adjustable earplugs

Abstract

An adjustable earplug is provided, comprising an outer ear portion and a plug to be fitted into the ear canal of the ear, the outer ear portion having at least one acoustic inlet, the plug having a passageway and an acoustic outlet, an acoustic mesh being provided in the passageway, the outer ear portion being adjustable between at least two adjustment positions, the at least two adjustment positions being selected from at least three adjustment positions, wherein: in the first adjustment position, the at least one acoustic inlet is in acoustic communication with the passageway via a first acoustic tube; in the second adjustment position, the at least one acoustic inlet or the second acoustic inlet is in acoustic communication with the passageway via a second acoustic tube and a membrane; and in the third adjustment position, the passageway is at least substantially closed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to adjustable earplugs. [Background technology]

[0002] Adjustable earplugs are known per se, with which it is possible to adjust the earplug between different sound adjustment positions so that a desired sound attenuation can be achieved.

[0003] For example, document EP 3 132 777 A1 shows an adjustable earplug having a volume control means in the form of a first through-hole in a support frame and a second through-hole in a rotating element, which may or may not overlap to control the volume.

[0004] For example, document FR 2 997 010 A1 shows adjustable earplugs with individual channels 20, each with a predetermined level of sound filtering due to the fact that each individual channel 20 has a different cross-sectional dimension that differs from the other individual channels 20, and in each case one individual channel 20 can be selected by the user.

[0005] For example, document WO2011 / 075840 A1 shows adjustable earplugs having different tubes, each containing a different filter medium than the others, and a rotatable knob for selecting the tube.

[0006] For example, document EP 3 697358 B1 shows an adjustable earplug with a sliding knob for covering or uncovering two sound tubes, sound filters being arranged in the sound tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved adjustable earplug. For example, an object of the present invention may be to achieve at least one improved acoustic adjustment position. For example, an alternative or additional object of the present invention may be to enable an adjustable earplug to be adjusted to different adjustment positions in an improved manner.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an adjustable earplug comprises an outer ear portion and a plug to be fitted into an ear canal of an ear, the outer ear portion comprising at least one acoustic inlet, the plug comprising a passageway and an acoustic outlet, an acoustic mesh being provided in the passageway, the outer ear portion being adjustable between at least two adjustment positions, the at least two adjustment positions being selected from at least three adjustment positions; in the first adjustment position, the at least one acoustic inlet is in acoustic communication with the passageway via the first acoustic tube; in the second adjustment position, the at least one acoustic inlet or the second acoustic inlet is in acoustic communication with the passageway via the second acoustic tube and the membrane; In the third adjustment position, the passage is at least substantially closed.

[0009] The adjustable earplug according to the first aspect of the present invention can be adjusted to at least two adjustment positions. Due to the fact that an acoustic mesh is provided in the passageway, sound will be attenuated by the acoustic mesh in each of the at least two adjustment positions. Another advantage of the acoustic mesh disposed in the passageway is that it can protect the sound tube, preventing, for example, earwax from entering the sound tube. The acoustic mesh provides attenuation over a wide frequency range, preferably the entire frequency range, so that both high-pitched and low-pitched sounds are attenuated by the acoustic mesh, which provides an advantage in both the first and second adjustment positions. This entire frequency range is, for example, 65 Hz to 16 kHz. In the third adjustment position, the passageway is at least substantially closed, preferably completely closed, so that the acoustic mesh may not provide any advantage in the third adjustment position, but it also does not provide any disadvantage.

[0010] As described above, the adjustable earplugs are adjustable to at least two of the three above-described adjustment positions, but in preferred embodiments, the adjustable earplugs can be adjusted to each of the three mentioned, and possibly even further adjustment positions not described.

[0011] The first adjustment position is particularly for preserving conversation. In this first adjustment position, the first acoustic tube attenuates particularly high-pitched sounds, i.e., sounds with frequencies above 1 kHz. Due to the attenuation of high-pitched sounds by the first acoustic tube and attenuation from the acoustic mesh in the passageway, the user can hear conversation better.

[0012] The second adjustment position is particularly suitable for concerts, also known as high-fidelity settings, where a substantially flat attenuation is desired. The term "flat attenuation" is intended to mean a substantially constant attenuation across the entire frequency range. In this second adjustment position, the second acoustic tube attenuates particularly high-pitched sounds, i.e., sounds with frequencies above 6 kHz. The membrane attenuates particularly low-pitched sounds, i.e., sounds with frequencies below 2 kHz. In this embodiment, the second acoustic tube and the membrane are arranged in series. As described, the acoustic mesh has acoustic attenuation across the entire frequency range. This allows for a substantially flat attenuation across the entire frequency range, resulting in all musical sounds being received attenuated. This makes the musical experience substantially identical to that without earplugs, while still protecting hearing.

[0013] As explained, the third adjustment position is a closed position, and as a result, the third adjustment position allows little, if any, sound to be received.

[0014] As described, the plug of the adjustable earplug according to the present invention can fit into the ear canal and thus can be considered an inner ear portion. The outer ear portion is defined as the part of the adjustable earplug that is not, and specifically cannot be, placed in the ear canal. This outer ear portion can optionally be surrounded by a portion of the ear, such as an ear cup of the ear.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the passageway is closed in the third adjustment position by providing a closure element between the at least one sound inlet and the passageway, or by misaligning the at least one sound inlet and the passageway. Providing a closure element provides the advantage that the outer ear portion does not need to be soundproofed except for the sound inlet due to the fact that the closure element blocks the passageway and thus preferably substantially completely attenuates sound. Alternatively, the outer ear portion can be soundproofed except for the sound inlet, so that a closure element does not need to be provided.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the acoustic mesh is made of polyester. More specifically, the mesh may be made of monofilament polyester yarn. Applicant has found that such an acoustic mesh can provide the desired damping.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the acoustic mesh has an acoustic resistance of 0.3e8 Pa*s / m^3 to 2.40e8 Pa*s / m^3, preferably 1.0e8 Pa*s / m^3 to 1.40e8 Pa*s / m^3, and more preferably about 1.20e8 Pa*s / m^3. Applicant has found that acoustic resistances within this range, in particular in conjunction with the acoustic tubes and / or membranes described above, provide the desired acoustic resistance. It should be noted that the acoustic resistance of the acoustic mesh may depend on the material used for the acoustic mesh, and / or the dimensions of the acoustic mesh, and / or the dimensions of the edge to which the acoustic mesh is attached, and that the values ​​described above represent preferred ranges or values ​​for the acoustic resistance of acoustic meshes as used in earplugs according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the acoustic mesh has a pore size of 10-15 μm, preferably 11-13 μm, preferably about 12 μm. Applicant has found that pore sizes within this range, in particular in conjunction with the acoustic tubes and / or membranes specifically mentioned, provide the desired acoustic resistance.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the membrane is made of polyurethane (PU) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Applicant has found that membranes made of one of the two aforementioned materials perform satisfactorily.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the membrane has an effective diameter of 2 to 6 mm, preferably 2 to 3 mm, preferably approximately 2.4 mm. The applicant has found that such an effective diameter works satisfactorily. Here, the effective diameter may be intended to mean in particular the diameter of the freely vibrating membrane, for example, the part of the membrane that is located inside the adhesive edge, with the adhesive part of the membrane being excluded from the effective diameter. The total diameter of the membrane may be, for example, approximately 1.6 mm larger, so that a sufficient amount of space remains on the periphery of the membrane for the aforementioned adhesive edge.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the membrane has a thickness of between 0.005 mm and 0.2 mm, preferably around 10 μm, and applicants have found that such thicknesses work satisfactorily.

[0022] It should be noted that the applicant has found that the particular material and thickness selected together determine whether the membrane is suitable for the present earplug, and that the above-mentioned combinations of selected material and thickness can perform particularly satisfactorily.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the membrane has an acoustic compliance of 2e-13 m^3 / Pa to 20e-13 m^3 / Pa, preferably 6e-13 m^3 / Pa to 8e-13 m^3 / Pa, and more preferably about 7e-13 m^3 / Pa. Applicant has found that such acoustic compliance provides a suitable membrane for the present earplugs. It should be noted that the acoustic compliance of the membrane may depend on the material used for the membrane, and / or the dimensions of the membrane, and / or the dimensions of the edge to which the membrane is attached, and that the values ​​set forth above provide preferred value ranges or values ​​for the acoustic compliance of membranes as used in earplugs according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the membrane is glued only on one side to the outer ear part. This prevents the use of two glued edges, i.e., on both sides of the membrane, from being misaligned with each other, which would result in the surface area remaining inside the freely vibrating glued edges, i.e., the effective surface with the above-described effective diameter, becoming too small. According to the present invention, the use of only one glued edge is achieved by arranging the second acoustic tube downstream of the membrane, so that sound seen from outside the earplug first reaches the membrane and then travels further inward through the second acoustic tube. Due to the fact that the second acoustic tube is a constriction and, in particular, has a smaller cross-sectional dimension and / or diameter than the membrane, the membrane can be hermetically sealed on the material of the outer ear part surrounding the second acoustic tube on the side of the second acoustic tube.

[0025] According to some embodiments, a reinforcing ring, e.g., made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is provided to which the membrane is adhered, e.g., by an adhesive edge extending across the periphery of the membrane, the reinforcing ring preferably being located on the side of the membrane remote from the second acoustic tube.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the second acoustic tube has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the first acoustic tube, so that the second acoustic tube provides greater attenuation than the first acoustic tube, which is desirable in the aforementioned hi-fi settings.

[0027] The cross-sectional shape of the first and / or second acoustic tubes may be selected as desired, for example, along with the shape of the outer ear portion of the earplug.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the outer ear portion comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being connected to the plug and the second portion being displaceable relative to the first portion to adjust the outer ear portion.

[0029] In fact, the second part may be displaceable relative to the first part by rotation.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the second portion comprises at least one acoustic inlet, more particularly a first acoustic inlet and a second acoustic inlet, and by displacing the second portion, it is then possible to bring the at least one acoustic inlet or one of the first and second acoustic inlets into communication with the passage in the plug in order to adjust the earplug to a first or second adjustment position, respectively.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the second portion comprises a first sound tube and a second sound tube and a membrane, and by displacing the second portion, the first sound tube or the second sound tube and the membrane can now be brought into communication with the passage in the plug to adjust the earplug to a first or second adjustment position, respectively.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the second portion comprises a first acoustic inlet, a second acoustic inlet, a first acoustic tube, a second acoustic tube, and a membrane, wherein the first acoustic inlet is in acoustic communication with the first acoustic tube and the second acoustic inlet is in acoustic communication with the second acoustic tube and the membrane. In such embodiments, in the first adjustment position, sound enters the ear sequentially through the first acoustic inlet, the first acoustic tube, and the passageway having the acoustic mesh disposed therein, and in the second adjustment position, sound enters the ear sequentially through the second acoustic inlet, the membrane, the second acoustic tube, and the passageway having the acoustic mesh disposed therein. In such an embodiment, the first and second acoustic inlets, the first and second acoustic tubes, and the membrane are all displaceable relative to the first portion of the housing so that the earplug can be adjusted, with displacement of the second portion of the housing relative to the first portion of the housing such that in a first adjustment position, the first acoustic inlet and first acoustic tube are aligned with the passageway, and in a second adjustment position, the second acoustic inlet, second acoustic tube, and membrane are aligned with the passageway.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the second portion comprises the aforementioned closure element, which, by displacing the second portion, can be aligned with the passageway in the plug to close the passageway and adjust the earplug to the third adjustment position.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the second portion comprises a housing portion having a first acoustic inlet and a second acoustic inlet, the second portion further comprising an annular element having a first acoustic tube at a first angular location and a second acoustic tube and a membrane at a second angular location, the first acoustic inlet being in acoustic communication with the first acoustic tube and the second acoustic inlet being in acoustic communication with the second acoustic tube and membrane. In such embodiments, in the first adjustment position, sound enters the ear sequentially through the first acoustic inlet, the first acoustic tube, and the passageway having the acoustic mesh disposed therein, and in the second adjustment position, sound enters the ear sequentially through the second acoustic inlet, the membrane, the second acoustic tube, and the passageway having the acoustic mesh disposed therein. In such an embodiment, both the first and second acoustic inlets, the first and second acoustic tubes, and the membrane are displaceable relative to the first portion of the housing to adjust the earplug, and displacement of the second portion of the housing relative to the first portion of the housing aligns the first acoustic inlet and the first acoustic tube with the passage at a first angular location in a first adjustment position, and aligns the second acoustic inlet, the second acoustic tube, and the membrane with the passage at a second angular location in a second adjustment position.

[0035] In this embodiment, the aforementioned closure element may be provided, and if provided, the closure element is preferably positioned at the third angular location of the annular element, so that it closes the passage when the closure element is aligned with the passage at the third adjustment position, and hence the third angular location.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the first sound inlet comprises an inlet opening, and the second sound inlet is formed by an intermediate space in the housing part. This has the advantage that sound enters through an intermediate space or gap in the housing part, in particular in the second part of the housing, and due to the fact that the intermediate space or gap forms a smaller inlet than the inlet opening, the sound is attenuated to a greater extent in the second adjustment position, which provides advantages for so-called hi-fi settings. In this case, the expression smaller inlet is understood to mean that the intermediate space or gap forms an inlet with a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the inlet opening, thereby resulting in a greater degree of attenuation. Due to the fact that sound can enter through the gap, in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide the aforementioned closing element.

[0037] According to some embodiments, a seal is provided between the first and second portions of the outer ear part, in other words, between mutually displaceable portions of the outer ear part. The advantage of such a seal is that sound can only enter the passageway via a desired route, or at least substantially via a desired route, such as through one of the at least one acoustic inlet and acoustic tube, or more specifically, through the first acoustic inlet and first acoustic tube in the first adjustment position and the second acoustic inlet, second acoustic tube, and membrane in the second adjustment position, and cannot or hardly can enter via other routes.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the passageway of the plug comprises a passageway inlet opening, and a seal is disposed around the passageway inlet opening, the seal being compressed between the first part of the outer ear part and the annular element. An advantage of such a seal is that sound can only or at least substantially enter the passageway via a desired route, e.g., via the first acoustic inlet and the first acoustic tube in the first adjustment position, and via the second acoustic inlet, the second acoustic tube, and the membrane in the second adjustment position, but cannot or hardly can enter via other routes.

[0039] The sealing may be, for example, an O-ring, which may be made of, for example, a fluororubber material (FKM).

[0040] According to some embodiments, the earplug comprises at least one spring for pushing the first part and the annular element towards each other, so that a sufficient force is applied to the seal to provide a good seal. In practice, several springs are provided distributed over the annular element at different angular positions.

[0041] The at least one spring may in particular be configured to urge the first part and the annular element towards each other in an axial direction, where axial direction means substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the passageway and / or directed towards the ear canal in use.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the earplugs comprise visual and / or tactile and / or audible indication means for indicating each of the adjustment positions. This has the advantage that the adjustment positions are perceptible to the user in a desired manner. The visual indication means may, for example, comprise markings, which may or may not be perceptible. The tactile and / or audible indication means may, for example, be click positions, which may be perceptible and / or audible.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the earplug comprises an engagement means for engaging with the outer ear portion to adjust the adjustable earplug to one of the adjustment positions. The engagement means may comprise, for example, a protrusion. The engagement means may form part of the aforementioned second portion of the housing, for example.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the second part comprises click-action means for click-fitting the second part relative to the first part in at least one of the adjustment positions. This has the advantage that adjustment to at least one adjustment position can be easily performed and / or that this can provide a tactile and / or audible indication of this adjustment position. Preferably, the click-action means is configured such that the second part can be click-fitted into each of the adjustment positions, although it is also possible that one or more of the other adjustment positions are end positions, so that the click-fit can be omitted for these positions.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the outer ear part may comprise a third part extending at least partially over the at least one inlet, preferably at a distance from the at least one inlet. In this way, the third part may at least partially protect the at least one inlet from the environment, thereby allowing sound to reach the at least one inlet while protecting the interior of the earplug to at least a sufficient extent from external influences, such as moisture and / or dirt. The third part may, for example, be a part fixedly connected to the first part.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the click-action means comprises at least one protrusion or at least one recess, which is provided on the annular element of the second part or the second annular element, and the click-action means cooperates with the first part or a third part fixedly connected to the first part, which comprises at least one recess or at least one protrusion for engaging with the at least one protrusion or recess of the click-action means. The provision of at least one protrusion and recess interacting with each other allows for a simple click-fit of the protrusion in the recess, and thus a click-fit in at least one adjustment position. It is advantageous to provide several protrusions and recesses so that the click-fit can be performed uniformly and / or to allow a click-fit in several adjustment positions. As described, at least one protrusion or recess can be provided on the annular element of the second part or the second annular element, in which case such an optionally provided second annular element can be called a click-fit ring. As explained, the other of the projection or recess forms part of the first or third part of the housing, the optional third part being in this case fixedly connected to the first part, for example by means of communication means, and in an advantageous embodiment being designed as a substantially frustoconical part arranged in the second part, the second part being of substantially annular design.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the at least one recess is formed by a depression on the annular guide path for guiding the at least one protrusion in the axial direction and relative to the at least one protrusion. In such embodiments, the at least one protrusion moves substantially rotationally across the annular guide path when adjusting the earplug, and the at least one recess moves substantially axially within the recess to click-fit at least one adjustment position. The recess is in this case recessed relative to the protrusion, and depending on how and where the at least one protrusion and the at least one recess are arranged, the recess can be recessed toward or away from the plug.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the at least one recess has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape such that the at least one protrusion gradually moves up to the top of the at least one recess during adjustment of the adjustable earplug to provide a click-fit at the at least one adjustment position. Due to the gradual displacement of the at least one protrusion within the triangular recess, the click-fit occurs gradually, so that in this case the amount of noise generated is not irritating to the user. Alternatively or additionally, this facilitates adjustment of the earplug from a click-fit adjustment position to another adjustment position.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the at least one spring or another spring is configured to click-fit the click action means in at least one adjustment position. The at least one spring or another spring in this case facilitates the click-fit in at least one adjustment position. If another spring or springs are provided, these are in particular springs different from the one or more springs described above that serve to press the annular element and the first part towards each other, although in fact the one or more springs described above may also serve to click-fit.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the earplug further comprises limiting means for limiting the displacement of the second part relative to the first part, which in this case determines the end position of the second part relative to the first part and may optionally correspond to an adjustment position.

[0051] The independent and dependent claims set out particular preferred characterising features of embodiments of the invention. Characterising features of the dependent claims may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, with other features of the independent and dependent claims or with other features described above and / or below.

[0052] The above-mentioned and other characteristic features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be illustrated by the following illustrative embodiments, optionally in combination with the drawings.

[0053] The descriptions of these exemplary embodiments are given by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.Reference numbers in the following description now refer to the drawings.

[0054] With a view to providing a better illustration of the characteristic features of the present invention, the following text describes some preferred embodiments by way of example, without any limiting character, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0055] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an earplug. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic exploded view of the earplug from FIG. 1 seen from the top side. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic exploded view of the earplug from FIG. 1 seen from the bottom side. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the earplug from FIG. 1 in a first adjustment position. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the earplug from FIG. 1 in a second adjustment position. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the earplug from FIG. 1 in a third adjustment position. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an earplug according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The same reference numbers refer to similar or identical features or objects in the various figures.

[0057] The present invention is described below using specific embodiments.

[0058] It should be noted that the term "comprising", for example as used in the claims, should not be interpreted in a limiting sense as limiting the elements, features, and / or steps stated thereafter. The term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements, features, or steps.

[0059] Therefore, the scope of the expression "an object comprising elements A and B" is not limited to an object that includes only elements A and B. In the context of the present invention, these expressions simply mean that the elements relevant to the present invention are elements A and B.

[0060] In the following specification, reference is made to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment." Such reference means that a particular element or characteristic feature described by this embodiment is included in at least this one embodiment.

[0061] Use of the terms "in an embodiment" or "in the embodiment" in various examples in this description does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may.

[0062] Furthermore, the features or characteristic characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art, in one or more embodiments.

[0063] Wherever "a", "an" or "one" is used above or in the following specification, this does not exclude that several such elements may be provided.

[0064] When reference is made to a top side or bottom side or another view in a drawing, it is the view in the drawing, which may be different when the earplugs are in use. Such indications should therefore not be considered limiting. When the earplugs are in use, for example, the top side described with reference to FIG. 2 may actually correspond to the outside as viewed from the user's ear.

[0065] 1-3 show an adjustable earplug 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Earplug 1 comprises an outer ear portion 2 and a plug 3 to be fitted into the ear canal of the ear. In this embodiment, outer ear portion 2 comprises a first acoustic inlet 4 formed by an entrance opening 4 and a second acoustic inlet 5 formed by an intermediate space between different portions of outer ear portion 2, as will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5. Plug 3 comprises a passageway 6, a passageway entrance 7 adjacent to passageway 6, and a passageway exit 8 that faces the inside of the ear in use.

[0066] As can be seen in part from Figures 4-6, an acoustic mesh 9 is disposed in the passageway 6. In this embodiment, the acoustic mesh is made from polyester and has an acoustic resistance of approximately 1.20e8 Pa*s / m^3 and a pore size of approximately 12µm. Applicant has found that such an acoustic mesh offers advantages, particularly with regard to desired acoustic attenuation, although another suitable mesh could be provided if desired.

[0067] In this embodiment, the outer ear portion 2 is adjustable between three adjustment positions, which are described in more detail with reference to Figures 4-6.

[0068] Figures 2 and 3 show that the earplug 1 in this embodiment comprises the components described below with particular reference to the sequence shown in the exploded views from Figures 2 and 3 from top to bottom.

[0069] 2 and 3 show the third section 20 of the outer ear part 2 of the earplug 1. This third section has a substantially frustoconical shape, with the narrowing of the frustoconical shape directed towards the plug 3. The third section 20 is provided with a communication means 21 for providing a non-rotatable connection with the first section 10 of the outer ear part 2 in the fitting position of the earplug 1. For this purpose, the communication means 21 cooperates with, and in particular engages with, the component 11 of the first section 10. The third section 20 has, on its peripheral side facing the plug 3, a guide channel 22 with recesses 23 evenly distributed around the circumference. The recesses 23 have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. The guide channel 22 guides the rotational displacement of the projections 35 of the click-fit ring 33, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second part 2 comprises several components. In particular, the second part 2 in this embodiment comprises a housing part 30 with an engaging protrusion 31, the aforementioned sound inlet opening 4, and a second sound inlet 5, which is formed by a gap in the housing part 30 and / or a gap between the housing part 30 and the third part 20. The housing part 30 is substantially annular, so that the third part 20 can be arranged inside. The housing part 30 comprises, on its side facing the plug 3, in this case three recesses 32, into which the protrusions 39 of the annular element 37 can fit in order to join the housing part 30 and the annular element 37 together in the fitting position of the earplug 1.

[0071] The second part 2 further comprises a click-fit ring 33, which in this case has three projections 35. The projections 35 extend substantially axially from the click-fit ring 33 towards the third part 20. In the fitted position of the earplug 1, the click-fit ring 33 is non-rotatably connected to the annular element 37. In the fitted position, the second projection 34 of the click-fit ring 33 extends towards a recess 38 of the annular element 37, which recess 38 receives a first end of a compression spring 36. The projection 34 extends into the compression spring 36, i.e., the compression spring extends around the second projection 34, so that the second projection 34 guides the compression spring 36. The compression spring 36 is configured to, on the one hand, press the projection 35 towards the third part 30 and, on the other hand, press the annular element 37 towards the first part 10 of the outer ear part 2. For example, rotational displacement of the housing part 30 due to engagement of the engaging projections 31 causes the click-fit ring 33 and the annular element 37 to rotate in the same direction. In this case, the projections 35 of the click-fit ring 33 move along the guide paths 22 of the third part 20, and can move into and out of the recesses 23. When three projections 35 are seated in the respective recesses 23, the earplugs 1 are in the adjustment position. FIG. 3 shows that there are a total of nine recesses 23, and therefore three projections 35 extend into three respective recesses 23 in each of the three adjustment positions. Due to the substantially triangular shape of the recesses 23 and the projections 35, the click-fit occurs gradually in the adjustment position, so it does not cause any annoying noise. This also makes it easy to move the housing part 30 into and / or out of the adjustment position.

[0072] As briefly mentioned above, the second part 2 further comprises an annular element 37, which comprises an acoustic element for various adjustment positions. When adjusting the earplug 1, the annular element 37 rotates around the above-mentioned component 11 of the first part 10.

[0073] In particular, the annular element 37 in this embodiment comprises a first sound tube 43 for attenuating high-pitched sounds. When the first sound tube 43 is aligned with the passageway 6 of the plug 3, the earplug is in a first adjustment position, which will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 4. The inlet opening 4 of the housing part 30 is acoustically adjacent to the first sound tube 43. This first adjustment position is indicated in this example by the indication 14 and is one of the three external adjustment positions.

[0074] The earplug 1 further includes a membrane 40 that can be placed in the membrane-receiving space 41 of the annular element 37. The edge of the membrane-receiving space 41 defines a recess in which the membrane can vibrate, below which is the second acoustic tube 42. Therefore, when the earplug 1 is in its fitted, in-use position, sound entering the earplug through the acoustic inlet 5 vibrates the membrane 40, and the sound produced by the vibrating membrane then enters the passageway 6 of the plug 3 via the second acoustic tube 42. In this case, the second acoustic tube attenuates high-pitched sounds of noise, while the membrane, in contrast, attenuates low-pitched sounds, thereby attenuating sounds across substantially the entire frequency range. In this example, the membrane 40 is made of polyurethane (PU) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Figure 5 shows the effective diameter d of the membrane 40, which in this case is approximately 2.4 mm. In this case, the membrane has a thickness of approximately 10 μm. In this case, the membrane has an acoustic compliance of approximately 7e-13 m^3 / Pa. When the earplug 1 is in the second adjustment position, sound is attenuated via the membrane 40 and the second sound tube 42. This second adjustment position is indicated in this example by the indication 13 and is the middle adjustment position of the three adjustment positions.

[0075] In the third adjustment position, the closing part 44 of the annular element 37 is arranged in front of the passage 6 of the plug 3, so that the closing part 44 of the annular element 37 defines a closing element for closing the passage 6. In this third adjustment position, as little sound as possible, and preferably no sound at all, reaches the ear. In this example, this third adjustment position is indicated by the indication 15 and is the other outer adjustment position of the three adjustment positions.

[0076] The position of the engaging protrusion 31 relative to the reference numerals 13 to 15 indicates the adjustment position in which the earplug 1 is set.

[0077] The earplug 1 further comprises an O-ring 45 which, in the fitted position of the earplug 1, is received in the O-ring receiving space 12 of the first part 10 of the outer ear piece 2. In the fitted position, the above-mentioned compression spring 36 presses the annular element 37 towards the first part 10, so that the O-ring is compressed therebetween and closes the passage inlet opening 7 of the passage 6 on all sides.

[0078] The annular element 37 further comprises a boundary edge 46 which, when rotated, abuts the boundary cam 16 of the first part 10 beyond the first and third adjustment positions, thereby defining the end positions of the adjustable earplug 1.

[0079] In this embodiment, the plug 3 of the earplug 1 comprises a first plug portion 60 integrally connected to the first portion 10 of the outer ear portion 2. In other words, in this embodiment, the plug 3 and the first portion 10 of the outer ear portion 2 form one integrally formed element, although they could also be separate components. The first plug portion 60 comprises a receiving space 62 for accommodating the acoustic mesh 9, which is firmly bonded to the periphery of the receiving space 62. The plug 3 further comprises a relatively soft and / or deformable second plug portion 61, which allows the earplug 1 to fit substantially tightly in the ear canal and at least slightly conform to the shape of the ear canal. As can be seen in FIG. 4 , for example, an edge 63 of the second plug portion 61 presses the acoustic mesh into the receiving space 62. The second plug portion 61 is detachable from the first plug portion 60, allowing the second plug portion 61 to be easily removed and subsequently cleaned. The passageway 6 is formed by adjacent tubes passing through a first bung part 60 and a second bung part 61. The first bung part 60 comprises a passageway inlet opening 7 and the second bung part 61 comprises a passageway outlet opening 8.

[0080] FIG. 4 shows the earplug 1 in its first adjustment position. This first adjustment position serves to preserve conversation. As already explained, in this first adjustment position, sound enters the earplug 1 through the entrance opening 4, then passes through the first acoustic tube 43, where high-pitched sounds are attenuated, then continues through the passage 6, where it is attenuated substantially throughout its entire range by the acoustic mesh 9, before leaving the earplug 1 through the passage exit opening 8 and entering the user's ear. Arrow 70 indicates how sound enters the earplug 1. The cross-sectional dimensions and length of the passage 43 are selected so that, in this case, the desired attenuation is achieved and then the passage widens to prevent further attenuation. This widening downstream of the first acoustic tube 43 can be seen in FIG. 4.

[0081] FIG. 5 shows the earplugs 1 in the second adjustment position. This second adjustment position is intended for listening to loud music, a so-called high-fidelity setting. As already mentioned, in this second adjustment position, sound enters the earplugs 1 through the acoustic inlet 5, which is formed by a gap or slit. The advantage of such an acoustic inlet 5, formed by an intermediate space such as a gap or slit, is that it allows less sound to enter the earplugs 1 than through the inlet opening 4, thus achieving a first degree of attenuation. After entering the earplugs 1, the sound vibrates the membrane 40, resulting in low-pitched sounds being attenuated. The transmitted sound then travels through the second acoustic tube 42, where high-pitched sounds are attenuated, continues through the passage 6, is attenuated over substantially its entire range by the acoustic mesh 9, and then leaves the earplugs 1 through the passage exit opening 8 and enters the user's ear. Arrow 71 indicates how sound enters the earplugs 1. The effective diameter of the membrane 40, ie the diameter of the membrane 40 that is able to vibrate freely, is indicated by the letter d.

[0082] 6 shows the earplug 1 in a third adjustment position. In this third adjustment position, the closing portion 44 of the annular element 37 closes the entrance opening 7 of the passageway 6, so that sound cannot or hardly can enter the user's ear. In this embodiment, the closing element formed by the closing portion 44 is desirable because it allows sound to enter the earplug 1 through the aforementioned gap that forms the second sound entrance 5. If this is not possible, such a closing element may be omitted; it would be sufficient to misalign the sound entrance with the passageway 6.

[0083] Figure 7 shows an earplug 1 according to a second embodiment. The earplug 1 according to the second embodiment partially corresponds to the earplug 1 from Figures 1 to 6, and only the differences will be discussed here, and the reader is referred to the description of Figures 1 to 6 for a further description of this earplug 1 from Figure 7. The earplug 1 according to the second embodiment illustrated in Figure 7 differs from that of the first embodiment in that the indication means 13 to 15 for the various adjustment positions are designed differently.

[0084] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above but can be realized according to different variants without departing from the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 earplugs 2 Outer ear part 3 Stopper 4 First Acoustic Entrance 5 Second Acoustic Entrance 6. Stopper passage 7. Stopper passage entrance 8. Stopper passage outlet 9 Acoustic Mesh 10 First part of outer ear 11 Components of the First Part 12 O-ring receiving space 13 second adjustment position indication means 14. Indication means for the first adjustment position 15. Indication means for the third adjustment position 16 Boundary Cam 20 Third part of the outer ear 21 Connection means for connecting to the first part 22 Guidance Route 23 Recesses in the guide path 30 Housing part of outer ear 31 Engagement protrusion 32 Recess for connecting with annular element 33 Click Fit Ring 34 Second protrusion for guiding the spring 35 Protrusion for click-fit at adjustment position 36 Spring 37 Circular Elements 38 Recess 39 Convex portion of annular element for connection with housing part 40 membrane 41 Membrane Receptor Space 42 Second Acoustic Tube 43 First Acoustic Tube 44 Closure Elements 45 O-ring 46 Boundary Edge 60 First stopper part 61 Second stopper 62 Acoustic Mesh Reception Space 63 Edge of second plug portion

Claims

1. 1. An adjustable earplug, comprising: an outer ear portion and a plug to be fitted into an ear canal of an ear, the outer ear portion having at least one acoustic inlet, the plug having a passageway and an acoustic outlet, an acoustic mesh disposed in the passageway, the outer ear portion being adjustable between at least two adjustment positions, the at least two adjustment positions being selected from at least three adjustment positions; in a first adjustment position, at least one said acoustic inlet is in acoustic communication with said passageway via a first acoustic tube; in a second adjustment position, at least one of the acoustic inlets or the second acoustic inlet is in acoustic communication with the passageway via a second acoustic tube and a membrane; - an adjustable earplug, in which in a third adjustment position, said passage is at least substantially closed.

2. 10. The adjustable earplug of claim 1, wherein the passageway is closed in the third adjustment position by providing a closure element between at least one of the acoustic inlets and the passageway or by misaligning at least one of the acoustic inlets and the passageway.

3. 3. The adjustable earplug of claim 1 or 2, wherein the acoustic mesh is made of polyester.

4. 4. The adjustable earplug of claim 1, wherein the acoustic mesh has an acoustic resistance of between 0.3e8 Pa*s / m^3 and 2.40e8 Pa*s / m^3, preferably between 1.0e8 Pa*s / m^3 and 1.40e8 Pa*s / m^3, more preferably about 1.20e8 Pa*s / m^3.

5. An adjustable earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the acoustic mesh has a pore size of 10 to 15 μm, preferably 11 to 13 μm, preferably about 12 μm.

6. The adjustable earplug of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the membrane is made of polyurethane (PU) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

7. An adjustable earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the membrane has an effective diameter of 2 to 6 mm, preferably 2 to 3 mm, preferably around 2.4 mm.

8. An adjustable earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the membrane has a thickness of 0.005 to 0.2 mm, preferably around 10 μm.

9. 9. An adjustable earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the membrane has an acoustic compliance of between 2e-13 m^3 / Pa and 20e-13 m^3 / Pa, preferably between 6e-13 m^3 / Pa and 8e-13 m^3 / Pa, more preferably about 7e-13 m^3 / Pa.

10. An adjustable earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second acoustic tube has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the first acoustic tube.

11. 11. An adjustable earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer ear portion comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion connected to the plug and the second portion being displaceable relative to the first portion to adjust the outer ear portion.

12. 12. The adjustable earplug of claim 11, wherein the second portion is rotationally displaceable.

13. 13. An adjustable earplug as described in claim 11 or 12, wherein the second portion comprises a housing portion having a first acoustic inlet and a second acoustic inlet, the second portion further comprising an annular element having the first acoustic tube at a first angular location and the second acoustic tube and membrane at a second angular location, the first acoustic inlet being in acoustic communication with the first acoustic tube and the second acoustic inlet being in acoustic communication with the second acoustic tube and membrane.

14. 14. The adjustable earplug of claim 13, wherein the first sound inlet comprises an inlet opening and the second sound inlet is formed by an intermediate space in the housing portion.

15. 15. An adjustable earplug according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the passage of the plug comprises a passage entrance, a seal is disposed around the passage entrance, and the seal is compressed between the first portion of the outer ear piece and the annular element.

16. 16. The adjustable earplug of claim 15, comprising at least one spring for urging the first portion and the annular element toward each other.

17. 17. The adjustable earplug of claim 16, wherein the at least one spring is configured to urge the first portion and the annular element axially toward one another.

18. An adjustable earplug according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising visual and / or tactile and / or audible indication means for indicating each of the adjustment positions.

19. An adjustable earplug as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising engagement means for engaging the outer ear portion to adjust the adjustable earplug to one of the adjustment positions.

20. 20. An adjustable earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the second portion comprises click action means for click-fitting the second portion relative to the first portion in at least one of the adjustment positions.

21. 21. The adjustable earplug of claim 20, wherein the click action means comprises at least one protrusion or at least one recess, the at least one protrusion or recess being provided on the annular element of the second part or the second annular element, the click action means cooperating with the first part or a third part fixedly connected to the first part, the first part or the third part comprising at least one recess or at least one protrusion for engaging with the at least one protrusion or recess of the click action means.

22. 22. The adjustable earplug of claim 21, wherein the at least one recess is formed axially and relative to the at least one protrusion by a depression on an annular guide path for guiding the at least one protrusion.

23. 23. The adjustable earplug of claim 22, wherein at least one of the recesses has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape such that at least one of the protrusions moves progressively up to the top of the at least one recess during adjustment of the adjustable earplug to provide a click fit in at least one of the adjustment positions.

24. An adjustable earplug according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein at least one of the springs or another spring is configured to click-fit the click action means in at least one of the adjustment positions.

25. An adjustable earplug according to any one of claims 12 to 24 when dependent on claim 11, further comprising limiting means for limiting displacement of the second portion relative to the first portion.

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