Wireless earbud with electronic contacts

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a wireless earbud with electronic contacts. A wireless earbud is disclosed comprising a housing having a stem coupled to an ear. The stem has an electrical connector disposed on a distal end, the electrical connector including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact coupled to receive power to recharge a battery within the wireless earbud.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201610849747.3, filed on September 23, 2016, entitled "Wireless Earbuds with Electronic Contacts". The divisional application directly addressed to this application is Chinese Patent Application No. 201910403974.7, also entitled "Wireless Earbuds with Electronic Contacts". Technical Field

[0002] The described implementation generally relates to portable listening devices, such as earbuds and other types of headphones, and to boxes for storing and charging such devices. Background Technology

[0003] Portable listening devices can be used with a wide variety of electronic devices such as portable media players, smartphones, tablets, laptops, stereo systems, and other types of devices. Portable listening devices have traditionally included one or more small speakers configured to be placed on, in, or near a user's ear, structural components to hold the speakers in place, and a cable to electrically connect the portable listening device to an audio source. Other portable listening devices may be wireless devices that do not require cables and instead wirelessly receive audio data streams from a wireless audio source.

[0004] While wireless portable listening devices offer many advantages over wired devices, they also have some potential drawbacks. For example, wireless portable listening devices typically require one or more batteries, such as rechargeable batteries, to power the device's wireless communication circuitry and other components. Disposable batteries need to be replaced when their charge is depleted, while rechargeable batteries require periodic recharging. Additionally, if the portable wireless listening device is a pair of wireless earbuds, the earbuds can be relatively small and easily lost when not in use. Furthermore, achieving high-end acoustic performance from relatively small earbuds presents a challenge for manufacturers due to the reduced amount of space available within each earbud. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a case for storing and charging portable listening devices such as a pair of wireless earbuds or other types of headphones. In various embodiments, the case may include one or more features capable of improving the user experience associated with using the case and the portable listening device. For example, some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a case for wireless earbuds, which includes a detector for detecting whether the earbuds are stored in the case and a detector for detecting whether the case lid is open or closed. Circuitry within the case can use information from the detectors to improve the user experience associated with charging the earbuds, pairing the earbuds to a host device such as a portable media player or other audio source, and / or turning off the earbuds to extend the life of any batteries used to power the earbuds.

[0006] In other embodiments, a case for a portable listening device may include a cover that, when closed, encloses the listening device within the case and, when opened, exposes the stored listening device, allowing a user to remove the listening device from the case. The cover is pivotally coupled to the case housing via a bistable hinge with an eccentric configuration, wherein the cover is stable in a closed or fully open position and unstable in an intermediate position, causing the cover to tend to move to the open or closed position. The bistable operation of the cover provides a positive user experience when opening and closing the cover due to its easy and minimal movement between the closed and fully open positions. In other embodiments, a case for a portable listening device may be configured to magnetically attract and secure the listening device within the case. Further embodiments facilitate pairing of the wireless portable listening device with a host device and / or automatically turn off the wireless portable listening device's radio when the device is stored and fully enclosed within the case and automatically turn it on immediately upon opening the case lid. Various embodiments of this disclosure may include all or only some of the above features.

[0007] Earbuds with a charging system:

[0008] In some embodiments, a case is provided for delivering and charging a portable listening device including a rechargeable battery and power contacts. The portable listening device may include a housing configured to receive the portable listening device; a cover attached to the housing and operable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover conceals the listening device within the case, and in which the cover displaces away from the housing to allow a user to remove the listening device from the case; a detector configured to generate a detection signal when the listening device is placed in the housing; and a charging circuit configured to initiate charging of the rechargeable battery in response to receiving the detection signal.

[0009] Box with magnetic eccentric mechanism :

[0010] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a case for storing a portable listening device or another type of electronic device. The case may include: a housing having a cavity for receiving an electronic device and a receiving opening in communication with the receiving opening; a cover pivotally attached to the housing, operable between an open position in which the receiving opening is exposed and a closed position in which the cover covers the receiving opening; and a plurality of magnetic elements disposed within the housing and the cover, the plurality of magnetic elements being configured to construct an eccentric position of the cover such that the cover resists rotation from the open position to the closed position until the cover moves beyond the eccentric position when it is subsequently attracted to the closed position.

[0011] Earphone case with wireless device shut-off features :

[0012] Some embodiments relate to a case for a portable listening device with a wireless device, wherein the case includes: a housing having a cavity configured to receive the portable listening device; a cover attached to the housing and operable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover conceals the portable listening device within the case, and in which the cover displaces away from the housing to allow a user to remove the portable listening device from the case; a cover sensor for detecting whether the cover is in the closed or open position; and circuitry configured to open the wireless device when the cover sensor detects that the cover has moved from the closed position to the open position. When the cover moves from the closed position to the open position, the cover sensor may generate an opening signal, and the circuitry may be configured to open the wireless device in response to the opening signal. In some cases, the case may further include an electronic connector having a first contact positioned within the cavity to electrically connect to a second contact on the portable listening device when the portable listening device is received within the cavity, and the circuitry may open the wireless device within the portable listening device by sending a command to the portable listening device via the first contact.

[0013] Earplugs with acoustic inserts :

[0014] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to an earbud comprising: a housing having an unclosed ear portion; a directional sound port disposed in the unclosed ear portion; a driver assembly positioned within the housing having a front volume disposed in front of the driver assembly and a rear volume disposed behind the driver assembly; and an acoustic insert positioned within the housing, behind the driver assembly, and attached to an inner surface of the housing such that the acoustic insert and the housing form a bass channel routing from the rear volume to a multi-port opening within the housing. The acoustic insert may include a recess defined by a raised weld area acoustically engaged to the inner surface of the housing. In some cases, the recess within the acoustic insert forms three walls of the bass channel, and the housing forms a fourth wall of the bass channel. The acoustic insert also includes an orifice coupling the front volume to the multi-port opening, and the bass channel and the orifice are coupled to a multi-port chamber venting through the multi-port opening. In some examples, the acoustic insert is formed of a carbon-doped plastic that absorbs laser energy.

[0015] In some embodiments, a method of forming an earplug is provided. The method may include: forming a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface; forming an acoustic insert having a recess defined by a raised weld area; inserting the acoustic insert into the housing such that the raised weld area abuts against the inner surface of the housing; and directing a laser through the housing such that the laser strikes the raised weld area of ​​the acoustic insert and welds the raised weld area to the inner surface of the housing. The housing may be formed of a plastic that is substantially transparent to the wavelength of the laser, and the acoustic insert may be formed of a plastic that absorbs laser energy.

[0016] Wireless pairing of earbuds and case:

[0017] In some embodiments, a case for a portable listening device including a wireless device may include: a housing having a receiving area for the portable listening device; a cover attached to the housing and operable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover conceals the portable listening device within the case, and in which the open position allows a user to remove the portable listening device from the receiving area; an electronic connector positioned within the receiving area, the electronic connector having one or more housing contacts electrically connected to one or more device contacts when the portable listening device is received in the receiving area; an input device configured to generate a signal in response to a user-generated action; and a processor coupled to the input device and the electronic connector. The processor may be configured to receive a signal from the input device and, in response, send a command to the portable listening device via the electronic connector to initiate wireless pairing between the portable listening device and a host electronic device. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to, in response to receiving a signal from the input device, send a command to the portable listening device via the electronic connector to turn on its wireless device before sending the command to the portable listening device to initiate wireless pairing between the portable listening device and the host electronic device.

[0018] In some embodiments, a method is provided for wirelessly pairing a first electronic device to a second electronic device. The method includes receiving input from a user at a third electronic device, which is different from both the first and second electronic devices. In response to receiving the input, the third electronic device can transmit the user input signal to the first electronic device via a wired connection between the third electronic device and the first electronic device. In response to the first electronic device receiving the user input signal, the first electronic device can broadcast a wireless pairing request, and in response to receiving the wireless pairing request, the second electronic device can wirelessly pair with the first device. In some cases, the first electronic device may be a wireless earphone assembly, the second electronic device may be a mobile electronic device, and the third electronic device may be a case for a portable listening device. Additionally, in some embodiments where the third electronic device is a case for a portable listening device, the user input may be opening the case lid.

[0019] Earbud case with a socket connector for earbuds :

[0020] In some embodiments, a case for a pair of earbuds is provided, wherein each earbud has an ear portion and a stem portion, the stem portion having an electronic connector disposed at a distal end of the stem portion. The case may include: a housing; an insert positioned within the housing having a first cavity and a second cavity, the first and second cavities being sized and shaped to accommodate a first earbud and a second earbud, respectively, each of the first and second cavities having a receiving opening for receiving an earbud into the cavity and a contact opening opposite the receiving opening; and a contact assembly attached to the insert, the contact assembly including a first pair of electrical contacts extending into the first cavity and a second pair of electrical contacts extending into the second cavity, the first and second pairs of electrical contacts being configured to make electrical contact with the electronic connector disposed at the distal ends of the first and second earbuds, respectively, through the contact openings.

[0021] Wireless earbuds with electronic contacts :

[0022] In some embodiments, a wireless earbud is provided, comprising: a housing having a stem aligned with a longitudinal axis, the stem including a first end and a second end; a speaker assembly having a driver unit and a directional sound port adjacent to the first end and offset from the longitudinal axis, wherein the driver unit is aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port and includes a magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm; a rechargeable battery disposed within the housing; and a first external contact and a second external contact exposed at an outer surface of the second end of the stem and electrically coupled to provide power to the rechargeable battery. The first and second external contacts may each have a partially annular shape and may be spaced apart from each other in a symmetrical relationship. In some cases, the outer peripheries of the first and second external contacts are flush with the outer surface of the stem.

[0023] In some embodiments, the wireless earbuds include: a housing; a rechargeable battery disposed within the housing; a speaker assembly including a driver unit and a directional sound port, wherein the driver unit is aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port and includes a magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm; and a plurality of contacts exposed on an outer surface of the housing, each of the plurality of contacts including a conductive base having a binary metal alloy plating layer on the outer surface of each contact, the binary metal alloy plating layer comprising rhodium and ruthenium. In some cases, the rhodium weight percentage is at least 85%, with the remainder being ruthenium.

[0024] The magnetic retention of the earbuds within the cavity :

[0025] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a case for earbuds having one or more magnetic components. The case may include: a receiving cavity sized and shaped to receive an earbud; one or more housing magnetic components disposed within the case, the one or more housing magnetic components positioned and configured to magnetically attract and magnetically hold an earbud to the receiving cavity and to magnetically attract and magnetically hold a second earbud to the second receiving cavity; and a lid operable between an open position and a closed position, in which the receiving cavity is exposed and in which the lid covers the receiving cavity in the closed position. The case may be configured to store a pair of earbuds, the receiving cavities including a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity, the first receiving cavity being sized and shaped to receive a first earbud of the pair, and the second receiving cavity being sized and shaped to receive a second earbud of the pair. In some embodiments, the one or more housing magnetic components may include a first plurality of magnetic components disposed around the first receiving cavity and configured to magnetically attract and magnetically hold a first earbud within the first receiving cavity, and a second plurality of magnetic components disposed around the second receiving cavity and configured to magnetically attract and magnetically hold a second earbud within the second receiving cavity.

[0026] In some embodiments, the earbud includes: a shell formed to at least partially fit within a user's ear; a directional sound port formed within the shell; a speaker assembly disposed within the shell and including a driver unit, the driver unit including a first magnet, the driver unit being aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port; and a magnetic retaining member separate from the speaker assembly and positioned within the shell. The shell may consist of an ear portion and a stem portion, and the magnetic retaining member may be disposed within the ear portion. The driver unit may include a voice coil and a diaphragm, the first magnet being operatively coupled to the voice coil to move the diaphragm in response to an electrical signal, and the magnetic retaining member being non-operatively coupled to the voice coil.

[0027] In some implementations, a wireless listening system is provided, which includes the box and earpiece pair described above.

[0028] A box with an inductive charging transmitter for charging portable devices :

[0029] In some embodiments, a case for a portable listening device includes: a housing having one or more cavities configured to receive the portable listening device and an external charging surface; a cover attached to the housing and operable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover is aligned with the one or more cavities, and in which the cover is displaced away from the one or more cavities in the open position; a battery; a first charging system configured to charge the portable listening device when it is positioned in the one or more cavities; and a second charging system including a transmission coil positioned within the housing adjacent to the external charging surface, the transmission coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power to a power receiving coil of an electronic device positioned outside the housing adjacent to the external charging surface. In some embodiments, the portable listening device may be a case for a pair of earbuds; the housing may include a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity configured to receive a first earbud and a second earbud, respectively; and the first charging system may be configured to charge the first earbud and the second earbud when they are positioned within the first receiving cavity and the second receiving cavity.

[0030] Waterproof socket connector :

[0031] In some embodiments, an electrical receptacle connector is disclosed, comprising: a housing composed of an electrically insulating polymer extending between a receiving surface and a back surface, the housing defining a cavity communicating with an opening in the receiving surface to receive a plug portion of a mating plug connector; a contact spacer positioned adjacent to the back surface; a gasket disposed between the back surface of the housing and a contact assembly; a plurality of contacts, each of the plurality of contacts having a tip positioned within the cavity, an anchor portion anchoring each contact to the contact spacer, and a beam portion connecting the tip to the anchor portion; and a metal frame disposed around an outer surface of the housing.

[0032] Earbuds with capacitive touch sensors :

[0033] Some embodiments relate to an earbud comprising: a housing defining a cavity in which one or more electrical components of the earbud are housed, the housing having touch-sensitive areas at an outer surface of the housing and at an inner surface within the cavity opposite to the outer surface; a capacitive sensor insert having a first surface on which a metallized circuit is formed and positioned within the housing such that the first surface is adjacent to an inner surface of the housing; an earbud processor disposed within the housing; and at least one conductor electrically coupling the capacitive sensor insert to the earbud processor. The capacitive sensor insert may be formed to closely fit the shape of the housing. In some cases, the metallized circuit forms at least one self-capacitance sensor, wherein, when touched by a user, the self-capacitance sensor becomes a load of a detectable self-capacitance circuit. In other cases, the metallized circuit includes row electrodes and column electrodes forming at least one mutual capacitance sensor, wherein, when touched by a user, the mutual coupling between the row electrodes and the column electrodes is changed and detected. The capacitive sensor insert is formed of plastic containing metal particles.

[0034] Box with torsion spring eccentric mechanism :

[0035] In some embodiments, the housing for the listening device includes: a housing having a cavity for receiving the listening device; a cover attached to the housing via a pivotable joint to allow the cover to rotate between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover is aligned with the cavity and in which the cover is angularly displaced to allow the listening device to be removed from the cavity; and an eccentric mechanism for the cover, the eccentric mechanism including an extension attached to the cover and disposed on the side of the pivotable joint opposite to the cover, wherein the extension contacts an arm that resists rotation of the cover from the open position to the closed position until the cover moves beyond the eccentric position when the cover is subsequently pushed into the closed position.

[0036] To better understand the nature and advantages of this disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that each drawing is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to define a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, as a general rule, and unless explicitly contrary to the description, if elements in different figures use the same reference numerals, the elements are generally identical or at least similar in function or purpose. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a side view of a case having a lid and configured to hold a pair of earplugs according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a system-level diagram of a box having a charging system coupled to a pair of earbuds, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A simplified cross-sectional view of the box shown;

[0040] Figure 4A This is a partial cross-sectional view of an earbud connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A The diagram shows a plan view of the earbud connector;

[0042] Figure 5A This is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the earbud connector according to this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A The diagram shows a plan view of the earbud connector;

[0044] Figure 6A This is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the earbud connector according to this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A The diagram shows a plan view of the earbud connector;

[0046] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A An isometric exploded view of the connector assembly of the earbud connector shown.

[0047] Figure 6D yes Figure 6A An isometric view of the assembled earbud connector shown;

[0048] Figure 7A This is an isometric exploded view of another embodiment of the earbud connector according to this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A An isometric view of the assembled earbud connector shown;

[0050] Figure 8A This is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the earbud connector according to this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A A plan view of the connector on the earbud shown;

[0052] Figure 8C yes Figure 8A An isometric exploded view of the earbud connector shown.

[0053] Figure 9A and Figure 9B They are Figure 1Isometric views of the front and back of an earbud are shown.

[0054] Figure 10 The lid was removed. Figure 1 A top view of the box shown;

[0055] Figure 11 It is fixed along section AA. Figure 10 A partial cross-sectional view of the earplug inside the cavity of the box shown;

[0056] Figure 12 It is fixed along section BB. Figure 10 A partial cross-sectional view of the earplug inside the cavity of the box shown;

[0057] Figure 13 This is an isometric view of a box with an eccentric lid according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0058] Figure 14 The eccentric cap is in the open position. Figure 13 An isometric view of the box shown;

[0059] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the attractive and repulsive forces associated with the eccentric cover according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0060] Figure 16 This is a side view of a box comprising a pair of magnets having misaligned magnetic poles and a pair of magnets surrounded by a highly permeable material, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0061] Figure 17 This is a side view of a box including two pairs of magnets attached to a spring, according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0062] Figure 18 This is an isometric view of a magnet that can be used in a box according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0063] Figure 19 This is an isometric view of a magnet that can be used in a box according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0064] Figure 20 This is an isometric view of a magnet that can be used in a box according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0065] Figure 21 This is an isometric view of a magnet that can be used in a box according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0066] Figure 22A This is a side view of a box with a torsion spring eccentric mechanism according to some embodiments of this disclosure, with the lid closed;

[0067] Figure 22B yes Figure 22A An isometric view of the torsion spring eccentric mechanism shown.

[0068] Figure 22C The lid is partially open. Figure 22A The side view of the box shown;

[0069] Figure 22D The lid is opened further. Figure 22A The side view of the box shown;

[0070] Figure 23 This is a simplified perspective view of a wireless charging system according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0071] Figure 24 It is based on the feasibility of some implementation plans. Figure 23 A block diagram of an inductive power receiving system, which is part of the charging system shown.

[0072] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 A simplified plan view of the earbud case shown;

[0073] Figure 26 yes Figure 23 A block diagram of an implementation scheme for an inductive electric power transmission system is shown.

[0074] Figure 27 This is a simplified isometric view of an inductive charging box on an inductive charging system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0075] Figure 28 Some embodiments of this disclosure may include Figure 1 An isometric view of the electronic connector in the box shown;

[0076] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 An isometric exploded view of the electronic connector shown.

[0077] Figure 30 Isometric front and rear views of the left earpiece according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0078] Figure 31 Isometric front and rear views of the right earpiece according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0079] Figure 32 yes Figure 30 and Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of an earbud is shown;

[0080] Figure 33 Some parts were removed. Figure 30 and Figure 31A cross-sectional view of an earbud is shown;

[0081] Figure 34 This is a plan view of a flexible circuit board that can be used in an earbud according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0082] Figure 35 yes Figure 34 An isometric view of the flexible circuit board shown.

[0083] Figure 36 Yes, it can be included in Figure 30 and Figure 31 An isometric view of the connector structure in the earbud shown;

[0084] Figure 37 It is based on some implementation schemes of this disclosure. Figure 36 An isometric view of the contacts of the connector structure shown;

[0085] Figure 38 yes Figure 36 An isometric view of the contact structure shown;

[0086] Figure 39 This is an isometric view of the earbud connector contacts according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0087] Figure 40 yes Figure 39 An isometric view of the embedded injection molded connector contacts shown;

[0088] Figure 41 This is an isometric view of an earbud with a capacitive sensor insert according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0089] Figure 42 yes Figure 41 The cross-section of the earplug and capacitive sensor insert shown;

[0090] Figure 43 This is a plan view of a capacitive sensor insert according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0091] Figure 44 This is a plan view of a capacitive sensor insert according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0092] Figure 45A This is an illustration of an earplug with an acoustic insert according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0093] Figure 45B yes Figure 45A A diagram showing an earplug with an acoustic insert;

[0094] Figure 46This is a flowchart illustrating steps associated with manufacturing earplugs according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0095] Figure 47 System 47 is shown according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0096] Figure 48 This is a simplified block diagram of system 4800 according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0097] Figure 49 This is a flowchart illustrating steps associated with pairing a wireless headset with a host device according to some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0098] Figure 50 This is a flowchart illustrating steps associated with activating a wireless device in an earpiece according to some embodiments of this disclosure; and

[0099] Figure 51 This is a flowchart illustrating steps associated with deactivating a wireless device in an earbud according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0100] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to portable listening devices and cases for housing and / or charging such devices, having improved feature structures that enhance the user experience associated with using the case and / or the portable listening device. While this disclosure is applicable to a wide variety of portable listening devices, some embodiments of this disclosure are particularly applicable to wireless earbuds and cases for wireless earbuds, as described in more detail below.

[0101] For example, in some implementations, a pair of wireless earbuds is sized and shaped to fit within a case that may also include a rechargeable battery and charging circuitry. An earbud detector within the case detects when the earbuds are placed inside and charges the pair. Additionally, the case may include sensors to detect whether the lid is open, allowing the wireless device within each earbud to be activated and ready for user use. Similarly, when the lid is closed, the wireless device can be turned off, conserving charge in the earbud batteries.

[0102] In another embodiment, the case may have a pairing button operable to place the earbuds into pairing mode. In yet another embodiment, the case may also have one or more charge indicator lights to inform the user of the charge level in the case battery and the charge level in each earbud.

[0103] In another embodiment, the case may have a lid with an eccentric configuration, such that the lid is in a first stable position when closed and in a second stable position when open, but is in an unstable position between the closed and open positions. In some embodiments, the eccentric configuration can be achieved by using two pairs of magnets, while in other embodiments, it can be achieved using a torsion spring. In yet another embodiment, the case may have one or more magnets inside to attract and hold the earbuds into a cavity formed within the case until the user removes them.

[0104] In another embodiment, the case may be liquid-proof and sealed to prevent liquid from damaging the internal circuitry. Electrical connections for recharging the earbuds and for recharging the case are resistant to liquid penetration.

[0105] In another embodiment, the earbud may have an acoustic insert that forms one or more acoustic ports, such as a bass port hole and a rear vent, which enable the internal speaker to provide audio performance within a limited space inside the earbud housing.

[0106] In another implementation, the earbud case can be used to initiate the interaction between the earbuds and the host device. Pairing. In one implementation, a cover position sensor detects when the cover is opened and initiates earbud pairing.

[0107] To better understand the features and aspects of the portable listening device and its housing according to this disclosure, further context of the disclosure is provided in the following sections by discussing several specific implementations of earbuds and housings for earbuds according to embodiments of the disclosure. The specific embodiments discussed are merely for illustrative purposes, and other embodiments may be employed in other portable listening devices and housings that can be used in other portable listening devices and other devices.

[0108] As used herein, the term "portable listening device" includes any portable device designed to play sounds that a user can hear. Headphones are one type of portable listening device, and portable speakers are another. The term "headphones" refers to a pair of small portable listening devices designed to be worn on or around a user's head. They convert electrical signals into corresponding sounds that the user can hear. Headphones include conventional headphones worn above the user's head and comprising a left and right listening device connected to each other by a headband, over-ear headphones (a combination of headphones and a microphone), and earbuds (very small earphones designed to fit directly into the user's ears). Conventional headphones include over-ear headphones (sometimes called over-ear or full-size headphones) with ear pads that completely surround the user's ears, and earbud headphones (sometimes called on-ear headphones) with ear pads that press against the user's ears instead of surrounding them. As used herein, the term "earbuds," which may also be called headphones or ear-hook headphones, includes small earphones that fit inside the user's outer ear facing the ear canal without being inserted into the ear canal, and in-ear headphones that are inserted into the ear canal itself, sometimes called in-ear headphones.

[0109] Earplugs

[0110] Figure 1 A simplified plan view of a housing 100 for a pair of wireless earbuds according to some embodiments of this disclosure is depicted. Figure 1 As shown, the case 100 includes a housing 105, also referred to as the body, having one or more cavities 110a, 110b configured to receive a pair of earplugs 115a, 115b. In some embodiments, the cavities 110a, 110b may be positioned adjacent to each other on opposite sides of the central plane of the case 100. The size and shape of each cavity 110a, 110b may be designed to match the size and shape of its corresponding earplug 115a, 115b. Each cavity may include stem segments 116a, 116b and plug segments 117a, 117b. Each stem segment 116a, 116b may be an elongated, generally cylindrical cavity extending from its corresponding plug segment 117a, 117b toward the bottom 106 of the case 100. Each plug segment 117a, 117b may be offset from its corresponding stem segment 116a, 116b and open at the upper surface 108 of the housing 105. The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to any particular shape, construction or number of cavities 110a, 110b, and in other embodiments, cavities 110a, 110b may have different shapes to accommodate different types of earplugs, different constructions, and / or may be a single cavity or two or more cavities.

[0111] The case 100 also includes a cover 120 attached to the housing 105. The cover 120 is operable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover 120 is aligned over one or more cavities 110a, 110b to completely enclose a pair of earplugs 115a, 115b within the housing, and in the open position, the cover is displaced from the housing and cavities 110a, 110b, allowing a user to remove the earplugs from the cavities or reposition them. The cover 120 is pivotally attached to the housing 105 and may include a magnetic or mechanical system providing bistable operation to the cover 120. Figure 1 (Not shown), as described more fully below. In some embodiments, the housing 100 may also include a charging system 125 configured to charge a pair of earbuds 115a, 115b; one or more magnets 130 configured to guide and secure the pair of earbuds within one or more cavities 110a, 110b; and other features further described below.

[0112] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of a system 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. System 200 may include a pair of earbuds 202a, 202b, a housing 204 for the earbuds, and a power source 205 for charging the housing. The earbuds 202a, 202b may be positioned within the housing 204 (e.g., within the internal space or cavity of the housing defined by a housing or inserts within the housing), where the earbuds can be conveniently stored and charged. The housing 204 may represent the above-described... Figure 1 The discussion refers to box 100, and earplugs 202a and 202b can represent the above text relative to... Figure 1 The discussion focuses on earplugs 115a and 115b.

[0113] Each earbud 202a, 202b may have one or more inputs 255, internal components 260, and one or more outputs 265. In some embodiments, the one or more inputs 255 may be a microphone input and one or more buttons or sensors that record user touches. In various embodiments, an accelerometer or capacitive sensor may be used as an input 255 and may be activated, for example, for the user to answer a call or command the earbuds 202a, 202b to enter a pairing mode, which may be indicated by an indicator light on any one or both earbuds. In various embodiments, the one or more internal components 260 may include a speaker, microphone, rechargeable battery, processor, and / or other circuitry and components. In various embodiments, the one or more outputs 265 may be audio from a speaker, lights, or other indicators. In some embodiments, indicator lights may indicate incoming calls, battery charge levels, pairing modes, or other functions.

[0114] In some embodiments, each of earbuds 202a and 202b may include a wireless device, which may be both an input device 255 and an output device 265. The wireless device enables the earbuds to receive audio signals from an audio player, such as a smartphone. In some embodiments, one or more of earbuds 202a and 202b include a wireless component that may also transmit audio signals, such as microphone signals, from one or more of these earbuds. In still other embodiments, one or more of earbuds 202a and 202b may include a wireless component that can transmit communication signals that can command a receiving device (e.g., a host device, such as a smartphone) to perform one or more functions, such as, but not limited to, connecting a phone call, disconnecting a phone call, pausing audio playback, fast-forwarding or rewinding audio playback, or muting the microphone signal. The wireless device may employ any short-range low-power communication protocol, such as... low power Or protocols such as Zigbee.

[0115] The case 204 may include a case processor 210, an earbud detector 215, a radio component 217, a cover sensor 220, a case charging circuit 225, a battery 227, and an earbud charging circuit 230. The case 204 may also include an earbud interface 245 that enables the circuitry within the case 204 to communicate with and / or charge earbuds 202a and 202b, and a power interface 250 that couples the case to a wired or wireless power source 205, such as AC or DC power or an inductive charging pad. In some embodiments, the case charging circuit 225, battery 227, earbud charging circuit 230, and interfaces 245 and 250 are all... Figure 1 Representative components of the charging system 125 shown.

[0116] Power interface 250 may be part of a receptacle connector for a micro-USB connector, a Lightning connector, or other connector capable of providing power to earbud case 204. Alternatively, or in addition to a receptacle connector, power interface 250 may include a wireless power receiver, such as one or more wireless power receiving coils, capable of receiving induced power from power source 205. Earbud interface 245 may transmit power and / or data between case 204 and earbuds via case transfer interface 270 in each earbud. Earbud interface 245 may include electronic connectors such as those described herein with respect to... Figures 4A to 8C The connector described is one of different types of electronic connectors, or a wireless power transmitter such as a wireless power transmitting coil, which can transmit inductive power to an inductive power receiver inside the earpiece.

[0117] The case processor 210 can be configured to control various functions of the case 204, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the earbud detector 215 includes one or more sensors that detect when one or both of the earbuds 202a, 202b are placed inside the case 204. In one embodiment, the earbud detector 215 may periodically “check” the earbud contacts within the case 204 to determine the presence of circuitry for either earbud 202a, 202b. In other embodiments, the earbud detector 215 may be any type of mechanical or electronic sensor, such as, but not limited to, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a switch, a Hall effect sensor, a flux sensor, a capacitive sensor, a photodetector, a proximity detector, a momentary switch, or any other type of sensor.

[0118] In an embodiment where the earbud detector 215 is a flux sensor, the flux sensor can help minimize the power consumption of the housing 204. As one embodiment, the flux sensor may be formed within the housing 204 for each earbud from a coil and one or more magnets within the earbuds 202a, 202b. Each flux sensor may be configured to generate a current in the coil when an earbud is inserted into or removed from the housing 204 and the magnet within the earbud passes through the coil. In yet another embodiment, the flux sensor may act as a completely passive sensor that requires no power to operate and generates its own energy to notify the processor 210 of the removal or repositioning of any of the earbuds 202a, 202b within the housing 204. In some embodiments, a Hall effect sensor can also help minimize power consumption. In various embodiments, one or more sensors may be advantageous so that no bias voltage (e.g., for inspection) is required on the earbud connector, thus mitigating contact corrosion and / or oxidation in humid environments.

[0119] In one embodiment, the housing 204 may include separate earplug receiving cavities, such as cavities 110a and 110b described above, and the earplug detector 215 may include a first earplug detector and a second earplug detector—one detector for each cavity. The first earplug detector is operatively coupled to detect when an earplug (e.g., the left earplug) is inserted into the first cavity, and the second earplug detector is operatively coupled to detect when an earplug (e.g., the right earplug) is inserted into the other cavity. In other embodiments, a single detector may detect when either earplug 202a or 202b is placed within the housing 204.

[0120] In response to detecting that an earbud is inserted into the case, earbud detector 215 can generate a detection signal, which can be sent to and processed by other circuitry within case 204 to initiate charging of the earbud. When earbud detector 215 includes a first detector and a second detector capable of detecting the insertion of the left and right earbuds (or a first and a second earbud interchangeable between the left and right ears), each earbud detector can generate an independent detection signal capable of initiating charging only of the detected earbud.

[0121] Similar to initiating charging, the earbud detector 215 can also be used to stop charging. For example, the earbud detector 215 can detect when any one or two earbuds are removed from the case and generate a removal signal to stop charging of the removed earbuds.

[0122] In some embodiments, the earbud detector 215 may initiate a charging process for each earbud 202a, 202b when the earbud detector detects electrical contact between the earbud and corresponding charging contacts within the housing (e.g., within each cavity 110a, 110b). More specifically, in various embodiments, the earbud detector 215 may periodically “check” the charging contacts to see if any one or both earbuds 202a, 202b are present within each cavity 110a, 110b. Even if any one or both earbuds 202a, 202b have zero battery charge, they may still have characteristic impedance or other electrical characteristics that enable the earbud detector 215 to detect their connection to the charging contacts and initiate charging using the earbud charging circuit 230. The electrical connections between the charging contacts and the earbuds 202a, 202b and the housing 204 will be discussed in detail below. In some embodiments, the earbud detector 215 is part of the processor 210, and the processor performs this sensing. In other embodiments, the earpiece detector 215 is a separate active / passive component. In various embodiments, the cartridge 204 does not include a cartridge processor 210, but rather circuitry comprising various active and / or passive components is configured to perform the functions described herein and belonging to the processor.

[0123] In some embodiments, the case processor 210 can communicate with a pair of earbuds 202a, 202b by sending and receiving data via earbud interface 245 (and via the case interfaces of any one or both earbuds), and can communicate with power supply 205 by sending and receiving data via power interface 250. That is, in various embodiments, earbud interface 245 and power interface 250 may be able to carry both power and data signals for unidirectional or bidirectional communication. In some embodiments, separate power contacts and data contacts may be used, while in various embodiments, a set of contacts is used for both power and data. For example, in some embodiments, power supply 205 may be a computing device that communicates with power interface 250 via an interface (not shown) such as a USB interconnect or a Lightning interconnect developed by Apple Inc. The interconnect may provide DC current to case battery 227 for charging and may provide bidirectional communication between case processor 210 and computing device. In another embodiment, power supply 205 can transmit firmware updates to the box processor 210 and the earbuds 202a, 202b via the same contacts used for charging the device. Data communication between earbud interface 245 and the earbuds 202a, 202b can use similar communication protocols as discussed above or any other protocols, such as serial communication.

[0124] In some embodiments, the box 204 may include a radio component 217 that enables the box to transmit and receive data communications with the earbuds 202a, 202b and a host device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) via data exchange through interfaces 245 and 250, in addition to or replacing such communication. For example, the radio component 217 may be used to initiate a pairing sequence between the earbuds 202a, 202b and the host device. In another embodiment, the radio component 217 may be used to receive music downloads from the host device for storage in the box 204.

[0125] The lid sensor 220 can detect the lid of the box (e.g., Figure 1This describes when the cover 120 (shown) is in the open position and when it is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the case processor 210 is coupled to the cover sensor 220 and receives signals from the cover sensor indicating when the cover is open and closed. More specifically, in some embodiments, the cover sensor 220 can generate an "open" signal and send it to the processor 210 immediately after detecting when the cover is open, and the cover sensor 220 can generate a "closed" signal and send it to the processor 210 immediately after detecting when the cover is closed. The processor 210 can be configured to communicate with the earbuds 202a, 202b to turn on its wireless device when the cover is in the open position (e.g., in response to receiving an "open" signal) to make it ready for user use, and to turn off its wireless device when the cover is in the closed position (e.g., in response to receiving a "closed" signal) to save its power. In various embodiments, the cover sensor 220 can also trigger the case processor 210 to enter a pairing mode when the case cover is open, as explained in more detail below. In some embodiments, the case processor 210 may communicate with the earbuds 202a, 202b via a wired connection through the earbud interface 245 and the case interface 270, as discussed above. In other embodiments, the case processor 210 may communicate wirelessly with the earbuds 202a, 202b via interfaces 245 and 270, in addition to or instead of using a wired connection. In some embodiments, the cover sensor 220 may be any type of mechanical or electronic switch, including but not limited to momentary switches, capacitive sensors, magnetic sensors (e.g., Hall effect), or optical sensors.

[0126] The case battery 227 provides power to the circuitry associated with case 204 and is a rechargeable battery that can be charged via power interface 250 by power source 205 and case charging circuit 225. Case battery 227 is also coupled to earbud interface 245 and can charge the earbuds 202a, 202b together with earbud charging circuit 230. In some embodiments, earbud charging circuit 230 can charge the earbuds 202a, 202b at any time the earbuds are properly stored in cavities 110a, 110b, even if case 204 is not coupled to power source 205. Therefore, case 204 can charge the earbuds 202a, 202b while case 204 is in a user's pocket, for example, as long as case battery 227 has sufficient charge. In various embodiments, case battery 227 may be sealed within case 204, while in some embodiments, case battery may be removable for repair and / or replacement with another fully charged battery. The box processor 210 may be additionally coupled to the box charging circuit 225, which controls the charging of the box battery 227 (e.g., controls the voltage and current supplied to the battery to optimize charging speed and battery life). In some embodiments, the box charging circuit 225 may include a DC / DC converter, an AC / DC converter, battery voltage level monitoring circuitry, and / or safety features to properly charge the box battery 227.

[0127] Similarly, in some embodiments, the case processor 210 can be coupled to the earbud charging circuit 230 via the earbud interface 245, which can control the charging of the batteries within the earbuds 202a, 202b (e.g., controlling the voltage and current supplied to the batteries to optimize charging speed and battery life). In various embodiments, the earbud charging circuit 230 may include a DC / DC converter, battery voltage level monitoring circuitry, and / or safety features to properly charge the earbud batteries.

[0128] In various embodiments, the case 204 may include one or more charge indicators 235 that indicate the charge level of the case battery 227 and / or the pair of earbud batteries, allowing the user to monitor the charge level of the case 100 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1These indicators are visible on the outer surface of the earbuds 202a and 202b. In some embodiments, the charge indicator 235 may include three LEDs: one indicating the state of the battery 227 and one indicating the state of the battery in each of the earbuds 202a and 202b. In various embodiments, the charge indicator 235 may be a first color (e.g., green) when the respective battery is near full charge, a second color (e.g., amber) when the respective battery is charged less than 75%, and a third color (e.g., red) when there is no charge or a limited charge. In some embodiments, the charge indicator 235 may include multiple LEDs for each of the battery 227, earbuds 115a, and earbuds 115b, wherein the number of LEDs lit indicates the intensity of the battery for each component. For example, in a particular example, three sets of three LEDs may be included on the earbud 204.

[0129] In some embodiments, the box 204 may also include one or more user input devices 240. Each included input device 240 may be a button or other type of input that, in response to user activation or otherwise received input from the user, generates a signal that can be sent to the processor 210 or other circuitry within the box 204. The processor 210 or other circuitry can then act on the signal. For example, in various embodiments, the wireless device used by the earbuds 202a, 202b may be... Or other wireless systems that require a pairing sequence to establish communication between the earbuds and the wireless transmitter in the electronic device. In such embodiments, if the input device 240 is a wireless pairing button, the processor 210 may send a signal to the earbuds via the earbud interface 245 to put the wireless device within the earbuds 202a, 202b into pairing mode. More specifically, in some embodiments, a user may press a pairing button located on the case 204, which notifies the case processor 210 to instruct the earbuds 202a, 202b to enter pairing mode via the interface 245. In some embodiments, it may be necessary for the earbuds 202a, 202b to be located within the case (e.g., within cavities 110a, 110b) when entering pairing mode. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, in other embodiments, the earbuds may not need to be inside the housing 204 and only need to be within the wireless communication range of the housing. Further details regarding wireless pairing will be discussed later in this application.

[0130] Now for reference Figure 3 This shows a simplified cross-sectional perspective view of box 100. Figure 3As shown, the case 100 includes a housing 105 having cavities 110a, 110b for holding a pair of earplugs 115a, 115b, and various electronic circuits. The case 100 also includes a cover 120 attached to the housing 105 and operable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover 120 is aligned over one or more cavities 110a, 110b, thereby completely enclosing the pair of earplugs 115a, 115b within the housing, and in the open position, the cavities 110a, 110b are exposed so that a user can remove or reposition the earplugs within the cavities.

[0131] As discussed above, the cover 120 can be pivotally attached to the housing 105 via the connector 305, thereby enabling the cover to operate between a closed position and an open position. In some embodiments, the cover 120 may have a bistable position, wherein it is stable in the closed and open positions, but unstable between those positions, causing it to be attracted to either the closed or open position. In various embodiments, bistable operation can be achieved by employing a first pair of magnetic elements 310a, 310b and a second pair of magnetic elements 315a, 315b, as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, a cover sensor 220 may be disposed in the housing 105 and configured to detect when the cover 120 is in the closed position (e.g., when the detectable medium 320 is adjacent to the cover sensor) and when the cover is in the open position (e.g., when the detectable medium is not adjacent to the cover sensor). In some embodiments, the detectable medium may be a magnetic material.

[0132] The earplugs 115a and 115b are adaptable within cavities 110a and 110b, each cavity being sized and shaped to accept one earplug. In some embodiments, when each earplug is fully inserted into its respective cavity 110a or 110b, a portion of each earplug extends out of the cavity, allowing the user to easily grasp the earplug and remove it from the case. The cover 120 may include one cavity (or a pair of cavities 360a and 360b, such as...) Figure 3 As shown), the portion of each earpiece extending out of its corresponding cavity 110a, 110b extends into that cavity. Although Figure 3 Not shown, but the size and shape of each cavity 360a, 360b can be designed to match the size and shape of the portion of each earbud enclosed by that cavity in order to store the earbud more securely within the case 100.

[0133] Each earbud may include a speaker assembly disposed within the earbud housing. Figure 3 (Not shown). The loudspeaker assembly may include a driver unit aligned to emit sound from a directional sound port. The driver unit may include an electromagnetic voice coil, a loudspeaker diaphragm, and a driver magnet (…). Figure 3The earbud (shown as magnet 325) is operatively coupled to the voice coil to move the diaphragm in response to an electrical signal and generate sound. In addition to the driver magnet, earbuds according to some embodiments of this disclosure may include an additional magnetic plate 330, which is not operatively coupled to the voice coil. Either or both of magnet 325 and magnetic plate 330 may be attached to at least one housing magnetic component 130 disposed within the housing 100. The attraction may be strong enough to magnetically secure the first earbud 115a to the first cavity 110a and the second earbud 115b to the second cavity 110b, as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the magnetic plate 330 may be made of a magnetic material, and in various embodiments, it may be made using a metal injection molding process. In some embodiments, the magnetic plate 330 is magnetized, while in other embodiments, it is not magnetized but may be magnetically attracted.

[0134] To increase the magnetic attraction between the magnetic component 130 and the magnetic plate 330, the magnetic plate 330 in each earbud may be positioned immediately adjacent to the earbud housing. Furthermore, the profile of the magnetic plate is designed to match the curvature of the housing, thereby ensuring that the entire surface across the magnetic plate always maintains a minimum distance between the magnetic plate and the housing. Similarly, at least some of the housing magnetic components 130 may be positioned as close as possible to the surface of the receiving cavity, at locations directly spaced apart from where the magnetic plate 330 will be located when the earbud is received within the cavity. In some embodiments, the profile of the housing component 130 may be designed to match the curvature of the receiving region (which matches the curvature of its corresponding earbud) to minimize the distance between the housing magnetic component 130 and the magnetic plate 330.

[0135] In some embodiments, the housing 105 and the cover 120 may be made of the same material, while in various embodiments they may be made of different materials. In some embodiments, the housing 105 and / or the cover 120 may be made of plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or any other material.

[0136] The charging system 125 may include a circuit board 335 or other electronic routing structure, a rechargeable case battery 227, electronic interconnects 340 leading to a pair of earbuds 115a, 115b, one or more electronic components such as a case processor 210, and a connection to a power source 205 (see [link to power supply]). Figure 2The electronic connector 345. In some embodiments, connector 345 may be, for example, a non-proprietary interface, such as a USB connector, or may be a proprietary interface, such as the Lightning connector developed by Apple Inc. In various embodiments, connector 345 may be liquid-tight, as discussed in more detail below. One or more charge indicators 235 may be seen on the outer surface 350 of housing 100. In some embodiments, each of the earbuds 115a, 115b is electrically coupled to charging system 125 via connector 347 disposed at the end of the stem of each earbud 115a, 115b, as discussed in more detail below.

[0137] Earplug connector

[0138] Figures 4A to 8C An electronic connector is shown that can be used between each individual earbud in a pair of earbuds 115a, 115b and the housing 100 (see [link]). Figure 3 Several implementation schemes of ) are similar to Figure 3 Connector 347. Although Figures 4A to 8C Each of these shows an earbud connector for the first earbud 115a, but it should be understood that the second earbud 115b can be configured to be identical to the first earbud 115a and therefore includes a similar electronic connector. Additionally, although... Figures 4A to 8C The embodiment shown includes external contacts located at the end of the earpiece stem, but these contacts may be located in different positions in other embodiments.

[0139] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a simplified cross-sectional view of an electronic connector 400 that can be incorporated into an earbud housing 100 and an electronic connector 405 located at the end of the stem portion of an earbud 115a, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The electronic connector 405 can be used to conduct electrical power and / or data according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The connector 405 may be part of an earbud interface and may include a first earbud contact 410 and a second earbud contact 415, respectively. Figure 4B The image shows a bottom view of the electronic connector 405. In some embodiments, earbud contacts 410, 415 may be annular and separated by an insulator 420. The receptacle connector 400 may be used in a housing such as housing 100 shown above and may have a first earbud housing contact 425 and a second earbud housing contact 430. The first annular contact 410 may mat with the first earbud contact 425, and the second annular contact 415 may mat with the second earbud contact 430. The first annular contact 410 and the second annular contact 415 may be made of any type of conductive material, including gold, silver, or palladium-plated copper.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first earbud contact 410 and the second earbud contact 415 are a power contact and a ground contact, respectively. That is, either the first earbud contact 410 or the second earbud contact 415 can be used for power, while the other can be used for grounding. As an embodiment, in some embodiments, the first contact 410 is used for power and the second contact 415 is used for grounding, while in other embodiments, the first contact 410 is used for grounding and the second contact 415 is used for power. In various embodiments, other connector configurations with more than two contacts can be used.

[0141] The first earbud contact 425 and the second earbud contact 430 can be coupled to the charging system 125 via electronic interconnects 340 in the housing 100 (see...). Figure 3 This facilitates charging and communication for each earbud 115a, 115b. In various embodiments, a circular microphone hole 435 may be located at the center of the second annular contact 415 of each earbud 115a, 115b to facilitate two-way telephone communication and / or noise cancellation. The microphone hole 435 may be covered by an aesthetic acoustic mesh to protect the microphone from debris and damage.

[0142] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Another exemplary receptacle connector 500, which can be incorporated into an earbud housing 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and an electronic connector 505 located at the end of the stem portion of the earbud 115a are shown. However, connector 500 has an annular contact and a center contact, as described in more detail below. Connector 505 may be part of an earbud interface and may include a first earbud contact 510 and a second earbud contact 515, respectively. Figure 5B The image shows a bottom view of the electronic connector 505. In some embodiments, the ring contact 510 may be annular, and the circular contact 515 may be circular, wherein these contacts are separated by an insulator 520 (e.g., the insulator 520 may be an air gap). The ring contact 510 may mate with a first earpiece contact 525, and the circular contact 515 may mate with a second earpiece contact 530. In various embodiments, a circular microphone hole 535 may be located between the ring contact 510 and the circular contact 515, such that one or more of the earpieces 115a, 115b can be used for two-way telephone communication.

[0143] Figure 6A and Figure 6BAnother exemplary receptacle connector 600, which can be incorporated into an earbud housing 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and an electronic earbud connector 605 disposed at the end of the stem portion of an earbud 115a are shown. The receptacle connector 600 may form electrical contact with the electronic earbud connector 605, as described in more detail below. The earbud connector 605 may be part of an earbud interface and may include a first earbud contact 610 and a second earbud contact 615, respectively. Figure 6B The image shows a bottom view of the electronic earphone connector 605. (As shown) Figure 6B As shown, contacts 610 and 615 can be spaced apart from each other in a symmetrical relationship. In some embodiments, each of earbud contacts 610 and 615 may have a partial ring shape (i.e., a partial loop), wherein the open portion of each contact faces the other. For example, contact 610 may include ends 610a and 610b, and contact 615 may include ends 615a and 615b, wherein ends 610a are spaced apart from ends 615a and ends 610b are spaced apart from ends 615b. Although Figure 6B Each of contacts 610 and 615 is shown as a semi-circle, but in other embodiments, the contacts may include shorter arcs and / or have completely different opposite shapes.

[0144] Earplug contacts 610 and 615 can be separated from each other by an insulator 620 (e.g., the insulator 620 may be a dielectric material, as discussed in more detail below). Earplug contact 610 may mate with a first earplug cartridge contact 625, and earplug contact 615 may mate with a second earplug cartridge contact 630. In various embodiments, a circular microphone hole 635 may be located between earplug contacts 610 and 615, thereby enabling the pair of earplugs 115a and 115b to be used for two-way telephone communication. The receptacle connector 600 may include a contact carrier 640 that secures the earplug cartridge contacts 625 and 630, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the contact carrier 640 may make the earplug receptacle cavity 645 liquid-proof and sealed.

[0145] In some embodiments, each of the first earbud contact 610 and the second earbud contact 615 may each include a contact portion extending into the earbud receiving cavity of the earbud cartridge when the earbud is positioned within the cavity. The receptacle connector 600 may include a pair of earbud cartridge contacts 625, 630 positioned on opposite sides of the earbud receiving cavity and extending into it. The earbud cartridge contacts 625, 630 may be held within receiving slots 628, 633 of the contact carrier 640, as further discussed below. The contact portion of each earbud contact 610, 615 may have an arcuate cross-section that contacts the arcuate contact portions 626, 631 of the contacts 625, 630 respectively during a mating event when the earbud is inserted into the earbud receiving cavity. The combination of the arcuate surfaces on the earbud contacts and the earbud cartridge contacts enables a contact wiping motion to occur whenever the earbud is inserted into and removed from the receptacle connector, thereby forming a reliable interconnect. Figure 6A In the diagram, contacts 625 and 630 are shown in an off-center state, which shows their approximate position when the earbud 115a is fully inserted into its receiving cavity, causing the earbud contacts to engage with the earbud housing connector.

[0146] The same contacts 625 and 630 are still available. Figure 6A The contacts 627 and 632 are shown in a non-displacement state, indicating that they extend into the earbud receiving cavity before mating with the earbud contacts of earbud 115a. During a mating event, as earbud 115a is inserted deeper into the earbud receiving cavity, earbud contacts 625 and 630 make contact with the earbud contacts and deviate outward. The outer contact surfaces of the earbud contacts and earbud contacts rub against each other during the mating event and during the de-pairing event when earbud 115a is removed from the earbud receiving cavity. In various embodiments, the deviating bow-shaped portions 626 and 631 of contacts 625 and 630 are deviated by the bow-shaped portions of the first earbud contact 610 and the second earbud contact 615, respectively, during the insertion and removal of the first and second earbuds. Because the bow-shaped portions are in direct contact and the contacts 625, 630 are in an off-center state (e.g., spring-loaded state), a vertical (e.g., ejection) force is applied to the earplugs 115a, 115b when they are fully mated with the housing. In some embodiments, as discussed in more detail herein, one or more magnets may be used to overcome this vertical force and retain the earplugs within their respective cavities.

[0147] In some embodiments, one of contacts 625, 630 may be arranged to make contact with earpiece contacts 610, 615, initially by preloading one of contacts 625, 630 at a different height than the other (e.g., a sequential contact). This can be used in some embodiments to first establish a ground connection with the earpiece before forming an effective electrical connection with it. Wipe contacts and sequential contact contacts can be used in any connector embodiment disclosed herein.

[0148] In various embodiments, the contact carrier 640 may include a debris recess 609 disposed below the contact interface area. The debris recess 609 may have a cup-shaped form defined by sidewalls 609a and may be adapted to provide a location for debris that falls into either earbud cavity. The debris recess 609 may be disposed between the earbud contact receiving slots 628, 633 and spaced apart from the contact area, such that debris does not interfere with the formation of electrical contact between the earbud and the receptacle connector 600. The debris recess 609 may also open into the earbud receiving cavity, allowing for periodic debris removal when needed. While in other embodiments, a single debris recess may be sufficiently wide to capture debris from both contact areas, in some embodiments, a separate debris recess 609 is disposed below each earbud contact area.

[0149] A debris recess 609, or a similar debris-catching structure, may be included in any of the connector embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the depth of the debris recess 609 is less than or equal to the arcuate portions 626 and 631 of the contacts 625 and 630, i.e., 50% or more of the diameter of the debris recess 609. In another embodiment, the depth of the debris recess 609 is 75% or more of the diameter of the debris recess 609, and in yet another embodiment, its depth is 100% or more of the diameter (e.g., a depth-to-diameter ratio of 1:1).

[0150] In some embodiments, contacts 625 may be made of a copper, nickel and silver alloy; however, in other embodiments, they may be made of a phosphorus and bronze alloy, and in other embodiments, different alloys may be used.

[0151] See now Figure 6C An exploded view of the socket connector 600 is shown. Figure 6C As shown, connector 600 includes first and second housings 650, 655, which define a pair of earbuds to retain and guide the stem of each earbud into housing 100 (see [reference]). Figure 1 The receiving cavity. (Not in) Figure 6C In the case shown, the receiving cavity of each housing may include an elongated tube with a larger earplug receiving opening. The size and shape of the elongated tube may be designed to accommodate the stem of the earplug, and the size and shape of the larger earplug receiving opening may be designed to partially or completely accommodate the ear interface (i.e., the part of the earplug that fits into the user's ear).

[0152] In some embodiments, housings 650, 655 may be separate components joined together by contact carriers; however, in other embodiments, housings 650, 655 may be separate components formed, for example, in a molding process, a 3D printing process, or by a milling process. Contact carrier 640 holds first and second earbud contacts 625, 630 respectively, mating with the first earbud, and also holds third and fourth earbud contacts 660, 665, mating with the second earbud. A collar 670 may engage with the top surface 675 of contact carrier 640. In some embodiments, collar 670 may have a removable tie (not in...) Figure 6C As shown in the diagram, the removable tie holds the three loops together during assembly and can subsequently be removed after assembly so that the tie is not included in the finished earbud case.

[0153] The distal ends 680 and 685 of the first and second housings 650 and 655 may be narrower than the elongated tubular portions of the housings 650 and 655, respectively, and each of the distal ends 680 and 685 may fit within and engage with the collar 670 to form a complete housing and socket connector assembly 690, as shown below. Figure 6D As shown. In the complete assembly, each earbud contact 625, 630 is fitted into a contact opening in its respective housing 650, and each earbud contact 625, 630 is fitted into a contact opening in its respective housing 655 (e.g., Figure 6C The visible opening 687 is located within the housing. Each contact opening (e.g., opening 687) allows its respective contact to extend into the earbud receiver cavity within its respective housing 650, 655 to make electrical contact with the earbud contacts during mating. When assembled, the housing and contact assembly 690 can create a liquid-impermeable seal as defined herein. The housing and contact assembly 690 can then be assembled within a case, such as... Figure 1 The box 100 shown is an example. In some embodiments, the first and second housings 650, 655 may be a single housing with two cavities, one cavity for each earpiece.

[0154] As defined herein, an impermeable seal should mean a seal that meets one or more of the following levels as defined by the International Electrochemical Committee (IEC) 60529, which may also be referred to as IP68. In some embodiments, an impermeable seal protects the connector assembly from harmful moisture ingress and has a “liquid penetration” rating between 1 (dripping) and 8 (penetration exceeding 1 meter). In various embodiments, the impermeable seal rating should be between 1 (dripping) and 4 (splashing), however, in some embodiments, the impermeable seal rating should be between 2 (dripping with a device tilted at 15°) and 5 (water jet). In various embodiments, the impermeable seal rating should be between 3 (spraying) and 6 (strong water jet), however, in some embodiments, the impermeable seal rating should be between 4 (splashing) and 7 (penetration up to 1 meter). In various implementations, the level of impermeability should be between 5 (water jet) and 8 (penetration exceeding 1 meter). However, in some implementations, impermeability should mean protecting the electronic device from liquid penetration up to 100 feet for 30 minutes.

[0155] See now Figure 7A and 7B It shows the relationship with Figure 6A and 6B The connector 600 shown is another example of a receptacle connector 700 similar to the receptacle connector 700. However, as detailed below, the receptacle connector 700 has a different construction for the contacts and contact carrier. This embodiment can be used where the earpiece contacts are semi-circular and separated by an insulator. Figure 6A and 6B The same earbud connector shown.

[0156] The contact carrier 740 holds first and second earbud contacts 725 and 730, which mate with the first earbud, and also holds third and fourth earbud contacts 760 and 765, which mate with the second earbud. The cover 770 can be bonded to the bottom surface 775 of the contact carrier 740 via an adhesive layer 773. Figure 7B As shown, the distal ends of the first and second housings 750, 755 can respectively fit within and engage with the contact carrier 740 to form a complete housing and receptacle connector assembly 790. The housing and receptacle connector assembly 790 can be liquid-impermeable and conform to one or more of the classes defined herein. The housing and contact assembly 790 can then be assembled in a housing, such as... Figure 1 Box 100 shown.

[0157] Similar to contact carrier 640, the first and second earbud contacts may have an arcuate cross-section and may contact the arcuate portions of receptacle connector contacts 725, 730. The combination of arcuate surfaces allows for a reliable interconnection during the wiping motion of the receptacle connector each time the earbud is inserted and withdrawn. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a single contact may be positioned to contact the first earbud. In one example, the contact may be pre-installed at different heights. This can be used in some embodiments to bring the first earbud into contact with the ground before active electrical connection with it.

[0158] See now Figure 8A and 8B It shows the relationship with Figure 4A and 4B The connector 400 shown is another example of a socket connector 800 similar to the one shown. However, as detailed below, the socket connector 800 has a different construction for the inner and outer contacts.

[0159] In some embodiments, earbud contacts 810, 815 may be annular and separated by an electrical insulator 820. A first annular contact 810 may mat with a first earbud contact 825, and a second annular contact 815 may mat with a second earbud contact 830. The first and second annular contacts 810, 815 may be formed of any type of conductive material including copper and copper alloys, and may be plated with any metal. In various embodiments, a circular microphone hole 835 may be located at the center of the second annular contact 815, so one or more of a pair of earbuds 115a, 115b (see...) Figure 1 It can be used for two-way telephone communication. The microphone hole 835 can be covered by an aesthetic acoustic mesh to protect the microphone from debris and damage.

[0160] Similar to contact carrier 640, the first and second earbud contacts may have arcuate cross-sections and may respectively contact the arcuate portions of contacts 825 and 830 in socket connector 800. The combination of arcuate surfaces allows for a reliable interconnection each time the earbud is inserted and removed from the socket connector during a wiping motion. Additionally, as... Figure 8A As shown, in some embodiments, the outer surface 821 of the earbud stem may be flush with the outer surface of the earbud contact. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a contact may be positioned to engage with the first earbud. In one example, the contact may be pre-installed at different heights. This can be used in some embodiments to bring the first earbud into contact with the ground before active electrical connection with it.

[0161] See now Figure 8C An exploded view of the receptacle connector 800 is shown, illustrating how the receptacle connector 800 can be coupled to the stem of each earpiece entering the housing 100 (see [reference]). Figure 1The first and second housings 850, 855. A contact carrier 840 holds first and second earplug contacts 825, 830 for use with a first earplug, and also holds third and fourth earplug contacts for use with a second earplug. The contact carrier 840 can engage with the distal ends 880, 885 of the first and second housings 850, 855, respectively, to form a complete housing and receptacle connector assembly. The housing and contact assembly can produce a liquid-impermeable seal as defined herein. The housing and contact assembly 690 can then be assembled within a housing, such as... Figure 1 The box 100 shown is an example. In some embodiments, the first and second housings 850, 855 may be a single housing with two cavities, one cavity for each earpiece.

[0162] In some implementations, the electrical connectors on a pair of earbuds 115a, 115b (e.g., Figure 4A The connector 405 in the design may not be a ring-shaped (e.g., circular) external contact connector, and may be any other type of electrical connector, such as, but not limited to, pins and sockets, pins and contact pads, or wiper arms and contact pads. In various embodiments, one or more contact pads may be located on the vertical portions of the stems of a pair of earbuds, and wiper arms may mate with them. In another embodiment, an interface connector may be disposed on the ear portion of the earbud housing. When the earbuds are placed in their respective cavities, mating connectors may be disposed within the housing and may mate with the connector. In some embodiments, such connectors may be gold-plated to minimize corrosion that may occur due to prolonged contact with the user's ear. In yet another example, wireless inductive charging of the earbuds may be used.

[0163] Magnetic retention of earbuds

[0164] Figure 9A and 9B Front and rear perspective views of one of the wireless earbuds 115a and 115b are shown respectively. Figure 9A and 9B As shown, earbuds 115a and 115b include an outer shell having an ear interface 903 and a stem 910. The ear interface 903 may be formed to at least partially fit inside a user's ear and may be non-engaging, as detailed herein. An aesthetically pleasing sound-insulating mesh 915 may fit within the ear interface 913 and allow sound to be transmitted from an internal speaker to the user's ear. Some examples may have one or more user inputs 955, which can be used to answer calls, pause or mute playback, or perform other functions. The outer shell of a pair of earbuds 115a and 115b may be made of a plastic material including, but not limited to, ABS or polycarbonate.

[0165] See now Figure 10The housing 105 of the case 100 for a pair of earbuds 115a and 115b is shown (see also...). Figure 1 A top view of (e.g.) Figure 10 As shown, the housing 105 may include a plurality of retaining magnets 905a to 905h for earplugs and one or more sensors. Earplugs 115a and 115b may be inserted into cavities 110a and 100b and may be retained within the cavities by retaining magnets 905a to 905h. Each cavity 110a and 100b may include rod segments 116a and 116b and bud segments 117a and 117b. Earplug retaining magnets 905a to 905d are used to retain a first earplug 115a, and retaining magnets 905e to 905h are used to retain a second earplug 115b. However, in other embodiments, fewer or additional retaining magnets 905a to 905h may be used, and the geometry, size, and arrangement of the magnets may be varied.

[0166] The cover sensor 220 can be used to detect the cover 120 (see Figure 1 Is it closed or open? Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the cover sensor 220 is disposed between cavities 110a and 110b; however, in other embodiments, the position of the cover sensor may be different. Cover magnets 910a and 910b can be used to operate the cover (not in...). Figure 10 (As shown in the diagram), as discussed in more detail below, and in some cases, the strength of the magnets 905a to 905h can be increased, also discussed in more detail below. (Cross-sectional view AA) Figure 11 The image shows a side view illustrating how the earplug 115a can be oriented relative to the aforementioned magnet.

[0167] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the earplug 115a inside the housing 100 is shown. Figure 11 As shown, earplug 115a is secured within cavity 110a of housing 105. In some embodiments, earplug 115a may have speaker magnet 325 and / or magnetic plate 330 positioned to align with retaining magnets 905a to 905h. Speaker magnet 325 and / or magnetic plate 330 may be attracted to one or more retaining magnets 905f and 905h, and one or both of them may comprise magnetic material.

[0168] As defined herein, magnetic materials are any materials that can be attracted by a magnet or acquire the properties of a magnet to attract magnetic materials. This includes ferromagnets (i.e., magnets containing iron) as well as non-ferromagnets. In some examples, magnetic materials are, but are not limited to: neodymium, steel, nickel, cobalt and magnetic steel, aluminum-nickel-cobalt alloys, some alloys of rare earth metals, and some naturally occurring minerals such as lodestone. In contrast, a magnet is a magnetized magnetic material, and therefore it attracts magnetic materials.

[0169] In one embodiment, the magnetic plate 330 may include magnetic material and magnets 905f and 905h, which may be oriented and arranged to have sufficient force to attract the magnetic plate to keep the earbud 115 within a distance of the housing 105, even if the housing is reversed or shaken. However, the strength of the retaining magnets 905f and 905h may be selected to allow a user to grasp the earbud 115a with their fingers and remove it from the housing 105 by applying a force greater than that required for magnetic retention. In another embodiment, one or more retaining magnets 905f and 905h may be arranged and oriented to attract speaker magnets 325 that may help attract the earbud 115a into the housing 105 and hold it therein. In other embodiments, an earbud ejection mechanism may be included within the housing. For example, a mechanical ejector that ejects the earbud when the cover is opened (or when a ejection button is pushed).

[0170] In some implementations, additional magnets such as Figure 10 The types described herein can be used to increase the attraction and holding force applied to the magnetic plate 330 and / or the speaker magnet 325. More specifically, the cover magnet 910b can be used to attract the cover 120 (or the magnetic material 1105 disposed on the cover) and can also be used as part of a Hellbeck array to increase the magnetic field of the earbud holding magnet 905 to attract the earbud 115a at a greater distance and hold it more firmly. The Hellbeck array is a special arrangement of permanent magnets that increase the magnetic field on one side of the magnetic array when the magnetic field on the other side is reduced to near zero. Holding magnets 905e, 905f, and 905g (see Figure 10 It can also be used as part of a Hellbeck array.

[0171] See now Figure 12 ,Depend on Figure 10 A cross-sectional view BB of the housing 105 is shown. (See figure) Figure 12 As shown, three earplug retaining magnets 905e, 905f, and 905g are disposed within the housing 105 to secure the earplug 115a within its cavity. In some embodiments, magnets 905g and 905e may have angled upper surfaces to partially conform to the circular shape of the earpiece interface 805 of the earplug 115a. Any configuration or arrangement of the magnets may be used to attract the speaker magnet 325 and / or the magnetic plate 330. In some embodiments, a carrier 920 may be formed to retain and position one or more of the retaining magnets 905a to 905h.

[0172] In addition, relative to Figure 3 As described above, the magnetic plate 330 in each earbud can be arranged in a direction adjacent to the earbud housing and can be shaped to fit the housing (e.g., Figure 11 and 12The curvature (as shown) ensures a minimum distance between the side edge on the surface and the housing, and increases the magnetic attraction between the housing magnetic components and the magnetic plate 330 using minimal magnetic material. Similarly, some or all of the housing magnetic components 905a-9505h can be positioned as close as possible to a suitable surface of the earphone case and shaped to fit that surface.

[0173] Magnetic Actuation Box

[0174] Figures 13 to 21 The illustration shows a box 1300 with a magnetically actuated eccentric position cover and some example magnet geometries. (Example...) Figure 13 As shown, box 1300 can be used with Figure 1 The case 100 shown is similar and is used to hold a pair of earplugs; however, the case 1300 can be used for many other purposes, such as, but not limited to, a container for storing medicine, a container for storing cigars, or a charging container for a miniature portable media player.

[0175] See also now Figure 13 and 14 In some embodiments, the box 1300 includes a housing 1305 having a receiving opening 1301 and a bottom surface 1302 disposed opposite the receiving opening. Similar to the box described above, the box 1300 may have... Figure 13 The closed position is shown, in which the cover 1310, pivotally coupled to the housing, covers the housing 1305. The housing 1300 may also have... Figure 14 The open position is shown in the diagram, in which the cover 1310 is pivotally displaced from the outer casing 1305 by an angle θ. The box 1300 may also have an upper wall 1303 relative to the lower wall 1304 and a first side wall 1306 relative to the second side wall 1307, wherein these walls extend between the receiving opening 1301 and the bottom surface 1302, thereby defining a cavity 1308 communicating with the receiving opening 1301. The receiving opening 1301 may also be defined by four wall ends 1309a, 1309b, 1309c, and 1309d, respectively including the ends of the upper wall 1303, the lower wall 1304, the first side wall 1306, and the second side wall 1307.

[0176] The first pair of magnetic elements 1315a and 1315b may be oriented such that they repel each other and are positioned close to the pivotable joint 1317. The first magnetic element 1315a of the first pair is disposed within the housing 1305, and the second magnetic element 1315b of the first pair is disposed within the cover 1310. In some embodiments, the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a and 1315b may both be magnets. The second pair of magnetic elements 1320a and 1320b may be oriented such that they attract each other and are positioned close to the wall end 1309a opposite to the pivotable joint 1317. The first magnetic element 1320a of the second pair is disposed within the housing 1305, and the second magnetic element 1320b of the second pair is disposed within the cover 1310. In some embodiments, the magnetic elements 1320a and 1320b may both be magnets; however, in another embodiment, one of the magnetic elements may be a magnet while the other element is a magnetic material.

[0177] In some embodiments, the box 1300 may be configured to produce an eccentric configuration relative to the lid 1310, wherein when in the closed position ( Figure 13 When the cover is in the first stable position (as shown in the diagram), and when it is in the open position (as shown in the diagram), the cover is in the first stable position, ..., the cover is in the first stable position, and when it is in the first stable position, the cover is in the first stable position, and when it is in the open position, the cover is in the first stable position, and when it is in the first stable Figure 14 As shown in the diagram, the cover is in a second stable position, but in an unstable position between the closed and open positions. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by the attractive force between the second pair of magnetic elements 1320a, 1320b exceeding the repulsive force of the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a, 1315b as the cover 1310 transitions from the open to the closed position. Figure 15 As shown, this situation can be illustrated using a diagram.

[0178] In some embodiments, any of the magnetic arrangements disclosed herein may be arranged in a multipole configuration to concentrate a magnetic field within and between the magnets. In some embodiments, the multipole may be used for magnetic elements 1320a and 1320b, wherein 1320a has a north end adjacent to its south end, and 1320b has a south end attracting the north end of 1320a and a north end attracting the south end of 1320a. In other embodiments, any other arrangement may be used. The multipole arrangement can facilitate the attenuation of the magnetic field outside the box, so that they do not negatively interact with other magnetic objects such as cards with magnetic strips attached thereto.

[0179] Figure 15 A diagram showing the magnetic force on cover 1310 is provided. Figure 13 As shown, the cover 1310 has an off-center position due to the forces exerted on it by the two pairs of magnetic elements. As described above, the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a, 1315b (see...) Figure 13 and 14) is oriented to have a shape on the graph marked as F 排斥 The lines indicate the repulsive force. Similarly, the second pair of magnetic elements 1320a and 1320b are oriented to have the repulsive force shown in the figure as F. 吸引 The lines show the attraction. (Through) Figure 14 The test results show that when the cover 1310 is closed, the angle θ = 0°, and when the cover is fully open (e.g., pivoting to its maximum extent from the outer casing 1305), the angle θ = 180°. At some angles, the marked X° is the off-center position of the cover 1310, where it is unstable and will "automatically" (i.e., by magnetic attraction) move toward the closed or open position.

[0180] See also Figure 15 At an angle of 0°, cover 1310 is closed, and the attraction force (F) of the second pair of magnetic elements 1320a and 1320b is... 吸引 The repulsive force (F) of the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a and 1315b is greater than that of the first pair of magnetic elements 1315b. 排斥 The cap is large, so it is held in the closed position. In some embodiments, although the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a, 1315b and the second pair of magnetic elements 1320a, 1320b have the same strength, the eccentric design has an effect because the first pair of magnetic elements has a smaller influence on the pivotable joint than the second pair of magnetic elements. More specifically, because the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a, 1315b is closer to the pivotable joint, it exerts a smaller torque on the cap 1310 than the second pair of magnetic elements 1320a, 1320b.

[0181] However, because the cover 1310 transitions to a larger angle θ (i.e., when transitioning to the open position), the second pair of magnetic elements 1320a and 1320b separate from each other at a faster speed than the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a and 1315b. Since the magnetic force changes exponentially with distance, F... 吸引 The drop is greater than F 排斥 Much faster, therefore, at some angles X°, F 排斥 Overcome F 吸引 The lid will be drawn to the open position. When transitioning from the open to the closed position, the opposite occurs; upon reaching the eccentric position, the lid will be drawn to the closed position.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a, 1315b may be configured to prevent the lid 1310 from being fully opened (i.e., when θ is 180°). In some embodiments, the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a, 1315b may be configured to repel each other; thus, in such embodiments, the magnetic elements may be elongated such that when the lid 1310 is rotated near the 180° open position, the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a, 1315b repel each other such that the weight of the lid is supported by their repulsive force, and the lid is essentially suspended in a half-open position. Some shapes of magnets, such as "L", may be used to enhance the force to support the lid 1310 in the half-open position. In various embodiments, the force vector of the first pair of magnetic elements 1315a, 1315b may be adjusted to increase or decrease this effect, as detailed below.

[0183] In some embodiments, the box 1300 may be designed to have a specific feel for the user. For example, in one embodiment, the box 1300 may be designed so that the user can hold the box 1300 in the closed position and, by flicking their wrist, the lid 1310 will be flicked open without remaining stationary in the open position relative to the outer casing 1305. In more embodiments, the lid 1310 may be in the open position, and the user can flick their wrist to close the lid. In more embodiments, the user can use their hand to attempt to open the lid 1310, and once the lid has moved a certain distance, the lid will flick or spring open. In more embodiments, the user can grasp the lid 1310 and move it a certain distance toward the closed position, at which point the lid will flick or spring open.

[0184] See now Figure 16 This illustrates another embodiment of the magnetically actuated cover 1604 and the housing 1600. (See diagram for example.) Figure 16 As shown, the box 1600 has one pair of magnetic elements and another pair of magnetic elements, the pair of magnetic elements having misaligned poles (i.e., force vectors), and the other pair of magnetic elements having a high permeability material for increasing magnetic force. Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, the cover 1604 is pivotally attracted to the outer casing 1603. However, in this case, the first pair of magnetic elements 1605a, 1605b are oriented, so the force vectors are not directly aligned, as indicated by the arrows. In this embodiment, the cover 1604 can still have an off-center position; however, the force vectors from the first pair of magnetic elements 1605a, 1605b are... 排斥 It will be smaller than Figure 13The scheme described above. However, one feature of this misalignment of the force vector can be used to resist the transition of cover 1604 to the 180° fully open position. More specifically, the magnetic force of the first pair of magnetic elements 1605a, 1605b can resist cover 1604 from the closed position, but can also resist cover 1604 from the 180° open position. Other variations of the misaligned magnetic force vector can be used and are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0185] See also Figure 16 The second pair of magnetic elements 1610a, 1610b may have a high permeability material 1615a, 1615b that surrounds them at least partially to increase the attraction between the second pair of magnetic elements. The high permeability material described herein can be any material with relatively high permeability. The permeability of a material is a measure of its ability to support the formation of a magnetic field within it. More specifically, it is the degree of magnetization a material acquires in response to an applied magnetic field. Therefore, the greater the material's "magnetic permeability" or the less its resistance to a magnetic field, the higher its permeability. With this behavior, the high permeability materials 1615a, 1615b discussed herein can substantially redirect the magnetic field from the second pair of magnetic elements 1610a, 1610b, thus increasing the magnetic force. High permeability materials can also be used for repulsive magnets, cover magnets, or magnets used to attract and hold earplugs within a case.

[0186] Figure 17 Another embodiment of box 1700 is shown. For example... Figure 17 As shown, the box 1700 is attached to springs of the first and second pairs of magnetic elements to change the eccentric position of the lid. The box 1700 may have a first pair of magnetic elements configured to repel each other and a second pair of magnetic elements configured to attract each other. However, in this embodiment, springs 1707a and 1707b may be attached to the first pair of magnetic elements 1705a and 1705b, and springs 1717a and 1717b may be attached to the second pair of magnetic elements 1710a and 1710b. Springs 1707a, 1707b, 1717a, and 1717b can be used to change the eccentric position and behavior of the lid 1704. For example, when in the closed position, the first and second magnetic elements 1705a and 1705b may repel each other, and compress springs 1707a and 1707b, thereby reducing some of the repulsive force. Conversely, in the closed position, because springs 1717a and 1717b allow the magnetic elements to move closer to each other, the second pair of magnetic elements 1710a and 1710b can be attracted closer to each other, thereby generating a stronger attractive force. Other configurations of the springs can be used for the magnetic elements without departing from this disclosure.

[0187] See now Figures 18 to 21Various magnet geometries can be used in the aforementioned box. These are merely examples, and other geometries may be used without departing from this disclosure. Figure 18 The square rod 1800 is shown, while Figure 19 Rectangular rod 1900 is shown. Figure 20 The "L"-shaped rod 2000 is shown, while Figure 21 The cylindrical rod 2100 is shown.

[0188] Spring-actuated box

[0189] See now Figures 22A to 22D The image shows a box and a spring-actuated hinge. (Example) Figure 22A As shown, the box 2200 has a cover 2210 with a spring-actuated eccentric mechanism 2220. The box 2200 can be similar to... Figure 1 Box 100 and shown in the image Figure 13 The box 1300 shown is, in some embodiments, used to store and charge a pair of earbuds or other types of portable listening devices. However, in other embodiments, the box 2200 can be used to store various other objects besides portable listening devices.

[0190] Similar to the box described above, box 2200 may have Figure 22A The closed position is shown, in which the cover 2210, pivotally coupled to the housing, covers the housing 2205. The housing 2200 may also have... Figure 22D The open position is shown in the diagram, in which the cover 2210 pivots from the outer casing 2205. The spring-actuated eccentric mechanism 2200 is shown in more detail in... Figure 22A In the perspective view, the cover 2210 includes an extension 2225 attached to the cover and disposed on the opposite side of a pivotable joint from the cover. That is, when the cover 2210 rotates about the pivotable joint 2230, the extension 2225 also rotates about the pivotable joint 2230. The extension 2225 has a rounded distal end 2226 that contacts the spring-loaded arm 2235 such that when the cover is pushed into the closed position (in... Figure 22D (As shown in the image), the lid resists rotation from the open position to the closed position until the lid moves beyond the eccentric position (in the image). Figure 22C (as shown in the image).

[0191] A spring-loaded arm 2235 is attached to a second pivotable joint 2240 at a first end and extends to a distal end 2245. The spring-loaded arm 2235 may have a rounded distal end 2245 with first and second surfaces 2246, 2247, which are respectively arranged opposite each other and extend between the distal end and the first end. Figure 22AIn the diagram, the spring-loaded arm 2235 has a rotational force from a torsion spring, thus applying a clockwise torque. As the cover 2210 moves toward the open position, the extension 2225 rotates clockwise about the pivotable joint 2230, slides along the first portion 2248 of the first surface 2246, and pushes the arm 2235 counterclockwise, thereby increasing the clockwise torque on the arm. Therefore, the spring-loaded mechanism 2220 resists the cover 2210 from the closed position (…). Figure 22A (as shown in the image) Oriented towards the open position ( Figure 22D (As shown in the image) transition.

[0192] Figure 22B An isometric view of the spring loading mechanism 2220 is shown. Figure 22B As shown, the spring loading mechanism 2220 includes a spring loading arm 2235, an extension 2225, a torsion spring 2250, and a spring stop 2255. The torsion spring 2250 is formed around the second pivotable joint 2240; however, in other embodiments, different configurations for the mechanism, including but not limited to cantilever springs and disc springs, may be used.

[0193] Figure 22C A box 2200 is shown with a partially opened lid 2210. (See diagram.) Figure 22C As shown, cover 2210 is shown in an eccentric position, where it is in the closed position ( Figure 22A When the cover is in the first stable position (as shown in the diagram), and when it is in the open position (as shown in the diagram), the cover is in the first stable position, ..., the cover is in the first stable position, and when it is in the first stable position, the cover is in the first stable position, and when it is in the open position, the cover is in the first stable position, and when it is in the first stable Figure 22D (As shown in the diagram) the cover is in a second stable position, but in an unstable position between the closed and open positions. In some embodiments, the eccentricity of the cover 2210 can be achieved by an extension 2225 having a rounded distal end 2226, wherein the rounded distal end 2226 contacts the arm 2235 on which a clockwise torque is applied. In various embodiments, when in the unstable position between the closed and open positions, the extension 2225 is oriented perpendicular to the first surface 2246. In some embodiments, the arm 2235 and / or the distal end 2226 may have lubricant and / or one or more lubrication channels thereon to maintain a low coefficient of friction between the parts and provide smooth actuation.

[0194] Figure 22D A box 2200 is shown with its lid 2210 fully open. (See diagram.) Figure 22D As shown, cover 2210 passes through an eccentric position and is in a stable open position. In some embodiments, the stable position can be reached via an extension 2225 of the arm 2235 at an eccentric position, wherein the arm 2235 slides along a second portion 2249 of the first surface 2246, and the arm is secured by a torsion spring 2250 (see [link to diagram]). Figure 22B A clockwise torque is applied to the arm to keep the cover open.

[0195] Earphone case with wireless charging transmitter

[0196] See now Figure 23 The illustration shows an earphone case 2300, which includes a wireless power transmitter 2330 capable of wirelessly charging accessory electronic devices from the outside of the case rather than the inside. For example, as... Figure 23 As shown, the box 2300 is depicted as wirelessly charging a watch 2301 placed above and aligned with the wireless power transmitter 2330. Although Figure 23 The illustration shows a watch being charged as an accessory device, but embodiments of this disclosure can also be used for wireless charging of other suitable electronic devices. In some cases, embodiments of the invention are particularly suitable for use with portable electronic media devices due to their potentially small form factor. As used herein, an electronic media device includes any device having at least one electronic component capable of presenting human-perceptible media. Such devices may include, for example, portable music players (e.g., MP3 devices and Apple's iPod). TM Devices, portable video players (e.g., portable DVD players), cellular phones (e.g., smartphones, such as Apple's iPhone), cameras, digital cameras, projection systems (e.g., holographic projection systems), gaming systems, PDAs and tablet computers (e.g., Apple's iPad), laptop computers, or other mobile computers. Some of these devices may be configured to provide audio, video, or other data or sensory output.

[0197] exist Figure 23 In the illustrated embodiment, box 2300 may include, together with a second charging system, related to Figure 2 In all or part of the structural features of case 204 discussed above, in the second charging system, the wireless power transmitting component 2330 is positioned within the housing 2335 adjacent to the external charging surface 2340. In some embodiments, the external charging surface 2340 can be any outer surface of case 2300. The wireless power transmitting component 2330 can be configured to wirelessly transmit power across housing 2335 to the power receiving coil of watch 2301 when the watch is positioned on the outer housing 2335 and adjacent to the external charging surface 2340. Figure 23 (Not shown in the text), as discussed in more detail below.

[0198] like Figure 23 As further shown, the watch 2301 includes a housing 2302 that houses a display 2304 and various input devices including a dial 2306 and buttons 2308. The watch 2301 can be worn and secured to the user's wrist via a strap 2310. The housing 2302 also houses electronic circuitry including a processor and communication circuitry. Figure 23 (Not shown in the image). Battery inside casing 2302 ( Figure 23 (Not shown) Powers watch 2301. The battery can be recharged via a wireless power transmission system, and watch 2301 may include circuitry configured to operate as a receiver in the wireless power transmission system, while the wireless power transmitter component 2330 acts as a transmitter in the system. An example of a wireless power transmission system is an inductive power transmission system. In an inductive power transmission system, the power receiving electronics include, or in other words, incorporate an inductive power receiving element configured to wirelessly receive power and / or charge one or more internal batteries. Similarly, a charging device (i.e., a power transmitting component) includes, or in other words, incorporates an inductive power transmitting element configured to wirelessly transmit power to the power receiving electronics.

[0199] Figure 24 This is a block diagram of an inductive power receiving system 2400 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 24 As shown, system 2400 is an inductive power receiving system, which can be located within the housing 2302 of watch 2301 (see...). Figure 23 The battery 2402 within the device can be wirelessly charged when the power receiving system 2400 is operatively coupled to a suitable inductive power transmitting component (such as the wireless power transmitting component 2330). The battery 2402 is operatively connected to a receiving coil 2404 via a power conditioning circuit 2406. The receiving coil 2404 is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil of the charging device to wirelessly receive power from the charging device and to transfer the received power to the battery 2402 within the electronic device via the power conditioning circuit 2406. The power conditioning circuit 2406 can be configured to convert the alternating current received through the receiving coil 2404 into direct current for use by other components of the device. The processing unit 2410 is able to direct power to perform or coordinate one or more functions of the electronic device, typically powered by the battery 2402, via one or more routing circuits and by executing a suitable program located in memory 2412.

[0200] See now Figure 25The illustration shows a case 2300 with a pair of earbuds 115a and 115b stored within a case housing 2505 and covered by a lid 2520. The case 2300 can charge the earbuds 115a and 115b in the same manner as the case 100 discussed above (i.e., either using a wired connection or a wireless power transmission system). However, the case 2300 may also include an inductive charging system 2525, which is positioned and configured to charge different portable electronic devices positioned on the outside, rather than the inside, of the case 2300. The inductive charging system 2525 may include wireless power transmission components to wirelessly charge auxiliary devices (such as watch 2301) (see [reference]). Figure 23 In some implementations, box 2500 may differ from box 100 (see [link]). Figure 1 It can also employ any other configuration having one or more chambers and a cover covering said one or more chambers. In one example, the cover 2520 can be separate from the case. The inductive charging system 2525 may include wireless charging circuitry within the housing 2505, enabling the case 2300 to wirelessly recharge a battery, such as the battery 2402 of the watch 2301 (see...). Figure 24 ).

[0201] Figure 26 This is a block diagram of a wireless charging system 2600 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 26 As shown, the wireless charging system 2600 includes an inductive power transmitting component 2602. The inductive power transmitting component 2602 includes a power source 2604, which may be a battery pack 227 (see Figure 227). Figure 2 The power supply is operatively coupled to the transmitting coil 2606 to transmit power to the wearable device via electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance.

[0202] The transmitting coil 2606 may be an electromagnetic coil that generates a time-varying electromagnetic flux to an electromagnetic coil in an electronic device (e.g., Figure 24 A current is induced in the transmitting coil 2404. The transmitting coil 2606 is capable of transmitting power at a selected frequency or frequency band. In one example, the transmitting frequency is essentially fixed, although this is not necessary. Alternatively, the transmitting frequency can be adjusted to improve power transmission efficiency under specific operating conditions. More specifically, a higher transmitting frequency can be selected if the accessory requires more power, and a lower transmitting frequency can be selected if the accessory requires less power. In other examples, the transmitting coil 2606 can generate a static electromagnetic field and can be physically moved, displaced, or otherwise altered in position to generate a spatially varying electromagnetic flux, thereby inducing a current in the receiving coil.

[0203] When watch 2301 (see Figure 23When operatively coupled (e.g., positioned above or adjacent to) to housing 2300, the wearable electronic device can receive electrical charges to replenish its rechargeable battery or power operating components associated with the device. For convenient transfer of electromagnetic energy, transmitting coil 2606 may be positioned within the housing of housing 2300 (see [reference]). Figure 23 Inside, so that it is aligned along a common axis with the receiving coil 2404 inside the watch 2301 (see...). Figure 24 Alignment. If misalignment occurs, as the offset increases, the distance between the transmitting coil 2606 and the receiving coil 2404 can be reduced (see...). Figure 24 The power emission efficiency between ) . In some embodiments, one or more alignment features may be used to aid alignment along a common axis, including mechanical alignment features (e.g., recesses, protrusions, positioning portions) and magnetic features (e.g., alignment magnet 2630), as discussed in more detail below.

[0204] As an example, alignment magnet 2630 may be included within case 2300, which magnetically pairs with alignment magnet (not shown) of watch 2301 to facilitate proper alignment of the case with the wearable electronic device. More specifically, alignment magnet 2630 attracts the paired alignment magnet within watch 2301, causing the wearable device to be laterally moved to a specific position and securely held against the outer surface of the case. Additionally, the top surface of case 2300 and the bottom surface of watch 2301 may respectively mate to further facilitate alignment. For example, in one embodiment, the bottom surface of watch 2301 is convex, the top surface of case 2300 is concave, and the bottom surface of the wearable device has the same curvature.

[0205] In some implementations, box 2300 (see Figure 23 The device may also include one or more sensors to determine the presence of watch 2301 and to prepare it to receive transmitted power from the charger. For example, watch 2301 may include optical sensors, such as an infrared proximity sensor. When watch 2301 is attached to case 2300, the infrared proximity sensor may generate a signal to determine the presence of the wearable device. Other methods or structures for verifying the presence of watch 2301 may include mass sensors, mechanical interlocks, switches, buttons or the like, Hall effect sensors, or other electronic sensors.

[0206] Some implementations may include a priority charging algorithm that prioritizes the use of the box battery 227 based on which charging devices are coupled to the box 2300 (see [link]). Figure 2 The charge stored in the charging system. For example, charging system 2525 (see Figure 25The device can be programmed to recharge earbuds 115a and 115b first, and then charge watch 2301. Alternatively, the user can program the charging priority, and in another example, the box 2300 can only charge any device coupled to it. In yet another example, the box 2300 can charge via connector 345 (see...). Figure 3 It can be coupled to a power source and charge one device, or preferentially charge multiple devices or charge multiple devices simultaneously.

[0207] Some implementations may include a housing 2300 for supplying battery 2402 (see [link]). Figure 24 A wired interface for charging and / or exchanging data with watch 2301. This wired interface may supplement or replace a wireless interface. For example, in one embodiment, the housing 2300 may include multiple contacts sized and positioned to physically and electrically couple to one or more contacts on watch 2301. The contacts may include one or more power contacts and one or more data contacts, such as a pair of differential data contacts. In another embodiment, the housing's connector 345 (see...) Figure 3 It can be used to charge watch 2301.

[0208] Wireless charging case

[0209] See now Figure 27 It shows a simplified perspective view of box 2700 on charging station 2705. (As shown) Figure 27 As shown, box 2700 may be similar to other boxes in this invention (such as, Figure 1 The box 100 can be charged inductively via charging station 2705. Box 2700 may have a rechargeable battery, which can use a method similar to the one described above. Figures 23 to 26 The wireless charging system shown and described is inductive charging. More specifically, all the above-mentioned functions of the inductive charging watch 2301 can be adopted by the inductive charging case 2700.

[0210] Wireless charging station 2705 may include wireless charging circuitry within housing 2710, enabling housing 2700 to wirelessly recharge its internal battery. Wireless charging station 2705 may include an inductive power transmitting coil 2715, similar to the one described above. Figure 26 The wireless power transmitting component 2602 described herein. The inductive power transmitting coil 2715 is capable of transmitting power to the housing 2700 via electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance. When the housing 2700 is operatively coupled (e.g., positioned above or adjacent to) to the charging station 2705, the housing can receive charge to replenish the charge of its rechargeable battery or to power the operating components associated with the housing.

[0211] To facilitate the transfer of electromagnetic energy, the transmitting coil 2715 may be positioned within the housing of the charging station 2705, aligned along a common axis with one or more receiving coils 2720 in the housing 2700. If misalignment occurs, the power transmission efficiency between the transmitting coil 2715 and the receiving coil 2720 may decrease as the offset increases. In some embodiments, as discussed herein, one or more alignment features may be used to aid alignment along the common axis, including mechanical alignment features (e.g., recesses, protrusions, positioning portions) and magnetic features (e.g., alignment magnets). In other embodiments, the housing 2700 may include more than one receiving coil, and it may be possible to detect which receiving coil is better aligned, thereby selectively receiving charge only from that particular coil. In various embodiments, the housing 2700 may use one or more planar receiving coils 2720; however, in other embodiments, other receiving coil designs may be used.

[0212] Waterproof socket connector

[0213] Figure 28 and Figure 29 An impermeable liquid electronic connector 2800 is shown. (Example) Figure 28 As shown, the electronic connector 2800 may have mounting flanges and sealing features to make it resistant to liquid penetration or liquid-impermeable. The electronic connector 2800 can be used to couple electrical and data signals to a housing, similar to... Figure 3 Connector 345. In some embodiments, connector 2800 may be, for example, any non-proprietary interface, such as a USB connector; or may be any proprietary interface, such as the Lightning connector used by Apple Incorporated (Cupertino, CA). In various embodiments, connector 2800 may be impermeable to liquids, as discussed in more detail below.

[0214] A metal bracket 2805 is formed around the outer portion of connector 2800 and has one or more mounting holes 2810 for securing the connector to a circuit board or chassis. Connector 2800 has a receiving surface 2815 with a front opening (in... Figure 28 Not shown in the image, but... Figure 3The connector 2800 (shown as connector 345) receives a plug portion of a mating connector. Interconnect surface 2820 includes a plurality of metal pins 2825, each connected to an internal electrical contact described in more detail below. One or more ground pins 2826 may also extend out of interconnect surface 2820. Overlapping injection-molded portions 2830 may seal the metal pins 2825 and ground pins 2826 to make them liquid-proof. Metal bracket 2805 may be two-piece and welded together as described below. Metal bracket 2805 may also have one or more deformable fingers 2835 for securing components of connector 2800 together.

[0215] like Figure 29 As shown, connector 2800 includes a contact plate 2980 coupled to housing 2905 with a gasket to make the connector liquid-proof. Housing 2905 is made of an electrically insulating polymer extending between a receiving surface 2815 and a back surface 2910. Housing 2905 defines a cavity 2915 communicating with a front opening in the receiving surface 2815 to receive a plug portion of a mating plug connector. Gasket 2920 is formed of a plastic material and has a plurality of retaining features 2925, each of which is configured to receive one of a set of electrical contacts 2930, which can be pin-jointed into the retaining feature 2925. Each of the set of electrical contacts 2930 may include an extended crossbeam portion 2935 positioned between a contact 2940 and an anchoring portion 2945. Each contact 2940 is positioned within cavity 2915 such that it can be electrically coupled to the corresponding plug connector contact during mating events.

[0216] The crossbeam portion 2935 allows the tip 2940 of each contact to bend slightly downward during mating events and bias the tip to maintain physical and electrical contact with a contact in the plug connector that aligns with a specific receptacle contact. The anchoring portion 2945 may be a substantially flat plate with one or more cutouts that fits within a slot 2950 of the housing 2905 to secure or anchor the contact in place. The group of electrical contacts 2930 may also include electrical leads 2955 that extend from the interconnecting surface 2820 of the connector assembly 2800 (see...). Figure 28 The interconnect surface 2820 couples the receptacle connector to a printed circuit board or similar substrate. Each contact 2930 in the group of contacts 2930 may also have an alignment portion 2960 adjacent to the anchoring portion 2945 to align the contact structure within a groove 2950 of the housing 2905. In some embodiments, the group of electrical contacts 2930 comprises eight contacts spaced apart from each other along a single row.

[0217] Ground latch 2965 may be formed of conductive metal and inserted into ground groove 2970 of gasket 2920. The ground latch may include first and second spring arms extending along opposite sides of the set of contacts 2930. The first and second spring arms may lock to a retaining feature of the corresponding plug connector to assist in retaining the plug connector within receptacle connector 2800 after a mating event. In other embodiments, ground latch 2965 may be a molded insert within gasket 2920. Gasket 2920, along with the set of contacts 2930 and ground latch 2965, may subsequently be overmolded with a dielectric overmolding portion 2975. The overmolded portion 2975 covers a portion of gasket 2920 and the anchoring portions of each contact in the set of contacts 2930, thereby forming a liquid-impermeable seal to lead 2955 and ground latch 2965 and creating an integrated contact plate 2980. A gasket 2985 may be disposed against the back surface 2910 of the housing 2905, and the contact plate 2980 may subsequently press against the gasket to form a liquid-impermeable assembly. A metal bracket 2805 may include a top bracket 2990a laser-welded to a bottom bracket 2990b. Bracket fingers 2835 may be formed to hold the contact plate 2980 against the housing 2905, thereby making the connector 2800 liquid-impermeable. That is, if liquid were to enter the connector (see...),... Figure 3 If the connector 345 in the middle has a receiving opening, the liquid will not be able to pass through the connector and enter the box 100.

[0218] Wireless earbuds

[0219] Now refer to Figures 30 to 46 To describe and explain the non-blocking earplugs 3000a and 3000b and their manufacturing methods. For example... Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, earbuds 3000a and 3000b can be similar to Figure 1 The earplugs 115a and 115b shown are, however, earplugs 3000a and 3000b may include various other feature structures, including ear sensing and acoustic feature structures as described in more detail below.

[0220] Figure 30 and Figure 31 The non-closed left earbud 3000a is shown separately. Figure 30 ) and non-closed right earbud 3000b ( Figure 31The front and rear perspective views are shown. Generally, non-occluded earbuds are designed not to form an airtight seal between the ear (or ear canal) and the outer surface of the earbud. In contrast, occluded earbuds are generally designed to fit within the user's ear canal and form a substantially airtight seal. Each earbud 3000a, 3000b may include an outer housing 3005 having an ear portion 3010 coupled to a stem 3015. The housing 3005 may have an asymmetrical shape suitable for in-ear retention but does not form an airtight seal with the user's ear or ear canal. The absence of an airtight seal may benefit from an earbud internal volume specially tuned to achieve a desired frequency response (e.g., by specially shaping the volume and / or adding material to the volume). The ear portion 3010 may include a directional sound port 3020 offset relative to the central axis of the earbud. The directional sound port 3020 may be designed to direct sound waves from an internal driver (e.g., a component of the earbud speaker, in...) Figure 30 and Figure 31 (Not shown in the image) is directly guided into the user's ear canal.

[0221] Furthermore, the desired sound performance can be achieved using secondary holes in the earbud within the housing 3005. For example, one or more secondary holes can serve as controlled leakage ports to expose the sound pressure within the earbud to the external ambient environment. In this regard, the secondary holes can be calibrated to modify the acoustic response of the earbud. In this embodiment, earbuds 3000a and 3000b each include a front leakage port 3025 and a multi-port 3030 formed in the ear portion 3010. The multi-port 3030 may include both a rear opening 3035 and a bass port 3040, both of which will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, earbuds according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to have a seamless finish, even when two or more portions are joined together to form components of the earbud.

[0222] The ear portion 3010 of earbuds 3000a and 3000b may also include one or more "in-ear" sensors to assist each earbud 3000a and 3000b in determining whether the earbud is inside the user's ear. In one embodiment, an optical tragus sensor 3045 is configured to sense whether the user's tragus is present or absent, and an optical outer ear sensor 3050 is configured to sense whether the user's outer ear is present or absent. The tragus sensor 3045 and the outer ear sensor 3050 may each use any type of optical sensor, including but not limited to LEDs or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) devices. Other embodiments may include one or more capacitive sensors and / or accelerometers to detect the presence of the user's ear and / or earbud orientation, as described in more detail below. Features that can be detected in the ear include, but are not limited to, determining which of earbuds 3000a and 3000b will be used as a microphone when the user wishes to answer a call and when the user stops using one earbud and begins using the other.

[0223] The distal end 3055 of the stem 3015 of each earbud 3000a, 3000b may include an electronic connector 3060, which is configured to contact a corresponding connector (e.g., a socket connector) of the charging station and / or earbud charging case, said connector being such as... Figures 4A to 8C One structure described in the connector structure. In one specific embodiment, each connector 3060 may include first and second contacts spaced apart from each other in an opposing and symmetrical relationship, such as Figure 6B The partially annular earbud contacts 610 and 615 are shown. Each of the first and second contacts may include an outer periphery flush with the outer surface of the stem and include an arcuate surface or other curved surface that generates a strong wiping motion during a contact engagement event. The electronic connector 3060 can be used to charge the internal battery in each earbud 3000a, 3000b, and in some cases, can also be used to transmit data to and from each earbud. The distal end 3055 may also include a bottom microphone port 3065 (e.g., Figure 6B The bottom microphone port 3065 (shown as microphone hole 635) works in conjunction with the top microphone port 3070 to receive user voice and / or perform noise cancellation.

[0224] Figure 32 and Figure 33 Partial cross-sections of earbuds 3000a and 3000b are shown. Figure 32As shown, earbuds 3000a and 3000b include a driver 3205, an acoustic insert 3220, a flexible circuit 3225, an antenna 3330, a rechargeable battery 3335, and an electronic connector 3060. The driver 3205 is located within the ear canal 3010 and defines a front sound volume 3210 in front of the driver and a rear sound volume 3215 behind the driver. The driver 3205 may include an electromagnetic voice coil, a driver magnet, and a speaker diaphragm (in...). Figure 32 (Not shown in the image). The acoustic insert 3220 is positioned behind the driver 3205 and attached to the housing 3005, as described in more detail below. The earpiece 3010 also includes a folded portion of flexible circuitry 3225, which may contain one or more sensors, controllers, and numerous other circuits for operating the earpieces 3000a and 3000b. Flexible circuitry 3225 may include flexible portions as well as non-flexible portions, such as multilayer epoxy and glass composite circuit boards, and may further couple numerous electronic systems of the earpieces 3000a and 3000b together, as described in more detail below.

[0225] The stem 3015 of the earbuds 3000a and 3000b may include an antenna 3330, a rechargeable battery 3335, and an electronic connector 3060. A portion of the flexible circuit 3225 may extend downward and be electrically connected to the electronic connector 3060.

[0226] like Figure 33 As shown, earbuds 3000a and 3000b include several internal sensors. Figure 33 For clarity, some internal components of earplugs 3000a and 3000b have been removed. The ear portion 3010 may include a tragus sensor 3045, an optical outer ear sensor 3050, and an accelerometer 3315, which work together to determine whether earplugs 3000a and 3000b are in the user's ear. Flexible circuit 3225 (see...) Figure 32 It can be used to electrically couple all these devices together.

[0227] Foldable flexible circuit

[0228] Figure 34 and Figure 35 A simplified view of the flexible circuit 3225 is shown. (For example...) Figure 34 As shown, the flexible circuit 3225 is illustrated in a planar pattern. Figure 35 It is shown that it is installed in such Figure 32 The flexible circuit 3225 shown in the earbuds 3000a and 3000b is folded up. Now, referring to... Figure 34 and Figure 35This describes the various parts of the flexible circuit 3225. The outer ear portion 3405 can be used to connect to and communicate with the optical outer ear sensor 3050 (see...). Figure 33 To achieve this purpose, the outer ear portion 3405 may include one or more electrical terminals that can be coupled to the contact optical outer ear sensor 3050.

[0229] The processor section 3410 may include one or more central processing units, controllers, and passive components. The processor section 3410 may be a rigid portion of the flexible circuit 3225 and may include multiple stacked wiring layers. In one embodiment, the processor section may have four, six, eight, or ten wiring layers.

[0230] Accelerometer portion 3415 may include one or more accelerometers to help detect the position and / or orientation of the earbud; to help function as a microphone, which can be used to reduce wind noise; and to function as a user input device, recognizing tags or sequences touched on the earbud housing. Top microphone portion 3420 may be used to connect to a top microphone and communicate with the top microphone via one or more electrical terminals. Tragus sensor portion 3430 may be used to connect to an optical tragus sensor 3045 and communicate with the optical tragus sensor 3045 via one or more 3430s formed within the portion (see...). Figure 33 The bottom microphone portion 3435 can be used to connect to the bottom microphone and communicate with the bottom microphone through one or more terminals formed within the portion 3435.

[0231] Each flexible section 3440 is flexible enough to allow the flexible circuit 3225 to be folded, such as... Figure 35 As shown. Furthermore, each flexible portion 3440 may include one or more electrical lines that define routes for electrical signals between different components of the flexible circuit 3225. The flexible portion 3440 between the outer ear portion 3405 and the processor portion 3410 may include one or more electrical lines that travel between the outer ear portion terminal and the processor. Similarly, the flexible portion 3440 between the bottom microphone portions 3435 may include one or more electrical lines that travel between the bottom microphone terminal and the processor.

[0232] Earplug connector

[0233] Figures 36-41 Several embodiments of the earbud connector are described, which can be used on the distal end of the stem of each earbud, such as... Figure 30 Connector 3060 in the example. (e.g.) Figure 36As shown, connector 3600 can be attached to the distal end 3055 of earbuds 3000a and 3000b and is used to couple charging and data signals to the earbuds. Connector 3600 can mate with a socket connector, which can be disposed in a case or base, such as... Figures 4A-8C The socket connector disclosed in the document.

[0234] Connector 3600 is shown Figure 36 The connector 3600 is in a partially assembled state prior to the distal end 3055 of the stem connected to earbuds 3000a and 3000b. In this embodiment, the connector 3600 includes an inner circular metal contact 3610 and an outer circular metal contact 3615, wherein a dielectric ring 3620 separates the two contacts. In various embodiments, the inner circular contact 3610 may have a hole 3613 therein, which can be used for the socket connector contact surface and for a microphone hole. In some embodiments, the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615 may be separately manufactured components and may be made of a metal or alloy, which may have one or more layers of plating, as described in more detail below. In various embodiments, the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615 may be made of copper or a copper-based alloy, such as, but not limited to, C5212 phosphor bronze. In some embodiments, the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615 may be individually machined, cast, or metal injection molded. In further embodiments, they may be made of conductive plastic or of insulating plastic plated with one or more metals or alloys.

[0235] like Figure 37 As shown, connector 3600 includes an inner circular contact 3610 and an outer circular contact 3615, which can be manufactured as separate components. In one example, the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615 include one or more ridges 3625 to increase the retaining force to the dielectric ring 3620. To electrically couple the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615 to earpieces 3000a, 3000b, each contact can include a coupling tag. More specifically, the inner circular contact 3610 can have a first coupling tag 3630 for connection to a portion of the flexible circuitry 3225 (see...). Figures 34-36 In some implementations, the first coupling tag 3630 is soldered to a metal pad 3635 on the flexible circuit 3225 (see...). Figure 36 However, in other embodiments, it can be bonded to conductive epoxy resin or by other methods. The outer circular contact 3615 may have a second coupling tag 3640 for connection to a portion of the flexible circuit 3225, similar to the method mentioned above.

[0236] As described above, the outer circular contact 3615 may have an arcuate cross-section to facilitate wiping the mating contacts for reliable interconnect receptacle connectors. The inner circular contact 3610 may also have an arcuate or beveled cross-section to facilitate contact wiping with the receptacle connector. In some embodiments, the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615 may be plated with one or more metals to prevent oxidation of the contact surfaces and reduce interconnect resistance. In further embodiments, electroplating may be used to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as described in more detail below.

[0237] In various embodiments, the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615 may be plated with a layer of nickel first, and then with a final layer of gold. In some embodiments, the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615 may be plated with a first layer of copper with a thickness between 3 and 5 micrometers, followed by a layer of gold with a thickness between 0.5 and 0.7 micrometers, then a layer of gold with a thickness between 0.1 and 0.2 micrometers, then a layer of palladium with a thickness between 0.5 and 0.8 micrometers, then a layer of gold with a thickness between 0.1 and 0.2 micrometers, and finally a binary alloy layer with a thickness between 0.7 and 1 micrometer, the binary alloy layer comprising a first element and a second element.

[0238] In some embodiments, the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615 may be plated with a first copper layer with a thickness between 3 and 4.5 micrometers, followed by a gold layer with a thickness between 0.5 and 0.9 micrometers, then a palladium layer with a thickness between 0.5 and 0.8 micrometers, then a gold layer with a thickness between 0.1 and 0.2 micrometers, and finally a binary alloy layer with a thickness between 0.65 and 1 micrometer, the binary alloy layer comprising a first element and a second element.

[0239] In these and other embodiments of the invention, the first element of the binary alloy layer may be an element from a first group, which consists of platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, and rhodium. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the first element may be rhodium.

[0240] In these and other embodiments of the invention, the second element of the binary alloy layer may be an element from a second group, the first group consisting of platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the second element may be ruthenium.

[0241] In these and other embodiments of the invention, the first element may comprise about 85% by weight of a binary alloy, and the first element may comprise about 15% by weight of a binary alloy. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the first element may comprise about 90% by weight of a binary alloy, and the first element may comprise about 10% by weight of a binary alloy. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the first element may comprise about 95% by weight of a binary alloy, and the first element may comprise about 5% by weight of a binary alloy. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the first element may comprise about 99% by weight of a binary alloy, and the first element may comprise about 1% by weight of a binary alloy. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the first element may comprise more than or about 99.5% by weight of a binary alloy, and the first element may comprise less than or about 0.5% by weight of a binary alloy.

[0242] In some embodiments, the combination of rhodium and ruthenium used in the binary alloy can be used to prevent oxidation of the contact surfaces while providing an aesthetically pleasing gray or silver appearance. Other combinations and compositions of electroplating are within the scope of this disclosure. In a further embodiment, the first coupling label 3630 and the second coupling label 3640 can be masked before the final layer of binary alloy, leaving them with a gold surface for improved solderability.

[0243] After the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615 are plated, they can be inserted to form a shape such as Figure 38 The connector 3600 is shown. A dielectric ring 3620 may be molded between and around portions of the inner circular contact 3610 and the outer circular contact 3615, and may be used to form one or more accessory labels 3655 to facilitate connection of the connector 3600 to earpieces 3000a, 3000b, as shown. Figure 36 As shown in the image.

[0244] Now refer to Figure 39 and Figure 40 This illustrates a perspective view of connector 3900. (As shown...) Figure 39 and Figure 40 As shown, connector 3900 and Figure 36 The connector 3600 shown is similar, but connector 3900 includes two semi-circular contacts instead of circular inner and outer contacts. The end view of connector 3900 is similar. Figure 6BThe diagram shows an end view of connector 605. Connector 3900 includes a first semicircular contact 3910 and a second semicircular contact 3915, wherein a dielectric ring 3920 separates the two contacts. The first semicircular contact 3910 and the second semicircular contact 3915 can be separated in a mutually opposing and symmetrical relationship. In various embodiments, the first semicircular contact 3910 and the second semicircular contact 3915 can each have a hole 3913 formed between them, which can be used for both the contact surface of the receptacle connector and the hole for a microphone. The first semicircular contact 3910 and the second semicircular contact 3915 can be manufactured and plated using the same methods described above with respect to connector 3600.

[0245] To electrically couple the first semicircular contact 3910 and the second semicircular contact 3915 to earpieces 3000a and 3000b, respectively, each of them may include a coupling label similar to connector 3600. More specifically, the first semicircular contact 3910 may have a first coupling label 3930 (see [link to connector 3600]) for connection to the flexible circuit 3225. Figures 34-36 The second semi-circular contact 3915 may have a second coupling tag 3940 for connection to a portion of the flexible circuit 3225, similar to the method mentioned above.

[0246] After the first semicircular contact 3910 and the second semicircular contact 3915 are plated respectively, they can be inserted and molded to form a shape such as Figure 40 The connector 3900 is shown. A dielectric layer 3920 may be molded between and around portions of the first semi-circular contact 3910 and the second semi-circular contact 3915, respectively, and may be used to form one or more accessory labels 3955 to facilitate connection of the connector 3900 to earpieces 3000a,b, as shown. Figure 36 As shown in the image.

[0247] Capacitive sensor insert

[0248] Figure 41 A simplified perspective view of the earbud 4100 is shown. (See attached image.) Figure 41 As shown, the earbud 4100 includes a housing 4105 and a capacitive sensor insert 4110 that senses a user's touch on the outer surface 4115 of the housing. The capacitive sensor insert 4110 has a sensor circuit 4120 that can form one or more capacitive sensors, as explained in detail below. For example, the sensor circuit 4120 can form a first capacitive sensor in region 4125 on the outer surface 4115 of the housing 4105, which can be used to detect touch of the user's ear for in-ear sensing, and can form a second capacitive sensor in region 4130, which can be used to detect touch of the user's finger to answer a phone call or perform any other function.

[0249] Figure 42 A simplified cross-sectional view of the earbud housing 4104 is shown. Figure 42 As shown, the housing 4105 includes a capacitive sensor insert 4110 positioned within a cavity 4205 defined by the housing. The cavity may also accommodate one or more other components of the earbuds 3000a,b. The earbud housing 4105 has at least one touch-sensing area 4125, 4130 on its outer surface 4115, formed by the capacitive sensor insert 4110. The housing 4105 has an inner surface 4210 within the cavity 4205, opposite to the outer surface 4115. The capacitive sensor insert 4110 has a first surface 4215 with a metallized sensor circuit 4120 (see...). Figure 41 The capacitive sensor insert 4110 is located near the inner surface 4210 of the housing 4105. The capacitive sensor insert 4110 has a second surface 4220 opposite to the first surface 4215.

[0250] Figure 43 and Figure 44 Simplified plan views of capacitive sensor inserts 4300 and 4400 are shown respectively. Figure 43 and Figure 44 As shown, different types of circuits can be used to form capacitive sensors, for example in Figure 43 Self-capacitance circuits can be used in [the context of this]. Figure 44 Mutual capacitance sensor circuits can be used in this process.

[0251] Now refer to Figure 43 This illustrates a plan view of the sensor insert 4300. (See attached image.) Figure 43 As shown, the sensor insert 4300 has a self-capacitance sensor circuit 4305 that senses the user's contact with the outer surface 4115 of the housing 4105 (see Figure 4305). Figure 42 The user's touch loads the self-capacitance circuitry and / or increases its parasitic capacitance to ground, which is interpreted by the sensor insert 4300 and communicated to the earphone processor. The sensor circuitry 4305 may have one or more interconnect regions 4310, such as solder pads or plated vias, which allows it to be coupled to the earphone processor having one or more conductors.

[0252] In one embodiment, the sensor insert 4300 may be formed of plastic comprising metal particles. A laser can then be applied to a laser-activated region 4315 on a first surface 4320 of the sensor insert 4300, corresponding to the desired location of the sensor circuitry 4305. The laser-activated region can then be metallized in an electroplating bath. In one example, a metal circuit can be plated onto the activated region to form the sensor circuitry 4305. This method can be laser direct forming as known in the art. Other methods can be used to form the sensor insert 4300 without departing from this disclosure. For example, in another embodiment, a flexible circuit can be attached to the first surface 4320 of the sensor insert and used as the sensor circuitry. In another example, the first surface 4320 can be fully electroplated and etched using photosensitive imaging ink.

[0253] In a further embodiment, the sensor insert 4300 may have one or more sound holes 4325, allowing sound to pass through and aligning with the sound port of the earpiece. In some embodiments, the insert 4300 may be formed in a hemispherical or other shape to fit snugly to the shape of the outer earpiece housing. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sensor circuitry 4305 may completely or partially surround the sound holes.

[0254] Now refer to Figure 44 This illustrates a plan view of the sensor insert 4400. (See attached image.) Figure 44 As shown, the sensor insert 4400 has a mutual capacitance sensor circuit 4405 that senses the user's contact with the outer surface 4115 of the housing 4105 (see Figure 4405). Figure 42 The user's touch changes the mutual coupling between the row and column electrodes 4410, which is scanned and communicated to the earphone processor in sequence. A sensor circuit 4105 is formed on a first surface of the sensor insert 4400, and the sensor circuit 4105 may have one or more interconnect regions 4415, such as solder pads or plated vias, which allows it to be coupled to the earphone processor having one or more conductors.

[0255] As mentioned above Figure 43 As described in the sensor insert 4300, the sensor insert 4400 can be manufactured in the same manner, and the sensor insert 4400 can have similar features and functions. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sensor insert 4400 may include one or more sound holes 4425 allowing sound to pass through the sensor circuitry 4305, and at least some portions of the sensor circuitry 4405 may completely or partially surround the sound holes. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sensor insert 4400 may be formed in a hemispherical or other shape to closely match the shape of the outer earphone housing.

[0256] Acoustic inserts

[0257] Figure 45A A simplified rear view of the 3000a earbuds is shown. (See attached image.) Figure 45A As shown, the earbud 3000a includes an acoustic insert 4505 (shown as a dashed line in the housing 3005 and a solid line outside the housing), which can be used to provide an opening for a driver (e.g., a speaker) in the earbud 3000a. More specifically, the acoustic insert 4505 can be used to help form a bass port 3040 and a rear opening 3035, which combine to form a multi-port 3030. In some embodiments, certain features of the acoustic insert 4505 can help form an acoustic opening in a relatively small and enclosed area (e.g., the earbud housing).

[0258] The 3000a earbuds may have multiple sound holes, some of which are shown in Figure 30 In addition to the bass port 3040, rear opening 3035, and multi-port 3030, each earbud may also have a directional sound port 3020 and a front vent port 3025. These ports provide openings for the driver, provide sound to the user, and can help adjust the frequency response of the earbud 3000a. More specifically, each port is not merely a random opening, but can be intentionally formed for a specific purpose, i.e., to alter the frequency response of the earbud 3000a in a way that helps tune the frequency response and / or provides a consistent low-frequency response among the same and different users. Each port may include various grids (e.g., directional sound port grid, front vent port grid, rear opening grid, bass port grid, and multi-port grid), as shown, which cover or are suitable for placement within the corresponding port of the earbud 3000a.

[0259] Figure 45B A simplified side view of the earbud 3000a with acoustic insert 4505 is shown. (See attached image.) Figure 45B As shown, the acoustic insert 4505 and the driver 4570 are housed within the housing 3005 (shown in dashed lines). Now refer to... Figure 45A and Figure 45B The function of the acoustic insert 4505 is described in more detail below. The driver 4570 can be positioned within the cavity 4510 of the housing 3005, forming a front volume 4515 in front of the driver and a rear volume 4520 behind the driver. The driver 4570 can be positioned such that the front volume 4515 and the rear volume 4520 are acoustically isolated. The front volume 4515 and the rear volume 4520 can be formed, at least partially, within the cavity 4510 through the housing 3005, and the size and shape of the front volume 4515 and the rear volume 4520 are designed to achieve the desired frequency response of the earpiece.

[0260] In some embodiments, portions of the acoustic insert 4505 are formed to closely mate with the contours of the inner surface 4525 of the housing 3005. More specifically, raised regions 4530 of the acoustic insert 4505 may be formed to securely engage with the inner surface 4525, thereby forming a bass port channel 4527 and a multi-port chamber 4507, which are soundproof. That is, the bass port channel 4527 may be formed by the first wall 4535, the second wall 4540, and the third wall 4545 of the bass port recess and a fourth wall formed by the inner surface 4525 of the housing 3005, respectively. Similarly, the raised regions 4530 may be sealed to the inner surface 4525 to form the soundproof multi-port chamber 4507.

[0261] The bass port channel 4527 may have an inlet port 4555 communicating with the rear volume 4520. A route from the inlet port 4555 to the outlet port 4560, formed within the multi-port chamber 4507, may be defined for the bass port channel 4527, opening the multi-port chamber 4507 to the environment. A route to the multi-port chamber 4507 may also be defined for the rear opening 3035, providing an opening from the rear volume 4520 through the rear opening 4565 of the acoustic insert 4505 to the multi-port chamber 4507. The dimensions and shapes of the bass port channel 4527 and the rear opening 4565 are intentionally formed for a specific purpose, namely, to alter the frequency response of the earphone 3000a in a manner that facilitates tuning the frequency response and / or provides a consistent low-frequency response among the same and different users.

[0262] The housing 3005 can function as a housing for the remaining components of the earbud adapter and can be formed in any suitable manner and made of any suitable material. For example, in one embodiment, the housing 3005 is made of molded plastic. Similarly, the acoustic insert 4505 can be made of any suitable material, including molded plastic.

[0263] Numerous methods can be used to attach the raised region 4530 of the acoustic insert to the inner surface 4525 of the housing 3005. In one embodiment, the housing 3005 may be made of ABS plastic, which is substantially transparent or at least translucent for laser wavelengths. Figure 46 (Step 4605). The acoustic insert 4505 may be made of plastic, which is opaque or at least mostly opaque to the same laser. Figure 46 (Step 4610). The acoustic insert 4505 can be placed within the cavity 4510 of the housing 3005, so that the raised area 4530 is flush with the inner surface 4525. Figure 46(Step 4615). Then, the laser beam from the laser is guided through the housing 3005, so that the laser beam strikes the raised areas 4530, melting at least a portion of the raised areas and bonding them to the inner surface 4525 of the housing 3005. Figure 46 (Step 4620).

[0264] In some embodiments, to guide the laser through the housing 3005, the housing 3005 may use a relatively low amount of pigment (the pigment is transparent to the laser) or other features to allow the laser to transmit sufficient energy through the housing to melt at least a portion of the raised region 4530. The acoustic insert 4505 may be made of plastic containing absorbent dopants (such as carbon) so that it absorbs laser energy. In one embodiment, a laser system similar to a laser direct-forming laser may be used to perform the laser bonding operation. In other embodiments, the raised region 4530 may be bonded to the inner surface 4525 using other methods, such as, but not limited to, pressure-sensitive adhesives, thermally activated films, or laser-activated adhesives.

[0265] Wireless pairing

[0266] Figures 47-49 A wireless pairing system 4700 is illustrated, comprising a pair of wireless earbuds 4710 (e.g., a pair of wireless ear tips) that can wirelessly pair with a host device 4715 (e.g., a computer, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, etc.), wherein the pairing is initiated by an intermediate device 4705 (e.g., the earbud case). The intermediate device 4705 can, in response to user input, instruct the wireless earbuds 4710 to enter a pairing sequence with the host device 4715. User input can initiate events for the user, such as opening the earbud case lid 4720 or pressing an input button 4725. In some embodiments, the earbuds 4710 can receive pairing commands via a wired connection between the intermediate device 4705 and the wireless earbuds 4710 (e.g., through a pair of wireless ear tips and mating electrical contacts in the earbud case). In other embodiments, the intermediate device 4705 may include a wireless device that transmits commands to a wireless device within the wireless earbuds 4710. Upon receiving a pairing command, the earbuds 4710 can transmit the commands via a wireless communication protocol supporting bidirectional data transmission (e.g., via...). Initiate a pairing sequence to host device 4715.

[0267] In some cases, the headphones 4710 are a pair of wireless earbuds, and only one earbud in the pair (i.e., the primary earbud) is paired with the accompanying host device 4715. In such cases, the primary earbud is communicatively coupled to the other earbud (the secondary earbud), such that audio data received by the primary wireless earbud from the host device 4715 can be shared with the communicatively coupled secondary wireless earbud.

[0268] In some implementations, the headset 4710 does not include a user input mechanism, such as a button that a user can press to initiate pairing between the headset and the host device 4715, and wireless pairing between the intermediate device 4705 and the host device 4715 can be initiated only via the intermediate device 4705 (e.g., in response to user input such as opening the case lid or pressing an input button or other suitable device on the case) or via the host device 4715.

[0269] Figure 48 A wireless pairing system 4800 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising: Figure 47 The intermediate device 4705, earphone 4710, and host device 4715 are shown. Although Figure 48 Simplified block diagrams of intermediate device 4705, wireless headset 4710, and host device 4715 are shown, but it should be understood that the various devices shown may include, but are not limited to, intermediate devices 4705, wireless headset 4710, and host device 4715. Figure 48 Functions and features other than those shown. For example, although not in Figure 48 As shown, but the intermediate device 4705, the wireless headset 4710 and the host device 4715 may each include a battery, such as a rechargeable battery, that supplies power to various components of each device.

[0270] In some implementations, the host device 4715 may be an electronic device or a portable media player, such as an iPod manufactured and sold by the assignee of this application, Apple Inc. TM Media player. Generally, a media player can be any device capable of storing and playing media assets, including but not limited to audio, video, and / or still images. Alternatively, host device 4715 can be a mobile phone (e.g., using conventional cellular communication technology), a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a multi-functional device combining the functions of a media player, mobile phone, and / or PDA, such as the iPhone manufactured and sold by Apple, Inc. TM Mobile devices. Host device 4715 can also be a general-purpose computer, such as a handheld computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, etc.

[0271] The host device 4715 includes a processor 4820, a memory 4825, a user interface 4830, a first wireless transceiver 4835 (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver), a second wireless transceiver 4840 (e.g., a cellular transceiver), and a wired input / output 4845. The processor 4820, which can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, is capable of controlling the operation of the host device 4715. For example, in response to user input signals provided by a user through the user interface 4830, the processor 4820 can initiate programs to search, list, or play media assets stored in the memory 4825. When communicating with the cellular transceiver 4840, the processor 4820 can control telephone dialing and answering. The second transceiver 4840 can also be used for data communication with a network (including network storage device 4815). The first transceiver 4835 can also be used to support short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication) between the host device 4715 and various accessory devices (including headset 4710). The memory 4825 can store any information, including Bluetooth pairing information, which will be described in more detail below. The wired input / output 4845 can support any wired connection, such as the USB protocol or proprietary protocols (such as those provided by Apple Lightning). TM (Connector usage).

[0272] The wireless headset 4710 can be a traditional headphone worn on a user's head, a headset (a combination of headphones and a microphone), earbuds (tiny earpieces designed to fit directly into a user's ear), or any other portable listening device. In some embodiments, the wireless headset 4710 includes a processor 4850, wired input / output 4855, memory 4860, and a wireless transceiver 4865 (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver).

[0273] A processor 4850, which can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, can control the operation of the headset 4710. A wired input / output 4855 can be any wired connection between the intermediate device 4705 and the wireless headset 4710, including proprietary interconnects. In one example, the wired input / output 4855 is an electrical connector, such as connector 347 (see [link to connector 4850]). Figure 3 )or Figure 4A-8C Any connector shown provides a direct electrical connection between the wireless earphone 4710 and the intermediate device 4705 when the earphone is mated with an intermediate device (e.g., stored in a case). A wired input / output 4855 can be used to charge the wireless earphone 4710 and / or to communicate data with the intermediate device 4705. In one example, the wired input / output 4855 of the earphone 4710 can be used to receive a signal from the wired input / output 4875 of the intermediate device 4705 to initiate a pairing sequence for the earphone, as will be described in more detail below.

[0274] Wireless transceiver 4865 can be used to support short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication) between headset 4710 and various host devices (including host device 4715). In one embodiment, intermediate device 4705 may also be equipped with a wireless transceiver (not shown; e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver) capable of wirelessly communicating with wireless transceiver 4865. Once a wireless communication channel is established between headset 4710 and host device 4715, wireless transceiver 4865 enables headset 4710 to wirelessly communicate with host device 4715. For example, headset 4710 and host device 4715 may each be equipped with... The technology includes a suitable short-range transceiver unit. In some implementations, conventional techniques, such as manually entering a password (or PIN code) associated with the headset 4710 into the host device 4715, can be used to establish communication between the host device 4715 and the headset 4710. Pairing. In other implementations, pairing can be automatically established as described below. pair.

[0275] Memory 4860 may store firmware for operating headset 4710 and data for coupling with other wireless earbuds and for pairing headset 4710 with a partner host device. For example, memory 4860 may store connection history of partner host devices (such as host device 4715) with which headset 4710 has previously been paired. The connection history may include data for automatically pairing headset 4710 with a partner host device without requiring configuration of the connection between headset and partner host device (e.g., entering a password, exchanging a shared key, etc.). For example, the connection history may include one or more link keys (e.g., Bluetooth link keys) for connecting to a wireless network. Memory 4860 may also store a MAC address that uniquely identifies headset 4710, and the MAC address of a partner headset previously coupled to wireless earbud 165. For example, in one embodiment, headset 4710 is a wireless earbud, and memory 4860 may store the MAC address of a partner earbud.

[0276] In another example, once the headset 4710 is paired with the host device 4715, the host device can save the relevant pairing information from the headset 4710 to a network storage system 4815, such as cloud storage. In one implementation, the relevant pairing information stored in the network storage device 4815 can then be used by other host devices for pre-pairing with the wireless headset 4710. As an illustrative example, in one implementation, the wireless headset is initially paired with an iPhone. The iPhone sends pairing information to the user's iTunes or iCloud account stored on a remote network (e.g., in iCloud) independent of the host device 4715. The wireless headset will then be listed on the user's iTunes or iCloud account as an authorized wireless device for that account. For example, the user's iCloud account may include a first list of host devices (one or more smartphones, one or more tablets, and one or more laptops), including the host device 4715, which are automatically authorized to pair with one or more wireless headsets (including the wireless headset 4710) that have been added to the account, for example, based on previous device authorization and / or authentication of the iCloud account. Users can then switch to their iPad, which can automatically pair with the headphones based on an approved pairing list in the user's iCloud account, without having to initiate a separate pairing sequence between the headphones 4710 and the iPad. This feature can be used to pre-authorize multiple host devices and enable multiple host devices to pair automatically.

[0277] In some embodiments, the intermediate device 4705 may be a headset 4710, a docking station, or a box for another type of accessory or electronic device. In some embodiments, the intermediate device 4705 includes a processor 4870, a wired input / output 4875, a user input device 4880, and a memory 4885.

[0278] A processor 4870, which can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, can control the operation of an intermediate device 4705 by executing computer instructions stored in a computer-readable memory or medium (such as memory 4885). For example, instructions stored in memory 4885 can cause the processor 4870 to send instructions to the headset 4710 (e.g., via wired I / O interface 4875 or through a wireless channel between the intermediate device 4705 and the wireless headset 4710) in response to a user input signal provided by user input device 4880, to enter a sequence for pairing with a host device. Wired input / output 4875 can be any wired connection between the intermediate device 4705 and the wireless headset 4710, including proprietary interconnects. In one example, wired input / output 4875 is an electrical connector 347 between earbud pairs 115a, 115b and housing 100 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 Part of, and can be Figure 4A-8CAny connector shown. The wired input / output 4855 can be used for charging and / or data transfer. In various embodiments, the wired input / output 4855 can be used to transmit signals to the headset 4710 to initiate a pairing sequence, as will be described in more detail below.

[0279] User input device 4880 can be any user-operable device. In one embodiment, user input device 4880 is a cover sensor, such as cover sensor 220 (see [link]). Figure 2 The intermediate device 4705 detects the opening or closing of its cover. In one example, an opening event is detected, and the processor 4870 sends a signal via the intermediate device's wired input / output 4875 to the headset's wired input / output 4855, and then to the headset 4710's processor 4850, thereby initiating a pairing sequence and / or activating the Bluetooth transceiver 4865. In another example, the wireless headset 4710 has never been paired before, and the headset 4710 enters a pairing sequence. In yet another example, the headset 4710 has been paired before, and the headset 4710 activates the Bluetooth transceiver 4865, but does not initiate a pairing sequence. In one embodiment, the intermediate device 4705 may include one or more indicator lights to notify the user that a pairing signal has been sent to the headset 4710.

[0280] Figure 49 Method 4900 is described, in which an intermediate device (e.g., intermediate device 4705) initiates wireless pairing between a host device (e.g., host device 4715) and a pair of wireless earphones (e.g., wireless earphones 4710). Figure 49 The method illustrated can be performed by, for example, a processor within an intermediate device that executes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable memory (e.g., processor 4870 executes instructions stored in computer-readable memory 4885). In step 4905, the intermediate device receives user input. In some embodiments, the intermediate device is a case for a pair of headphones or a pair of earbuds. In various embodiments, user input can be opening the case lid, pressing a button on the case, or performing any other action on the case such that the case is registered as user input indicating an intention to initiate a pairing sequence. In a particular example, when the user opens the case lid, a lid sensor sends a signal to processor 4870, thereby notifying the processor that the lid is open.

[0281] In step 4910, in response to receiving user input, the intermediate device determines whether the earphones are connected to the intermediate device. For example, in some embodiments, the intermediate device is an earphone case, and the wireless earphone pair is a pair of wireless earphones adapted into the earphone receiver cavity of the case. The earphone case may include one or more earphone detectors as described above, which can generate a signal indicating whether the earphones are stored in the case as described above and can determine whether the earphones are stored in the case as described above, and then provide a signal to the processor indicating whether the earphones are stored in the case. As a particular example, the earphone case may determine whether the earphones are stored in the case based on whether one or more electrical contacts on the earphones are electrically connected to one or more electrical contacts inside the case. In another embodiment, the intermediate device is a docking station coupled to the earphones using a mating connector. In some embodiments, if the earphones are not connected to the intermediate device, the intermediate device does not take any action (step 4912), while if the earphones are connected to the intermediate device, the method proceeds to step 4915. In other embodiments, step 4910 is optional, and the intermediate device continues to step 4915 regardless of the situation. However, in such implementations, if the headset is not communicatively coupled to the intermediate device, the headset will not be able to receive the instructions generated in step 4915, and therefore the final result of method 4900 in such cases will be "no action taken" (step 4912).

[0282] In step 4915, in response to the intermediate device determining that the earphones are connected to the intermediate device, the intermediate device transmits an "Initiate Pairing" command or signal to the earphones. In one embodiment, the intermediate device transmits the "Initiate Pairing" signal via a charging connection between the earphones and the intermediate device. In another embodiment, the intermediate device may wirelessly transmit the signal to the earphones. In one example, different user inputs cause the intermediate device to transmit different "Initiate Pairing" signals to the earphones, which can be distinguished by the earphones. As an example, the intermediate device is a case for a pair of earbuds. When the case is opened, the case can transmit a command to the earbuds to automatically pair with a known and previously paired host device. If the input button is pressed before or after opening the case, the case can transmit a command to the earbuds to enter discovery mode instead of automatic pairing mode. Discovery mode then enables the earbuds to selectively pair with different host devices by the user using a standard pairing sequence. In some embodiments, as described above, step 4910 is optional, and the intermediate device transmits an "Initiate Pairing" request signal to the earphones without attempting to determine if the earphones are connected, but will not receive the signal if the earphones are not connected.

[0283] In step 4920, the earphone receives a "pairing initiate" signal from the intermediate device via an electrical connector or a wireless connection.

[0284] In step 4925, in response to receiving the "Initiate Pairing" signal, the earphone determines whether a pairing sequence should be initiated. In one embodiment, the earphone checks its internal pairing memory and determines whether this is the first pairing or a subsequent pairing. If it is the first pairing, the earphone processor can determine what type of user input has been received, thereby determining whether pairing should be initiated. For example, for the first pairing (e.g., the earphone's pairing memory is empty), pairing can be initiated if the user opens the case, but not if the user presses a button. However, if it is a subsequent pairing (e.g., the earphone's pairing memory has at least one registry), pairing is not initiated if the user opens the case, but is initiated if the user presses a button. These are merely examples; other logical sequences are also within the scope of this invention.

[0285] In yet another example, the headset will only pair with a host device within a predetermined proximity range. In one example, the headset will only pair with a host electronic device within 10 meters, while in another embodiment it must be within 5 meters, in yet another embodiment it must be within 3 meters, and in yet another embodiment it must be within 1 meter. The maximum proximity pairing distance between the headset and the host device can be set at the headset or at the host device.

[0286] In some implementations, the distance can be controlled by the headphones through the strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the headphones to the host device. For example, the headphones may propagate a pairing signal at a predetermined reduced power level to ensure that the electronic device is within the desired proximity. In one implementation, the headphones may propagate a pairing signal at 80% or less of its normal propagation power (i.e., its normal signal strength). In another implementation, the pairing signal may be 50% or less of the normal signal strength, and in yet another implementation, it may be 25% or less of the normal signal strength.

[0287] In some implementations, the distance can be controlled by the host electronics based on the strength of the signal received from the earpiece. For example, in some implementations, the host electronics will only accept a wireless pairing request from the first device if the strength of the wireless signal transmitting the pairing request is higher than a predetermined threshold, which is higher than the minimum signal strength required for normal wireless communication between the first and second devices. In one implementation, the predetermined threshold is 200% higher than the normal minimum signal strength required for wireless communication between the earpiece and the host device. In another implementation, the predetermined threshold is 150% higher than the normal minimum signal strength, and in a further implementation, it may be 100% or 50% higher than the normal minimum signal strength.

[0288] Regardless of the method used, if the host electronic device is not sufficiently close to the earphone, the earphone will not accept (or will not receive) the pairing request and will not take any further action to achieve pairing (step 4927). However, if the required conditions are met, the method proceeds to step 4930.

[0289] In step 4930, in response to the headset determining that a pairing sequence should be initiated (or continued), the headset uses a wireless protocol common to both the headset and the host device to transmit a wireless pairing signal. In some embodiments, this may be a standardized reproduction of a Bluetooth signal, which may be stopped after a predetermined period if no response is received. In other embodiments, other known wireless protocols may be used.

[0290] In step 4935, in response to receiving a pairing signal, the host device verifies and pairs the headset. In one example, the host device prompts the user, asking if pairing should be performed before pairing the headset. If the user accepts, the host device sends data to the headset and performs headset authentication.

[0291] In some cases, the case of a pair of wireless earbuds according to the invention can automatically open the wireless device of the earbuds when the user opens the lid of the case containing the earbuds, before initiating a wireless pairing sequence between a pair of wireless earbuds and the host device. Figure 50 Method 5000 is shown, in which an earbud case (e.g., intermediate device 4705) opens the wireless device of a pair of earbuds (e.g., wireless headphones 4710), which are stored in a case according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 50 As shown, method 5000 can begin when intermediate device 4705 detects that cover 4720 has moved from closed position to open position (step 5005).

[0292] If the earbuds are not in the case, no action is taken (step 5020). If the wireless earbuds 4710 are in the case (step 5010), the case can generate and send instructions to the earbuds, causing them to turn on their wireless devices. In some embodiments, the instructions can be sent via one or more electrical contacts located within the receiving cavity as described above. Once the earbuds turn on their wireless devices, they can be further instructed to initiate a pairing sequence with the host device. In some embodiments, single-user interaction with the case (e.g., opening the cover 4720 or pressing button 4725) can generate instructions that are sent to the earbuds, thereby turning on the earbud wireless devices and initiating a pairing sequence, such as for... Figure 49 As described above. In some embodiments, a single instruction from intermediate device 4705 can initiate both actions, and in other embodiments, the box can send multiple instructions in response to a single event.

[0293] In other implementations, such as for Figure 51 The closing of the case 4720 automatically shuts off the wireless device in the earbuds, as illustrated in the figure, which shows a method 5100 according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 51 As shown, method 5100 can begin when intermediate device 4705 detects that cover 4720 has moved from the open position to the closed position (step 5105). If the earbuds are not in the case, no action is taken (step 5120). If the wireless earbuds 4710 are in the case (step 5110), the case can generate an instruction and send it to the earbuds, causing the earbuds to turn off their wireless devices, thereby conserving power from the batteries inside the earbuds.

[0294] While the various embodiments and implementations described above primarily focus on earplugs and cases for storing such earplugs, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the inventive technology described above is also applicable to headphones and other listening devices and cases for such devices. For example, in one embodiment, Figure 1 The case 100 described herein may be a case for a pair of headphones rather than a pair of earbuds. In this embodiment, the cavities 110a and 110b may be designed to accommodate the left and right earpads of the headphones, as well as the headband portion connecting the two earpads. In other embodiments, the case may include a single cavity to accommodate the two earpads and part or all of the connecting headband. Similarly, in other embodiments, the case 100 may be designed to accommodate a portable speaker or other type of listening device.

[0295] For simplicity, the earbuds are for 115a, 115b, and case 100 (see...). Figure 1 ) and wearable electronic devices 2301 (see Figure 23 Various internal components such as circuits, buses, memories, storage devices and other components are sometimes not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0296] Additionally, it should be noted that some embodiments are described as processes, which are shown as flowcharts or block diagrams. While each diagram may depict a process as a series of sequential operations, multiple operations within these operations may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of operations may be rearranged. The process may have additional steps not included in the accompanying drawings.

[0297] In the foregoing description, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to many specific details that may vary with different implementations. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered exemplary rather than restrictive. The unique and exclusive indication of the scope of the invention, and the content contemplated by the applicant as the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims published in this patent application, taking into account the specific form of the claims, including any subsequent corrections. Specific details of particular embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention. Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as “bottom” or “top,” may be used to describe the relationship of one element and / or feature to one or more other elements and / or features, as illustrated, for example, in the drawings. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations during the use and / or operation of the device other than those shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as the “bottom” surface may be oriented “above” other elements or features. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0298] The following list of embodiments is intended to provide further support and detailed information to indicate the scope and breadth of the various embodiments of the invention. For convenience and ease of reference, the embodiments are listed under different headings. It should be understood that various feature structures listed under a particular heading may be included in or used in the embodiments listed under different headings.

[0299] Earphone case with charging system

[0300] In some embodiments, a case is provided for delivering and charging a portable listening device including a rechargeable battery. The portable listening device case may include a housing configured to receive the listening device; a cover connected to the housing and operable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover conceals the listening device within the case, and in an open position, the cover displaces from the housing, allowing a user to remove the listening device from the case; a detector configured to generate a detection signal when the listening device is placed in the housing; and a charging circuit configured to initiate charging of the rechargeable battery in response to receiving the detection signal.

[0301] In some embodiments, a case for a pair of earbuds includes a housing having one or more cavities configured to receive the pair of earbuds; a cover connected to the housing and operable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover is aligned with one or more cavities and in which the cover is displaced from one or more cavities in an open position; and a charging system. The charging system may include a case battery; an earbud detector configured to detect when an earbud is placed in one or more cavities; and a charging circuit configured to initiate charging of the earbuds when the earbud detector detects that an earbud has been inserted into one or more cavities. The one or more cavities may include a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being configured to receive a first earbud of the pair, and the second cavity being sized and shaped to receive a second earbud of the pair. The earbud detector may include a first earbud sensor and a second earbud sensor, the first earbud sensor being configured to detect when a first earbud is placed in the first cavity, and the second earbud sensor being configured to detect when a second earbud is placed in the second cavity. In some cases, each of the first and second earbud sensors can detect the insertion of its respective earbud by detecting the magnetic field generated by the earbud, and the charging circuit can be configured to start charging the first earbud when the first earbud sensor detects that the first earbud is in the first cavity, and to start charging the second earbud when the second earbud sensor detects that the second earbud is in the second cavity. In some embodiments, the housing may include a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being configured to receive the first earbud of a pair of earbuds, and the second cavity being sized and shaped to receive the second earbud of a pair of earbuds; the housing may also include a first charging contact and a second charging contact, the first charging contact being positioned in the first cavity to provide power to the first earbud, and the second charging contact being positioned in the second cavity to provide power to the second earbud; and the earbud detector may include detection circuitry operatively coupled to the first and second charging contacts for detecting one or more electrical characteristics of the first and second earbuds, respectively, when the first and second earbuds are placed in their respective cavities. In some cases, the earbud detector periodically applies voltage to a first charging contact to detect a first earbud and periodically applies voltage to a second charging contact to detect a second earbud. In some embodiments, the charging circuit initiates charging of the earbuds by activating the earbud charging circuit. Additionally, the case may include a first plurality of charging level indicators and a second plurality of charging level indicators, the first plurality of indicators visually indicating the charging level of the case battery disposed within the case, and the second plurality of indicators visually indicating the charging level of one or more rechargeable batteries within a pair of earbuds. The case also includes a mating input mechanism disposed on the case and operatively coupled to circuitry within the case, the mechanism sending a signal to at least one of the earbuds to put the earbud into a mating mode, and / or being configured to dock to a connector of a power source that supplies power to the case to charge the case battery.The connector is also configured to provide a communication path between the power supply and the box processor within the box, enabling data to be transferred from the power supply to the box processor.

[0302] In some embodiments, a case is provided for a pair of earbuds, each earbud having an earphone interface, a stem, an earbud battery, and a wireless device. The case may include: a housing having a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being configured to receive a first earbud of the pair, and the second cavity being configured to receive a second earbud of the pair; a cover connected to the housing and operable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover conceals the listening device within the case, and in which the cover allows a user to remove the earbuds from the case in an open position; and a charging system. The charging system may include a battery case; a first connector configured to dock to a power source for charging the battery case; a second connector configured to couple to each of a first earbud and a second earbud, the second connector having at least one contact positioned in a first cavity and at least one contact positioned in a second cavity; an earbud detector configured to detect when an earbud is placed in the first or second cavity; and a charging circuit configured to begin charging the earbud battery when the earbud detector detects that an earbud has been inserted into the first or second cavity, and configured to stop charging the earbud when the earbud detector detects that an earbud has been removed from the cavity. Each of the first and second earbuds may include a connector at the distal end of a stem having a power contact and a ground contact. When the first and second earbuds are respectively placed in the first and second cavities, the second connector may couple the power and ground connections of the charging circuit to the respective earbuds. The charging system may include a first charging contact positioned in a first cavity and a second charging contact positioned in a second cavity. An earbud detector can detect that a first earbud is inserted into the first cavity by detecting the electrical characteristics of a first earbud passing through the first charging contact, and detect that a second earbud is inserted into the second cavity by detecting the electrical characteristics of a second earbud passing through the second charging contact. The case may also include a user input device disposed on the outer surface of the case, which can be operated by a user to place the wireless device of one of the earbuds into a pairing mode.

[0303] Box with magnetic eccentric mechanism

[0304] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a case for storing portable listening devices or other types of electronic devices. The case may include: a housing having a cavity for receiving electronic equipment and a receiving opening communicating with the receiving opening; a cover pivotally attached to the housing, operable between an open position in which the receiving opening is exposed and a closed position in which the cover covers the receiving opening; and a plurality of magnetic elements disposed within the housing and the cover, the plurality of magnetic elements being configured to cause the cover to form an eccentric position such that the cover resists rotation from the open position to the closed position until the cover moves past the eccentric position, at which point the cover is attracted to the closed position. The housing may include opposing first and second sidewalls and opposing third and fourth sidewalls extending between the first and second sidewalls, a bottom wall extending between the first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls, and an insert positioned in an internal space defined by the sidewalls and the bottom wall, wherein the insert defines the shape of the cavity, and a receiving opening opposite the bottom wall communicating with the receiving cavity. The receiving cavity may be configured to receive one or more listening devices. The plurality of magnetic elements can be configured to form an eccentric structure of the lid, wherein the lid is in a first stable position when closed and in a second stable position when open, but in an unstable position between the closed and open positions. When the lid is in the closed position, the attractive force between the second pair of magnetic elements may exceed the electrical repulsion between the first pair of magnetic elements; when the lid is in the open position, the electrical repulsion between the first pair of magnetic elements may exceed the electrical attraction between the second pair of magnetic elements. In some cases, one or more of the plurality of magnetic elements may be partially surrounded by a high permeability material. In some cases, one or more of the plurality of magnetic elements are oriented such that when the lid is in the closed position, the magnetic poles of the magnetic element are not aligned with their mating magnetic element, and in some cases, one or more of the plurality of magnetic elements may be fixed to a spring that allows unilateral movement.

[0305] In some embodiments, a case for a portable listening device is provided. The case may include: a housing having a cavity for receiving the listening device; a lid connected to the housing via a pivotable joint allowing the lid to rotate between a closed position and an open position, in which the lid is aligned with the cavity, and in which the lid is angularly displaced to allow removal of the listening device from the cavity; and a plurality of magnetic elements disposed within the housing and the lid, the plurality of magnetic elements being configured to hold the lid in the closed position and prevent the lid from moving from the open position to the closed position. The plurality of magnetic elements may include a first pair of magnetic elements configured to repel each other and a second pair of magnetic elements configured to attract each other. The first pair of magnetic elements may include a first magnet positioned in the lid adjacent to the pivotable joint and a second magnet positioned in the housing adjacent to the pivotable joint, the second magnet being oriented to repel the first magnet. The second pair of magnetic elements may include a first magnetic element positioned in the lid opposite the pivotable joint and a second magnetic element positioned in the housing wall opposite the pivotable joint, the second magnetic element being oriented to attract the first magnetic element. In some cases, both magnetic elements in the second pair are magnets. In other cases, one magnetic element in the second pair is a magnet, and the other is a magnetic material. An eccentric position can be formed by a combination of the repulsive force between the first and second magnetic elements, the attractive force between the second and third magnetic elements, and the distances between the first, second, third, and fourth magnetic elements and the pivotable joint.

[0306] In some embodiments, a case for a portable listening device includes: a housing having a cavity for receiving the listening device and a receiving opening communicating with the cavity; a cover pivotally attached to the housing, operable between an open position and a closed position, in which the receiving opening is exposed and in a closed position the cover covers the receiving opening; a first magnetic element located in the cover near the pivotal joint, the first magnetic element being oriented to repel a second magnetic element located in the housing near the pivotal joint; a third magnetic element located in the cover at a distal end opposite the pivotal joint, the third magnetic element being oriented to attract a fourth magnetic element located in the housing at a distal end opposite the pivotal joint; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth magnetic elements combine to define an eccentric position of the cover disposed between the open and closed positions, such that the cover resists rotation from the open position to the closed position until the cover moves through the eccentric position, at which point the cover is pushed to the closed position. In some embodiments, the plurality of magnetic elements may include a first pair of magnetic elements oriented such that they repel each other and are located near a pivotable joint that connects the housing to the lid, wherein the first pair of magnetic elements is disposed within the housing and the second pair of magnetic elements is disposed within the lid. In some embodiments, the plurality of magnetic elements may include a second pair of magnetic elements oriented such that they attract each other and are opposite the pivotable joint, wherein the first magnetic elements are disposed within the housing and the second magnetic elements are disposed within the lid. In some embodiments, an off-center position is formed by a combination of the repulsive force between the first pair of magnetic elements, the attractive force between the second pair of magnetic elements, the distance between the first pair of magnetic elements and the pivotable joint, and the distance between the second pair of magnetic elements and the pivotable joint.

[0307] Earphone case with wireless device shut-off function

[0308] In some embodiments, a case is provided for a portable listening device having a wireless device. The case includes: a housing having a cavity configured to receive the portable listening device; a cover connected to the housing and operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the cover conceals the portable listening device within the case, and in the open position the cover moves from the housing, allowing a user to remove the portable listening device from the case; a cover sensor for detecting whether the cover is in the closed or open position; and circuitry configured to turn on the wireless device when the cover sensor detects that the cover has moved from the closed position to the open position. The cover sensor may generate a start signal when the cover moves from the closed position to the open position, and the circuitry may be configured to turn on the wireless device in response to the start signal. In some cases, the case may also include an electronic connector having a first contact positioned within the cavity, the first contact being electrically connected to a second contact on the portable listening device when the portable listening device is received into the cavity; and the case includes circuitry that can turn on the wireless device within the portable listening device by sending a command to the portable listening device via the first contact. The detector device can be configured to detect when a portable listening device is received inside the cavity, and the circuitry can be configured to send a command to the portable listening device when the detector device detects that the portable listening device is received inside the cavity. In various cases, the cover sensor can be a Hall effect sensor, the electronic connector can also provide an electrical connection enabling the case to charge a rechargeable battery within the receiving device, and / or the portable listening device can be a pair of earphones.

[0309] In some embodiments, a case with a wireless device for a portable listening device includes: a housing having a cavity configured to receive the portable listening device; a cover connected to the housing and operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the cover conceals the portable listening device within the case, and in the open position the cover moves away from the housing, allowing a user to remove the portable listening device from the case; a detector device configured to detect when the portable listening device is placed in the cavity; a cover sensor for detecting whether the cover is in the closed or open position; and circuitry configured to shut off the wireless device when the cover sensor detects that the cover has moved from the open position to the closed position. The cover sensor may generate a shutdown signal when the cover moves from the open position to the closed position, and the circuitry may be configured to shut off the wireless device in response to the shutdown signal. In some cases, the box may also include an electronic connector having a first contact positioned in the cavity that is electrically connected to a second contact on the portable listening device when the portable listening device is received into the cavity; and the box includes circuitry that can shut down the wireless device in the portable listening device by sending a command to the portable listening device via the first contact.

[0310] In some embodiments, a case for a pair of earbuds may include: a housing having a first cavity configured to receive a first earbud of the pair and a second cavity configured to receive a second earbud of the pair; a cover connected to the housing and operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the cover conceals the earbuds in the case, and in the open position allows a user to remove the earbuds from the case; a cover sensor for detecting whether the cover is in the closed or open position; a case battery; and circuitry configured to turn on a wireless device in the earbuds when the cover sensor detects that the cover has moved from the closed position to the open position, and to turn off the wireless device in the earbuds when the cover sensor detects that the cover has moved from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the cover sensor may generate a start signal when the cover moves from the closed position to the open position and a stop signal when the cover moves from the open position to the closed position, and the circuitry included in the case may be configured to turn on the wireless device in response to the start signal and to turn off the wireless device in response to the stop signal. In various embodiments, the case may further include a detector device that detects when a portable listening device is placed in the cavity, and circuitry within the case may be configured to send a command to the portable listening device to turn the wireless device on or off only when the detector device receives that the portable listening device has been received in the cavity. In various embodiments, the cover sensor may be a Hall effect sensor. The case may also include one or more earplug detectors configured to detect when an earplug is placed in a first cavity or a second cavity, and circuitry may be configured to turn off the wireless device in the first earplug when the one or more earplug detectors detect that the first earplug has been received in the first cavity and the cover sensor detects that the cover is in a closed position, and to turn off the wireless device in the second earplug when the one or more earplug detectors detect that the second earplug has been received in the second cavity and the cover sensor detects that the cover is in a closed position.

[0311] Earplugs with acoustic inserts

[0312] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to an earbud comprising: a housing having an open ear portion; a directional acoustic port disposed in the open ear portion; a driver component positioned within the housing having a front volume disposed at the front of the driver component and a rear volume disposed at the rear of the driver component; and an acoustic insert positioned within the housing at the rear of the driver component and connected to an inner surface of the housing such that the acoustic insert and the housing form a bass channel that propagates from the rear volume to a multi-port opening within the housing, wherein the bass port channel can alter the frequency response of the earbud. The acoustic insert may include a recess defined by a raised welded area that acoustically engages with an inner surface of the housing. In some cases, the recess within the acoustic insert forms three walls of the bass channel, and the housing forms a fourth wall of the bass channel. The acoustic insert may also include an orifice coupling the front volume to the multi-port opening, and the bass channel and the orifice are coupled to a multi-port chamber that opens through the multi-port opening. In some embodiments, the acoustic insert is formed of carbon-doped plastic that absorbs laser energy. In some embodiments, the earbud housing may be made of ABS resin and titanium dioxide pigment. The acoustic insert may be attached to the inner surface of the earbud housing using a laser-jointed interface or by adhesive.

[0313] In some embodiments, a method for forming an earplug is provided. The method may include: forming a housing with inner and outer surfaces; forming an acoustic insert such that the acoustic insert has a recess with a raised welded area; inserting the acoustic insert into the housing such that the raised welded area is positioned to conform to the inner surface of the housing; and guiding a laser through the housing such that it impacts the raised welded area of ​​the acoustic insert and welds the raised welded area to the inner surface of the housing. In some cases, the housing may be formed of a plastic that is substantially transparent to the wavelength of the laser, and the acoustic insert may be formed of a carbon-doped plastic that absorbs laser energy.

[0314] According to some embodiments, an earbud may include: a housing having an ear portion coupled to a stem; a cavity formed within the ear portion; a driver component positioned within the cavity, the driver component defining a front volume disposed at the front of the driver component and a rear volume disposed at the rear of the driver component; an acoustic insert positioned within the cavity of the driver component and connected to an inner surface of the housing; and a bass channel formed by the acoustic insert and the housing, the bass channel transmitting from the rear volume to an external environment via an opening. The acoustic insert may include a recess defined by a raised welded area, the recess engaging with the inner surface of the housing. The acoustic insert may also include an aperture connecting the front volume to the external environment.

[0315] Wireless pairing of earbuds and case

[0316] In some embodiments, a case with a wireless device for a pair of wireless earbuds may include: a housing having a first cavity configured to receive a first earbud of the pair and a second cavity configured to receive a second earbud of the pair; a cover connected to the housing and operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the cover conceals the earbuds in the case and in the open position allows a user to remove the earbuds from the case; a connector configured to be coupled to each of the first and second earbuds, the connector having a first contact located in the first cavity and a second contact located in the second cavity; a cover sensor configured to detect a sound field signal when the cover moves from the closed position to the open position; and circuitry coupled to the first or second contact and configured to send one or more signals to the pair of wireless earbuds in response to the detection signal to turn on the wireless device and initiate pairing of the pair of wireless earbuds with the electronic device. The circuitry may include a processor operatively coupled to a computer-readable memory storing instructions executable by the processor to send one or more signals. The connector may include a first power contact for a first earbud of a pair of wireless earbuds and a second power contact for a second earbud of a pair of wireless earbuds, and each of the first power contact and the second power contact may be configured to transmit power and data to the first earbud and the second earbud, respectively.

[0317] In some embodiments, a housing for a portable listening device, including a wireless device, may include: a housing having a receiving area for the portable listening device; a cover connected to the housing and operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the cover conceals the portable listening device within the housing, and in the open position allows a user to remove the portable listening device from the receiving area; an electronic connector positioned in the receiving area, the electronic connector having one or more housing contacts electrically connected to one or more device contacts when the portable listening device is received in the receiving area; an input device configured to generate a signal in response to a user-generated operation; and a processor coupled to the input device and the electronic connector. The processor may be configured to receive a signal from the input device and, in response, send a command to the portable listening device via the electronic connector to initiate wireless pairing between the portable listening device and a host electronic device. In some cases, the processor may also be configured to receive and send commands to the portable listening device via the electronic connector to turn on its wireless device in response to receiving a signal from the input device, and then send commands to the portable listening device to initiate wireless pairing between the portable listening device and the host electronic device.

[0318] In various embodiments, the portable listening device may be a pair of wireless earbuds (including a first earbud and a second earbud), and the electronic connector may include a first contact for transmitting power to the first wireless earbud and a second contact for transmitting power to the second wireless earbud. Circuitry located within the housing may be configured to transmit data signals between the housing and the first and second wireless earbuds via the first and second contacts, respectively, and may also be used to charge the earbuds. Input devices may include one or both of a cover sensor activated by a user moving the cover from a closed position to an open position and a push-button on the housing. In some cases, this includes two or more input devices such as a cover sensor and a push-button, which may generate different signals that can be distinguished by a processor and used by the processor to initiate different pairing procedures. The housing may also include a rechargeable battery coupled to one or more housing electrical contacts within the housing, configured to provide charge to the first and second wireless earbuds to recharge the battery within the earbuds.

[0319] In some embodiments, a method for wirelessly pairing a first electronic device and a second electronic device is provided. The method may include receiving user input from a third electronic device, which is different from both the first and second devices. In response to receiving the input, the third electronic device may transmit the user input signal to the first electronic device via a wired connection between the third electronic device and the first electronic device. In response to the first electronic device receiving the user input signal, the first electronic device may broadcast a wireless pairing request, and in response to receiving the wireless pairing request, the second electronic device may wirelessly pair with the first device. In some cases, the first electronic device may be a wireless headset, the second electronic device may be a mobile electronic device, and the third electronic device may be a case for a portable listening device. Additionally, in some embodiments, where the third electronic device is a case for a portable listening device, the user input may be opening the case lid. In this method, the wired connection between the third electronic device and the first electronic device may include a connector for charging the first electronic device. Furthermore, in response to the first electronic device receiving a signal, the first electronic device may broadcast a wireless pairing request, wherein a predetermined signal strength is less than the strength of normal broadcast power, and if the signal strength of the wireless signal requesting the pairing is higher than a predetermined threshold, the second device will only receive the wireless pairing request from the first electronic device, the predetermined threshold being higher than the minimum signal strength required for normal wireless communication between the first and second electronic devices. In some implementations, before the first electronic device broadcasts a wireless pairing request, its memory is checked to determine if it has previously been wirelessly paired with another device. In some implementations, if the first electronic device has previously been paired with another electronic device, the first electronic device will not broadcast a wireless pairing request. Additionally, in some implementations, the third device may transmit a first user input signal when its cover is opened, and a second user input signal, different from the first signal, if a button on the third device is pressed.

[0320] Earbud case with socket connector for earbuds

[0321] In some embodiments, a case for a pair of earbuds is provided, each earbud having an ear portion and a stem portion, and wherein an electronic connector is disposed at the distal end of the stem portion. The case may include: a housing; an insert positioned within the housing having a first cavity and a second cavity, the first and second cavities being sized and shaped to accommodate the first and second earbuds, respectively, each having a receiving opening for receiving an earbud into the cavity and a contact opening opposite the receiving opening; and a contact component connected to the insert, the contact component including a first pair of electrical contacts extending into the first cavity and a second pair of electrical contacts extending into the second cavity, the first and second pairs of electrical contacts being configured to form electrical contacts via an electronic connector disposed at the distal ends of the first and second earbuds, respectively, through the contact openings. The insert may include a first housing and a second housing coupled together, the first housing including the first cavity and the second housing including the second cavity. The case may also include retaining rings connected to the top of the contact component and the periphery of the distal ends of each of the first and second housings. The first pair of electrical contacts and the second pair of electrical contacts may each have an arcuate portion, which is positioned by a contact holder to couple to an electronic connector disposed at the distal ends of the first and second earpieces. The contact components may include cavities formed beneath the arcuate portions, wherein the cavities have a depth extending beneath the arcuate portions. The depth of the cavity may be greater than half the diameter of the cavity, such that the cavity traps debris such as lint. The arcuate portions of the contacts may deflect outwards when a pair of earpieces are received within the first and second cavities. In some embodiments, the contact components are formed of a dielectric material, and a liquid-impermeable seal may be formed between the contact components and the insert.

[0322] In some embodiments, an electronic connector assembly for an earbud charging system is provided. The electronic connector assembly can be configured to receive an earbud having an earpiece and a stem, wherein an earbud connector is disposed at a distal end of the stem. The electronic connector assembly may include: a housing having a distal end opposite a receiving opening for receiving an earbud in a first orientation of the stem, and a contact opening near the distal end opening into the receiving opening; a contact support formed of a dielectric material and coupled to the distal end of the housing, the contact support having a cavity sized to receive the distal end of the housing and a pair of contact receiving slots; and a pair of deflectable electrical contacts disposed within the pair of contact receiving slots, each deflectable electrical contact having a contact portion extending through the contact opening of the housing. The distal end of the housing may be disposed within the cavity and connected to the contact support. In some embodiments, the housing may include a pair of gap slots disposed at the distal end such that when the distal end of the housing is disposed within the cavity, the contact portions of the pair of deflectable electrical contacts protrude through the slots. The electronic connector assembly may also include retaining rings attached to the top of the contact support and the periphery of the housing, and contact portions of the deflectable electrical contacts may be positioned to obstruct the earpiece when it is received by the electronic connector assembly. In some embodiments, the electronic connector assembly may also include a second housing, a second contact support, and a second pair of deflectable electrical contacts, such that the connector assembly can receive a pair of earpieces.

[0323] In some embodiments, a case for a pair of earbuds is provided, wherein each earbud has an interface portion and a stem portion, and wherein an electronic connector is disposed at the distal end of the stem portion. The case may include: a housing; an insert positioned within the housing, the insert having a first earbud receiving cavity and a second earbud receiving cavity, the receiving cavities being sized and shaped to accommodate the first and second earbuds respectively, the first and second receiving cavities having receiving openings for receiving the earbuds into the receiving cavities in a first orientation of the stem portion, and the receiving cavities having contact openings located at opposite ends of the receiving openings; a contact support formed of a dielectric material and coupled to the insert, the contact support having a first pair of contact receiving slots and a second pair of contacts disposed in a contact interface area. The device includes a receiving slot and a debris recess configured to capture debris positioned between the first pair of contact receiving slots, and a second debris recess disposed below the contact interface area and sized and shaped to capture debris; a first pair of deflectable electrical contacts disposed within the first pair of contact receiving slots, each of the first pair of deflectable electrical contacts having a contact portion extending into a first receiving cavity in the contact interface area; and a second pair of deflectable electrical contacts disposed within the second pair of contact receiving slots, each of the second pair of deflectable electrical contacts having a contact portion extending into a second receiving cavity in the contact interface area. In some cases, the debris recess may include a first debris recess positioned between the first pair of contact receiving slots and a second debris recess positioned between the second pair of contact receiving slots. Each of the first earbud receiving cavity and the second earbud receiving cavity may include an elongated tube sized and shaped to receive an earbud stem portion, and a larger earbud receiving opening sized and shaped to at least partially receive an earbud interface portion. The contact portion of each of the deflectable electrical contacts may have a curved profile.

[0324] Wireless earbuds with electrical contacts

[0325] In some embodiments, a wireless earbud is provided, comprising: a housing having a stem aligned with a longitudinal axis, the stem including a first end and a second end; a speaker assembly having a driver unit and a directional sound port adjacent to the first end and offset from the longitudinal axis, wherein the driver unit is aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port and includes a magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm; a rechargeable battery disposed within the housing; and a first external contact and a second external contact exposed on an outer surface of the second end of the stem and electrically coupled to provide power to the rechargeable battery. The second contact is electrically coupled to ground potential.

[0326] In some embodiments, the wireless earbud further includes data communication circuitry operatively coupled to and configured to transmit data to and from the wireless earbud via the first contact. The first and second external contacts may each have a partially annular profile and be spaced apart in an opposing and symmetrical relationship by a dielectric material disposed between them. In some cases, the outer peripheries of the first and second external contacts are flush with the outer surface of the stem. In some embodiments, the first and second external contacts each include an arcuate peripheral contact surface. In some embodiments, the first and second electrical contacts form an annular shape with a central aperture for a microphone positioned at a second end of the earbud stem. In some embodiments, the first and second electrical contacts each have an annular shape, with the second electrical contact centrally positioned within the first electrical contact. In some cases, the outer surfaces of the first and second contacts are capped with a double-layer metal alloy plate comprising rhodium and ruthenium.

[0327] In some embodiments, the wireless earbud includes: a housing having a stem aligned with a longitudinal axis, the stem including a first end and a second end; a speaker assembly having a driver unit and a directional sound port adjacent to the first end and offset from the longitudinal axis, wherein the driver unit is aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port and includes a magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm; a rechargeable battery disposed in the housing; a first semicircular contact disposed on the outer surface of the second end of the stem and electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery; and a second semicircular contact disposed on the outer surface of the second end of the stem, the first and second semicircular contacts being spaced apart from each other in an opposing and symmetrical relationship.

[0328] In some embodiments, the wireless earbud includes: a housing; a rechargeable battery disposed within the housing; a speaker including a driver unit and a directional sound port, wherein the driver unit is aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port and includes a magnet, a voice coil, and a diaphragm; and a plurality of contacts exposed on an outer surface of the housing, each of the plurality of contacts including a conductive base having a double-layer metal alloy plate on the outer surface of the respective contact, the double-layer metal alloy plate comprising rhodium and ruthenium. In some cases, the rhodium content is at least 85% by weight, with the remainder being ruthenium. The plurality of contacts may be external contacts disposed on the outer surface of the housing. In some cases, the thickness of the double-layer metal alloy plate is between 0.65 and 1.0 micrometers, and the plurality of contacts may include at least one intermediate layer disposed between the conductive base and the double-layer metal alloy plate.

[0329] Magnetic memory of in-cavity earplugs

[0330] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a case for earbuds having one or more magnetic earbud components. The case may include: a receiving cavity sized and shaped to receive an earbud; one or more housing magnetic components disposed within the case and positioned and configured to magnetically attract and magnetically hold an earbud to the receiving cavity and to magnetically hold a second earbud to a second receiving cavity; and a lid operable between an open position, in which the receiving cavity is exposed, and in a closed position, the lid covers the receiving cavity. The case may be configured to store a pair of earbuds, and the receiving cavity includes a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity being sized and shaped to receive a first earbud of the pair, and the second cavity being sized and shaped to receive a second earbud of the pair. In some embodiments, the one or more housing magnetic components may include a first plurality of magnetic components disposed around the first receiving cavity, the first plurality of magnetic components being configured to magnetically attract and magnetically hold the first earbud within the first receiving cavity, and a second plurality of magnetic components disposed around the second receiving cavity, the second plurality of magnetic components being configured to magnetically attract and magnetically hold the second earbud within the second receiving cavity.

[0331] In some embodiments, the first plurality of magnetic components may include a first magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a speaker magnet within a first earpiece, and the second plurality of magnetic components may include a second magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a speaker magnet within a second earpiece. In other embodiments, the first plurality of magnetic components may include a first magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a magnetic plate disposed in the earpiece of a first earpiece, and the second plurality of magnetic components may include a second magnetic component positioned and configured to magnetically attract a magnetic plate disposed in the earpiece of a second earpiece.

[0332] In some cases, the first plurality of magnetic components may include one or more magnetic components disposed around a portion of a first receiving cavity receiving an earpiece of a first earplug, and the second plurality of magnetic components may include one or more magnetic components disposed around a portion of a second receiving cavity receiving an earpiece of a second earplug. In some cases, the first plurality of magnetic components may include a first housing magnetic component arranged to attract a speaker magnet in the first earplug and a second housing magnetic component arranged to attract a magnetic plate disposed within the earpiece of the first earplug; and the second plurality of magnetic components may include a third housing magnetic component arranged to attract a speaker magnet in the second earplug and a fourth housing magnetic component arranged to attract a magnetic plate disposed within the earpiece of the second earplug. In some cases, the first plurality of magnetic components includes a first set of magnetic components forming a first Halbach array to enhance the attraction to the first earplug, and the second plurality of magnetic components includes a second set of magnetic components forming a second Halbach array to enhance the attraction to the second earplug. The first and second Halbach arrays may be configured to attract the first and second earplugs into their respective cavities and magnetically retain them within the cavities until they are removed by the user.

[0333] In some embodiments, the earbud includes: a housing formed to at least partially fit within a user's ear; a directional sound port formed within the housing; a speaker assembly disposed within the housing, the speaker assembly including a driver unit having a first magnet aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port; and a magnetic memory component separate from the speaker assembly and positioned within the housing. The housing may have an ear portion and a stem portion, and the magnetic memory component may be disposed within the ear portion. The driver unit may include a diaphragm and a voice coil, the first magnet being operatively coupled to the voice coil to move the diaphragm in response to an electrical signal, and the magnetic memory component not being operatively coupled to the voice coil.

[0334] In some embodiments, a wireless listening system is provided, comprising a pair of wireless earbuds and a storage case for the pair of earbuds. Each wireless earbud may include: a housing formed to at least partially fit inside a user's ear; a directional sound port formed within the housing; a speaker assembly disposed within the housing and including a driver unit comprising a first magnet, a diaphragm, and a voice coil, wherein the first magnet is operatively coupled to the voice coil to move the diaphragm in response to an electrical signal, the driver unit being aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port; and a magnetic memory component separate from the speaker assembly and positioned within the housing. In some cases, the magnetic memory component is positioned within the ear portion of the housing, and in some cases, it includes a magnetic material plate contoured to match the housing. The storage case may include: a first receiving cavity sized and shaped to receive a pair of earbuds; a second receiving cavity sized and shaped to receive a pair of earbuds; a plurality of housing magnetic components disposed within the case and positioned and configured to magnetically attract and magnetically secure the first earbud to the first receiving cavity and magnetically secure the second earbud to the second receiving cavity; and a cover operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first and second receiving cavities are exposed in the open position and the cover covers the first and second receiving cavities in the closed position. The plurality of housing magnetic components may include a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component, the first magnetic component being positioned and configured to magnetically attract a speaker magnet in the first earbud, and the second magnetic component being positioned and configured to magnetically attract a speaker magnet in the second earbud. The plurality of housing magnetic components may also include a third magnetic component and a fourth magnetic component, the third magnetic component being positioned and configured to magnetically attract a magnetic plate disposed in the earpiece of the first earbud, and the fourth magnetic component being positioned and configured to magnetically attract a magnetic plate disposed in the earpiece of the second earbud. Multiple housing magnetic components may include multiple magnets arranged to form a Heilbeck array, which is positioned to attract and retain the individual wireless earbuds.

[0335] Charging case with inductive charging transmitter for charging portable devices

[0336] In some embodiments, a case for a portable listening device includes: a housing having one or more cavities configured to receive the portable listening device and an external charging surface; a cover connected to the housing and operable between a closed position, in which the cover is aligned with one or more cavities, and in an open position, the cover is displaced from one or more cavities; a battery; a first charging system configured to charge the portable listening device when it is positioned in the one or more cavities; and a second charging system including a transmitting coil positioned within the housing adjacent to the external charging surface, the transmitting coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power to a power receiving coil of an electronic device positioned outside the housing adjacent to the external charging surface. The case may also include alignment features that align the transmitting coil and the receiving coil on a common axis. In various embodiments, the alignment features may be an alignment magnet within the case that magnetically engages with a mating alignment magnet of the wearable electronic device; and may be centrally located within the transmitting coil; and / or may be a concave surface within the external charging surface that engages with a convex feature formed on the bottom surface of the wearable electronic device. The circuitry within the case can detect whether the portable listening device is within one or more cavities and whether the electronic device is positioned adjacent to an external charging surface. If the portable listening device is within one or more cavities and the electronic device is positioned adjacent to an external charging surface, the circuitry can preferably charge the portable listening device preceding the electronic device. In some embodiments, a first charging system and a second charging system can receive power from the case battery and also from the case connector. The case may also include a plurality of magnetic elements disposed within the housing and a cover configured to hold the cover in a closed position and prevent the cover from moving from an open position to a closed position. The plurality of magnetic elements may include a first pair of magnetic elements configured to repel each other and a second pair of magnetic elements configured to attract each other.

[0337] In some embodiments, the portable listening device may be a case for a pair of earbuds; the housing may include a first cavity and a second cavity configured to receive a first earbud and a second earbud, respectively; and a first charging system may be configured to charge the first earbud and the second earbud when the earbuds are positioned in the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0338] In some embodiments, a case for a pair of earbuds includes: a housing having an external charging surface and a first cavity and a second cavity configured to receive a first earbud and a second earbud, respectively; a cover operable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover is aligned with the first cavity and the second cavity, and in an open position, the cover is displaced from the first cavity and the second cavity; a battery; a first charging system configured to charge the earbuds when they are positioned in the first cavity and the second cavity; and a second charging system including a transmitting coil positioned within the housing adjacent to the external charging surface, the transmitting coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power to a power receiving coil of an electronic device positioned outside the housing adjacent to the external charging surface. The case may also include alignment features configured to align the transmitting coil with the receiving coil. The transmitting coil may be an electromagnetic coil that generates a time-varying electromagnetic flux to induce a current in the receiving coil. In various embodiments, the cover is hinged to the housing and / or detachable from the housing.

[0339] In some embodiments, a case for a pair of earbuds is provided. Each earbud may include an earphone interface, a stem, an earbud battery, and a wireless device. The case includes: a housing having a first cavity and a second cavity configured to receive a first earbud of the pair, and a second cavity configured to receive a second earbud of the pair; a cover operable between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover conceals the earbuds within the case, and in an open position, the cover displaces from the case so that a user can remove the earbuds from the case; and a first charging system and a second charging system. The first charging system may include: a case battery; a wireless device force receiving coil positioned within the housing, the wireless device force receiving coil being configured to wirelessly receive power from a wireless power source; a connector configured to be coupled to each of the first and second earbuds, a second connector having at least one contact positioned in the first cavity and at least one contact positioned in the second cavity; and a charging circuit operatively coupled to charge the case battery and provide power to the connector, charging the first and second earbuds using wireless power received by the power receiving coil. The second charging system may include a transmitting coil positioned within the housing, configured to wirelessly transmit power to a power receiving coil of an auxiliary electronic device positioned adjacent to the box. The box may also include an earpiece detector configured to detect when an earpiece is placed in either the first or second cavity. The transmitting coil may be positioned adjacent to an external charging surface that is part of the outer housing of the box, and the box may also include an alignment magnet configured to align the transmitting and receiving coils. In some embodiments, the auxiliary electronic device is a wearable electronic device.

[0340] Waterproof socket connector

[0341] In some embodiments, the electrical receptacle connector disclosed herein includes: a housing comprising an electrically insulating polymer extending between a receiving face and a back face, the housing defining a cavity communicating with an opening in the receiving face to receive a mating plug; a contact pad positioned adjacent to the back face; a washer disposed between the back face of the housing and contact components; a plurality of contacts, each of the plurality of contacts having a tip positioned within the cavity, an anchoring portion anchoring each contact to the contact pad, and a beam portion connecting the tip to the anchoring portion; and a metal support disposed around an outer surface of the housing. The cavity includes a slot aligned with each of the plurality of contacts; the metal support may include a top support connected to a bottom support; the washer may form a liquid-impermeable seal between the contact components and the housing; and each of the plurality of contacts includes an electrical lead extending out of the contact component. In some embodiments, the electrical receptacle connector further includes a dielectric overlap molding portion formed around a portion of the contact pad, and an anchoring portion of each of the plurality of contacts that may form a liquid-impermeable seal for each of the plurality of contacts. In some embodiments, a grounding latch is included and coupled to an overlapping molded component. The grounding latch may include a first spring arm and a second spring arm located on opposite sides of the plurality of contacts. In some embodiments, the plurality of contacts includes eight contacts spaced apart from each other in a single row.

[0342] In some other embodiments, the electrical receptacle connector includes: a housing comprising an electrically insulating polymer extending between a receiving face and a back face, the housing defining a cavity communicating with a front opening in the receiving face to receive a plug portion of a mating plug, and wherein the housing has a plurality of slots forming part of the cavity; a contact assembly including: (i) a contact pad positioned adjacent to the back face; (ii) a plurality of contacts, each of the plurality of contacts having a tip extending within the cavity through one of the plurality of slots, an anchoring portion coupled to the contact pad, and a beam portion connecting the tip to the anchoring portion; and (iii) a ground latch having a first spring arm and a second spring arm located on opposite sides of the plurality of contacts; a washer disposed between the back face of the housing and the contact assembly; and a metal support disposed around an outer surface of the housing, the metal support being formed for securing the contact assembly to the housing. In some embodiments, the electrical receptacle connector further includes an overmolded dielectric component, and wherein the contact assembly includes a pad, the overmolded dielectric component being formed around a portion of the pad and around the anchoring portion of each of the plurality of contacts. Overlapping molded dielectric components form a liquid-impermeable seal for each of the plurality of contacts. In some embodiments, the contact components further include a ground latch having a first retaining feature structure and a second retaining feature structure located on opposite sides of the plurality of contacts, and the overlapping molded dielectric components secure the ground latch to the contact components. In some cases, the metal support includes a top support connected to a bottom support, and the plurality of contacts include electrical leads extending out of the contact components. In some embodiments, gaskets form a liquid-impermeable seal between the contact components and the housing.

[0343] In some embodiments, the electrical receptacle connector includes: a housing comprising an electrically insulating polymer extending between a receiving face and a back face, the housing defining a cavity communicating with a front opening in the receiving face to receive a plug portion of a mating plug, and wherein the housing has a plurality of slots forming part of the cavity; a contact assembly including: (i) a contact pad positioned adjacent to the back face; (ii) a plurality of contacts, each of the plurality of contacts having a tip extending within the cavity through one of the plurality of slots, an anchoring portion coupled to the contact pad, and a beam portion connecting the tip to the anchoring portion; and (iii) a ground latch having a first spring arm and a second spring arm located on opposite sides of the plurality of contacts; a washer disposed between the back face of the housing and the contact assembly; and a metal support disposed around an outer surface of the housing, the metal support being formed for securing the contact assembly to the housing.

[0344] Earbuds with capacitive touch sensor

[0345] Some embodiments relate to an earbud comprising: a housing defining a cavity therein housing one or more electronic components of the earbud, the housing having touch-sensitive areas on an outer surface of the housing and an inner surface within the cavity opposite to the outer surface; a capacitive sensor insert having a first surface on which a metallized circuit is formed and positioned within the housing such that the first surface is adjacent to an inner surface of the housing; an earbud processor disposed within the housing; and at least one conductor electrically coupling the capacitive sensor insert to the earbud processor. The capacitive sensor insert may be formed to closely match the shape of the housing. In some cases, the metallized circuit forms at least one self-capacitance sensor, wherein a detectable self-capacitance circuit is applied upon user touch. In other cases, the metallized circuit includes row electrodes and column electrodes that form at least one mutual capacitance sensor, wherein the mutual coupling between the row electrodes and column electrodes is changed and monitored upon user touch. The capacitive sensor insert is formed of plastic comprising metal particles. In various embodiments, the capacitive sensor insert may include one or more acoustic holes that allow sound to pass through; metallization circuitry may at least partially surround the one or more acoustic holes; and / or the capacitive sensor insert may be configured to detect when the earplug is in the user's ear and / or detect when the user touches the outer surface of the earplug housing.

[0346] In some embodiments, the earbud includes: a housing defining a closed cavity in which one or more electronic components of the earbud are housed, the housing having touch-sensitive areas in an outer curved surface of the housing and an inner curved surface within the closed cavity opposite to the outer curved surface; a directional sound port formed within the housing; a speaker assembly disposed within the closed cavity and including a driver unit having a magnet aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port; a capacitive sensor configured to sense a user touching the touch-sensitive area, the capacitive sensor including a sensor positioned within the closed cavity and one or more sound holes aligned with the directional sound port, a sensor insert having a first surface adjacent to and contour-matching the inner curved surface, including metallized circuitry formed thereon and at least partially surrounding the sound holes; and a processor coupled to the capacitive sensor and disposed within the closed cavity. In some embodiments, the first surface has a contour to closely match the contour of the housing. In various embodiments, the metallized circuitry may form at least one self-capacitance sensor and / or the metallized circuitry may form at least one mutual-capacitance sensor. In some cases, the metallization circuit may include multiple row electrodes and column electrodes, and the capacitive sensor may be configured to sequentially scan the row electrodes and column electrodes to determine whether the mutual coupling between the row electrodes and column electrodes has changed.

[0347] According to some embodiments, an earbud includes: a housing defining a cavity in which one or more electronic components of the earbud are housed, the earbud housing having touch-sensitive areas on an outer surface of the housing and an inner surface of the cavity opposite to the outer surface; a directional sound port formed within the housing; a speaker assembly disposed within the housing and including a driver unit having a magnet aligned to emit sound from the directional sound port; a capacitive sensor capable of sensing a user's touch of the touch-sensitive area, the capacitive sensor including a sensor insert having a first surface and metallized circuitry formed on the first surface and positioned within the housing such that the first surface is adjacent to an inner surface of the housing; and a processor coupled to the capacitive sensor and disposed within the cavity.

[0348] Box with torsion spring eccentric mechanism

[0349] In some embodiments, a case for a listening device includes: a housing having a cavity for receiving the listening device; a cover pivotally connected to the housing to allow rotation between a closed position and an open position, in which the cover is aligned with the cavity and in which the cover is angularly displaced to allow removal of the listening device from the cavity; and an eccentric mechanism for the cover, the eccentric mechanism including an extension connected to the cover and disposed on opposite sides of the pivotable joint of the cover, wherein the extension contacts an arm to prevent the cover from rotating from the open position to the closed position until the cover moves through the eccentric position to push the cover to the closed position. The arm may have a force applied thereto by a spring that pushes the arm into contact with the extension. The spring may be a torsion spring. The arm may include a first end connected to an arm pivot and a second end opposite to the first end. The arm may include a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite each other and extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the extension is positioned to slide in contact with the first surface as the cover changes between the open and closed positions. The extension may also be oriented perpendicular to the first surface when the cover is in an eccentric position, and the extension may include a circular contact end that slides against the first surface of the contact arm as the cover changes between an open and closed position.

[0350] In some embodiments, a housing for an electronic device includes: a housing having a cavity for receiving the electronic device and a receiving opening communicating with the receiving opening; a cover fixed to the housing via a first pivotable joint, the cover being operable between an open position, in which the receiving opening is exposed, and in a closed position, the cover covering the receiving opening; and a spring loaded by an eccentric mechanism of the cover. The spring-loaded eccentric mechanism may include: an extension coupled to the cover and having a circular contact portion at a distal end; an arm coupled to the housing via a second pivotable joint, the arm extending between a first end connected to the second pivotable joint and a second end opposite the first end, the arm having a first surface and a second surface extending between the first and second ends; and a torsion spring formed around the second pivotable joint such that the torsion spring applies torque to the arm to push the arm toward the circular portion of the extension. The spring-loaded eccentric mechanism prevents the cover from rotating from the open position to the closed position until the cover moves past the eccentric position and is then pushed to the closed position. The extension and arm are configured such that the extension slides in contact with a first portion of a first surface, the first portion of the first surface being close to a first end when the cover is in an open position and an eccentric position; when the cover is in the eccentric position, the distal end of the extension is oriented perpendicular to the first surface; and the extension slides in contact with a second portion of the first surface, the second portion of the first surface being close to a second end when the cover is in a closed position and an eccentric position. The extension may have a rounded portion at its distal end, which slides in contact with the arm when the cover changes between the open and closed positions. A torsion spring may be preloaded near a spring stop that is connected to the housing. A cavity may be formed for receiving a pair of earplugs and also includes a charging circuit configured to charge a pair of earplugs and a sensor configured to detect whether the cover is in an open or closed position.

[0351] In some embodiments, a case for a pair of earbuds includes: a housing having a first receiving cavity and a second cavity, the first receiving cavity being sized and shaped to receive a first earbud of the pair, and the second cavity being sized and shaped to receive a second earbud of the pair; a cover fixed to the housing via a first pivotable joint, the cover being operable between an open position, in which the first and second cavities are exposed, and in a closed position, the cover covering the first and second cavities; a spring-loaded eccentric mechanism coupled to the cover and configured to prevent the cover from rotating from the open position to the closed position until the cover moves through the eccentric position and pushes the cover to the closed position; and a charging circuit configured to charge the first earbud when the first earbud is received in the first cavity, and to charge the second earbud when the second earbud is received in the second cavity. The spring-loaded eccentric mechanism may include: (i) an extension coupled to a cover and having a circular contact portion at its distal end; (ii) an arm coupled to the housing via a second pivotable joint, the arm extending between a first end connected to the second pivotable joint and a second end opposite to the first end, the arm having a first surface and a second surface extending between the first and second ends; and (iii) a torsion spring formed around the second pivotable joint, such that the torsion spring applies torque to the arm to push the arm toward the circular portion of the extension. The torsion spring may be preloaded near a spring stop connected to the housing.

[0352] The embodiments and implementations disclosed herein have been selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to fully utilize the various embodiments of the invention and to conceive of various modifications suitable for particular uses. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the embodiments and implementations listed above, as well as all modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable listening device, comprising: The outer casing defines a cavity; as well as An acoustic insert, positioned within the housing and including a front surface that at least partially defines a rear volume for the driver, wherein: The acoustic insert also includes one or more walls that extend from the rear surface to the housing to at least partially define a multi-port chamber coupled to the rear volume; and The acoustic insert and the housing form a bass channel that routes from the rear volume to a multi-port opening within the housing.

2. The portable listening device according to claim 1, wherein: The outer casing also includes a non-closed ear portion; The portable listening device also includes a directional sound port, which is disposed in the non-blocked ear. The driver is positioned within the housing, and the driver has a front volume disposed in front of the driver and a rear volume disposed behind the driver; and The acoustic insert is positioned within the housing and behind the driver, and is attached to the inner surface of the housing.

3. The portable listening device of claim 1 further includes a rear vent defined by the acoustic insert and coupled to the rear volume.

4. The portable listening device of claim 1, wherein the acoustic insert includes a recess defined by a raised welded area that acoustically engages with the inner surface of the housing.

5. The portable listening device according to claim 4, wherein the recess in the acoustic insert forms three walls of the bass channel, and the housing forms a fourth wall of the bass channel.

6. The portable listening device according to claim 2, wherein the acoustic insert further includes an aperture that couples the front volume to the multi-port opening.

7. The portable listening device according to claim 6, wherein the bass channel and the aperture are coupled to a multi-port chamber that vents through the multi-port opening.

8. The portable listening device according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic insert is formed of carbon-doped plastic that absorbs laser energy.

9. The portable listening device according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the portable listening device is made of polycarbonate in titanium dioxide pigment.

10. The portable listening device of claim 1, wherein the acoustic insert is connected to the inner surface of the housing of the portable listening device via a laser-bonded interface.

11. The portable listening device of claim 1, wherein the acoustic insert is attached to the inner surface of the housing of the portable listening device by an adhesive.

12. The portable listening device of claim 2, wherein the length of the bass channel alters the frequency response of the portable listening device.

13. A method for forming an earplug, comprising: An outer shell that forms the defined cavity; as well as An acoustic insert is formed, the acoustic insert being positioned within the housing and including a front surface that at least partially defines a rear volume for the driver, wherein: The acoustic insert also includes one or more walls that extend from the rear surface to the housing to at least partially define a multi-port chamber coupled to the rear volume; and The acoustic insert and the housing form a bass channel that routes from the rear volume to a multi-port opening within the housing.

14. The method for forming an earplug according to claim 13, wherein: The outer casing has an inner surface and an outer surface; The acoustic insert has a recess defined by a raised welding area; and The method further includes: The acoustic insert is inserted into the housing such that the raised welded area abuts against the inner surface of the housing; as well as The laser is passed through the housing, causing it to strike the raised welding area of ​​the acoustic insert and weld the raised welding area to the inner surface of the housing.

15. The method for forming an earplug according to claim 14, wherein the outer shell is formed of a plastic that is substantially transparent to the wavelength of the laser.

16. The method for forming an earplug according to claim 13, wherein the acoustic insert is formed of a carbon-doped plastic that absorbs laser energy.

17. The method for forming an earplug according to claim 13, wherein the acoustic insert forms three walls of the bass channel, and the housing forms a fourth wall of the bass channel.

18. The method for forming an earplug according to claim 13, wherein: The outer casing has an ear coupled to the rod portion and a cavity formed within the ear portion; The actuator is positioned within the cavity and defines a front volume disposed in front of the actuator and a rear volume disposed behind the actuator; and The acoustic insert is positioned within the cavity and behind the driver, and is attached to the inner surface of the housing.

19. The method of forming an earplug according to claim 18, wherein the acoustic insert includes a recess defined by a raised welded area that engages with the inner surface of the housing.

20. The method for forming an earplug according to claim 19, wherein the recess in the acoustic insert forms three walls of the bass channel, and the housing forms a fourth wall of the bass channel.

21. The method for forming an earplug according to claim 18, wherein the acoustic insert further includes an aperture that couples the front volume to an external environment.

22. The method for forming an earplug according to claim 18, wherein the acoustic insert is formed of a carbon-doped plastic that absorbs laser energy.

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