HK1140089A - Speaker shell - Google Patents

Abstract

A speaker shell, which includes a shell for the loud-speaker, and the shell limits at least one opening; an elastic vibration membrane fixed outside the shell, as well as the elastic vibration membrane is equipped for contacting with head of user when using; as well as a barrier diaphragm which is equipped outside the shell for sealing at least one opening, thereby the loud-speaker is waterproof.

Description

Loudspeaker box

The application is a divisional application, the original application date is 9/5/2003, the application number is 03821633.7, and the invention is named as a communication device and a protective cap.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an improved device for facilitating communication by workers in noisy and hazardous environments.

Background

In noisy and often dangerous environments, personnel such as firefighters are particularly confronted with the problems of: when wearing devices such as helmets and respirators, it is difficult to communicate with colleagues and other parties. Several approaches to this problem are described in the prior art. For example, in Japanese patent application laid-open No. JP 11215581-A to Temco Japan, Inc., a bone conduction headset adapted to be mounted under a helmet is described. The bone conduction microphone is placed on top of the head. Such a device is considered a potential hazard in that if a load is dropped on the device wearer, the bone conduction microphone may be pressed against the wearer's skull. Other methods of facilitating communication have included the use of headphones that cover the ears. This approach prevents the wearer from hearing ambient noise and engaging in direct contact with nearby people while making it easier for the wearer to hear sound emanating from the headphones.

In high ambient noise environments, the operating personnel may need to use hearing protection devices. However, the use of hearing protection devices often prevents clear communication from being provided.

Further problems faced when providing a communication device for firefighters are: water usage during firefighter operations can destroy the communication device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that solves the above mentioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus comprising:

the bearing structure is fixed on the safety helmet;

a vibration conduction microphone carried by the carrier structure; and

a speaker box, also carried by the carrier structure, the vibration conduction microphone and the speaker box being positioned such that, in use, the vibration conduction microphone and the speaker box are in contact with the back of the wearer's head when the carrier structure is secured to the safety helmet.

The load bearing structure is configured to be secured to the nape strap of the safety helmet.

Preferably, both the vibration conduction microphone and the speaker box are waterproof.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a protective cap comprising:

a vibration conduction microphone disposed on a portion of the helmet; and

a speaker box also positioned to be positioned on a portion of the helmet, the vibration conduction microphone and the speaker box being positioned so that the vibration conduction microphone and the speaker box are in contact with the back of the wearer's head when the helmet is worn.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a speaker box comprising:

a housing disposed about the speaker, the housing having at least one opening;

a resilient diaphragm disposed on the housing for contact with a user's head in use; and

a diaphragm sealing the at least one opening, thereby rendering the speaker waterproof.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing has first and second openings. The resilient diaphragm may seal the first opening for contact with a user's head in use, and the second opening is sealed by a waterproofing membrane.

Preferably, the second opening is protected by an acoustically transparent cover.

In a preferred embodiment, the cone of the loudspeaker faces the diaphragm and the acoustically transparent cover.

Ideally, the housing is dimensioned so as to maximise the energy transfer from the loudspeaker to the user via the resilient diaphragm, in use.

Typically, a cable is coupled to the speaker.

Preferably, the housing includes an aperture, and the cable passes through the aperture.

Ideally, the opening is filled with a sealant.

Preferably, the sealant provides strain relief for the cable.

Preferably, the housing includes mounting means arranged to receive a strap, belt or the like.

A transducer may be located within the housing adjacent the elastic diaphragm such that the speaker box transmits vibrations to the wearer while serving to pick up vibrations from the wearer. Preferably, the transducer is an accelerometer (accelerometer).

The accelerometer is preferably acoustically isolated, for example in the manner of a viscoelastic layer. A spacer may be added between the viscoelastic layer and the speaker.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vibration conduction microphone comprising:

a transducer;

an acoustic isolator disposed about the accelerometer; and

a housing.

Preferably, the acoustic isolator comprises a viscoelastic material.

Preferably, the acoustic isolator further comprises fixing means for fixing the viscoelastic material.

In a preferred embodiment, the transducer comprises an accelerometer.

In one embodiment, the housing is a flexible body, such as polyurethane, configured to house the accelerometer, acoustic isolator, and mount (holder).

The housing may include mounting means. The mounting device is configured to receive a strap, belt, or the like.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a helmet-mountable communication device,

comprises a transducer consisting of a vibration conduction microphone and/or a loudspeaker box;

wherein the transducer is positioned at the rear of the helmet such that, in use, the transducer is in contact with the rear of the wearer's head.

Preferably the helmet mount includes both a vibration microphone and a speaker conductor.

Preferably the vibration conduction microphone is of the type described above. Similarly, the loudspeaker enclosure is preferably of the type described previously.

The transducer may be conveniently mounted on or suspended from a head-carrying part of the helmet, such as a headband within the helmet or a nape strap.

The helmet mount may be provided in conjunction with the helmet, or, as another alternative, may be provided separately for post-assembly on the helmet.

Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a typical preferred embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a first isometric view of a speaker box according to an embodiment of an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a second isometric view of the speaker cabinet of FIG. 1;

fig. 3 is a top view of the speaker box of fig. 1 and 2;

fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the speaker box of fig. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a speaker box according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the speaker box of FIG. 4;

fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the speaker box of fig. 4 and 5;

FIG. 6 is a first isometric view of a vibration conduction microphone in accordance with another aspect of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a second axial view of the vibration conduction microphone of FIG. 6;

fig. 8 is a top view of the vibration conduction microphone of fig. 6 and 7;

fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the vibration conduction microphone of fig. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 depicts the use of the speaker box of FIG. 1 and the vibration conduction microphone of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a first isometric view of a helmet mount according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a second isometric view of the helmet of FIG. 10 installed;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the helmet mount of FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views;

FIG. 13 is an exterior view of an exemplary protective cap;

FIG. 14 is an interior view of the exemplary helmet illustrating the position in which the helmet of FIG. 10 is installed during use.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a first side of a speaker box 50 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The term "loudspeaker enclosure" is used herein to mean an enclosure with a mounted loudspeaker enclosure, i.e. including a loudspeaker. The speaker box comprises a housing 2 incorporating mounting means in the form of elongate apertures 3 for securing the speaker box 50 to a belt, strap or the like. The cover covers one end of the housing 2 in the form of a grille 4. The grille 4 is acoustically transparent due to the plurality of apertures 5 to allow sound to escape from the loudspeaker located in the housing 2. The cable 6 extends through a port 7 formed in the housing 2. The cable 6 is connected to a speaker located in the housing 2, as will be briefly described below.

Fig. 2 is another isometric view of the speaker box 50 showing the diaphragm 8 joined to the housing 2 on the side opposite the grill 4. Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view through the loudspeaker enclosure, as shown, showing the built-in loudspeaker 9 with a cone 10, which is directed towards the grille 4. Between the loudspeaker cone and the grille, a waterproofing membrane 11 is arranged. The port 7 is sealed with a water-resistant sealant 12 that surrounds the cable 6 and provides strain relief for the cable. By means of the diaphragm 11, the diaphragm 8 and the sealant 12, waterproofing is achieved inside the speaker box 50.

In use, the speaker box 50 is placed on the head side with the strap or buckle passing through the elongated hole 3 so that the diaphragm 8 is in contact with the head side, but preferably, not covering the ears. Electrical signals from some communication source, such as walkie-talkie wireless communication, are applied to the speaker 9 by means of the cable 6. The speaker cone 10 vibrates in response, and thus the sound coming out of the grille 4 can be heard. At the same time, the diaphragm 8 vibrates against the head side, thereby vibrating the outer ear of the ear synchronously (nasal sympathology) and making the listener perceive the communication. The thickness of the housing 2, denoted by dimension D in figure 3A, is adjusted to maximise the coupling of energy from the loudspeaker 9 via the diaphragm 8 into the wearer's head.

Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a speaker box 52 according to another embodiment of the invention. Referring to fig. 1 to 3A, like reference numerals refer to like parts unless otherwise specified.

Fig. 5A is a sectional view of the speaker box 52. Surrounding the transducer in the form of an accelerometer 14 is an acoustic isolator 13, which is preferably constructed of a viscoelastic material, such asA preferred accelerometer is the 1771 single axis accelerometer of Log's Corporation (Knowles Corporation). The acoustic isolator 13 further comprises a transducer cap 15 which snaps over the viscoelastic material and is fixed behind the loudspeaker 16. The cable 17 from the accelerometer 14, together with the cable 17 from the speaker 16, passes out through a port 18. The elastic diaphragm 19 forms part of the housing 2 as described previously.

In use, the flexible diaphragm 19 is placed against the head of the user. To transmit the voice signal to the user, the speaker 16 is suitably energized. Vibrations from the speaker are transmitted to the user's head via the elastic diaphragm 19, where they cause resonance in the outer ear, thereby causing the user to perceive speech signals via bone-based acoustic conduction. The sound waves generated by the speaker 16 are also emitted outward through the diaphragm 20 and the grill 21 and heard by the user in the normal manner. Conversely, when the user speaks, the vibrations pass through the elastic diaphragm 19, are picked up by the accelerometer 14 and converted into electrical signals, which are transmitted through the cable 17 for further processing. By means of the acoustic isolator 13, the accelerometer 14 is prevented from picking up external sounds that are not authentic.

Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a vibration conduction microphone 54 in accordance with another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a second axial view of the vibration conduction microphone 54, and fig. 8A is a sectional view of the vibration conduction microphone 54.

The housing 22 has an elongated aperture 23 for receiving a strap or belt for placing the microphone 54 on the wearer's head and incorporates the diaphragm 24. Preferably, the housing 22 is a flexible body, such as polyurethane. The housing 22 has a recess 26.

An acoustic isolator 25 surrounds a transducer 27 in the form of an accelerometer 14, which is preferably constructed of a viscoelastic material, such as Sorbothane. The preferred accelerometer is a 1771 single axis accelerometer from louse. The acoustic isolator 25 is a transducer mount in the form of a cap 28, the cap 28 being secured in the recess 26 with a water-tight sealant (not shown). The cable 29 extends through a port 30 formed in the housing 22. A cable 29 is connected to the accelerometer 27 for transmitting electrical signals generated by the accelerometer during use for processing. A flexible, waterproof sealant 31 seals the port 30. Water resistance is achieved inside the housing 22 by means of the diaphragm 24 and the sealant 31.

In use, the vibration conduction microphone 54 is secured to the wearer's head by threading the strap or strap through the elongated aperture 23 and securing the vibration conduction microphone 54 with the diaphragm 24 against the wearer's head. When the wearer speaks, vibrations corresponding to the speech are generated and then transmitted to the accelerometer 27, converted by the sensor into electrical signals, which are transmitted through the cable 29 for processing by appropriate electronic circuitry.

Fig. 9 shows a user 32 wearing a typical breathing apparatus mask 33 that includes a plurality of head-carrying straps 34 and 35. Attached to strap 34 is a vibration conduction microphone 36 of the type described with reference to fig. 6. Attached to strap 35 is a speaker box of the type described with reference to figure 1. Cables 37 from the microphone 36 and speaker box 38 are connected to a suitable electronic communication module (not shown).

The communication module may include signal conditioning circuitry, such as filters, to improve the clarity of communication. It should be noted that the speaker box 38 does not cover the wearer's ears 39 so that in areas of high ambient noise, the wearer can easily hear ambient sounds, or wear a hearing protective device.

Fig. 10 is a first isometric view of a communication device 56 in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

Fig. 11 is a second perspective view of the communication device 56. Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the speaker box 43 of the device 56. The cover 43 is similar to the cover 50. Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the vibration conduction microphone 42 of the device 56. The vibration conduction microphone 42 is similar to the microphone 54. Referring to fig. 1 to 9, like reference numerals are used to designate like parts unless otherwise specified.

The communication device 56 includes a load bearing structure 41 (shown in fig. 14 for a helmet mount). As seen in fig. 10 to 12, a speaker box 43 and a microphone 42 are arranged in the carrying structure 41.

Fig. 13 is an external view of a typical protective helmet 58 used by, for example, a firefighter. Fig. 14 is an interior view of the exemplary protective cap 58 illustrating the mountable communication device aspect of the protective cap of fig. 10.

The communication device 56 is suspended from the nape adjustment strap 40 of the protective cap 58. The load bearing structure 41 is configured such that it is connected to the back neck adjustment strap 40. The speaker box 43 and the microphone 42 are mounted on the carrier structure 41 such that the diaphragm 24 of the vibration conduction microphone 42 and the diaphragm 8 of the speaker box 43 are in contact with the back of the wearer's head.

The inventors have found that it is possible to position the vibration conduction microphone and/or the speaker box at the rear of the head. As previously mentioned, this location is in contrast to prior art approaches that place the bone conduction transducer in an overhead location, which is a potentially dangerous location. Since the invention is the case using the device depicted in fig. 14, the wearer's ears are not covered by the incorporated speaker box, so that the wearer can easily hear ambient sounds, or wear a hearing protection device, in high ambient noise. The inventors have surprisingly found that a speaker box and/or a bone conduction microphone according to the invention works well when arranged as shown in fig. 14.

The examples of the present invention have been presented hereinabove for the purposes of illustration and description and are not intended to limit or restrict the invention since various modifications or improvements to the above-described examples, or applications in other fields, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention

The object, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

List of numbers in the figures

2 casing 3 elongated holes 4 grilles

5-hole 6-cable 7 port

8 diaphragm 9 loudspeaker 10 cone

11 waterproof diaphragm 12 waterproof sealant 13 acoustic isolator

14 accelerometer 15 transducer cap 16 speaker

17 cable 18 port 19 elastic diaphragm

20 diaphragm 21 grille 22 housing

23 elongated aperture 24 diaphragm 25 acoustic isolator

26 recess 27 accelerometer 28 cap

29 cable 30 port 31 waterproof sealant

32 user 33 mask 34 strap

35 strap 36 vibration conduction microphone 37 cable

38 speaker box 39 ear 40 back neck adjustment strap

41 carrying structure 42 vibration conduction microphone 43 speaker box

50 speaker box 52 speaker box 54 vibration conduction microphone

56 communication device 58 protective cap

Claims (7)

1. A speaker box, comprising:

a housing for a speaker, the housing defining at least one opening;

an elastic diaphragm fixed to the housing and configured to contact a user's head when in use; and

a diaphragm disposed on the housing to seal the at least one opening to make the speaker waterproof.

2. The speaker box of claim 1, wherein the housing defines first and second openings.

3. A speaker box according to claim 2, wherein an elastic diaphragm is disposed on the housing to seal the first opening, and the diaphragm is disposed on the housing to seal the second opening.

4. A speaker box according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein an acoustically transparent cover is provided on the enclosure to protect the second opening.

5. A speaker box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a speaker is mounted in the enclosure and a cable is connected to the speaker for conveying electrical signals to the speaker, the enclosure defining an aperture for receiving the cable and a sealant is interposed between the cable and the enclosure, the sealant being selected to provide strain relief to the cable.

6. A speaker cabinet according to claim 5, wherein mounting means are arranged on the housing, the mounting means being arranged to receive a strap, strap or the like.

7. A speaker box according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein a transducer is arranged in the housing adjacent the elastic diaphragm such that the speaker box is operable to pick up vibrations from a wearer and transmit vibrations to the wearer.