Nozzle for an in-ear audio device comprising a flexible portion and a rigid portion

Abstract

Aspects describe a nozzle including a first flexible portion and a second rigid portion. The rigidity of the rigid portion is lower than the flexible portion. When positioned in a user's ear, the flexible portion extends a portion of an earbud housing towards a user's ear canal, and the rigid portion couples a removable sealing structure to the earbud housing. In aspects, the flexible portion provides comfort by allowing the sealing structure to bend and conform to a wearer's ear, and the rigid portion provides structure for placing a feedback microphone close to a user's ear canal for ANK.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 901,779, filed June 15, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully stated below. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure describes various features of the opening of an in-ear audio device. The opening includes a first flexible portion and a second rigid portion. The flexible portion extends a portion of the housing toward the ear canal (when placed in the user's ear), and the rigid portion couples the earpiece of the in-ear audio device to the housing. Background Technology

[0004] People use in-ear audio output devices for extended periods while engaging in various types of activities. For example, they wear in-ear audio devices throughout the day while commuting, working, and exercising. Due to technological advancements and the increased ability of in-ear audio devices to communicate with the internet and smart devices, the functionality offered by these devices continues to improve. Therefore, in-ear audio devices are becoming increasingly important in people's daily lives. Given the use and widespread adoption of in-ear audio devices, it is expected that headphones will comfortably remain in the user's ears while providing a variety of audio features, including, for example, active noise cancellation (ANR). Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various parties provide in-ear audio devices with ANR (Advanced Noise Reduction) capability. More specifically, various parties provide a cannula comprising a first flexible portion and a second rigid portion. The flexible portion helps provide comfort and stability for in-ear audio devices used in various ear sizes and geometries. For example, the flexible portion allows the sealing structure to bend to adapt to the geometry of the user's ear. The rigid portion provides support for a feedback microphone placed in the user's ear canal, allowing the feedback microphone to hear the signal in the same way as the user. Because the feedback microphone is placed close to the eardrum, it is well-positioned to hear what the user hears. In response, the in-ear audio device is well-suited to perform ANR to correct the audio output signal.

[0006] Some aspects provide an in-ear audio device including an earbud and an earbud housing. The earbud housing includes a nozzle portion, wherein the nozzle portion includes a first flexible portion and a second rigid portion. The first flexible portion extends a portion of the earbud housing toward a user's ear canal, and the second rigid portion couples the earbud to the earbud housing.

[0007] In various aspects, the in-ear audio device also includes a feedback microphone mounted on the inner surface of the second rigid portion. In various aspects, the in-ear audio device also includes an acoustic driver acoustically coupled to the feedback microphone and mounted on the inner surface of the second rigid portion. In various aspects, the in-ear audio device also includes an acoustic driver mounted within the earpiece housing.

[0008] In various respects, the in-ear audio device also includes a rigid attachment that couples the first flexible portion to the earbud housing, wherein the rigid attachment is coupled to the inner surface of the first flexible portion.

[0009] In each respect, the first end of the second rigid portion is attached to the inner surface of the first flexible portion, and the second end of the second rigid portion is attached to the earplug.

[0010] In all respects, the first flexible part has a constant thickness.

[0011] In each respect, the first flexible portion includes a first end near the earplug housing and a second end near the second rigid portion, and the first end is thicker than the second end.

[0012] In each aspect, the earbud housing is shaped to fit within the user's lower concha. In each aspect, the earbud housing includes a front housing and a top housing, and the acoustic driver module is mounted in the front housing. In each aspect, the top housing is shaped to fit within the user's lower concha. In each aspect, the front housing and the top housing are made of a material that is more rigid than the nozzle portion of the earbud housing.

[0013] Some aspects provide an in-ear audio device including an earbud housing with a nozzle portion, wherein the nozzle portion includes a first flexible portion and a second rigid portion, the first flexible portion extending a portion of the earbud housing toward a user's ear canal, and the second rigid portion coupling a removable sealing structure to the earbud housing.

[0014] In all respects, the removable sealing structure comprises a generally spherical dome-shaped sealing structure.

[0015] In various aspects, the in-ear audio device also includes a feedback microphone mounted on the inner surface of the second rigid portion. In various aspects, the in-ear audio device also includes an acoustic driver acoustically coupled to the feedback microphone and mounted on the inner surface of the second rigid portion.

[0016] In various aspects, the in-ear audio device also includes an acoustic driver mounted in the earbud housing.

[0017] In various respects, the in-ear audio device also includes a rigid attachment that couples the first flexible portion to the earbud housing, wherein the rigid attachment is coupled to the inner surface of the first flexible portion.

[0018] In each respect, the first end of the second rigid portion is attached to the inner surface of the first flexible portion, and the second end of the second rigid portion is attached to the removable sealing structure.

[0019] In all respects, the earbud housing is shaped to fit into the user's lower ear canal, and the earbud housing is made of a material that is more rigid than the first flexible portion.

[0020] All examples and features mentioned herein can be combined in any technically possible manner. Other features, purposes, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1A This is a view of the side surface of the human ear.

[0022] Figure 1B and Figure 1C This is an exemplary cross-section of the human ear.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a side view of an earbud housing of an in-ear audio device including a cannula, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the cannula including a first flexible portion and a second rigid portion.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a front view of an earbud housing of an in-ear audio device including a cannula, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the cannula including a first flexible portion and a second rigid portion.

[0025] Figure 4 It is based on all aspects of this disclosure, including Figures 2 to 3 Side view of an in-ear audio device showing the earbud housing and sealing structure.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a side perspective view of an in-ear audio device positioned in the wearer's ear according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0027] Figures 6A to 6D This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the first flexible portion and the second rigid portion of the nozzle according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7This is a cross-sectional view of an in-ear audio device according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the in-ear audio device including a feedback microphone mounted on the inner surface of a second rigid portion of the tube opening and an acoustic driver mounted in the earpiece housing.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a feedback microphone and an acoustic driver, both mounted on the inner surface of a second rigid portion of the nozzle, according to various aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Current ANR in-ear audio devices feature a long, rigid tube that couples the earbud housing to a sealed structure. This rigid tube allows the feedback microphone used in ANRs to be positioned deeper into the user's ear canal. The feedback microphone detects ambient noise, and the detected ambient noise is used to generate an equal and opposite anti-noise response to virtually eliminate external noise before it enters the user's ear canal. While the rigid tube allows the feedback microphone to be positioned close to the user's ear canal, it presents some challenges in achieving a comfortable fit for different ear sizes and geometries.

[0031] This disclosure provides a cannula that has both flexible and rigid portions. The partially flexible, partially rigid cannula forms an earbud housing that can be comfortably positioned in a user's ear for most ear geometries and sizes, and also allows a feedback microphone to be placed deep within the user's ear canal for better ANR performance. The flexible portion of the cannula allows the rigid portion and sealing structure to be flexibly aligned with the user's ear. The rigid portion of the cannula allows the feedback microphone, and optionally an acoustic driver, to be mounted close to the user's ear canal. In various aspects, the earbud housing utilizes space within the user's outer ear to house electronics. Thus, in some examples, the feedback microphone is mounted on the inner portion of the rigid part of the cannula and acoustically coupled to an acoustic driver mounted within the earbud housing. The described cannula structure facilitates comfortable positioning of in-ear audio devices in the wearer's ear for extended periods while providing robust ANR performance.

[0032] The accompanying drawings and corresponding descriptions illustrate one or more earbud housings or in-ear audio devices for the wearer's right ear. Earbud housings and in-ear audio devices designed to fit into the wearer's left ear are mirror images of the earbud housings and in-ear audio devices described herein and operate according to the same principles.

[0033] Figure 1A The image shows the lateral surface of a human right ear, with some features identified. Many different ear sizes and geometries exist. Some ears have... Figure 1A Additional features not shown in the image. Some ears are missing. Figure 1ASome features are shown. Some features may be more... Figure 1A The features shown are either more prominent or less prominent.

[0034] Figure 1B and Figure 1C Two exemplary cross-sections of the human ear are shown, with some features identified. The ear canal is an irregularly shaped cylinder with a variable cross-sectional area and a non-linear centerline. The identified features are the entrance to the ear canal and the main portion of the ear canal. In this specification, the entrance to the ear canal refers to the portion of the ear canal near the outer ear, where the walls of the ear canal are not substantially parallel to the centerline of the ear canal. The precise structure of the human ear varies widely from individual to individual. For example, in Figure 1B In the cross-section, there is a relatively abrupt transition from the ear canal wall, which is not parallel to the center line 30-1B, to a wall that is substantially parallel to the center line of the ear canal, thus the distance to the ear canal entrance 32-1B is relatively short. Figure 1C In the cross section, there is a gentler transition from a wall that is not parallel to the center line of the ear canal to a wall that is substantially parallel to the center line of the ear canal 30-1C, so the length to the entrance 32-1C of the ear canal is relatively long.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a side view 100a of an earbud housing of an in-ear audio device according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the earbud housing including a port 110, the port including a first flexible portion 110a and a second rigid portion 110b, and Figure 3 The image shows a front view 100b of an earbud housing of an in-ear audio device according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the earbud housing including a port 110, the port including a first flexible portion 110a and a second rigid portion 110b.

[0036] The earplug housing includes a front housing 120, a top housing 130, and an opening 110 that extends the earplug housing toward the user's ear canal. The front housing 120 and the top housing 130 are shaped to fit within the concha of the wearer's ear. In one example, and as... Figure 5 As shown, the front housing 120 is shaped along the lower concha and fits within the outer ear. In each aspect, acoustic drivers and other electronic components are housed within either the front housing 120 or the top housing 130. Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 7 The front housing 120 and the top housing 130 are shown; however, the earbud housing does not need to have this specific design to accommodate the electronics of an in-ear audio device.

[0037] The nozzle 110 extends the earbud housing into the wearer's ear. The nozzle 110 extends from the earbud housing towards the sealing structure 140 (in...). Figure 4(As shown in the image) The opening 110 includes an acoustic channel for transmitting sound waves to the wearer's ear canal. As described herein, the opening 110 includes a first flexible portion 110a and a second rigid portion 110b. The flexible portion 110a and the rigid portion 110b are integrally formed. The first flexible portion 110a proximates the earpiece housing and is coupled to the second rigid portion 110b. Figure 4 As shown, the second rigid portion 110b couples the earplug sealing structure 140 to the earplug housing. The second rigid portion 110b is less flexible than the flexible portion 110a. In all respects, the earplug housing is made of a material that is more rigid than the first flexible portion 110a and the second rigid portion 110b.

[0038] The nozzle 110 is made of a biocompatible material. In one example, the nozzle is made of materials with different hardness. A material with higher hardness is used for the rigid portion 110b because lower flexibility is desired compared to the flexible portion 110a. Similarly, a material with lower hardness is used for the flexible portion 110a because increased flexibility is desired compared to the rigid portion 110b.

[0039] In one example, the flexible portion 110a of the nozzle 110 has a constant thickness. In another example, the flexible portion 110a has a thickness of approximately 0.8 mm. In yet another example, the flexible portion 110a of the nozzle 110 has a different thickness. In all aspects, the flexible portion 110a gradually thins from the end near the earpiece housing to the end coupled to the rigid portion 110b. Thus, the thicker end of the flexible portion 110a is closer to the earpiece housing, and the thinner and more flexible end is closer to the rigid portion 110b. Figures 6B to 6D Examples of flexible nozzle portions 110a with different thicknesses are shown. To protect the electronics housed in the earbud housing, as described above, the earbud housing is made of a material that is more rigid than the nozzle 110.

[0040] Figure 4 It is based on various aspects of this disclosure, including sealing structure 140 and Figures 2 to 3 The side view 400 of the earbud housing of the in-ear audio device shown is as follows: Figure 5 This is a side perspective view 500 of an in-ear audio device positioned in the wearer's ear according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0041] As described herein, in-ear audio devices include an earbud housing coupled to an earbud sealing structure 140 (e.g., Figures 2 to 3 (As shown in the diagram). The earplug sealing structure 140 is coupled to the second rigid portion 110b of the opening 110. The sealing structure 140 forms a seal with the wearer's ear canal. The sealing structure 140 shown is substantially spherical dome-shaped; however, the sealing structure can be other shapes, such as umbrella-shaped or conical.

[0042] In all respects, the sealing structure 140 includes an attachment 170 (in... Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, the attachment couples the sealing structure to the second rigid portion 110b. The sealing structure extends around the outer circumference of the second rigid portion 110b. The sealing structure 140 is coupled to the rigid portion 110b of the opening 110 and folds back towards the wearer's outer ear. In all respects, the sealing structure 140 is removable from the earbud housing. This allows the user to replace a damaged sealing structure or select a sealing structure of an appropriate size.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the top shell 130 is visible when the in-ear audio device is positioned in the wearer's ear. Although the front shell 120 is not visible, it should be understood that it is shaped to fit within the wearer's concha.

[0044] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view 600A of a first flexible portion 110a and a second rigid portion 110b of a nozzle 110 according to various aspects of this disclosure. A rigid attachment 160 couples the first flexible portion 110a to the earbud housing. Specifically, the attachment 160 couples a first end of the first flexible portion 110a to the earbud housing. A second end of the first flexible portion 110a is coupled to the second rigid portion 110b. In various aspects, the rigid attachment 160 is made of plastic. In one example, the flexible portion 110a is molded onto the attachment 160 at its first end and onto the rigid portion 110b at its second end. Thus, the end of the flexible portion 110a of the rigid portion 110b near the nozzle 110 is attached to the inner surface of the flexible portion 110a, thereby engaging or connecting the flexible portion 110a to the rigid portion 110b.

[0045] exist Figure 6A In this example, the flexible portion 110a of the nozzle 110 is molded around the outer circumference of the rigid attachment 160. In this example, the attachment 160 is a ring spanning the inner circumference of the flexible portion 110a. The attachment 160 is attached to the front housing 120 (see [reference]). Figure 7 In one example, adhesive attaches the attachment 160 to the front housing 120. As described above and as... Figure 7 As shown, the attachment 170 of the sealing structure 140 couples the rigid portion 110b of the port 110 to the sealing structure 140. In one example, the attachment 170 is a rigid plastic ring.

[0046] Figures 6B to 6D Exemplary cross-sectional views 600B, 600C, and 600D are shown, respectively, of the flexible portions of the nozzles with different thicknesses. Relative to... Figure 6A ,exist Figures 6B to 6DIn each of the accompanying drawings, the flexible portion 110a has a different local thickness. Figure 6B In this embodiment, the flexible portion 110a includes an inner recess 602b along its inner surface. In one aspect, the inner recess 602b spans a portion of the inner circumference of the flexible portion 110a. In another aspect, the inner recess 602b spans the entire inner circumference of the flexible portion 110a.

[0047] exist Figure 6C In this embodiment, the flexible portion 110a includes an external recess 602c along its outer surface. In one aspect, the internal external recess 602c spans a portion of the outer circumference of the flexible portion 110a. In another aspect, the external recess 602c spans the entire outer circumference of the flexible portion 110a.

[0048] exist Figure 6D In the flexible portion 110a, a partial notch 602d is located on the inner surface. Although one partial notch 602d is shown, the flexible portion 110a may include multiple partial notches.

[0049] As described above, one end of the flexible portion 110a may be thicker than the other end. In one example, the thicker end of the flexible portion 110a is closer to the earpiece housing, and the thinner and more flexible end is closer to the rigid portion 110b. Figures 6B to 6D As shown, the thickness of the flexible portion 110a is not constant due to the notches 602b, 602c, and 602d in the flexible portion 110a. In various aspects, the flexible portion transitions from thicker to thinner as it moves from the earpiece housing to the rigid portion 110b, and also includes local changes or variations in thickness.

[0050] The thickness of the flexible portion 110a is varied by one or more of the following methods: transitioning from thicker to thinner along the direction of the rigid portion, by one or more notches including notches 602b, 602c and 602d, or by other variations in the thickness of the flexible portion 110a of the orifice, thereby facilitating movement toward or away from the underside of the tragus along the short axis of the user's ear canal, while maintaining rigidity in the direction of entering and exiting the user's ear.

[0051] The more flexible and softer flexible portion 110a provides comfort and beneficial acoustic effects. The variation in thickness of the flexible portion 110a achieves flexibility in the desired direction while maintaining stiffness in other directions to limit adverse acoustic effects. Depending on the geometry of the ear, the orifice is desired to bend and rotate upwards to apply less pressure to the base of the concha. The increased flexibility allows for better alignment of the orifice with the user's ear geometry, resulting in a better seal between the sealing structure 140 and the ear canal. Additionally, increased flexibility along the short axis of the ear canal reduces the likelihood of the acoustic outlet being blocked or inefficiently delivered to the ear. By maintaining stiffness in the direction of entry and exit from the user's ear, the sealing structure 140 attaches more easily to the rigid portion 110b.

[0052] Alternatively, or in addition to varying the thickness of the flexible portion 110a in various ways, the flexible portion may also be made of a viscoelastic material. Viscoelastic materials harden with increasing frequency and help limit noise transmitted through the flexible portion.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view 700 of an in-ear audio device according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the in-ear audio device including a feedback microphone 165a mounted on the inner surface of a second rigid portion 110b of a port 110 and an acoustic driver 185a mounted in an earpiece housing. In one example, the acoustic driver 185a is mounted in a front housing 120.

[0054] Feedback microphone 165a is acoustically coupled to acoustic driver 185a. The rigid portion 110b of the cannula 110 facilitates an in-ear audio device including a feedback microphone placed in a user's ear canal. The flexible portion 110a of the cannula 110 allows the sealing structure 140 to bend slightly upwards and downwards by approximately 10 to 20 degrees when positioned in the wearer's ear. Thus, the cannula 110 provides flexibility for stability via the flexible portion 110a and proper orientation and structure via the rigid portion 110b to mount the feedback microphone closer to the user's ear.

[0055] In all aspects, the attachment 170 of the sealing structure 140 couples the rigid portion 110b of the port 110 to the sealing structure 140. Figure 7 In this configuration, attachment 170 is a ring attached to the outer circumference of the rigid portion 110b of the port 110. In all respects, acoustic mesh 175 spans the opening between the rigid portion of the port 110b and the sealing structure 140.

[0056] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view 800 of a feedback microphone 165b and an acoustic driver 185b mounted on the inner surface of the second rigid portion 110b of the orifice 110, according to various aspects of this disclosure. In these aspects, both the feedback microphone 165b and the acoustic driver 185b are mounted on the inner surface of the rigid portion 110b of the orifice. Similar to... Figure 7 The feedback microphone 165b is acoustically coupled to the acoustic driver 185b.

[0057] As described herein, in-ear audio devices include an earbud housing with flexible components. Specifically, the port 110 has a flexible portion 110a and a rigid portion 110b. The in-ear audio device provides ANR using feedback microphones 165a, 165b, which are attached to the rigid portion 110b of the port 110, located in the user's ear canal and close to the user's eardrum. Positioning the feedback microphones close to the user's eardrum provides robust ANR functionality. Additionally, the port includes the flexible portion 110a, which allows the sealing structure 140 and the rigid portion 110b of the port to comfortably adapt to the shape and size of the user's ear while maintaining its proper orientation when the audio device is positioned in the user's ear. As described, the feedback microphones 165a, 165b are attached to the rigid portion 110b of the port, and the acoustic driver is attached to the rigid portion 110b of the port or to the earbud housing. The earbud housing has space to accommodate the acoustic transducer 185b and other electronic components because the earbud housing is designed to be located in the concha of the user's ear.

[0058] The headphones described in this article are applicable to a variety of devices, including audio headphones, hearing aids, hearing-aided headphones, noise-masking earplugs, ANR headphones, aviation headphones, and other devices that include in-ear components.

[0059] Many uses and deviations may be made from the specific devices and techniques disclosed herein without departing from the concept of the invention. Therefore, the invention should be construed as encompassing each feature disclosed herein, as well as each novel feature and novel combinations of features, and is limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An in-ear audio device, comprising: Earplug sealing structure; An earplug housing, the earplug housing including a front housing, a top housing and a nozzle, the nozzle extending the earplug housing toward the user's ear canal; The front housing and the top housing are shaped to fit into the concha of the user's ear, and the orifice includes a first flexible portion and a second rigid portion; The first flexible portion extends a portion of the earplug housing toward the user's ear canal and has a first end proximate to the earplug housing and a second end coupled to the second rigid portion; The second rigid portion couples the earplug sealing structure to the earplug housing; The in-ear audio device also includes: A feedback microphone is mounted on the inner surface of the second rigid portion, thereby providing support for the feedback microphone placed in the user's ear canal.

2. The in-ear audio device according to claim 1, further comprising: An acoustic driver, which is acoustically coupled to the feedback microphone and mounted on the inner surface of the second rigid portion.

3. The in-ear audio device according to claim 1, further comprising: An acoustic driver is mounted in the earpiece housing.

4. The in-ear audio device according to claim 1, further comprising: A rigid attachment that couples the first flexible portion to the earbud housing, wherein the rigid attachment is coupled to the inner surface of the first flexible portion.

5. The in-ear audio device according to claim 1, wherein: The first end of the second rigid portion is attached to the inner surface of the first flexible portion; and The second end of the second rigid portion is attached to the earplug.

6. The in-ear audio device according to claim 1, wherein the first flexible portion has a constant thickness.

7. The in-ear audio device according to claim 1, wherein: The first end is thicker than the second end.

8. The in-ear audio device of claim 1, wherein the earbud housing is shaped to fit into the user's lower ear canal.

9. The in-ear audio device according to claim 8, wherein: The acoustic driver module is installed in the front housing.

10. The in-ear audio device of claim 9, wherein the front housing and the top housing are made of a material that is more rigid than the opening portion of the earpiece housing.

11. An in-ear audio device, comprising: An earbud housing, comprising a front housing, a top housing, and an opening, the opening extending the earbud housing toward the user's ear canal. The front housing and the top housing are shaped to fit into the concha of the user's ear, and the orifice includes a first flexible portion and a second rigid portion; The first flexible portion has a first end close to the earplug housing and a second end coupled to the second rigid portion; The second rigid portion couples the removable sealing structure to the earpiece housing; The in-ear audio device also includes: A feedback microphone is mounted on the inner surface of the second rigid portion, thereby providing support for the feedback microphone placed in the user's ear canal.

12. The in-ear audio device of claim 11, wherein the removable sealing structure comprises a substantially spherical dome-shaped sealing structure.

13. The in-ear audio device according to claim 11, further comprising: An acoustic driver, which is acoustically coupled to the feedback microphone and mounted on the inner surface of the second rigid portion.

14. The in-ear audio device according to claim 11, further comprising: An acoustic driver is mounted in the earpiece housing.

15. The in-ear audio device according to claim 11, further comprising: A rigid attachment that couples the first flexible portion to the earbud housing, wherein the rigid attachment is coupled to the inner surface of the first flexible portion.

16. The in-ear audio device according to claim 11, wherein: The first end of the second rigid portion is attached to the inner surface of the first flexible portion; and The second end of the second rigid portion is attached to the removable sealing structure.

17. The in-ear audio device according to claim 11, wherein: The earplug housing is shaped to fit into the user's lower ear canal, and The earplug housing is made of a material that is more rigid than the first flexible portion.

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