Pressure balanced earphone

Abstract

The application provides a pressure balance earphone, comprising two earpieces, each of the earpieces comprising a shell defining an active chamber acoustically coupled to an ear of a user when the user wears the earpiece, a balance mechanism disposed on a fluid passage through which the active chamber communicates with an external environment of the earpiece, the balance mechanism blocking air between the active chamber and the external environment, and the balance mechanism being configured to move on the fluid passage in response to a pressure change between the inside and outside of the active chamber, so as to change a volume of a space between the balance mechanism and the active chamber on the fluid passage, and balance the pressure between the active chamber and the external environment, so as to accurately adjust air pressure in an ear canal, improve wearing comfort of a user, and have a simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of audio output devices, and more particularly to a pressure-balanced headphone. Background Technology

[0002] Whether listening to portable media players while traveling or to stereo or theater systems at home, consumers typically choose over-ear headphones. Over-ear headphones generally consist of a pair of earcups that surround the user's ears and are held together by a headband. Based on the design of the earcups—either closed-back or open-back—over-ear headphones can be categorized into two general types. Closed-back earcups surround the user's ears and have a sealed back. Open-back earcups also surround the user's ears but have a back that allows access to the surrounding environment.

[0003] Both closed-back and open-back earcups have their own acoustic advantages and disadvantages. For example, closed-back earcups offer good sound insulation because they isolate the earcup from ambient noise. Furthermore, the size and clamping force of the earcup can be modified to further improve sound insulation. Features of closed-back designs, such as the sealed back of the earcup, its size, and clamping force, allow the design to mechanically or passively attenuate ambient noise. However, due to the closed design of closed-back earcups, pressure variations within the portion of the earcup surrounding the user's ear can be uncomfortable. On the other hand, open-back earcups may feel more open to the user, but they may not be ideal in noisy environments because their passive attenuation may not be as good as that of closed-back designs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a pressure-balanced earphone, comprising: two earpieces, each earpiece including a housing defining an active chamber, wherein the active chamber acoustically couples the sound output side of a speaker to the user's ear when the user wears the earpiece; further comprising a balancing mechanism disposed on a fluid passage communicating between the active chamber and the external environment of the earpiece; the balancing mechanism blocking air between the active chamber and the external environment; and the balancing mechanism being configured to move in the fluid passage in response to pressure changes inside and outside the active chamber, thereby changing the volume of the space between the balancing mechanism and the active chamber in the fluid passage, thereby balancing the pressure between the active chamber and the external environment.

[0005] Preferably, the balancing mechanism at least partially blocks sound propagation between the active chamber and the external environment.

[0006] Preferably, the balancing mechanism is made of sound-insulating material, and the gravity generated by its mass is insufficient to overcome the restrictive force on the position of the balancing mechanism in the fluid passage.

[0007] Preferably, the balancing mechanism is at least partially made of an elastic sound-insulating material and is configured to elastically deform in response to pressure changes inside and outside the active chamber, thereby changing the volume of the space between the balancing mechanism and the active chamber in the fluid passage, and thus at least partially balancing the pressure between the active chamber and the external environment.

[0008] Preferably, when the pressure difference between the active chamber and the external environment exceeds a first preset threshold, the high-pressure side surface area of ​​the balancing mechanism increases; when the pressure difference between the active chamber and the external environment does not exceed the first preset threshold, the surface area of ​​the balancing mechanism remains unchanged.

[0009] Preferably, when the pressure difference between the active chamber and the external environment exceeds a second preset threshold, the balancing mechanism moves toward the low-pressure side; when the pressure difference between the active chamber and the external environment does not exceed the second preset threshold, the balancing mechanism does not move; the first preset threshold is not equal to the second preset threshold.

[0010] Preferably, it further includes an actuation mechanism for driving the balancing mechanism to move in the fluid passage and / or for defining the position of the balancing mechanism in the fluid passage.

[0011] Preferably, the actuation mechanism is further configured to drive the balancing mechanism to the middle position of the fluid passage after the pressure-balanced headphones have been used.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes a differential pressure detection device for detecting the pressure difference between the active room and the outside.

[0013] Preferably, the balancing mechanism is provided with an iron part, and the actuation mechanism includes a plurality of electromagnets uniformly arranged on or near the fluid passage and along the flow direction of the fluid passage; the electromagnets at the target position of the fluid passage are activated in response to the pressure change between the active chamber and the outside environment, so that the balancing mechanism is attracted to the target position to equalize the pressure between the active chamber and the external environment.

[0014] Preferably, activating the electromagnet at the target position of the fluid passage in response to pressure changes inside and outside the active room, so as to attract the balancing mechanism to the target position, includes: sequentially activating the electromagnets from the current position of the balancing mechanism to the target position, so as to gradually attract the balancing mechanism to the target position.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a magnetic field shielding mechanism to prevent the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet from affecting the electromagnetic components of the speaker.

[0016] Preferably, the actuation mechanism includes a guide groove disposed on the side wall of the fluid passage and a slider fixed to the balancing mechanism, the slider being slidably disposed in the guide groove; the slider is provided with a threaded hole, the actuation mechanism includes a screw, the screw being axially fixed in the guide groove; the screw engages with the threaded hole, and the rotation of the screw relative to the guide groove drives the slider to slide in the guide groove.

[0017] Preferably, the fluid passage and the balancing mechanism thereon are multiple sets, evenly distributed on the outer periphery of the active room.

[0018] Preferably, the middle section of the fluid passage is a section of equal diameter, the diameter of the middle section of the fluid passage is larger than the diameter at both ends of the fluid passage, the balancing mechanism moves on the middle section, and the positions at both ends of the fluid passage can prevent the balancing mechanism from leaving the fluid passage.

[0019] This invention proposes a pressure-balanced earphone, comprising: two earpieces, each earpiece including a housing defining an active chamber, wherein the active chamber acoustically couples the sound output side of a speaker to the user's ear when the user wears the earpiece; further comprising a balancing mechanism disposed on a fluid passage connecting the active chamber and the external environment of the earpiece; the balancing mechanism blocking air between the active chamber and the external environment; and the balancing mechanism being configured to move in the fluid passage in response to pressure changes inside and outside the active chamber, thereby changing the volume of the space between the balancing mechanism and the active chamber in the fluid passage, thereby balancing the pressure between the active chamber and the external environment, achieving precise adjustment of the air pressure in the ear canal, improving user wearing comfort, and having a simple structure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a pressure-balanced headphone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This invention is based on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a pressure-balanced headphone according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This invention is based on Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of another pressure-balanced headphone according to the embodiment.

[0023] The components include: earpiece-100, housing-101, speaker-102, active chamber-103, fluid passage-104, electromagnet-105, guide groove-106, screw-107, manual roller-108, user-200, external environment-300, balancing mechanism-400, iron part-401, and slider-402. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To address the problem of the difficulty in flexibly adjusting the internal and external air pressure of existing headphones, the pressure-balanced headphones provided by this invention are achieved through the following technical solution:

[0025] Example:

[0026] This embodiment provides a pressure-balanced headphone; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The device includes: two earpieces 100, each earpiece 100 including a housing 101 defining an active chamber 103, wherein the active chamber 103 acoustically couples the sound output side of a speaker 102 to the user's ear when the user 200 wears the earpiece 100; it also includes a balancing mechanism 400 disposed on a fluid passage 104 communicating between the active chamber 103 and an external environment 300 of the earpiece 100; the balancing mechanism 400 isolates the active chamber 103 from the external environment 300; and the balancing mechanism 400 is configured to move on the fluid passage 104 in response to pressure changes inside and outside the active chamber 103, thereby changing the volume of the space between the balancing mechanism 400 and the active chamber 103 on the fluid passage 104, thereby balancing the pressure between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300.

[0027] Specifically, the balancing mechanism 400 at least partially blocks sound propagation between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300.

[0028] Specifically, the balancing mechanism 400 is made of sound-insulating material, and the gravity generated by its mass is insufficient to overcome the restrictive force on the position of the balancing mechanism 400 on the fluid passage 104.

[0029] Specifically, the balancing mechanism 400 is at least partially made of an elastic sound-insulating material and is configured to elastically deform in response to pressure changes inside and outside the active chamber 103, thereby changing the volume of the space between the balancing mechanism 400 and the active chamber 103 on the fluid passage 104, and thus at least partially balancing the pressure between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300.

[0030] Specifically, when the pressure difference between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300 exceeds a first preset threshold, the high-pressure side surface area of ​​the balancing mechanism 400 increases; when the pressure difference between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300 does not exceed the first preset threshold, the surface area of ​​the balancing mechanism 400 remains unchanged.

[0031] Specifically, when the pressure difference between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300 exceeds a second preset threshold, the balancing mechanism 400 moves toward the low-pressure side; when the pressure difference between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300 does not exceed the second preset threshold, the balancing mechanism 400 does not move.

[0032] Specifically, the first preset threshold is not equal to the second preset threshold. Through the elastic deformation of the balancing mechanism 400 and its movement, both methods can change the volume of the space between the balancing mechanism 400 and the active chamber 103 on the fluid passage 104, thereby balancing the pressure between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300. The first and second preset thresholds divide the pressure difference into three intervals, forming three working modes: balancing the pressure between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300 through the elastic deformation of the balancing mechanism 400; balancing the pressure between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300 through the movement of the balancing mechanism 400; and balancing the pressure between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 400 through the combined effect of the elastic deformation and movement of the balancing mechanism 400. Therefore, the pressure-balancing headphones can adapt to more application scenarios.

[0033] Specifically, it also includes an actuation mechanism for driving the balancing mechanism 400 to move on the fluid passage 104.

[0034] Specifically, the actuation mechanism is also used to define the position of the balancing mechanism 400 on the fluid passage 104.

[0035] Specifically, the actuation mechanism is also used to drive the balancing mechanism 400 to the middle position of the fluid passage 104 after the pressure-balanced headphones have been used.

[0036] Specifically, it also includes a differential pressure detection device for detecting the pressure difference inside and outside the active chamber 103. The differential pressure detection device includes at least two pressure sensors, one for detecting the pressure inside the active chamber 103 and the other for detecting the pressure inside and outside the active chamber 103.

[0037] Specifically, the differential pressure detection device includes at least two deformation sensors for obtaining the pressure difference inside and outside the active chamber 103 by detecting the amount of elastic deformation on both sides of the balancing mechanism 400. Compared to only detecting and focusing on the difference between the pressure inside the active chamber 103 and standard atmospheric pressure, the pressure-balanced headphones can adapt to changes in the external atmospheric pressure 300, such as when used in high-altitude areas or during air travel.

[0038] Specifically, the balancing mechanism 400 includes an iron part 401, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 The actuation mechanism includes a plurality of electromagnets 105 uniformly arranged on or near the fluid passage 104 and along the flow direction of the fluid passage; the electromagnets 105 at the target position of the fluid passage 104 are activated in response to pressure changes inside and outside the active chamber 103, so that the balancing mechanism 400 is attracted to the target position to balance the pressure between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300.

[0039] Specifically, in response to pressure changes inside and outside the active chamber 103, the electromagnet 105 at the target position of the fluid passage 104 is activated to attract the balancing mechanism 400 to the target position. This includes sequentially activating the electromagnets 105 from the current position of the balancing mechanism 400 to the target position, so that the balancing mechanism 400 is gradually attracted to the target position. If the current position of the balancing mechanism 400 is relatively far from the target position, multiple electromagnets 105 are spaced apart, and the electromagnets 105 from the current position of the balancing mechanism 400 to the target position are sequentially activated. Compared to activating only the electromagnet 105 at the target position, the effective distance is shorter, and only a smaller electromagnetic force is required per operation. Moreover, the balancing mechanism 400 moves step by step, making it easier to stop the movement of the balancing mechanism 400 due to user operation or other reasons, or to change the movement speed of the balancing mechanism 400 due to a change in the target position midway.

[0040] Specifically, it also includes a magnetic field shielding mechanism to prevent the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 105 from affecting the electromagnetic components of the speaker 102.

[0041] Specifically, the actuation mechanism includes a guide groove 106 disposed on the side wall of the fluid passage 104. (See also...) Figure 3The actuator includes a slider 402 fixed to the balancing mechanism 400, the slider 402 being slidably disposed within the guide groove 106; the slider 402 having a threaded hole; the actuation mechanism including a screw 107 axially fixed within the guide groove 106; the screw 107 engaging with the threaded hole, and the rotation of the screw 107 relative to the guide groove 106 driving the slider 402 to slide within the guide groove 103. The screw 107 is driven to rotate by a manual roller 108 or by a stepper motor.

[0042] Specifically, the surface of the balancing mechanism 400 facing the active chamber 103 is provided with protrusions and / or grooves, thereby forming a rough surface.

[0043] Specifically, the fluid passage 104 and the balancing mechanism 400 thereon are multiple sets, which are evenly distributed on the outer periphery of the active chamber 103.

[0044] Specifically, the middle section of the fluid passage 104 is a section of equal diameter, and the diameter of the middle section of the fluid passage 104 is larger than the diameter of the two ends of the fluid passage 104. The balancing mechanism 400 moves on the middle section, and the two ends of the fluid passage 104 prevent the balancing mechanism 400 from disengaging from the fluid passage 104. Dustproof nets are provided at both ends of the fluid passage 104 to prevent foreign objects from entering the fluid passage 104.

[0045] This embodiment proposes a pressure-balanced headphone, comprising: two earpieces 100, each earpiece 100 including a housing 101, the housing 101 defining an active chamber 103, wherein when a user 200 wears the earpiece 100, the active chamber 103 acoustically couples the sound output side of the speaker 102 to the user 200's ear; and a balancing mechanism 400, the balancing mechanism 400 being disposed on a fluid passage 104 connecting the active chamber 103 to the external environment 300 of the earpiece 100; the balancing mechanism 400... The active chamber 103 is air-blocked from the external environment 300; and the balancing mechanism 400 is configured to move on the fluid passage 104 in response to pressure changes inside and outside the active chamber 103, thereby changing the volume of the space between the balancing mechanism 400 and the active chamber 103 on the fluid passage 104, thereby balancing the pressure between the active chamber 103 and the external environment 300, achieving precise adjustment of the air pressure in the ear canal, improving the wearing comfort of the user 200, and having a simple structure.

[0046] It should be noted that the above content is a further detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and it should not be considered that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to this. Under the guidance of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications based on the above embodiments, and these improvements or modifications fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure balanced earphone, comprising: Two earpieces, each of the earpieces comprising a housing defining an active chamber acoustically coupled to an ear of a user when the user wears the earpiece to output sound from a speaker to the ear; characterized in that further comprising a balancing mechanism disposed on a fluid path of the active chamber in communication with an external environment of the earpiece; the balancing mechanism blocks air between the active chamber and the external environment; and the balancing mechanism is configured to move on the fluid path in response to a pressure change between the active chamber and the external environment, thereby capable of changing a volume of a space between the balancing mechanism and the active chamber on the fluid path, and thereby capable of balancing the pressure between the active chamber and the external environment. The balancing mechanism is at least partially made of an elastic soundproof material, configured to elastically deform in response to a pressure change between the active chamber and the external environment, thereby capable of changing the volume of the space between the balancing mechanism and the active chamber on the fluid path, and thereby capable of at least partially balancing the pressure between the active chamber and the external environment. When a pressure difference between the active chamber and the external environment exceeds a first preset threshold, a high-pressure side surface area of the balancing mechanism increases; when the pressure difference between the active chamber and the external environment does not exceed the first preset threshold, the surface area of the balancing mechanism does not change. When a pressure difference between the active chamber and the external environment exceeds a second preset threshold, the balancing mechanism moves towards a low-pressure side; when the pressure difference between the active chamber and the external environment does not exceed the second preset threshold, the balancing mechanism does not move; the first preset threshold is not equal to the second preset threshold. Further comprising an actuating mechanism for driving the balancing mechanism to move on the fluid path and / or for defining a position of the balancing mechanism on the fluid path. The actuating mechanism is further used to drive the balancing mechanism to a middle position of the fluid path after use of the pressure balancing earphone. Further comprising a differential pressure detection device for detecting a pressure difference between the active chamber and the external environment.

2. The pressure balanced earphone of claim 1, wherein, The balancing mechanism at least partially blocks sound propagation between the active chamber and the external environment.

3. The pressure balanced earphone of claim 2, wherein, A gravity generated by the mass of the balancing mechanism is insufficient to overcome a limiting force of the balancing mechanism on the fluid path.

4. The pressure balanced earphone of claim 1, wherein, The balancing mechanism is provided with an iron part, the actuating mechanism comprises a plurality of electromagnets uniformly arranged along a flow direction of the fluid path on or near the fluid path; the electromagnets at a target position of the fluid path are activated in response to a pressure change between the active chamber and the external environment, so that the balancing mechanism is attracted to the target position to balance the pressure between the active chamber and the external environment.

5. The pressure balanced earphone of claim 4, wherein, The electromagnets at the target position of the fluid path are activated in response to the pressure change between the active chamber and the external environment, so that the balancing mechanism is attracted to the target position, comprising: sequentially turning on the electromagnets from a current position of the balancing mechanism to the target position, so that the balancing mechanism is gradually attracted to the target position.

6. The pressure balanced earphone of claim 5, wherein, A magnetic field shielding mechanism is further included to avoid the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet from affecting the electromagnetic components of the loudspeaker.

7. The pressure balanced earphone of claim 1, wherein, The actuating mechanism includes a guide slot arranged on the sidewall of the fluid passage, and a slider fixed on the balancing mechanism and slidably arranged in the guide slot; a threaded hole is arranged on the slider, the actuating mechanism includes a screw rod which is axially fixed in the guide slot; the screw rod cooperates with the threaded hole, and rotation of the screw rod relative to the guide slot drives the slider to slide in the guide slot.

8. The pressure balanced earphone of claim 1, wherein, The fluid passages and the balancing mechanisms thereon are in multiple groups to be evenly distributed around the outer periphery of the active chamber.

9. The pressure balanced earphone of claim 1, wherein, The intermediate section of the fluid passage is an equal-diameter section, the diameter of the intermediate section is greater than the diameters of the two end sections of the fluid passage, the balancing mechanism moves on the intermediate section, and the two end sections of the fluid passage can prevent the balancing mechanism from being separated from the fluid passage.

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