Earpiece with moving coil transducer and acoustic backspace - Patent Application 20070122997

Abstract

Various implementations include an audio device and an associated earpiece. In some implementations, the earpiece includes an electro-acoustic transducer and an acoustic backspace configured to provide a desired fit with desired acoustic performance. In some particular aspects, the earpiece includes the electro-acoustic transducer and a housing supporting the electro-acoustic transducer, the housing and the electro-acoustic transducer collectively defining a first acoustic space and a second acoustic space, the electro-acoustic transducer being positioned such that a first radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the first acoustic space coupled to an outlet and a second radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the second acoustic space, at least a portion of the second acoustic space being located between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority claims This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 120,486, filed December 14, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to acoustic earpieces and, more particularly, to earpieces having electro-acoustic transducers in wearable audio devices. [Background technology]

[0003] The design and manufacture of wearable audio devices, such as in-ear, on-ear, or near-ear audio devices, can present several challenges. In certain cases, it is difficult to achieve both the desired sizing and acoustic performance constraints in a given device. That is, some conventional audio devices are unable to provide adequate acoustic performance within a desired form factor. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] All embodiments and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible manner.

[0005] Various implementations of the present disclosure include audio devices and associated earpieces. In some implementations, the earpiece includes an electro-acoustic transducer (e.g., a moving coil transducer) and an acoustic back volume configured to provide a desired fit along with desired acoustic performance. In some cases, the earpiece is part of a hearing aid, an on-ear audio device, and / or an in-ear audio device.

[0006] In some particular aspects, the earpiece comprises an electro-acoustic transducer and a housing supporting the electro-acoustic transducer, the housing and the electro-acoustic transducer collectively defining a first acoustic space and a second acoustic space, the electro-acoustic transducer being positioned such that a first radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the first acoustic space coupled to an outlet and a second radiating surface of the transducer radiates acoustic energy into the second acoustic space, at least a portion of the second acoustic space being located between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

[0007] Implementations may include one or any combination of the following features.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the electro-acoustic transducer comprises a moving coil transducer.

[0009] In certain cases, the housing has a longitudinal axis and the moving coil transducer includes a diaphragm having an axis of motion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0010] In some implementations, the housing defines a nozzle, and the first acoustic space is acoustically coupled to an acoustic passage within the nozzle such that the electro-acoustic transducer is acoustically coupled to the user's ear canal when the earpiece is worn.

[0011] In some cases, the earpiece further includes an eartip supported on the nozzle, the eartip being configured to form a tight acoustic seal with the user's ear canal when the earpiece is worn, or the eartip includes a set of openings that allow acoustic energy to travel in and out of the user's ear canal.

[0012] In certain aspects, the housing defines a body having a first longitudinal axis and a nozzle having a second longitudinal axis intersecting the first longitudinal axis, the electro-acoustic transducer is supported within the body such that the axis of motion of the electro-acoustic transducer is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are disposed at a non-zero angle relative to one another.

[0013] In some cases, the outlet is at least partially covered by at least one of a screen, a mesh material, a thin foam, a reticulated foam, an open-cell foam, a foamed polymer, or a dome cover.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the earpiece further includes a rear port connecting the second acoustic space to a space outside the housing.

[0015] In certain implementations, the earpiece further includes a front port that connects the first acoustic space to a space outside the housing.

[0016] In some aspects, the front and rear ports are acoustically coupled to a combined outlet volume.

[0017] In some cases, the second acoustic space has a substantially constant cross-sectional width over its length.

[0018] In certain implementations, the second acoustic space includes at least two acoustically coupled sub-spaces.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the acoustically coupled sub-volumes comprise separate volumes.

[0020] In certain implementations, the ratio between the first subspace in the acoustically coupled subspace and the second subspace in the acoustically coupled subspace is equal to about 1:1 to about 4:1.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the ratio between the first subspace in the acoustically coupled subspace and the second subspace in the acoustically coupled subspace is equal to about 2:1 to about 4:1.

[0022] In some embodiments, the ratio between a first subspace in the acoustically coupled subspace and a second subspace in the acoustically coupled subspace is equal to about 3:1.

[0023] In certain cases, the acoustically coupled subspaces include at least three acoustically coupled subspaces, including a first subspace having a first space, a second subspace having a second space, and a third subspace having a third space, wherein the second subspace is smaller than each of the first and third subspaces and serves as a port between the first and third subspaces.

[0024] In some implementations, the acoustically coupled subspace includes at least three acoustically coupled subspaces, including a first subspace having a first space, a second subspace having a second space, and a third subspace having a third space, and functions as a waveguide acoustically coupling the first subspace and the third subspace.

[0025] In certain aspects, the housing includes a contour configured to complement the shape of a user's ear canal.

[0026] In certain implementations, the first acoustic space and the second acoustic space are separated by a wall, at least a portion of the wall being located between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

[0027] In some cases, the earpiece further includes a microphone in a portion of the wall located between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

[0028] In certain implementations, the second acoustic space is at least about 75 cubic millimeters (mm 3 )

[0029] In certain aspects, the earpiece is part of a hearing aid, the hearing aid further comprising a casing configured to rest behind the pinna of a user when worn, and wiring connecting the casing to the earpiece.

[0030] In certain cases, the hearing aid further includes a battery, a microphone, and a sound processor housed within the casing.

[0031] In some implementations, the earpiece is part of an in-ear audio device.

[0032] In certain cases, the earpiece is part of an on-ear audio device.

[0033] Two or more features described in this disclosure, including features described in this Summary section, may be combined to form implementations not specifically described herein.

[0034] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an audio device including a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid according to various implementations. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of another audio device according to various implementations. [Figure 3] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of earpieces in audio devices according to various implementations. [Figure 4] 1A-1C are cross-sectional views of additional earpieces in audio devices according to various implementations. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of another earpiece for an audio device according to various implementations. [Figure 6] 1A-1C are partially transparent perspective views of earpieces in audio devices according to various implementations. [Figure 7] 1A-1C are external perspective views of earpieces in audio devices according to various implementations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] It should be noted that the drawings of the various implementations are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting of the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

[0037] As referred to herein, various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wearable audio devices, such as in-ear, on-ear, and / or near-ear audio devices, that include earpieces having an electro-acoustic transducer (e.g., a moving coil transducer) and an acoustic backspace configured to provide a desirable fit along with acoustic performance. In certain cases, the audio device includes a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid or another form of hearing aid in which the transducer is mounted within the ear canal.

[0038] Commonly labeled components in the figures are considered to be substantially equivalent components for purposes of illustration, and redundant descriptions of those components are omitted for clarity.

[0039] Aspects and implementations disclosed herein may be applicable to a wide variety of wearable audio devices. In some cases, wearable audio devices may take on various form factors, such as headphones (whether on-ear or off-ear), headsets, watches, eyeglasses, audio accessories or clothing (e.g., audio hats, audio visors, audio jewelry), helmets (e.g., for military, industrial, or motorcycle applications), neck-worn speakers, shoulder-worn speakers, body-worn speakers, etc. Some disclosed aspects may be particularly applicable to personal (wearable) audio devices, such as over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, in-ear headphones (also called earphones), audio glasses, or other head-worn audio devices. As mentioned herein, some disclosed aspects may be particularly applicable to in-ear or on-ear headphones and earpieces in such headphones.

[0040] Wearable audio devices described according to various implementations may include features found in one or more other wearable electronic devices, such as smart glasses, smart watches, etc. These wearable audio devices may include additional hardware components, such as one or more cameras, position tracking devices, microphones, etc., and may be capable of voice recognition, visual recognition, and other smart device functions. The descriptions of wearable audio devices contained herein are not intended to exclude these additional capabilities in such devices.

[0041] As mentioned herein, conventional wearable audio devices, particularly those designed to be placed in or near a user's ear canal, may not effectively balance the desired fit and acoustic performance. For example, in a RIC hearing aid or in-ear audio device, it may be desirable to position the transducer (or driver) as far as possible into the user's ear canal (e.g., toward the acoustic outlet) to aid in feedback noise cancellation. That is, it may be beneficial to position the transducer and feedback microphone closer to the eardrum to enhance feedback noise cancellation. However, positioning the transducer closer to the acoustic outlet increases the outer dimensions of the in-ear portion of the device (sometimes referred to as the intra-ear canal portion), which may affect fit within the user's ear.

[0042] In contrast to conventional devices, wearable audio devices disclosed according to various implementations include at least one earpiece having an electro-acoustic transducer and an acoustic space (e.g., a rear space) that extends from an area behind the transducer to an area at least partially in front of the transducer. In these implementations, the transducer can be recessed relative to the acoustic outlet. With the transducer recessed from the outlet, the outer dimensions of the intra-ear canal, in-ear, on-ear, or near-ear portion of the audio device can be sized to enhance fit, for example, by narrowing the outer dimensions of that portion. In certain cases, such as when the audio device is a RIC hearing aid with a casing separate from the earpiece, the earpiece enables the use of an electro-acoustic (e.g., moving coil) transducer that fits comfortably and consistently within the user's ear canal. In some cases, RIC hearing aids disclosed according to various implementations have an earpiece with a contour configured to complement the shape of the user's ear canal.

[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wearable audio device 10, which in this example takes the form of a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid 100. The RIC hearing aid 100 includes an earpiece 102 containing a battery, microphone, and sound processor housed within a casing 104 designed to sit behind the user's ear (pinna). The earpiece 102 of the hearing aid 100 has a small wire 106 that is designed to pass around the user's ear and into an earpiece 108 that is designed to sit in the user's ear canal. The earpiece 108 carries a speaker, also known as a "receiver" or "driver." In various implementations, in contrast to conventional RIC hearing aids, the speaker includes an electro-acoustic transducer, such as a moving coil transducer. Traditionally, RIC hearing aids use balanced armature speakers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,674,246 (filed April 27, 2018, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference). These balanced armature devices require little or nominal rear clearance to balance the speaker's acoustic output and are often oriented so that the speaker's axis of motion is perpendicular to the earpiece exit. However, balanced armature devices have drawbacks, such as a lack of sensitivity when generating sound pressure at low frequencies. In addition, balanced armature devices are limited in their maximum displacement, thereby limiting the peak low-frequency sound pressure that can be generated without distortion. Therefore, balanced armature devices can exhibit unacceptable distortion when attempting to respond to loud low-frequency events, such as loud speech, a door slamming, or the user's own voice.

[0044] In contrast to earpieces that use balanced armature speakers, various implementations include earpieces with electro-acoustic transducers positioned to enable both desired fit and acoustic performance. In some implementations, the electro-acoustic transducers include moving coil transducers with low stiffness capable of large displacements, enabling effective active noise reduction at low frequencies. However, as noted herein, moving coil transducers benefit from a relatively large rear volume when compared to balanced armature speakers. The earpieces disclosed according to various implementations provide the acoustic advantages of electro-acoustic transducers with corresponding rear volume in a compact, discrete form factor.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary wearable audio device 10, in this case taking the form of an in-ear or on-ear audio device, such as an audio headset 200 having at least one earphone (or in-ear headphone) 202. In this example, two earphones 202 are shown. While the earphones 202 are shown in a “true” wireless configuration (i.e., no tethering between the earphones 202), the audio headset 200 may also include a tethered wireless configuration (whereby the earphones 202 are connected via wires with a wireless connection to a playback device) or a wired configuration (whereby at least one of the earphones 202 has a wired connection to a playback device). Each illustrated earphone 202 includes an earpiece 204, which may include a housing formed of one or more plastic or composite materials. The earpiece 204 may include a nozzle 206 for insertion into the entrance of a user's ear canal and a support member 208 for holding the nozzle 206 in a resting position within the user's ear. In certain cases, nozzle 206 and / or support member 208 are part of a removable casing that can be cleaned, repositioned, and / or replaced to improve fit within a user's ear. In other cases, nozzle 206 and / or support member 208 are integral with earpiece 204. According to some implementations, earpiece 204 further includes outer casing 210 for housing electronics 212, including components such as a battery, microphone, and sound processor. In some cases, separate or overlapping sets of electronics 212 are housed in parts of earbuds 202, e.g., in each respective earbud 202. However, certain components described herein may exist in a single form.

[0046] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an earpiece 300 in an audio device, such as RIC hearing aid 100 (FIG. 1) and / or audio headset 200, according to various implementations. It is understood that earpiece 300 may also be part of a number of other on-ear, in-ear, around-ear, and / or near-ear audio devices in various form factors, examples of which are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 044,078, filed June 25, 2020, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] In particular implementations, earpiece 300 includes earphone 302 including housing 304 supporting electro-acoustic transducer 306 (or speaker or driver). In some implementations, electro-acoustic transducer 306 is a moving coil transducer. Electro-acoustic transducer 306 may be, for example, a full-range micro-driver having a diaphragm less than 6 mm in diameter, e.g., 3 mm to 5.5 mm in diameter, e.g., 4.3 mm to 5.4 mm in diameter, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,942,662, entitled "Electro-acoustic driver having compliant diaphragm with stiffening element," issued April 10, 2018, and / or U.S. Pat. No. 10,609,489, entitled "Fabricating an integrated loudspeaker piston and suspension," issued March 31, 2020, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, "full range" is intended to mean capable of producing frequencies from about 20 Hz to about 20 kHz.

[0048] The housing 304 and the electro-acoustic transducer 306 collectively define a first (front) acoustic space 308 and a second (rear) acoustic space 310. A portion of the second acoustic space 310 is located behind or near the electro-acoustic transducer 306, as described herein, although a portion of the second acoustic space 310 can also be located in front of or around the electro-acoustic transducer (or simply, transducer) 306. That is, in various implementations, the transducer 306 is positioned such that a first radiating surface 312 of the transducer 306 radiates acoustic energy into the first acoustic space 308, which is coupled to an outlet 314. The transducer 306 is also positioned such that a second radiating surface 316 of the transducer 306 radiates acoustic energy into the second acoustic space 310. In some implementations, the housing 304 is oriented along a first longitudinal axis (A L1 ) and the transducer 306 has an axis of motion (A mT ) has a diaphragm 318.

[0049] In various implementations, the housing 304 defines a nozzle 320 proximate the outlet 314, and the first acoustic space 308 is acoustically coupled to an acoustic passage 322 within the nozzle 320 such that the transducer 306 is acoustically coupled to the user's ear canal when the earpiece 300 is worn. In certain cases, the earpiece 300 includes an eartip 324 supported on the nozzle 320 and configured to couple with the user's ear canal when the earpiece is worn. The eartip 324 is optionally shown in phantom and, in some cases, is similar to the eartip 206 of FIG. 2 (e.g., a dome cover). In some cases, the eartip 324 provides a tight acoustic seal with the user's ear canal when the earpiece 300 is worn. In other cases, the eartip 324 may include one or more sets of openings that allow acoustic energy to travel in and out of the user's ear canal with little resistance. In some examples, a resistive element, such as a resistive screen, may be provided in or over one or more of the openings, for example, to provide a desired impedance response. In certain cases involving an eartip, the nozzle 320 may include a lip, rim, protrusion, or other mating feature for coupling with the eartip. Exemplary variations of eartip that can be used with the earpiece 300 according to implementations are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 690,586, filed November 21, 2019, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In such cases, an eartip (of any type) is coupled with the outlet 314 and, in certain cases, sized to couple with the nozzle 320. In certain aspects, the eartip fits over the nozzle 320 in the earpiece 300 to enhance acoustic coupling with the user's ear canal. However, as described herein, earpiece 300 can be used without an eartip (e.g., as depicted in example earpiece 400 of FIG. 4 ), such that the outlet is positioned proximate to the entrance to the user's ear canal or on the user's ear. In these cases, outlet 314 is positioned to direct sound toward the user's ear canal, but does not necessarily seal tightly against the ear canal.In certain cases, a support member (e.g., support member 208 of FIG. 2, or an over-ear, overhead, or on-ear support member, etc.) is coupled to earpiece 300 and configured to position earpiece 300 on or near the user's ear.

[0050] In certain implementations, the outlet 314 is at least partially covered by a protective material 326. In some cases, the protective material 326 is part of the eartip (e.g., eartip 324), while in other cases, the protective material 326 is coupled to the housing 304 proximate the outlet 314. Examples of the protective material 326 can include one or more of a screen, a mesh material, a wax guard, a thin foam, a reticulated foam, an open-cell foam, or an expanded polymer (e.g., ePTFE). Examples of other protective materials 326 (e.g., screens) compatible with the earpiece 300 are described in detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 690,586, previously incorporated by reference. The protective material 326 may be coupled to and / or integrated with the outlet 314 or any acoustic opening within the earpiece 300, and in some cases may be secured using a counterbore port feature such as that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 828,327, filed March 23, 2020, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] 3, at least a portion of the second acoustic space 310 is located between the first radiating surface 312 and the outlet 314 of the transducer 306. That is, the second acoustic space 310 extends from the space behind the transducer 306 ("behind" the outlet 314) to at least partially in front of the transducer 306. In certain cases, a portion of the second acoustic space 310 may extend peripherally relative to the transducer 306, e.g., axially along the sidewall 328 of the transducer 306 (the axis of motion (A) of the transducer 306). mT In other words, a portion of the second acoustic space 310 extends axially from the space behind the transducer 306 to the space at least partially in front of the first radiating surface 312 of the transducer 306.

[0052] In some exemplary implementations, the first acoustic space 308 and the second acoustic space 310 are separated by a wall 330. In various implementations, at least a portion 332 of the wall 330 is located between the first radiating surface 312 and the outlet 314. In certain cases, as shown in the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 , a microphone (e.g., a feedback microphone) 334 is located on the portion 332 of the wall 330 located between the first radiating surface 312 and the outlet 314. In other cases, the microphone 334 is disposed on a separate wall within the housing 304, for example, on a side wall of the housing 304 between the first radiating surface 312 and the outlet 314. In yet other cases, the microphone 334 is mounted on any wall within the housing 304 that allows the inlet of the microphone 334 to access the first acoustic space 308. In some particular cases, the microphone 334 is mounted on a support member configured to hold the microphone 334 in place to detect acoustic signals within the first acoustic space 308. In some implementations, the support member can extend from a wall within the housing and / or another support member within the earpiece 300. In further implementations, the orientation of the microphone 334 can be changed, for example, at an angle directed at least partially toward the first radiating surface 312 or toward the outlet 314.

[0053] The wall 330 can take on any of several cross-sectional shapes, including, for example, one or more bends, corners, and / or contours, and is configured to separate the first acoustic space 308 and the second acoustic space 310. In some cases, the wall 330 separates one or more portions (or sub-spaces) of the second acoustic space 310 from the first acoustic space 308. In certain cases, the second acoustic space 310 has a substantially constant cross-sectional width over its length. For example, one or more portions of the second acoustic space 310 have a substantially constant cross-sectional width over a given length. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second acoustic space 310, where the cross-sectional width of the portion of the second acoustic space 310 varies, for example, along the axis of motion (A m ) is approximately constant along the sidewall 328 of the transducer 306.

[0054] According to certain implementations, the second acoustic space includes at least two acoustically coupled sub-spaces 310A, 310B. In some of these cases, the second acoustic space includes at least three acoustically coupled sub-spaces, e.g., sub-spaces 310A, 310B, 310C. In certain cases, the acoustically coupled sub-spaces 310A, 310B, 310C, etc., comprise separate spaces, e.g., transducers 306 (A mT The space 310 axially aft of the subspaces 310A (relative to the center of the subspaces 310B) is larger than at least one of the other subspaces (e.g., 310B, 310C, etc.). It is understood that these subspaces are in fact fluidly connected to one another, and in some cases the delineation between the subspaces may be defined by significant differences in cross-sectional area of a given subspace. For example, a narrow passage between larger subspaces may qualify as a subspace and function as a port between the larger subspaces.

[0055] In certain implementations, the ratio between the spacing in one of the subspaces (e.g., subspaces 310A, 310B, or 310C) and the spacing in another of the subspaces (e.g., a separate one of subspaces 310A, 310B, or 310C) is equal to about 1:1 to about 4:1. In particular examples, the ratio between separate subspaces is equal to about 2:1 to about 4:1. In more particular cases, the ratio between separate subspaces is equal to about 3:1. In some implementations having at least three separate subspaces (e.g., subspaces 310A, 310B, 310C), the ratio between subspace 310A and subspace 310C is equal to about 1:1 to about 4:1, more particular cases, about 2:1 to about 4:1, and even more particular cases, about 3:1. The term "about," as used herein with respect to values, can allow for a nominal variation from the absolute value, for example, of a few percent or less. In some cases, the second acoustic space 310 is at least about 75 cubic millimeters (mm 3 In certain embodiments, the portion of the second acoustic space 310 located between the first emitting surface 312 and the outlet 314 of the transducer 306 is at least about 25 mm 3 is.

[0056] In the particular example shown in FIG. 3 , the acoustically coupled subspaces include at least three acoustically coupled subspaces 310A, 310B, and 310C, where the first subspace 310 comprises a first space, the second subspace 310B comprises a second space, and the third subspace 310C comprises a third space. In some cases, the second subspace 310B is smaller than both the first subspace 310A and the third subspace 310C. In particular examples, the third subspace 310C is smaller than the first subspace 310A. According to some implementations, the second subspace 310B functions as a port between the first subspace 310A and the third subspace 310C. In additional implementations, the second subspace 310B functions as a waveguide that acoustically couples the first subspace 310A and the third subspace 310C. In certain exemplary implementations, the sub-volumes 310A, 310B, 310C each comprise a separate volume.

[0057] According to various implementations, for example, when second acoustic space 310 includes separate sub-spaces 310A, 310B (and possibly 310C) that define ports and / or waveguides, the ports and / or waveguides introduce acoustic resonances in the earpiece (e.g., earpiece 300). For example, the ports or waveguides in second acoustic space 310 can introduce effective peaks in the mechanical admittance of transducer 306, thereby producing more displacement per input force over a local frequency range.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows a variation of earpiece 400 having subspaces 310A, 310B, and 310C of different proportions compared to earpiece 300 of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 also shows microphone 334 in a portion of wall 330 that defines second subspace 310B. In this example, subspace 310B can function as a port between subspaces 310A and 310C. In some of these cases, subspace 310B has a narrower cross-sectional width (e.g., as measured from inner wall 330 to housing 304) than subspaces 310A and 310C, and in certain cases, a smaller volume. FIG. 5 shows an additional variation of earpiece 500 having subspaces 310A, 310B, and 310C of different proportions compared to earpiece 300 (FIG. 3) and earpiece 400 (FIG. 4). In this example, sub-spaces 310A, 310B, and 310C can function as waveguides for acoustic energy radiated from second radiating surface 316 into second space 310. In some of these cases, sub-spaces 310B and 310C have similar cross-sectional widths (e.g., measured from interior wall 330 to housing 304) and, in certain cases, similar volumes (e.g., less than about a 5-10 percent variation in cross-sectional width or volume). Some variations regarding the location of wall(s) 330, the sizes of sub-spaces 310A, 310B, 310C, etc., and the location of microphone(s) 334 are possible in various implementations, not necessarily shown herein.

[0059] 3-5 , earpieces disclosed herein (e.g., earpiece 300 of FIG. 3 , earpiece 400 of FIG. 4 , earpiece 500 of FIG. 5 ) may also include a rear port 402 connecting the second acoustic space 310 to a space 404 outside the housing 304. In certain cases, the earpiece (e.g., earpiece 300, earpiece 400, earpiece 500) may also include a front port 406 connecting the first acoustic space 308 to a space 408 outside the housing 304. In some cases, the rear port 402 and the front port 406 connect to separate spaces 404, 408 outside the housing 304, while in other implementations, the spaces 404 and 408 are connected (e.g., ambient air). In certain cases, the rear port 402 and the front port 406 are coupled to one another within the housing 304, for example, within a wall within the housing or within an additional space separate from the first and second acoustic spaces 308, 310. In some examples, the rear port 402 and the front port 406 are acoustically coupled within a combined outlet space, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 990,358, filed August 11, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In such cases, one or more ports may be included in any one, all, or any combination of the forward portion of the rear space, the forward portion of the rear space, or the connecting portion of the rear space. In some cases, the ports are approximately at least 1 millimeter (mm) long and have a cross-sectional area of at least 1-2 mm. 2 (e.g., about 1.5-2 mm in some cases) 2 , and in more specific cases, approximately 1.8 mm 2 ).

[0060] According to various implementations of the audio devices described herein, the housing may be shaped to enhance fit within a user's ear. For example, as shown in the schematic representation of housing 304 in FIG. 5 (partially transparent view) and particularly in FIG. 6 (external view), housing 304 includes a contour 410 configured to complement the shape of a user's ear canal. In these cases, housing 304 may be oriented along a first longitudinal axis (A L1) and a body 412 having a first longitudinal axis (A L1 ) and a second longitudinal axis (A L2 ) and a nozzle 320 having an axis of motion (A mT ) is the first longitudinal axis (A L1 ) and the first and second longitudinal axes (A L1 , A L2 ) are supported within the body 412 such that they are disposed at a non-zero angle α relative to one another. This non-zero angle (α) is shown, for example, in FIG. 6. In other words, the contour 410 is aligned with the axis (A L1 , A L2 ) can be measured by the complementary angle (θ) which is less than 180 degrees between them.

[0061] Compared to conventional audio devices, particularly conventional RIC hearing aids, audio devices including earpieces disclosed herein can offer several advantages. For example, various implementations include earpieces with electro-acoustic transducers (e.g., moving coil transducers) positioned to enable a reliable and comfortable fit across a variety of users (and corresponding ear canal shapes) without sacrificing acoustic performance. That is, earpieces disclosed according to various implementations are configured to fit a wide range of users and provide desired acoustic performance (e.g., output, noise cancellation, etc.). Earpieces disclosed according to various implementations can be beneficially incorporated into various wearable audio devices and can provide particular benefits in devices designed to be worn in-ear or on-ear by a user. Furthermore, in the example of a hearing aid or other in-ear device, earpieces disclosed according to various implementations can be worn more discreetly than conventional earpieces due to their improved fit within the ear canal. The lateral dimensions and taper of the earpieces disclosed herein allow them to be comfortably positioned deeper within the ear canal than conventional in-ear devices. Furthermore, the transducer, microphone, and acoustic space configurations disclosed in accordance with the implementations enable the use of moving coil transducers that provide enhanced output capabilities for active noise reduction and wider bandwidth audio compared to conventional in-ear devices such as RIC hearing aids.

[0062] In various implementations, components described as being "coupled" to one another can be joined along one or more interfaces. In some implementations, these interfaces can include joints between separate components, while in other cases, these interfaces can include rigidly and / or integrally formed interconnects. That is, in some cases, components "coupled" to one another can be formed simultaneously to define a single, continuous member. However, in other implementations, these coupled components can be formed as separate members and then joined by known processes (e.g., soldering, fastening, ultrasonic welding, bonding). In various implementations, accessories (e.g., electronic components) described as being "coupled" to one another can be linked via conventional wired and / or wireless means such that the accessories can communicate data with one another. Additionally, subcomponents within a given component can be considered to be linked via conventional pathways, although not necessarily shown.

[0063] Other embodiments not specifically described herein are also within the scope of the following claims. Elements of different implementations described herein may be combined to form other embodiments not specifically described above. Elements may be removed from the structures described herein without adversely affecting the operation of the structures described herein. Furthermore, various separate elements may be combined into one or more individual elements to perform the functions described herein.

Claims

1. An earpiece, an electroacoustic transducer; a housing supporting the electro-acoustic transducer, the housing and the electro-acoustic transducer collectively defining a first acoustic space and a second acoustic space, the electro-acoustic transducer positioned such that a first radiating surface of the electro-acoustic transducer radiates acoustic energy into the first acoustic space coupled to an outlet, and a second radiating surface of the electro-acoustic transducer radiates acoustic energy into the second acoustic space; The earpiece, wherein at least a portion of the second acoustic space extends into a portion of the space in front of the first radiating surface between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

2. The earpiece of claim 1 , wherein the electro-acoustic transducer comprises a moving coil transducer.

3. The earpiece of claim 2 , wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis and the moving coil transducer comprises a diaphragm having an axis of motion substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

4. 2. The earpiece of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a nozzle, and the first acoustic space is acoustically coupled to an acoustic passage within the nozzle such that the electro-acoustic transducer is acoustically coupled to a user's ear canal when the earpiece is worn.

5. 5. The earpiece of claim 4, further comprising an eartip supported on the nozzle, the eartip configured to form a tight acoustic seal with a user's ear canal when the earpiece is worn, or the eartip including a set of openings that allow acoustic energy to travel in and out of the user's ear canal.

6. 2. The earpiece of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a body having a first longitudinal axis and a nozzle having a second longitudinal axis intersecting the first longitudinal axis, the electro-acoustic transducer being supported within the body such that an axis of motion of the electro-acoustic transducer is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are disposed at a non-zero angle relative to one another.

7. 10. The earpiece of claim 1, wherein the outlet is at least partially covered by at least one of a screen, a mesh material, a thin foam, a reticulated foam, an open-cell foam, a foamed polymer, or a dome cover.

8. The earpiece of claim 1 , further comprising a rear port connecting the second acoustic space to a space outside the housing.

9. The earpiece of claim 8 , further comprising a front port connecting the first acoustic space to a space outside the housing.

10. The earpiece of claim 9 , wherein the front port and the rear port are acoustically coupled to coupled exit volumes.

11. The earpiece of claim 1 , wherein the second acoustic space has a substantially constant cross-sectional width over its length.

12. The earpiece of claim 1 , wherein the second acoustic space comprises at least two acoustically coupled sub-spaces.

13. The earpiece of claim 12 , wherein the acoustically coupled sub-volumes comprise separate volumes.

14. 14. The earpiece of claim 13, wherein a ratio between a first sub-space in the acoustically coupled sub-space and a second sub-space in the acoustically coupled sub-space is equal to about 1:1 to about 4:

1.

15. The acoustically coupled sub-spaces include: a first sub-space having a first space; a second sub-space having a second space; a third sub-space having a third volume; and 14. The earpiece of claim 13, wherein the second sub-space is smaller than each of the first and third sub-spaces and acts as a port between the first and third sub-spaces.

16. The acoustically coupled sub-spaces include: a first sub-space having a first space; a second sub-space having a second space; a third sub-space having a third volume; and The earpiece of claim 13, wherein the second sub-space acts as a waveguide acoustically coupling the first sub-space and the third sub-space.

17. The earpiece of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a contour configured to complement the shape of a user's ear canal.

18. The earpiece of claim 1 , wherein the first acoustic space and the second acoustic space are separated by a wall, at least a portion of the wall being located between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

19. 20. The earpiece of claim 18, further comprising a microphone in the portion of the wall located between the first radiating surface and the outlet.

20. The second acoustic space has a volume of at least about 75 cubic millimeters (mm ３ ) The earpiece according to claim 1 .

21. A hearing aid comprising the earpiece according to claim 1, a casing configured to be positioned behind the ear of a user when worn; a wire connecting the casing to the earpiece; The hearing aid further comprises:

22. a battery, a microphone, and a sound processor housed within the casing; 22. The hearing aid of claim 21, further comprising:

23. An in-ear audio device comprising an earpiece according to claim 1.

24. An on-ear audio device comprising the earpiece of claim 1.

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