Headset having a membrane coupling connecting a headband to an earpiece

Abstract

A headset includes an earpiece coupled to a headband by a membrane coupling. The earpiece includes an outer housing and an audio driver located within and coupled to the outer housing. The membrane coupling includes a membrane insert composed of a resilient material. The membrane insert is coupled to the outer housing. A connecting pin can extend through a central opening of the membrane insert and into an end of the headband to directly couple the end of the headband to the membrane insert, thereby coupling the outer housing to the end of the headband. The end of the headband and the outer housing define the membrane coupling by the coupling of the membrane insert between the end of the headband and the outer housing. The membrane coupling is designed to allow relative motion in six degrees of freedom, including three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom and three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to headphones, and more specifically to headphones with adjustability between the headband and the earpiece. Background Technology

[0002] Over-ear audio headphones include a headband that connects to the earpiece. The headphones are worn by the user, and because the headband provides a clamping force against the user's head and thus covers the user's ears, it holds the earpiece containing the audio driver, thus providing an immersive listening experience by offering isolation from ambient noise. Over-ear headphones are popular for listening to content such as music, movies, podcasts, and conference calls, and provide user privacy from disturbance by others in the same space. Typically, users may wish to listen to content for extended periods, such as more than an hour. Due to the extended use time, users may become uncomfortable due to the clamping force holding the earpiece against their head. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the clamping force and / or the perceived clamping force while maintaining the earpiece against the user's head. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The headphones may include an earpiece connected to a headband via a diaphragm connector. The earpiece may include a housing and an audio driver located within and connected to the housing. The diaphragm connector may include a diaphragm insert made of an elastic material. The diaphragm insert may include a central portion and a flange surrounding the periphery of the central portion. The central portion of the diaphragm insert may define a central opening. The flange may be connected to the housing. The headband may be designed to rest on a user's head and apply clamping force to the user's head. A connecting pin may extend through the central opening of the diaphragm insert and into an end of the headband to directly connect the end of the headband to the diaphragm insert, thereby connecting the housing to the end of the headband. The connection between the end of the headband and the housing via the diaphragm insert between the end of the headband and the housing defines the diaphragm connector. The diaphragm connector may be designed to allow relative movement in six degrees of freedom, including three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom and three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom.

[0004] In some embodiments, the elastic material forming the membrane insert may be thermoplastic polyurethane. In some embodiments, the housing defines an opening, and the membrane insert is located within the opening such that the flange of the membrane insert is connected to the flange of the housing around the opening. In some embodiments, the membrane insert is formed within the opening of the housing using a double injection molding process. In some embodiments, the membrane insert is connected within the opening by an adhesive between the flange of the membrane insert and the flange of the housing.

[0005] In some embodiments, the membrane insertion portion and opening are circular. In some embodiments, the membrane insertion portion and opening are elliptical. In some embodiments, the membrane insertion portion and opening are rectangular.

[0006] In some embodiments, due to the elastic material, the membrane connector generates a restoring force in response to relative motion in at least one of the six degrees of freedom between the housing and the end of the headband. The relative motion may be from a first position to a second position, and the restoring force may bias the relative motion back towards the first position. In some embodiments, the membrane connector may be designed to generate different magnitudes of restoring force for each of the three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom in response to translation of the same magnitude. The different magnitudes of the restoring force may be due to the membrane insert being designed with different thicknesses or stiffnesses in different portions of the central section. In some embodiments, the membrane connector is designed to generate different magnitudes of restoring force for each of the three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom in response to rotation of the same magnitude. The different magnitudes of the restoring force may be due to the membrane insert being designed with different thicknesses or stiffnesses in different portions of the central section.

[0007] In some embodiments, the membrane connector is designed to define different ranges of motion for each of the three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom. These different ranges of motion may result from the central opening being positioned at inconsistent distances from each point on the periphery of the central portion. In some embodiments, the membrane connector is designed to define different ranges of motion for each of the three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom. These different ranges of motion may also result from the central opening being positioned at inconsistent distances from each point on the periphery of the central portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the connecting pin is a screw, and a portion of the central portion surrounding the opening is clamped between the end of the screw and the end of the headband. In some embodiments, the end of the headband is a ball-shaped portion engaged within a groove, and the screw extends into and is directly engaged to the ball-shaped portion. In some embodiments, the end of the headband is a cylindrical screw boss, and the screw extends into and is directly engaged to the screw boss.

[0009] In some embodiments, the headphones further include a second earpiece. The second earpiece may be substantially identical to the other earpiece, and includes a second housing and a second audio driver located within and coupled to the second housing. The second earpiece can be coupled to the headband via a second diaphragm insert, also made of an elastic material. The second diaphragm insert may be substantially identical to the second diaphragm insert and includes a second central portion and a second flange surrounding the periphery of the second central portion, wherein the second central portion defines a second central opening, and wherein the second flange is coupled to the second housing. A second connecting pin may extend through the second central opening of the second diaphragm insert and into a second end of the headband opposite to the end of the headband, to directly coupled the second end of the headband to the second diaphragm insert, thereby coupling the second housing to the second end of the headband. The coupling of the second end of the headband and the second housing via the second diaphragm insert located between the second end of the headband and the second housing defines a second diaphragm coupling configured to allow relative movement in six degrees of freedom, including three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom and three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom.

[0010] In some embodiments, the technology targets a membrane insert that may define a portion of a membrane connector. The membrane insert is made of an elastic material. The membrane insert may include a central portion and a flange surrounding the periphery of the central portion. The central portion of the membrane insert may define a central opening. The flange may be coupled to an outer body. The central portion may be coupled to an inner body. For example, a connecting pin may extend through the central opening of the membrane insert and into the inner body to directly couple the inner body to the outer body. The membrane insert of the membrane connector may be designed to allow relative movement in six degrees of freedom, including three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom and three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The features of the various embodiments of the present invention described above, as well as other features and advantages of certain embodiments, will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An earphone according to an embodiment of the present technology is shown.

[0013] Figures 2A to 2C A view of a portion of an end of an earphone according to an embodiment of the present technology, including the earpiece and headband, is shown.

[0014] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of a portion of an earpiece according to an embodiment of the present technology, including an end of the earpiece connected to the headband via a diaphragm connector, is shown.

[0015] Figures 4A to 4C A view of a membrane insertion portion according to an embodiment of the present technology is shown.

[0016] Figures 5A to 5D A view is shown of an end of a headband and a membrane insertion portion connected to the end of the headband according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0017] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A view of a handset and a diaphragm insert connected to the handset according to an embodiment of the present technology is shown.

[0018] Figures 7A to 7C A view of the outer shell of an earphone and a membrane insertion portion connected to the outer shell of the earphone according to an embodiment of the present technology is shown.

[0019] Figures 8A to 8C The diagram illustrates the translation of the earpiece relative to the diaphragm insertion portion in the X direction according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0020] Figures 9A to 9C The diagram illustrates the translation of the earpiece relative to the diaphragm insertion portion in the Y direction according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0021] Figures 10A to 10C The diagram illustrates the translation of the earpiece relative to the diaphragm insertion portion in the Z direction according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0022] Figures 11A to 11C The rotation of the earpiece about the X-axis relative to the diaphragm insertion portion according to an embodiment of the present technology is shown.

[0023] Figures 12A to 12C The rotation of the earpiece about the Y-axis relative to the diaphragm insertion portion according to an embodiment of the present technology is shown.

[0024] Figures 13A to 13C The rotation of the earpiece about the Z-axis relative to the diaphragm insertion portion according to an embodiment of the present technology is shown.

[0025] In all the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are generally used to depict the same or similar elements, features and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This disclosure generally relates to headphones. In the following description, various examples of headphones including diaphragm connectors capable of adjustingly attaching the headband to the earpiece are described. Specific configurations and details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain embodiments can be practiced or implemented without disclosing every detail. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified to prevent any confusion regarding the novel features described herein.

[0027] The following advanced overview is intended to provide a basic understanding of some of the novel innovations depicted in the accompanying drawings and presented in the corresponding descriptions provided below.

[0028] Generally speaking, various aspects of this technology involve membrane coupling 308, which can be used to connect, for example, Figure 1A and Figure 1B The components of the headphones 100 shown are included. The headphones include a headband 102, which is connected via... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diaphragm connector 308 shown is coupled to one or more earpieces 104. Although the diaphragm connector is shown as two components connecting the headphones, it can be used to connect any two bodies, i.e., a first body and a second body. The diaphragm connector includes an elastic diaphragm insert that connects the first body (in this case, the earpiece) and the second body (in this case, the headband) between the first body (in this case, the earpiece) and the second body (in this case, the headband) in six degrees of freedom, including three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom and three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom. The relative degrees of freedom in the six degrees of freedom are continuous and independent of user input. When used with headphones, the relative degrees of freedom in the six degrees of freedom of the diaphragm connector allow for a reduction in clamping force and / or a reduction in the perceptible clamping force generated by the headband, while maintaining the earpiece against the user's head evenly.

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An earphone 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology is shown. As shown, the earphone 100 includes a headband 102 and two earpieces 104. The two earpieces 104 may be referred to as a first earpiece and a second earpiece, or a left earpiece and a right earpiece. In an embodiment, the earphone 100 may include only one earpiece 102 and include a head contact pad at the end of the headband 102 opposite to one earpiece.

[0030] The headband 102 may be arched, and the earpiece 104 may be attached to one end 106 of the arched headband 102. The headband 102 may be made of a material that is specifically designed to generate a spring force that causes the ends 106 to be biased toward each other. Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, without any external force acting on end 106 to pull it apart, the spring force of headband 102 causes the earpieces 104 to contact each other. To place the earphone 100 on the user's head, end 106 and / or earpieces 104 are pulled apart, allowing the user's head to be positioned between the earpieces 104, and the earpieces 104 to be positioned above the user's ears. The spring force of headband 102 generates a clamping force, thereby keeping the earpieces 104 pressed against the user's head above their ears.

[0031] As shown in the figure, the headphones 100 may include an over-ear type earpiece; however, in an embodiment, the earpiece may be an on-ear type earpiece. Therefore, as used herein, the term earpiece may refer to the earpiece of an over-ear, on-ear, or any other type of headphone.

[0032] In one embodiment, one or more earpieces 104 of the headphones are connected to the end 106 of the headband via a diaphragm connector 308 to allow relative movement in up to six degrees of freedom, including three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom and three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom. As used herein, the three orthogonal directions of translation and rotation may be referred to as X, Y, and Z.

[0033] Figures 2A to 2C The diagram shows a view of the headphones 100 showing only one side of the end 106 of the earpiece 104 and headband 102. In embodiments, as disclosed herein, relative movement via a coupling may be included in the connection between one or both earpieces 104 and the end 106 of the headband 102. Figures 2A to 2C The terms for plane, translation direction and rotation direction used in the techniques disclosed herein are defined.

[0034] Figure 2A A contour view of the earpiece 104 and the end 106 of the headband 102 in the YZ plane is shown, wherein the X direction extends perpendicular to the YZ plane. As shown, the connection between the earpiece 104 and the end 106, which will be described in more detail below, allows relative movement including one or more of Y translation 202, Z translation 204, and X rotation 206.

[0035] Figure 2B An internal side view in the XZ plane is shown of the earpiece 104 and the end 106 of the headband 102, wherein the Y direction extends perpendicular to the XZ plane. As shown, the connection between the earpiece 104 and the end 106, which will be described in more detail below, allows relative movement including one or more of X translation 208, Z translation 204, and Y rotation 210.

[0036] Figure 2CA bottom view of the earpiece 104 and the end 106 of the headband 102 in the XY plane is shown, wherein the Z direction extends perpendicular to the XY plane. As shown, the connection between the earpiece 104 and the end 106, which will be described in more detail below, allows relative movement including one or more of X translation 208, Y translation 202, and Z rotation 212.

[0037] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the portion of the headphones 100 including the end 106 of the headband 102 and the earpiece 104 in the YZ plane is shown. In an embodiment, as illustrated, the earpiece 104 may include a housing 302, an audio driver 306, and an earpad 304. The audio driver 306 is located within and fixedly connected to the housing 302. The earpad 304 is connected to the housing 302 opposite to a diaphragm connector 308, which connects the end 106 of the headband 102 to the housing 302, such that when a user wears the headphones 100, the headband 102 applies a clamping force on the housing 302, causing the earpad 304 to press against the user's head, and the audio driver 306 to be located near the user's ear.

[0038] Figure 3B An enlarged cross-sectional view of the membrane connector 308 is shown. As illustrated, the membrane connector 308 may include a membrane insertion portion 310. The outer periphery of the membrane insertion portion 310 may be coupled to the housing 302. The membrane connector 308 may also include a connecting pin 312 extending through the membrane insertion portion 310 and coupled to a portion of the end 106 of the headband 102. In an embodiment, the portion of the headband end coupled with the connecting pin may be a fixing point on the headband, i.e., a non-movable point, such as a cylindrical screw boss. In an embodiment, for example, as shown... Figure 3B As shown, the portion of the end 106 of the headband 102 connected to the connecting pin 312 can be a spherical portion 314. The end 106 of the headband 102 may also include a groove for receiving the spherical portion 314. In one embodiment, the spherical portion 314 can rotate within the groove and can define a spherical connector with one, two, or three rotational degrees of freedom, which are separate from the rotational degrees of freedom of the membrane connector. In another embodiment, the spherical portion 314 may not rotate within the groove and can define a fixed connector.

[0039] Figures 4A to 4C An embodiment of the membrane insertion portion 310 is shown. The membrane insertion portion 310 may include a central portion 402 and a flange portion 404. In the orientation shown herein, the central portion 402 may be substantially flat in the XZ plane, wherein the dimensions in the X and Z directions are greater than the dimension in the Y direction. In the embodiment, the membrane insertion portion 310 may have any profile in the XZ plane. Figures 4A to 4CIn the illustrated embodiment, the central portion 402 of the membrane insertion portion 310 defines a circular outline in the XZ plane. In other embodiments, the central portion may be other shapes, including elliptical or rectangular shapes. In other embodiments, the flange portion 404 may be coplanar and / or parallel to the plane of the central portion 402, or may extend perpendicular to the plane of the central portion 402.

[0040] The central portion 402 may define an opening 406 for receiving a connecting pin to attach the membrane insert to the end of the headband. In one embodiment, the opening 406 may be located at the center of the central portion. In another embodiment, the opening 406 may be offset from the center. In one embodiment, when the opening is offset from the center and / or has a non-circular profile, the opening will be located at an inconsistent distance from the periphery of the central portion. This inconsistent distance can be advantageous in defining different ranges of motion and / or different magnitudes of restoring forces in one or more of the six degrees of freedom. For example, an elliptical profile can achieve greater translation in the direction of the major axis compared to the direction of the minor axis. Similarly, a rectangular profile can achieve greater translation in the direction of the diagonal axis compared to the direction of the non-diagonal axis. In another embodiment, the rectangular or polygonal profile may include rounded corners.

[0041] In one embodiment, the membrane insert is formed of one or more elastic materials, such that when subjected to stress due to an external force, resulting in relative motion in one of the six degrees of freedom, the membrane insert can elastically deform and release the absorbed energy in response to a decrease in the external force, thereby reversing the deformation back to its initial state. In another embodiment, the membrane insert may be made of plastic, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, rubber (e.g., natural silicone), or fabric. In yet another embodiment, the insert membrane or a portion thereof, such as the middle portion, may be fabric, such as textile fabric.

[0042] In some embodiments, the elasticity of different portions of the membrane insertion section can vary. Different elasticities can be achieved through different materials, different thicknesses, and / or different hardnesses. In others embodiments, the membrane insertion section can have uniform elasticity. For example, as... Figure 4C As shown, the middle portion 402 can have a substantially uniform thickness and uniform elasticity. In an embodiment, for example, as... Figure 4A and Figure 4C As shown, the portion of the central portion 402 surrounding the opening 406 may be higher or thicker than the portion surrounding the central portion 402.

[0043] In one embodiment, the central portion 402 may define a recess 408, which is sized and shaped to accommodate a portion of the end 106 of the headband 102. For example, the recess 408 may be hemispherical to receive a spherical portion 314 of the end 106 of the headband 102. In another embodiment, the central portion 402 may have a variable thickness, for example, having different thicknesses at different radial distances and / or in different radial directions.

[0044] In one embodiment, the membrane insert 310 can be formed by injection molding. In another embodiment, the outer shell 302 can be formed of a material that is harder and less elastic than the membrane insert 310. In yet another embodiment, the membrane insert 310 and the outer shell 302 can be formed in a dual injection molding process, wherein the outer shell 302 is first molded from a first material, and then the membrane insert is molded into the outer shell 302 from a second material. In yet another embodiment, the outer shell 302 and the membrane insert can be formed separately and then bonded together.

[0045] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The end 106 of the headband 102 without the attached earpiece 104 is shown. As shown, the end 106 may include a ball portion 314 for attaching the earpiece 104 to the diaphragm connector 308. However, as described above, the end 106 may include a fixing point, such as a cylindrical screw boss for attaching the earpiece 104 to the diaphragm connector 308. The attachment point, such as the ball portion 314 or the cylindrical screw boss, may be located on an adjustable track 502, thereby allowing the position in the Z-direction to be achieved, for example, via a dial. The position in the Z-direction can be set so that the distance between the top of the headband 102 and the earpiece can be set to different positions to accommodate different head sizes. This type of adjustment via the track 502 is a fixed static adjustment because once set, the translation will remain at the user-set position without bias for returning to the previous position unless the adjustment mechanism is further manipulated. As will be discussed in more detail below, the membrane connector 308 disclosed herein allows for non-fixed dynamic adjustment, wherein the earpiece is capable of continuous movement on one or more translational and / or rotational degrees of freedom and is biased to return toward a neutral position, and is therefore different from the type of adjustment using track 502. Figure 5C and Figure 5D The end 106 of the headband 102 to which the membrane insert 310 is attached is shown. In an embodiment, as mentioned, the membrane insert 310 may be coupled to or integrally formed with the earpiece or a portion thereof before being attached to the end 106 of the headband.

[0046] like Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, the diaphragm insertion portion 310 is housed within the outer casing 302 of the earpiece 104. In an embodiment, for example, as... Figure 6A As shown, the outer housing 302 of the earpiece 104 can define an opening 602 for receiving the diaphragm insertion portion 310. The opening 602 can be shaped and sized to correspond to the shape and size of the diaphragm insertion portion 310, such that the flange 404 contacts the inner wall 604 of the opening 602. In embodiments, for example... Figure 6A and Figure 6B as well as Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the opening 602 can be circular to accommodate the circular membrane insertion portion 310. (As...) Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the housing 302 may include a flange 702 surrounding the opening 602. The flange 702 may have the same height as the flange 404 of the membrane insertion portion 310, such that the membrane insertion portion is flush-fitted into the housing 302, as... Figure 6B and Figure 7B As shown.

[0047] In one embodiment, before the diaphragm insertion portion is attached to the end 106 of the headband 102, the diaphragm insertion portion 310 is attached to the outer shell 302 of the earpiece or is integrally formed with the outer shell 302 of the earpiece. Figure 7C An exploded view shows a partial connection between the membrane insert 310 and the end 106 of the headband 102. In this example, the connection is an assembly of a ball-shaped portion 314 and a recess, wherein the remaining portion of the end 106 is omitted in the drawing for clarity. As shown, a connecting pin 312, in the form of a screw, extends through a washer 704, through the opening 406 of the membrane insert 310, and into the ball-shaped portion 314. In an embodiment, an additional washer may be present between the membrane insert 310 and the end 106. The direction of extension of this connection may be perpendicular to the plane of the middle portion 402 of the membrane insert 310 and may be referred to as the connecting axis 706.

[0048] In one embodiment, during manufacturing, before the audio driver 306 and earpad 304 are attached to the housing 302, the assembly of the housing 302 and the diaphragm insert 310 is attached to the end 106 of the headband 102. In another embodiment, a connecting pin 312 can extend from the end 106 of the headband 102 into the central opening 406, allowing the connecting pin to be removed and the earpiece to be disconnected from the headband without removing the audio driver 306 from the housing 302.

[0049] Figures 8A to 8C , Figures 9A to 9C , Figures 10A to 10C , Figures 11A to 11C , Figures 12A to 12C and Figures 13A to 13CA cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the earpiece and diaphragm coupling assembly is shown to depict the deflection of the diaphragm insertion portion due to translation and rotation about the X, Y, and Z axes. These figures illustrate relative motion in a single degree of freedom; however, the diaphragm coupling disclosed herein can simultaneously allow any combination of relative motion in one to six degrees of freedom.

[0050] Figures 8A to 8C A cross-sectional view of the earpiece assembly in the XY plane is shown to illustrate X-translation. The earpiece assembly includes a housing 302, a diaphragm insertion portion 310, a connecting pin 312, and a ball-shaped portion 314. Figure 8A In this configuration, the membrane connector 308 is located in a neutral position after X-translation. As shown, the central opening of the membrane insertion portion 310, connected by its connecting pin 312, is located between the front portion 801 and the rear portion 802 of the membrane insertion portion 310. Figure 8A In the neutral position shown, the front portion 801 and the rear portion 802 are not subjected to stress, such as tension or compression, when translated about the X direction. Due to an external force in the X direction, the earpiece housing 302 can be translated about the X direction relative to the connecting pin 312 and the connection point (in this example, the spherical portion 314) of the headband end 106, resulting in stress on the front portion 801 and the rear portion 802 of the diaphragm insertion portion 310. For example, as... Figure 8B As shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be translated relative to the connecting pin 312 in the first X direction 803, thereby compressing the front portion 801 and stretching the rear portion 802. Similarly, for example, as Figure 8C As shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be translated relative to the connecting pin 312 in a second X direction 804 opposite to the first X direction 803, thereby stretching the front portion 801 and compressing the rear portion 802. Due to the elastic properties of the diaphragm insertion portion 310, the stretching and / or compression of one or more of the front portion 801 and / or the rear portion 802 can generate a restoring force that biases the relative movement of the earpiece housing 302 and the connecting pin 312 back to a neutral position with respect to the X translation.

[0051] Figures 9A to 9C A cross-sectional view in the YZ plane is shown to illustrate the Y-translation. As shown, the central opening of the membrane insertion portion 310, connected by its connecting pin 312, is located between the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902 of the membrane insertion portion 310. Figure 9A In the neutral position shown, the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902 are not subjected to stress, such as tension or compression, when translated about the Y direction. However, due to external forces in the Y direction, the earpiece housing 302 may translate relative to the connecting pin 312 in the Y direction, resulting in stress on the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902 of the diaphragm insertion portion 310. For example, as... Figure 9BAs shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be translated relative to the connecting pin 312 in the first Y direction 903, thereby stretching the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902, wherein the central opening 406 and the connecting pin 312 connected thereto are translated out of and away from the earpiece housing 302. Similarly, for example, as Figure 9C As shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be translated relative to the connecting pin 312 in a second Y direction 904 opposite to the first Y direction 903, thereby stretching the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902, wherein the central opening 406 and the connecting pin 312 connected thereto are translated into the earpiece housing 302. Figure 9C The Y-direction translation shown may be due to the clamping force applied by the headband 102. Due to the elastic properties of the diaphragm insertion portion 310, the stretching of one or more of the upper portion 901 and / or the lower portion 902 can generate a restoring force that returns the relative motion bias of the earpiece housing 302 and the connecting pin 312 to a neutral position with respect to the Y-direction translation.

[0052] Figures 10A to 10C A cross-sectional view in the YZ plane is shown to illustrate the Z-translation. As shown, the connecting pin 312 is connected via this view to the central opening 406 of the spherical portion 314, located between the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902 of the membrane insertion portion 310. Figure 10A In the neutral position shown, the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902 are not subjected to stress, such as tension or compression, regarding Z-direction translation. Due to external forces in the Z-direction, the earpiece housing 302 may translate relative to the connecting pin 312 and the ball-shaped portion 314 connected thereto in the Z-direction, thereby causing stress on the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902 of the diaphragm insertion portion 310. For example, as... Figure 9B As shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be translated relative to the connecting pin 312 in the first Z direction 1003, thereby compressing the upper portion 901 and stretching the lower portion 902. Similarly, for example, as Figure 10C As shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be translated relative to the connecting pin 312 in a second Z direction 1004 opposite to the first Z direction 1003, thereby stretching the upper portion 901 and compressing the lower portion 902. Due to the elastic properties of the diaphragm insertion portion 310, the stretching and / or compression of one or more of the upper portion 901 and / or the lower portion 902 can generate a restoring force that biases the relative movement of the earpiece housing 302 and the connecting pin 312 back to a neutral position with respect to the Z translation.

[0053] Figures 11A to 11C A cross-sectional view in the YZ plane is shown to illustrate the X rotation. Figure 11AThe diagram shows a neutral X-rotation position where the connecting axis 706 is aligned parallel to the Y-axis; however, in embodiments, the connecting axis 706 may be in other X-rotation orientations within the neutral X-rotation position. Figure 11A In the X-rotation neutral position shown, the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902 are stress-free, e.g., not stretched or compressed, with respect to X-rotation. However, as noted, the diaphragm connector 308 can be allowed to move simultaneously in different degrees of freedom, and therefore portions of the diaphragm insert 310, such as the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902, may be stressed due to movement in other degrees of freedom. With respect to X-rotation, external rotational forces about the X-axis, such as those during the adjustment / placement of the earphone 100 on the wearer's head, may cause the earpiece housing 302 to rotate about the X-axis relative to the connecting pin 312, resulting in deflection and stress on one or more of the upper portion 901 and / or the lower portion 902. The deflection may be along the Y direction and may enter and / or exit the earpiece housing 302 in the opposite direction, or, if combined with movement in other degrees of freedom, the deflection of the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902 may have different magnitudes in the same direction due to X-rotation. The deflection and / or stress of one or more of the upper portion 901 and / or lower portion 902 allows the connecting axis 706 to rotate about the X-axis from the X-rotation neutral position. For example, as Figure 11B As shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be rotated about the X-axis in a first rotation direction 1103 relative to the connecting pin 312, thereby causing the upper portion 901 to deflect into the earpiece housing 302 and the lower portion 902 to deflect away from the earpiece housing 302. Similarly, for example, as Figure 11C As shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be rotated about the X-axis in a second rotation direction 1104 opposite to the first rotation direction 1103 relative to the connecting pin 312, thereby causing the upper portion 901 to deflect away from the earpiece housing 302 and the lower portion 902 to deflect into the earpiece housing 302. The deflection of the upper portion 901 and the lower portion 902 can cause stretching and / or bending of different portions of the diaphragm insertion portion 310. Due to the elastic properties of the middle portion of the diaphragm insertion portion 310, the stretching and / or bending of one or more of the upper portion 901 and / or the lower portion 902 can generate a restoring force that biases the relative movement of the earpiece housing 302 and the connecting pin 312 back to a neutral position about the X-axis.

[0054] Figures 12A to 12C A cross-sectional view in the XZ plane is shown to illustrate the Y rotation. Figure 12AIn the Y-rotation neutral position shown, the central portion 402 of the diaphragm insertion portion 310 is not subjected to rotational stress with respect to the Y-rotation. Due to external rotational forces about the Y-axis, such as those applied during the adjustment / placement of the earphone 100 on the wearer's head, the earpiece housing 302 can rotate relative to the connecting pin 312 about the Y-axis, resulting in rotational stretching of the central portion 402 between the flange 404 and the central opening 406. For example, as... Figure 12B As shown, the handset housing 302 can be rotated about the Y-axis in a first rotation direction 1203 relative to the connecting pin 312, thereby generating rotational stress in the central portion 402 as indicated by arrow 1205. Similarly, for example, as Figure 12C As shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be rotated about the Y-axis in a second rotation direction 1204 opposite to the first rotation direction 1203 relative to the connecting pin 312, thereby generating rotational stress in the central portion 402 as indicated by arrow 1206. Due to the elastic properties of the central portion 402 of the diaphragm insertion portion 310, rotational stretching can generate a restoring force that biases the relative rotational movement of the earpiece housing 302 and the connecting pin 312 back to a neutral position about the Y-axis.

[0055] Figures 13A to 13C A cross-sectional view in the XY plane is shown to illustrate the Z-rotation. Figure 13A In the Z-rotation neutral position shown, the connecting axis 706 is aligned in the Y direction; however, in embodiments, the connecting axis 706 may be in other Z-rotation orientations in the Z-rotation neutral position. Figure 13A In the Z-rotation neutral position shown, the front portion 801 and the rear portion 802 are stress-free about the Z-rotation, for example, neither stretched nor compressed. External rotational forces about the Z-axis, such as those applied during the adjustment / placement of the earphone 100 on the wearer's head, can cause the earpiece housing 302 to rotate about the Z-axis relative to the connecting pin 312, resulting in deflection and stress on one or more of the front portion 801 and / or the rear portion 802. The deflection can be along the Y-direction and can enter and / or exit the earpiece housing 302 in opposite directions, or, if combined with movements of other degrees of freedom, the deflection of the front portion 801 and the rear portion 802 can have different magnitudes in the same direction. The deflection and / or stress on one or more of the front portion 801 and / or the rear portion 802 allows the connecting axis 706 to rotate about the Z-axis from the Z-rotation neutral position. For example, as... Figure 13B As shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be rotated about the Z-axis in a first rotation direction 1303 relative to the connecting pin 312, thereby causing the front portion 801 to deflect into the earpiece housing 302 and the rear portion 802 to deflect away from the earpiece housing 302. Similarly, for example, as Figure 13CAs shown, the earpiece housing 302 can be rotated about the Z-axis in a second rotation direction 1304 opposite to the first rotation direction 1303 relative to the connecting pin 312, thereby causing the front portion 801 to deflect away from the earpiece housing 302 and the rear portion 802 to deflect into the earpiece housing 302. The deflection of the front portion 801 and the rear portion 802 can cause the middle portion 402 to be stretched and / or bent. Due to the elastic properties of the middle portion 402 of the diaphragm insertion portion 310, the stretching and / or bending of one or more of the front portion 801a and / or the rear portion 802 can generate a restoring force that biases the relative movement of the earpiece housing 302 and the connecting pin 312 back to a neutral position about the Z-axis.

[0056] As pointed out, Figures 8A to 13C Translation and rotation are examples of single-degree-of-freedom relative motion between the connecting pin 312 and the earpiece housing 302. In an embodiment, the relative motion between the connecting pin 312 and the earpiece housing 302 can occur in any combination of one or more of the six degrees shown, and the stresses on the front portion 801, rear portion 802, upper portion 901, and lower portion 902 will be a combination of tension, compression, and bending of the individual degree-of-freedom components of the multiple degrees of relative motion.

[0057] The relative movement between the connecting pin 312 and the earpiece housing 302 may include a physical range of movement restriction and / or a threshold force range of movement restriction. In an embodiment, one or more degrees of freedom may include a physical range of movement restriction, which may include contact between the connecting pin 312 or another portion of the diaphragm connector 308 and the earpiece housing 302 and / or another portion of the headphone assembly. For example, with respect to X and Y translation, the range of movement may be restricted to the relative orientation of the connecting pin 312 and the earpiece housing 302, wherein the connecting pin 312 contacts the flange 404 of the diaphragm insert 310. Furthermore, for example, with respect to X and Z rotation, the range of movement may be restricted to the relative orientation of the connecting pin 312 and the earpiece housing 302, wherein the connecting pin 312 contacts the flange 404 of the diaphragm insert 310 or another component of the headphone assembly. Furthermore, for example, with respect to X rotation, the range of movement may be restricted by the diaphragm insert 310 contacting a portion of the end 106, for example by means of... Figure 3B and Figure 7B The constraint rib 316 shown is used to limit the range of motion. The constraint rib 316 can extend longitudinally along the Z direction to constrain X rotation but not Z rotation.

[0058] In an embodiment, the relative movement between the connecting pin 312 and the earpiece housing 302 may further include a threshold force range that limits the movement, corresponding to the restoring force generated due to the elastic properties of the central portion 402. During stress application to the central portion 402, the restoring force may increase with increasing relative movement. For example, in situations such as... Figure 9C The greater the Y-translation in the 904 direction shown, the greater the restoring force, which will cause the relative motion to move along the direction towards Figure 9A The neutral position shown is biased in direction. In some embodiments, the elastic characteristics of the diaphragm insert 310 can be selected such that the maximum degree of freedom of relative motion generates a restoring force equal in magnitude to the maximum typical user input force. For example, in some embodiments, the elastic characteristics of the diaphragm insert 310 are selected such that the earpiece housing 302 does not contact the end 106 of the headband during Y-translation along the second direction 904, wherein, at the relative Y-translation position just before the housing 302 contacts the end 106, the restoring force of the diaphragm insert 310 is equal in magnitude to the maximum clamping force of the headband 102.

[0059] In implementations, the shape, thickness, and size of the membrane insertion portion 310 can be selected based on the desired range of motion in one or more degrees of freedom. The range of motion for X-translation can be set based on the dimension of the membrane insertion portion 310 in the X direction, wherein a larger dimension results in a larger range of motion. The range of motion for Y-translation can be set based on the dimensions of the membrane insertion portion 310 in the X and Z directions and the elastic properties of the membrane insertion portion, wherein a larger dimension and / or greater elastic properties result in a larger range of motion. The range of motion for Z-translation can be set based on the dimension of the membrane insertion portion 310 in the Z direction, wherein a larger dimension results in a larger range of motion.

[0060] The range of motion for X-rotation can be set based on the dimensions of the membrane insertion portion 310 in the Z direction and its elastic properties, wherein a larger dimension and / or a greater elastic property results in a larger range of motion. The range of motion for Y-rotation can be set based on the dimensions of the membrane insertion portion 310 in both the X and Z directions and its elastic properties, wherein a larger dimension and / or a greater elastic property results in a larger range of motion. The range of motion for Z-rotation can be set based on the dimensions of the membrane insertion portion 310 in the X direction and its elastic properties, wherein a larger dimension and / or a greater elastic property results in a larger range of motion.

[0061] As noted, the elastic properties of the membrane insertion portion 310 can be localized based on material thickness and / or different materials. In embodiments, the front portion 801, rear portion 802, upper portion 901, and lower portion 902 can have the same or different elastic properties. For example, the front portion 801 and rear portion 802 can be thicker than the upper portion 901 and lower portion 902, thereby generating a greater restoring force in response to an equal amount of translation in the X direction compared to the Z direction. Furthermore, for example, different thicknesses of the middle portion 402 can define ribs extending from the surface of the middle portion. The ribs can extend radially from the middle opening to the flange and / or extend concentrically around the middle opening to define elasticity in a specific direction.

[0062] Other variations are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, while the disclosed technology may have various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated examples are shown in the accompanying drawings and have been described in detail above. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular form or certain forms disclosed, but rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. For example, any examples, alternative examples, etc., and their concepts may be applied to any other examples described and / or within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0063] In the context of describing the disclosed examples (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” and similar indicators, shall be construed as covering both singular and plural, unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” shall be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to”). The term “connected” shall be construed as being partially or wholly contained, attached to, or linked together, even in the presence of some intermediaries. The phrase “based on” shall be understood as open-ended and not in any way limiting, and is intended to be construed or otherwise interpreted as “at least partially based on” where appropriate. Unless otherwise stated herein, descriptions of numerical ranges herein are intended only as a shorthand method referring individually to each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into this specification as if it were individually enumerated herein. Unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context, all methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order. Unless otherwise stated, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended only to better illustrate examples of this disclosure and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The language in the specification should not be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An earphone, comprising: A handset, the handset including a housing and an audio driver located inside the housing and connected to the housing; A membrane insertion portion, the membrane insertion portion being made of an elastic material, wherein the membrane insertion portion includes a central portion and a flange surrounding the periphery of the central portion, wherein the central portion defines a central opening, and wherein the flange is connected to the housing body; A headband, configured to be placed on a user's head and apply a clamping force to the user's head; and A connecting pin extends through the central opening of the membrane insertion portion and into the end of the headband to directly connect the end of the headband to the membrane insertion portion, thereby connecting the housing to the end of the headband. The headband's end and the outer shell are connected by a diaphragm insert located between the headband's end and the outer shell, defining a diaphragm connector. This diaphragm connector is configured to allow the earpiece to move relative to the headband in six degrees of freedom, including three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom and three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom. The outer casing defines an opening, and the membrane insertion portion is located within the opening such that the flange of the membrane insertion portion is connected to the flange of the outer casing around the opening.

2. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic material is thermoplastic polyurethane.

3. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein, The membrane insertion portion is formed within the opening of the outer casing using a double injection molding process.

4. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein, The membrane insertion portion is connected to the opening of the housing body by an adhesive between the flange of the membrane insertion portion and the flange of the housing body.

5. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein, The openings of the membrane insertion part and the outer shell are circular.

6. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein, The openings of the membrane insertion portion and the outer shell are oblong.

7. The earphone according to claim 1, wherein, The openings of the membrane insertion portion and the outer shell are rectangular.

8. The earphone according to claim 2, wherein, Due to the elastic material, the membrane connector is configured to generate a restoring force in response to relative movement between the housing and the end of the headband in at least one of the six degrees of freedom, wherein the relative movement is from a first position to a second position, and wherein the restoring force biases the relative movement back toward the first position.

9. The headphones according to claim 8, wherein, The membrane connector is configured to generate different magnitudes of restoring force for each of the three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom in response to translation of the same magnitude.

10. The headphones according to claim 9, wherein, The different magnitudes of restoring force are due to the different thicknesses or hardnesses of different parts of the central portion.

11. The headphones according to claim 8, wherein, The membrane connector is configured to generate different magnitudes of restoring force for each of the three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom in response to rotation of the same magnitude.

12. The headphones according to claim 11, wherein, The different magnitudes of restoring force are due to the different thicknesses or hardnesses of different parts of the central portion.

13. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein, The membrane connector is configured to define different ranges of motion for each of the three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom.

14. The headphones according to claim 13, wherein, The different range of motion is due to the fact that the central opening is positioned at inconsistent distances from each point on the periphery of the central portion.

15. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein, The membrane connector is configured to define different ranges of motion for each of the three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom.

16. The headphones according to claim 15, wherein, The different range of motion is due to the fact that the central opening is positioned at inconsistent distances from each point on the periphery of the central portion.

17. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting pin includes a screw, and a portion of the central portion surrounding the central opening is clamped between the end of the screw and the end of the headband.

18. The headphones according to claim 17, wherein, The end of the headband includes a spherical portion connected within a groove, and The screw extends into the spherical portion and is directly connected to the spherical portion.

19. The earphone according to claim 1, further comprising: The second earpiece includes a second housing and a second audio driver located inside the second housing and connected to the second housing. A second membrane insertion portion, the second membrane insertion portion being made of an elastic material, wherein the second membrane insertion portion includes a second central portion and a second flange surrounding the periphery of the second central portion, wherein the second central portion defines a second central opening, and wherein the second flange is connected to the second housing body; and A second connecting pin extends through the second central opening of the second membrane insertion portion and into the second end of the headband opposite to the end of the headband, to directly connect the second end of the headband to the second membrane insertion portion, thereby connecting the second housing to the second end of the headband. The second end of the headband and the second outer shell are connected by a second diaphragm insertion located between the second end of the headband and the second outer shell, which defines a second diaphragm connector. The second diaphragm connector is configured to allow the second earpiece to move relative to the headband in six degrees of freedom, including three orthogonal translational degrees of freedom and three orthogonal rotational degrees of freedom.

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