Sound output device

Abstract

The present invention includes: a main device part having at least one battery located inside the main device part, the main device part being positioned on the rear side of the auricle; a sound output part having at least one speaker located inside the sound output part, the sound output part being positioned on the front side of the auricle; a connecting part for connecting the main device part with the sound output part, the connecting part being positioned to go around from below along the earlobe; and a joint attached to the sound output part in a detachable manner and having a sound release opening, the joint guiding the sound output from the speaker to the external ear hole. A joint for one of the left ear and the right ear is mounted on the sound output part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to the technical field of a sound output device that is worn on the ear for use. Background Art

[0002] There are already sound output devices that are worn on the ears as headphones or earphones and are configured to output sound from a speaker, and the sound output devices have been increasingly used outdoors in addition to being used indoors in recent years. The sound output device includes, for example, a speaker configured to output sound and a control board configured to control the drive of the speaker, etc.

[0003] As such a sound output device, there is a sound output device that is worn on one of the left ear and the right ear for use (see Patent Document 1). The sound output device described in Patent Document 1 is provided as an earphone and includes an electroacoustic element serving as a speaker.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] [Patent Document 1]

[0007] JP 2018-186557A Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] Incidentally, regarding human ears, the angle of the left ear relative to the face is different from that of the right ear relative to the face. Therefore, regarding the sound output device worn on one ear for use, it is necessary to select whether to wear a predetermined left-ear-only sound output device on the left ear or a predetermined right-ear-only sound output device on the right ear.

[0010] However, the user may want to select which ear to wear the sound output device in accordance with the use environment or the user's convenience, and if the user cannot make a selection in this case, the user may feel inconvenienced. For example, if one of the user's ears is injured, the user may want the sound output device to be worn on the uninjured ear, and if one of the user's ears is hard of hearing, the user may want the sound output device to be worn on the good hearing ear.

[0011] Meanwhile, in order to eliminate this inconvenience, it is conceivable to provide the user with a pair of left ear dedicated sound output device and right ear dedicated sound output device. However, in this case, the two sound output devices need to be manufactured separately, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost.

[0012] Therefore, one object of the sound output device of the present technology is to improve usability without causing an increase in manufacturing cost.

[0013] Solution to the problem

[0014] First, according to the present technology, there is provided a sound output device, comprising: a main device part, which includes at least one battery and is positioned behind an auricle; a sound output part, which includes at least one speaker and is positioned in front of the auricle; a connecting part, which connects the main device part and the sound output part to each other and is positioned to go upward along the earlobe; and a joint, which is attached to the sound output part in a detachable manner, has a sound release opening, and guides the sound output from the speaker to the external ear hole, wherein the joint for one of the left ear and the right ear is mounted on the sound output part.

[0015] Thus, with the connector for one of the left ear and the right ear mounted on the sound output portion, the sound output device can be worn on one of the left ear and the right ear.

[0016] Next, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the joint is desirably rotatable relative to the sound output portion in a direction around a virtual axis extending in the attachment and detachment direction.

[0017] Thereby, the angle of the sound releasing opening relative to the sound output portion can be adjusted, and the positions of the main device portion, the sound output portion and the connecting portion relative to the auricle can be adjusted.

[0018] Thirdly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the output direction of the sound from the speaker is desirably set to a direction obliquely upward and backward, and the sound output from the speaker is desirably guided to a direction different from the output direction by the joint.

[0019] Thereby, the sound output from the speaker in the obliquely upward and rearward direction is guided by the joint to the direction different from the output direction to be output from the sound discharging opening to the external ear hole.

[0020] Fourthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the joint desirably includes a joint body portion formed in a cylindrical shape and a support portion formed in a curved shape and suspended on a lower leg of the antihelix.

[0021] Thereby, the joint is held on the ear with the curved support portion provided to the joint hanging on the lower crus of the antihelix.

[0022] Fifth, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the joint main body portion and the supporting portion are desirably formed integrally.

[0023] Thereby, the joint body part and the support part are not provided as separate components.

[0024] Sixth, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the supporting portion is desirably elastically deformable.

[0025] Thereby, the support portion can be elastically deformed to be suspended on the lower leg of the antihelix.

[0026] Seventh, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the joint desirably includes a cylindrical inner member placed inside the joint body portion, and the hardness of the inner member is desirably higher than that of the joint body portion.

[0027] Thereby, it is possible to allow the joint main body portion, which serves as the outer side of the joint and has a low hardness, to contact the ear, and to reinforce the joint by the internal member.

[0028] Eighth, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the control panel is desirably placed inside the main device portion, and the operation buttons for executing predetermined functions are desirably placed on the main device portion.

[0029] Thus, the main device portion includes the control panel and the operation buttons in addition to the battery, so that the sound output portion positioned in front of the auricle can be reduced in size.

[0030] Ninth, in the above-mentioned sound output device, a plurality of operation buttons are desirably placed on the main device portion, and the plurality of operation buttons are desirably arranged adjacent to each other while partially protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the main device portion.

[0031] Thereby, the user can blindly operate a desired operation button by moving his / her finger along the outer peripheral surface of the main device portion.

[0032] Tenth, in the above-mentioned sound output device, an antenna configured to receive a sound signal is desirably placed inside the connecting portion.

[0033] Thereby, the antenna is placed inside the connecting portion which is positioned to run upward along the earlobe so as to prevent the antenna from being covered by the ear.

[0034] Eleventhly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, desirably, the sound output device is provided with a retaining supporter including a coupling portion coupled to the connecting portion and positioned in a state of running downward along the helix.

[0035] Thus, the holding support connected to the connecting portion can be hung at the base of the ear near the temporal region, so that the sound output device is worn on the ear with the support of the holding support.

[0036] Twelfth, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the coupling portion is desirably slidable relative to the connecting portion.

[0037] Thus, the position of the retaining support relative to the ear can be adjusted by changing the position of the connecting portion relative to the coupling portion.

[0038] Thirteenth, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the main device portion desirably includes a charging terminal connected to a connection terminal of a charger, the charger desirably includes a magnet, and the main device portion desirably includes a magnetic member attracted to the magnet.

[0039] Thereby, the magnetic member is attracted to the magnet when the sound output device is connected to the charger.

[0040] Fourteenth, in the above-mentioned sound output device, an ear pad is desirably attached to the joint in a detachable manner, and a sound transmission hole serving as a passage of the sound output from the sound emission opening and an input hole capable of receiving external sound have desirably been formed in the ear pad.

[0041] Thereby, the sound generated in the external environment is input to the auditory canal from the input hole formed in the ear pad, so that the sound generated in the external environment can be heard together with the sound output from the speaker. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] [ Figure 1 ]and Figures 2 to 16 An embodiment of the sound output device of the present technology is illustrated together with a perspective view of an ear wearing the sound output device.

[0043] [ Figure 2 ] is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II.

[0044] [ Figure 3 ] is a perspective view of the sound output device, illustrating the device body and the left ear connector separated from each other.

[0045] [ Figure 4 ] is a perspective view of the sound output device, illustrating the device body and the right ear connector separated from each other.

[0046] [ Figure 5 ] is a front view of the sound output device with the left ear connector installed on it.

[0047] [ Figure 6 ] is a front view of the sound output device with the right ear connector installed on it.

[0048] [ Figure 7 ] is a plan view of the sound output device with the left ear connector installed on it.

[0049] [ Figure 8 ] is a plan view of the sound output device with the right ear connector installed on it.

[0050] [ Fig. 9 ] is a perspective view of the sound output device.

[0051] [ Fig.10 ] is an exploded perspective view of the sound output device.

[0052] [ Fig.11 ] is a side view of the sound output device.

[0053] [ Fig.12 ] is a side view illustrating the internal structure of the sound output device.

[0054] [ Fig.13 ] is a cross-sectional view of the sound output device, illustrating a portion of the sound output device and an ear.

[0055] [ Fig.14 ] is a side view of an example of a sound output device worn on the ear.

[0056] [ Fig.15 ] is a side view illustrating a sound output device worn on the ear using a holding support.

[0057] [ Fig.16 ] is a side view illustrating a sound output device and a charger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Now, a mode for implementing a sound output device of the present technology is described with reference to the drawings.

[0059] <Structure of the ear>

[0060] First, the structure of the ear on which the sound output device is worn is described (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0061] The ears 100 and 100 are part of the head 200, and each includes an auricle 101 or 101 and a part located inside the head 200, such as an eardrum, a semicircular canal, and a cochlea. The part of the head 200 located on the inner side of the auricle 101 and 101 is the temporal region 201 and 201, and the auricle 101 and 101 each protrudes to the left or right from the temporal region 201 or 201.

[0062] The auricle 101 has a shallow concave shape, and is generally open to the left or right to have an inner space 150. The auricle 101 has a portion called a helix 102 as its peripheral portion and a protruding portion called a crus of the helix 103. The crus of the helix 103 is continuous with the helix 102, and is located near the temporal region 201.

[0063] The portion on the inner side of the helix 102 is called a scaphoid 104 having a concave shape, and the approximately lower half portion on the inner side of the scaphoid 104 is called an antihelix 105 having a protruding shape. A bifurcated protruding portion continuous with the antihelix 105 is positioned above the antihelix 105. The outer and inner portions of the bifurcated portion are respectively called an antihelix upper crus 106 and an antihelix lower crus 107. The portion between the antihelix upper crus 106 and the antihelix lower crus 107 is called a triangular fossa 108 having a concave shape, and the portions on the inner side of the antihelix 105 and the antihelix lower crus 107 are called concha 109 having a concave shape.

[0064] The portion that is continuous with the lower portion of the antihelix 105 and slightly bulges toward the temporal region 201 is called the antitragus 110. The portion that faces the antitragus 110 and slightly bulges toward the antitragus 110 on the temporal region 201 side is called the tragus 111, and the lower end portion that is continuous with the lower portion of the helix 102 is called the earlobe 112.

[0065] The external auditory foramen 113 a as an entrance of the auditory canal 113 is positioned between the antitragus 110 and the tragus 111 , and the auditory canal 113 communicates with the eardrum, the semicircular canals, and the like.

[0066] In the inner space 150, the space surrounded by the lower crus 107 of the antihelix and the crus of the helix 103 is called the cymba concha 114, and the space below the cymba concha 114 is called the cavity of the external ear 115. The cymba concha 114 and the cavity of the external ear 115 are parts of the concha 109. The cavity of the external ear 115 is connected to the external auditory foramen 113a of the auditory canal 113. The U-shaped open space of the inner space 150 that is continuous with the lower part of the cavity of the external ear 115 is called the intertragic notch 116.

[0067] The inner space 150 of the auricle 101 is a space including the scaphoid concha 114 , the cavity of the external ear 115 and the intertragus notch 116 , as well as the lateral space of the scaphoid concha 104 , the antihelix 105 , the superior crus 106 of the antihelix, the inferior crus 107 of the antihelix and the triangular fossa 108 .

[0068] The human ear 100 differs in shape, size, and angle between individuals. However, it is known that when the distance A from the center P of the external auditory hole 113a to the upper end of the helix 102 and the distance B from the center P to the lower end of the earlobe 112 are compared with each other (see Figure 1 ), distance B has smaller individual differences than distance A.

[0069] <Overall Configuration of Sound Output Device>

[0070] Next, the configuration of the sound output device 1 is described (see Figures 3 to 13). For example, the sound output device 1 is worn on one of the left ear 100 or the right ear 100.

[0071] The sound output device 1 can be used indoors and outdoors, and can also be used during various exercises (sports) and driving vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles. In particular, in addition to water sports and winter sports, the sound output device 1 can also be used for competitive sports such as baseball, football and golf.

[0072] The sound output device 1 includes a device body 2 and a connector 3, and the connector 3 for the left ear or the connector 3A for the right ear is detachably attached to the device body 2 (see Figures 3 to 8 ). Therefore, the joint 3 for the left ear or the joint 3A for the right ear is attracted to the device main body 2 in a replaceable manner, and the joint 3 for the left ear or the joint 3A for the right ear is mounted on the device main body 2.

[0073] The sound output device 1 can be worn on the left ear 100, wherein the connector 3 for the left ear is mounted on the device body 2 (see Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 ). The sound output device 1 can be worn on the right ear 100, wherein the connector 3A for the right ear is mounted on the device body 2 (see Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 ).

[0074] <Configuration of the device body>

[0075] The device body 2 includes a housing 4 containing the necessary components (see Figures 9 to 12 ). Note that, hereinafter, unless otherwise specifically described, the configuration of the sound output device 1 is described as including a device body 2 on which a connector 3 for the left ear is mounted.

[0076] Note that the configuration of the sound output device 1 is described below with the aid of directions based on the position of the part of the ear 100. Therefore, the front-back, top-bottom, and left-right directions of the sound output device 1 are determined with the aid of the following positional relationships: the tragus 111 is positioned in front of the cavity of the external ear 115, the earlobe 112 is positioned in the lower part, and the external ear hole 113a is positioned on the outside of the auditory canal 113 in the left-right direction.

[0077] The housing 4 includes a case 5 , a chassis 6 , and a frame 7 , and the case 5 includes a first case portion 8 and a second case portion 9 coupled to each other.

[0078] The first housing portion 8 is positioned closer to the ear 100 than the second housing portion 9 in the left-right direction, and includes a base placement portion 10 , a speaker placement portion 11 , and an antenna placement portion 12 which are formed integrally.

[0079] The base placement portion 10 is formed in a laterally open box shape and includes a base surface portion 13 facing the left-right direction and a peripheral portion 14 protruding laterally from the peripheral edge of the base surface portion 13 (see FIG. Fig.10 ). The terminal placement hole 13a is formed in the upper end portion of the base surface portion 13. The peripheral portion 14 includes a slope portion 15 slightly inclined with respect to the front-rear direction, a curved surface portion 16 formed in a curved surface shape protruding upward, a first plane portion 17 facing the front-rear direction, and a second plane portion 18 facing the up-down direction, which are continuous in this order in the circumferential direction (see Fig.10 and Fig.12 ). A microphone hole 16a is formed in the curved surface portion 16, and the first and second planar portions 17 and 18 have button holes 17a and 17a or 18a, 18a and 18a formed separately in the circumferential direction.

[0080] The speaker placement portion 11 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and is positioned in front of the base placement portion 10. The speaker placement portion 11 includes a base cylindrical portion 19 having a maximum diameter and a mounting cylindrical portion 20 protruding generally upward from an outer peripheral portion of the base cylindrical portion 19. The mounting cylindrical portion 20 is provided with a flange mounting protrusion 20a protruding outward. The axial direction of the speaker placement portion 11 is set to a direction obliquely upward and rearward.

[0081] The antenna placement portion 12 includes a curved portion 21 formed in a semicircular shape protruding generally downward, and a linear portion 22 continuous with one end of the curved portion 21. The other end of the curved portion 21 is continuous with the lower end portion of the front end portion of the base placement portion 10. The antenna placement portion 12 is formed in a laterally open shape, and has an inner space communicating with the inner space of the base placement portion 10 and the inner space of the speaker placement portion 11.

[0082] The second housing portion 9 includes a main cover portion 23 formed in a shape and size corresponding to the base placement portion 10, a speaker cover portion 24 connected to the speaker placement portion 11, and an antenna cover portion 25 formed in a shape and size corresponding to the antenna placement portion 12, and the main cover portion 23, the speaker cover portion 24 and the antenna cover portion 25 are formed as a whole (see Figures 9 to 11). The main cover portion 23 includes an opposing surface portion 26 opposing to the base surface portion 13, and a first button placement surface portion 27 and a second button placement surface portion 28 laterally protruding from respective portions of the outer peripheral edge of the opposing surface portion 26. The first button placement surface portion 27 is positioned to be opposed to the first plane portion 17 and the second plane portion 18. The first button placement surface portion 27 and the second button placement surface portion 28 have holes 27a and 27a or 28a, 28a and 28a formed separately in the circumferential direction.

[0083] The base frame 6 is placed inside the base placement portion 10 of the first housing portion 8 (see Fig.10 and Fig.12 ). The chassis 6 includes a first plate mounting portion 29 facing in the substantially front-rear direction and extending substantially vertically, a second plate mounting portion 30 protruding substantially forward from the lower end portion of the first plate mounting portion 29, and a third plate mounting portion 31 protruding substantially upward from the substantially front half of the second plate mounting portion 30. The third plate mounting portion 31 is formed in a substantially vertical long plate shape facing the left-right direction. The chassis 6 has a space formed between the first plate mounting portion 29 and the third plate mounting portion 31, and this space is a battery placement space 6a. A microphone placement portion 31a is formed in the upper end portion of the third plate mounting portion 31.

[0084] The switch board 32 is placed on the outer surfaces of the first board mounting portion 29 and the second board mounting portion 30. The switch board 32 is bent at a right angle and includes switch portions 32a, 32a, etc., which are positioned separately in the longitudinal direction. A connection board 33 (e.g., a flexible printed wiring board) is connected to one end portion of the switch board 32. A microphone 34 is connected to a portion of the connection board 33. The microphone 34 is placed on the microphone placement portion 31a of the third board mounting portion 31.

[0085] The control board 35 is mounted on the third board mounting portion 31. The control board 35 functions to perform electrical control on the components of the sound output device 1. A portion of the connection board 33 is connected to the control board 35. Therefore, the switch board 32 and the microphone 34 are connected to the control board 35 through the connection board 33.

[0086] With the chassis 6 placed inside the base placement portion 10, the switch plate 32 is positioned opposite to the inner surface of the first housing portion 8, and the switch portions 32a, 32a, etc. are located at positions corresponding to the respective button holes 17a, 17a, 18a, 18a, and 18a of the base placement portion 10. Furthermore, with the chassis 6 placed inside the base placement portion 10, the microphone 34 and the control board 35 are also placed inside the base placement portion 10, and the microphone 34 is located at a position corresponding to the microphone hole 16a of the base placement portion 10. Note that the microphone hole 16a is covered with a waterproof sheet not illustrated from the inner surface side of the curved surface portion 16, so that the microphone 34 is protected from moisture by the waterproof sheet.

[0087] With the microphone 34 and the control board 35 placed inside the base placement portion 10, the battery 36 is placed in the battery placement space 6a of the chassis 6 located behind the control board 35 inside the base placement portion 10. The battery 36 has a terminal portion not illustrated, and the terminal portion is connected to the control board 35.

[0088] A cover sheet 37 made of, for example, silicon is bonded to the outer surfaces of the first planar portion 17 and the second planar portion 18 by means of a waterproof adhesive paper not illustrated. On the outer surface side of the cover sheet 37, operation buttons 38, 38, etc. are placed separately in the longitudinal direction of the cover sheet 37. The operation buttons 38, 38, etc. are placed at positions corresponding to the button holes 17a, 17a, 18a, 18a, and 18a of the first housing portion 8, and partially protrude outward from the corresponding button placement holes 27a, 27a, 28a, 28a, and 28a of the second housing portion 9 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.11 ). Therefore, the operation buttons 38 , 38 , etc. are arranged while partially protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the second case portion 9 .

[0089] When the operation button 38 is pressed, the switch portion 32a of the switch plate 32 is pressed through the cover sheet 37 and the button hole 17a or the button hole 18a, and a predetermined function corresponding to the pressed operation button 38 is performed. When the operation button 38 is pressed in this way, the switch portion 32a of the switch plate 32 is pressed through the cover sheet 37, so that the switch plate 32 placed inside the base placement portion 10 is protected from moisture by the cover sheet 37.

[0090] Note that the sound output device 1 can receive signals from a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone through wireless communication, etc. For example, when the mobile terminal receives an incoming call, the incoming call signal is input to the sound output device 1 to allow the user to have a telephone conversation with the caller via the sound output device 1 by using the microphone 34.

[0091] For example, four operation buttons 38D, 38C, 38B, and 38A are provided as the operation buttons 38, 38, and so on.

[0092] By operating the operation button 38A, the power can be turned on or off and an incoming call can be answered or hung up. By long pressing the operation button 38A, the power can be turned on or off, and by short pressing the operation button 38A, an incoming call can be answered or hung up.

[0093] By operating the operation button 38B, a conversation (group call) between multiple users can be carried out. When the operation button 38B is operated, a group call preset in the group is started to enable conversation communication within the group. When the operation button 38B is operated again, the group call is hung up (for details on the group call, see PCT / JP 2017 / 43820 of the present applicant).

[0094] By operating the operation button 38C, the function of a predetermined conversation application can be executed. This conversation application is, for example, an application that supports a conversation between four or more users. When a user speaks while pressing the operation button 38C, the generated voice is transmitted to other users using the sound output device 1, so that a conversation can be carried out between four or more users.

[0095] Note that although the group call function performed by operating the operation button 38B can be executed when the distance between the sound output devices 1 used by users in the group is equal to or shorter than a specific distance, the function of the conversation application performed by operating the operation button 38C can be executed even when the distance between the sound output devices 1 is longer than the specific distance supported by the group call function.

[0096] By operating the operation button 38D, the volume can be changed.

[0097] Note that in the sound output device 1, in the case of an incoming call, the incoming call function can be executed to answer the call in priority to other sound outputs. For example, in the case of an incoming call while a group call is held, the incoming call function can be executed in priority to answer the call. In addition, the group call is executed in priority to music reproduction. The sound output device 1 is set so that the incoming call, the group call and the music reproduction are executed in priority order.

[0098] One end portion of the antenna 39 is connected to the control board 35. The antenna 39 is placed on the antenna placement portion 12 (see Fig.10 and Fig.12 ). The function of the antenna 39 is to receive sound signals.

[0099] The charging terminals 40 and 40 are connected to the respective surfaces of the control board 35. The charging terminals 40 and 40 protrude in opposite directions from the same portion of the control board 35. The charging terminals 40 and 40 are connected to the terminal portion of the battery 36 through the control board 35. Therefore, the charging terminals 40 and 40 are charging terminals for charging the battery 36.

[0100] On the speaker placement portion 11 of the first housing portion 8, a speaker 41 configured to output sound based on a sound signal received by the antenna 39 and a speaker board 42 for driving the speaker 41 are placed (see Fig.10 and Fig.13 ). The speaker board 42 and the control board 35 are connected to each other through the cable 43. The cable 43 is placed inside the antenna placement part 12 along the antenna 39.

[0101] The frame 7 includes a plate-like cover portion 44 formed in a shape and size corresponding to the base placement portion 10 of the first housing portion 8 and a protruding cover portion 45 formed in a shape and size corresponding to the antenna placement portion 12 and protruding from the plate-like cover portion 44, and the plate-like cover portion 44 and the protruding cover portion 45 are formed as a whole (see Fig.10 A terminal insertion hole 44 a is formed in an upper end portion of the plate-shaped cover portion 44 .

[0102] With respect to the frame 7, in a state where the required components such as the control board 35, the battery 36, and the antenna 39 are placed on the first housing portion 8 as described above, the plate-like cover portion 44 is laterally bonded to the base placement portion 10, and the protruding cover portion 45 is laterally bonded to the antenna placement portion 12. For example, the plate-like cover portion 44 and the protruding cover portion 45 are bonded to the base placement portion 10 and the antenna placement portion 12, respectively, with the aid of a UV-curable adhesive. The plate-like cover portion 44 and the protruding cover portion 45 are bonded to the base placement portion 10 and the antenna placement portion 12, respectively, so that the space between the frame 7 and the first housing portion 8 is protected from moisture.

[0103] With the frame 7 joined to the first housing portion 8, the first housing portion 8 and the second housing portion 9 are coupled to each other. Specifically, the base placement portion 10 and the main cover portion 23 are coupled to each other, the speaker placement portion 11 and the speaker cover portion 24 are coupled to each other, and the antenna placement portion 12 and the antenna cover portion 25 are coupled to each other, so that the housing 5 is formed. The speaker cover portion 24 is coupled to the lower end portion of the speaker placement portion 11.

[0104] When the frame 7 is coupled to the first shell portion 8 and the first shell portion 8 and the second shell portion 9 are connected to each other, one of the charging terminals 40 is inserted and placed in the terminal placement hole 13a formed in the base placement portion 10, and the other charging terminal 40 is inserted and placed in the terminal placement hole 23a formed in the second shell portion 9 through the terminal insertion hole 44a formed in the frame 7.

[0105] Note that the sound output device 1 includes the charging terminals 40 and 40 provided on the respective sides, so that regardless of whether the sound output device 1 worn on one of the left ear 100 or the right ear 100 is worn on the left ear 100 or the right ear 100, one of the charging terminals 40 and 40 provided on the respective sides is exposed. Therefore, regardless of whether the sound output device 1 is worn on the left ear 100 or the right ear 100, the sound output device 1 exhibits similar designability, making it possible to improve the designability and conspicuousness of the sound output device 1.

[0106] In the device main body 2 configured as described above, the base placement portion 10, the main cover portion 23, and the components placed therein are provided as the main device portion 46, the speaker placement portion 11, the speaker cover portion 24, and the components placed therein are provided as the sound output portion 47, and the antenna placement portion 12, the antenna cover portion 25, and the components placed therein are provided as the connection portion 48 for connecting the main device portion 46 and the sound output portion 47 to each other (see Fig. 9 ).

[0107] <Connector Configuration>

[0108] The joint 3 includes a base body 49 made of, for example, a silicon material, an internal member 50 made of, for example, a resin material, and a nozzle 51 made of, for example, a resin material (see Figure 3 , Fig.10 and Fig.13 ). With respect to the joint 3, the base body 49 has a lower hardness than the inner member 50 and the nozzle 51, so that the base body 49 is elastically deformable.

[0109] The base body 49 includes a joint body portion 52 and a support portion 53 formed integrally. The joint body portion 52 includes a first cylindrical portion 54 and a second cylindrical portion 55, and the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 54 is larger than that of the second cylindrical portion 55.

[0110] The first cylindrical portion 54 includes a generally cylindrical detachable portion 56 and a disk-shaped closing portion 57 for closing one axial end of the detachable portion 56. A receiving groove 56a extending circumferentially is formed in the inner and outer peripheral portions of the detachable portion 56. The receiving groove 56a is formed at a position near the end portion opposite to the closing portion 57.

[0111] The second cylindrical portion 55 is formed in a cylindrical shape, has an axial direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first cylindrical portion 54, and is continuous with a portion of the detachable portion 56 located near the closed portion 57. The second cylindrical portion 55 has coupling holes 55a, 55a, and 55a formed separately in the circumferential direction. The second cylindrical portion 55 has a central axis S2 that does not intersect the central axis S1 of the first cylindrical portion 54, and is continuous with a portion radially displaced from the central axis S1 of the first cylindrical portion 54 (see Figure 7 ). Note that Fig.13 , for convenience, the base body 49 is illustrated in a case where the central axis S1 of the first cylindrical portion 54 and the central axis S2 of the second cylindrical portion 55 intersect each other.

[0112] The inner space of the first cylindrical portion 54 and the inner space of the second cylindrical portion 55 are communicated with each other, and the inner spaces communicated with each other are formed into a space bent at a right angle (see Fig.13 ).

[0113] The support portion 53 is formed in a generally arcuate shape protruding from the joint body portion 52. The outer surface of the support portion 53 is integrally formed as a curved surface. The support portion 53 is elastically deformable.

[0114] The inner member 50 includes a bottom portion 58 facing in a generally up-down direction and a circumferential surface portion 59 protruding generally downward from an outer peripheral portion of the bottom portion 58 (see Figure 3 and Fig.13 ). A communication hole 59a is formed in the circumferential surface portion 59. The inner member 50 is inserted and fitted into the first cylindrical portion 54 of the base body 49, and plays a role in reinforcing the first cylindrical portion 54. With the inner member 50 inserted into the base body 49, the communication hole 59a is matched with a portion where the first cylindrical portion 54 and the second cylindrical portion 55 are continuous with each other.

[0115] The nozzle 51 includes a generally cylindrical large diameter portion 60 and a generally cylindrical small diameter portion 61 which are axially continuous with each other.

[0116] An outwardly protruding flange regulating protrusion 60a is provided at an end portion on the small diameter portion 61 side of the large diameter portion 60. In an axially intermediate portion of the large diameter portion 60, outwardly protruding coupling protrusions 60b, 60b, and 60b are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0117] An annular engaging protruding portion 61a protruding outward is provided at an axially intermediate portion of the small diameter portion 61. The opening of the small diameter portion 61 is formed as a sound releasing opening 61b.

[0118] The nozzle 51 is inserted with the large diameter portion 60 being fitted into the second cylindrical portion 55 , thereby serving to reinforce the second cylindrical portion 55 .

[0119] With the large diameter portion 60 inserted into the second cylindrical portion 55, the coupling protrusions 60b, 60b, and 60b are fitted into the corresponding coupling holes 55a, 55a, and 55a, so that the nozzle 51 is prevented from falling off from the second cylindrical portion 55, and the regulating protrusion 60a abuts against the distal end surface of the second cylindrical portion 55, and thus the nozzle 51 is positioned relative to the second cylindrical portion 55 in the insertion direction. With the large diameter portion 60 inserted into the second cylindrical portion 55, the large diameter portion 60 is partially inserted into the communication hole 59a of the inner member 50.

[0120] The joint body part 52 and the nozzle 51 are coupled to each other as described above. Since the joint body part 52 is made of silicon material, the second cylindrical part 55 of the joint body part 52 is in close contact with the outside of the large diameter part 60 of the nozzle 51 in the state where the joint body part 52 and the nozzle 51 are coupled to each other. Therefore, a high waterproof performance between the joint body part 52 and the nozzle 51 is achieved.

[0121] The first cylindrical portion 54 of the base body 49 of the connector 3 is mounted on the sound output portion 47 of the device body 2. The first cylindrical portion 54 is mounted on the sound output portion 47 with the mounting cylindrical portion 20 inserted into the detachable portion 56. With the first cylindrical portion 54 mounted on the sound output portion 47, the mounting protrusion 20a of the mounting cylindrical portion 20 is fitted into the receiving groove 56a, so that the connector 3 is prevented from falling off from the device body 2.

[0122] Furthermore, the connector 3 can be detached from the device body 2 by axially pulling out the first cylindrical portion 54 from the sound output portion 47. When the first cylindrical portion 54 is pulled out from the sound output portion 47, the detachable portion 56 is partially elastically deformed to allow the mounting protrusion 20a to be extracted from the receiving groove 56a.

[0123] The joint body part 52 of the joint 3 and the sound output part 47 of the device body 2 are connected to each other as described above. Since the joint body part 52 is made of silicon material, in the state where the joint body part 52 and the sound output part 47 are connected to each other, the first cylindrical part 54 is in close contact with the outer side of the mounting cylindrical part 20 of the sound output part 47. Therefore, a high waterproof performance between the joint body part 52 and the sound output part 47 is achieved.

[0124] When sound is output from the speaker 41 placed in the sound output portion 47 in a state where the joint 3 is mounted on the device body 2, the output sound is output from the sound emission opening 61b of the nozzle 51 through the internal space of the joint 3. The internal space of the joint 3 is bent at a right angle, so that the sound output from the speaker 41 is output from the sound emission opening 61b through the internal space of the joint 3 bent at a right angle.

[0125] The second cylindrical portion 55 and the support portion 53 of the joint 3A for the right ear have a shape symmetrical with the second cylindrical portion 55 and the support portion 53 of the joint 3 for the left ear about the first cylindrical portion 54 (see Figures 5 to 10 ). Like the connector 3, the connector 3A is also detachably attached to the sound output portion 47 of the device body 2.

[0126] As described above, the connector 3 and the connector 3A are detachably attached to the sound output portion 47 of the device body 2, and therefore, the connector 3 for the left ear or the connector 3A for the right ear can be replaceably mounted on the device body 2.

[0127] In the case where the joint 3 or the joint 3A is mounted on the device body 2, the joint 3 or the joint 3A can rotate relative to the sound output portion 47 in the direction around the virtual axis J extending in the suction / detachment direction (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0128] The ear pad 62 is detachably attached to the small diameter portion 61 of the nozzle 51 of the connector 3 (see Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.13 ). The ear pad 62 is made of, for example, a silicon material and is elastically deformable. The ear pad 62 includes a cylindrical portion 63 that is generally cylindrical and a hole insertion portion 64 that is continuous with one axial end portion of the cylindrical portion 63 and covers the outside of the cylindrical portion 63, and the cylindrical portion 63 and the hole insertion portion 64 are formed as a whole. An annular engagement groove 63a is formed in the inner and outer peripheral portions of the cylindrical portion 63. The internal space of the cylindrical portion 63 is formed as a sound transfer hole 63b. The hole insertion portion 64 has input holes 64a and 64a formed separately in the circumferential direction, for example, at the end portion continuous with the cylindrical portion 63.

[0129] The cylindrical portion 63 of the ear pad 62 is mounted on the small diameter portion 61 of the nozzle 51. The cylindrical portion 63 is mounted on the small diameter portion 61 with the small diameter portion 61 inserted into the cylindrical portion 63. With the cylindrical portion 63 mounted on the small diameter portion 61, the engaging protrusion 61a of the small diameter portion 61 is fitted into the engaging groove 63a, so that the ear pad 62 is prevented from falling off from the nozzle 51.

[0130] Furthermore, the ear pad 62 can be detached from the nozzle 51 by axially pulling the cylindrical portion 63 out from the small diameter portion 61. When the cylindrical portion 63 is pulled out from the small diameter portion 61, the cylindrical portion 63 is partially elastically deformed to allow the engaging protrusion 61a to be withdrawn from the engaging recess 63a.

[0131] Note that the ear pad 62 may be of a type provided with a thin film sheet for closing the opening edge on the hole insertion portion 64 side of the sound transfer hole 63b. This thin film sheet may be made of, for example, a silicon material and formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 63 and the hole insertion portion 64. The role of this thin film sheet is to prevent moisture from passing therethrough and to allow sound (sound waves) to pass therethrough.

[0132] Therefore, by using the ear pad 62 of the type provided with a thin film sheet, it is possible to prevent moisture from entering the connector 3 from the sound transfer hole 63b, so that the sound output device 1 can be appropriately used even in an environment requiring waterproofing.

[0133] <Wearing the Sound Output Device on the Ear>

[0134] The sound output device 1 configured as described above is worn on the ear 100, with the support portion 53 of the joint 3 abutting against the lower leg 107 of the antihelix from below and the ear pad 62 partially inserted into the auditory canal 113 from the external auditory hole 113a (see Fig.13 and Fig.14 ).

[0135] At this time, since the support portion 53 is made of silicon material and is elastically deformable, the support portion 53 is elastically deformed to match the shape of the inferior crus 107 of the antihelix to closely contact at least a portion of the inferior crus 107 of the antihelix from below. In addition, the support portion 53 is fully inserted into the concha 109.

[0136] The hole insertion portion 64 of the ear pad 62 abuts against the opening edge of the external ear hole 113a. Since the ear pad 62 is made of silicon material and is elastically deformable, the ear pad 62 is elastically deformed to match the shape of the opening edge of the external ear hole 113a to closely contact the opening edge of the external ear hole 113a.

[0137] In a state where the sound output device 1 is worn on the ear 100, the axial direction of the base body 49 of the joint 3 and the axial direction of the sound output portion 47 of the device body 2 are set to be slightly inclined in the front-rear direction from the up-down direction, so that the sound is output in the obliquely upward and backward direction from the speaker 41 placed in the sound output portion 47. The sound output from the speaker 41 in the obliquely upward and backward direction is output toward the ear 100 from the sound release opening 61b of the nozzle 51 through the internal space of the joint 3 bent at a right angle.

[0138] At this time, for the user, the sound generated in the external environment is input to the auditory canal 113 from the input holes 64 a and 64 a formed in the ear pad 62 , so that the sound generated in the external environment can be heard together with the sound output from the speaker 41 .

[0139] Therefore, the sound output device 1 can be used more safely when using the sound output device 1 during exercise or walking or in a vehicle.

[0140] Furthermore, when the sound output device 1 is worn on the ear 100 , the connection portion 48 is positioned to go upward along the earlobe 112 , the joint 3 and the sound output portion 47 are positioned in front of the auricle 101 , and the main device portion 46 is positioned behind the auricle 101 .

[0141] At this time, the microphone hole 16a formed in the curved surface portion 16 of the main device portion 46 of the device body 2 is positioned behind the auricle 101. Therefore, the auricle 101 is positioned in front of the microphone hole 16a as a shield to block wind from entering the microphone hole 16a. Therefore, the generation of so-called wind noise generally generated due to the flow of wind can be prevented, so that the quality of the sound input to the microphone 34 can be improved.

[0142] However, the microphone hole 16a may be formed in the lower end portion of the device body 2, for example, in the lower end portion of the main device portion 46 or the connecting portion 48. In the case where the microphone hole 16a is formed in the lower end portion of the device body 2, moisture such as rainwater and user's sweat is prevented from entering from the microphone hole 16a, so that the quality of the sound input to the microphone 34 can be improved.

[0143] Furthermore, the left and right surfaces of the main device portion 46 of the acoustic output device 1 may have different colors or the same color.

[0144] In the case where the left and right surfaces of the main device portion 46 have different colors, the sound output device 1 worn on the left ear 100 and the right ear 100 each exhibits different designability, so that it is possible to improve the designability and conspicuousness of the sound output device 1. In addition, it is possible to easily determine whether the sound output device 1 is worn on the left ear 100 or the right ear 100 by recognizing the colors of the left and right surfaces of the main device portion 46 in advance.

[0145] At the same time, when the left and right surfaces of the main device part 46 have the same color, the sound output device 1 exhibits similar designability regardless of whether it is worn on the left ear 100 or the right ear 100, so that the designability and conspicuousness of the sound output device 1 can be improved.

[0146] In addition, stickers, decorations, etc. having various colors, patterns, designs, etc. may be placed on the left and right surfaces of the main device portion 46. In this case, the user places, for example, stickers having his / her favorite colors, etc. on the left and right surfaces of the main device portion 46, so that the user can decorate the sound output device 1 according to the user's preferences.

[0147] The sound output device 1 includes a control board 35 and a battery 36 placed inside a main device portion 46 , and operation buttons 38 , 38 , etc. for executing predetermined functions are placed on the main device portion 46 .

[0148] Therefore, the main device portion 46 includes the control panel 35 and the operation buttons 38, 38, etc. in addition to the battery 36, so that the sound output portion 47 positioned in front of the auricle 101 can be reduced in size, and thus the sound output device 1 hardly enters the user's field of vision. Therefore, the sound output device 1 can be worn on the ear 100 more satisfactorily.

[0149] Furthermore, the sound output portion 47 which is smaller than the main device portion 46 is positioned in front of the auricle 101, so that the presence of the component on the front side of the auricle 101 is weakened, resulting in that the designability and conspicuousness can be improved.

[0150] In addition, in the sound output device 1 as described above, when the sound output device 1 is worn on the ear 100, the output direction of the sound from the speaker 41 is set to a direction obliquely upward and backward, and the sound output from the speaker 41 is guided by the joint 3 to a direction different from the output direction.

[0151] Therefore, the sound output from the speaker 41 in the obliquely upward and rearward direction is guided by the joint 3 to a direction different from the output direction to be output from the sound release opening 61b to the external ear hole 113, so that the sound output portion 47 in which the speaker 41 is placed can be positioned below the external ear hole 113. Therefore, the connection portion 48 can be shortened, so that the sound output device 1 can be reduced in size.

[0152] In addition, in the sound output device 1, the joint 3 is rotatable relative to the sound output portion 47 in a direction around a virtual axis J extending in the suction / detachment direction (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0153] Therefore, the angle of the sound emitting opening 61b relative to the sound output portion 47 can be adjusted, and the positions of the main device portion 46, the sound output portion 47, and the connecting portion 48 relative to the auricle 101 can be adjusted. Therefore, the sound output device 1 can be optimally worn on the ear 100, wherein the sound emitting opening 61b and the portion of the device main body 2 are set at the optimal angle and position in accordance with the angle and shape of the ear 100 which differ between individuals.

[0154] Furthermore, the joint 3 includes a joint body portion 52 formed in a cylindrical shape and a support portion 53 formed in a curved shape and suspended on the lower leg 107 of the antihelix.

[0155] Therefore, the joint 3 is held on the ear 100 with the curved support portion 53 provided to the joint 3 hanging on the lower leg 107 of the antihelix, so that the sound output device 1 can be stably worn on the ear 100 .

[0156] Furthermore, the support portion 53 suspended from the lower foot 107 of the antihelix is ​​elastically deformable.

[0157] Therefore, the support portion 53 can be elastically deformed to be suspended on the lower crus 107 of the antihelix, so that the support portion 53 can be stably abutted against the lower crus 107 of the antihelix regardless of the shape and size of the ear 100, as a result, the sound output device 1 can be worn on the ear 100 more stably.

[0158] Furthermore, the joint 3 includes a cylindrical inner member 50 placed inside the joint body portion 52 , and the hardness of the inner member 50 is higher than that of the joint body portion 52 .

[0159] Therefore, the joint main body part 52, which serves as the outer side of the joint 3 and has low hardness, can be made to contact the ear 100, and the joint 3 can be reinforced by the internal component 50. As a result, the user can be prevented from feeling discomfort in the ear 100 when the joint 3 is made to contact the ear 100 and the high strength of the joint 3 can be achieved.

[0160] Still further, a plurality of operation buttons 38 , 38 , etc. are placed on the main device portion 46 , and the operation buttons 38 , 38 , etc. are arranged adjacent to each other while partially protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the main device portion 46 .

[0161] Therefore, the user can blindly operate a desired one of the operation buttons 38, 38, etc. by moving his / her finger along the outer peripheral surface of the main device portion 46, so that high operability of the operation buttons 38, 38, etc. can be achieved.

[0162] In addition, an antenna 39 configured to receive a sound signal is placed inside the connection portion 48 .

[0163] Therefore, the antenna 39 is placed inside the connection portion 48 positioned to go upward along the earlobe 112 so as to prevent the antenna 39 from being covered by the ear 100, and thus high functionality of the antenna 39 can be achieved.

[0164] Note that the sound output device 1 can be appropriately used even in situations where the user is likely to be affected by vibrations or is likely to generate vibrations, such as during various exercises (sports) and driving of vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles, and when the sound output device 1 is used in such a situation, the sound output device 1 can be more stably worn on the ear 100 by using the holding support 65 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.15 ).

[0165] The retaining supporter 65 is made of, for example, a silicon material, and includes a hook portion 66 bent into a curved shape and a U-shaped coupling portion 67 continuous with one longitudinal end of the hook portion 66 , the hook portion 66 and the coupling portion 67 being formed integrally.

[0166] The holding supporter 65 is engaged with the base of the ear 100 near the temporal region 201 from above, wherein the coupling portion 67 is coupled to, for example, the connecting portion 48 to be fitted on the connecting portion 48 and the hook portion 66 partially runs downward along the helix 102. In addition, the coupling portion 67 of the holding supporter 65 is slidable relative to the connecting portion 48, so that the position of the holding supporter 65 relative to the auricle 101 can be adjusted by sliding the coupling portion 67 relative to the connecting portion 48.

[0167] A retaining support 65 may be used that includes a coupling portion 67 that is coupled to the connecting portion 48 and is positioned in such a way as to run down the helix 102 .

[0168] Therefore, the retaining support 65 connected to the connecting part 48 can be suspended at the base of the ear 100 near the temporal region 201, so that the sound output device 1 can be worn on the ear 100 with the support of the retaining support 65, resulting in that the sound output device 1 can be worn on the ear 100 more stably.

[0169] Furthermore, the coupling portion 67 is slidable relative to the connecting portion 48 , so that the position of the retaining supporter 65 relative to the ear 100 can be adjusted by changing the position of the coupling portion 67 relative to the connecting portion 48 .

[0170] Therefore, regardless of the shape and size of the ear 100 which differ between individuals, the sound output device 1 can be more stably worn on the ear 100 with the retaining supporter 65 suspended at the base of the ear 100 close to the temporal region 201 .

[0171] Note that the coupling portion 67 of the retaining supporter 65 may be coupled to a portion other than the connecting portion 48 .

[0172] <Charging the Battery of the Sound Output Device>

[0173] The sound output device 1 can be used as a wireless device by charging the battery 36. The battery 36 is charged with a predetermined charger 70, and the charger 70 includes connection terminals 71 and 71 (see Fig.16 ).

[0174] In the case where the sound output device 1 is connected to the charger 70, the charging terminals 40 and 40 of the sound output device 1 are connected to the corresponding connection terminals 71 and 71. The sound output device 1 is connected when, for example, the main device part 46 is slid toward the charger 70, and at this time, the charging terminals 40 and 40 are slid toward the corresponding connection terminals 71 and 71 to be connected to the corresponding connection terminals 71 and 71. Therefore, even in the case where dust and the like are attached to the charging terminals 40 and 40, the dust and the like are detached when the charging terminals 40 and 40 are slid toward the connection terminals 71 and 71, that is, what is generally called self-cleaning is performed. Therefore, whenever the sound output device 1 is connected to the charger 70, the charging terminals 40 and 40 can be satisfactorily connected to the connection terminals 71 and 71.

[0175] Furthermore, the charger 70 desirably includes a magnet 72 , and the main device portion 46 desirably includes a magnetic member 68 that is attracted to the magnet 72 .

[0176] When the magnet 72 is provided in the charger 70 and the magnetic member 68 is provided in the main device part 46, when the sound output device 1 is connected to the charger 70, the magnetic member 68 is attracted to the magnet 72, so that the charging terminals 40 and 40 can be easily and firmly connected to the connecting terminals 71 and 71.

[0177] Note that in the example described above, the charger 70 includes the magnet 72 and the main device portion 46 includes the magnetic member 68, but in comparison with this, the charger 70 may include the magnetic member and the main device portion 46 may include the magnet. However, in the case where the main device portion 46 includes the magnet, it is necessary to prevent the magnet from affecting other components placed in the main device portion 46.

[0178] <Conclusion>

[0179] As described above, the sound output device 1 includes: a main device part 46, which is positioned behind the auricle 101; a sound output part 47, which is positioned in front of the auricle 101; a connecting part 48, which connects the main device part 46 and the sound output part 47 to each other and is positioned to go upward along the earlobe 112; and a joint 3, which is attached to the sound output part 47 in a detachable manner, has a sound release opening 61b, and guides the sound output from the speaker 41 to the external ear hole 113a, wherein the joint 3 for the left ear or the joint 3A for the right ear is installed on the sound output part 47.

[0180] Therefore, the sound output device 1 can be worn on one of the left ear 100 or the right ear 100, with the connector 3 for the left ear or the connector 3A for the right ear mounted on the sound output portion 47. Therefore, there is no need to manufacture a pair of a left-ear-only sound output device and a right-ear-only sound output device to provide the user with the sound output device, so that usability can be improved without increasing any manufacturing cost.

[0181] Furthermore, when the sound output device 1 is worn on the ear 100 , the connection portion 48 is positioned to go upward along the earlobe 112 , the joint 3 and the sound output portion 47 are positioned in front of the auricle 101 , and the main device portion 46 is positioned behind the auricle 101 .

[0182] Therefore, none of the components of the sound output device 1 is positioned above the auricle 100, so that, for example, in a state where glasses are worn on the head 100, the sound output device 1 does not interfere with the glasses. The sound output device 1 provides a comfortable wearing experience even when used with glasses without causing any trouble in using the glasses, and therefore, the usability of the sound output device 1 can be further improved.

[0183] Furthermore, as described above, the human ear 100 differs in shape, size, and angle between individuals, and it is known that when the distance A from the center P of the external auditory hole 113a to the upper end of the helix 102 is compared with the distance B from the center P to the lower end of the earlobe 112, the distance B has a smaller individual difference than the distance A (see Figure 1).

[0184] Therefore, with the configuration in which the connecting portion 48 is positioned to advance along the earlobe 112 , the user coverage rate that can wear the sound output device 1 is high, so that the sound output device 1 can be used with satisfactory wearability regardless of differences in the shape, size, and angle of the ear 100 .

[0185] In addition, since the joint body part 52 and the support part 53 of the joint 3 are formed as a whole, the joint body part 52 and the support part 53 are not provided as separate components, so that the number of components is reduced, and thus the manufacturing cost of the sound output device 1 can be reduced.

[0186] <This technology>

[0187] The present technology can adopt the following configurations. (1)

[0189] A sound output device, comprising:

[0190] a main device portion containing at least one battery and positioned behind the pinna;

[0191] a sound output portion, the sound output portion comprising at least one speaker and positioned in front of the auricle;

[0192] a connecting portion connecting the main device portion and the sound output portion to each other and positioned to go upward along the earlobe; and

[0193] a connector which is detachably attached to the sound output portion, has a sound release opening, and guides the sound output from the speaker to the external ear hole,

[0194] The connector for one of the left ear and the right ear is mounted on the sound output portion. (2)

[0196] The sound output device according to item (1),

[0197] The joint can rotate relative to the sound output part in a direction around a virtual axis extending along the disassembly direction. (3)

[0199] The sound output device according to item (1) or (2),

[0200] wherein the output direction of the sound from the speaker is set to a direction obliquely upward and backward, and

[0201] The sound output from the speaker is guided by the joint to a direction different from the output direction. (4)

[0203] The sound output device according to any one of items (1) to (3),

[0204] The joint includes a joint body portion formed in a cylindrical shape and a support portion formed in a curved shape and suspended on a lower foot of the antihelix. (5)

[0206] The sound output device according to item (4),

[0207] Wherein, the joint body part and the supporting part are formed as a whole. (6)

[0209] The sound output device according to item (4) or (5),

[0210] Wherein, the supporting portion is elastically deformable. (7)

[0212] The sound output device according to any one of items (4) to (6),

[0213] wherein the joint comprises a cylindrical inner member disposed within the main body of the joint, and

[0214] The hardness of the inner member is higher than the hardness of the joint body portion. (8)

[0216] The sound output device according to any one of items (1) to (7),

[0217] wherein the control panel is placed inside the main device portion, and

[0218] Operation buttons for executing predetermined functions are disposed on the main device portion. (9)

[0220] The sound output device according to item (8),

[0221] wherein a plurality of operating buttons are placed on the main device portion, and

[0222] Parts of each of the plurality of operation buttons are aligned and positioned in a state of protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the main device portion. (10)

[0224] The sound output device according to any one of items (1) to (9),

[0225] An antenna configured to receive a sound signal is placed inside the connecting portion. (11)

[0227] The sound output device according to any one of items (1) to (10),

[0228] The sound output device is provided with a holding supporter, the holding supporter includes a coupling portion coupled to the connecting portion and is positioned in a state of traveling downward along the helix. (12)

[0230] The sound output device according to item (11),

[0231] Wherein, the coupling part is slidable relative to the connecting part. (13)

[0233] The sound output device according to any one of items (1) to (12),

[0234] wherein the main device portion includes a charging terminal connected to a connection terminal of a charger, the charger includes a magnet, and

[0235] The main device portion includes a magnetic member attracted to the magnet. (14)

[0237] The sound output device according to any one of items (1) to (13),

[0238] wherein the ear pad is detachably attached to the connector, and

[0239] A sound transfer hole serving as a passage of the sound output from the sound emitting opening and an input hole capable of receiving external sound have been formed in the ear pad.

[0240] Reference Numbers List

[0241] 100: Ears

[0242] 101: Auricle

[0243] 107: The lower part of the antihelix

[0244] 112: Earlobe

[0245] 1: Sound output device

[0246] 3: Connector

[0247] 35: Control Panel

[0248] 36: Battery

[0249] 38: Operation button

[0250] 39: Antenna

[0251] 40: Charging terminal

[0252] 41: Speaker

[0253] 46: Main device part

[0254] 47: Sound output part

[0255] 48: Connection part

[0256] 50: Internal components

[0257] 52: Connector body

[0258] 53: Support part

[0259] 61b: Speak out loud

[0260] 62: Ear pads

[0261] 63b: Sound transmission hole

[0262] 64a: Input hole

[0263] 65: Holding support

[0264] 67: Connection part

[0265] 68: Magnetic components

[0266] 70: Charger

[0267] 71: Connecting terminal

[0268] 72: Magnet.

Claims

1. A sound output device, comprising: a main device portion containing at least one battery and positioned behind the pinna; a sound output portion, the sound output portion comprising at least one speaker and positioned in front of the auricle; a connecting portion connecting the main device portion and the sound output portion to each other and positioned to travel upward along the earlobe; as well as a connector which is detachably attached to the sound output portion, has a sound release opening, and guides the sound output from the speaker to the external ear hole, wherein the connector for one of the left ear and the right ear is mounted on the sound output portion, wherein the output direction of the sound from the speaker is set to a direction obliquely upward and backward, and The sound output from the speaker is guided by the joint to a direction different from the output direction.

2. The sound output device according to claim 1, in, The joint is rotatable relative to the sound output portion in a direction around a virtual axis extending in the attachment and detachment direction.

3. The sound output device according to claim 1, in, The joint includes a joint body portion formed in a cylindrical shape and a support portion formed in a curved shape and suspended on a lower foot of the antihelix.

4. The sound output device according to claim 3, in, The joint body portion and the support portion are formed as an integral unit.

5. The sound output device according to claim 3, in, The support portion is elastically deformable.

6. The sound output device according to claim 3, in, The joint includes a cylindrical inner member disposed within the interior of the joint body portion, and The hardness of the inner member is higher than the hardness of the joint body portion.

7. The sound output device according to claim 1, in, The control panel is placed inside the main device part, and Operation buttons for executing predetermined functions are placed on the main device portion.

8. The sound output device according to claim 7, in, placing a plurality of said operation buttons on said main device portion, and The plurality of operation buttons are arranged adjacent to each other while partially protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the main device portion.

9. The sound output device according to claim 1, in, An antenna configured to receive a sound signal is placed inside the connecting portion.

10. The sound output device according to claim 1, in, The sound output device is provided with a holding supporter including a coupling portion coupled to the connecting portion and positioned in a state of running downward along the helix.

11. The sound output device according to claim 10, in, The coupling portion is slidable relative to the connecting portion.

12. The sound output device according to claim 1, in, The main device portion includes a charging terminal connected to a connection terminal of a charger, The charger includes a magnet, and The main device portion includes a magnetic member attracted to the magnet.

13. The sound output device according to claim 1, in, The ear pads are removably attached to the connector, and A sound transfer hole serving as a passage of the sound output from the sound emitting opening and an input hole capable of receiving external sound have been formed in the ear pad.

Images