A waterproof structure and method for ventilation holes of an earphone

Abstract

The present invention discloses a waterproof structure and a waterproof method for the air vents of an earphone. The waterproof structure includes an earphone head and a speaker unit installed in the cavity. An sound outlet hole and an air vent communicating with the cavity are formed on the head. The sound outlet hole communicates with the front sound cavity, and the air vent communicates with the rear sound cavity. An air vent mesh and a waterproof cover are sequentially arranged at a position on the inner wall of the cavity corresponding to the air vent. A cover space is formed inside the waterproof cover. A plurality of air holes are formed in the waterproof cover. A sponge body for absorbing water and allowing air permeability is arranged in the cover space. After the cavity passes through the air holes, the cover space, the sponge body, and the air vent mesh in sequence, it communicates with the external space through the air vent. In addition to waterproofing by fitting the air vent mesh at the conventional air vent position, the present invention also adds a waterproof cover. The waterproof cover realizes a secondary waterproof function and effectively prevents water flow from entering the earphone cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of headphone products, and particularly to a waterproof structure and method for headphone ventilation holes that can improve the waterproof level of headphones. Background Art

[0002] In order to adapt to their usage scenarios, wireless headphones must achieve a certain level of waterproofing. For example, for outdoor sports headphones, their waterproof level needs to reach IPX6. Additionally, since ventilation holes (or tuning holes) need to be opened on the sound cavity of the headphones, these ventilation holes have functions such as tuning, reducing pressure, preventing resonance, and reducing the low-frequency depression effect, which are used to improve sound quality and noise reduction. However, due to the existence of these ventilation holes, it poses certain difficulties for the waterproof design of the headphones.

[0003] Currently, headphones usually set up mesh cloth (or perforated mesh) at the ventilation holes for waterproofing. For headphones with higher waterproof requirements, the following methods can be used to improve the waterproof effect: 1. Adopt the waterproof sound-permeable membrane technology; 2. Increase the mesh count (density) of the mesh cloth. For the waterproof sound-permeable membrane technology, a waterproof sound-permeable membrane is added at the ventilation hole position. However, the service life of the waterproof sound-permeable membrane is limited. After being used for a certain period of time, the waterproof membrane will gradually degrade in performance due to various factors (such as ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, physical wear, etc.). For improving the waterproof effect by increasing the mesh count of the mesh cloth, the problem it causes is that the ventilation volume is insufficient, affecting the sound quality of the headphones.

[0004] See the Chinese invention patent with the patent number 200720055970.7, which discloses a waterproof headphone. This waterproof headphone is for the waterproof design at the sound outlet position. The technical solution adopted is to set a speaker mesh at the sound outlet, and set the diameter of the small holes on the speaker mesh small enough so that water cannot enter the sound outlet through the speaker mesh due to the surface tension of water. However, this waterproof design using the surface tension of water has the following deficiencies: This waterproofing can only work when the water flow impact force is small. But if the water flow impact force is large, the water flow will still pass through the mesh holes. For example, in the rain state, if raindrops directly hit the ventilation hole position, the impact force generated by the raindrops will cause the water droplets to pass through the mesh holes, resulting in water seepage in the headphones.

[0005] In view of the above, in order to improve the waterproof level of the headphones, the inventor of the present invention proposes the following technical solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a waterproof structure for headphone ventilation holes.

[0007] In order to solve the first technical problem mentioned above, the present invention adopts the following technical scheme: a waterproof structure of earphone air holes, comprising an earphone head with a cavity inside, a speaker unit installed in the cavity, the head is provided with a sound outlet hole and an air hole connected to the cavity, the speaker unit divides the cavity into a front sound cavity and a rear sound cavity, the sound outlet hole is connected to the front sound cavity, the air hole is connected to the rear sound cavity, and an air hole mesh and a waterproof cover are sequentially arranged at positions of the air holes on the inner wall of the cavity corresponding to the air holes, a cover space is formed in the waterproof cover, a plurality of air holes are opened on the waterproof cover, the edge of the waterproof cover is sealed and connected to the inner wall of the cavity, and a sponge body that can be used for absorbing water and ventilation is arranged in the cover space; the cavity passes through the air holes, the cover space, the sponge body, and the air hole mesh in sequence, and then is connected to the external space through the air holes.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the pore diameter is less than 2.7 mm.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the waterproof cover is integrally formed using silicone material.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, a mounting position is formed on the inner wall of the cavity at a position corresponding to the air vent, and the mounting position is a plane recessed in the inner wall of the cavity.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, a connecting hole communicating with the external space is provided at a position of the installation position away from the air vent.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the air-permeable mesh has a bottom surface that fits the plane of the installation position, and a hollow area corresponding to the air holes is formed in the middle area of ​​the bottom surface, and the mesh holes on the air-permeable mesh are connected with the air holes through the hollow area; the open end of the waterproof cover fits the plane of the installation position and is sealed and connected to the installation position.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, a baffle is provided at the periphery of the installation position, and the baffle includes: a left baffle and a right baffle located at opposite sides of the installation position, and a rear baffle located at the rear side of the installation position.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the earphone is an earbud-type earphone, the earphone head includes a front cover and a back cover, the back cover is fixed to the earphone stem; the sound outlet is opened on the front cover, and the air vent is opened on the back cover.

[0015] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention lies in providing a waterproof method for the air vents of an earphone. The technical solution adopted is as follows: A waterproof method for the air vents of an earphone includes an earphone head with a cavity inside, and a speaker unit installed in the cavity. An sound outlet hole and an air vent communicating with the cavity are formed on the head. The speaker unit divides the cavity into a front sound cavity and a rear sound cavity. The sound outlet hole communicates with the front sound cavity, and the air vent communicates with the rear sound cavity. An air vent mesh and a waterproof cover are sequentially arranged on the inner wall of the cavity corresponding to the air vent. The waterproof method for the air vent of this earphone is as follows:

[0016] First, a first waterproof structure is formed through the air vent mesh, which can block most of the water flow;

[0017] Secondly, a second waterproof structure is formed by using the waterproof cover. The waterproof cover is provided with air holes communicating with the rear sound cavity, and the aperture of the air holes is smaller than the capillary length of water;

[0018] Finally, a sponge body is arranged in the space of the cover. The sponge body adsorbs the water flow entering the space of the cover, and a communication hole communicating with the external space is formed on the head. A circulating air channel is formed through the communication hole and the air vent.

[0019] Furthermore, in the above technical solution, the waterproof cover is integrally formed with a hydrophobic silica gel material; the aperture of the air holes is less than 2.7 mm; the aperture of the communication hole is not larger than the aperture of the air holes.

[0020] After the present invention adopts the above technical solution, it has the following advantages:

[0021] First, in addition to waterproofing by fitting an air vent mesh (mesh cloth) at the position of the conventional air vent, the present invention also adds a waterproof cover. The waterproof cover realizes the secondary waterproof function, effectively preventing the water flow from entering the earphone cavity and causing problems such as short circuits.

[0022] Secondly, the waterproof cover of the present invention is provided with air holes, and the cavity is communicated with the external space through the air vent mesh and the air vent through the air holes, so as not to affect the normal ventilation of the speaker unit.

[0023] Moreover, in order to deal with the situation that water flow may enter the waterproof cover, a sponge body is arranged in the space of the cover. Once the water flow enters the waterproof cover, it will be adsorbed by the sponge body. The water flow is adsorbed by the sponge body to prevent the water flow from entering the earphone through the air holes.

[0024] Finally, the present application can successfully pass the waterproof test even when only using an ordinary air vent mesh, without increasing the mesh number of the air vent mesh, and at the same time, it will not affect the sound quality of the earphone.

[0025] Under the combined action of the two waterproof structures of the ventilation hole net and the waterproof cover, the waterproof grade of the ventilation holes of the earphone can fully meet the IPX6 waterproof requirement, and even reach the IPX7 waterproof requirement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a front view of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the earphone head, ventilation hole net and waterproof cover in the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation hole net and waterproof cover from another perspective in the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the waterproof cover in the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the waterproof cover in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The present invention will be further described below by taking an in-ear earphone as an example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The present invention is a waterproof structure for the ventilation holes of an earphone. As Figures 1 to 6 shown, the present invention includes: a head 1 and a rod portion 2. A cavity 10 is formed in the head 1, and this cavity 10 is not only used to install the speaker unit 3, but also serves as the sound cavity of the earphone.

[0036] An sound outlet hole 110 and a ventilation hole 120 communicating with the cavity 10 are provided on the head 1. Since the present invention takes an in-ear earphone as an example, the earphone head 1 includes a front cover 11 and a rear cover 12, and the rear cover 12 is integrally formed with the rod portion 2 of the earphone. The circuit board 4 of the earphone is usually installed in the rod portion 2. The sound outlet hole 110 is provided on the front cover 11, and the ventilation hole 120 is provided on the rear cover 12.

[0037] Combined with Figure 3As shown, the speaker unit 3 divides the cavity 10 to form a front sound cavity 101 and a rear sound cavity 102. Among them, the front sound cavity 101 is provided with a sound outlet hole 110, and the sound generated by the speaker unit 3 will be conducted outward through the sound outlet hole 110. The rear sound cavity 102 is provided with a ventilation hole 120. The waterproof structure and method of the present invention are directed to this ventilation hole 120, and the waterproof design at the sound outlet hole 110 is not within the scope of discussion of the present invention.

[0038] In the present invention, a ventilation hole mesh 5 and a waterproof cover 6 are sequentially arranged at the position of the inner wall of the cavity 10 corresponding to the ventilation hole 120. Waterproofing is carried out by the combined action of the ventilation hole mesh 5 and the waterproof cover 6.

[0039] The ventilation hole mesh 5 generally adopts a ventilation mesh cloth. For example, a conventional 300-mesh ordinary mesh cloth is adopted.

[0040] The waterproof cover 6 generally has a shape of a cover body, and a cover body space 61 is formed therein, and a plurality of air holes 60 are opened on the main body of the waterproof cover 6. These air holes 60 are for realizing the normal flow of air. The cavity 10 can be communicated with the external space through the air holes 60, the cover body space 61, the ventilation hole mesh 5, and then through the ventilation hole 120, ensuring normal ventilation when the speaker unit 3 works and not affecting the sound quality of the earphone.

[0041] In this embodiment, the waterproof cover 6 is preferably integrally formed with a silicone material. The silicone material has a good hydrophobic effect and can further improve the waterproof effect. The aperture of the air hole is less than 2.7 mm. Since the capillary length of the water droplet is about 2.7 mm, when the aperture of the air hole 60 is less than this size, the surface tension of the water will make the water form water droplets and cannot pass through the air hole 60. Combining with the hydrophobic silicone material used for the waterproof cover 6, it can effectively prevent the water droplets or water flow entering the waterproof cover 6 from entering the cavity 10 of the earphone through the air hole 60. Preferably, the aperture size of the air hole 60 is 0.3 - 1.2 mm, for example, the aperture of the air hole 60 is 0.5 mm.

[0042] The aperture of the ventilation hole 120 is larger than the aperture of the air hole 60. Preferably, the ratio of the size of the ventilation hole 120 to the sum of the areas of all the air holes 60 is 1:0.2 - 0.6.

[0043] Usually, the head 1 of the earphone generally has an irregular shape, so the inner wall of the earphone cavity 10 is usually an irregular arc surface, which is not conducive to the sealing fit between the waterproof cover 6 and the inner wall of the cavity 10. Therefore, in the present invention, an installation position 121 is formed at the position of the inner wall of the cavity 10 corresponding to the ventilation hole 120. Combining Figure 5 As shown, the installation position 121 is a plane recessed in the inner wall of the cavity 10. This plane is not only convenient for the fitting of the ventilation hole mesh 5, but also convenient for the fitting of the waterproof cover 6.

[0044] To further ensure sealing, the ventilation hole net 5 has a bottom surface 51 that fits the plane of the installation position 121. A hollowed-out area corresponding to the ventilation holes 120 is formed in the middle area of the bottom surface 51. The mesh holes 50 on the ventilation hole net 5 communicate with the ventilation holes 120 through the hollowed-out area. The mesh holes 50 on the ventilation hole net 5 do not penetrate in the non-hollowed-out area of the bottom surface 51. When fitting, the bottom surface 51 of the ventilation hole net 5 is adhered to the plane of the installation position 121 with glue, and the hollowed-out area is aligned with the position of the ventilation holes 120.

[0045] The open end of the waterproof cover 6 fits the plane of the installation position 121 and is hermetically connected to the installation position 121 through glue. In this way, the open end of the entire waterproof cover 6 is located in the sunken area of the cavity 10, which is beneficial for sealing.

[0046] During the installation process of the earphone and subsequent use, in order to avoid collision with the waterproof cover, a baffle is provided around the installation position. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the baffle includes: a left baffle 122 and a right baffle 123 located on opposite sides of the installation position 121, and a rear baffle 124 located at the rear of the installation position 121. The baffle can not only protect the entire waterproof cover 6, but also facilitate subsequent dispensing and sealing operations to prevent glue from overflowing.

[0047] See Figure 7 As shown in the figure, this is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the waterproof cover 6. In this first embodiment, the air holes 60 opened on the waterproof cover 6 are inclined, that is, the axis of the air holes 60 is not perpendicular to the plane where the ventilation holes 120 are located, forming a certain inclination. In addition, the inclination direction of the air holes 60 points to the vibration direction of the diaphragm of the speaker unit 3.

[0048] See Figure 8 As shown in the figure, this is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the waterproof cover 6. In this second embodiment, the air holes 60 opened on the waterproof cover 6 are vertical, that is, the axis of the air holes 60 is perpendicular to the plane where the ventilation holes 120 are located. At the same time, the aperture of the air holes 60 is shaped with a smaller outer diameter and a larger inner diameter, that is, the aperture of the air holes 60 at the end close to the cover body space 61 is smaller than the aperture at the end close to the rear cavity 102, and the aperture at both ends is less than 2.7 mm.

[0049] The advantage of adopting the second embodiment of the waterproof cover 6 is that the smaller outer aperture can effectively block large particle water droplets and dust, reducing the probability of moisture entering the earphone. The larger inner aperture helps to balance the internal and external air pressures and prevent moisture from being sucked in due to air pressure changes.

[0050] In addition, the first and second embodiments of the waterproof cover 6 can also be combined to form air holes 60 with a larger inner diameter and a smaller outer diameter and an inclination.

[0051] The earphone ventilation hole waterproof method in the present invention is:

[0052] First, a first waterproof structure is formed through the ventilation hole net 5, which can block most of the water flow.

[0053] Secondly, a second waterproof structure is formed by using the waterproof cover 6. At the same time, the pore diameter of the air holes 60 opened on the waterproof cover 6 is smaller than the capillary length of water.

[0054] When encountering water splashing and direct impact of raindrops, the ventilation hole net 5 will block the impact force of the water flow. At this time, even if water penetrates through the ventilation hole net 5 and enters the cover body space of the waterproof cover 6, the infiltrated water flow has no impact force. At this time, a second waterproof structure is formed by using the waterproof cover 6 to block the water from flowing into the earphone cavity 10. Although there are air holes 60 on the waterproof cover 6, due to the pore diameter of the air holes 60 being smaller than the capillary length of water, under the action of the surface tension of water, the infiltrated water flow tends to form a spherical shape and cannot flow through the air holes 60. So that the infiltrated water droplets exist in the cover body space 61 and cannot enter the earphone cavity 10 through the air holes 60. After a period of time, it will dry naturally under the drive of the external temperature and air flow.

[0055] Finally, a sponge body 7 is arranged in the cover body space 61 to adsorb the water flow entering the cover body space 61 by using the sponge body 7. At the same time, a communication hole 1210 communicating with the external space is opened at a position on the installation position 121 far away from the ventilation hole 120, and a circulating air channel is formed through the communication hole 1210 and the ventilation hole 120 to facilitate the volatilization of moisture.

[0056] In some extreme cases, the ventilation hole net 5 fails to block a large water flow impact, resulting in water flowing into the waterproof cover 6, and due to the large amount of water flowing in, it may enter the interior of the earphone cavity 10 through the air holes 60 under the action of pressure. To avoid this situation, the sponge body 7 is arranged in the cover body space 61 in the present invention. The sponge body 7 can be used for water absorption and ventilation. In case water flows into the waterproof cover 6, it can be adsorbed by the sponge body 7, and the water flow is adsorbed by the sponge body 7 to prevent the water flow from entering the earphone through the air holes 60.

[0057] After testing, arranging the sponge body 7 at the position of the ventilation hole 120 of the earphone will limit the air flow, but it can reduce the vibration amount and strength of the low frequency, making the bass softer. At the same time, the sponge body 7 can adjust the resonance frequency and slightly enhance the frequency of a specific low frequency band. At the same time, the sponge body has the function of stabilizing the sound pressure balance inside and outside the earphone cavity 10 and improving the sound quality clarity. The sponge body 7 can also absorb part of the high frequency reflection, making the sound field more natural and softer.

[0058] When water flow enters the waterproof cover 6 and is adsorbed by the sponge body 7, in order to quickly drain the water flow adsorbed by the sponge body 7, the present invention is provided with a communication hole 1210 communicating with the external space at a position on the installation position 121 away from the ventilation hole 120. The aperture of the communication hole 1210 is not larger than the aperture of the air hole 60, and the water flow adsorbed by the sponge body 7 cannot be directly discharged through the through hole 1210. The function of the through hole 1210 is as follows: inside the cover body space 61 formed by the waterproof cover 6, a recyclable air channel is formed. During the operation of the earphone, the temperature inside the earphone is usually higher than the external temperature, and the water flow adsorbed by the sponge body 7 will volatilize to a certain extent. Utilizing the through hole 1210 and the ventilation hole 120 to form a circulating air channel is conducive to the volatilization of moisture.

[0059] After testing, when the present invention uses a 300-mesh ordinary mesh cloth as the ventilation hole net 5 and the aperture of the air hole 60 of the waterproof cover 6 is 0.5 mm, the waterproof effect can be completely achieved at the position of the earphone ventilation hole 120 under the strong water spray environment, and the waterproof level fully meets the IPX6 waterproof requirement. In the immersion environment or the environment with low water pressure, it can even reach the IPX7 waterproof requirement.

[0060] The present invention is not only applicable to in-ear headphones, but also can be used for waterproofing the ventilation hole positions of other in-ear headphone products. Of course, the above are only specific embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the structure, features and principles described in the scope of the patent application of the present invention should be included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof structure for an earphone vent hole, comprising an earphone head (1) having a cavity (10) therein, and a speaker unit (3) installed in the cavity (10), wherein the earphone head (1) is provided with a sound outlet hole (110) and a vent hole (120) which are connected to the cavity (10), the speaker unit (3) divides the cavity (10) into a front sound cavity (101) and a rear sound cavity (102), the sound outlet hole (110) is connected to the front sound cavity (101), and the vent hole (120) is connected to the rear sound cavity (102), and is characterized in that: A vent mesh (5) and a waterproof cover (6) are sequentially arranged at positions of the vent holes (120) on the inner wall of the cavity (10); a cover space (61) is formed in the waterproof cover (6); a plurality of vent holes (60) are provided on the waterproof cover (6); an edge of the waterproof cover (6) is sealedly connected to the inner wall of the cavity (10); and a sponge (7) for absorbing water and allowing air to pass through is arranged in the cover space (61); The cavity (10) passes through the air hole (60), the cover space (61), the sponge (7), and the air permeable mesh (5) in sequence, and then communicates with the external space through the air permeable hole (120), wherein the diameter of the air hole (60) is less than 2.7 mm; An installation position (121) is formed on the inner wall of the cavity (10) at a position corresponding to the air vent (120); the installation position (121) is a plane recessed in the inner wall of the cavity; A communication hole (1210) communicating with the external space is provided at a position on the installation position (121) away from the vent hole (120); A baffle is provided at the periphery of the installation position, and the baffle comprises: a left baffle (122), a right baffle (123) located at opposite sides of the installation position (121), and a rear baffle (124) located at the rear side of the installation position (121).

2. The waterproof structure of the earphone vent hole according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waterproof cover (6) is integrally formed using a silicone material.

3. The waterproof structure of the earphone vent hole according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vent mesh (5) has a bottom surface (51) that fits in plane with the mounting position (121), a hollow area corresponding to the vent holes (120) is formed in the middle area of ​​the bottom surface (51), and the mesh holes (50) on the vent mesh (5) are connected to the vent holes (120) through the hollow area; the open end of the waterproof cover (6) fits in plane with the mounting position (121) and is sealed and connected to the mounting position (121).

4. The waterproof structure of the earphone vent hole according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The earphone is an earbud-type earphone, wherein the earphone head (1) comprises a front cover (11) and a rear cover (12), wherein the rear cover (12) is fixed to the earphone stem (2); the sound outlet hole (110) is provided on the front cover (11), and the air vent hole (120) is provided on the rear cover (12).

5. A method for waterproofing the air vents of earphones, comprising an earphone head (1) having a cavity (10) therein, and a speaker unit (3) installed in the cavity (10), wherein the earphone head (1) is provided with a sound outlet hole (110) and an air vent (120) which are connected to the cavity (10), the speaker unit (3) divides the cavity (10) into a front sound cavity (101) and a rear sound cavity (102), the sound outlet hole (110) is connected to the front sound cavity (101), and the air vent (120) is connected to the rear sound cavity (102), and an air vent net (5) and a waterproof cover (6) are sequentially arranged at positions of the inner wall of the cavity (10) corresponding to the air vent (120), characterized in that: The waterproof method of the vent hole of the earphone is: First, a first waterproof structure is formed by the air-permeable mesh (5), which can block most of the water flow; Secondly, a second waterproof structure is formed by using a waterproof cover (6), wherein an air hole (60) communicating with the rear sound cavity (102) is provided on the waterproof cover (6), and the diameter of the air hole (60) is smaller than the capillary length of water; Finally, a sponge (7) is arranged in the cover body space (61), and the sponge (7) is used to absorb water entering the cover body space (61). A connecting hole (1210) that is connected to the external space is opened in the earphone head (1), and a circulating air channel is formed through the connecting hole (1210) and the air vent (120).

6. A method for waterproofing the vent holes of earphones according to claim 5, characterized in that: The waterproof cover (6) is made of a hydrophobic silica gel material and is integrally formed; the diameter of the air hole (60) is less than 2.7 mm; and the diameter of the connecting hole (1210) is not greater than the diameter of the air hole (60).

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