An Earplug with a Function of Blocking a Noise and Regulating a Pressure

Abstract

The present invention relates to an earplug having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions. The earplug having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions comprises: a plurality of blocking wings (11 to 14) having different sizes, with their centers located on the same straight line, and arranged separately along a linear path; a leg (21) extending in a cylindrical shape from a first blocking wing (11); an inlet hole (22) formed to extend inward along the centerline of the leg (21); a plurality of handling tabs (23 to 25) formed separately below the leg (21); and a ceramic filter disposed in the path of the inlet hole (22).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an earplug having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions, and specifically, to an earplug having an input regulating function that blocks various forms of external noise from entering the ear while simultaneously appropriately mitigating pressure differences caused by altitude differences. Background Technology

[0002] Noise can be generated in various living or working environments, and, for example, sound signals with a magnitude of 50 or 60 decibels or higher can be classified as noise. Such noise can impair hearing function and trigger stress reactions. Furthermore, since it can cause hearing loss or tinnitus and lead to various types of diseases, it needs to be blocked by appropriate methods. Additionally, although the ear has a structure that naturally adapts to external atmospheric pressure, it may fail to adapt to rapid pressure changes during the up-and-down movement of airplanes or elevators, which can result in ear fullness or damage to the eardrum. Therefore, there is a need to develop a method that can mitigate pressure changes resulting from pressure rise or fall under such conditions of atmospheric pressure change. In this regard, Utility Model Publication No. 20-2019-0002280 discloses a noise-reducing earplug that is worn on the ear to reduce external noise. Furthermore, Utility Model Publication No. 20-2019-0003082 discloses a bidirectional noise-blocking earplug. The earplugs disclosed in the prior art or known art do not disclose earplugs capable of efficiently blocking noise or regulating pressure.

[0003] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art and has the following objectives. Prior art literature

[0004] Prior Art 1: Utility Model Publication No. 20-2019-0002280 (Park Young-wook et al., published September 17, 2019) Noise-attenuating earplugs Prior Art 2: Utility Model Publication No. 20-2019-0003082 (Tamra NC Co., Ltd., published December 13, 2019) Bidirectional noise-blocking earplugs The problem to be solved

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide an earplug having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions, wherein external noise is blocked by a blocking wing and the pressure difference is regulated by a filter. means of solving the problem

[0006] According to a suitable embodiment of the present invention, an earplug having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions comprises: a plurality of blocking wings having different sizes, centered on the same straight line, and arranged separately along a linear path; a leg extending in a cylindrical shape from a first blocking wing; an inlet hole formed to extend inward along the centerline of the leg; a plurality of handling tabs formed separately below the leg; and a ceramic filter disposed in the path of the inlet hole.

[0007] According to another suitable embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of blocking wings are composed of a first blocking wing formed at the bottom having the largest diameter; and a fourth blocking wing positioned at the top, and at least one concave groove is formed along the circumferential surface of the fourth blocking wing.

[0008] According to another suitable embodiment of the present invention, the inlet hole extends to the front of the first blocking wing, and the ceramic filter is positioned so as to be moved inward by a certain distance from the entrance of the inlet hole, having a shorter length compared to the inlet hole. Effects of the invention

[0009] The earplugs according to the present invention, having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions, are worn during daily life or at work sites to effectively block noise that may cause various stresses or diseases. The earplugs according to the present invention appropriately regulate changes in ear pressure caused by differences in altitude to prevent the phenomenon of ear fullness. Furthermore, the earplugs according to the present invention prevent damage to the eardrum caused by such sudden pressure changes. The earplugs according to the present invention have a structure with improved handling convenience and can be used in various usage environments, and the present invention is not limited by this. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an earplug having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions according to the present invention. FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 illustrate the structure of an earplug according to the present invention as viewed from various directions. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a ceramic filter applied to an earplug according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the attached drawings, but the embodiments are for a clear understanding of the invention and the invention is not limited thereto. In the description below, components having the same reference numeral in different drawings have similar functions and are not described repeatedly unless necessary for understanding the invention, and known components are described briefly or omitted, but should not be understood as being excluded from the embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an earplug having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions according to the present invention.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, an earplug having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions comprises: a plurality of blocking wings (11 to 14) having different sizes and centered on the same straight line and arranged separately along a linear path; a leg (21) extending in a cylindrical shape from the first blocking wing (11); an inlet hole (22) formed to extend inward along the centerline of the leg (21); a plurality of handling tabs (23 to 25) formed separately below the leg (21); and a ceramic filter disposed in the path of the inlet hole (22).

[0014] The earplug includes a blocking module (10) that is inserted into the inside of the ear to block noise; and a leg module (20) for holding the blocking module (10) with a hand to insert or remove it from the ear. The blocking module (10) includes an extension pole (15) that extends in a linear direction; and a plurality of blocking wings (11 to 14) arranged along the extension pole (15). The extension pole (15) has a cylindrical shape overall and functions to separate the different blocking wings (11 to 14) from each other. The plurality of blocking wings (11 to 14) can be four, for example, first to fourth blocking wings (11 to 14), and each blocking wing (11 to 14) can have a mushroom shape or cap shape overall around the extension pole (15). The first blocking wing (11) can be placed at the bottom, and the second, third, and fourth blocking wings (12 to 14) can be arranged in order, separated from each other by the extension pole (15). The first blocking wing (11) may have the largest diameter, while the second, third, and fourth blocking wings (12, 13, 14) may be formed with a structure in which the diameters gradually decrease. Additionally, the centers of the second, third, and fourth blocking wings (12, 13, 14) may be located on the same straight line. A leg (21) that is entirely cylindrical in shape may be extended downward from the first blocking wing (11). An inlet hole (22) may be formed along the centerline in the longitudinal direction of the leg (21), and a plurality of handling tabs (23 to 25) may be formed on the lower part of the leg (21). Specifically, a first handling tab (23) may be formed at the end of the leg (21), and second and third handling tabs (24, 25) may be formed separated from each other along the upward direction of the leg (21). A plurality of handling tabs (23 to 25) may have the same or similar shape, and each handling tab (23 to 25) may have a shape in which the edges of the two protruding parts that protrude to both sides of the leg (21) are curved.Specifically, the two opposing sides of each handling tab (23 to 25) may be linearly extended with a width corresponding to the outer diameter of the leg (21), and the remaining two opposing sides of each handling tab (23 to 25) may be curved or curved in shape and may connect the two sides that extend in a straight shape. The handling tabs (23 to 25) correspond to the part where the earplug is held by hand and may function as a limiting block to prevent the earplug from being fully inserted into the ear. Furthermore, the rectangular plate-like shape formed by such straight and curved lines makes it convenient to hold by hand, while also protruding laterally to prevent it from being fully inserted into the ear. Additionally, the straight shape prevents it from rolling easily on the ground, thereby preventing the risk of loss. A parabolic flat portion (26) facing the upper part of the leg may be formed in the middle of the straight direction of the third handling tab (25) located at the top. Specifically, the flat portion (26) can be formed by cutting a portion of the circumferential surface of the leg (21) to form a flat shape. The first to fourth blocking wings (11 to 14) can be made in various sizes or structures, and such shapes are described in detail below.

[0015] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 illustrate the structure of an earplug according to the present invention as viewed from various directions.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of blocking wings (11 to 14) are formed with a first blocking wing (11) having the largest diameter and formed at the bottom; and a fourth blocking wing (14) positioned at the top, and at least one concave groove is formed along the circumferential surface of the fourth blocking wing (14).

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates the front and side views of the earplug, respectively, and FIG. 3 illustrates the top and bottom views, respectively. The first to fourth blocking wings (11 to 14) have the same or similar shape but differ in diameter or size, except that a semicircular groove may be formed along the circumference of the fourth blocking wing (14). Specifically, the fourth blocking wing (14) may have an overall convex curved shape and a cross shape, and the outer circumference may have a curved shape. Due to the shape of the fourth blocking wing (14) as described above, the earplug is prevented from slipping out while being worn on the ear and is stably fixed in a designated position. Specifically, the four petal-shaped protrusions of the cross-shaped fourth blocking wing (14) may function as a catch inside the ear. Each blocking wing (11 to 14) may have an overall conical shape, and the diameter may gradually increase from the fourth blocking wing (14) to the first blocking wing (11). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first blocking wing (11) has a relatively larger ratio of diameter increase compared to the other blocking wings (12 to 14). This allows for effective noise blocking. For example, external noise can be blocked primarily by the first blocking wing (11) and then blocked in stages by the second to fourth blocking wings (12 to 14). Accordingly, since the noise blocking effect can be determined by the first blocking wing (11), it is advantageous for the first blocking wing (11) to have a sufficiently large diameter compared to the second blocking wing (12). Specifically, the difference (D3-D4) between the diameter (D3) of the third blocking wing (13) and the diameter (D4) of the fourth blocking wing (14), and the difference (D2-D3) between the diameter (D2) of the second blocking wing (12) and the diameter (D3) of the third blocking wing (13) can be in a ratio of 0.8 to 1.2.In contrast, the difference (D1-D2) between the diameter (D1) of the first blocking wing (11) and the diameter (D2) of the second blocking wing (D2) can be 2 to 5 times D3-D4 or D2-D3. In this way, the noise blocking effect can be increased by making the increase ratio of the diameter (D1) of the first blocking wing (11) relatively large, or by making the second blocking wing (11) 1.2 to 2 times the diameter of the fourth blocking wing (14).

[0018] Multiple handling tabs (23 to 25) may be made of the same or similar shape and the same or similar size. The edges of the side portions of each handling tab (23 to 25) may be circular or elliptical in shape and may protrude outward from the leg (21). Additionally, the portions of the handling tabs (23 to 25) that overlap with the leg (21) may be flat. Each handling tab (23 to 25) may protrude entirely from the outer circumference surface of the leg (21). As shown in FIG. 3, a circular transmission portion (31) may be formed in the center portion of the fourth blocking wing (11). Each blocking wing (11 to 14) may have a structure in which the thickness gradually decreases as it extends outward from the extension pole (15) formed in the center portion. The extension pole (15) may have different diameters depending on the connecting blocking wing (11 to 14). The transmission portion (31) may have a flat or curved shape similar to a flat surface, and a transmission cylinder may be formed extending from the center of each extension pole (15) to the upper end of the leg (21), with the transmission portion (31) as the end. The transmission cylinder may be formed in a cylindrical shape having the same diameter as the transmission portion (31) and having a relatively large density compared to the blocking wings (11 to 14) or the extension pole (15). By such a transmission cylinder, external noise is blocked, and the sound to be heard is transmitted to the ear in a weak form. An inlet hole (22) may be formed in the leg (21), and a ceramic filter (32) may be placed in the inlet hole (22).

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a ceramic filter applied to an earplug according to the present invention.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 4, the inlet hole (22) may extend along the inner centerline of the leg (21), and the ceramic filter (32) may be inserted into the inner part of the inlet hole (22). The ceramic filter (32) is inserted into the inlet hole (22) by a forced fitting method, and then a connecting pole (41) extending downward from the end of the leg (21) and the first blocking wing (11) may be combined. The leg (21) may be made of a silicone material having, for example, a Shore hardness of 10 to 100, and each blocking wing (11 to 14) may be made of a soft silicone material that can be easily bent. The ceramic filter (32) may be forcibly fitted into the inlet hole (22) due to the elasticity of the silicone material and can be stably fixed to the inlet hole (22). The ceramic filter (32) may be, for example, alumina, silicon carbide, cordierite, mullite, silica, or a similar porous ceramic filter. For example, the ceramic filter (32) may be a porous ceramic filter having a pore ratio of 50 to 60% and a mechanical strength of 5 to 20 MPa, but is not limited thereto. Rapid air movement between the inside and outside of the ear may be restricted by the ceramic filter (32), thereby regulating the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the ear. Additionally, a portion of the sound signal may be introduced through the inlet hole (22), guided by the ceramic filter (32) and the cylinder member (42), and transmitted to the transmission part (31) to be weakly transmitted to the ear. The ceramic filter (32) may be made of various materials and may have various characteristics, and the present invention is not limited by this.

[0021] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the presented embodiments, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the technical spirit of the invention by referring to the presented embodiments. The present invention is not limited by such modifications and variations, but is limited only by the claims appended below. Explanation of the symbols

[0022] 10: Blocking Module 20: Bridge Module 11 to 14: Blocking wings 15: Extension pole 21: Bridge 22: Inflow hole 23 to 25: Handling tabs 32: Ceramic filter

Claims

Claim 1 A plurality of blocking wings (11 to 14) having different sizes, with their centers located on the same straight line, and arranged separately along a linear path; a leg (21) extending in a cylindrical shape from the first blocking wing (11); an inlet hole (22) formed to extend inward along the centerline of the leg (21); a plurality of handling tabs (23 to 25) formed separately below the leg (21); and a ceramic filter disposed in the path of the inlet hole (22), wherein the plurality of blocking wings (11 to 14) include a first blocking wing (11) formed at the bottom having the largest diameter; and a fourth blocking wing (14) disposed at the top. An earplug having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions, comprising a first blocking wing (11) and a second and third blocking wing (12, 13) positioned between the first blocking wing (11) and the fourth blocking wing (14), wherein the first to fourth blocking wings (11 to 14) have a conical shape with a diameter that gradually increases from the fourth blocking wing (14) to the first blocking wing (11), and the fourth blocking wing (14) includes four petal-shaped protrusions in a cross shape to function as a catch inside the ear, and each of the plurality of handling tabs (23 to 25) has two sides facing each other that are linearly extended with a width corresponding to the outer diameter of the leg (21), and the remaining two sides facing each other are formed in a curved shape, and a parabolic flat portion (26) facing the upper part of the leg is formed in the middle part of the linearly extended side of the uppermost handling tab (25). Claim 2 An earplug having noise blocking and pressure regulating functions according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet hole (22) extends to the front of the first blocking wing (11), and the ceramic filter (32) has a shorter length than the inlet hole (22) and is positioned by moving inward by a certain distance from the entrance of the inlet hole (22).

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