Cover assembly for headphone

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover assembly for an earphone, of the type enclosed at the rear of an earphone frame (20), in which a transducer (21) or a sound reproduction medium is arranged. The invention relates to a cover assembly comprising a body (1) delimiting a free first end (6) and a second end (7) housing a transducer (21), characterized in that it comprises: a spacer (8) as a seal made of a fabric or a non-woven, allowing sound to pass through and separating the second cover (4) from the first cover (2) by sealing the second cover (4), an internal friction washer (11) arranged between the spacer (8) and the first cover (2), and an external friction washer (12) arranged between the internal friction washer (11) and the second cover (2). The gasket (11) is arranged on the first cover (2) in the direction of the first end (6), the spiral spring (10) is sleeved on the gasket (11), the fixing device (9) penetrates through the first cover (2), the second cover (4), the spacer (8), the gasket (11) and the spring (10), the first cover (2) or the second cover (4) or the first cover (2) and the second cover (4) are rotated relative to the fixing device (9), and when the first through hole (3) and the second through hole (5) are opposite, the first through hole (3) and the second through hole (5) are in an open position. When the first through hole (3) and the second through hole (5) are staggered, the first through hole (3) and the second through hole (5) are closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A cover assembly for headphones, the cover closing at the rear of the headphone frame, the cover assembly housing a transducer or sound reproduction medium. The headphone cover assembly includes: a body defining a first free end and a second end for receiving the transducer, and comprising: a first cover associated with or integrated into the body, the first cover having a series of first through holes; a second cover opposite and parallel to the first cover, the second cover having a series of second through holes, the second cover closing the second end. The cover assembly is characterized by: a spacer made of woven or nonwoven fabric serving as a seal, allowing sound to pass through and isolating the second cover from the first cover by sealing the second cover; an internal friction washer disposed on the first cover along the direction of the first end; a helical spring sleeved on the washer; and a retaining device penetrating the first cover, the second cover, the spacer, the washer, and the spring. The open and closed positions are switched by rotating the first or second cover, or both, relative to the fixed device. The open position is when the first through hole and the second through hole are opposite each other, and the closed position is when the first through hole and the second through hole are misaligned. Background Technology

[0002] Various headphone systems with selectors for listening in closed or open modes are known in the prior art.

[0003] For example, US Patent US2005 / 0105755 A1, "Modified Earphone Structure with Closable Opening," relates to a modified earphone structure with a closable opening formed by connecting two covers via a headband. The covers have a first housing and a second housing. The first housing has at least a first opening and forms a first connecting portion. The second housing has at least a second opening and forms a second connecting portion. The second opening corresponds to the first opening. The second connecting portion is held within the first connecting portion. A speaker is disposed in the second housing. The first housing can be rotated via the first connecting portion to allow the first opening to communicate with the second opening to allow external sound sources to enter the user's ear, or to close the second opening via the first housing to block external sound sources from entering the user's ear.

[0004] Another known patent is US2010 / 0272303, "HEADSET," which describes headphones having a hollow housing with a front wall and a rear wall opposite to the front wall. The front wall has at least one sound hole, and the rear wall has multiple air holes. A speaker unit is disposed within the housing and adjacent to the sound hole. An adjustment assembly is rotatably mounted on the rear wall of the housing. The adjustment assembly has an adjustment switch located on the outer side of the rear wall and a stop plate abutting against the inner surface of the rear wall and connected to the adjustment switch. The adjustment switch controls the stop plate to reciprocate and stop, thereby changing the number of covered air holes when the adjustment switch is rotated.

[0005] It is worth mentioning patent WO2011 / 045782, "AN EARPHONE WITH TOGGLE MECHANISM," which describes headphones that include a movable part adapted to close the hearing port, thereby switching the headphones from an open mode that allows ambient sound to enter the user's ear to a closed mode that blocks the user's ear. This closing operation is completed during headphone operation. The headphone's sound unit can also be activated or deactivated depending on the headphone mode.

[0006] US Patent 8521480, "VARIABLE NOISE ATTENUATOR WITH ADJUSTABLEATTENUATION," is prior art. This US patent, published in 2015, claims protection for an ear-attenuation headphone (including at least two embodiments): Figure 1 and Figure 3 The headphones include: - at least one earpiece having at least one channel through at least one opening, the channel allowing sound to pass through; - A control element capable of controlling the sound flow through the at least one earpiece; - The control element includes an isolator configured to move within a channel to alter the volume of the channel passing through at least one earpiece, wherein when the isolator is in a closed position, it is aligned with the channel within at least one earpiece; and when the isolator is in an open position, it is not aligned with the channel within at least one earpiece. The design concept is based on a "screw" tightening or loosening mechanism to open and close the air / sound channel.

[0007] Another example can be found in 2015 patent US9674596, "HEADPHONE WITH SELECTABLE AMBIENTSOUND ADMISSION". This patent describes a headphone device comprising: a housing configured to substantially cover a user's ear when the headphone device is worn; a sound-generating component disposed within the housing; a baffle element made of a flexible sound-insulating material, having a tubular structure with an open outer end and an open inner end, the tube having a through-central axis, the baffle element having an open configuration—in which the tube provides an open channel, and a closed configuration—in which the baffle element bends or rotates about the central axis to form a closed loop on the baffle element, thereby blocking sound transmission through the tube; and an operating mechanism for switching the baffle element between the open and closed configurations.

[0008] US Patent US2016 / 0330537 A1, entitled "HYBRID HEADSET TUNED FOR OPEN-BACK AND CLOSED-BACK OPERATION," describes a hybrid headphone. The device includes a variable opening / closing mechanism configured to reversibly switch the hybrid headphone between an open-back and closed-back operating mode. The closed-back mode can be used to provide acoustic isolation from ambient noise. When ANC is activated or in response to a signal / data, the hybrid headphone can automatically switch from open-back to closed-back mode. The hybrid headphone may include a semi-open rear cavity mode, which is between an open-back and closed-back rear cavity mode. The variable aperture mechanism may include a shutter, aperture, sound guide, or a sound guide made of a variable acoustic impedance material.

[0009] Finally, it's worth mentioning European patent EP3089474 B1, "ADJUSTABLE OPENING HEADPHONES". This invention relates to a headphone comprising: - a housing for the headphone; - an elastic pad attached to the housing, which, together with the housing, defines a chamber for enclosing a user's ear; - an assembly disposed in the housing near its distal end and having a plurality of blades, each of which is movable between at least an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the plurality of blades engage with each other to define a distal surface of the housing, and in the open position, the plurality of blades define an opening in the housing, wherein the opening allows sound from outside the housing to enter the chamber; - a controller communicating with the assembly and at least one external device, wherein the controller receives a signal from the external device and controls the movement of the assembly between the open and closed positions based on the signal. The headphone includes interchangeable rods secured by magnets. The closing / opening mechanism is based on the principle of overlapping blades forming openings of different diameters. The highlight of this patent is the claimed mechanism, which is extremely similar to the mechanisms in the aforementioned two documents. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention belongs to the field of high-fidelity headphone technology.

[0011] In the field of high-fidelity headphones, there are three types of models to choose from: open-back, closed-back, and semi-open / semi-closed.

[0012] Open-back headphones offer better sound quality, but at the cost of sound waves leaking into the surrounding environment, making them less suitable for situations where they might disturb others.

[0013] On the other hand, although closed-back headphones can isolate sound inside the headphones, the sound waves cannot diffuse outward and continue to reflect inward, resulting in a loss of sound fidelity, which comes at the cost of sound quality.

[0014] Finally, semi-open / semi-closed headphones combine some of the advantages of the first two types of headphones, but also have some drawbacks.

[0015] Because the headphones are not completely open-back, their sound quality is inferior to open-back headphones, but at the same time, it is superior to closed-back headphones.

[0016] On the other hand, semi-open / semi-closed headphones do not transmit sound through open earpieces, thus avoiding disturbance to those around them. However, their sealing is not as good as closed-back headphones, and under certain conditions, some sound leakage may still disturb those nearby.

[0017] The closest prior art is US Patent US2005 / 0105755.

[0018] This patent solves the problem of how to enable headphones to operate in both closed and open modes by using an existing connector with hooks. The design allows the outer disc, which has three equally sized holes, to rotate.

[0019] On the other hand, its drawback is that it will eventually create a gap at the connector, resulting in a loss of sound quality and the inability to use closed-back headphone options, as some sound will escape from the connector through the gap.

[0020] Furthermore, when the outer disc rotates in both open and closed configurations, friction between the outer and inner discs can lead to material degradation and wear.

[0021] This invention effectively solves the problem of material degradation and prevents friction between the two covers by setting a spring that can adjust the pressure applied when the two covers rotate relative to each other, and by using a fabric or non-woven material that allows sound to pass through as a spacer. This structure eliminates the defects of gap formation and sound quality degradation.

[0022] One object of the present invention is to provide a cover assembly for headphones, the cover assembly being of the type that is closed at the rear of the headphone frame, the cover assembly having a transducer 21 or a sound reproduction device inside. The cover assembly includes: a body defining a first free end and a second end, the first end accommodating a transducer; and the cover assembly including a first cover associated with or integrated into the body, the first cover having a series of first through holes; a second cover opposite to and parallel to the first cover, the second cover having a series of second through holes, the second cover closing the second end, distinguished by including: a woven or nonwoven type spacer as a sealant, the spacer allowing sound to pass through and isolating the second cover from the first cover by sealing the second cover; an internal friction washer disposed on the first cover along the direction of the first end; a helical spring sleeved on the washer; and a fixing device penetrating the first cover, the second cover, the spacer, the washer, and the spring, wherein rotating the first cover or the second cover, or both simultaneously, relative to the fixing device results in an open position when the first through holes are aligned with the second through holes, and a closed position when the first through holes are misaligned with the second through holes. Attached Figure Description

[0023] For ease of explanation, this specification includes seven drawings illustrating practical embodiments, which are cited as examples only and do not limit the scope of the invention: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an earphone including the subject matter of this invention, and Figure 2 This is an exploded view of one of the headphones; Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the rack; Figure 4 For along Figure 3A cross-sectional view along the dashed line IV-IV; Figure 5 An alternative method for fixing the cover assembly is shown; Figure 6 A detailed view of the second cover, showing its state when it is hidden inside the rack; Figure 7 For along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along the dashed line VII-VII. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 The main body 1, frame 20, headband 24a, clamp 26 and gasket 25 are shown.

[0025] Figure 2 The diagram shows the main body 1, first cover 2, second cover 4, spacer 8, fixing device 9, spring 10, inner washer 11, first outer nut 13, channel opening 15, 16, transducer 21, protrusion 22, 24, guide rail 25, gasket 25a, gasket ring 27, velvet ring 28, transducer cover 29, front ring 30, and socket connector 31.

[0026] Figure 3 The diagram shows a main body 1, a first cover 2 with a first through hole 3, a second cover 4, a first end 6, a second end 7, a fixing device 9, a spring 10, an inner washer 11, a first outer nut 13, and a frame 20.

[0027] Figure 4 The diagram shows a main body 1, a first cover 2 with a first through hole 3, a second cover 4 with a second through hole 5, a first end 6, a second end 7, a spacer 8, a fixing device 9, a spring 10, an inner washer 11, a first outer nut 13, a first channel opening 14, and a frame 20.

[0028] Figure 5 The design includes a main body 1, a first cover 2 with a first through hole 3, a second cover 4, a first end 6, a second end 7, a fixing device 9, a spring 10, an inner washer 11, an outer washer 12, a first outer nut 13, channel openings 14, 15, and 16, a second inner nut 17, and a frame 20.

[0029] Figure 6 The second cover 4 is shown, which has a second through hole 5, a channel opening 16, and guide rails 23 and 25.

[0030] at last, Figure 7 The diagram shows a main body 1, a first cover 2 with a first through hole 3, a second cover 4 with a second through hole 5, a spacer 8, a protrusion 22, and a guide rail 23.

[0031] Therefore, the headphone cover assembly described in this invention belongs to the type downstream of the closed transducer frame 20, and the cover assembly is provided with a transducer 21 or a sound reproduction device.

[0032] The headphone cover assembly includes a body 1 that defines a first free end 6, in which an electroacoustic transducer 21 is housed.

[0033] The headphone cover assembly also includes a second end 7 located on the other side of the main body 1, and the second end 7 is closed.

[0034] The main body 1 includes a first cover 2 associated with or integrated within the main body 1. That is, the first cover 2 can be part of the main body 1 or a separate component of the main body 1. Figure 1 ).

[0035] The first cover 2 includes a series of first through holes 3 provided on the first cover 2, the first through holes 3 allowing sound waves from the transducer 21 to penetrate the first cover 2.

[0036] The headphone cover assembly also includes a second cover 4. The second cover 4 is disposed opposite to and parallel to the first cover 2. The second cover 4 is provided with a series of second through holes 5, which are also used to allow sound waves from the transducer 21 or the external environment to pass through. The second cover 4 closes the second end 7.

[0037] The cover assembly also includes a spacer 8 made of woven or nonwoven fabric, which has a sealing function, allows sound to pass through, and separates the second cover 4 from the first cover 2 by sealing the second cover 4.

[0038] On the one hand, this prevents dust and dirt from entering the earphone through the second through hole 5; on the other hand, this prevents the first cover 4 and the second cover 2 from rubbing against each other and causing damage when they rotate relative to each other, because if they are damaged, it will affect the quality of sound reproduction.

[0039] In addition, the spacer 8 ensures the complete elimination of unwanted vibrations, even at higher volumes, because the spacer 8 can absorb unwanted vibrations.

[0040] The material of the nonwoven spacer 8 can be, for example, felt.

[0041] Similarly, the present invention includes an internal friction washer 11, which is disposed on the first cover 2 along the direction of the first end 6. The washer 11 provides rotational freedom for the cover assembly and also imparts mechanical rigidity to prevent wear on the first cover 2.

[0042] It also includes a spring 10 disposed on the first cover 2 facing the first end 6, which is used to maintain a constant pressure when the covers 2 and 4 rotate relative to each other. That is, the spring 10 absorbs stress by compression or release, thereby avoiding stress generated by relative rotation.

[0043] Thus, the spring 10 ensures that the opening and closing capability of the covers 2 and 4 reaches the highest accuracy through self-adjustment, ensuring that this capability is maintained throughout the entire service life of the covers 2 and 4, and can compensate for the wear that may occur in other parts or components of the receiver without causing a decline in the quality of the closure.

[0044] Furthermore, the spring 10 ensures perfect assembly of different materials (such as wood, aluminum, plastic, etc.) by providing adaptability.

[0045] Finally, it includes a fixing device 9 that passes through the first cover 2, the second cover 4, the spacer 8, the first through hole 14 and the second through holes 15 and 16, the washer 11 and the spring 10. The fixing device 9 also serves as the rotation axis for the first cover 2 and the second cover 4 to rotate.

[0046] In other words, the fixing device 9 ensures the precise positioning of the aforementioned components within the receiver because it establishes the position of each component and its relationship with other components by penetrating through these components.

[0047] Therefore, by rotating the first cover 2 or the second cover 4, or both, relative to the fixing device 9, the first through hole 3 is in the open position when it is aligned with the second through hole 5. Thus, the spatial effect of the sound is maximized in this position, but it may be affected by external noise, thereby affecting the sound quality heard.

[0048] The closed position refers to the first through hole 3 and the second through hole 4 being misaligned, that is, through holes 3 and 5 facing the area on the cover that has no through holes.

[0049] As a result, the sound from the transducer 21 is either blocked or deflected, which prevents external sounds from entering the headphones and causing a loss of spatial effect, and also isolates external noise.

[0050] Optionally, the first cover 2, the second cover 4, and the spacer 8 are circular. This facilitates their rotation and makes it easier for the through holes 3 and 5 to face each other and fit together.

[0051] Optionally, it can be configured ( Figure 2 and Figure 7 The first cover 2 includes at least some protrusions 22, 24 that move along the inside of some tracks 23, 25 located on the second cover 4, the tracks 23, 25 defining the radius of rotation of the second cover 4 relative to the first cover 2. In this embodiment, it includes two protrusions 22, 24 that engage with two equidistant tracks 23, 25.

[0052] It can be configured to rotate within an angle range of 10º to 20º between the first cover 2 and the second cover 4 in the open and closed positions. This achieves the opening and closing effect without compromising the invention, because the rotation radius is sufficient to complete the opening and closing action, and the short stroke has minimal impact on the material.

[0053] The diameters of the first through hole 3 and the second through hole 5, which are closest to the circumference, can be configured to be larger than the diameter of the through hole closest to the center of the circle. This takes advantage of the antihelix of the auricle.

[0054] Alternatively, a pair of nuts attached to the free end of the fixing device 9 can be used. Figure 5 The cap assembly includes an external first nut 13 that acts as a locking nut and an internal second nut 17. The first nut 13 serves as a locking nut to ensure the entire cap assembly is securely fixed. The second nut 17 allows for adjustment of the pressure of the spring 10 during assembly.

[0055] In one embodiment, washers 11 and 12 can be provided on both sides of the spring 10, namely, inner washer 11 and outer washer 12. Therefore, the inner washer 11 is in contact with the spring 10 and the first cover 2.

[0056] The outer washer 12 fixes the spring 10 with nuts 13 and 17. The friction between the second nut 17 and the spring 10 acts on the outer washer 12, preventing the nuts 13 and 17 from performing this function, thereby reducing the wear of both the spring 10 and the second nut 17.

[0057] For ease of manufacture, and in the case of using high-end materials to achieve better sound quality, the second cover 4 can be made of the same material as the main body 1, such as wood.

[0058] Therefore, in one specific embodiment, the user can wear the earphones of the present invention on the auricle.

[0059] To achieve spatial sound effects (i.e., the open position), in this embodiment, the second cover 4 is rotated until the first through hole 3 and the second through hole 5 coincide, thereby allowing sound to be transmitted outward.

[0060] At the moment the rotation occurs, the internal washer 11 compresses the spring 10, causing it to press against the stop 13, thereby assisting the rotation of the second cover 2; when the rotation is complete, the pressure of the internal washer 11 on the spring 10 disappears, and the spring 10 returns to its initial compressed state.

[0061] If the user subsequently needs sound insulation, rotate in the opposite direction to ensure that the first through hole 3 is sealed by the second cover 4 (i.e., through the surface of the second cover 4 that does not contain the second through hole 5), thereby preventing sound from escaping from the inside of the headphones.

[0062] This invention relates to a novel cover assembly for headphones. The examples described herein are not intended to limit the invention and therefore various applications and / or adaptive modifications are possible, all of which fall within the scope of the following claims. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. A cover assembly for headphones, the cover assembly closing onto the back of a headphone frame (20), the cover assembly having a transducer (21) or a sound reproduction medium disposed therein, the cover assembly comprising a body (1) defining a free first end (6) and a second end (7) for receiving the transducer (21), and the cover assembly comprising: A first cover (2) is associated with or integrated into the body (1) inside the body (1), and the first cover (2) is provided with a series of first through holes (3). The second cover (4) is opposite to and parallel to the first cover (2). The second cover (4) is provided with a series of second through holes (5). The second cover (4) closes the second end (7). The cover assembly is characterized in that it comprises: The spacer (8), which serves as a seal, is made of woven or nonwoven fabric. The spacer allows sound to pass through and separates the second cover (4) from the first cover (2) by sealing the second cover (4). An internal friction washer (11) is disposed on the first cover (2) along the direction of the first end (6). A helical spring (10) is fitted onto the washer (11). The fixing device (9) has a stop (13) that adjusts the compression pressure of the spring (10) and passes sequentially through the first cover (2), the second cover (4), the spacer (8), the washer (11), and the spring (10). By rotating the first cover (2) or the second cover (4) or both the first cover (2) and the second cover (4) relative to the fixing device (9), the open position is switched between the open position and the closed position. When the first through hole (3) is opposite to the second through hole (5), the open position is switched between the open position and the closed position when the first through hole (3) and the second through hole (5) are offset from each other. 2. The cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first cover (2), the second cover (4) and the spacer (8) are circular in shape. 3. The cover assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first cover (2) includes at least one protrusion (22) that moves along a track (23) on the second cover (4), the track (23) defining a radius of rotation of the second cover (4) relative to the first cover (2). 4. The cover assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, between the open position and the closed position, the first cover (2) and the second cover (4) rotate relative to each other in a range of 10º to 20º. 5. The cover assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first through hole (3) and the second through hole (5) near the circumferential edge are larger than the first through hole (3) and the second through hole (5) near the center. 6. The cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop (13) is a first nut in the form of a locking nut, and further wherein the cover assembly includes an internal second nut (17). 7. The cover assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that an external washer (12) is provided at the free end of the fixing device (9), the external washer (12) being located between the stop (13) and the spring (10), and the external washer (12) adjusting the compression pressure of the spring (10). 8. The cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second cover (4) is made of the same material as the body (1).

Claims

1. A cover assembly for headphones, the cover assembly closing onto the back of a headphone frame (20), the cover assembly having a transducer (21) or a sound reproduction medium disposed therein, the cover assembly comprising a body (1) defining a free first end (6) and a second end (7) for receiving the transducer (21), and the cover assembly comprising: A first cover (2) is associated with or integrated into the body (1) inside the body (1), and the first cover (2) is provided with a series of first through holes (3). The second cover (4) is opposite to and parallel to the first cover (2). The second cover (4) is provided with a series of second through holes (5). The second cover (4) closes the second end (7). The cover assembly is characterized in that it comprises: The spacer (8), which serves as a seal, is made of woven or nonwoven fabric. The spacer allows sound to pass through and separates the second cover (4) from the first cover (2) by sealing the second cover (4). An internal friction washer (11) is disposed on the first cover (2) along the direction of the first end (6). A helical spring (10) is fitted onto the washer (11). The fixing device (9) passes sequentially through the first cover (2), the second cover (4), the spacer (8), the washer (11), and the spring (10). By rotating the first cover (2) or the second cover (4) or both the first cover (2) and the second cover (4) relative to the fixing device (9), the open position is switched between the open position and the closed position. When the first through hole (3) is opposite to the second through hole (5), the open position is switched between the open position and the closed position when the first through hole (3) and the second through hole (5) are offset from each other.

2. The cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cover (2), the second cover (4) and the separating element (8) are circular in shape.

3. The cover assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first cover (2) includes at least one protrusion (22) that moves along a track (23) on the second cover (4), the track (23) defining the radius of rotation of the second cover (4) relative to the first cover (2).

4. The cover assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, Between the open position and the closed position, the first cover (2) and the second cover (4) rotate relative to each other within a range of 10º to 20º.

5. The cover assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first through hole (3) and the second through hole (5) near the circumference edge are larger than the first through hole (3) and the second through hole (5) near the center of the circle.

6. The cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The free end of the fixing device (9) includes a stop (13), which adjusts the compression pressure of the spring (10).

7. The cover assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stop (13) is a first nut in the form of a locking nut, and is further characterized in that the cover assembly includes an internal second nut (17).

8. The cover assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, An external washer (12) is provided at the free end of the fixing device (9). The external washer (12) is located between the stop (13) and the spring (10). The external washer (12) adjusts the compression pressure of the spring (10).

9. The cover assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second cover (4) is made of the same material as the main body (1).

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