Earphones with controlled acoustic outlet opening

Abstract

Headphones, comprehensive: an earphone housing (102) comprising a cap section (106, 502) and a housing section (104, 504) interlocking to enclose a driver (302), the driver (302) having a front surface (314) emitting sound waves and a rear surface (424) opposite the front surface (314), the cap section (106, 502) defining a first chamber (420) coupled to the front surface (314) of the driver (302), and the housing section (104) defining a second chamber (422) coupled to the rear surface (424) of the driver (302), a first opening (108, 110) formed by the cap section (106, 502); a first output (518, 532) and a second output (518, 532) formed by the housing section (104, 504) and open to an environment; and a mesh (432, 436) and a protective material (430, 434) coupled to the first opening (108, 110), the first outlet (518, 532) or the second outlet (518, 532) and wherein the protective material is positioned between the mesh and the first opening, the first outlet or the second outlet.

Description

Area

[0001] One embodiment of the invention relates to an earphone arrangement with a controlled acoustic leak port. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. BACKGROUND

[0002] Whether listening to music from an MP3 player on the go or enjoying a high-fidelity stereo system at home, consumers are increasingly choosing intrachannel and in-ear headphones for their listening pleasure. Both types of electroacoustic transducer arrangements have a relatively low-profile housing that contains a receiver or driver (a speaker). The low profile offers comfort for the wearer while simultaneously providing very good sound quality.

[0003] Intracanal earphones are typically designed to fit inside the user's ear canal and create a seal. Intracanal earphones therefore have an acoustic output tube section extending from the housing. The open end of this tube section is inserted into the wearer's ear canal. The output tube section typically forms a flexible and elastic tip or cap made of rubber or silicone. The tip may be custom-shaped for the discerning audiophile or it may be a mass-produced component. When the tip section is inserted into the user's ear, it presses against the ear canal wall, creating a sealed (essentially airtight) cavity within the canal.Although the sealed cavity allows maximum sound output into the ear canal, it can amplify external vibrations and thus reduce the overall sound quality.

[0004] In-ear headphones, on the other hand, typically fit inside the outer ear and sit directly over the inner ear canal. In-ear headphones generally don't seal the ear canal and therefore don't suffer from the same problems as in-the-ear headphones. However, the sound quality may not be optimal for the user, as sound can escape from the earpiece and not reach the ear canal. Furthermore, differences in ear shape and size can cause varying amounts of sound to escape, leading to inconsistent acoustic performance between users.

[0005] US patent 6738487 B1 discloses an earphone with an elastic ear cup attachment surrounding a sound emission port formed on a housing that accommodates a loudspeaker unit. A space formed by the eardrum membrane, the loudspeaker unit, and the ear cup attachment when a user wears the earphone on the ear is connected to the outside of the earphone via a vent resistor.

[0006] The publication EP 1 879 424 A2 discloses an earphone with an electroacoustic transducer for converting an audio signal into sound and a housing for holding the electroacoustic transducer. The housing contains a sound output unit for introducing the sound generated by the electroacoustic transducer into the ear canal when the housing is inserted into the ear. The electroacoustic transducer is oriented to emit the sound in a direction perpendicular to the ear canal.

[0007] Document US 2012 / 0076341 A1 reveals an earphone.

[0008] Document US 2007 / 0154050 A1 discloses an earphone with a variable channel unit.

[0009] Publication KR 101091560 B1 discloses an earphone with external sound influence. SUMMARY

[0010] The invention is defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] The above summary does not contain an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present invention. It is intended that the invention encompasses all systems and methods that can be carried out from any suitable combination of the various aspects summarized above, as well as those disclosed in the detailed description below and, in particular, highlighted in the claims filed with the application. Such combinations have particular advantages that are not explicitly stated in the above summary. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not as a limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, where the same reference numerals indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” embodiment in this disclosure do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and they signify at least one. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an earphone. Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of an earphone worn in a right ear. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective top view of a section of an embodiment of an earphone. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective top view of a section of an embodiment of an earphone. Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective exploded view of the internal acoustic components that may be included in an embodiment of an earphone housing. Fig. Figure 6A illustrates a perspective front view of an embodiment of an acoustic tuning element. Fig. Figure 6B shows a perspective rear view of an embodiment of an acoustic tuning element. Fig. Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view from above of an embodiment of an acoustic tuning element. Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of an earphone with an acoustic tuning element. Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of an earphone with an acoustic tuning element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] This section explains some preferred embodiments of this invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever the shapes, relative positions, and other aspects of the parts described in the embodiments are not clearly defined, the scope of the invention is not limited to the parts shown, which are included for illustrative purposes only. It is also understood that, while numerous details are presented, some embodiments of the invention can be carried out without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to impede understanding of this description.

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an earphone. In one embodiment, the earphone 100 may be dimensioned to remain within the concha of an ear (in this example, the right ear) and to extend into the ear canal for improved acoustic performance. In this respect, the earphone 100 can be understood as a hybrid of an in-the-ear and an intracanal earphone. Representatively, the earphone housing 102 may form a housing section 104 that remains within the concha like an in-the-ear earphone and a tip section 106 that extends into the ear canal, similar to an intracanal earphone. A receiver or driver (not shown) may be contained within the housing 102. Aspects of the driver will be discussed in more detail below.

[0015] Pipe section 114 can extend from housing section 104. Pipe section 114 can be dimensioned to include a cable 120, which may contain wires extending from a powered sound source (not shown) to the driver. The wires can carry an audio signal that will be amplified by the driver. Additionally, pipe section 114 can be dimensioned to provide an acoustic path that enhances the acoustic performance of the earphone 100. This feature will be described in greater detail in relation to the Fig. 7. In some embodiments, the pipe section 114 extends from the housing section 104 in a substantially perpendicular direction, so that when the housing section 104 is in a substantially horizontal orientation, the pipe section 114 extends vertically downwards from the housing section 104.

[0016] The housing 102 can include a first output opening 108 and a second output opening 110. The first output opening 108 can be formed within the tip section 106. When the tip section 106 is positioned within the ear canal, the first output opening 108 emits sound generated by the driver (in response to the audio signal) into the ear canal. The first output opening 108 can have any size and dimensions suitable for achieving a specific acoustic performance of the earphone 100.

[0017] The second outlet opening 110 can be formed in the housing section 104. The second outlet opening 110 can be dimensioned for ventilating the ear canal and / or for emitting sound from the earphone 100 to the external environment outside the earphone 100. The external or surrounding environment should be understood to refer to the external environment or atmosphere outside the earphone 100. In this respect, the second outlet opening 110 can serve as a leak port, allowing a relatively small and controlled amount of air to escape from the ear canal and the earphone housing 102 into the external environment.The second outlet opening 110 is considered a controlled outlet, as opposed to an uncontrolled one, since its size and shape are chosen to achieve an airflow rate known to be acoustically desirable and which can be consistently maintained not only each time the same user wears the earphone, but also between users. This contrasts with typical in-ear headphones, which allow a considerable amount of airflow between the earphone and the ear canal, which can vary depending on the earphone's position within the ear and the size of the user's ear. Thus, in this case, the airflow is uncontrolled, resulting in inconsistent acoustic performance.

[0018] Controlling the airflow from the second outlet 110 is important for many reasons. For example, when the driver in the earphone 100 emits sound into the ear canal, high sound pressure at low frequencies can occur inside the ear canal. This high pressure can cause unpleasant acoustic effects for the user. As previously described, the tip section 106 extends into the ear canal, thereby preventing a significant amount of air from escaping the ear canal around the tip section 106. Instead, air is directed out of the second outlet 110. The second outlet 110 provides a controlled and direct path from the ear canal out of the earphone housing 102, allowing acoustic pressure within the ear canal to be exposed to the surrounding environment or released into the surrounding environment outside the earphone 100.Reducing the pressure within the ear canal improves the user's acoustic experience. The second outlet opening 110 has a controlled size and shape, so that approximately the same volume of air is expected to be released, regardless of the size of the user's ear canal. This, in turn, results in substantially consistent acoustic performance of the earphone 100 between users. Additionally, in one embodiment, the airflow can be controlled so that increased, if not maximum, sound output reaches the ear canal.

[0019] The second outlet opening 110 can also be adjusted to fine-tune the frequency response and / or provide a consistent bass response for the earphone 100 for the same user and between users. The second outlet opening 110 is adjusted in the sense that it has been tested or evaluated (for at least one sample from a manufactured batch) with regard to conformity to a given specification or design parameter. In other words, it is not merely an arbitrary opening, but rather one intentionally formed for a specific purpose: to modify the frequency response of the earphone in a way that helps to fine-tune the frequency response and / or provide a consistent bass response for the same user and between users. In this respect, the second outlet opening 110 can be adjusted to modify the sound pressure frequency response of the first outlet opening 108.

[0020] For example, in one embodiment, the second output opening 110 can be used to increase the sound pressure level and to tune the frequency response at a peak around 6 kHz. It is known, in particular, that the overall sound quality improves for the listener when the second output opening 110 is larger. However, a large opening might be aesthetically unappealing, and therefore it is desirable to maintain the smallest possible opening. A smaller opening, however, might not result in the desired acoustic performance around a 6 kHz peak (for example, the acoustic inductance might increase). With this in mind, a size and / or shape for the second output opening 110 was tested and adjusted to achieve a relatively small size and a desired shape, while still delivering optimal acoustic performance at a 6 kHz peak.For example, the second output opening 110 can cover a surface area of ​​approximately 3 mm. 2 up to approximately 15 mm 2 exhibit, for example, approximately 7 mm 2 up to approximately 12 mm 2 , for example 9 mm 2 In one embodiment, the second output opening 110 has an aspect ratio of approximately 3:2. The second output opening 110 can therefore, for example, have an elongated shape, such as a rectangle or an oval shape. However, it is also intended that the second output opening 110 can have other shapes and sizes that are known to achieve a desired acoustic performance.

[0021] The size and shape of the second outlet opening 110 can also be adjusted to provide a more consistent bass response for the earphone 100 for the same user and between different users. In particular, as previously discussed, if air is expelled from the earphone into the surrounding environment uncontrolled (for example, if it occurs through a gap between the ear canal and the outer surface of the earphone housing), the acoustic performance that can encompass the earphone's bass response will vary depending on the size of the user's ear and its position within the ear.Since the second outlet opening 110 has a fixed size and shape and is therefore able to vent acoustic pressure in the ear canal and / or the earphone 100 in essentially the same way, regardless of the size of the user's ear and the positioning of the earphone 100 in the ear, the earphone 100 has an essentially consistent bass response every time the same user wears the earphone 100, and between different users.

[0022] Additionally, it is assumed that the second output opening 110 can reduce the amount of externally emitted sound (for example, uncontrolled sound leaks) compared to an earphone without a second output opening 110. In this respect, for the same sound pressure level generated by the driver diaphragm, an earphone 100 with a second output opening 110 would produce less externally emitted sound, resulting in more sound reaching the ear canal than with an earphone without a second output opening 110.

[0023] To ensure consistent venting into the surrounding environment, the second outlet opening 110 can be formed in a section of the housing 102 that is not blocked by the ear when the earphone 100 is positioned in the ear. In one embodiment, the second outlet opening 110 is formed in a surface section 112 of the housing section 104. The surface section 112 can face a pinna region of the ear when the tip section 106 is positioned in the ear canal. The second outlet opening 110 is therefore oriented towards the pinna region when the earphone 100 is positioned in the ear. Additionally, if the second outlet opening 110 has an elongated shape, its longest dimension can be oriented in a substantially horizontal direction when the earphone 100 is positioned in the ear such that it protrudes from the ear canal.In this respect, a substantial, if not the entire, surface area of ​​the second output opening 110 remains unobstructed by the ear when the tip section 106 is positioned in the ear canal. In other embodiments, the second output opening 110 can have any orientation within the surface section 112 suitable for allowing sound to escape from the ear canal and / or the earphone housing 102 into the external environment, for example, vertically or diagonally.

[0024] The earphone housing 102, including the tip section 106 and the housing section 104, can be formed from a substantially non-flexible and non-elastic material, such as a solid plastic or the like. In this respect, unlike typical intracanal earphones, although the tip section 106 can contact the ear canal and form a seal with it, it is not designed to form an airtight seal such as is typically formed by intracanal earphones that have a flexible or elastic tip. The tip section 106, the housing section 104, and the tube section 114 can be formed from the same or different materials. In one embodiment, the tip section 106 and the housing section 104 can be formed as separate parts or as an integrally formed part using conventional forming processes to achieve the desired shape and size.Additionally, the tip section 106 can have a tapered shape that narrows away from the housing section 104, so that the end of the tip section 106 facing the ear canal has a reduced size or diameter relative to the housing section 104 and fits comfortably into the ear canal. Thus, the earphone 100 does not require a separate flexible (yielding or elastic) tip, such as a rubber or silicone tip, to focus the sound output. In other embodiments, the tip section 106 can be made of a yielding or flexible material or be equipped with a yielding cap that creates a sealed cavity within the ear canal.

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of an earphone worn in the right ear. The ear 200 comprises a pinna section 202, which is the fleshy portion of the external ear that projects from the side of the head. The concha 204 is the curved, hollow portion of the pinna section 202 that opens into the ear canal 206. The earphone 100 can be positioned within the ear 200 such that the tip portion 106 projects into the ear canal 206 and the housing portion 104 remains within the concha 204. The tapered shape of the tip portion 106 allows a contact area 208 of the tip portion 106 to touch the walls of the ear canal 206 and form a seal with the ear canal 206. As previously described, the tip section 106 may be made of a non-yielding or rigid material such as plastic, and thus the seal may not be airtight.Alternatively, the seal formed around the tip section 106 at the contact area 208 can be airtight.

[0026] When the earphone 100 is positioned in the ear 200, the surface section 112 of the housing section 104 faces the pinna section 202. The second output opening 110 also faces the pinna section 202, so that sound exits the second output opening 110 towards the pinna section 202 and into the surrounding environment. Although the second output opening 110 faces the pinna section 202, it is not blocked by the pinna section 202 due to its size, orientation, and positioning relative to the surface section 112.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective top view of a section of an embodiment of an earphone. In particular, it can be seen from this view that the first output opening 108 and the second output opening 110 are positioned along different sides of the housing 102, such that the openings point in different directions and form an acute angle to each other, as described below. For example, the first output opening 108 can be formed in the end section 308, which is opposite the rear side 310 and faces the ear canal, while the second output opening 110 is formed in the surface section 112, which faces the pinna section and is opposite the front side 312 of the housing 102.

[0028] If the pipe section 114 is vertically oriented, the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening intersect the same horizontal plane 300, i.e., a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a length dimension or a longitudinal axis 360 of the pipe section 114. An angle (α) formed between the first outlet opening 108 and the second outlet opening 110, and which lies within the horizontal plane 300, may be an acute angle. In one embodiment, the angle (α) can be defined by line 304 and line 306, originating from a longitudinal axis 360 of the pipe section 114 and extending through the center of the first dispensing opening 108 and the center of the second dispensing opening 110, respectively. In one embodiment, the angle (α) can be less than 90°, for example from approximately 80° to approximately 20°, from approximately 65° to approximately 35°, or from 40° to 50°, for example 45°.

[0029] Alternatively, the orientation of the first output opening 108 and the second output opening 110 can be defined by an angle (β) formed by a first axis 340 through a center of the first output opening 108 and a second axis 342 through a center of the second output opening 110. The first axis 340 and the second axis 342 can be formed in the same horizontal plane 300. The angle (β) between the first axis 340 and the second axis 342 can be less than 90°, for example, from approximately 85° to 45°, representatively from 60° to 70°.

[0030] In other embodiments, the orientation of the first output opening 108 and the second output opening 110 with respect to the driver 302 can be defined. In particular, as can be seen from this view, the front surface 314 of the driver 302 faces both the first output opening 108 and the second output opening 110, but is neither parallel to the side 308 nor to the surface section 112 in which the openings 108 and 110 are formed. Instead, an end section of the driver 302 projects into the tip section 106 in the direction of the first output opening 108, and the remaining section of the driver 302 extends along the surface section 112.In this respect, while both the first output opening 108 and the second output opening 110 can be considered to be located in front of the front surface 314 of the driver, the entire area of ​​the second output opening 110 can be facing the driver's front surface 314, while only a section of the first output opening 108 can be facing the driver's front surface 314, with the remainder facing one side of the driver 302.

[0031] As in the Fig. 4 shown, which provides a more detailed representation of the in Fig. In the earphone 100 shown in Figure 3, an acoustic and / or protective material can be applied over one or both of the first output opening 108 and the second output opening 110. For example, an acoustic material 432 and a protective material 430 can be applied over the first output opening 108. The acoustic material 432 can be a piece of acoustically designed material that provides a defined and intended acoustic resistance or filtering effect. For example, in one embodiment, the acoustic material 432 is a braid or foam material designed to filter certain sound pressure waves emitted by the driver 302. The protective material 430 can be an acoustically transparent material, meaning that it does not significantly affect the acoustic performance of the earphone 100.Instead, the protective material 430 protects the device by preventing dust, water, or any other unwanted materials or objects from entering the housing 102. The protective material 430 can be, for example, a mesh, a polymer, a foam, or any other material that allows a substantially open passage for the emission of sound pressure waves from the driver 302.

[0032] Similar to the first output opening 108, the acoustic material 436 and the protective material 434 can be positioned over the second output opening 110. Corresponding to the acoustic material 432, the acoustic material 436 can be a mesh or a foam material designed to filter a desired sound pressure wave emitted by the driver 302. The protective material 432 can be an acoustically transparent material, for example, a mesh, a polymer, a foam, or any other material that protects the earphone 100 from dirt or debris and allows an essentially open passage for sound pressure waves to be emitted by the driver 302.

[0033] The acoustic materials 432, 436 and the protective materials 430, 434 can each be individual parts that are combined over their respective openings to form a sandwich structure that snaps into place over the openings. Alternatively, the materials can be glued or otherwise attached over the openings. In some embodiments, the acoustic materials 432, 436 and the protective materials 430, 434 can also be composite or multilayer materials. Furthermore, it is assumed that the acoustic materials 432, 436 and the protective materials 430, 434 can be positioned over their respective openings in any order.

[0034] The housing section 104 is divided into an anterior chamber 420 and a posterior chamber 422, formed around opposing surfaces of the driver 302. The anterior chamber 420 can be formed around the front surface 314 of the driver 302. In one embodiment, the anterior chamber 420 is formed by the housing section 104 and the tip section 106 of the housing 102. In this case, sound waves 428, generated by the front surface 314 of the driver 302, travel through the anterior chamber 420 into the ear canal through the first outlet opening 108. Additionally, the anterior chamber 420 can provide an acoustic path for the release of air waves 426 or acoustic pressure within the ear canal from the second outlet opening 110 into the external environment.

[0035] As previously discussed, the second output opening 110 is a set opening, and therefore the transmission of sound waves 428 and air waves 426 through the second output opening 110 is controlled in such a way that the acoustic performance of the earphone is consistent between users.

[0036] The rear chamber 422 can be formed around the rear surface 424 of the driver 302. The rear chamber 422 is formed by the housing section 104 of the housing 102. The various internal acoustic components of the earphone 100 can be contained in the front chamber 420 and in the rear chamber 422, as described in greater detail in relation to the Fig. 5 will be discussed.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the internal acoustic components that may be contained in the earphone housing. The tip section 106 of the housing 102 may be formed by the cap section 502, which in this embodiment is shown as being separated from the base section 504 of the housing 102 to expose the internal acoustic components that may be contained in the housing 102. The internal acoustic components may include the driver seat 506. The driver seat 506 may be dimensioned to fit into the cap section 502 and in front of the front surface 314 of the driver 302. In one embodiment, the driver seat 506 may seal against the front surface 314 of the driver 302. Alternatively, the driver seat 506 may be positioned in front of the driver 302 but not seal directly against it. The driver seat 506 is thus located in the front chamber 420, which was previously described in relation to the Fig. As discussed in section 4, the driver seat 506 can include the output opening 508, which is aligned with the second output opening 110 and has similar dimensions, so that sound generated by the driver 302 can be output through the driver seat 506 to the second output opening 110. The driver seat 506 can include a further output opening (not shown) that corresponds to and is aligned with the first output opening 108. The driver seat 506 can, for example, be a molded structure formed from the same material as the housing 102 (for example, a substantially rigid material such as plastic) or from a different material (for example, a compliant polymeric material).

[0038] The acoustic material 436 and the protective material 434 can be held by the driver seat 506 above the second output opening 110. In one embodiment, the acoustic material 436 and the protective material 434 are positioned between the driver seat 506 and the second output opening 110. Alternatively, they can be attached to an inner surface of the driver seat 506 and above the opening 508, so that they overlap the second output opening 110 when the driver seat 506 is located within the cap section 502. Although not shown, the acoustic material 432 and the protective material 430, which cover the first output opening 108, are also considered internal acoustic components. The acoustic material 432 and the protective material 430 can be attached above the first output opening 108 in a similar manner to that discussed with respect to materials 436 and 434.

[0039] The acoustic tuning element 510 is positioned behind the rear surface 424 of the driver 302 (that is, inside the rear chamber 422, shown in Fig. 4) and fits into the base section 504 of the housing section 104. In one embodiment, the acoustic tuning element 510 is positioned near the rear surface 424 of the driver 302, but is not directly attached to the driver 302. In another embodiment, the acoustic tuning element 510 can be directly attached to the driver 302. When the acoustic tuning element 510 is positioned near the driver 302, the acoustic tuning element 510 and the housing section 104 define the rear volume chamber of the driver 302. The size and shape of a driver's rear volume chamber are important for the overall acoustic performance of the earphone. Since the acoustic tuning element 510 defines at least a portion of the rear volume chamber, the acoustic tuning element 510 can be used to modify the acoustic performance of the earphone 100.For example, the acoustic tuning element 510 can be dimensioned to tune a frequency response of the earphone 100 by changing its dimensions.

[0040] In particular, the size of the rear volume chamber formed around the driver 302 by the acoustic tuning element 510 and the earphone housing 102 can ensure the resonance of the earphone 100 within, for example, a frequency range of approximately 2 kHz to approximately 3 kHz (i.e., "open ear gain"). The ear canal typically functions as a resonator and has a specific resonant frequency when open and a different resonant frequency when closed. The acoustic response at the eardrum when the ear canal is open is referred to as "open ear gain." A resonant frequency of approximately 2 kHz to 3 kHz is typically preferred by users. The acoustic tuning element 510 can be dimensioned to tune the resonance of the earphone 100 to a frequency within this range. In particular, if the acoustic tuning element 510 occupies a larger area behind the driver 302 (i.e.,When the air volume of the rear chamber decreases, the frequency of the "open ear gain" increases. Conversely, when the acoustic tuning element 510 occupies a smaller area behind the driver 302 (i.e., the air volume within the rear chamber increases), the frequency of the "open ear gain" decreases. The dimensions of the acoustic tuning element 510 can therefore be modified to adjust the resonance of the earphone 100 to achieve the desired acoustic performance.

[0041] Additionally, the acoustic tuning element 510 can form an acoustic channel between the rear volume chamber and an acoustic passage and the bass opening 518, formed within the tube section 114. The dimensions of the acoustic channel along the acoustic passage and the bass opening can also be selected to modify the acoustic performance of the earphone 100. In particular, the dimensions can be selected to control a bass response (for example, a frequency less than 1 kHz) of the earphone, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0042] In typical earphone designs, the earphone housing itself defines the rear volume chamber around the driver. Therefore, the size and shape of the earphone housing influence the acoustic performance of the earphone. However, the acoustic tuning element 510 can be a separate structure within the earphone housing 102. Thus, the size and shape of the acoustic tuning element 510 can be modified to achieve the desired acoustic performance without altering the size and shape of the earphone housing 102. Additionally, it is provided that the general form factor of the acoustic tuning element 510 can remain essentially the same, while the size of certain dimensions, for example, a housing section, can be changed to modify the size of the rear volume chamber formed by the acoustic tuning element 510, which in turn modifies the acoustic performance of the associated earphone.For example, the acoustic tuning element 510 can be essentially a cone-shaped structure. The thickness of the wall section forming the end of the cone can be increased, thus reducing the air volume defined by the acoustic tuning element 510, or it can be decreased to increase the air volume. Regardless of the wall thickness, however, the outer conical shape is maintained. Therefore, both an acoustic tuning element 510 defining a large air volume and another acoustic tuning element defining a relatively smaller air volume can fit inside the housing of an earphone of the same size.

[0043] The ability to modify the air volume, defined by the acoustic tuning element 510, without changing the form factor is important because acoustic performance varies from one driver to the next. Some aspects of acoustic performance can be predetermined by the size of the driver's rear volume chamber. Thus, one way to improve acoustic consistency between drivers is to modify the size of the rear volume chamber. Since the acoustic tuning element 510 defines the rear volume of the driver, it can be designed to fit drivers with different power levels. Additionally, the acoustic tuning element 510 can be separate from the earphone housing 102, and therefore modifying its dimensions to fit a specific driver does not require any changes to the design of the earphone housing 102.

[0044] The acoustic tuning element 510 also includes an acoustic output outlet 512, which acoustically connects the rear volume chamber to an acoustic passage formed in the tube section 114 of the housing 102. The acoustic passage is acoustically connected to the bass port 518 formed in the tube section 114. The bass port 518 emits sound from the housing 102 to the external environment. Although a single bass port 518 is shown, the tube section 114 can include more than one bass port, for example, two bass ports on opposite sides of the tube section 114.

[0045] Additionally, the acoustic tuning element 510 can include a tuning output 514, which outputs sound from the acoustic tuning element 510. The tuning output 514 can be aligned with the tuning output 532, which is formed in the housing 102, so that the sound from the acoustic tuning element 510 can be output to the external environment outside the housing 102. Each of the acoustic output 512, the tuning output 514, the acoustic passage, and the bass port 518 are acoustically tuned openings or paths that enhance the acoustic performance of the earphone 100, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0046] The cable 120, which includes wires for transmitting power and / or an audio signal to the driver 302, can be connected to the acoustic tuning element 510. The cable 120 can be overmolded onto the acoustic tuning element 510 during a manufacturing process to provide additional strain relief for the cable 120. Overmolding the cable 120 onto the acoustic tuning element 510 helps prevent the cable 120 from detaching from the driver 302 when force is applied to the cable 120. In addition to providing additional strain relief, combining the cable 120 and the acoustic tuning element results in a single mechanical part that requires less space within the earphone housing 102. A near end of the cable 120 and the acoustic tuning element 510 can therefore be integrated into the earphone housing as a single component.In particular, to insert the acoustic tuning element 510 into the housing section 104, the far end of the cable 120 is inserted into the housing section 104 and pulled downwards through the end of the tube section 114 until the acoustic tuning element 510 (with the near end of the cable 120 attached to it) is seated in the base section 504.

[0047] The internal components may further include a protective material over the tuning output 510 and / or the bass port 518 to prevent the ingress of dust and other contaminants. For example, a protective mesh 520 may be sized to cover the tuning output 514, and the protective mesh 522 may be sized to cover the bass port 518. Each of the protective meshes 520 and 522 may be made of an acoustically transparent material that does not substantially impede sound transmission. Alternatively, one or both of the protective meshes 520 and 522 may be made of an acoustic braid material that provides a defined and intended acoustic resistance or filtering effect. The protective meshes 520 and 522 may be snapped into place or fixed by an adhesive, glue, or similar material.Although not shown, it is intended that in some embodiments an additional acoustic material, such as that previously mentioned in relation to . Fig. 3 discussed, which can be placed above the tuning output 514 and / or the bass opening 518 to tune the frequency response of the earphone 100.

[0048] An end connector 524 can be provided to help secure the cable 120 within the pipe section 114. The end connector 524 can be a substantially cylindrical structure having an outer diameter dimensioned to fit into the open end of the pipe section 114. In one embodiment, the end connector 524 can be formed from a substantially elastic material that conforms to the inner diameter of the pipe section 114. In other embodiments, the end connector 524 can be formed from a substantially rigid material, such as plastic. The end connector 524 can be held in the pipe section 114 by any suitable locking mechanism, such as a snap-in configuration, adhesive, chemical bonding, or the like.The end plug 524 can include open ends and a central opening dimensioned to accommodate the cable 120, allowing the cable 120 to pass through the end plug 524 when inserted into the tube section 114. The connecting bass port 530 can also be formed by a side wall of the end plug 524. The connecting bass port 530 is aligned with the bass port 518 when the end plug 524 is inserted into the tube section 114 to allow sound to exit the bass port 518.

[0049] In one embodiment, the acoustic components can be assembled to form the earphone 100 as follows. The acoustic material 436 and the protective material 434 can be placed over the second output opening 110, and the driver seat 506 can be inserted into the cap section 502 to secure the materials 434 and 436. The acoustic material 443 and the protective material 430 of the first output opening 108 can be added in a similar manner. The front face 314 of the driver 302 can be attached to the driver seat 506, thus securing the driver 302 in the cap section 502. The cable 120 attached to the acoustic tuning element 510 can be inserted into and through the tube section 114 and the housing section 104 until the acoustic tuning element 510 is positioned within the housing section 504.The protective mesh 520, the protective mesh 522, and the end plug 525 can be positioned before or after the acoustic tuning element 510 in the housing 102. Finally, the driver 302 is inserted into the housing section 104 of the housing section 102. The foregoing is merely a representative manufacturing operation. The internal acoustic components can be assembled in any way and in any sequence suitable for providing an earphone with optimal acoustic performance.

[0050] Fig. Figure 6A illustrates a perspective front view of an embodiment of an acoustic tuning element. The acoustic tuning element 510 is formed by the housing or casing 644 of the tuning element, which has a substantially closed housing section 642 and an open surface section 540 that opens toward the driver 302 when positioned within the earphone housing 102. The housing 644 can have any size and shape capable of tuning an acoustic response of the associated driver. In particular, the dimensions of the housing 644 can be such that they help to tune the midrange and bass response of the earphone in which it is used. Representatively, in one embodiment, the housing 644 forms a substantially conical housing section 642 with an acoustic output outlet 512 that is acoustically coupled to an acoustic groove 646 (see Figure 6A). Fig. 6B), formed within a rear of the housing 644. Although an essentially conical housing section 642 is described, other shapes are also provided, for example a square, rectangular or triangular shaped structure.

[0051] In one embodiment, the acoustic output outlet 512 can be an opening formed by a wall of the housing 544. Alternatively, the acoustic output outlet 512 can be a gap formed internally by an edge of the housing 544. The acoustic output outlet 512 outputs sound from the acoustic tuning element 510 to the acoustic groove 646. The acoustic groove 646 provides an acoustic path to an acoustic passage formed in the tube section 114. The acoustic output outlet 512 and the acoustic groove 646 are dimensioned to tune an acoustic response of the earphone 100. In this respect, the acoustic output outlet 512 and the acoustic groove 646 are calibrated in the sense that they have been tested and evaluated (for at least one sample from a manufactured batch) with regard to compliance with a given specification or design parameter.In other words, they are not merely random openings or grooves, but are knowingly designed for a specific purpose, namely to modify the frequency response of the earphone in a way that helps to tune the frequency response and improve the bass response.

[0052] For example, it is known that the acoustic inductance in the earphone 100 controls the midrange and bass response of the earphone 100. Additionally, the acoustic resistance in the earphone 100 can influence the bass response. Thus, the size and shape of the acoustic output port 512 and the acoustic groove 646 can be selected to achieve a desired acoustic inductance and resistance level, enabling optimal midrange and bass response in the earphone 100. In particular, increasing the acoustic mass in the earphone 100 results in greater sound energy output at low frequencies. Conversely, the air mass in the earphone 100 should be maximized without increasing the acoustic resistance to an undesirable level.Thus, the acoustic output 512 and the acoustic groove 646 can be calibrated to balance the acoustic inductance and acoustic resistance in the earphone 100 in such a way as to achieve an acoustically desirable midrange and bass response. The acoustic output 512 can representatively cover a surface area of ​​approximately 0.5 mm. 2 up to about 4 mm 2 exhibit, or of approximately 1 mm 2 up to approximately 2 mm 2 , for example 1.3 mm 2 The acoustic output 512 can have a height dimension that differs from its width dimension; for example, the height dimension can be slightly larger than the width dimension. Alternatively, the height and width dimensions of the acoustic output 512 can be essentially the same.

[0053] The acoustic groove 646 can have cross-sectional dimensions that are essentially the same as those of the acoustic output port 512. As discussed previously, the acoustic groove 646 can be a groove formed in the rear of the housing 644. The acoustic groove 646 extends from the acoustic output port 512 to the rear of the housing 644. When the acoustic tuning element 510 is positioned in the earphone housing 102, the acoustic groove 646 joins with the housing groove 648, which is formed along an inner surface of the housing 102, to form a closed acoustic channel 650 (see Fig. 6C) between the acoustic output outlet 512 and the tube section 114. Alternatively, the housing groove 648 can be omitted, and the acoustic groove 646 can form an acoustic channel 650 by joining with any internal surface of the housing 102, or the acoustic groove 646 can be designed as a closed channel so that it does not need to join with any other surface to form the acoustic channel 650. Sound waves within the rear volume chamber formed by the acoustic tuning element 510 travel from the acoustic tuning element 510 to the tube section 114 through the acoustic channel 650. The length, width, and depth of the acoustic groove 646 (and the resulting acoustic channel 650) can be such that an acoustically desirable midrange and bass response is achieved through the earphone 100.Representatively, the length, width, and depth can be large enough to allow for optimal acoustic mass within the earphone 100 without raising the resistance to an undesirable level.

[0054] Referring back to the Fig. In Figures 6A-6B, the tuning output 514 can be configured along an upper section of the acoustic tuning element 510. In one embodiment, the tuning output 514 is a slot extending from an outer edge of the open surface section 540. Alternatively, the tuning output 514 can be an opening formed near the outer edge but not extending through it. In addition to its tuning functions, the tuning output 514 can also be dimensioned to accommodate the wires 602 extending from the cable 120 to the driver, as shown in Figure 6A-6B. Fig. Figure 6B shows that, for illustrative purposes, the cable 120 can be overmolded along the rear of the housing section 642, such that an open end of the cable 120 is positioned near the tuning output 514. The wires 602 extending from the open end of the cable 120 can pass through the tuning output 514 and be connected to electrical terminals, for example, on the rear of the driver, to provide power and / or an audio signal to the driver.

[0055] The acoustic tuning element 510 can be formed by injection molding a substantially non-compliant material, such as plastic, into a desired shape and size. Alternatively, the acoustic tuning element 510 can be formed from any material, such as a compliant or elastic material, as long as it is able to maintain a shape suitable for improving the acoustic performance of the earphone 100. The acoustic tuning element 510 can be formed separately from the housing 102, so that it remains or is mounted inside the earphone housing 102. Since the acoustic tuning element 510 is a separate part from the earphone housing 102, it can have a different shape than the earphone housing 102 and define a rear volume chamber that has a different shape than the rear chamber 422 formed without the earphone housing 102.Alternatively, the housing 102 and the acoustic tuning element 510 can be integrally designed as a single part.

[0056] Fig. Figure 6B illustrates a perspective rear view of the acoustic tuning element 510. From this view, it can be seen that the acoustic groove 646 is formed by a rear side of the acoustic tuning element 510 and extends from the acoustic output outlet 512 towards the rear end of the acoustic tuning element 510.

[0057] Fig. Figure 6C illustrates a top view of a cross-section of the acoustic tuning element 510, which is positioned in the earphone housing 102. As can be seen from this view, when the acoustic tuning element 510 is positioned within the housing 102, the acoustic groove 646 is aligned with the housing groove 648, which is formed along an inner surface of the housing 102 to form the acoustic channel 650. The acoustic channel 650 extends from the acoustic output outlet 512 to the tube section 114, so that sound within the rear chamber, defined by the acoustic tuning element 510, can travel from the rear volume chamber to the tube section 114, as shown in greater detail in Figure 6C. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 will be described.

[0058] Still referring to the Fig. In addition to the acoustic properties achieved through the acoustic output outlet 512 and the acoustic groove 646, the housing section 642 can include a volume adjustment section 660, which can be enlarged or reduced during a manufacturing process to change the air volume within the acoustic tuning element 510. As discussed previously, the acoustic tuning element 510 defines the rear volume chamber around the driver in the earphone housing. Thus, increasing the air volume within the acoustic tuning element 510 also increases the rear volume chamber, which modifies the acoustic performance of the earphone 100. Decreasing the air volume within the acoustic tuning element 510 decreases the rear volume chamber.The volume adjustment section 660 can be of any size and shape and can be positioned along any portion of the inner surface of the acoustic tuning element sufficient to change the volume of the rear volume chamber defined by the acoustic tuning element 510. For example, the volume adjustment section 660 can be positioned along a central region of the acoustic tuning element 510 such that the inner profile of the acoustic tuning element 510 has a substantially curved shape. The volume adjustment section 660 can be formed by thickening sections of the wall of the acoustic tuning element 510 or by inserting a separate plug-in element within the acoustic tuning element 510. Furthermore, the size and shape of the volume adjustment section 660 can be changed without modifying the overall form factor of the acoustic tuning element 510.Thus, during manufacturing, one acoustic tuning element 510 can be produced that defines a large air volume, while another defines a smaller air volume, and yet both can fit into the same type of earphone housing 102, since they have the same general form factor. The cable 120 can be overmolded within the volume adjustment section 660 of the acoustic tuning element 510, as shown in [reference]. Fig. Figure 6C illustrates this. In other embodiments, the cable 120 can be overmolded in any section of the acoustic tuning element 510.

[0059] Fig. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of an earphone. The acoustic tuning element 510, together with a portion of the housing 102, is shown forming the rear volume chamber 706 around the driver 302. As can be seen from this view, the volume adjustment section 660 of the acoustic tuning element 510 occupies a substantial area within the rear chamber 422 defined by the earphone housing 102; therefore, the size of the rear volume chamber 706 is smaller than the rear chamber 422 of the housing. As mentioned earlier, the size and shape of the volume adjustment section 660 can be modified to achieve a rear volume chamber 706 of a desired size.

[0060] Sound waves generated from the rear of the driver 302 can be transmitted through the acoustic channel 650 to the acoustic passage 704, which is formed in the tube section 114 of the earphone 100. The acoustic channel 650 provides a defined acoustic path for sound transmission from the driver 302 to the acoustic passage 704. As discussed previously, the acoustic channel 650 can be a closed channel formed by aligning or joining the acoustic groove 646 along an outer surface of the acoustic tuning element 510 and the housing groove 648 along an inner surface of the earphone housing 102. Alternatively, the acoustic channel 650 can be formed by an acoustic groove 646 or the housing groove 648, or by a separate structure mounted in the housing 102.

[0061] The acoustic passage 704 can be a conduit in the pipe section 114 that allows air or sound to pass from one end of the pipe section 114 to the other end. Air or sound passing through the acoustic passage 704 can exit the acoustic passage 704 through the bass opening 518, so that sound in the acoustic passage 704 can be emitted to the environment outside the enclosure 102.

[0062] In addition to providing a sound path, the acoustic channel 704 can accommodate the cable 120 and the various wires that run through the cable 120 to the driver 302. Specifically, the cable 120 can run through the acoustic channel 702 and the rear of the acoustic tuning element 510. As previously discussed, the wires within the cable 120 can extend from the end of the cable 120 and through the tuning output 514, allowing them to be connected to the driver 302.

[0063] Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of an earphone. The transmission of sound waves 802, generated from the rear of the driver 302, via the earphone 100 is shown in Fig.Figure 8 shows that the acoustic tuning element 510 and the housing 102 form the rear volume chamber 706 around the rear of the driver 302. The sound waves 802 generated by the driver 302 travel into the rear volume chamber 706. The sound waves 802 can leave the rear volume chamber 706 through the acoustic output outlet 512. From the acoustic output outlet 512, the sound waves 802 travel through the acoustic channel 650 to the acoustic passage 704. The sound waves 802, traveling along the acoustic passage 704, can exit the acoustic passage 704 through the bass opening 518 into the surrounding environment. It is further noted that the sound waves 802 can also leave the rear volume chamber 706 through the tuning output of the acoustic tuning element 510 into the surrounding environment, which is aligned with the tuning output output 532 formed in the housing 102.

[0064] Each of the acoustic output 512, acoustic channel 650, acoustic passage 704, and bass port 518 is adjusted to achieve a desired acoustic response. Specifically, when the cross-sectional area of ​​each of these structures decreases, the acoustic resistance in the rear volume chamber 706 increases. Increasing the acoustic resistance reduces the bass response. Therefore, to increase the bass response of the earphone 100, the cross-sectional area of ​​one or more of the acoustic output 512, acoustic channel 650, acoustic passage 704, and bass port 518 can be increased. To decrease the bass response, the cross-sectional area of ​​one or more of the acoustic output 512, acoustic channel 650, acoustic passage 704, and bass port 518 is decreased.In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the acoustic output outlet 512, the acoustic channel 650, the acoustic passage 704 and / or the bass opening 518 lies in a range of approximately 1 mm. 2 up to about 8 mm 2 , for example 3 mm 2 up to about 5 mm 2 , representatively about 4 mm 2 .

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, where a smaller cross-sectional area of ​​one or more of the acoustic output outlet 512, the acoustic channel 650, the acoustic passage 704, and the bass opening 518 is desired, the size and shape of the volume adjustment section 660 within the acoustic tuning element 510 can be reduced to compensate for any increase in resistance caused by smaller paths. In particular, reducing the size and / or shape of the volume adjustment section 660 will enlarge the rear volume chamber 706 formed by the acoustic tuning element 510. This larger air volume will help to reduce acoustic resistance and, in turn, improve bass response.

[0066] Although certain embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative and not limiting to the broader invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific designs and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications are apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, the second output opening, also referred to as the leak port, can have any size and shape and can be formed in any part of the earphone housing that is suitable for improving the acoustic response of the earphone.For example, the second output opening can be located in a side section of the housing that does not face the pinna when the earphone is positioned in the ear, such as on the top or bottom of the earphone housing, or on a side of the housing opposite the pinna. Furthermore, the acoustic tuning element can be used to enhance the acoustic response of any type of earphone with acoustic features, such as over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, or a mobile phone headset. This description should therefore be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

[0067] Other versions: 1. Headphones, comprehensive: an earphone housing with a housing wall enclosing a driver, the driver having a front that emits sound waves and a rear opposite the front, the housing wall comprising a first section defining a first chamber coupled to the front of the driver and a second section defining a second chamber coupled to the rear of the driver, a first opening formed by the first part of the casing wall; and a first output and a second output formed through the second section of the housing wall, wherein the first output and the second output point in different directions and are open to an environment, and wherein a distance between the front of the driver and the first opening is less than a distance between the rear of the driver and at least one of the first output and the second output. 2. Earphone according to embodiment 1, wherein the first section comprises an end section in which the first opening is formed and a surface section which connect to form the first chamber, and wherein the second section comprises a front which connects to a back to form the second chamber, and wherein the surface section faces a pinna area of ​​an ear when the end section is inserted into the ear. 3. Earphones according to embodiment 1, further comprising: a second opening, wherein both the first opening and the second opening are formed through the first section of the housing wall and directly above the front of the driver, and the first opening and the second opening point in different directions. 4. Earphone according to embodiment 3, wherein the second opening is calibrated to change a sound pressure level at about 6 kHz. 5. Earphone according to embodiment 3, wherein the second opening has a surface area of ​​3 mm 2 up to 12 mm 2 exhibits. 6. Earphone according to embodiment 3, wherein the second opening has an elongated shape extending outwards from one ear when the first opening faces an ear canal of the ear. 7. Earphone according to embodiment 3, wherein the earphone housing further comprises a tube section coupled to the second chamber and the second output is a bass output formed in the tube section, wherein the bass opening is dimensioned to control bass reproduction of the earphone. 8. Earphone according to embodiment 3, wherein the second opening is dimensioned to ensure consistent acoustic performance of the earphone when worn by different users. 9. Earphone according to embodiment 3, further comprising an acoustic material arranged over the first opening or the second opening to tune acoustic reproduction of the earphone, and a protective material arranged between the acoustic material and the second opening. 10. Earphones according to embodiment 7, further comprising a protective mesh arranged over the bass output. 11. Earphone according to embodiment 1, wherein the earphone housing does not have a rubber tip. 12. Headphones, comprehensive: an earphone housing comprising a cap section and a body section interlocking to enclose a driver, the driver having a front that emits sound waves and a rear opposite the front, the cap section defining a first chamber coupled to the front of the driver, and the body section defining a second chamber coupled to the rear of the driver. wherein a first opening and a second opening are formed through the cap section and point in different directions, and A first exit is formed through the body section that defines the second chamber. 13. Earphone according to embodiment 12, wherein an angle formed at an intersection point within the earphone housing by a first axis through a center of the first opening and a second axis through a center of the second opening is less than 90 degrees. 14. Earphone according to embodiment 12, wherein the second opening has a surface area of ​​3 mm 2 up to 12 mm 2 exhibits. 15. Earphone according to embodiment 12, wherein the first output is a tuning output formed through the body segment. 16. Earphone according to embodiment 12, wherein the earphone housing further comprises a second output and a tube section, wherein the first output is a tuning output, wherein the second output is a bass output and the bass output is formed through the tube section and points in a different direction than the tuning output. 17. Earphone housing, including: a cap section defining a first chamber coupled to a front of a driver, and a body section defining a second chamber coupled to a rear of the driver facing in a different direction than the front of the driver, wherein the cap section has a first side at an angle to a second side and the front of the driver, and wherein the cap section and the body section interlock to enclose the driver, and wherein a first opening is formed through the first side, a second opening is formed through the second side, a first outlet and a second outlet are formed, and wherein the first opening, the second opening, the first outlet and the second outlet point in different directions. 18. Earpiece housing according to embodiment 17, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet are formed through the body section. 19. Earphone housing according to embodiment 18, wherein at least parts of the first opening and the second opening are formed directly above the front of the driver, and wherein the first output is a tuning output formed above the rear of the driver. 20. Earphone housing according to embodiment 17, wherein the second output is a bass output, and wherein the body section comprises a tube through which the bass output is formed.

Claims

Earphone comprising: an earphone housing (102) with a cap section (106, 502) and a housing section (104, 504) interlocking to enclose a driver (302), the driver (302) having a front surface (314) emitting sound waves and a rear surface (424) opposite the front surface (314), the cap section (106, 502) defining a first chamber (420) coupled to the front surface (314) of the driver (302), and the housing section (104) defining a second chamber (422) coupled to the rear surface (424) of the driver (302); a first opening (108, 110) formed by the cap section (106, 502); a first output (518, 532) and a second output (518, 532), which are formed by the housing section (104, 504) and are open to an environment;and a mesh (432, 436) and a protective material (430, 434) coupled to the first opening (108, 110), the first outlet (518, 532) or the second outlet (518, 532), wherein the protective material is positioned between the mesh and the first opening, the first outlet or the second outlet. Earphone according to claim 1, wherein the housing section (104) comprises a front (312) connected to a rear (310) to define the second chamber (422), and the cap section (106, 502) comprises a first section (308) and a second section (112) defining the first chamber (420) and angled with respect to the front surface (314) of the driver (302). Earphone according to claim 2, wherein the first opening (108, 110) is formed by the first section (308) and the earphone further comprises: a second opening (110), wherein the second opening (110) is formed by the second section (112), wherein both the first opening (108, 110) and the second opening (110) are located directly above the front surface (314) of the driver (302) and the first opening (108, 110) and the second opening (110) point in different directions. Earphone according to claim 3, wherein the second opening (110) is adjusted to modify a sound pressure level at about 6 kHz. Earphone according to claim 3, wherein the second opening (110) has a surface area of ​​3 mm2 to 12 mm2. Earphone according to claim 3, wherein the second opening (110) has an elongated shape extending outwards from an ear when the first opening (108, 110) faces an ear canal of the ear. Earphone according to claim 3, wherein the earphone housing (102) further comprises a tube section (114) coupled to the second chamber, and the second output is a bass output (518) formed in the tube section (114) which faces in a different direction than the first output, and the bass output (518) produces a bass output. Earphone according to claim 3, wherein the second opening (110) helps to keep the acoustic performance of the earphone approximately the same when worn by different users. Earphone according to claim 3, wherein the mesh (432, 436) comprises an acoustic material (432) that snaps into the first opening (108, 110) or the second opening (110) to tune an acoustic response of the earphone, and the protective material (430, 434) is positioned between the acoustic material (432) and the first opening or the second opening. Earphone according to claim 1, wherein the mesh (430, 432, 434, 436, 520, 522) comprises an acoustically transparent material that does not substantially interfere with sound transmission and snaps into place via the first opening (108, 110), the first outlet (518, 532) or the second outlet (518, 532). Earphone according to claim 1, wherein the earphone housing (102) does not have a rubber tip. Earphone comprising: an earphone housing (102) with a housing wall enclosing a driver (302), the driver (302) having a front surface (314) emitting sound waves and a rear surface (424) opposite the front surface (424), the housing wall defining a first chamber (420) coupled to the front surface (314) of the driver (302) and a second chamber (422) coupled to the rear surface (424) of the driver (302), a first opening (108, 110) formed by the housing wall and coupling the first chamber (420) to an environment, a first output (518, 532) formed by the housing wall and open to the environment;and an acoustic channel acoustically coupled to the first output (518, 532) and the second chamber, wherein the acoustic channel (650) is formed by a groove (646) in a rear of an inner housing (644) coupled to an inner surface of the housing wall defining the second chamber (422). Earphone according to claim 12, wherein the housing wall comprises a first section (308) and a second section (112) which are angled with respect to the front surface (314) of the driver (302) and define the first chamber (420), wherein the first opening (108) is formed by the first section (308) and a second opening (110) is formed by the second section (112). Earphone according to claim 13, wherein the second opening (110) is located directly above the front surface (314) of the driver (302) and points in a different direction than the first opening (108, 110). Earphone according to claim 12, wherein the first output (518, 532) is positioned behind the rear surface (424) of the driver (302) and the earphone further comprises a second output (518, 532) which is acoustically coupled to the second chamber (422) and points in a different direction than the first output (518, 532). Earphone housing (102), comprising: a cap section (106, 502) defining a first chamber (420) coupled to a front surface (314) of a driver (302); a housing section (104) defining a second chamber (422) coupled to a rear surface (424) of the driver (302); a first opening (108, 110) formed by the cap section (502) and open to an environment; a first outlet (518, 532) formed by the housing section (104) and open to the environment; and an acoustic channel (650) positioned in the housing section (104) connecting the first output (518, 532) to the second chamber, wherein the acoustic channel (650) is formed by a groove (646) along an outer surface of a housing (644) positioned in the second chamber (422), and an inner surface of the housing section (104) is coupled to the housing. Earphone housing (102) according to claim 16, wherein the first output (518, 532) and the acoustic channel (650) are positioned behind the rear surface (424) of the driver (302). Earphone housing (102) according to claim 16, further comprising a second output (518, 532) formed by the housing section (104). Earphone housing (102) according to claim 16, further comprising a second opening (108, 110) formed by the cap section (106, 502), wherein the second opening (108, 110) points in a different direction than the first opening (108, 110). Earphone housing (102) according to claim 19, wherein the cap section (106, 502) comprises a first side (308) which is oriented at an angle to a second side (112), and the first opening (108, 110) is formed by the first side (308) and the second opening (110) is formed by the second side (112).

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