Headphone

Abstract

A headphone includes an earpiece including an earmuff, an earpad, and a driver board assembly. The driver board assembly is supported in the earmuff and includes: a driver board; a driver mounted along a rear surface of the driver board; an opening provided in the driver plate to allow acoustic energy to be transferred from the driver into the ear canal of the user; a ring disposed substantially coaxially with the opening; and an acoustic grid. The ring defines a planar surface on which the acoustic mesh is mounted.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to headphones. Summary of the invention

[0002] All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible way.

[0003] In one aspect, a headphone includes an earpiece including an earcup, an earpad, and a driver board assembly. The driver board assembly is supported in the earcup and includes: a driver board; a driver mounted along a rear surface of the driver board; an opening disposed in the driver board to allow acoustic energy to pass from the driver to an ear canal of a user; a ring disposed substantially coaxially with the opening; and an acoustic mesh. The ring defines a planar surface on which the acoustic mesh is mounted.

[0004] Implementations may include one or any combination of the following features.

[0005] In some implementations, the headset can also include a microphone and a support structure that extends at least partially across a diameter of the ring and supports the microphone over the opening.

[0006] In certain implementations, the support structure is designed to be substantially flush with the planar surface of the ring such that the grid lies in a substantially flat plane.

[0007] In some cases, the microphone is arranged substantially coaxially with the driver.

[0008] In some cases, the support structure takes the form of a bridge extending across the diameter of the ring.

[0009] In some examples, the microphone is a feedback microphone for a feedback noise cancellation system.

[0010] In some examples, the acoustic mesh acoustically loads the microphone such that resonance is reduced, thereby allowing gain in the feedback loop of the feedback system to be increased.

[0011] In some implementations, the grid lies in a substantially flat plane without bends or wrinkles.

[0012] In some implementations, the headphone can also include a plurality of radially spaced spokes supporting the ring.

[0013] In some cases, the respective first surfaces of the spokes extend outwardly away from a front surface of the driver plate opposite the rear surface and terminate at the ring.

[0014] In some cases, the first surface of the spoke extends outwardly from the front surface of the driver plate in a substantially frustoconical shape.

[0015] In some examples, the respective second surfaces of the spokes extend into the opening and away from the front surface of the driver plate.

[0016] In some examples, the second surface of the spoke extends in a substantially frustoconical shape.

[0017] In some implementations, the second surface of the spoke serves as a mechanical stop for the driver.

[0018] In certain implementations, the second surface of the spoke defines a tab that serves as the mechanical stop for the driver.

[0019] In some cases, the driver plate is received within the ear cup such that a first acoustic cavity is defined between an inner surface of the ear cup and the rear surface of the driver plate.

[0020] In some cases, the earmuff has a front opening adapted to be adjacent to the user's ear and a cushion surrounding the periphery of the front opening, the front opening being formed with an ear opening and arranged to accommodate the user's ear.

[0021] In some examples, the headset may also include: a headband; and a bracket that couples the earpiece to the headband.

[0022] In some examples, the planar surface includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface, the first planar surface and the second planar surface together defining a sloped surface.

[0023] In some implementations, the first planar surface and the second planar surface intersect at or near a support structure that extends at least partially across a diameter of the ring and is configured to support the microphone over the opening.

[0024] In some implementations, the support structure is flush with the first planar surface.

[0025] In some cases, the mesh includes bends or creases aligned with intersections of the first planar surface and the second planar surface.

[0026] In certain implementations, the grid includes a first portion resting on the first planar surface and a second portion resting on the second planar surface.

[0027] In some examples, the first planar surface is arranged in a first plane and the second planar surface is arranged in a second plane, and wherein the second plane is arranged at a non-zero angle relative to the first plane.

[0028] In some examples, the second plane is disposed at an angle of about 1 degree to about 9 degrees relative to the first plane.

[0029] In some examples, the ring includes a raised edge that provides a perimeter boundary within which the grid is disposed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 It is a front view of a pair of headphones.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 view of headphones.

[0032] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Is from Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of earpieces of a headset.

[0033] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a prior art driver plate assembly (shown without the acoustic mesh).

[0034] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Perspective view of the driver plate assembly (shown with acoustic grid).

[0035] Figure 4C yes Figure 4B A cross-sectional perspective view of the driver board assembly.

[0036] Figure 5A Is from Figure 3A A perspective view of the driver board assembly of an earpiece (shown without the acoustic mesh).

[0037] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Perspective view of the driver plate assembly (shown with acoustic grid).

[0038] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B A cross-sectional perspective view of the driver board assembly.

[0039] Fig. 6A is with Figure 3A A perspective view of a second embodiment of a driver board for use with an earpiece.

[0040] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A A cross-sectional perspective view of the driver board.

[0041] Figure 6C yes Fig. 6A Cross-sectional side view of the driver board.

[0042] Fig. 7A yes Fig. 6A A perspective view of a driver plate (shown with an acoustic grid).

[0043] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A A cross-sectional perspective view of the driver board.

[0044] For the purpose of explanation, components generally labeled in the drawings are considered to be substantially equivalent components, and redundant discussion of those components is omitted for clarity. The numerical ranges and values ​​described according to various embodiments are merely examples of such ranges and values, and are not intended to limit these embodiments. In some cases, the term "about" is used to modify a value, and in these cases, may refer to a value + / - a margin of error (such as measurement error), which may be in the range of up to 1% to 5%. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 A headset 100 is shown. The headset 100 includes a headband 102, which includes a flat tubular cushion assembly 104, which is constructed and arranged to be placed above the top of a person's head. Tubular sliders 106a and 106b (collectively referred to as "106") support earpieces 108a and 108b (collectively referred to as "108"). The slider engages with the cushion assembly 104 in a manner that allows the slider to move in and out of the cushion assembly to adjust the overall length of the headband so that the headset can be comfortably worn on, in or above the ear of the wearer. This overall arrangement of the headset is known in the art. Moreover, in some cases, a communication (comms) microphone may be included so that the headset can be used as an earphone. In addition, some headsets or earphones only include one earphone, in which case only one slider may be present.

[0046] The cushion assembly 104 is preferably generally tubular. This arrangement allows the slide to be received within the volume on the inside of the tube and also allows wiring to pass along the length of the cushion assembly. The slides 106a and 106b are partially positioned within this internal volume of the cushion assembly. Each slide has a proximal end 110a, 110b (e.g., end 110a of slide 106a) and a distal end 112a, 112b (e.g., end 112a of slide 106a) positioned in the cushion assembly. Connecting members 114a and 114b (collectively referred to as "114") are pivotally connected to the slide 106. The connecting members each carry an earpiece 108 (also known as an "earpiece") at its distal end. Figure 1 . ...

[0047] The slides are preferably, but not necessarily, generally hollow tubes having a generally flat outer surface closest to the head. In the example shown in the drawings, the slide 106a has a flat outer surface 141 of the lower half 140 of the slide tube. The pivot axis 50 defined by the shaft 130 is located below and generally parallel to the surface 141. The slide may have an elliptical cross-sectional shape, such as an elliptical stadium (also known as a "racetrack"), an oval, or an elliptical shape.

[0048] exist Figure 2 One example of a coupling member 114b is shown in more detail in FIG. Figure 2 A left coupling member 114b is shown. A mirror image of this design will be used for the right coupling member 114a. Coupling member 114b includes a bracket 116 having legs 118 and 120 that carry the earpiece 108. Leg 118 is coupled to the earpiece 108b and allows it to rotate about axis 200. Furthermore, coupling member 114b engages with slider 106b in a manner that allows bracket 116 to pivot about axis 202.

[0049] Conductive cable 126 (also called "wiring") Figure 1 ) interconnects the earpieces 108a and 108b and carries the audio signals played by the earpieces. The cable 126 is flexible and passes through the coupling members 114a and 114b, the sliders 106a and 106b, and the cushion assembly 104. The cable 126 needs to have a sufficient length to accommodate the two sliders that slide out of the cushion assembly to their end points, and also allow the earpieces to move from the deployed position to the stowed position. At the same time, the cable 126 needs to be managed so that it is less likely to bunch or pinch during use.

[0050] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary earpiece 108 is illustrated. The earpiece 108 includes an ear cup 302, a driver board assembly 304, and an ear pad 306. The driver board assembly 304 is disposed within the ear cup 302 and includes: a driver board 308; a driver 310 (also known as an "electroacoustic transducer" or "speaker"), which is disposed along a rear surface 311 ( Figure 5C ) mounted; and a microphone 312 (e.g., a feedback microphone for a feedback noise cancellation system) covered by an acoustic mesh 314. The driver plate 308 is received within the ear cup 302 so that a first acoustic cavity 316 is defined between an inner surface 318 of the ear cup 302 and a rear surface 311 of the driver plate 308.

[0051] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C4. The prior art driver board assembly 400 is illustrated. The prior art driver board assembly 400 similarly includes a driver board 402, a driver 404, a microphone 406, and an acoustic mesh 408 ( Figure 4B and Figure 4C The driver 404 is supported on the rear surface 410 of the driver plate 402 ( Figure 4C ), which in turn is mounted in an earmuff (not shown). An opening 412 is provided in the driver plate 402 to allow acoustic energy to be transmitted from the driver 404 to the ear canal of the user. To help protect the driver 404, a ring 414 is coaxially arranged with the opening 412 and supported by a plurality of radially spaced spokes 416. Although a circular ring is illustrated, as used herein, the term "ring" is intended to encompass any closed geometric shape, including, for example, a polygon. Each spoke 416 includes a first end coupled to the driver plate 402 and a second opposite end coupled to the ring 414. The opening 412, the ring 414, and the spokes 416 are colloquially collectively referred to as a "wheel-like structure". The second end of the spoke 416 and the ring 414 descend below the front surface 418 (opposite to the rear surface 410) of the driver plate 402, and the spokes 416 are generally arranged in the shape of a curved funnel having a curved (convex) first surface facing away from the driver 404 and an opposite second surface facing the driver 404. The second surface serves as a mechanical stop for the actuator 404 .

[0052] A support structure 420 (also called a "springboard") for the feedback microphone 406 extends from the driver plate 402 toward the center point of the ring 414 and is supported by the acoustic mesh 408 ( Figure 4B and Figure 4C ) is covered with an acoustic mesh that is mounted along the front surface 418 of the driver board 402. A springboard 420 protrudes from the front surface 418 of the driver board 402, and a bend 422 is formed in the mesh 408 to accommodate this.

[0053] Positioning the feedback microphone 406 at the center of the ring 414 (centrally located above the driver 404) can help reduce sensitivity to rocking modes. However, other arrangements are contemplated. In some implementations, the feedback microphone can be positioned off-center from the driver. For example, the feedback microphone can be placed above (i.e., aligned with) the voice coil of the driver, which allows the feedback microphone to be located further down and can help reduce delays in critical driver transfer functions.

[0054] The grid 408 is provided primarily to ensure low head-to-head (fit-to-fit) variation in the transfer function Gsd between the driver 404 and the feedback microphone 406. In order to provide high performance feedback ANR for most users, it may be important to have a consistent and predictable facility response. A problem with prior art designs is that due to the manner in which the grid 408 is mounted, such as being mounted over a convex surface that is sunken away from the front surface 418 of the driver board 402 and on the board 402 itself (which may be slightly recessed or uneven along its front surface 418), there may be considerable variability in the placement of the grid between different devices during assembly. This inconsistent placement may make it difficult to accurately predict the acoustic characteristics of the system, which is necessary to provide high performance feedback noise cancellation. Ideally, consistent assembly is desired in order to more accurately predict the acoustic effects.

[0055] To address the shortcomings of the prior art design, the "wheel-like structure" of the present disclosure has been redesigned such that additional structure has been added to the spokes 506, thereby causing the first surface of the spokes 506 to now extend outward from the front surface 504 of the driver plate 308, and the spokes no longer drop away from the front surface 504 of the driver plate 308, as shown in FIG. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The spokes 506 still terminate at the ring 508, but in this new design, the ring 508 provides a flat planar surface 510 on which the acoustic grid 314 is mounted ( Figure 5B and Figure 5C ). The front surface of the spoke 506 extends upward from the front surface 504 of the driver plate 308 in a generally frustoconical shape, and the rear surface of the spoke 506 extends downward from the rear surface 311 of the driver plate 308 in a generally frustoconical shape in the opposite direction. The second surface of the spoke 506 still serves as a mechanical stop for the driver 310. In this regard, the second surface of the spoke 506 can define a tab 512 ( Figure 5C ).

[0056] Additionally, the springboard (i.e., the prior art cantilever support structure 420) is replaced with a more stable bridge 502 that extends across the diameter of the ring 508 and provides additional structural support for the feedback microphone 312. The bridge 502 is designed to be substantially flush with the planar surface 510 on the ring 508, so that the mesh 314 no longer requires a bend (see, e.g., Figure 4B and Figure 4C Item 422) to accommodate the feedback microphone 312 or its supporting structure 502. Figure 5B As shown, mesh 314 is now provided with a shape that generally conforms to the shape of ring 508 .

[0057] This new design provides a number of benefits. First, since a planar surface is now provided for supporting the mesh, a more consistent and repeatable placement of the mesh and therefore more predictable system acoustic properties can be expected. Second, since bends in the mesh are no longer necessary, a wide variety of different mesh materials can be considered, which previously required a metal mesh in order to provide bends.

[0058] Furthermore, sharp resonances in earmuffs may make it more difficult, if not impossible, to implement effective feedback control in the corresponding frequency range, and thus sharp resonances may generally require less effective feedback control to be implemented. By acoustically loading the microphone 312 and driver 310 with an acoustic mesh 314, the resonances are significantly reduced, allowing for increased gain in the feedback loop and significant improvements in active noise reduction in relatively small volume earmuffs.

[0059] Other specific implementations

[0060] A number of implementations have been described. However, it should be understood that additional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concepts described herein, and therefore, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0061] For example, although embodiments in which a ring defines a planar surface that can support a mesh have been described above, in some embodiments, the ring can define a planar surface that can support a mesh. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Such a sloped surface can help reduce the likelihood of contact between the device (e.g., the wheel-like structure) and the user's auricle. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C As shown, the beveled surface includes two planar surfaces (first planar surface 602 and second planar surface 604, respectively) that intersect at or near the support structure 502. Notably, the support structure 420 for the microphone remains flush with the first planar surface 602. The ring 508 includes a protruding edge 606 that provides a peripheral boundary and helps align the grid 314. The beveled surface still allows a wide variety of mesh materials to be selected because no bends or folds need to be pre-formed before the grid is placed. Alternatively, if a bend or fold is pre-formed to accommodate the beveled surface, such a bend can advantageously help align the grid 314 with the ring 508 because the bend will coincide with the intersection of the planar surfaces 602, 604 and will provide another reference for alignment.

[0062] refer to Figure 6C , the first planar surface 602 is arranged in a first plane 608a, and the second planar surface 604 is arranged in a second plane 608b. The second plane 608b is arranged at a non-zero angle (θ) relative to the first plane 608a. The angle θ can be between about 1 degree and about 9 degrees.

[0063] like Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, spokes 506b disposed along second planar surface 604 are shorter than spokes 506a disposed along first planar surface 602. Spokes 506a, 506b (collectively "506") still extend outwardly from front surface 504 of driver plate 308, but spokes 506b do not extend outwardly as far as spokes 506a.

[0064] Reference Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , the grid 314 may include a first planar surface 602 ( Fig. 6A ) on the first portion 702 and resting on the second planar surface 604 ( Fig. 6A ) on the second portion 704. The first portion 702 and the second portion 704 can be separated by a fold 706. The fold 706 is aligned with the intersection of the first planar surface 602 and the second planar surface 603. Figure 7B As shown, the first portion 702 covers the support structure 502 and the microphone 312 .

[0065] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to encompass dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0066] Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used herein in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "at least one".

[0067] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "either one or both of the elements so combined," i.e., elements that are present in combination in some cases and separately in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be understood in the same manner, i.e., "one or more of the elements so combined." In addition to the elements explicitly identified by the "and / or" clause, other elements may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those elements explicitly identified.

[0068] As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be understood to be inclusive, i.e., including at least one element and more than one element in a plurality of elements or element lists, and optional additional unlisted items. Only the terms (such as "only one of ... in " or "exactly one of ... in " or "consisting of ... (when used in the claims)) that are clearly pointed out in the opposite direction will refer to including exactly one element in a plurality of elements or element lists. Generally speaking, when it is followed by an exclusive term (such as "any one", "one of ... in ", "only one of ... in " or "exactly one of ... in "), the term "or" as used herein should only be understood to indicate exclusive alternatives (that is, "one or another but not two").

[0069] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" (with respect to a list of one or more elements) should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one element of each element specifically listed within the list of elements, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those explicitly identified within the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements explicitly identified.

[0070] It should also be understood that in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or action, the order of the method steps or actions is not necessarily limited to the order in which the method steps or actions are described unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0071] In the claims and the above description, all transitional phrases (such as "include", "comprising", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "containing", "consisting of", etc.) should be understood as open-ended, i.e., meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" should be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0072] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims that the applicant may claim.

[0073] Although various examples have been described and illustrated herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other devices and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary, and that actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on one or more specific applications using the teachings of the present invention. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents of the specific examples described herein using only routine experiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the above examples are presented by way of example only, and within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, examples may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described and claimed. The examples disclosed herein relate to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and / or methods is included within the scope of the present disclosure if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. A headset, comprising: A handset, the handset comprising: Earmuffs; ear pads; and a driver board assembly supported in the ear cup, The driver board assembly comprises: Driver board; a driver mounted along a rear surface of the driver board; an opening disposed in the driver plate to allow acoustic energy to pass from the driver to an ear canal of a user; a ring disposed substantially coaxially with the opening; and An acoustic grid, wherein the ring defines a planar surface on which the acoustic grid is mounted.

2. The headset of claim 1 , further comprising a microphone and a support structure extending at least partially across a diameter of the ring and supporting the microphone over the opening.

3. The headphone of claim 2, wherein the support structure is designed to be substantially flush with the planar surface of the ring so that the grid lies in a substantially flat plane.

4. The headset of claim 3, wherein the microphone is arranged substantially coaxially with the driver.

5. The headphone of claim 2, wherein the support structure takes the form of a bridge extending across the diameter of the ring.

6. The headphone of claim 2, wherein the microphone is a feedback microphone for a feedback noise cancellation system.

7. A headphone according to claim 6, wherein the acoustic mesh acoustically loads the microphone such that resonance is reduced, thereby allowing gain in a feedback loop of the feedback system to be increased.

8. The headphone of claim 1, wherein the grid lies in a substantially flat plane without bends or folds.

9. The headphone of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of radially spaced spokes supporting the ring.

10. The headphone of claim 9, wherein respective first surfaces of the spokes extend outwardly away from a front surface of the driver plate opposite the rear surface and terminate at the ring.

11. The headphone of claim 10, wherein the first surface of the spoke extends outwardly from the front surface of the driver plate in a substantially frustoconical shape.

12. The headphone of claim 10, wherein respective second surfaces of the spokes extend into the opening and away from the front surface of the driver plate.

13. The headphone of claim 12, wherein the second surface of the spoke extends in a substantially frustoconical shape.

14. The headphone of claim 12, wherein the second surface of the spoke acts as a mechanical stop for the driver.

15. The headphone of claim 14, wherein the second surface of the spoke defines a tab that serves as the mechanical stop for the driver.

16. The headphone of claim 1, wherein the driver plate is received within the ear cup so as to define a first acoustic cavity between an inner surface of the ear cup and the rear surface of the driver plate.

17. The headphone of claim 1 , wherein the earmuff has: a front opening adapted to be adjacent to a user's ear; and a cushion surrounding a periphery of the front opening, the front opening being formed with an ear opening and arranged to accommodate the user's ear.

18. The headphone of claim 1, further comprising: Headband; and A bracket couples the earpiece to the headband.

19. The headphone of claim 1, wherein the planar surface comprises a first planar surface and a second planar surface, the first planar surface and the second planar surface together defining a sloped surface.

20. The headphone of claim 19, wherein the first planar surface and the second planar surface intersect at or near a support structure extending at least partially across the diameter of the ring and configured to support a microphone over the opening.

21. The headphone of claim 20, wherein the support structure is flush with the first planar surface.

22. The headphone of claim 20, wherein the mesh includes bends or creases aligned with intersections of the first planar surface and the second planar surface.

23. The headphone of claim 20, wherein the grid comprises a first portion resting on the first planar surface and a second portion resting on the second planar surface.

24. The headset of claim 20, wherein the first planar surface is arranged in a first plane and the second planar surface is arranged in a second plane, and wherein the second plane is arranged at a non-zero angle relative to the first plane.

25. The headphone of claim 24, wherein the second plane is disposed at an angle of about 1 degree to about 9 degrees relative to the first plane.

26. The headphone of claim 1, wherein the ring includes a raised edge providing a perimeter boundary within which the grid is disposed.

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