Earpiece with moving-coil transducer and acoustic back volume

Abstract

Various implementations of the invention include audio devices and associated earpieces. In certain implementations, an earpiece includes an electro-acoustic transducer and an acoustic back volume configured to provide a desired fit and desired acoustic performance. In some particular aspects, an earpiece includes: an electro-acoustic transducer; a housing supporting the electro-acoustic transducer such that the housing and the electro-acoustic transducer together define a first acoustic volume and a second acoustic volume, the electro-acoustic transducer being arranged such that a first radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the first acoustic volume coupled to an outlet, and such that a second radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the second acoustic volume, wherein at least a portion of the second acoustic volume is located between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 120,486, filed on December 14, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates in its entirety to acoustic earpieces. More specifically, this disclosure relates to earpieces with electroacoustic transducers in wearable audio devices. Background Technology

[0004] Designing and manufacturing wearable audio devices, such as in-ear, on-ear, or near-ear audio devices, can present numerous challenges. In certain situations, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve the desired size and acoustic performance constraints within a given device. That is, some traditional audio devices cannot provide sufficient acoustic performance within the desired form factor. Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] Various embodiments of this disclosure include audio devices and associated earpieces. In some embodiments, the earpiece includes an electroacoustic transducer (e.g., a moving transducer) configured to provide a desired fit and desired acoustic performance, and an acoustic back cavity volume. In some cases, the earpiece is part of a hearing aid, an on-ear audio device, and / or an in-ear audio device.

[0007] In some specific aspects, the handset includes: an electroacoustic transducer; and a housing supporting the electroacoustic transducer such that the housing and the electroacoustic transducer together define a first acoustic volume and a second acoustic volume, the electroacoustic transducer being arranged such that a first radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the first acoustic volume coupled to an outlet, and a second radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the second acoustic volume, wherein at least a portion of the second acoustic volume is located between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

[0008] Specific implementations may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof.

[0009] In some respects, electroacoustic transducers include moving-coil transducers.

[0010] In certain cases, the housing has a longitudinal axis, and the moving coil transducer includes a diaphragm with a motion axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0011] In some implementations, the housing defines the mouthpiece, and the first acoustic volume is acoustically coupled to an acoustic channel in the mouthpiece, such that when the earpiece is worn, the electroacoustic transducer is acoustically coupled to the user's ear canal.

[0012] In some cases, the handset also includes an earplug supported on the sound outlet, wherein the earplug is configured to form a tight acoustic seal with the user's ear canal when the handset is worn, or the earplug includes a set of holes that allow sound energy to enter and exit the user's ear canal.

[0013] In a particular aspect, the housing defines a body having a first longitudinal axis and a mouthpiece having a second longitudinal axis intersecting the first longitudinal axis, wherein an electroacoustic transducer is supported in the body such that the axis of motion of the electroacoustic transducer is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and wherein the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are arranged at a non-zero angle relative to each other.

[0014] In some cases, the outlet is at least partially covered by at least one of the following: screen, mesh material, thin foam, mesh foam, open-cell foam, expanded polymer, or dome cover.

[0015] In certain aspects, the earpiece also includes a rear port that couples the second acoustic volume to the space outside the housing.

[0016] In some specific implementations, the earpiece also includes a front port that spatially couples the first acoustic volume to the exterior of the housing.

[0017] In some respects, the front port and the rear port are acoustically coupled to form a combined outlet volume.

[0018] In some cases, the second acoustic volume has an approximately constant cross-sectional width over its length.

[0019] In a particular implementation, the second acoustic volume comprises at least two acoustically coupled sub-volumes.

[0020] In some respects, acoustically coupled subvolumes have different volumes.

[0021] In a specific implementation, the ratio between the first sub-volume in the acoustically coupled sub-volume and the second sub-volume in the acoustically coupled sub-volume is approximately 1:1 to approximately 4:1.

[0022] In some respects, the ratio between the first sub-volume in the acoustically coupled sub-volume and the second sub-volume in the acoustically coupled sub-volume is approximately equal to 2:1 to approximately 4:1.

[0023] In some respects, the ratio between the first sub-volume in the acoustically coupled sub-volume and the second sub-volume in the acoustically coupled sub-volume is approximately equal to 3:1.

[0024] In certain cases, acoustically coupled sub-volumes include at least three acoustically coupled sub-volumes, including: a first sub-volume having a first volume; a second sub-volume having a second volume; and a third sub-volume having a third volume, wherein the second sub-volume is smaller than each of the first and third sub-volumes and acts as a port between the first and third sub-volumes.

[0025] In some specific implementations, the acoustically coupled subvolumes include at least three acoustically coupled subvolumes, including: a first subvolume having a first volume; a second subvolume having a second volume; and a third subvolume having a third volume, wherein the second subvolume acts as a waveguide acoustically coupling the first subvolume and the third subvolume.

[0026] In some respects, the housing includes a contour configured to complement the shape of the user's ear canal.

[0027] In a particular implementation, the first acoustic volume and the second acoustic volume are separated by a wall, wherein at least a portion of the wall is located between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

[0028] In some cases, the earpiece also includes a microphone located in the portion of the wall between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

[0029] In some specific implementations, the second acoustic volume is at least approximately 75 cubic millimeters (mm²). 3 ).

[0030] In certain aspects, the earpiece is part of a hearing aid, which also includes: a housing configured to be located behind the user's auricle when worn; and wiring that couples the housing to the earpiece.

[0031] In some cases, hearing aids also include a battery, microphone, and sound processor housed in the casing.

[0032] In some implementations, the earpiece is part of an in-ear audio device.

[0033] In some cases, the earpiece is part of an on-ear audio device.

[0034] Two or more features described in this disclosure, including those described in the content section of this invention, may be combined to form specific embodiments not specifically described herein.

[0035] Details of one or more specific implementations are discussed in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an audio device, including an in-ear receiver (RIC), based on various specific implementations of hearing aids.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of another audio device based on various specific implementations.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the earpiece in various specific audio devices.

[0039] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an additional earpiece in an audio device according to various specific implementations.

[0040] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another earpiece in an audio device according to various specific implementations.

[0041] Figure 6 It is a partially transparent perspective view of the earpiece in various specific audio devices.

[0042] Figure 7 It is an external perspective view of the earpiece in various specific audio devices.

[0043] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings for various specific embodiments are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended only to illustrate typical aspects of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, similar numbers denote similar elements between figures. Detailed Implementation

[0044] As noted herein, all aspects of this disclosure relate in general to wearable audio devices, such as in-ear, on-ear, and / or near-ear audio devices having an electroacoustic transducer (e.g., a dynamic transducer) and an acoustic back cavity volume configured to provide a desired fit and acoustic performance. In some cases, the audio device includes an in-canal receiver (RIC) hearing aid or another form of hearing aid having a transducer mounted within an in-canal segment.

[0045] For illustrative purposes, the components usually labeled in the accompanying drawings are considered to be substantially equivalent, and redundant discussion of those components is omitted for clarity.

[0046] The aspects and specific implementations disclosed herein are applicable to a wide variety of wearable audio devices. In some cases, wearable audio devices can take various form factors, such as headphones (whether on-ear or off-ear), headsets, watches, glasses, audio accessories or clothing (e.g., audio caps, audio goggles, audio jewelry), helmets (e.g., for military, industrial, or motorcycle applications), neck-worn speakers, shoulder-worn speakers, body-worn speakers, etc. Some of the disclosed aspects are particularly applicable to personal (wearable) audio devices, such as surround-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, in-ear headphones (also known as earbuds), audio glasses, or other head-mounted audio devices. As noted herein, some of the disclosed aspects are particularly applicable to in-ear or on-ear earpieces and earpieces in such headphones.

[0047] Wearable audio devices described according to various specific embodiments may include features present in one or more other wearable electronic devices, such as smart glasses, smartwatches, etc. These wearable audio devices may include additional hardware components, such as one or more cameras, location tracking devices, microphones, etc., and are capable of voice recognition, visual recognition, and other smart device functions. The description of wearable audio devices included herein is not intended to exclude these additional functions in such devices.

[0048] As this article points out, conventional wearable audio devices, especially those designed to be placed in or near the user's ear canal, may not effectively balance desired fit with acoustic performance. For example, in RIC hearing aids or in-ear audio devices, it may be necessary to position the transducer (or driver) as far as possible within the user's ear canal (e.g., towards the acoustic outlet) to help eliminate feedback noise. That is, positioning the transducer and feedback microphone closer to the eardrum to enhance feedback noise cancellation may be beneficial. However, positioning the transducer closer to the acoustic outlet increases the external dimensions of the device's in-ear portion (in some cases referred to as the intracanal portion), thus affecting fit within the user's ear.

[0049] Compared to conventional devices, wearable audio devices disclosed according to various embodiments include at least one earpiece having an electroacoustic transducer and an acoustic volume (e.g., a rear cavity volume) extending from a region behind the transducer to a region at least partially in front of the transducer. In these embodiments, the transducer may be positioned rearward relative to the acoustic outlet. When the transducer is positioned rearward from the outlet, the external dimensions of the in-ear, in-ear, on-ear, or proximal portion of the audio device can be adjusted to enhance the fit, for example, by narrowing the external dimensions of that portion. In some cases, such as when the audio device is a RIC hearing aid, the RIC hearing aid has a housing separate from the earpiece, which enables the use of an electroacoustic (e.g., dynamic) transducer having a comfortable and consistent fit in the user's ear canal. In some cases, the RIC hearing aids disclosed according to various embodiments have an earpiece having a profile configured to complement the shape of the user's ear canal.

[0050] Figure 1 An exemplary wearable audio device 10 is shown, which in this example takes the form of an in-ear receiver (RIC) hearing aid 100. The RIC hearing aid 100 includes a behind-the-ear portion 102 that includes a battery, microphone, and sound processor housed in a housing 104 designed to be located behind the user's ear (auricle). The behind-the-ear portion 102 of the hearing aid 100 has a small wire 106 designed to extend around the user's ear and into a receiver 108 designed to be located in the user's ear canal. The receiver 108 carries a speaker, also referred to as a "receiver" or "driver." In various specific embodiments, and compared to conventional RIC hearing aids, the speaker includes an electroacoustic transducer such as a moving-coil transducer. Conventionally, RIC hearing aids employ balanced armature type speakers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,674,246 (filed April 27, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference). These balanced armature devices require little or no back cavity volume to balance the speaker's acoustic output and are typically oriented such that the speaker's axis of motion is perpendicular to the earpiece's outlet. However, balanced armature devices have drawbacks, such as a lack of sensitivity in generating low-frequency sound pressure levels. Additionally, balanced armature devices are limited in their maximum displacement, thus limiting the peak low-frequency sound pressure levels that can be generated without distortion. Therefore, balanced armature devices may exhibit unacceptable distortion when attempting to respond to loud low-frequency events such as loud talking, slamming doors, or the user's own voice.

[0051] Compared to handsets employing balanced armature loudspeakers, various embodiments include handsets with electroacoustic transducers positioned to simultaneously achieve desired matching and acoustic performance. In some embodiments, the electroacoustic transducer comprises a low-stiffness moving-coil transducer capable of large displacement, thereby enabling effective active noise cancellation at low frequencies. However, as noted herein, moving-coil transducers benefit from a relatively large rear cavity volume when compared to balanced armature loudspeakers. The handsets disclosed according to various embodiments offer acoustic benefits of electroacoustic transducers and corresponding rear cavity volumes with compact, discrete form factors.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another exemplary wearable audio device 10, which in this case takes the form of an in-ear or on-ear audio device, such as an audio headset 200 having at least one earbud (or in-ear headphone) 202. Two earbuds 202 are shown in this example. Although the earbuds 202 are shown in a “true” wireless configuration (i.e., there is no tether between the earbuds 202), the audio headset 200 may also include a tethered wireless configuration (whereby the earbuds 202 are connected to a playback device via a wire with a wireless connection) or a wired configuration (whereby at least one of the earbuds 202 has a wired connection to the playback device). Each earbud 202 is shown to include an earpiece 204, which may include a shell formed of one or more plastics or composite materials. The earpiece 204 may include a mouthpiece 206 for insertion into the user’s ear canal entrance and a support member 208 for holding the mouthpiece 206 in a stationary position within the user’s ear. In some cases, the mouthpiece 206 and / or support member 208 are part of a removable housing that can be cleaned, repositioned, and / or replaced to improve fit within the user's ear. In other cases, the mouthpiece 206 and / or support member 208 are integrally formed with the earpiece 204. According to some specific embodiments, the earpiece 204 also includes an outer housing 210 for housing electronics 212, including components such as a battery, microphone, and sound processor. In some cases, individual or repeated groups of electronics 212 are included in portions of the earbuds 202, such as each of the respective earbuds 202. However, some of the components described herein can also be present in a singular form.

[0053] Figure 3 It is based on various specific implementations of audio devices such as RIC hearing aids 100 ( Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the earpiece 300 in an audio headset 200 and / or an audio headphone 200. It should be understood that the earpiece 300 may also be part of many other on-ear, in-ear, loop-ear, and / or near-ear audio devices of various shape factors, examples of which are described in U.S. Patent Application 63 / 044,078, filed June 25, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0054] In some embodiments, the earpiece 300 includes an earplug 302 that includes a housing 304 supporting an electroacoustic transducer 306 (or a loudspeaker or driver). In various embodiments, the electroacoustic transducer 306 is a moving-coil transducer. The electroacoustic transducer 306 may be a full-range micro-driver (e.g., having a diaphragm with a diameter less than 6 mm, such as between 3 mm and 5.5 mm, or 4.3 mm to 5.4 mm), such as those described in U.S. Patent 9,942,662, entitled “Electroacoustic driver having compliant diaphragm with stiffening element”, published April 10, 2018, and / or U.S. Patent 10,609,489, entitled “Fabricating an integrated loudspeaker piston and suspension”, published March 31, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. As used in this article, "full-range" is intended to mean capable of producing frequencies from approximately 20 Hz to approximately 20 kHz.

[0055] The housing 304 and the electroacoustic transducer 306 together define a first (front) acoustic volume 308 and a second (rear) acoustic volume 310. While a portion of the second acoustic volume 310 is located at or near the rear of the electroacoustic transducer 306, as described herein, a portion of the second acoustic volume 310 may also be located at or around the front of the electroacoustic transducer (or simply transducer) 306. That is, in various embodiments, the transducer 306 is arranged such that a first radiating surface 312 of the transducer 306 radiates acoustic energy into the first acoustic volume 308, which is in turn coupled to the outlet 314. The transducer 306 is also arranged such that a second radiating surface 316 of the transducer 306 radiates acoustic energy into the second acoustic volume 310. In some embodiments, the housing 304 has a first longitudinal axis (A... L1 Furthermore, transducer 306 has a diaphragm 318 having a motion axis (A) that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 304. mT ).

[0056] In various specific embodiments, housing 304 defines a mouthpiece 320 near outlet 314, and a first acoustic volume 308 is acoustically coupled to an acoustic channel 322 in the mouthpiece 320, such that when the earpiece 300 is worn, transducer 306 is acoustically coupled to the user's ear canal. In certain cases, earpiece 300 includes earplug 324 supported on the mouthpiece 320 and configured to couple to the user's ear canal when the earpiece is worn. Earplug 324 is shown in dashed lines as optional, and in some cases, similar to Figure 2 The earplug 206 (e.g., a dome cap) is included. In some cases, when the earpiece 300 is worn, the earplug 324 provides a tight acoustic seal with the user's ear canal. In other cases, the earplug 324 may include a set of one or more holes that allow acoustic energy to enter and exit the user's ear canal with minimal resistance. In some examples, resistive elements such as a resistive screen may be disposed in or cover one or more of these holes, for example, to provide a desired impedance response. In specific cases including the earplug, the outlet 320 may include a lip, edge, protrusion, or other mating features for coupling with the earplug. Exemplary variations of earplugs that can be used with the earpiece 300 according to a particular embodiment are described in U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 690,586, filed November 21, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this case, the earplug (of any kind) is coupled to the outlet 314, and in certain cases, its size is configured to couple with the outlet 320. In some respects, the earplug fits onto the sound outlet 320 in the earpiece 300 and enhances the acoustic coupling with the user's ear canal. However, as noted herein, the earpiece 300 can be used without the earplug (e.g., as...). Figure 4 As depicted in the exemplary earpiece 400, the outlet is positioned near the entrance to the user's ear canal, or on the user's ear. In these cases, the outlet 314 is positioned to direct sound into the user's ear canal, but does not necessarily need to be tightly sealed into the ear canal. In some cases, support members (e.g., such as...) Figure 2 The support member 208 (or a full-coverage, headband, or on-ear support member) is coupled to the earpiece 300 and configured to position the earpiece 300 on or near the user's ear.

[0057] In some embodiments, outlet 314 is at least partially covered by protective material 326. In some cases, protective material 326 is part of the earpiece (e.g., earpiece 324); however, in other cases, protective material 326 is coupled to housing 304 near outlet 314. Examples of protective material 326 may include one or more of the following: screen, mesh material, wax protector, thin foam, mesh foam, open-cell foam, or expanded polymer (e.g., ePTFE). Examples of other protective materials 326 (e.g., screen) compatible with earpiece 300 are described in detail in U.S. Application 16 / 690,586, which is previously incorporated herein by reference. Protective material 326 may be coupled and / or integrated with outlet 314 or any acoustic opening in earpiece 300, and in some cases, may be secured using countersunk port features, such as those described in U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 828,327, filed March 23, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown in the exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the second acoustic volume 310 is located between the first radiating surface 312 of the transducer 306 and the outlet 314. That is, the second acoustic volume 310 extends from the space behind the transducer 306 ("behind" the outlet 314) to at least partially in front of the transducer 306. In some cases, a portion of the second acoustic volume 310 extends circumferentially relative to the transducer 306, for example, axially along the sidewall 328 of the transducer 306 (along the axis of motion of the transducer 306 (A)). mT In other words, a portion of the second acoustic volume 310 extends axially from the space behind the transducer 306 to the space in front of the first radiating surface 312 of the transducer 306, at least partially.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the first acoustic volume 308 and the second acoustic volume 310 are separated by a wall 330. In various embodiments, at least a portion 332 of the wall 330 is located between the first radiating surface 312 and the outlet 314. In some cases, such as Figure 3As shown in the exemplary configuration depicted, a microphone (e.g., a feedback microphone) 334 is located in a portion 332 of wall 330 between the first radiating surface 312 and the outlet 314. In other cases, the microphone 334 is located in a different wall within housing 304, such as a side wall of housing 304 between the first radiating surface 312 and the outlet 314. In still other cases, the microphone 334 is mounted to any wall of housing 304 that allows the inlet of the microphone 334 to enter the first acoustic volume 308. In some specific cases, the microphone 334 is mounted to a support member configured to hold the microphone 334 in place to detect acoustic signals in the first acoustic volume 308. In some specific embodiments, the support member may extend from a wall in the housing and / or another support member in the earpiece 300. In other specific embodiments, the orientation of the microphone 334 may vary, for example, at an angle at least partially toward the first radiating surface 312 or toward the outlet 314.

[0060] Wall 330 can take any of a variety of cross-sectional shapes, such as including one or more bends, corners, and / or contours, and is configured to separate the first acoustic volume 308 from the second acoustic volume 310. In some cases, wall 330 separates one or more portions (or sub-volumes) of the second acoustic volume 310 from the first acoustic volume 308. In certain cases, the second acoustic volume 310 has an approximately constant cross-sectional width over its length. For example, one or more portions of the second acoustic volume 310 have an approximately constant cross-sectional width over a given length. Figure 3 An example is shown in which the cross-sectional width of a portion of the second acoustic volume 310 (e.g., along the sidewall 328 of the transducer 306) is approximately constant, such as along the axis of motion (A). m ) Measured.

[0061] According to certain specific implementations, the second acoustic volume includes at least two acoustically coupled sub-volumes 310A and 310B. In some of these cases, the second acoustic volume includes at least three acoustically coupled sub-volumes, such as sub-volumes 310A, 310B, and 310C. In certain cases, the acoustically coupled sub-volumes 310A, 310B, and 310C have different volumes; for example, the volume 310A located axially behind the transducer 306 (relative to A) mT The subvolume is larger than at least one of the other subvolumes (e.g., 310B, 310C, etc.). It should be understood that these subvolumes are actually fluidly connected to each other, and in some cases, the division between subvolumes can be defined by a significant difference in the cross-sectional area of ​​a given subvolume. For example, a narrow channel between larger subvolumes can serve as a subvolume and act as a port between larger subvolumes.

[0062] In some specific embodiments, the ratio between the volume of one of these sub-volumes (e.g., sub-volumes 310A, 310B, or 310C) and the volume of another of these sub-volumes (e.g., sub-volumes 310A, 310B, or 310C) is approximately equal to 1:1 to approximately 4:1. In some examples, the ratio between the different sub-volumes is approximately equal to 2:1 to approximately 4:1. In more specific cases, the ratio between the different sub-volumes is approximately equal to 3:1. In some specific embodiments having at least three different sub-volumes (e.g., sub-volumes 310A, 310B, 310C), the ratio between sub-volume 310A and sub-volume 310C is approximately equal to 1:1 to approximately 4:1, in more specific cases approximately 2:1 to approximately 4:1, and in even more specific cases approximately 3:1. The term "approximately" as used relative to values ​​herein may be assigned to nominal variations in absolute values ​​(e.g., a few percent or less). In some cases, the second acoustic volume 310 is at least approximately 75 cubic millimeters (mm). 3 In a particular aspect, this portion of the second acoustic volume 310 located between the first radiating surface 312 of the transducer 306 and the outlet 314 is at least approximately 25 mm. 3 .

[0063] exist Figure 3 In the specific example shown, the acoustically coupled sub-volumes include at least three acoustically coupled sub-volumes 310A, 310B, and 310C, wherein: a first sub-volume 310 has a first volume, a second sub-volume 310B has a second volume, and a third sub-volume 310C has a third volume. In some cases, the second sub-volume 310B is smaller than each of the first sub-volume 310A and the third sub-volume 310C. In a specific example, the third sub-volume 310C is smaller than the first sub-volume 310A. According to some embodiments, the second sub-volume 310B acts as a port between the first sub-volume 310A and the third sub-volume 310C. In an additional embodiment, the second sub-volume 310B acts as a waveguide acoustically coupling the first sub-volume 310A and the third sub-volume 310C. In some exemplary embodiments, sub-volumes 310A, 310B, and 310C each have a different volume.

[0064] Depending on the specific implementation, for example, where the second acoustic volume 310 includes different sub-volumes 310A, 310B (and in some cases, 310C) defining ports and / or waveguides, the ports and / or waveguides introduce acoustic resonances in the earpiece (e.g., earpiece 300). For example, the ports or waveguides in the second acoustic volume 310 can introduce effective peaks in the mechanical admittance of the transducer 306, thereby generating more displacement per input force in a local frequency range.

[0065] Figure 4 The variation on the earpiece 400 is shown, and Figure 3 The earpiece 300 in the middle has different ratios of sub-volumes 310A, 310B, and 310C. Figure 4 A microphone 334 is also shown within a portion of the wall 330 defining the second sub-volume 310B. In this example, sub-volume 310B may serve as a port between sub-volumes 310A and 310C. In some of these cases, sub-volume 310B has a narrower cross-sectional width (e.g., measured from the inner wall 330 to the housing 304) than sub-volumes 310A and 310C, and in certain cases, it has a smaller volume than the sub-volumes. Figure 5 An additional variation on earpiece 500 is shown, compared to earpiece 300 ( Figure 3 ) and earpiece 400 ( Figure 4 Compared to having different ratios of sub-volumes 310A, 310B, and 310C, in this example, sub-volumes 310A, 310B, and 310C can act as waveguides for radiating acoustic energy from the second radiating surface 316 into the second volume 310. In some of these cases, sub-volumes 310B and 310C have similar cross-sectional widths (e.g., as measured from the inner wall 330 to the outer casing 304), and in certain cases, have similar volumes (e.g., cross-sectional width or volume variation of less than approximately 5%-10%). Several variations (not necessarily depicted herein) of the position of the wall 330, the size of the sub-volumes 310A, 310B, 310C, etc., and the position of the microphone 334 are possible in various specific embodiments.

[0066] refer to Figures 3 to 5 The earpiece disclosed in this article (e.g., Figure 3 The earpiece 300 Figure 4 The earpiece 400 Figure 5The earpiece 500 may also include a rear port 402 coupling the second acoustic volume 310 to a space 404 outside the housing 304. In certain cases, the earpiece (e.g., earpiece 300, earpiece 400, earpiece 500) may also include a front port 406 coupling the first acoustic volume 308 to a space 408 outside the housing 304. In some cases, the rear port 402 and the front port 406 are coupled to different spaces 404, 408 outside the housing 304; however, in other embodiments, spaces 404 and 408 are connected (e.g., ambient air). In certain cases, the rear port 402 and the front port 406 are coupled to each other within the housing 304, for example, within the walls of the housing or in an additional volume separate from the first and second acoustic volumes 308, 310. In some examples, rear port 402 and front port 406 are acoustically coupled to the combined outlet volume, as described in U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 990,358, filed August 11, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this case, one or more ports may be included in any, all, or any combination of the front portion of the rear cavity volume, the front portion of the rear cavity volume, or the connecting portion of the rear cavity volume. In some cases, the ports are approximately at least one millimeter (mm) long and have a cross-sectional area of ​​approximately at least 1 mm². 2 Up to 2mm 2 (Approximately 1.5mm in some cases) 2 Up to 2mm 2 Between, and in more specific cases approximately 1.8 mm 2 ).

[0067] According to various specific implementations of the audio device described herein, the housing can be shaped to enhance the fit within the user's ear. For example, as Figure 5 (Partial transparent view) and especially Figure 6 As shown in the schematic depiction of the housing 304 in the (external view), the housing 304 includes a profile 410 configured to complement the shape of the user's ear canal. In these cases, the housing 304 defines a shape having a first longitudinal axis (A). L1 The main body 412 and having a first longitudinal axis (A) L1 The second longitudinal axis (A) intersects L2 The sound outlet is 320. As described in this article and Figure 3 and Figure 4 As depicted, the transducer 306 is supported in the body 412, such that the axis of motion (A) mT Roughly parallel to the first longitudinal axis (A) L1 ), and the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis (A) L1 A L2They are arranged at a non-zero angle (α) relative to each other. This non-zero angle (α) is, for example, in... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. In other words, the profile 410 can be seen through the axis (A). L1 A L2 The complementary angle (θ) between two points is less than 180 degrees, as shown in the figure. Figure 6 As shown.

[0068] Compared to conventional audio devices, particularly conventional RIC hearing aids, the audio devices including earpieces disclosed herein offer numerous advantages. For example, various embodiments include earpieces with an electroacoustic transducer (e.g., a dynamic transducer) positioned to enable a reliable and comfortable fit for a range of users (and corresponding ear canal geometries) without sacrificing acoustic performance. That is, the earpieces disclosed according to various embodiments are configured to fit a wide range of users and provide desired acoustic performance (e.g., output, noise cancellation, etc.). The earpieces disclosed according to various embodiments can be advantageously incorporated into a variety of wearable audio devices and can provide specific benefits in those designed for in-ear or over-ear wear. Furthermore, in examples of hearing aids or other in-ear devices, the earpieces disclosed according to various embodiments can be worn more discreetly than conventional earpieces due to improved fit within the ear canal. The lateral dimensions and taper of the earpieces disclosed herein allow them to be comfortably positioned deeper in the ear canal than conventional in-ear devices. Furthermore, the configuration of the transducer, microphone, and acoustic volume disclosed in the specific implementation enables the use of a dynamic transducer, which provides enhanced output capability for active noise cancellation and a wider bandwidth of audio compared to conventional in-ear devices such as RIC hearing aids.

[0069] In various embodiments, components described as "coupled" to each other may be joined along one or more interfaces. In some embodiments, these interfaces may include joints between different components, and in others, these interfaces may include solid and / or integrally formed interconnects. That is, in some cases, components "coupled" to each other may be formed simultaneously to define a single continuous member. However, in other embodiments, these coupled components may be formed as separate members and subsequently joined by known processes (e.g., welding, fastening, ultrasonic welding, bonding). In various embodiments, accessories described as "coupled" (e.g., electronic components) may be linked via conventional hardwires and / or wireless devices, enabling these accessories to transmit data to each other. Additionally, sub-components within a given component may be considered to be linked via conventional paths, which may not necessarily be shown.

[0070] Other embodiments not specifically described herein are also within the scope of the following claims. Elements of the different embodiments described herein can be combined to form other embodiments not specifically set forth above. Some elements can be removed from the structures described herein without adversely affecting their operation. Furthermore, various independent elements can be combined into one or more individual elements to perform the functions described herein.

Claims

1. A handset, comprising: Electroacoustic transducer; A housing supporting the electroacoustic transducer, such that the housing and the electroacoustic transducer together define a first acoustic volume and a second acoustic volume, the electroacoustic transducer being arranged such that a first radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the first acoustic volume coupled to an outlet, and a second radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the second acoustic volume. At least a portion of the second acoustic volume is located between the first radiating surface and the outlet. The first acoustic volume and the second acoustic volume are separated by a wall, and the earpiece further includes: The rear port couples the second acoustic volume to the space outside the housing; as well as A front port that couples the first acoustic volume to the space outside the housing, wherein the front port is different from the outlet. The front port and the rear port are acoustically coupled to form a combined outlet volume.

2. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the electroacoustic transducer comprises a moving coil transducer.

3. The earpiece of claim 2, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the moving coil transducer includes a diaphragm having a motion axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

4. The earpiece of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a sound outlet, and wherein the first acoustic volume is acoustically coupled to an acoustic channel in the sound outlet such that, when the earpiece is worn, the electroacoustic transducer is acoustically coupled to the user's ear canal, the earpiece further comprising an earplug supported on the sound outlet, wherein: The earplug is configured to form a tight acoustic seal with the user's ear canal when the earpiece is worn, or the earplug includes a set of holes that allow sound energy to enter and exit the user's ear canal.

5. The earpiece of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a body having a first longitudinal axis and a mouthpiece having a second longitudinal axis intersecting the first longitudinal axis, wherein the electroacoustic transducer is supported in the body such that the axis of motion of the electroacoustic transducer is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and wherein the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are arranged at a non-zero angle relative to each other.

6. The earpiece of claim 1, wherein the outlet comprises an acoustic outlet leading to the ear canal of a user of the earpiece, and wherein the outlet is at least partially covered by at least one of: a screen, a mesh material, a thin foam, a mesh foam, an open-cell foam, an expanded polymer, or a dome cap.

7. The earpiece of claim 1, wherein the second acoustic volume comprises at least two acoustically coupled sub-volumes.

8. The earpiece according to claim 7, wherein the acoustically coupled sub-volumes have different volumes.

9. The earpiece according to claim 8, wherein the ratio between the first sub-volume of the acoustically coupled sub-volume and the second sub-volume of the acoustically coupled sub-volume is in the range of approximately 1:1 to approximately 4:

1.

10. The earpiece of claim 8, wherein the acoustically coupled sub-volume comprises at least three acoustically coupled sub-volumes, including: The first sub-volume having a first volume; A second sub-volume having a second volume; and A third sub-volume having a third volume The second sub-volume is smaller than each of the first sub-volume and the third sub-volume, and serves as a port between the first sub-volume and the third sub-volume.

11. The earpiece of claim 8, wherein the acoustically coupled sub-volume comprises at least three acoustically coupled sub-volumes, including: The first sub-volume having a first volume; A second sub-volume having a second volume; and A third sub-volume having a third volume The second sub-volume acts as a waveguide that acoustically couples the first sub-volume and the third sub-volume.

12. The earpiece of claim 1, wherein the first acoustic volume and the second acoustic volume are separated by a wall, wherein at least a portion of the wall is located between the first radiating surface and the outlet, the earpiece further comprising a microphone in the portion of the wall located between the first radiating surface and the outlet, wherein the microphone detects acoustic signals from the first acoustic volume.

13. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the second acoustic volume is at least approximately 75 cubic millimeters (mm²). 3 ).

14. The earpiece of claim 1, wherein the outlet comprises an acoustic outlet leading to the ear canal of a user of the earpiece.

15. A hearing aid comprising the earpiece according to claim 2, the hearing aid further comprising: A housing configured to be positioned behind the user's ear when worn; and Wiring that couples the housing to the earpiece. The outlet mentioned therein includes an acoustic outlet leading to the user's ear canal of the earpiece.

16. The hearing aid according to claim 15, further comprising: The battery, microphone, and sound processor are housed within the casing.

17. An in-ear audio device comprising the earpiece according to claim 1.

18. An on-ear audio device comprising the earpiece according to claim 1.

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