Wearable audio device with cable-through hinge

Abstract

Various aspects include a wearable audio device having a through-hinge cabling configuration. In particular aspects, a wearable audio device includes a hinge coupling a first section and one additional section; and a cable extending through the hinge. In various implementations, the hinge is overmolded on the cable and includes a body defining a cavity housing the cable, the cavity having a first opening to a path into the first section and a second opening to an additional path into the one additional section; an insert within the body and adjacent the first opening, the insert defining a minimum radius of a bend in the cable within the cavity; a hinge mechanism contained within the body; and a cable management feature contained within the body, wherein the hinge mechanism, the cable management feature, and the cable are all located in a common plane oriented radially relative to a principal axis of the hinge mechanism.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 778,132, filed January 31, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 851,730, filed April 17, 2020, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to audio glasses. More specifically, this disclosure relates to audio glasses having wiring running through a hinge. Background Technology

[0004] Providing power and communication between components in electronic devices often involves allowing one or more cables to travel through physically different sections of a housing or frame. In cases where electronic devices include hinges (e.g., in wearable audio devices), designing the hinges to accommodate the cables as well as the hinge mechanism can be challenging. Summary of the Invention

[0005] All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible way.

[0006] Various embodiments of this disclosure include wearable audio devices, such as audio glasses or audio headphones, having a through-hinge wiring configuration. In a particular aspect, a wearable audio device includes a hinge connecting a first section and an additional section; and a cable extending through the hinge. The hinge is overmolded on the cable and includes: a body defining a cavity for receiving the cable, the cavity having a first opening to a path in the first section and a second opening to an additional path in the additional section; an insert within the body and adjacent to the first opening, the insert defining a minimum radius of a bend in the cable within the cavity; a hinge mechanism contained within the body; and a cable management feature contained within the body, wherein the hinge mechanism, the cable management feature, and the cable are all located in a common plane radially oriented relative to the principal axis of the hinge mechanism.

[0007] In some specific aspects, a wearable audio device includes: a frame for resting on a user's head, the frame having: a first section; an additional section extending from the first section; a hinge connecting the first section and the additional section; and a cable extending through the hinge, wherein the hinge is overmolded on the cable and includes: a body defining a cavity for receiving the cable, the cavity having a first opening for a path into the first section and a second opening for an additional path into the additional section; an insert within the body and adjacent to the first opening, the insert defining a minimum radius of a bend in the cable within the cavity; a hinge mechanism contained within the body; and a cable management feature contained within the body, wherein the hinge mechanism, the cable management feature, and the cable are all located in a common plane radially oriented relative to the principal axis of the hinge mechanism.

[0008] In other specific aspects, a wearable audio device includes: a frame for resting on a user's head, the frame including: a first section; an additional section extending from the first section; a hinge connecting the first section and the additional section; and a cable extending through the hinge, wherein the hinge is overmolded on the cable and includes: a body defining a cavity for receiving the cable, the cavity having a first opening for a path into the first section and a second opening for an additional path into the additional section; and an insert within the body and adjacent to the first opening, the insert defining a minimum radius of a bend in the cable within the cavity.

[0009] In an additional specific aspect, a wearable audio device includes: a frame for resting on a user's head, the frame having: a first section; an additional section extending from the first section; a hinge connecting the first section and the additional section; and a cable extending through the hinge, wherein a portion of the hinge is overmolded on the cable and includes: a body defining a cavity for receiving the cable, the cavity having a first opening for a path into the first section and a second opening for an additional path into the additional section; a hinge mechanism contained within the body; and a cable management feature contained within the body, wherein the hinge mechanism, the cable management feature, and the cable are all located in a common plane radially oriented relative to the principal axis of the hinge mechanism.

[0010] Specific implementations may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof.

[0011] In some embodiments, the wearable audio device includes audio glasses, wherein the first section includes a lens area, the additional section includes an arm, and the hinge connects the lens area to the arm.

[0012] In some respects, a portion of the hinge is fixed within a slot in the lens region.

[0013] In certain cases, the wearable audio device includes headphones, wherein the first section includes a headband, the additional section includes headphones, and the hinge connects the headband to the headphones.

[0014] In some aspects, the wearable audio device includes an electroacoustic transducer that is at least partially housed within the frame and includes a sound radiating surface for providing audio output.

[0015] In a particular implementation, the hinge allows the additional section to move relative to the first section.

[0016] In some cases, the wearable audio device may also include at least one microphone in the first section or the additional section.

[0017] In some respects, the cable includes a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and the FPC is thinner in the region contained within the hinge than in different regions within the path or the additional path.

[0018] In a particular implementation, the body of the hinge comprises an overmolded plastic, and the insert is not integral with the body.

[0019] In some cases, the overmolded body of the hinge encloses the insert.

[0020] In some respects, the cable is wound radially outward around the hinge mechanism relative to the main axis of the hinge mechanism, the additional section moves about the main axis relative to the first section, and the common plane is oriented radially relative to the main axis.

[0021] In a specific implementation, the body of the hinge comprises an overmolded plastic, the insert is not integral with the body, and the overmolded body of the hinge encloses the insert.

[0022] In some respects, the hinge includes a metal flange that separates the first section and the additional section.

[0023] In a particular implementation, when the hinge is in the fully open position, the metal flange is visible around the entire interface between the first region and the additional region.

[0024] In some cases, the metal flange remains stationary and in contact with the second region throughout the entire range of motion of the hinge.

[0025] In some specific implementations, the cable management feature and the hinge mechanism are integral and formed of metal.

[0026] In some cases, the hinge includes a set of mating features that are connected to a complementary set of mating features in the additional area.

[0027] In a particular aspect, the mating feature in the additional region includes a set of ribs.

[0028] In some embodiments, the hinge includes a thinned section extending through a complementary slot in the additional section, wherein the mating feature is located within the body of the additional section on a first side of the slot, and the cable management feature is located on a second side of the slot.

[0029] Two or more features described in this disclosure, including those described in the content section of this invention, may be combined to form specific embodiments not specifically described herein.

[0030] Details of one or more specific embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of wearable audio devices according to various specific implementations are shown.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a wearable audio device based on various additional specific implementations.

[0033] Figure 3 It is basically included Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of selected electronic components in a wearable audio device.

[0034] Figure 4 A cross-sectional perspective view of a hinge in a wearable audio device according to various specific implementations is shown.

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A plan view of a portion of the hinge.

[0036] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of a portion of the hinge according to various specific implementations.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of another part of the hinge based on various specific implementations.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a wearable audio device based on various additional specific implementations.

[0039] Figure 9 A cross-sectional perspective view is shown of a hinge that connects to a section of a wearable audio device according to various specific implementations.

[0040] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 Different perspective views of the hinges and sections depicted in the image.

[0041] Figure 11 It is a close-up perspective view of the area of ​​various specific implementations of wearable audio devices.

[0042] Figure 12 It shows from different perspectives Figure 11 The area depicted in the text.

[0043] Figure 13 It is a close-up sectional perspective view of the hinge based on various specific implementations.

[0044] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings for various specific embodiments are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended only to illustrate typical aspects of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, similar numbers denote similar elements between figures. Detailed Implementation

[0045] As described herein, various aspects of this disclosure generally relate to wearable audio devices, such as audio glasses or audio headphones, with through-hinge wiring. More specifically, aspects of this disclosure relate to wearable audio devices with hinges having inserts and / or cable management features for managing cables with a minimum bending radius. In some cases, the hinge includes a metal flange extending around an interface between regions of the wearable audio device.

[0046] For illustrative purposes, components typically labeled in the accompanying drawings are considered substantially equivalent, and redundant discussion of those components is omitted for clarity. The numerical ranges and values ​​described according to various specific embodiments are merely examples of such ranges and values ​​and are not intended to limit those embodiments. In some cases, the term "approximately" is used to modify numerical values, and in these cases, the magnitude of the plus / minus error (such as measurement error) can be indicated. It should be understood that the terms "inner" and "outer" are used to describe the radial position of a component relative to the central axis (A), such that a component located radially inner of a component relative to the axis (A) is closer to the central axis (A) on a radial (perpendicular) line extending from the axis (A). The term "radial orientation" can be used to refer to a component, line, or plane perpendicular to an axis such as the central axis (A).

[0047] The components shown and described herein can be formed according to various manufacturing techniques, such as molding, casting, additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), etc. Where no particular technique is described, conventional manufacturing methods can be used to form the components and structures disclosed according to various specific embodiments. Specific embodiments include manufacturing methods such as overmolding, wherein a first portion (substrate) of the component is partially or completely covered by a subsequently formed portion of the component (overmolding).

[0048] The aspects and specific embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to a variety of speaker systems, such as wearable audio devices of various form factors, particularly those for audio glasses or other head-mounted audio devices. Unless otherwise specified, as used herein, the term wearable audio device includes headphones and various other types of personal audio devices, such as acoustic devices worn on the head, shoulder, or body, which include one or more acoustic drivers to generate sound with or without contact with the user's ear. Some of the disclosed aspects are particularly applicable to personal (wearable) audio devices, such as audio glasses or other head-mounted audio devices. It should be noted that while specific embodiments of speaker systems primarily serving the purpose of acoustically outputting audio are presented in some detail, such presentation of specific embodiments is intended to facilitate understanding by providing examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure or the scope of the claims.

[0049] The aspects and specific embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to speaker systems that support or do not support two-way communication and to speaker systems that support or do not support active noise cancellation (ANR). For speaker systems that do support two-way communication or ANR, the disclosure and claims herein are intended to apply to speaker systems incorporating one or more microphones that are positioned on a portion of the speaker system that is held outside the ear during use (e.g., a feedforward microphone), on a portion that is inserted into the ear during use (e.g., a feedback microphone), or on both. Other specific embodiments of speaker systems to which the disclosure and claims herein apply will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0050] Specific examples of implementations relate to over-ear headphones that use acoustic drivers spaced apart (or separated) from the user's ear during use to generate sound. Examples of over-ear headphones with dipole speakers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,794,676 and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 375,119, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Additional aspects of over-ear headphones are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 15 / 884,924 and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 992,982, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Additionally, designs of specific over-ear headphones are included in U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 639191 (Attorney General's File No. OG-18-041-US), the entire of which is also incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, examples of wearable audio device hinges are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 442,813, the entire of which is also incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] The wearable audio devices disclosed herein may include additional features and capabilities not explicitly described. That is, wearable audio devices described according to various specific embodiments may include features present in one or more other wearable electronic devices (such as smart glasses, smartwatches, etc.) or any other wearable audio device in which wiring to components (e.g., printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) and / or other electronic components such as electroacoustic transducers) must pass through a hinge. These wearable audio devices may include additional hardware components, such as one or more cameras, location tracking devices, microphones, etc., and may be capable of voice recognition, visual recognition, and other smart device functions. The description of wearable audio devices included herein is not intended to exclude these additional features in such devices.

[0052] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a wearable audio device 10 according to various specific embodiments. In this example embodiment, the wearable audio device 10 is a pair of audio glasses 20. As shown, the wearable audio device 10 may include a frame 30 having a first section (e.g., a lens section) 40 and at least one additional section (e.g., an arm section) 50 extending from the first section 40. In this example, as with conventional glasses, the first (or lens) section 40 and the additional section (arm) 50 are designed to rest on the user's head. In this example, the lens section 40 may include: a set of lenses 60, which may include prescription lenses, non-prescription lenses, and / or filter lenses; and a bridging member 70 (which may include padding) for resting on the user's nose. The arm 50 may include a contour 80 for resting on the user's corresponding ear.

[0053] Depending on the specific implementation, the electronics 90 and other components for controlling the wearable audio device 10 are contained within the frame 30 (or substantially contained within the frame, such that the components may extend beyond the boundaries of the frame). In some cases, individual or repeated groups of electronics 90 are contained in portions of the frame, such as in each of the corresponding arms 50 in the frame 30. However, some of the components described herein can also be present in a singular form.

[0054] While the various specific embodiments described herein relate to wearable audio devices in the form of audio glasses, it should be understood that the disclosed principles can be equally applied to multiple wearable audio devices of different form factors. For example, Figure 2 Another example of a wearable audio device 10 in the form of headphones 210 is depicted. In some cases, headphones 210 include on-ear headphones or over-ear headphones 210. Headphones 210 may include a frame 220 having a first section (e.g., headband) 230 and at least one additional section (e.g., earcups) 240 extending from the first section 230. In various specific embodiments, the headband 230 includes a head pad 250. Depending on a particular embodiment, electronics 90 and other components for controlling the wearable audio device 10 are stored within one or both earcups 240.

[0055] Figure 3 It is shown that it is contained in frame 30 ( Figure 1 ) and / or frame 220 ( Figure 2A schematic diagram of the electronic device 90 within the device. It should be understood that one or more components in the electronic device 90 may be implemented as hardware and / or software, and such components may be connected via any conventional means (e.g., hardwired and / or wireless connections). It should also be understood that any component described as being connected to or coupled to another component in the wearable audio device 10 or other systems disclosed according to a specific embodiment may communicate using any conventional hardwired connections and / or additional communication protocols. In various specific embodiments, components individually housed within the wearable audio device 10 are configured to communicate using one or more conventional wireless transceivers.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, it is contained in frame 20 ( Figure 1 The electronics 90 within the device may include a transducer 310 (e.g., an electroacoustic transducer), an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 320 (optionally depicted in dashed lines), and a power supply 330. In various embodiments, the power supply 330 is connected to the transducer 310 and may be additionally connected to the IMU 320. Each of the transducer 310, IMU 320, and power supply 330 is connected to a controller 340 configured to perform control functions according to the various embodiments described herein. The electronics 90 may include other components not specifically shown herein, such as communication components (e.g., a wireless transceiver (WT)) configured to communicate with one or more other electronic devices connected via one or more wireless networks (e.g., a local Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth connection, or radio frequency (RF) connection), and amplification and signal processing components. It should be understood that these components or their functional equivalents may be connected to or form part of the controller 340. In additional optional embodiments, electronic device 90 may include an interface 350 coupled to controller 340 for enabling functions such as audio selection, powering on audio glasses, or voice control. In some cases, interface 350 includes buttons, a compressible interface, and / or a capacitive touch interface. Various additional functions of electronic device 90 are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 442,813, which is previously incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the wearable audio device 10 may include a hinge 400 that connects the first section (e.g., Figure 1 Lens area 40 or Figure 2 The headband 230 and the additional section (e.g., Figure 1 The arm 50 or Figure 2 The earcups 240 in the audio glasses 20 are connected. In various specific embodiments, the wearable audio device 10 includes multiple hinges 400, for example, between the lens area 40 in the audio glasses 20 and each arm 50. Figure 1), or between the headband 230 and each earcup 240 ( Figure 2 In the example of audio glasses 20, a portion of the hinge 400 can be secured within a slot in the lens area 40.

[0058] In various specific implementations, as described herein, hinge 400 is configured to allow wiring to travel through it, for example, between sections in wearable audio device 10. As described herein, one or more portions of frame 20 and hinge 400 may be formed substantially of plastic or composite material.

[0059] Go to Figure 4 A sectional perspective view of hinge 400 is shown according to various specific embodiments. Figure 1 In an exemplary depiction of the audio glasses 20, a hinge 400 is illustrated to connect the lens section 40 to the arm 50. In some cases, the hinge 400 is integral with each arm 50. In other embodiments, portions of the hinge 400 are integral with each of the lens section 40 and the arm 50, respectively. Figure 4 In the depiction of hinge 400, hinge 400 is in a substantially open position. As discussed further herein, hinge 400 allows wearable audio device 10 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first section of the device can move (e.g., pivot) relative to an additional section of the wearable audio device 10, but can be configured to accommodate a cable 410 extending through the hinge 400, for example, to connect to electronics 90 in the device section. Figure 1 One or more components in ). Figure 5 Another sectional perspective view of hinge 400 is shown, with the [missing information] removed. Figure 4 The diagram shows the hinge mechanism and cable management features present in the device. Figure 6 Hinge 400 is shown during the initial formation process. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a portion of hinge 400 and cable 410, with cable 410 entering... Figure 1 The audio glasses 20 have an arm 50. See also the accompanying drawings.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, hinge 400 may include a body 420 defining a cavity 430 for receiving cable 410. Body 420 may be formed of one or more conventional materials used in the eyewear industry, such as plastic or composite materials. The cavity 430 is sized to receive cable 410 extending through it; that is, cavity 430 has a first opening 440 and a second opening 460, the first opening leading to a first section (e.g., lens section 40). Figure 1 Path 450 in the diagram (blocked in these views), the second opening to the additional section (e.g., arm section 50), Figure 1Additional path 470 (obstructed in these views) in the cable 410. In various specific embodiments, cable 410 includes flexible printed circuit (FPC) for connecting different components in electronics 90 and / or connecting wearable audio device 10. Figure 1 , Figure 2 Electronic components 90 in different sections of the cable 410. In some specific embodiments where the cable 410 includes an FPC, the FPC may comprise a single layer or multiple layers of FPC. In other cases, the cable 410 includes one or more wires or one or more cables, which may be encapsulated within an assembly. In some specific cases, the cable 410 (e.g., FPC, wires, and / or cables) is thinner in the region contained within the hinge 400 than in different regions within path 450 or additional path 470. In these specific embodiments where the cable 410 has a non-uniform thickness, the thinner sections of the cable 410 are located within the hinge 400 compared to other sections of the wearable audio device 10.

[0061] In various specific embodiments, hinge 400 includes an insert 480 located within body 420, adjacent to second opening 460. In certain cases, insert 480 has an arcuate surface 490 facing the opposing inner wall 500 of cavity 430. However, in other cases, arcuate surface 490 is the generally vertical sides 510, 520 of insert 480. Figure 5 The beveled or chamfered edges between the ) . As described herein, the insert 480 defines the bend 530 in the cable 410 within the cavity 430 ( Figure 4 , Figure 6 The minimum radius of the bend 530 in the cable 410 is defined by the arcuate surface 490. In certain cases, the arcuate surface 490 defines the minimum radius of the bend 530 in the cable 410 such that the cable 410 contacts the arcuate surface 490 along approximately the entire length of the surface 490. This minimum radius of the bend 530 is defined within the hinge 400. That is, the hinge 400 is overmolded over the cable 410 such that the body 420 surrounds the portion of the cable 410 extending through the cavity 430. Additionally, the body 420 of the hinge 400 is overmolded over the insert 480 such that the body 420 surrounds the insert 480. In certain embodiments, the body 420 comprises an overmolded plastic, and the insert 480 is not integral with the body 420. That is, the insert 480 and the body 420 are initially formed as separate components. In some cases, the body 420 and / or the insert 480 are formed of plastics such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and / or polyamide. In certain embodiments, the insert 480 is more rigid than the body 420; however, this is not necessary in all embodiments. In various embodiments, the insert 480 is fitted into a slot 540 in the body 420. In other embodiments, the insert 480 is embedded into the body 420, for example, at the slot 540.

[0062] In some embodiments, hinge 400 further includes one or more adhesive strips 550 that connect cable 410 to hinge body 420. In some embodiments, hinge 400 includes two different adhesive strips 550 that connect cable 410 to different portions of hinge body 420. In some cases, first adhesive strip 550 connects cable 410 to body 420 near second opening 460, for example, before bend 530 when viewed from second opening 460 into body 420. This first adhesive strip 550A ( Figure 4 The cable 410 can be attached to a first inner wall 570 of the body 420, which is positioned adjacent to the insert 480. A second exemplary adhesive tape 550B is illustrated to attach the cable 410 to a second inner wall 580 of the body 420, which is positioned beyond the bend 530 when viewed into the body 420 from the first opening 440. That is, the adhesive tape 550 attaches the cable 410 to the body 420 on both sides of the insert 480. In some cases, the adhesive tape 550 attaches the cable 410 to the body 420 on opposite sides of the cable 410. Figure 5 A cable 410 having adhesive tape 550 and insert 480 is shown before the second adhesive tape 550B is applied to the second inner wall 580. Figure 6 The cable 410 is shown after the second adhesive tape 550B is connected to the second inner wall 580. Figure 7 A cable 410 isolated from the insert 480 in a portion of the body 420 is shown, for example, a bend 530.

[0063] return Figure 4 It should be understood that the minimum radius of the bend 530 is controlled by the insert 480 within the body 420 of the hinge 400, such that the cable 410 bends with a defined radius before exiting the hinge 400, for example, at the opening 460. This differs from conventional overmolded cable configurations, in which undesirably defined bending occurs at the entry / exit of a component (e.g., a hinge) or in a portion of the device in which the cable is exposed. This can lead to stress on the cable and exposure to unwanted environmental conditions. In other words, the overmolded cable configuration in the wearable audio device 10 described herein controls the minimum radius of the bend 530 in the cable 410, which in some specific embodiments is located within the body of the hinge 400, for example, before exiting the hinge 400.

[0064] Continue to refer to Figure 4In various embodiments, the wearable audio device 10 also includes a hinge mechanism 590 contained within the body 420. In various embodiments, the hinge mechanism 590 includes a spring, a set of interlocking arms, or a tension member for enabling controlled movement of the second section (e.g., arm section 50) relative to the first section (e.g., lens section 40). It should be understood that the hinge mechanism 590 may include any hinge component that allows controlled rotation of the first section relative to the second section. In some cases, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the example, the hinge mechanism 590 includes a spring (e.g., a coil spring) 600 with a pair of lever arms 610 for controlling the movement of the arm section 50 relative to the lens section 40. In some cases, the spring 600 controls movement around a pin 615 or other pivot point. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The movement of the pin groove 625 shown. In certain cases, the hinge mechanism 590 has a main axis (Ap) about which the arm section 50 moves relative to the lens section 40. In some cases, where the hinge mechanism includes a spring 600, the main axis (Ap) is the axis around which the lever arm pivots (or rotates). In some examples, the cable 410 is wound radially outward relative to the main axis (Ap) around the hinge mechanism 590.

[0065] The wearable audio device 10 may also include a cable management feature 620 contained within the body 420 of the hinge 400. In some cases, the cable management feature 620 utilizes a pin 615 extending vertically through the hinge 400 around which the cable 410 is guided. In some cases, the cable management feature 620 additionally or alternatively includes an arm 640 that extends within the cavity 430 and moves relative to the lens area 40 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 (As illustrated in the example depiction) control the movement of cable 410. For example, arm 640 may include a hook-shaped tab having a first portion 650 and a second portion 660 extending at an angle from the first portion 650. In a particular embodiment, the portion of arm 640 forms an arcuate interface 670 for introducing a second bend 680 into cable 410. In some examples, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the arm 50 (of the audio glasses) moves relative to the lens area 40, the arm 640 (of the cable management feature) contacts the surface of the cable 410 and maintains the second bend 680 in the cable 410. In some embodiments, the cable management feature 620 remains in contact with the cable 410 over substantially the entire range of motion of the hinge 400.

[0066] In some examples, such as Figure 4As shown, the hinge mechanism 590, cable management feature 620, and cable 410 are all located in a common plane. In these examples, the common plane (P) is radially oriented relative to the main axis (Ap) of the hinge mechanism 590, i.e., the common plane (P) is perpendicular to the main axis (Ap). In other words, there exists a common plane (P) that extends perpendicular to the main axis (Ap) and intersects each of the hinge mechanism 590, cable management feature 620, and cable 410. This contrasts with conventional hinge mechanisms that dedicate separate axial orientation spaces to cable management, the hinge mechanism, and / or the cable. In various specific embodiments, aligning components in the common plane (P) can reduce the footprint of the hinge 400, simplify the manufacturing process of the hinge 400, and / or improve the robustness of the hinge 400.

[0067] Figure 8 Additional specific embodiments of the audio device 10 are shown, such as a pair of audio glasses 800. In these cases, the audio glasses 800 may include reference... Figure 1 and Figure 3 Several common features of the audio glasses 20 are described and illustrated. Redundant explanations of these components are omitted.

[0068] Figure 8 The audio glasses 800 depicted may include reference Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 7 The hinge 805 is described similarly. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the hinge 805 and the second (e.g., arm) section 50 is shown from the inside of the arm 50. Figure 10 A portion of the hinge 805 connected to arm 50 is shown from an outside angle. Refer also to these figures. In these embodiments, hinge 805 includes a hinge mechanism 810 that includes a metal flange 820 separating the first (or lens) section 40 from each additional section (arm) 50. In various embodiments, the metal flange 820 is visible around the entire interface 830 (e.g., a vertical interface) between the first section 40 and the additional sections 50 when hinge 805 is in the fully open position. The metal flange 820 is illustrated near... Figure 10 The outward-facing surface 830, as well as the top surface 840 and bottom surface 850 of the arm 50, are visible. In various specific embodiments, the metal flange 820 remains stationary and in contact with the arm 50 throughout the entire range of motion of the hinge 805.

[0069] like Figure 9 As shown, in these specific embodiments, the hinge mechanism 810 is connected to the arm 50 via a first set of mating features 860. This first set of mating features 860... Figure 11 and Figure 12Further shown, they depict a portion of an isolated arm 50. The mating feature 860 on the hinge mechanism 810 is designated "A," while the mating feature on the arm 50 is designated "B." In this example, the mating feature 860A may include one or more slots, while the mating feature 860B may include protrusions, such as tabs, bosses, or posts, which in some cases include features for receiving fasteners 870. Figure 13 The enlarged hole is used for fittings such as screws, bolts, pins, and rivets. In various specific embodiments, the mating feature 860A on the hinge mechanism 810 is sized to receive the mating feature 860B on the arm 50, for example, as a male-female connection. In some cases, the mating feature 860B on the arm 50 includes an internal slot or recess 880 for receiving a fastener 870. Figure 13 In a particular aspect, the mating feature 860A on the hinge mechanism 810 is part of a plate 890 fitted within a slot 900 in the arm 50. The plate 890 may include a thinned section 910 extending through and complementing the slot 900.

[0070] In various specific implementations, hinge 805 additionally includes another set of mating features 920, in Figure 11 and Figure 12 Detailed examples are provided. In these cases, the mating feature 920 includes a set of ribs configured to improve the fit of the plate 890 within the recess in the arm 50. In certain cases, these mating features 920 (e.g., ribs) are positioned along one or more internal surfaces of the arm 50, and in some cases, such as exemplified by mating feature 920A, are vertically aligned with mating feature 860B on the arm 50. Additionally, as... Figure 12 As shown, a mating feature 920, such as a rib, may be located in a slot 900 to contact the thinned region 910.

[0071] In certain specific implementations, such as Figure 9 As shown, hinge 805 includes a cable management feature 930 located on a side of slot 900 different from mating features 860A and 860B. In some embodiments, cable management feature 930 and hinge mechanism 810 are integral and formed of metal. Figure 13 A close-up perspective view of the hinge 805, including cable 410, is shown. (See reference...) Figures 3 to 7 As described in hinge 80, hinge 805 includes cable management feature 930, hinge mechanism 810, and cable 410. Figure 13 All of them are located in the common plane (P).

[0072] In various specific implementations, hinge 805 enables smooth, controlled movement of arm 50 relative to lens region 40 while preventing cable 410 from being seen. Additionally, hinge 805 is configured to maintain the position of metal flange 820 throughout its range of motion.

[0073] According to various specific embodiments, the hinges shown and described herein enhance manufacturability, lifespan, and functionality compared to conventional audio device hinges. In various specific embodiments, the hinges shown and described herein reduce wear on the cable during use of wearable audio devices and allow for efficient cable routing through the hinge while utilizing vertical space effectively. This enables a more compact and functional configuration compared to conventional audio device cable-through hinges.

[0074] In various embodiments, components described as "coupled" to each other may be joined along one or more interfaces. In some embodiments, these interfaces may include joints between different components, and in others, these interfaces may include solid and / or integrally formed interconnects. That is, in some cases, components "coupled" to each other may be formed simultaneously to define a single continuous member. However, in other embodiments, these coupled components may be formed as separate members and subsequently joined by known processes (e.g., welding, fastening, ultrasonic welding, bonding). In various embodiments, electronic components described as "coupled" may be linked via conventional hardwired and / or wireless means, enabling these electronic components to transmit data to each other. Additionally, sub-components within a given component may be considered to be linked via conventional paths, which may not necessarily be shown.

[0075] Other embodiments not specifically described herein are also within the scope of the following claims. Elements of the different embodiments described herein can be combined to form other embodiments not specifically set forth above. Some elements can be removed from the structures described herein without adversely affecting their operation. Furthermore, various independent elements can be combined into one or more individual elements to perform the functions described herein.

Claims

1. A wearable audio device, comprising: A frame for resting on a user's head, the frame comprising: A first section; an additional section extending from the first section; a hinge connecting the first section and the additional section; and a cable extending through the hinge. The hinge is overmolded on the cable and includes: The body defines a cavity for receiving the cable, the cavity having a first opening to a path in the first section and a second opening to an additional path in the additional section; An insert, which is located within the body and adjacent to the second opening, defines the minimum radius of the bend in the cable within the cavity; A hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism being contained within the body; and A cable management feature is included within the main body, wherein the hinge mechanism, the cable management feature, and the cable are all located in a common plane radially oriented relative to the main axis of the hinge mechanism.

2. The wearable audio device of claim 1, wherein the wearable audio device includes audio glasses, wherein the first region includes a lens region, the additional region includes an arm, and the hinge connects the lens region to the arm, and wherein a portion of the hinge is secured within a slot in the lens region.

3. The wearable audio device of claim 1, wherein the wearable audio device includes headphones, wherein the first portion includes a headband, the additional portion includes headphones, and the hinge connects the headband to the headphones.

4. The wearable audio device according to claim 1, further comprising: An electroacoustic transducer, which is at least partially housed in the frame and includes a sound radiating surface for providing audio output.

5. The wearable audio device of claim 1, wherein the hinge allows movement of the additional section relative to the first section.

6. The wearable audio device of claim 1, further comprising at least one microphone in the first region or the additional region.

7. The wearable audio device of claim 1, wherein the cable comprises a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and wherein the FPC is thinner in a region contained within the hinge than in a different region within the path or the additional path.

8. The wearable audio device of claim 1, wherein the body of the hinge comprises an overmolded plastic, wherein the insert is not integral with the body, and wherein the overmolded body of the hinge encloses the insert.

9. The wearable audio device of claim 1, wherein the cable is wound radially outward around the hinge mechanism relative to the main axis of the hinge mechanism, and the additional section moves about the main axis relative to the first section.

10. The wearable audio device of claim 1, wherein the hinge includes a metal flange separating the first region and the additional region, wherein the metal flange is visible around the entire interface between the first region and the additional region when the hinge is in the fully open position.

11. The wearable audio device of claim 10, wherein the cable management feature and the hinge mechanism are integral and formed of metal, and wherein the hinge includes a set of mating features that are coupled to a complementary set of mating features in the additional area.

12. A wearable audio device, comprising: A frame for resting on a user's head, the frame comprising: A first section; an additional section extending from the first section; a hinge connecting the first section and the additional section; and a cable extending through the hinge. The hinge is overmolded on the cable and includes: The body defines a cavity for receiving the cable, the cavity having a first opening to a path in the first section and a second opening to an additional path in the additional section; and An insert, located within the body and adjacent to the second opening, defines the minimum radius of the bend in the cable within the cavity.

13. The wearable audio device according to claim 12, wherein: a) The wearable audio device includes audio glasses, wherein the first region includes a lens area, the additional region includes an arm, and the hinge connects the lens area to the arm; or (b) The wearable audio device includes headphones, wherein the first section includes a headband, the additional section includes headphones, and the hinge connects the headband to the headphones.

14. The wearable audio device according to claim 12, further comprising: An electroacoustic transducer, said electroacoustic transducer being at least partially housed in the frame and including a sound radiating surface for providing audio output; as well as At least one microphone located in the first section or the additional section.

15. The wearable audio device of claim 12, wherein the hinge allows movement of the additional section relative to the first section, and wherein the cable comprises a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

16. The wearable audio device of claim 12, wherein the body of the hinge comprises an overmolded plastic, wherein the insert is not integral with the body, and wherein the overmolded body of the hinge encloses the insert.

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