126 without the bobbin 154, and alternatively, the coil 156 is attached to the housing 102 or a yoke 158 for support. The first diaphragm 108 and the second diaphragm 116 are not hinged and exhibit piston action. The yoke 158 holds a pair of magnets 160 and 162, with a portion of the armature 126 movably extending between the magnets 160 and 162. The armature 126 is configured to deflect relative to the magnets 160, 162 in response to application of an electrical signal to the coil 156. A U-shaped armature is shown, but other armatures such as E-shaped and M-shaped armatures are known in the art and may be used alternatively.

[0066] exist Figure 1 , Figures 6 to 10 and Fig. 20 In the embodiment, a first coupling member 132 extending from one side of the armature 126 couples the first diaphragm 108 to the armature 126, and a second coupling member 132 extending from a side of the armature 126 opposite to the first coupling member 132 couples the second diaphragm 116 to the armature 126. In some examples, the spring of the second coupling member combines with the mass of the diaphragm to form a resonator capable of resonating at a higher frequency. Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Fig.10 and Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the first coupling member 132 and the second coupling member 146 can be formed from a single part or separate multiple parts. Figure 8 In, separate parts are used for the couplings 132 and 146. Figures 2 to 5 In the embodiment, a single coupling member 132 couples the diaphragms 108 and 116 together without the second coupling member 146 mentioned above. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the second connecting member 146 originates from the first diaphragm 108 rather than the armature 126. Fig.11 and Fig.12 In the embodiment, the connecting member 132 is replaced by the connecting rod 1104.

[0067] Any coupling member shown herein can be coupled to a corresponding diaphragm via a coupling member 139, which includes any suitable means for attaching two components together. The coupling member can be an adhesive, an epoxy, or a solvent-soluble polyurethane, vinyl acetate, cyanoacrylate, or other glue. In some examples, the coupling member 139 is a synthetic adhesive compound, including but not limited to vinyl acetate or any other suitable polymer. In some examples, the coupling member does not use any coupling member 139 and is therefore not coupled to the diaphragm.

[0068] In some of the examples, the front volume is coupled to a corresponding sound outlet port (through which the sound signal generated in the front volume passes), and the rear volume is coupled to a rear volume outlet (through which air from the atmosphere can pass). Typically, any small rear volume requires pressure relief from within the volume, so a vent is typically used. In some examples, the vent is coupled to the outside atmosphere, while in other examples, the vent is coupled to a larger volume within the receiver.

[0069] Figure 1 to Figure 2 and Figure 6 A nozzle 150 is shown formed in or attached to the housing 102, the nozzle 150 being coupled to at least one of the sound outlet ports (e.g., the first sound outlet port 114 and / or the second sound outlet port 122). In these figures, the nozzle 150 is acoustically coupled to both the sound outlet ports 114 and 122 directed toward the nozzle 150, such that any acoustic signals propagating from the sound outlet ports 114 and 122 are propagated from the nozzle 150 into the ear canal. Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 20 , the sound outlet ports 114 and 122 and the third sound outlet port 312 are all disposed on the housing 102 such that they face the same direction.

[0070] exist Figure 1 , Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 20 , the rear volume vent 144 is shown coupled to the first rear volume 112. Figure 1 and Figure 6 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the second rear volume 120 is not coupled to the rear volume vent. However, in some examples, the second rear volume 120 is coupled to a rear volume vent similar to FIG. Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 8 The rear volume vent coupling of the second rear volume vent 314 shown in FIG.

[0071] like Figure 1As shown in , a balanced armature receiver includes a housing having a first internal volume and a second internal volume. A first diaphragm divides the first internal volume into a first front volume and a first rear volume. The first front volume has a first sound outlet port. The second diaphragm divides the second internal volume into a second front volume and a second rear volume. The second front volume has a second sound outlet port. A wall separates the first front volume from the second rear volume. A motor is at least partially disposed inside the housing. The motor includes an armature mechanically coupled to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. An acoustic seal is at least partially located in an opening in the wall between the first front volume and the second rear volume. The acoustic seal accommodates a coupling that couples the armature to the first diaphragm. In a frequency range perceptible to humans, the acoustic impedance of the acoustic seal is greater than the acoustic impedance of the first sound outlet port. In some examples, the first rear volume leads to the exterior of the housing. In some examples, the first rear volume is acoustically coupled to the second rear volume.

[0072] exist Figure 2 , the first rear volume 112 and the second rear volume 120 are acoustically coupled via a path defining an acoustic coupling 200, which enables the coupled rear volumes 112 and 120 to be ventilated using each other's volumes rather than using the atmosphere as shown in some of the other embodiments. In some examples, a damper 202 is placed or formed in the path defining the coupling 200. As shown herein, a damper is any suitable component that can be used to tune the acoustic impedance characteristics of a port or path.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown in , a balanced armature receiver includes a housing having a first internal volume and a second internal volume. A first diaphragm divides the first internal volume into a first front volume and a first rear volume. The first front volume has a first sound outlet port. A second diaphragm divides the second internal volume into a second front volume and a second rear volume. The second front volume has a second sound outlet port. A wall separates the first front volume from the second rear volume. A motor is at least partially disposed inside the housing. The motor includes an armature mechanically coupled to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. An acoustic seal is at least partially located in an opening of the wall between the first front volume and the second rear volume. The acoustic seal accommodates a coupling that couples the armature to the second diaphragm. In a frequency range perceptible to humans, the acoustic impedance of the acoustic seal is greater than the acoustic impedance of the first sound outlet port. In some examples, the first rear volume is acoustically coupled to the second rear volume. In some examples, the first rear volume leads to the outside of the housing.

[0074] exist Figure 31, the second rear volume vent 314 is coupled to the second rear volume 120 and the third rear volume vent 316 is coupled to the third rear volume 306, and the rear volume vents 314 and 316 are connected to the outside atmosphere so that air can freely pass through the rear volume vents 314 and 316 when the receiver 100 is activated. In some examples, the first rear volume 112 lacks the first rear volume vent 144. In some examples, the first rear volume 112 is ventilated through the first rear volume vent 144 as described above, although not in Figure 3 Shown in.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown in, a balanced armature receiver includes a housing having a first internal volume, a second internal volume, and a third internal volume. A first diaphragm divides the first internal volume into a first front volume and a first rear volume. The first front volume has a first sound outlet port. A second diaphragm divides the second internal volume into a second front volume and a second rear volume. The second front volume has a second sound outlet port. A third diaphragm divides the third internal volume into a third front volume and a third rear volume. The third front volume has a third sound outlet port. A first wall portion separates the first front volume from the second rear volume. A second wall portion separates the second front volume from the third rear volume. A motor is at least partially disposed inside the housing. The motor includes an armature mechanically coupled to the first diaphragm, the second diaphragm, and the third diaphragm. A first acoustic seal is at least partially located in an opening of a wall portion between the first front volume and the second rear volume. The first acoustic seal accommodates a first coupling member coupling the armature to the first diaphragm. A second acoustic seal is located between the second front volume and the third rear volume. The second acoustic seal accommodates a second coupling member coupling the armature to the third diaphragm. The acoustic impedance of the acoustic seal is greater than the acoustic impedance of the first sound outlet port in a frequency range perceptible to humans.The first or second acoustic seal further comprises a flexible membrane extending at least partially across the opening of the corresponding first or second wall portion.

[0076] In some examples, the first or second coupling extends through the flexible membrane of the corresponding first or second acoustic seal and adheres to the flexible membrane and the corresponding diaphragm. In some examples, the first or second coupling is coupled to the flexible membrane of the corresponding first or second acoustic seal without extending through the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is coupled to the corresponding diaphragm. The flexible membrane is disposed between the corresponding first or second coupling and the corresponding diaphragm. In some examples, the first or second acoustic seal includes a gel that at least partially blocks an opening of the corresponding first or second wall portion. The corresponding first or second coupling extends through the gel. In some examples, the second rear volume and the third rear volume are open to the exterior of the shell. In some examples, the second rear volume and the third rear volume are open to the exterior of the shell.

[0077] exist Figure 4, the first sound outlet port 114 includes a path formed by the terminal 152 and one or more portions of the housing 102, wherein the path defines an acoustic coupling 400 between the first front volume 110 and the second front volume 118. The first rear volume 112 is vented via the first rear volume vent 144, and the second rear volume 120 is also vented via the second rear volume vent 314. The second sound outlet port 122 is formed to couple the second front volume 118, so that in practice, the second front volume 118 is acoustically coupled to both the sound outlet ports 114 and 122.

[0078] Figure 5 A plurality of openings in the housing 102 are shown such that each of the openings can define a second sound outlet port 122. Additionally, in addition to the first damper 202 being placed at the first rear volume vent 144, a second damper 502 placed at the second rear volume vent 314 is introduced. In some examples, the damper also prevents external contaminants from entering the housing. An opening 504 in the armature 126 is also introduced to enable the coupling 132 to pass therethrough. In examples where a damper is used above the rear vent, the damper can be used to produce a favorable receiver bass response. For example, the damper can freely allow air to pass through at very low frequencies while attenuating the passage of air at higher frequencies; this can be used to produce an elevated low-end bass output (e.g., below 200 Hz) without significantly increasing the midrange output of the balanced armature (e.g., between 200 Hz and 2000 Hz).

[0079] Figures 8 to 9 An "open face" configuration of the second sound outlet port 122 is shown, wherein the second sound outlet port 122 is defined by the entire side of the housing 102. That is, instead of forming a hole in the side of the housing 102 to define the second sound outlet port 122, the entire face of the housing 122, which in the example shown is the bottom face of the housing 102, is removed. Thus, the perimeter of the sound outlet port 122 is actually the perimeter of the housing 102 supporting the second diaphragm 116.

[0080] exist Fig.10 1002 , a coupling member 139 (e.g., glue) used to attach the first diaphragm 108 to the coupling 132 does not completely cover the opening formed in the first diaphragm 108, which enables an acoustic path to be formed between the rear volumes 112 and 120, thereby defining an acoustic coupling 1002 therebetween. Because the rear volumes 112 and 120 are acoustically coupled, there is no rear volume vent for either of the rear volumes 112 and 120. In some examples, a rear volume vent is formed for one or more of the rear volumes 112 or 120. In some embodiments including a rear vent, the coupling member 139 may completely block the acoustic path between the rear volumes 112 and 120.

[0081] exist Figure 11 to Figure 12 , the second diaphragm 116 is directly coupled to the armature 126 without the use of a coupling, and the wall portion 131 includes a protrusion or inner wall 1100 that seals each of the front volumes 110 and 118 to isolate the corresponding rear volume 112 or 120. Thus, the first rear volume 112 is acoustically coupled to the second rear volume 120, while the front volumes 110 and 118 are acoustically coupled to the corresponding sound outlet ports 114 and 122, respectively. Ventilation openings 1102 for the rear volumes 112 and 120 are shown. In some examples, the second diaphragm 116 is formed exclusively by the armature 126.

[0082] exist Fig. 20 , the first rear volume 112 is ventilated via the first rear volume vent 144, and the third rear volume 306 is ventilated via the third rear volume vent 314, while the second rear volume 120 is shown as not ventilated. In some examples, the second rear volume 120 is ventilated via a vent similar to the following. Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 8 The vents of the second rear volume vent 314 shown in FIG.

[0083] like Fig. 20 As shown in , a balanced armature receiver includes a housing having a first internal volume, a second internal volume, and a third internal volume. A first diaphragm divides the first internal volume into a first front volume and a first rear volume. The first front volume has a first sound outlet port. A second diaphragm divides the second internal volume into a second front volume and a second rear volume. The second front volume has a second sound outlet port. A third diaphragm divides the third internal volume into a third front volume and a third rear volume. The third front volume has a third sound outlet port. A first wall separates the first front volume from the second rear volume. A second wall separates the first rear volume from the third front volume. A motor is at least partially disposed inside the housing. The motor includes an armature mechanically coupled to the first diaphragm, the second diaphragm, and the third diaphragm by one or more couplings. In some embodiments, the receiver includes a single coupling coupling the armature to the diaphragm. In some embodiments, the receiver includes two couplings. In some embodiments, the receiver includes more than two couplings. A first acoustic seal is at least partially located in an opening of the wall between the first front volume and the second rear volume. The first acoustic seal accommodates the mechanical coupling of the armature to the first diaphragm. The second acoustic seal is located between the first rear volume and the third front volume. The second acoustic seal accommodates the mechanical coupling of the armature to the third diaphragm. The acoustic impedance of the acoustic seal is greater than the acoustic impedance of the first sound outlet port within a frequency range perceptible to humans.

[0084] In some examples, the flexible membrane is coupled to the corresponding first or second wall portion and the corresponding coupling member. In some examples, the corresponding coupling member extends through the flexible membrane and adheres to the flexible membrane and the corresponding diaphragm. In some examples, the corresponding coupling member is coupled to the flexible membrane without extending through the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is coupled to the corresponding diaphragm. The flexible membrane is disposed between the corresponding coupling member and the corresponding diaphragm. In some examples, the first or second acoustic seal comprises a gel or a ferromagnetic fluid that at least partially blocks an opening of the corresponding first or second wall portion, and the corresponding coupling member extends through the gel or the ferromagnetic fluid. In some examples, the first rear volume and the second rear volume lead to the exterior of the housing.

[0085] In some examples disclosed herein, hinges are provided on the diaphragm to enable the diaphragm to move in response to movement of the armature to which they are coupled. Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 6 and Fig.10 Two hinges are shown: a first hinge 140 located on the first diaphragm 108 and a second hinge 142 located on the second diaphragm 116. Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the embodiment, both the first hinge 140 and the second hinge 142 are disposed away from the coupling 132 or 146. That is, the coupling 132 or 146 is located close to one end of the diaphragm 108 or 116, and the hinges 140 and 142 are located close to the other end of the diaphragm 108 or 116 opposite to the coupling 132 or 142. Therefore, the hinges 140 and 142 are disposed on the same side of the coupling 132 or 146.

[0086] exist Figure 5 and Fig.10 In the embodiment, the first hinge 140 and the second hinge 142 are arranged on opposite sides of the coupling 132 that couples them together. Figure 5 In the embodiment of the invention, for example, the second hinge 142 is located on the left side and the first hinge 140 is located on the right side. The mounting point of the coupling 132 to the diaphragm 116 is relatively close to the hinge 142, which means that for a small movement of the coupling 132, the average movement of the "levered" diaphragm 116 will be high for many conventional implementations. In some examples, the levered diaphragm is able to produce a larger amplitude acoustic signal than any other diaphragm in the receiver.

[0087] Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 20 Three hinges are shown: a first hinge 140, a second hinge 142, and a third hinge 318 located on the third diaphragm 302. Figure 3 and Fig. 20In FIG. 1 , all three hinges 140, 142, and 318 are located on the same side relative to the connector 132 and / or 146. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the third hinge 318 is disposed on the side of the second coupling 146 opposite to the other two hinges 140 and 142 (e.g., the third hinge 318 is located on the left side, while the hinges 140 and 142 are located on the right side). In addition, the third diaphragm 302 is not aligned with the other diaphragms 108 and 116. In addition, the position of one or more of the hinges or couplings is adjustable to determine the lever ratio when some of the diaphragms are in a "lever-type" configuration with relative pivots.

[0088] In some examples, there is no hinge on either of the armatures. For example, Fig.11 and Fig.12 No hinge is shown at all, instead the diaphragms 108 and 116 are coupled together via a link 1104 which is stiffer than the coupling 132 or 146 and enables a stronger coupling between the two diaphragms 108 and 118 .

[0089] In addition, the size of each diaphragm can be adjusted so that one diaphragm (or diaphragms) can produce a larger volume displacement than the other diaphragms, or to enhance their output. Figure 2 and Figure 5 In , because the size of the second diaphragm 116 is larger than the first diaphragm 108, the second diaphragm 116 can achieve a larger volume displacement than the first diaphragm 108. Similarly, in Figure 4 and Fig.10 In the embodiment, the first diaphragm 108 is larger and thus can achieve a greater volume displacement than the second diaphragm 116. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the second diaphragm 116 and the third diaphragm 302 are larger than the first diaphragm 108. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the third diaphragm 302 is larger than the other diaphragms 108 and 116 .

[0090] In some examples, the receiver housing (such as housing 102) is formed as a single integral component, while in other examples, the housing is formed by coupling two or more separate sub-components together. Suitable different coupling means may be adopted, for example, gluing, clamping, fastening, attachment, welding, etc. In examples involving two sub-components, the sub-components may be referred to as a cover and a cup. In some examples, the cover at least partially defines one or more front volumes, and the cup at least partially defines one or more rear volumes. In some examples, the cover at least partially defines one or more sound outlet ports, and the cup at least partially defines one or more rear volume vents. In some examples, a cover or cup is also formed by coupling two or more separate sub-components together. For example, a cup has a sub-component defining a side wall and another sub-component defining a bottom base. In addition, in different embodiments, a component referred to as the "wall" of the housing may also be referred to as a "cover" or vice versa.

[0091] While the present disclosure 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 the disclosure, and what is presently believed to be the best mode thereof, it should be understood and appreciated that there are many equivalents to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, and that numerous modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, which will be governed not by the exemplary embodiments but by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A balanced armature receiver, comprising: a housing having a first interior volume, a second interior volume, and a third interior volume; a first diaphragm dividing the first interior volume into a first front volume and a first rear volume, the first front volume having a first sound outlet port; a second diaphragm dividing the second interior volume into a second front volume and a second rear volume, the second front volume having a second sound outlet port; a third diaphragm dividing the third interior volume into a third front volume and a third rear volume, the third front volume having a third sound outlet port; a first wall portion separating the first front volume from the second rear volume; a second wall portion separating the second front volume from the third rear volume; a motor at least partially disposed within the housing, the motor comprising an armature mechanically coupled to the first diaphragm, the second diaphragm, and the third diaphragm; a first acoustic seal located at least partially in the opening of the first wall portion between the first front volume and the second rear volume, the first acoustic seal accommodating a first coupling coupling the armature to the first diaphragm; as well as a second acoustic seal between the second front volume and the third rear volume, the second acoustic seal accommodating a second coupling coupling the armature to the third diaphragm, Wherein, within a frequency range perceptible to humans, the acoustic impedance of the acoustic seal is greater than the acoustic impedance of the first sound outlet port.

2. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The first acoustic seal comprises a flexible membrane extending at least partially across the opening of the first wall portion or the second acoustic seal comprises a flexible membrane extending at least partially across the opening of the second wall portion.

3. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 2, wherein: The flexible membrane is a generally planar and resilient material.

4. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 2, wherein: The flexible film has a formed fold.

5. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 2, wherein: The flexible membrane is coupled to both the corresponding first wall portion or the second wall portion and the corresponding first coupling piece or the second coupling piece.

6. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 2, wherein: The first coupling member or the second coupling member extends through the flexible membrane of the corresponding first acoustic seal or the second acoustic seal and is adhered to the flexible membrane and the corresponding diaphragm.

7. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 2, wherein: The first connecting member or the second connecting member is connected to the flexible membrane of the corresponding first acoustic seal or the second acoustic seal without extending through the flexible membrane, and the flexible membrane is connected to the corresponding diaphragm, wherein the flexible membrane is arranged between the corresponding first connecting member or the second connecting member and the corresponding diaphragm.

8. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The first acoustic seal comprises a gel at least partially blocking the opening of the first wall portion or the second acoustic seal comprises a gel at least partially blocking the opening of the second wall portion, and the corresponding first coupling member or the second coupling member extends through the gel.

9. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The second rear volume and the third rear volume open to the exterior of the housing.

10. A balanced armature receiver, comprising: a housing having a first interior volume, a second interior volume, and a third interior volume; a first diaphragm dividing the first interior volume into a first front volume and a first rear volume, the first front volume having a first sound outlet port; a second diaphragm dividing the second interior volume into a second front volume and a second rear volume, the second front volume having a second sound outlet port; a third diaphragm dividing the third interior volume into a third front volume and a third rear volume, the third front volume having a third sound outlet port; a first wall portion separating the first front volume from the second rear volume; a second wall portion separating the first rear volume from the third front volume; a motor at least partially disposed inside the housing, the motor comprising an armature mechanically coupled to the first diaphragm, the second diaphragm, and the third diaphragm via at least one coupling; a first acoustic seal located at least partially in the opening of the first wall portion between the first front volume and the second rear volume, the first acoustic seal accommodating a mechanical coupling of the armature to the first diaphragm; as well as a second acoustic seal between the first rear volume and the third front volume, the second acoustic seal accommodating a mechanical coupling of the armature to the third diaphragm, Wherein, within a frequency range perceptible to humans, the acoustic impedance of the acoustic seal is greater than the acoustic impedance of the first sound outlet port.

11. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 10, wherein: The first acoustic seal comprises a flexible membrane extending at least partially across the opening of the first wall portion or the second acoustic seal comprises a flexible membrane extending at least partially across the opening of the second wall portion.

12. The balanced armature receiver of claim 11, wherein: The flexible membrane is a generally planar and resilient material.

13. The balanced armature receiver of claim 11, wherein: The flexible film has a formed fold.

14. The balanced armature receiver of claim 11, wherein: The flexible membrane is coupled to both the corresponding first wall portion or the second wall portion and the corresponding coupling piece.

15. The balanced armature receiver of claim 11, wherein: The corresponding coupling members extend through the flexible membrane and adhere to the flexible membrane and the corresponding diaphragm.

16. The balanced armature receiver of claim 11, wherein: The corresponding coupling piece is coupled to the flexible membrane without extending through the flexible membrane, and the flexible membrane is coupled to the corresponding diaphragm, wherein the flexible membrane is disposed between the coupling piece and the corresponding diaphragm.

17. The balanced armature receiver of claim 10, wherein: The first acoustic seal comprises a gel at least partially blocking the opening of the first wall portion or the second acoustic seal comprises a gel at least partially blocking the opening of the second wall portion, and the corresponding coupling extends through the gel.

18. The balanced armature receiver of claim 10, wherein: The first acoustic seal comprises a ferromagnetic fluid at least partially blocking the opening of the first wall portion or the second acoustic seal comprises a ferromagnetic fluid at least partially blocking the opening of the second wall portion, and the corresponding coupling extends through the ferromagnetic fluid.

19. The balanced armature receiver of claim 10, wherein: The first rear volume and the second rear volume open to the exterior of the housing.

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