EP2574079A2 - Headphone and volume controller unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The earpiece has two transducer housings (41, 42) and a flexible headband that connects the housings, where the headband is pre-formed in such a manner that the band is wounded in its relaxed, unworn state and has a winding. The band has two sections (43c, 43d), where one section is extended parallel to a head section of a wearer and the other section is adjusted to a crossover between the head and a back head and has a bend. The radius of the bend of the latter section and the radius of the bend of the cross over area depend on the size of the head of the wearer. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an ear adjusting ring (2) a volume control unit for an earpiece (3) a storage box for an earpiece (4) a storage bag for an earpiece.

Description

The present invention relates to a handset, in particular an earphone, and a volume control unit for a handset.

Handset or earphones are well known in many different embodiments. However, such headphones are often perceived as too heavy and often do not have the necessary comfort, especially during physical activities.

Furthermore, so-called in-ear earphones are known, which can be plugged into an outer ear and then sit there more or less firmly on the outer ear. However, such in-ear headphones are perceived by some people as unpleasant, for example, because there may be pressure points in the outer ear or because they may fall out in some people.

EP 1 250 025 A1 shows a neckband earphone whose neckband is at least partially rolled up when not worn. In the fitted state, the neckband presses against the back of a head of the earphone. The neck band extends from the transducer housing over the upper ear root and is in the worn state at the back of the head. However, such a design of a neckband earphone is not suitable in particular for spectacle wearers.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a handset, which can be worn comfortably and safely.

This object is achieved by a receiver according to claim 1.

Thus, a handset, in particular an earphone, is provided, which has two converter housing and a flexible headband. The headband is preformed so that it is wound in its relaxed and un-worn condition and has at least one turn. The handset can be stowed so space-saving, if it is not worn.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the headband has two first sections which respectively adjoin the converter housing and a second section connecting the two first sections. In the attached state of the handset, the two first portions extend substantially upwards and parallel to the lateral head portions of a wearer. In the transition areas between the first sections and the second section, the headband has a bend towards the back of the head. The second portion is adapted in the mounted state substantially at the transition between the head and the back of the head and also has a bend which substantially conforms to the head of the wearer.

The invention also relates to an ear fitting ring for an earphone. The Ohranpassring is attached to a transducer housing a listener. The fitting ring has substantially a first circular recess, which is arranged in the center of the ring. In addition, the ear fitting ring has recesses or grooves which extend radially from the outer edge partially toward the first recess.

The invention also relates to a volume control unit for a listener. The regulator unit comprises an outer tube unit having at least one opening and an inner tube unit having first and second ends and a longitudinal slot. The regulator unit further has a potentiometer unit with a projection on its upper side and a counter element with at least one projection. The projection of the counter element is designed such that it can engage in the opening in the outer tube. The outer tube unit is inserted over the inner tube unit and the projection is inserted into the opening of the outer tube unit so as to engage the longitudinal slot and cooperate with the projection of the potentiometer unit such that with relative displacement between the outer tube unit and the inner tube unit the setting of the potentiometer unit is varied.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung der Komponenten eines Lautstärkereglers gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 2

zeigt eine Ansicht eines Hörers mit einem Lautstärkeregler gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 3

zeigt eine Ansicht eines Hörers mit einem Lautstärkeregler gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 4

zeigt eine Ansicht eines In-Ear Hörers gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 5 bis 5k

zeigen Ansichten eines Hörers gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 5l bis 5n

zeigen Ansichten eines Ohranpassringes von Fig. 5b,

Fig. 6

zeigt mehrere Ansichten eines In-Ear Hörers gemäß einem sechsten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 7a

zeigt eine Schnittansicht einer schematischen Darstellung eines Abschnitts einer Aufbewahrungseinheit für Hörer,

Fig. 7b

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Aufbewahrungseinheit für Hörer,

Fig. 8a

zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Aufbewahrungstasche, insbesondere für Ohrhörer,

Fig. 8b

zeigt eine Draufsicht einer zweiten Seite einer Aufbewahrungstasche,

Fig. 8c

zeigt eine weitere Ansicht der Aufbewahrungstasche von Fig. 8a,

Fig. 8d

zeigt eine weitere Ansicht der Aufbewahrungstasche von Fig. 8a,

Fig. 8e

zeigt eine weitere Ansicht der Aufbewahrungstasche von Fig. 8a,

Fig. 9a

zeigt eine Ansicht einer weiteren Aufbewahrungstasche,

Fig. 9b

zeigt eine weitere Ansicht der Aufbewahrungstasche von Fig. 9a, und

Fig. 10

zeigt eine Ansicht eines Hörers gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel.

The embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of the components of a volume control according to a first embodiment,

Fig. 2

shows a view of a handset with a volume control according to a second embodiment,

Fig. 3

shows a view of a handset with a volume control according to a third embodiment,

Fig. 4

shows a view of an in-ear earphone according to a fourth embodiment,

Fig. 5 to 5k

show views of a receiver according to a fifth embodiment,

Fig. 5l to 5n

show views of an ear fitting ring from Fig. 5b .

Fig. 6

shows several views of an in-ear earphone according to a sixth embodiment,

Fig. 7a

FIG. 11 is a sectional view schematically showing a portion of a listener storage unit; FIG.

Fig. 7b

shows a top view of a storage unit for listeners,

Fig. 8a

shows a schematic view of a storage bag, in particular for earphones,

Fig. 8b

shows a plan view of a second side of a storage bag,

Fig. 8c

shows another view of the storage bag of Fig. 8a .

Fig. 8d

shows another view of the storage bag of Fig. 8a .

Fig. 8e

shows another view of the storage bag of Fig. 8a .

Fig. 9a

shows a view of another storage bag,

Fig. 9b

shows another view of the storage bag of Fig. 9a , and

Fig. 10

shows a view of a handset according to another embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the components of a volume control for a listener according to a first embodiment. The volume control is preferably provided in or on a supply cable of the listener. The volume control has an outer tube 1 with at least two openings 1a and an inner tube 2 with a first and second end 2a and an upper center piece 2b. The upper middle piece 2b has a longitudinal slot 2c. A Potentiometereinheit 6 has on its upper side a projection 6a and at its first and second end 6b connection possibilities for a cable 5. The cable 5 has at its one end 5a a connection possibility for connection to one of the ends 6b of the potentiometer 6. The projection 6a of the potentiometer is inserted into the longitudinal slot 2a, the ends 5a of the cable and the potentiometer are connected together, and a lower center 3 is used to press the potentiometer unit against the upper middle 2b. Preferably, the projection 6a engages in the longitudinal slot 2c. Subsequently, the outer tube 1 is slid over the inner tube 2, and a counterpart 4 with two projections 4a is fixed on the outer tube 1, that the two projections 4a through the openings 1 a of the outer tube and the longitudinal slot 2c extend through and the projection 6a is held between the two projections 4a.

By a relative movement of the outer tube to the inner tube, the projections 4a and the projection 6a are moved within the longitudinal slot 2c, thereby adjusting the Potentiometereinheit accordingly and thus the volume of a listener is affected.

Due to the design of the volume control, in particular the fact that the outer tube 1 is pushed over the inner tube 2, the electrical and mechanical parts of the potentiometer are securely closed. In the volume control according to Fig. 1 the actuator of the potentiometer is disposed within the outer tube 1. Preferably, the actuator or the potentiometer between the upper middle piece 2b and the lower middle piece 3 is arranged. This ensures efficient protection of the mechanical and electrical parts.

Although the slot 2c is described above as a longitudinal slot, this slot may also be configured as a transverse slot, so that by turning the outer tube, the projections 4a and 6a are guided in such a transverse slot, so that there is an adjustment or adjustment of the Potentiometereinheit. In such a case, the potentiometer unit 6 does not have to be designed as a sliding potentiometer unit but as a rotary potentiometer unit.

Fig. 2 shows a view of an in-ear earphone with a volume control according to a second embodiment. Here, in particular, a lanyard 20 is shown, which receives the left and right transducers 26, 25. In the lower part of the lanyard, a volume control 21 is provided, in which by pressing the wheel 22, the volume can be adjusted accordingly. Preferably, on the front side 25 of the volume control 21, an iron and / or nickel-containing plate or a magnet is arranged such that the rear sides of the transducer housings 26, 25 adhere to the front side 23 by a magnetic attraction. For this purpose, the rear sides of the transducers 26, 25 have either an iron / nickel-containing plate or a magnet.

If the transducers are not needed, they can adhere to the volume control with their backside by a magnetic attraction. Alternatively, the transducers can also be attached to each other back to back.

On the back of the volume control 21, a clip 21a can be provided with which the volume control can be attached, for example, to the clothing of the user.

Fig. 3 shows a view of an in-ear earphone with a volume control according to a third embodiment. The volume control 21 according to the third embodiment corresponds to the volume control according to the second embodiment. The transducers 26 and 25 according to the third embodiment correspond to the transducers 26, 25 according to the second embodiment. While the second embodiment relates to a lanyard, the third embodiment relates to a conventional in-ear earphone.

The volume control 21 may have on its back a clip 21 a, with which the volume control, for example, to clothing of a wearer can be attached.

Fig. 4 shows a view of an in-ear earphone according to a fourth embodiment. The in-ear earphone has a transducer housing 32 and a transducer 33 and is connected to the supply cable 31. The housing 32 of the in-ear earphone points at the transition between a lower part of the housing 32a and the upper housing 32b on its inside a hook-shaped recess 34, 35 on. The inner side 32 c of the housing is designed substantially straight in the lower region 32 a, whereby the housing then tapers (section 34), in order subsequently to become wider (section 35), so as to be able to receive the transducer 33.

An in-ear earphone designed in this way enables a more secure fit of the in-ear earphone in or on the outer ear, so that such an in-ear earphone is also suitable for use during a physical activity. Through the hook-shaped recess in the housing of the in-ear earphone, the in-ear earphone can better adapt to the ear and the sound of the in-ear earphone can better couple into the inner ear.

• Fig. 5a bis 5c zeigen jeweils eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Kopfhörers gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel. Der Kopfhörer weist einen ersten und zweiten Wandler 41, 42 auf, welche durch einen elastischen (tordierten) sowie vorgespannten Bügel (im Wesentlichen mit kreisrundem Durchmesser), vorzugsweise in Form eines Federdrahtes, miteinander verbunden sind. Die Wandler 41, 42 sind vorzugsweise als In-Ear Hörer ausgebildet. Einer der Wandler 41 ist über ein Kabel 44 mit einem Audioanschluss 46 verbunden. Entlang des Kabels 44 kann eine Klammer 45 vorgesehen werden, um das Kabel während eines Gebrauchs zu befestigen.
• Fig. 5b zeigt eine weitere Ansicht des Kopfhörers von Fig. 5a. Über den Wandler bzw. das Wandlergehäuse 41 kann ein flexibler Ring 41 a oder 41 b entsprechend der tatsächlichen Größe des Außenohres - durch den Benutzer auch austauschbar - angeordnet werden. Innerhalb des Kopfbandes 43 kann ein Kabel 43a vorgesehen werden, um eine elektrische Zuführung von dem Kabel 44 zu dem anderen Hörer vorzusehen.
• Fig. 5c zeigt eine weitere Ansicht des Kopfhörers gemäß Fig. 5a. Das Kopfband 43 bzw. der Kopfbügel ist derart vorgespannt bzw. vorgeformt, dass es in einem entspannten Zustand auf 1 bis ca. 1 ¾ Windungen, d. h. bis ca. 630 Grad (Schlingungswinkel) aufgerollt ist, wobei der Durchmesser des Bügels dann etwa 80 - 100 mm, vorzugsweise 90 mm beträgt. Um den Kopfhörer aufzusetzen, muss der Kopfbügel auseinandergebogen werden, so dass eine gewisse Vorspannung vorhanden ist, so dass die In-Ear Hörer 41, 42 gegen das jeweilige Außenohr gedrückt werden, so dass ein sicherer Halt gewährleistet werden kann.
• Fig. 5d zeigt eine Draufsicht auf den Kopfhörer gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel. Hier ist der Kopfhörer in einem nichtgetragenen Zustand gezeigt, so dass aufgrund der Vorformung des Kopfbandes bzw. des Kopfbügels 43 der Hörer zu einer Schleife zusammengerollt ist. Die Schleife weist dabei einen Schlingungswinkel zwischen 360 und 720 Grad und vorzugsweise zwischen 550 und 630 Grad auf. In Fig. 5d ist ein Zustand gezeigt, wo der Kopfhörer sich aufgrund der Formgebung des Federdrahtes selbsttätig auf einen Umschlingungswinkel von ca. 560 Grad aufstellt.
• Fig. 5e zeigt den Kopfhörer gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel in einem getragenen Zustand. Hierbei greift das Gehäuse 42 des einen In-Ear Hörers in das Außenohr eines Trägers ein. Von dem Gehäuse 42 aus erstreckt sich das Kopfband 43 nach oben Richtung Kopfscheitel. Hierbei ist der Kopfbügel 43 im Wesentlichen in einen ersten Abschnitt 43c und in einen zweiten Abschnitt 43d aufgeteilt. Im getragenen Zustand, erstreckt sich das Gehäuse 42 des In-Ear Hörers nach oben und der erste Abschnitt 43c des Kopfbandes schließt an das Gehäuse 42 an. Der erste Abschnitt 43c ist nach hinten (zum Hinterkopf) gebogen. Der zweite Abschnitt 43d ist ebenfalls gebogen ausgestaltet und verläuft annähernd auf einer Kreisbahn (Teilabschnitt) bezogen auf die Kopfmitte. Während der erste Abschnitt 43c im Wesentlichen parallel zum seitlichen Abschnitt des Schädels verläuft, verläuft der zweite Abschnitt 43d auf der Oberseite des Schädels oder am Übergang zwischen der Oberseite des Schädels und dem Hinterkopf. Wo der zweite Abschnitt 43d tatsächlich am Kopf eines Trägers anliegt, hängt von der Größe des Kopfes ab. Wenn es sich bei dem Kopf eines Trägers um einen großen Kopf handelt, dann wird der zweite Abschnitt 43d sich auf der oberen Seite des Schädels befinden. Wenn der Träger jedoch lediglich einen kleinen Kopf hat, so wird sich der zweite Abschnitt 43d am Übergang zwischen dem oberen Teil des Schädels und dem Hinterkopf befinden, und die Krümmung des Abschnitts 43d ist beim Tragen auf einem kleinen Kopf größer als beim Tragen auf einem großen Kopf.
• Fig. 5f zeigt eine detaillierte Ansicht eines ersten Abschnitts des Kopfhörers gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel. Das Gehäuse 42 des Kopfhörers wird in das Außenohr O eingeführt. Das Zuführungskabel 44 wird derart an dem Gehäuse 42 befestigt, dass es beim Tragen des Hörers vor dem Außenohr O herunterhängt.
• Fig. 5g zeigt eine weitere Ansicht des Hörers gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel in einem getragenen Zustand. Ein Gehäuse 42 des In-Ear Hörers ist in dem Außenohr O angeordnet. Der erste Abschnitt 43c des Kopfbandes 43 verläuft zunächst im Wesentlichen parallel zu dem seitlichen Schädelabschnitt und weist eine Biegung zum hinteren Teil des Schädels auf. Der zweite Abschnitt 43d weist ebenfalls eine Biegung auf und liegt hier an dem Übergang zwischen dem Hinterkopf und der oberen Seite des Schädels auf. Durch diese Biegung wird eine Vorspannung auf die Hörer bewirkt.
• Fig. 5h zeigt eine seitliche perspektivische Ansicht eines Hörers gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel. An dem Gehäuse 240 des In-Ear Hörers schließt der erste Abschnitt 43c des Bügels im Wesentlichen gerade an. In Fig. 5h ist der In-Ear Hörer gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel in einem nicht gebrauchten Zustand gezeigt, d. h. der Bügel 43 ist entsprechend aufgewickelt.
• Fig. 5i zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht des In-Ear Hörers gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel. Der Hörer ist ebenfalls in einem nicht gebrauchten Zustand gezeigt, d. h. der Bügel 43 ist entsprechend aufgrund seiner Vorspannung aufgewickelt.
• Fig. 5j zeigt eine weitere schematische Ansicht des Hörers gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel. In Fig. 5j ist der Hörer in einem nicht aufgesetzten, d. h. aufgerollten Zustand gezeigt, wobei der Hörer auf einer glatten Oberfläche platziert ist. Hierbei ist insbesondere zu sehen, dass das Gehäuse 41, 52 der In-Ear Hörer einen Winkel zur Oberfläche von α aufweist. Dieser Winkel α beträgt etwa zwischen 35° und 55°, bevorzugt ca. 40°. Im Bereich des Übergangs vom ersten zum zweiten Abschnitt 43c, 43e des Bügels 43 sind jeweils Knickstellen 43e vorgesehen.
• Fig. 5k zeigt eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht des Hörers gemäß dem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel. Auch hier ist der Hörer in einem aufgerollten Zustand gezeigt. Zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Abschnitt 43c, 43d des Bügels ist ebenfalls jeweils eine Knickstelle 43e vorgesehen.

In the Fig. 4 shown representation of the in-ear listener according to the fourth embodiment is essentially a 1-to-1 representation of the listener and an exact image of the listener.

• Fig. 5a to 5c each show a perspective view of a headphone according to a fifth embodiment. The headphone has a first and second transducers 41, 42, which are connected to one another by an elastic (twisted) and prestressed stirrup (substantially with a circular diameter), preferably in the form of a spring wire. The transducers 41, 42 are preferably designed as in-ear receivers. One of the transducers 41 is connected to an audio port 46 via a cable 44. Along the cable 44, a bracket 45 may be provided to secure the cable during use.
• Fig. 5b shows another view of the headphones from Fig. 5a , About the transducer or the converter housing 41, a flexible ring 41 a or 41 b according to the actual size of the outer ear - interchangeable by the user - are arranged. Within the headband 43, a cable 43a may be provided to provide electrical delivery from the cable 44 to the other handset.
• Fig. 5c shows another view of the headset according to Fig. 5a , The headband 43 or the headband is biased or preformed so that it is rolled in a relaxed state to 1 to about 1 ¾ turns, ie to about 630 degrees (loop angle), the diameter of the bracket then about 80 -. 100 mm, preferably 90 mm. To put on the headphones, the headband must be bent apart so that a certain bias is present, so that the in-ear earphones 41, 42 are pressed against the respective outer ear, so that a secure hold can be ensured.
• Fig. 5d shows a plan view of the headphone according to the fifth embodiment. Here, the headphone is shown in a non-worn state, so that due to the preforming of the headband or headband 43, the earpiece is rolled up into a loop. The loop has a Schlingungswinkel between 360 and 720 degrees, and preferably between 550 and 630 degrees. In Fig. 5d is a state shown where the headset automatically sets up due to the shape of the spring wire to a wrap angle of about 560 degrees.
• Fig. 5e shows the headphone according to the fifth embodiment in a worn state. In this case, the housing 42 of an in-ear earpiece engages in the outer ear of a wearer. From the housing 42, the headband 43 extends upward toward the head apex. Here, the headband 43 is substantially divided into a first portion 43c and a second portion 43d. When worn, housing 42 of the in-ear earphone extends upwardly and first portion 43c of the headband engages housing 42. The first portion 43c is bent backwards (to the back of the head). The second section 43d is also configured curved and extends approximately on a circular path (partial section) with respect to the center of the head. While the first portion 43c extends substantially parallel to the lateral portion of the skull, the second portion 43d extends on top of the skull or at the junction between the top of the skull and the back of the head. Where the second portion 43d actually abuts the head of a wearer depends on the size of the head. If the head of a wearer is a large head, then the second portion 43d will be on the top of the skull. However, if the wearer has only a small head, the second portion 43d will be at the junction between the top of the skull and the back of the head, and the curvature of the portion 43d will be larger when worn on a small head than when worn on a large one Head.
• Fig. 5f shows a detailed view of a first portion of the headphone according to the fifth embodiment. The housing 42 of the headset is inserted into the outer ear O. The supply cable 44 is attached to the housing 42 such that it hangs down in front of the outer ear O when the handset is worn.
• Fig. 5g shows a further view of the handset according to the fifth embodiment in a worn state. A housing 42 of the in-ear earphone is disposed in the outer ear O. The first portion 43c of the headband 43 initially runs substantially parallel to the lateral skull portion and has a bend to the back of the skull. The second portion 43d also has a bend and rests here at the transition between the back of the head and the top of the skull. This bend causes a bias on the listener.
• Fig. 5h shows a side perspective view of a handset according to a fifth embodiment. On the housing 240 of the in-ear earphone, the first portion 43c of the temple is substantially straight. In Fig. 5h For example, the in-ear earphone according to the fifth embodiment is shown in an unused condition, that is, the bracket 43 is wound up accordingly.
• Fig. 5i shows a schematic plan view of the in-ear earphone according to the fifth embodiment. The handset is also shown in an unused condition, ie the bracket 43 is wound up accordingly due to its bias.
• Fig. 5j shows a further schematic view of the handset according to the fifth embodiment. In Fig. 5j For example, the handset is shown in an unassembled, ie rolled-up condition with the handset placed on a smooth surface. It can be seen in particular that the housing 41, 52 of the in-ear earphone has an angle to the surface of α . This angle α is approximately between 35 ° and 55 °, preferably about 40 °. In the region of the transition from the first to the second section 43c, 43e of the bracket 43 kinks 43e are provided in each case.
• Fig. 5k shows a further perspective view of the handset according to the fifth embodiment. Again, the listener is shown in a rolled up state. Between the first and second sections 43c, 43d of the bracket, a kink 43e is likewise provided in each case.

The bracket 43 is preferably made of a spring steel and has two kinks at the transition between the first and second portions 43c, 43d. Either the spring steel may be used to transmit the audio signals from one housing to the other, or alternatively, another cable may be integrated into the bracket 43. The spring steel has a spring constant of about 800 - 1300 N / mm, preferably about 1100 N / mm. Due to the design of the handset, a pressure of less than 1 N is reached.

Alternatively, a plastic instead of a spring steel for implementing the bracket 43 may be used. In such a case, however, another line must be provided for transmitting the audio signals from one to the other in-ear listener.

The bracket 43 of the handset according to the fifth embodiment is on the one hand flexible and on the other biased or preformed that it has a diameter of about 80 to 100 mm, preferably 90 mm in an unassembled state. To attach the bracket, the bracket must be stretched, and first one of the headphones must be rotated by about 180 ° (relative to the longitudinal axis of the headband) and the two receivers must be pulled outwards. In the unfolded state, the listener then points in the FIGS. 5e . 5f and 5g shown shape. Due to this rotation or torsion, the listeners tend to turn inwards. By the configuration of the angle α (about 35 - 55 °, preferably about 40 °) according to Fig. 5j is achieved that the listener, when the handset is attached, adapt to the outer ear accordingly. Due to the torsion, the listeners experience a force to nestle against the outer ear. The torsion is preferably adjusted so that in the mounted state, the front of the transducer press slightly outward, so that the listener turns in the ear towards the ear canal. Thus, the listener turns slightly against the suppository of the outer ear, so that the listener locks in the outer ear or ear canal and turns easily to the ear canal. Thus, a certain torque is generated on the outer ear. This leads to an improved seal of the outer ear through the transducer housing. In the transition region between the first and second portions 43c, 43d of the bracket, edges 43e are preferably inserted into the spring steel. This edge is either pressed in or punched in. The two arranged in the transition region edges cause on the one hand close listening ears of the head, and also the spring steel is stabilized only in the direction as it should be configured in the mounted state. By selecting edges 43e, it is determined which side should be right and which side should be left.

The torsion described above has a preferred direction, so that only turning a listener in one direction causes the listener or the bracket Provided intended form for placement. Thus, a Aufklappvorzugsrichtung is designed.

• Fig. 5l zeigt eine Ansicht eines In-Ear-Hörers, welcher in einem Außenohr O angeordnet ist.
• Fig. 5m zeigt eine weitere Ansicht eines In-Ear Hörers in einem Außenohr. In Fig. 5i weist der In-Ear-Hörer einen Ohranpassring 41 b auf.

Although in the Fig. 5a to 5k the headphone is shown with in-ear headphones, the headphone according to the fifth embodiment can be realized with other listeners.

• Fig. 5l shows a view of an in-ear earphone, which is arranged in an outer ear O.
• Fig. 5m shows another view of an in-ear listener in an outer ear. In Fig. 5i the in-ear listener has an ear fitting ring 41b.

In the Fig. 5b shown Ohranpassringe 41a, 41b are designed to be removable, so that by means of these Abdichtringe an acoustic seal between a listener and the ear canal can be ensured even for different ear sizes.

Fig. 5n shows a plan view of an Ohranpassring according to Fig. 5m , This fitting ring is concavely curved or mushroom-shaped in cross-section, wherein in the middle of a circular recess or a hole 41 b is present, so that the Ohranpassstück on a handset, in particular an in-ear handset, can be placed. In the outer region or at the outer edge of Ohranpassstückes 41 bd recesses 41 ba may be arranged, which extend axially partially to the inner edge. It should be noted, however, that these recesses do not extend completely to hole 44bb.

The Ohranpassring 41b is designed substantially mushroom-shaped and serves as stated above to seal the listener in the outer ear. Sealing between the earpiece and the ear canal can lead to bass loss. This can occur in particular in a rigid listener's form.

• Fig. 6 zeigt eine Ansicht eines In-Ear Hörers gemäß einem sechsten Ausführungsbeispiel. Das Gehäuse 50 des In-Ear Hörers weist ein Wandlergehäuse 52 für einen Wandler 53 auf und ist mit einem Kabel 54 verbunden. Zusätzlich dazu weist der In-Ear Hörer ein Stützelement 51 auf, welches im Wesentlichen mit dem Kabel 54 ausgerichtet ist. Ein derartiger Wandler wird oberhalb des Gehörgangs eingesetzt, und das Stützelement 51 wird in der Concha verankert. Somit kann eine sichere Fixierung des Hörers durch diese Zweipunktverankerung ermöglicht werden. Die Stützelemente 51 sowie ein aufsetzbarer Ring 52a können unterschiedliche Größen aufweisen, so dass eine Anpassung des In-Ear Hörers an unterschiedliche Ausgestaltungen eines Außenohres und der Concha ermöglicht werden.
• Fig. 7a zeigt eine Schnittansicht einer schematischen Darstellung eines Abschnitts einer Aufbewahrungseinheit für Hörer. Die Aufbewahrungseinheit 200 weist eine Ausnehmung 203 auf, welche derart ausgestaltet ist, dass ein Hörer 211 darin platziert werden kann. An der Unterseite der Ausnehmung ist eine Metallplatte 202 von außen angeordnet. Der gezeigte Hörer 210 weist einen elektroakustischen Wandler 211 mit einem Magneten auf. Wenn nun der Hörer in die Ausnehmung 203 platziert wird, wirken der Magnet in dem elektroakustischen Wandler 211 und die metallische magnetisierbare Platte 202 derart zusammen, dass der Hörer 211 magnetisch angezogen wird und somit in der Aussparung 203 haftet.
• Fig. 7b zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Aufbewahrungseinheit für Hörer. Die Aufbewahrungseinheit 200 weist eine Ausnehmung 203 für jeden Hörer 210 auf. In dieser Ausnehmung 203 ist eine magnetisierbare Scheibe, vorzugsweise Eisen oder Nickel oder eine Kombination daraus, angeordnet. Der Hörer 210 wird mit seinem elektroakustischen Wandler nach unten in die Ausnehmung 203 gelegt, so dass er aufgrund der magnetischen Kräfte zwischen dem Wandler 211 und der Scheibe 202 dort haftet.
  Alternativ zu der Metallscheibe 202 kann ebenfalls ein Magnet bzw. eine Magneteinheit in der Ausnehmung 203 angeordnet werden, um ebenfalls die magnetische Anziehung zu dem elektroakustischen Wandler 211 zu erreichen. Hierbei muss darauf geachtet werden, dass diese Magneteinheit entsprechend gepolt ist, damit der Hörer 210 angezogen und nicht abgestoßen wird.
• Fig. 8a zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Aufbewahrungstasche, insbesondere für Ohrhörer. Die Aufbewahrungstasche ist im Wesentlichen dreieckig mit einer ersten, zweiten und dritten Ecke 301, 302 und 303 ausgestaltet. Auf der ersten Seite 300a der Tasche ist ein erster Klettaufnäher 311 im Bereich der ersten Ecke 301 und ein zweiter Klettaufnäher 312 im Bereich der zweiten Ecke 302 angeordnet. Die Tasche weist drei Faltlinien 301 a, 302a und 303a auf.
• Fig. 8b zeigt eine Draufsicht einer zweiten Seite einer Aufbewahrungstasche. Die zweite Seite 300b der Aufbewahrungstasche weist einen dritten Klettaufnäher 313 im Bereich der zweiten Ecke 302 und einen vierten Klettaufnäher 314 im Bereich der dritten Ecke 303 auf.
• Fig. 8c zeigt eine weitere Ansicht der Aufbewahrungstasche von Fig. 8a. Hier wurde die erste Ecke 301a entlang der Faltlinie 302a nach innen geklappt, so dass der erste Klettaufnäher 311 zum Vorschein kommt.
• Fig. 8d zeigt eine weitere Ansicht der Aufbewahrungstasche von Fig. 8a, wobei nunmehr die zweite Ecke 302 entlang der zweiten Faltlinie 302a derart geklappt wird, dass die Klettaufnäher 301 und 303 zusammenwirken und das erste mit dem zweiten Ende 301, 302 verbinden.
• Fig. 8e zeigt eine weitere Ansicht der Aufbewahrungstasche von Fig. 8a. In dieser Ansicht wurde die dritte Ecke in die dritte Faltlinie 303a derart gefaltet, dass die Klettaufnäher 312 und 314 miteinander verbunden werden, so dass die Aufbewahrungstasche geschlossen ist. In Fig. 8d ist die Aufbewahrungstasche in einem geöffneten Zustand gezeigt.
• Fig. 9a zeigt eine Ansicht einer weiteren Aufbewahrungstasche und Fig. 9b zeigt eine weitere Ansicht der Aufbewahrungstasche von Fig. 9a. Die Aufbewahrungstasche ist im aufgeklappten Zustand im Wesentlichen dreieckig und weist drei Ecken 301, 302 und 303 auf. Auf einer Seite 300b weist die Tasche zwei Klett-aufnäher 313 und 314 auf, wobei der Klettaufnäher 313 im Bereich der zweiten Ecke 303 und der Klettaufnäher 314 im Bereich der dritten Ecke 303 angeordnet ist. In Fig. 9b ist die andere Seite der Aufbewahrungstasche von Fig. 9a gezeigt. Auf dieser Seite 300a weist die Tasche einen Klettaufnäher 311 im Bereich der ersten Ecke 301 und einen Klettaufnäher 302 im Bereich der zweiten Ecke 302 auf.

If a listener is at least partially inserted into the ear canal and seals it, it may cause damage to the membrane due to the overpressure in the ear canal. This can be prevented by using the ear cushion ring 41b by at least partially providing grooves or depressions in the ring. Thus, it is achieved that until shortly before the complete insertion of the listener into an auditory canal, the thus compressed air is dissipated or can escape.

• Fig. 6 shows a view of an in-ear earphone according to a sixth embodiment. The housing 50 of the in-ear earphone has a transducer housing 52 for a transducer 53 and is connected to a cable 54. In addition, the in-ear earphone has a support member 51 which is substantially aligned with the cable 54. Such a transducer is inserted above the ear canal, and the support member 51 is anchored in the concha. Thus, a secure fixation of the listener can be made possible by this two-point anchorage. The support elements 51 and an attachable ring 52a may have different sizes, so that an adaptation of the in-ear earphone to different embodiments of an outer ear and the concha are made possible.
• Fig. 7a shows a sectional view of a schematic representation of a portion of a storage unit for listeners. The storage unit 200 has a recess 203 which is configured such that a receiver 211 can be placed therein. At the bottom of the recess, a metal plate 202 is arranged from the outside. The shown earphone 210 has an electroacoustic transducer 211 with a magnet. Now, when the listener is placed in the recess 203, the magnet in the electroacoustic transducer 211 and the metallic magnetizable plate 202 cooperate so that the listener 211 is magnetically attracted and thus adhered in the recess 203.
• Fig. 7b shows a plan view of a storage unit for listeners. The storage unit 200 has a recess 203 for each receiver 210. In this recess 203 is a magnetizable disc, preferably iron or nickel or a combination thereof, arranged. The earphone 210 is placed with its electro-acoustic transducer down in the recess 203 so that it due to the magnetic forces between the transducer 211 and the disc 202 there adheres.
  As an alternative to the metal disk 202, a magnet or a magnet unit can also be arranged in the recess 203 in order likewise to achieve the magnetic attraction to the electroacoustic transducer 211. Care must be taken that this magnet unit is poled accordingly, so that the handset 210 is attracted and not repelled.
• Fig. 8a shows a schematic view of a storage bag, especially for earphones. The storage bag is substantially triangular with first, second and third corners 301, 302 and 303 configured. On the first page 300a the Bag a first Velcro patch 311 in the region of the first corner 301 and a second Velcro patch 312 in the region of the second corner 302 is arranged. The pocket has three fold lines 301a, 302a and 303a.
• Fig. 8b shows a plan view of a second side of a storage bag. The second side 300b of the storage bag has a third hook-and-loop patch 313 in the area of the second corner 302 and a fourth hook-and-loop patch 314 in the area of the third corner 303.
• Fig. 8c shows another view of the storage bag of Fig. 8a , Here, the first corner 301a has been folded inward along the fold line 302a so that the first hook-and-loop patch 311 comes to the fore.
• Fig. 8d shows another view of the storage bag of Fig. 8a in which now the second corner 302 is folded along the second fold line 302a such that the Velcro patches 301 and 303 cooperate and connect the first to the second end 301, 302.
• Fig. 8e shows another view of the storage bag of Fig. 8a , In this view, the third corner has been folded into the third fold line 303a such that the hook and loop labels 312 and 314 are joined together so that the storage pocket is closed. In Fig. 8d the storage bag is shown in an open condition.
• Fig. 9a shows a view of another storage bag and Fig. 9b shows another view of the storage bag of Fig. 9a , The storage bag is substantially triangular in the unfolded state and has three corners 301, 302 and 303. On one side 300b, the pocket has two Velcro patches 313 and 314, wherein the Velcro patch 313 in the region of the second corner 303 and the Velcro patch 314 in the region of the third corner 303 is arranged. In Fig. 9b is the other side of the storage bag of Fig. 9a shown. On this side 300 a, the pocket has a hook-and-loop patch 311 in the area of the first corner 301 and a hook-and-loop patch 302 in the area of the second corner 302.

To fold the bag, first the first corner 301 is folded or folded along the fold line 301 a. Subsequently, the second corner 302 along the fold line 302 a is also folded or folded, so that the Velcro patches 311 and 313 can be fastened together. Finally, the third corner 303 is folded along the fold line 303a so that the pocket can be closed and when closed substantially represents a triangle.

Although according to Fig. 8a to 9b Velcro patch have been described, the foldable storage bag according to the Fig. 8a to 9b also realize, if not a Velcro patch but when fasteners such as push buttons or by a magnetic attraction connectable buttons are used.

The Velcro patch 313 or the connecting unit 313 is arranged substantially in the region of the second corner 303 along the edge between the first corner 301 and the second corner 302. The Velcro patch 314 or the fastening unit 314 is arranged in the third corner 303. The Velcro patch 311 or the fastening unit 311 is aligned in the region of the first corner 301 substantially to the edge between the second and third corners 302, 303. Thus it can be achieved that the Velcro patches do not damage the fabric of the folding pocket by a wrong folding.

Fig. 10 shows a view of a handset according to another embodiment. This handset is designed in particular as an earphone. The listener has a line 401 and a listener housing 402. Attached to the earphone housing 402 is an ear hook 403 which is hooked behind the ear of the wearer during wear of the earpiece.

On the outside of the receiver housing 402, a recess 405 is arranged, where a replaceable cover unit 404 can be put on or attached thereto. By attaching the slip-on unit 404 to the recess 405, the acoustic properties of the listener are changed. Thus, by differently configured attachment units 404, the acoustic properties of the listener can be influenced in a targeted manner.

So far, the acoustic properties of a listener during the development phase have been determined by the geometry of the listener and the materials used and can not be changed easily thereafter. For example, to adjust an acoustic short, damping materials such as silk, cushioning papers, foams and the like are used. By choosing the materials, these properties can be influenced. However, it would be desirable for the user can influence the acoustic properties of the listener and thus be able to adjust them individually.

At the in Fig. 10 This can be done, for example, by using different plug-on units or covers 404, wherein the plug-on units or covers change the acoustic properties of the listener. By virtue of the design of the slip-on unit 404, for example, an acoustically effective volume can be generated or changed. By means of these plug-on units, for example, the rear volume of the transducer system in the handset 400 can be influenced so that the acoustic properties of the listener are likewise changed. In the in Fig. 10 In the embodiment shown, the replaceable acoustic elements are configured as plug-on elements 404 and are thus visible from the outside.

Alternatively, the exchangeable acoustic elements can also be designed so that they are hidden and are not visible from the outside. Such acoustic elements can be configured, for example, as cartridge-like damping elements, which can be screwed on as well as on both sides. These damping elements or acoustic elements may, for example, have sponges or may change or contain defined acoustically effective volumes.

Thus, different acoustic elements or damping elements can be provided, which adapt the acoustic properties of a listener to the individual taste of a user. Furthermore, the acoustic elements or the damping elements can be tuned to different music directions, so that by replacing the damping elements or the acoustic elements, an adjustment of the listener is made possible to a particular music direction. What was previously provided by a design of an electronic equalizer, for example in a playback device, can thus be configured directly on a handset.

Thus, replaceable damping elements are provided, which also have an acoustic function. Such attenuation elements can be used both in headphones and earphones to influence the acoustic properties of the listener. Preferably, the replaceable damping elements or acoustic elements are designed such that the end user can exchange them themselves. The damping elements are thus preferably inserted, plugged or screwed configured.

In a housing of a listener, for example, a recess may be present in which a cartridge-like damping element or acoustic element can be inserted or screwed in, whereby the acoustic properties of the listener can be changed.

The interchangeable damping elements can be used, for example, to influence the frequency response, bass reproduction, treble reproduction and center reproduction.

If the replaceable damping elements or acoustic elements are designed as covers of a listener, then the listener can be converted by the replacement of the cover, for example, from a closed listener to an open listener, so that the tuning behavior of the listener is changed. Conversion of a closed earphone to an open earphone, for example, by replacing the replaceable damping elements, may have the advantage of better perceiving the environment. This can be advantageous in particular when cycling. However, if it is preferred to perceive the ambient noise less, for example, by replacing the attenuation elements, an open listener can be converted to a closed listener.

If the replaceable damping elements are designed, for example, as a cover of a receiver, then the volume behind a ventilation opening can be influenced by the differently designed lids, so that the acoustic properties of the receiver are changed on account of the volume of the ventilation opening. For example, to manipulate the reproduction of the listener, the covers described above may provide a different volume between the cover and the listener. Alternatively or additionally, a hole or an opening may likewise be provided in the cover, which likewise leads to a change in the acoustic properties of the listener. Although in FIG. 4 only one earphone is shown with a hook, the interchangeable acoustic elements can also be implemented in other handsets such as a headset, an earphone or an in-ear earpiece.

Preferred embodiments: Embodiment 1:

Handset, especially an earphone, with
first and second transducer housings (41, 42) and a flexible headband (43) connecting said first and second transducer housings (41, 42), said headband (43) being preformed so as to be wound in its relaxed, unsupported condition and at least one turn.

Embodiment 2:

A handset according to embodiment 1, wherein the headband (43) is wound in a non-worn state substantially in a plane.

Embodiment 3:

A handset according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the headband (43) has two first portions (43c) respectively adjacent to the transducer housing (41, 42) and a second portion (43d) connecting the two first portions (43c),
wherein the two first portions (43c) in the mounted state extend substantially parallel to the lateral head portions of a carrier and at the two transition regions (43d) between the first and the second portion (43c, 43d) performs a bend to the back of the head, said second portion (43d) in the mounted state substantially conforms to the transition between the head and the back of the head and also has a bend.

Embodiment 4:

A handset according to Embodiment 3, wherein the radius of curvature of the second portion (43d) and the radius of curvature of the transition portions each depend on the size of the head of the wearer.

Embodiment 5:

Handset according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the headband in the relaxed unaided state has a diameter of about 80 to 100 mm, in particular 90 mm.

Embodiment 6:

Handset according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the headband (43) spring steel having a spring constant of about 800 to 1300 N / mm, in particular about 1100 N / mm.

Embodiment 7:

Handset according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the first and second converter housing (41, 42) by an angle ( α ) of about 35 - 55 °, in particular 40 °, inclined.

Embodiment 8:

Earpiece according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein two kinks are provided in the transition regions between the first portions and the second portion in the spring steel.

Embodiment 9:

Handset according to embodiment 8, wherein the kinks (43e) in the spring steel are designed such that a preferred direction of tilt is provided.

Embodiment 10:

Handset according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the winding of the headband (43) in its relaxed state has a wrap angle of between about 360 ° and 720 °, in particular between 550 ° and 630 °.

Embodiment 11:

Handset according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the headband (43) is twisted in a preferred direction by about 180 °.

Embodiment 12:

Earpiece according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the headband (43) in the unfolded, worn state in its first portions (43c) is bent backwards and the second portion (43d) connecting the two first portions (43c) forms a partial section of a circular path.

Embodiment 13:

Handset according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein the spring steel is twisted in such a way and the kinks (43e) are formed such that the headband (43) is stabilized only in the worn state.

Embodiment 14:

Earpiece according to one of the previous embodiments, wherein replaceable ear connector rings (41 a, 41 b) on the transducer housing (41, 42) can be attached.

Embodiment 15:

Handset according to embodiment 13, wherein in the Ohranpassringen recesses and / or grooves are arranged.

Embodiment 16:

An ear muff ring for an earphone for mounting to a transducer housing of a listener, having an inner and outer edge, wherein recesses and / or grooves extend partially axially toward the inner edge.

Embodiment 17:

Ohranpassring according to embodiment 16, wherein the Ohranpassring has a convex curved surface in cross-section.

Embodiment 18:

Ohranpassring according to embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the recesses and / or grooves are arranged uniformly spaced on the circumference of Ohranpassringes.

Embodiment 19:

Volume control unit for a handset, comprising a first hollow body (1) and a second body (2) which can be received by the hollow body (1), wherein a potentiometer unit (6) in the inner body (2) is arranged such that relative movement between the first hollow body (1) and the second body (2) varies the setting of the potentiometer unit.

Embodiment 20:

A volume control unit according to Embodiment 19, comprising an outer tube unit (1) and an inner tube unit (2), wherein a potentiometer unit (6) is disposed in the inner tube is arranged such that by relative movement between the outer tube and the inner tube, the adjustment of the potentiometer unit (6) is varied.

Embodiment 21:

Volume control unit according to embodiment 19 or 20, with
an outer tube unit (1) having at least one opening (1a),
an inner tube unit (2) having first and second ends (2a) and a slot (2c) disposed therebetween,
a potentiometer unit (6) having on its upper side a projection (6a),
a counter element (4) which has at least one projection (4a) which is designed such that the projection engages in the openings (1a) of the outer tube unit (1),
wherein the outer tube unit (1) is inserted over the inner tube unit (2), and the projection (4a) is inserted into the opening (1a) so as to engage with the slot (2c) and engage with the projection (6a) of FIG Potentiometereinheit (6) cooperates such that at a relative displacement between the outer tube unit (1) and the inner tube unit (2), the setting of the Potentiometereinheit (6) is varied.

Embodiment 22:

Headphone with a volume control unit according to embodiments 19 to 21.

Embodiment 23:

An earphone, in particular an in-ear earphone, having a housing (32) which has a lower part (32a) for connection to a cable (31), the lower part (32a) having a substantially straight inside (32c), wherein the housing (32) has an upper portion (32b) for receiving the electroacoustic transducer (33), and in the transition region between the lower portion (32a) and the upper portion (32b) a concave curved recess (34, 35) is provided ,

Embodiment 24:

Storage box for a handset, with two recesses for receiving the handset, wherein a magnetizable plate and / or disc is arranged in or at the bottom of the recess.

Embodiment 25:

A storage bag for a handset, the bag having substantially three corners (301, 302 and 303) and three desired fold lines (301 a, 302 a, 303 a), wherein on a first side of the bag, a first attachment unit (311) in the first corner (301) and a second fastening unit (312) in the region of the second corner (302), wherein on the second side of the pocket, a third fastening unit (313) in the region of the second corner (302) and a fourth fastening unit (314 ) is arranged in the region of the third corner (303).

Embodiment 26:

The bag of embodiment 25, wherein the first corner (301) is folded along the first desired fold line (301a) and wherein the second corner (302) is folded along the second desired fold line (302a) such that the third attachment unit (302) 313) is attached to the first fixing unit (311).

Embodiment 27:

The bag of embodiment 26, wherein the third corner (303) is folded along the third desired fold line (303a) such that the fourth attachment unit (314) is secured to the second attachment unit (312).

Embodiment 28:

Listener, with
exchangeable acoustic elements, wherein the exchangeable acoustic elements are adapted to influence the acoustic properties of the listener.

Embodiment 29:

A receiver according to embodiment 28, further comprising a receiver housing (402) and at least one recess (405) in the receiver housing (402) and an interchangeable acoustic unit (404) removably attachable to or into the recess (405).

Embodiment 30:

A handset according to embodiment 28 or 29, wherein the interchangeable acoustic units are configured to change an effective acoustic volume of the handset.

Embodiment 31:

A receiver according to any one of embodiments 28 to 30, wherein the exchangeable acoustic elements are configured as cartridge-type damping elements which can be placed in a corresponding recess in the receiver so as to influence the acoustic properties of the listener.

Embodiment 32:

A receiver according to any one of embodiments 28 to 31, wherein the acoustic unit has at least one acoustically effective opening.

Claims (5)

Volume control unit for a handset, comprising a first hollow body (1) and a second body (2) which can be received by the hollow body (1), wherein a potentiometer unit (6) in the inner body (2) is arranged such that relative movement between the first hollow body (1) and the second body (2) varies the setting of the potentiometer unit. A volume control unit according to claim 1, comprising an outer tube unit (1) and an inner tube unit (2), wherein a potentiometer unit (6) is disposed in the inner tube such that relative movement between the outer tube and the inner tube causes adjustment of the tube Potentiometereinheit (6) is varied. Volume control unit according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an outer tube unit (1) with at least one opening (1a),
an inner tube unit (2) having first and second ends (2a) and a slot (2c) disposed therebetween,
a potentiometer unit (6) having on its upper side a projection (6a),
a counter element (4) which has at least one projection (4a) which is designed such that the projection engages in the openings (1a) of the outer tube unit (1),
wherein the outer tube unit (1) is inserted over the inner tube unit (2), and the projection (4a) is inserted into the opening (1a) so as to engage with the slot (2c) and engage with the projection (6a) of FIG Potentiometereinheit (6) cooperates such that at a relative displacement between the outer tube unit (1) and the inner tube unit (2), the setting of the Potentiometereinheit (6) is varied. Headphone with a volume control unit according to claims 1 to 3. Headphone according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the volume control is formed in or on the supply cable of the listener.

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