Earwear and warming appliance

Abstract

The present application provides an ear-wearing tool and a heating tool, which has a structure capable of more efficiently heating an auricle by a heating body and capable of improving the detachability of the heating body. The ear-wearing tool of the present application, which can be worn on an ear, has a receiving space capable of receiving a heating body, a dividing surface dividing the receiving space, and includes: a concave surface formed on the back side of a contact surface in contact with the auricle; a flange surface extending from the opening end of the concave surface; and a flange opposite surface configured to face a prescribed portion that is a part of the flange surface across a gap in the axial direction of the concave surface, and a part of the heating body can be inserted between the prescribed portion of the flange surface and the flange opposite surface from the inside to the outside in the radial direction of the concave surface, the prescribed portion of the flange surface being a portion located closer to the outside in the radial direction than the inside end in the radial direction and closer to the bottom side of the concave surface in the axial direction than the opening end of the concave surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ear-wearing device and a heating device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heated device worn on the ear. The heated device of Patent Document 1 is a bag or pouch-like object with an opening for insertion into the ear and a size matching the ear. Furthermore, the heated device of Patent Document 1 includes a heating element and a wearable part that covers part or all of the ear.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-086202 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The heating device in Patent Document 1 integrates the heating element and the wearing part, and there is still room for improvement in the aspect where it is difficult to replace the heating element as a heating body.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ear-wearing device with a structure that enables more efficient heating of the auricle by a heating element and improves the wearability of the heating element, as well as a heating device.

[0009] Methods for solving technical problems

[0010] The first aspect of the present invention provides an ear-wearing device that can be worn on the ear. It includes a storage space for accommodating a heating element, and the dividing surface of the storage space comprises: a concave surface formed on the back side of a contact surface that contacts the auricle; a flange surface extending from the opening end of the concave surface; and a flange opposing surface arranged such that it faces a predetermined portion of the flange surface as part of the concave surface in the axial direction, with a gap between them. A portion of the heating element can be inserted from the inner side of the concave surface in the radial direction toward the outer side between the predetermined portion of the flange surface and the flange opposing surface. The predetermined portion of the flange surface is located closer to the outer side in the radial direction than the inner end of the concave surface, and closer to the bottom side of the concave surface in the axial direction than the opening end of the concave surface.

[0011] As one aspect of the invention, the opposing flange is located only in the axial direction closer to the side opposite to the bottom side of the concave surface than to the opening end of the concave surface.

[0012] As one aspect of the present invention, the designated portion of the flange surface has an inclined surface that gradually slopes toward the bottom side of the concave surface in the axial direction as it moves from the inner side in the radial direction toward the outer side, and the portion of the designated portion of the flange surface is formed by the inclined surface.

[0013] As one aspect of the invention, the dividing surface includes a connecting wall surface that connects the flange surface and the flange opposing surface, and the connecting wall surface is located on the outer side of the gap between the flange surface and the flange opposing surface in the radial direction.

[0014] As an aspect of the present invention, an ear-wearing device includes an insert portion capable of being inserted into the concha of the auricle, wherein the contact surface and the concave surface are formed by the surface of the insert portion.

[0015] As an aspect of the present invention, an ear-wearing device includes an insertion portion that protrudes from the insertion portion and can be inserted into the external auditory canal, wherein the predetermined portion of the flange surface is formed by the surface of the insertion portion.

[0016] The second aspect of the present invention provides a heating device comprising the aforementioned ear-wearing device and the heating body.

[0017] The effects of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, an ear-wearing device having a structure that enables more efficient heating of the auricle by a heating element and improves the wearability of the heating element, as well as a heating device, can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a heating appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram showing the usage status of the heating appliance.

[0021] Figure 3 This shows that it will be as follows Figure 2 The diagram shows the heated device being worn on the ear in its usage state.

[0022] Figure 4 It is Figure 1 The diagram shows the heating element of the heating appliance separately.

[0023] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) is Figure 1 Top and bottom views of a single ear-wearing device in the heating appliances shown.

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) Section II view.

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) Section II-II.

[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) Section III-III.

[0027] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a heating appliance in use.

[0028] Figure 10 This shows the installation of the heating element on Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the state during the process of wearing an ear-wearing device. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the ear-wearing device and the heating device of the present invention will be described schematically with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical structures in each figure are labeled with the same symbols.

[0030] Figure 1 , Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a heating appliance 100 as one embodiment of the heating appliance of the present invention. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the heating device 100 includes: a heating body 2, a cover component 3, and an ear-wearing device 4 as one embodiment of the ear-wearing device of the present invention. Figure 1 This is an exploded 3D view of a heating appliance 100. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the heating device 100 in its use state. The heating device 100 can be disassembled into individual units as the heating body 2, the cover component 3, and the ear-wearing device 4 (see reference). Figure 1 It is available on the market and can also be used in an ear-wearing device 4 with the heating element 2 and the cover component 3 attached (see reference). Figure 2 It can be sold on the market. In addition, the heating body 2, the cover part 3 and the ear-wearing device 4 that constitute the heating device 100 can also be sold separately on the market.

[0031] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 The diagram shows the heating device 100 in use, worn on the user's ears. Figure 3As shown, the heating device 100 of this embodiment can be used by wearing it on the ear. When worn on the user's ear, the heating device 100 can warm designated areas of the ear via the heating element 2; its detailed structure will be described below. Warming the ear can improve poor blood circulation, and is expected to alleviate symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, headache, and stiff shoulders (hereinafter referred to as "dizziness, etc."). Furthermore, warming the ear can stimulate the internal parasympathetic nerves through heating, resulting in a relaxing effect.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the heating device 100 has a cover member 3 inserted into the external auditory canal EA, also known as the ear eye, and an ear-wearing device 4 fixed to the ear by being embedded in the concha auriculae of the auricle AU. The heating device 100 of this embodiment is worn onto the ear by being fixed in this way. However, the method of fixing the heating device 100 is not particularly limited, as long as it can be worn on the ear. For example, the heating device 100 can be fixed to the ear simply by being inserted into the external auditory canal EA and fitting tightly against the inner surface of the external auditory canal EA. Alternatively, the heating device 100 can be fixed to the ear simply by being embedded in the concha auriculae and fitting tightly against the inner surface of the concha auriculae. Furthermore, the heating device 100 can also be fixed to the ear by clamping any part of the auricle AU other than the concha auriculae.

[0033] The following is a detailed description of the heating element 2, the cover component 3, and the ear-wearing device 4 of the heating device 100.

[0034] [Warm Body 2]

[0035] Figure 4 This diagram shows a single unit of the heating element 2. The heating element 2 in this embodiment is a disposable heating pad (heat pack). Before use, the heating element 2 is sealed in an airtight film bag. Before use, the heating element 2 can be sealed in the film bag as a single unit, or it can be sealed together with the ear-wearing device 4 in a film bag while already pre-installed on the ear-wearing device 4.

[0036] The heating element 2 of this embodiment includes: a heat-generating component 5 that causes a chemical reaction accompanied by heat generation when in contact with air, and a housing 6 that houses the heat-generating component 5. The heat-generating component 5 may contain, for example, in appropriate amounts: an oxidizable metal (such as iron powder), activated carbon, carbon black, a water-retaining agent (such as wood flour, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, perlite, silica gel, alumina, or absorbent resin), a metal salt (such as table salt), and water. The housing 6 of this embodiment includes a first sheet 6a and a second sheet 6b, which sandwich the heat-generating component 5 between themselves and house it. The peripheral portions of the first sheet 6a and the second sheet 6b are joined together, for example, by joining or welding, while the heat-generating component 5 is sandwiched between them.

[0037] The first sheet 6a is cap-shaped, and the second sheet 6b is round and flat. The heating element 5 is sandwiched between the first sheet 6a and the second sheet 6b. In this embodiment, the heating element 2 is installed on the ear-wearing device 4 (see reference 4) such that the first sheet 6a is covered by the ear-wearing device 4. Figure 9 The detailed structure will be described below. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the heating element 2 is mounted on the ear-wearing device 4 with the second sheet 6b exposed externally (see reference 4). Figure 3 , Figure 9 ).

[0038] In this embodiment, the first sheet 6a has higher breathability than the second sheet 6b. This prevents heat loss through the exposed second sheet 6b when the heating element 2 is installed in the ear-wearing device 4. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first sheet 6a is preferably a moisture-permeable sheet, and the second sheet 6b is preferably a non-moisture-permeable sheet.

[0039] The first sheet 6a can be made of, for example, a material with high breathability, or a material with appropriately formed ventilation holes. Examples of materials constituting the first sheet 6a include: woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, synthetic resins, rubber, elastomers, etc. The second sheet 6b can be made of, for example, a material with low breathability. Examples of materials constituting the second sheet 6b include: synthetic resins, laminates of synthetic resins with woven or nonwoven fabrics, etc.

[0040] Examples of fiber materials used to make highly breathable textiles or nonwovens include: synthetic fibers such as nylon, vinylon, polyester, rayon, acrylic acid, polyethylene, polypropylene, acetate, polyvinyl chloride, and polybutylene terephthalate; natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and paper; and blends of synthetic and natural fibers. These fiber materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0041] As the material constituting the synthetic resin with low air permeability, for example, the same material as the resin material exemplified in the above-described fiber materials can be used. Therefore, the second sheet 6b can, for example, be a resin film composed of the resin material exemplified in the above-described fiber materials. In addition, the first sheet 6a can also be a resin film, the same as the second sheet 6b, appropriately formed with venting holes.

[0042] Although, as described above, the heating element 2 of this embodiment includes a structure that comprises a heat-generating component 5 that causes a chemical reaction accompanied by heat generation when in contact with air, it is not limited to such a structure. The heating element 2 can be any structure capable of storing heat within a specified time period, such as an object that can be heated using a microwave oven. Alternatively, the heating element 2 can also utilize the heat of solidification of a sodium acetate aqueous solution that is in a supercooled state at room temperature.

[0043] Furthermore, although the housing 6 that wraps the heating component 5 in the heating body 2 of this embodiment is composed of a first sheet 6a and a second sheet 6b, it is not limited to this. The housing 6 is not particularly limited in structure as long as it can store and hold the heating component 5 in a manner corresponding to the structure of the ear-wearing device 4.

[0044] In the following text, the portion of the heating element 2 that houses the heating component 5 will be referred to as the body portion 2a of the heating element 2. Although the body portion 2a of this embodiment has a generally frustum-shaped shape, its shape is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the portion of the heating element 2 of this embodiment that protrudes from the body portion 2a will be referred to as the holding portion 2b. The holding portion 2b of this embodiment is a flange portion that protrudes radially outward from the end of the frustum-shaped body portion 2a on the large diameter side. Furthermore, the holding portion 2b of this embodiment is composed of the peripheral portions of the first sheet 6a and the second sheet 6b.

[0045] [Cover component 3]

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the cover member 3 is configured to be mounted on the insertion portion 12 of the ear-wearing device 4, which will be described later. More specifically, the cover member 3 of this embodiment includes: a mounting sleeve portion 3a (see reference 4) that can be inserted into the insertion portion 12 of the ear-wearing device 4. Figure 9 ); and an outer sleeve 3b that is connected to the mounting sleeve 3a in a manner that folds back from the top of the mounting sleeve 3a.

[0047] The insertion portion 12 of the ear-wearing device 4 is inserted into the base end of the mounting tube portion 3a of the cover member 3. The insertion portion 12, by fitting tightly against the inner surface of the mounting tube portion 3a, can hold the mounting tube portion 3a in place. The insertion portion 12 of the ear-wearing device 4 in this embodiment includes an annular protrusion 12b1. The annular protrusion 12b1 of the insertion portion 12 is embedded in an annular recess 3a1 provided on the inner surface of the mounting tube portion 3a (see reference). Figure 9 The detailed structure will be described below. This improves the retention of the cover member 3 by the insertion part 12.

[0048] The outer cylindrical portion 3b covers the outer side of the mounting cylindrical portion 3a in the radial direction. An annular space is defined between the mounting cylindrical portion 3a and the outer cylindrical portion 3b. Therefore, the outer cylindrical portion 3b, when... Figure 3 When inserted into the external auditory canal EA, the cover member 3 is pressed against the inner surface of the external auditory canal EA. Therefore, it elastically deforms radially inwards, approaching the outer surface of the mounting tube 3a, while remaining tightly against the inner surface of the external auditory canal EA. By attaching the cover member 3 to the ear-wearing device 4, and fitting it tightly against the inner surface of the external auditory canal EA, the stability of the heating device 100 in the external auditory canal EA can be improved. Furthermore, by using the cover member 3, the external auditory canal EA can be blocked, improving sound insulation. This blocks external noise, allowing the user of the heating device 100 to relax easily.

[0049] The material constituting the cover component 3 is not particularly limited, and examples include: rubber, elastomers, and synthetic resins including soft resins and hard resins. As synthetic resins, examples include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Although in this embodiment, the mounting cylinder portion 3a and the outer cylinder portion 3b are integrally formed from the same material, they can also be formed from different materials. Furthermore, the cover component 3 can also be formed by mixing materials such as metal or carbon into a base material such as rubber, elastomer, or synthetic resin. Further, the cover component 3 can be formed from a thermally conductive resin.

[0050] [Ear Wearing Device 4]

[0051] The ear-wearing device 4 is configured to accommodate the heating element 2 and the cover component 3 described above. Furthermore, the ear-wearing device 4 is configured to be worn on the ear together with the heating element 2 and the cover component 3 mounted thereon. It should be noted that "the ear-wearing device 4 can be worn on the ear" includes not only that the ear-wearing device 4 is directly fixed to the ear, but also that the ear-wearing device 4 is indirectly fixed to the ear through other components that can be fixed to the ear, such as the cover component 3.

[0052] Figure 5 (a) is a top view of the four individual ear-wearing devices viewed from the top surface side. Figure 5 (b) is a bottom view of the ear-wearing device 4 as a single individual, viewed from the side with the lower surface. Here, the "upper surface" of the ear-wearing device 4 refers to the surface located on the auricle AU (refer to the upper surface) when the ear-wearing device 4 is worn on the ear. Figure 3 The surface on that side. In addition, the "lower surface" of the ear-wearing device 4 refers to the surface on the side opposite to the upper surface. Figure 6 ,yes Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the ear-wearing device 4 at the location of line II shown. Figure 7 ,yes Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the ear-wearing device 4 at the location of line II-II shown. Figure 8 ,yes Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) shows a cross-sectional view of the ear-wearing device 4 at the position of line III-III. Hereinafter, refer to... Figures 1-3 as well as Figures 5-8 The ear-wearing device 4 is described in detail.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the ear-wearing device 4 of this embodiment includes: a contact portion 11, an insertion portion 12, a holding portion 13, and a connecting flange portion 20.

[0054] <Contact part 11>

[0055] Contact part 11, in the state where the ear-wearing device 4 is worn on the ear (see reference). Figure 3 Under these conditions, it contacts the designated area of ​​the auricle AU. When the ear-wearing device 4 is worn on the ear (refer to...), Figure 3 The contact portion 11 does not specifically limit the designated area of ​​the auricle AU that it contacts. The heating body 2, by warming any part of the auricle AU through the contact portion 11, can improve poor blood circulation and is expected to alleviate symptoms such as dizziness. Furthermore, the internal parasympathetic nerves are stimulated by the heating, resulting in a relaxing effect.

[0056] The contact portion 11 in this embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, the device comprises an embedding portion 14 that can be embedded in the concha CA of the auricle AU. The embedding portion 14 is configured to contact the inner surface of the concha CA, which is a designated portion of the auricle AU, by being embedded in the concha CA. More specifically, the embedding portion 14, as the contact portion 11 in this embodiment, contacts the inner surface of the cavum conchae, which is an inner surface of the concha CA, by being embedded in the concha CA. Although, as described above, the designated portion of the auricle AU contacted by the contact portion 11 is not particularly limited, the contact portion 11 is preferably an embedding portion 14, as in this embodiment, that contacts the inner surface of the concha CA by being embedded in the concha CA, and particularly preferably an embedding portion 14 that contacts the inner surface of the cavum concha. The heating body 2 heats the inner surface of the concha CA by the embedding portion 14, which is the contact portion 11, thereby effectively heating the internal parasympathetic nerves. This further enhances the relaxation effect described above.

[0057] In the following text, for ease of explanation, the extending direction of the insert 14 will be referred to as "the height direction A of the insert 14" or simply "the height direction A". The insert 14 of this embodiment has a generally frustum-shaped exterior. Therefore, the height direction A of the insert 14 of this embodiment is the annular sidewall portion 15 described below (see...). Figure 1 The direction of the central axis of the insertion part 14 (etc.). Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the direction in the height direction A of the insertion part 14, from the base end side to the top end side, is sometimes simply referred to as "upper side". Also, the direction in the height direction A of the insertion part 14, from the top end side to the base end side, is sometimes simply referred to as "lower side". In this embodiment, the upper side is located in the annular sidewall portion 15 (refer to...). Figure 1 In the context of (etc.), it refers to the top plate portion 16 as described below (refer to...). Figure 1 The lower side of the annular sidewall portion 15 in this embodiment refers to the side opposite to the end side connected to the top plate portion 16.

[0058] like Figures 5-8As shown, the embedding part 14 of this embodiment has an internal space 15a divided within it, which can accommodate a heating element 2 that heats the inner surface of the concha CA through the embedding part 14. The embedding part 14 of this embodiment includes a convex surface that contacts the inner surface of the concha CA, and a concave surface on the back side of the convex surface that divides the internal space 15a. Specifically, the embedding part 14 of this embodiment includes an annular sidewall part 15 and a top plate part 16. The annular sidewall part 15 is configured to fit into the concha CA. In particular, the annular sidewall part 15 of this embodiment can be fitted in a manner that is held by the inner surface of the concha CA. More specifically, the annular sidewall part 15 of this embodiment can be fitted in a manner that is held by the inner surface of the concha cavity within the inner surface of the concha CA. The annular sidewall part 15 has a body part 2a (see reference) within it that can heat the heating element 2. Figure 4 The internal space 15a is for storage. The top plate portion 16 is connected to one upper end (hereinafter referred to as "upper end") of the annular sidewall portion 15. The upper end of the internal space 15a of the annular sidewall portion 15 is closed by the top plate portion 16. In other words, the internal space 15a of this embodiment is a frustum-shaped space divided by the annular sidewall portion 15 and the top plate portion 16. The top plate portion 16 has a bottom contact surface 16a, which can contact the bottom surface of the auricle CA when the annular sidewall portion 15 is fitted into the auricle CA. More specifically, the bottom contact surface 16a of this embodiment is configured to contact the bottom surface of the auricle cavity in the bottom surface of the auricle CA. The bottom contact surface 16a of the top plate portion 16 of this embodiment is formed by the upper surface 17a of the top plate portion 16 on the side opposite to the lower surface 17b of the top plate facing the internal space 15a. It should be noted that the outer surface of the annular sidewall portion 15 of the embedding portion 14 in this embodiment forms a lateral contact surface that can contact the inner surface of the concha CA.

[0059] The heating element 2 described above is housed in the internal space 15a via its main body 2a, thus enabling it to be installed in the ear-wearing device 4. Specifically, the main body 2a of the heating element 2 can be housed into the internal space 15a from the opening end of the annular sidewall portion 15, which is the lower end (hereinafter referred to as "lower end") opposite to the upper end of the annular sidewall portion 15 connected to the top plate portion 16. The main body 2a of the heating element 2 does not contact the annular sidewall portion 15 and the top plate portion 16, but is spaced apart from them by a gap X (see reference). Figure 9 The state of [the structure] is contained within the internal space 15a. Details are described below (see [reference]). Figure 9 ).

[0060] Although the insert portion 14 in this embodiment has a frustum-shaped form, its shape is not particularly limited. For example, the insert portion 14 may have a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the insert portion 14 may have a shape that matches the inner surface of the concha CA. Therefore, the annular sidewall portion 15 in the insert portion 14 is not limited to the conical cylindrical shape of this embodiment. The annular sidewall portion 15 may also be a cylindrical shape with the same inner and outer diameters regardless of its position along the central axis. However, the outer surface of the annular sidewall portion 15 preferably has a tapered shape, as in this embodiment, that gradually tapers from the lower end opposite to the upper end connected to the top plate portion 16 toward the upper end connected to the top plate portion 16. This facilitates the insertion of the insert portion 14 into the concha CA. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the annular sidewall portion 15 orthogonal to the height direction A may not be circular; the cross-sectional shape may be an amorphous shape that matches the inner surface of the concha CA. Furthermore, although the top plate portion 16 of this embodiment is composed of a circular, flat plate portion that closes the upper end of the annular sidewall portion 15 in the shape of a conical cylinder, it is not limited to this structure. Preferably, the top plate portion 16 is configured to increase the contact area between the bottom contact surface 16a and the bottom surface of the auricle CA. Therefore, the top plate portion 16, for example, can be composed of a curved plate portion bent into a dome shape, so that the bottom contact surface 16a becomes a convex surface. Furthermore, although the internal space 15a of this embodiment is a generally frustum-shaped space, the shape of the internal space 15a is not particularly limited. The internal space 15a of this embodiment only needs to be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the heating element 2 and to heat the auricle AU through the insert portion 14. In this embodiment, the body portion 2a of the heating element 2 is accommodated in the internal space 15a, thereby forming a state covered by the annular sidewall portion 15 and the top plate portion 16.

[0061] <Insertion Section 12>

[0062] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the insertion part 12 protrudes from the insert part 14. The insertion part 12 is configured to be inserted into the external ear hole EA together with the cover member 3 mounted thereon (see reference). Figure 3 Specifically, in the top view of the insertion part 12 of this embodiment viewed along the height direction A of the insertion part 14 (see reference 14) Figure 5 In (a)), it protrudes outward from the insertion portion 14. More specifically, in this embodiment, the insertion portion 12 protrudes outward from the annular sidewall portion 15 of the insertion portion 14 in the radial direction B of the annular sidewall portion 15. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the radial direction B of the annular sidewall portion 15 will sometimes be simply referred to as "radial direction B".

[0063] The insertion portion 12 in this embodiment includes: a base end portion 12a connected to the annular sidewall portion 15, and a mounting sleeve portion 3a connected to the base end portion 12a and insertable into the cover member 3 (see reference). Figure 9 The top end 12b is located within the ear-wearing device 4. The top end 12b has a generally cylindrical shape. The central axis direction C, which extends from the top end 12b, is inclined relative to the height direction A of the insertion portion 14. The top end 12b can be inserted into the mounting tube portion 3a of the cover member 3, thereby pressing and expanding the mounting tube portion 3a radially outward. As a result, the outer surface of the top end 12b is in close contact with the inner surface of the mounting tube portion 3a. Consequently, the cover member 3 is held in place by the insertion portion 12 of the ear-wearing device 4. Furthermore, in addition to the close contact between the outer tube portion 3b and the inner surface of the external auditory canal EA, the close contact between the outer surface of the top end 12b and the inner surface of the mounting tube portion 3a further blocks the external auditory canal EA, thereby further improving the sound insulation of the heating device 100.

[0064] Furthermore, the top end portion 12b of this embodiment has an annular protrusion 12b1 that protrudes outward in the radial direction. When the top end portion 12b of the insertion portion 12 is inserted into the mounting cylinder portion 3a of the cover member 3, the annular protrusion 12b1 of the top end portion 12b is embedded in the annular recess 3a1 provided on the inner surface of the mounting cylinder portion 3a (see reference). Figure 9 Therefore, the mounting sleeve 3a is difficult to detach from the top end 12b. Thus, the retention of the insert 12 on the cover member 3 can be improved.

[0065] Although the insertion portion 12 of this embodiment is formed separately from the cover member 3 so as to allow the cover member 3 described above to be mounted, it can also be formed integrally. Therefore, the top end portion 12b of the insertion portion 12 of this embodiment can, for example, be formed to be integrally connected to the mounting sleeve portion 3a of the cover member 3.

[0066] Furthermore, although the ear-wearing device 4 of this embodiment includes an insertion portion 12, it is not limited to this structure. Although the ear-wearing device 4 of this embodiment is fixed to the ear by adhering tightly to the inner surface of the external auditory canal EA, for example, if an ear-wearing device 4 is used that is fixed only by the auricle AU, then the ear-wearing device 4 may not have an insertion portion 12. However, from the viewpoint of the relaxing effect generated by sound insulation, the heating device 100 preferably includes an insertion portion 12 that can be inserted into the external auditory canal EA. In addition, from the viewpoint of improving the tightness of the fit to the inner surface of the external auditory canal EA, the heating device 100 preferably also includes a cover member 3 that can be mounted on the insertion portion 12. In this way, the relaxing effect generated by sound insulation can be further improved. It should be noted that although the insertion portion 12 of this embodiment is integrally formed with the embedding portion 14, it can also be formed separately from the embedding portion 14 and detachably mounted on the embedding portion 14.

[0067] <Maintenance Section 13>

[0068] The holding part 13 is capable of holding the heated body 2, which heats a predetermined portion of the auricle AU through the insert part 14, which serves as the contact part 11. In other words, the heated body 2, held by the holding part 13 of this embodiment, heats the inner surface of the concha CA, which is a predetermined portion of the auricle AU, through the insert part 14.

[0069] Furthermore, the retaining part 13 can retain the heated body 2 in a state where it is spaced apart from the embedded part 14 by the gap X (see reference). Figure 9 The detailed structure will be described below. In this way, compared to a structure where the insert 14 and the heating element 2 are in contact without any gaps, the rapid temperature rise of the insert 14 caused by the heating element 2 can be suppressed. Therefore, burns to the inner surface of the concha CA of the auricle AU, which comes into contact with the insert 14, can be avoided.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown in (b), the holding part 13 of this embodiment includes: a support part 18 that supports the heating body 2 from the lower side, and a limiting wall part 19 that restricts the movement of the heating body 2 in a direction orthogonal to the height direction A.

[0071] More specifically, such as Figures 6-8 As shown, the support portion 18 of this embodiment includes: a flat support plate portion 18a extending in a direction orthogonal to the height direction A, closer to the lower side than the lower end of the insertion portion 14; and a support protrusion 18b protruding from the limiting wall portion 19 toward the inner side in the radial direction B. The holding portion 2b of the heating element 2 is supported from below by the support plate portion 18a and the support protrusion 18b when the main body portion 2a is housed in the internal space 15a. Therefore, the support plate portion 18a and the support protrusion 18b are positioned so as not to overlap with the internal space 15a in the height direction A. More specifically, the support plate portion 18a and the support protrusion 18b of the support portion 18 of this embodiment are positioned closer to the outer side in the radial direction B than the internal space 15a.

[0072] Furthermore, the limiting wall portion 19 connects to the outer side of the support portion 18 in the radial direction B and extends upward toward the height direction A. More specifically, as... Figures 6-8As shown, the limiting wall portion 19 of this embodiment includes: a first limiting wall portion 19a connected to the outer side of the support plate portion 18a in the radial direction B and extending upward in the height direction A; and a second limiting wall portion 19b connected to the outer side of the support protrusion portion 18b in the radial direction B and extending upward in the height direction A. When the held portion 2b of the heating body 2 is supported from below by the support plate portion 18a and the support protrusion portion 18b, the first limiting wall portion 19a and the second limiting wall portion 19b are located on the outer side of the held portion 2b in the radial direction B. Therefore, when the body portion 2a is housed in the internal space 15a and the held portion 2b is supported from below by the support plate portion 18a and the support protrusion portion 18b, the movement of the held portion 2b of the heating body 2 in a direction orthogonal to the height direction A is limited by the first limiting wall portion 19a and the second limiting wall portion 19b.

[0073] As described above, the holding part 13 of this embodiment, by means of the support part 18 and the limiting wall part 19, restricts the movement of the holding part 2b of the heating body 2 in the lower part of the height direction A and in the direction orthogonal to the height direction A, thereby enabling the holding of the heating body 2. It should be noted that the movement of the holding part 2b of the heating body 2 upward in the height direction A is restricted by the lower end of the insert part 14 described above. In particular, in the ear-wearing device 4 of this embodiment, a connecting flange part 20 is provided as a flange part that protrudes outward in the radial direction B from the opening end of the lower end of the insert part 14 described above and connects the insert part 14 to the second limiting wall part 19b of the holding part 13. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting flange part 20, together with the lower end of the insert part 14, restricts the movement of the holding part 2b of the heating body 2 upward in the height direction A. However, the ear-wearing device 4 only needs to have a portion that connects the insert portion 14 to the retaining portion 13, and its structure is not limited to the connecting flange portion 20 of this embodiment. Therefore, the movement of the retaining portion 2b of the heating body 2 upward in the height direction A can also be restricted by the lower end of the insert portion 14 described above, and it is not necessary to use the connecting flange portion 20 for restriction.

[0074] In the ear-wearing device 4 of this embodiment, the insert portion 14 is connected to the second limiting wall portion 19b via the connecting flange portion 20. A support protrusion 18b protrudes from the second limiting wall portion 19b toward the inner side in the radial direction B. Furthermore, the second limiting wall portion 19b is connected to the support plate portion 18a. Moreover, the first limiting wall portion 19a is connected to the outer edge of the support plate portion 18a. Thus, in the ear-wearing device 4 of this embodiment, the insert portion 14 and the retaining portion 13 are connected via the connecting flange portion 20. Although in this embodiment, the insert portion 14 and the retaining portion 13 are integrally formed with the connecting flange portion 20 sandwiched between them, at least one of the retaining portion 13, the insert portion 14, and the connecting flange portion 20 can also be formed separately and joined by bonding, welding, or the like.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the support plate portion 18a and the lower surface of the base end portion 12a of the insertion portion 12 described above face each other with a gap in the height direction A. Between the lower surface of the base end portion 12a of the insertion portion 12 and the upper surface of the support plate portion 18a, the holding portion 2b of the heating element 2 can be inserted from the inside to the outside in the radial direction B. It should be noted that, as... Figure 6 As shown, the first limiting wall portion 19a extends upward from the outer edge of the support plate portion 18a in the radial direction B and is connected to the base end portion 12a of the insertion portion 12.

[0076] <Connecting flange 20>

[0077] As described above, the ear-wearing device 4 of this embodiment, in addition to the contact portion 11, the insertion portion 12, and the holding portion 13, also includes a connecting flange portion 20 as a flange portion. The connecting flange portion 20 of this embodiment is connected to the insert portion 14, which serves as the contact portion 11. More specifically, the connecting flange portion 20 of this embodiment protrudes from the lower end of the insert portion 14 outward in the radial direction B, connecting the insert portion 14 to the second limiting wall portion 19b of the holding portion 13. It should be noted that, as... Figure 5 As shown in (a), the outer edge of the connecting flange 20, in addition to having a second limiting wall 19b that covers the area around the holding portion 2b of the heated body 2 in the stored state (see reference 19b), has a limiting wall 19b that covers the area around the holding portion 2b of the heated body 2. Figure 5 (b) In addition to the wall connection end 20b connected to the wall connection end 20b, it also has a free end 20a that is not connected to the second limiting wall portion 19b of the limiting wall portion 19. Furthermore, the length L1 of the connecting flange portion 20 in the radial direction B at the position of the free end 20a is shorter than the length L2 of the connecting flange portion 20 in the radial direction B at the position of the wall connection end 20b. For example... Figure 5 (b) Figure 6 as well as Figure 7As shown, a venting groove 21 is formed on the lower surface of the connecting flange 20, extending from the free end 20a to the internal space 15a. Therefore, in this embodiment, a venting path 30 is defined by the venting groove 21. This venting path 30 starts from the free end 20a of the connecting flange 20 and extends to the recess provided at the lower end of the insertion portion 14, communicating with the internal space 15a. Therefore, even when the body portion 2a of the heating element 2 is housed in the internal space 15a, even when the holding portion 2b of the heating element 2 is in contact with the opening end of the insertion portion 14 and the connecting flange 20, air can still enter the internal space 15a through the venting groove 21. Therefore, even when a heating component 5 (see reference 5) that generates heat through contact with air is included, air can still be introduced into the internal space 15a. Figure 4 When the main body 2a is housed in the internal space 15a, air can also enter the internal space 15a through the ventilation groove 21, thereby generating heat. It should be noted that although the ventilation groove 21 divides the ventilation path 30 in the ear-wearing device 4 of this embodiment, the ventilation path 30 is not limited to the structure of this embodiment.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown in (a), in the circumferential direction D of the insert portion 14 (in this embodiment, it is the same direction as the circumferential direction of the annular sidewall portion 15, hereinafter simply referred to as "circumferential direction D"), the connecting flange portion 20 of this embodiment is not provided on both sides of the insert portion 12. Therefore, the ear-wearing device 4 of this embodiment is configured such that... Figure 5 In the top view shown in (a), the upper surface of the support plate portion 18a can be seen. In this embodiment, the heating element 2 is installed in the ear-wearing device 4 by inserting the retaining portion 2b from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction B between the lower surface of the base end portion 12a of the insertion portion 12 and the upper surface of the support plate portion 18a. Therefore, since no connecting flanges 20 are provided on either side of the insertion portion 12 in the circumferential direction D, it is possible to observe from the outside to confirm whether the retaining portion 2b of the heating element 2 is properly inserted between the lower surface of the base end portion 12a of the insertion portion 12 and the upper surface of the support plate portion 18a.

[0079] Although the ear-wearing device 4 of this embodiment has a connecting flange 20 that protrudes outward from the opening end of the lower end of the insert 14 toward the radial direction B in order to connect the insert 14 and the retaining part 13, any structure that connects the insert 14 and the retaining part 13 is acceptable, and the structure of the connecting flange 20 in this embodiment is not limited to that of this embodiment. However, it is preferable to use a connecting flange 20 having a lower surface that is flush with the lower end of the insert 14 in the height direction A, as in this embodiment. In this way, when the body part 2a of the heating element 2 is housed in the internal space 15a, it is possible to prevent the flange-shaped retaining part 2b of the heating element 2 from moving in an inclined manner relative to the height direction A. As a result, the body part 2a of the heating element 2 is less likely to fall off from the internal space 15a. Therefore, the positional stability of the heating element 2 can be further improved when the retaining part 13 holds the retaining part 2b of the heating element 2.

[0080] It should be noted that the materials constituting the ear-wearing device 4 are not particularly limited, and examples include: rubber, elastomers, and synthetic resins, including soft and hard resins. More specifically, examples include: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), elastomers, etc. This is based on the efficient transfer of heat from the heating element 2 to the auricle AU (refer to...). Figure 3 In this respect, the material constituting the ear-wearing device 4 can be a material with high thermal conductivity. Examples of such materials include those that improve thermal conductivity by mixing materials with high thermal conductivity, such as metals or carbon, into a base material such as rubber, elastomer, or synthetic resin. Alternatively, a thermally conductive resin with high thermal conductivity can also be used.

[0081] [Dividing the storage space 40 to house the heating element 2 of the ear-wearing device 4, with dividing surface 50]

[0082] Next, the storage space 40 that can accommodate the warm body 2, which is divided by the ear-wearing device 4, and the dividing surface 50 of the ear-wearing device 4 that divides the storage space 40 will be described. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a heating device 100 in its use state, with the heating element 2 and the cover component 3 installed on the ear-wearing device 4. Figure 9 The image shows the ear-wearing device 4 with the heating element 2 and the cover component 3 already installed. Figure 5 The cross-section at the same location as line II. Additionally, Figure 10 The diagram shows the state during the installation of the heating element 2 onto the ear-wearing device 4, and is related to... Figure 9 Cross-sectional view at the same location.

[0083] First, a detailed explanation is provided as follows: Figure 9The ear-wearing device 4 shown is in a state where it holds the warming body 2. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the retaining part 13 of this embodiment is capable of retaining the auricle AU (refer to) through the inserting part 14. Figure 3 CA of the concha (refer to) Figure 3 The heating element 2 is heated on the inner surface of the heating element 2. In this embodiment, as described above, when the main body 2a of the heating element 2 is housed in the internal space 15a, the support 18 and the limiting wall 19 of the holding part 13 hold the held part 2b of the heating element 2.

[0084] The retaining part 13 restricts the movement of the heating body 2 relative to the ear-wearing device 4 within a specified range so that the heating body 2 will not detach from the ear-wearing device 4. That is to say, the structure of the retaining part 13 is not limited to a structure that retains the heating body 2 in a way that prevents the heating body 2 from moving at all relative to the ear-wearing device 4.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the holding part 13 holds the heated body 2 in a manner that allows the held part 2b to move within a predetermined range in the height direction A. Specifically, in this embodiment, the holding part 13 holds the heated body 2 such that the heated body 2 can move in the height direction A within a range from the position where the lower surface of the held part 2b contacts and is supported by the support plate part 18a and the support protrusion 18b, to the position where the upper surface of the held part 2b contacts the lower end of the embedded part 14 and the lower surface of the connecting flange part 20. It should be noted that in Figure 9 The image shows the upper surface of the holding portion 2b of the heating body 2 in contact with the opening end, which is the lower end of the insertion portion 14, and the lower surface of the connecting flange portion 20, in the holding position where the heating body 2 is located at the uppermost side.

[0086] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the holding part 13 holds the held part 2b of the heating body 2 in a state where it cannot move in a direction orthogonal to the height direction A. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first limiting wall part 19a and the second limiting wall part 19b of the limiting wall part 19 are located around the held part 2b of the heating body 2 in a direction orthogonal to the height direction A. Therefore, by contacting the outer edge of the held part 2b of the limiting wall part 19, the first limiting wall part 19a and the second limiting wall part 19b of the limiting wall part 19 restrict the movement of the heating body 2 in a direction orthogonal to the height direction A. However, as described above, the holding part 13 can also hold the held part 2b of the heating body 2 so that it can move within a predetermined range in a direction orthogonal to the height direction A.

[0087] Here, as Figure 9 As shown, the holding part 13 can hold the heating body 2 with the heating body 2 spaced apart from the embedding part 14 by a gap X. It should be noted that, as in this embodiment, when the holding part 13 holds the heating body 2 so that it can move within a predetermined range, the heating body 2 can be positioned at any location within the predetermined range of movement, spaced apart from the embedding part 14 by a gap X. For example, although... Figure 9 The image shows the heating element 2 in its uppermost position. However, even in this position, the main body 2a of the heating element 2 in this embodiment remains spaced apart from the annular sidewall 15 and the top plate 16 of the insert 14 through the gap X. In this way, the rapid temperature rise of the insert 14 caused by the heating element 2 can be suppressed, and burns to the inner surface of the concha CA of the auricle AU that comes into contact with the insert 14 can be avoided.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the retaining part 13 holds the heating body 2 within the internal space 15a inside the annular sidewall part 15, where the heating body 2 is housed from the lower surface 17b of the top plate (which is the back side of the top plate upper surface 17a). The top plate upper surface 17a is the bottom contact surface 16a of the top plate part 16. By employing the retaining part 13 to hold the heating body 2 housed in the internal space 15a within the annular sidewall part 15 as described above, the heating body 2 can be easily installed into the ear-wearing device 4.

[0089] More specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the retaining part 13 holds the retaining part 2b protruding from the body part 2a of the heating element 2 within the internal space 15a inside the annular sidewall part 15, with the body part 2a of the heating element 2 housed from the lower surface 17b of the top plate of the top plate part 16. In this way, as described above, the heating element 2 can be easily installed into the ear-wearing device 4. Furthermore, by having the retaining part 2b of the heating element 2 contact the lower end of the annular sidewall part 15, which serves as the lower end of the insert part 14, the amount of pressure applied into the annular sidewall part 15 by the body part 2a can be limited. Therefore, a gap X can be easily maintained between the body part 2a of the heating element 2 and the top plate part 16.

[0090] It should be noted that, as Figure 10As shown, in the heating appliance 100 of this embodiment, the flange portion of the heating element 2, which serves as the holding portion 2b, is inserted from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction B into the gap between the support plate portion 18a and the insertion portion 12. Furthermore, the body portion 2a of the heating element 2 is housed from the lower end of the annular sidewall portion 15 into the inner space 15a of the annular sidewall portion 15. The portion of the holding portion 2b of the heating element 2, excluding the portion inserted into the gap between the support plate portion 18a and the insertion portion 12, passes over the support protrusion 18b, i.e., the holding portion 2b is held by the holding portion 13, thereby completing the housing of the body portion 2a into the annular sidewall portion 15.

[0091] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the holding part 13 holds the heating body 2 while the body part 2a of the heating body 2 is covered by the embedding part 14. In this way, by covering the body part 2a of the heating body 2 with the embedding part 14, the heat generated by the body part 2a is prevented from being wasted and dissipated unnecessarily to heat the embedding part 14.

[0092] It should be noted that the embedding portion 14 preferably covers at least the surface of the heating portion of the heating body 2 that heats the embedding portion 14. Therefore, it can be a structure like the embedding portion 14 in this embodiment, in which the surface of the body portion 2a of the heating body 2 that serves as the heating portion for heating the embedding portion 14 is covered, and the holding portion 2b that is not a heating portion is not covered.

[0093] Next, refer to Figures 6-9 The detailed structure of the storage space 40 for accommodating the heating element 2 in the ear-wearing device 4 will be explained. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the storage space 40 refers to the space where the heating element 2 is located when it is installed on the ear-wearing device 4. The "space where the heating element 2 is located" mentioned here includes the range of movement when the heating element 2 is held in a way that allows it to move relative to the ear-wearing device 4 within a specified range, as in this embodiment.

[0094] More specifically, the storage space 40 of this embodiment includes an internal space 15a of the embedding portion 14 capable of accommodating the body portion 2a of the heating element 2. Additionally, the storage space 40 of this embodiment includes a holding portion 2b capable of accommodating the heating element 2, located inside the radial direction B relative to the first limiting wall portion 19a and the second limiting wall portion 19b. Furthermore, the storage space 40 of this embodiment includes a holding portion 2b capable of accommodating the heating element 2, located higher in the height direction A than the support plate portion 18a and the support protrusion 18b of the support portion 18, and lower than the lower end of the embedding portion 14, the lower surface of the insertion portion 12, and the lower surface of the connecting flange portion 20.

[0095] Next, the detailed structure of the dividing surface 50 that divides the storage space 40 in the ear-wearing device 4 will be explained. For example... Figures 6-9 As shown, the dividing surface 50 has: a hat-shaped surface 51, a flange-opposing surface 52, and a surrounding surface 53.

[0096] The hat-shaped surface 51 is composed of a concave surface 51a formed on the back side of the contact surface that contacts the auricle AU, and a flange surface 51b extending from the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a. In this embodiment, the contact surface that contacts the auricle AU is, for example, the upper surface 17a of the top plate of the bottom contact surface 16a of the insert portion 14. In addition, the concave surface 51a in this embodiment is the surface that divides the internal space 15a of the insert portion 14. More specifically, the concave surface 51a in this embodiment is composed of the inner surface 15b of the annular sidewall portion 15 and the lower surface 17b of the top plate of the top plate portion 16. In addition, the flange surface 51b in this embodiment is composed of the lower surface 12a1 of the insert portion 12 and the lower surface 20c connecting the flange portion 20.

[0097] The flange-facing surface 52 is positioned to face a predetermined portion 60, which is part of the flange surface 51b, with a gap along the axial direction of the concave surface 51a. "Axial direction of the concave surface 51a" refers to a direction orthogonal to the plane including the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a. That is, the axial direction of the concave surface 51a in this embodiment is the same as the height direction A of the insert portion 14. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the axial direction of the concave surface 51a will be simply referred to as "height direction A".

[0098] Furthermore, a portion of the heating element 2 can be inserted from the inner side of the concave surface 51a in the radial direction outward between a predetermined portion 60 of the flange surface 51b and the flange opposing surface 52. "Radial direction of the concave surface 51a" refers to the radial direction of the circle formed by the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a. That is, the radial direction of the concave surface 51a in this embodiment is the same as the radial direction B of the annular sidewall portion 15. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the radial direction of the concave surface 51a will be simply referred to as "radial direction B".

[0099] In this embodiment, the flange-facing surface 52 is the upper surface 18a1 of the support plate portion 18a. Therefore, the designated portion 60, which is part of the flange surface 51b in this embodiment, is the lower surface 12a1 of the insertion portion 12.

[0100] Here, the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b includes a portion 60a located closer to the outer side of the radial direction B than the inner end of the flange surface 51b, and closer to the bottom of the concave surface 51a than the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a in the height direction A. More specifically, the lower surface 12a1 of the insertion portion 12, which is the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b, includes a portion 60a located closer to the outer side of the radial direction B than the inner end of the flange surface 51b, and closer to the upper side of the concave surface 51a1 in the height direction A. In this embodiment, the inner end of the lower surface 12a1 of the insertion portion 12 in the radial direction B is the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51aa. Furthermore, the lower surface 12a1 of the insertion portion 12 in this embodiment is composed of an inclined surface that gradually slopes upwards in the height direction A from the inner side of the radial direction B towards the outer side. The lower surface 12a1 of the insertion part 12 in this embodiment is an inclined surface with a portion 60a. This portion 60a is located closer to the outer side of the radial direction B than the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a, which is the inner end, and closer to the upper side of the height direction A than the opening end 51a1.

[0101] Thus, since the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b facing the flange opposing surface 52 has a portion 60a located closer to the outer side in the radial direction B than the inner end in the radial direction B, and closer to the upper side in the height direction A than the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a, even if the gap between the flange opposing surface 52 and the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b is narrow, a part of the heating element 2 (the holding part 2b in this embodiment) can be inserted into the gap, and the other part or all of the remaining parts of the heating element 2 (the body part 2a as another part in this embodiment) can be housed in the internal space 15a divided by the concave surface 51a.

[0102] More specifically, such as Figure 10As shown, since the specified part 60 has the aforementioned part 60a, the heated body 2 can be tilted relative to the height direction A. Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, a portion of the heating element 2 (in this embodiment, the holding portion 2b) is inserted into the gap between the designated portion 60 of the flange opposing surface 52 and the flange surface 51b. Therefore, the other portion or all remaining portions of the heating element 2 (in this embodiment, the body portion 2a) can be moved to a position directly below the internal space 15a while tilted relative to the height direction A and retracted to a position closer to the lower side than the internal space 15a. Therefore, even if the gap between the designated portion 60 of the flange opposing surface 52 and the flange surface 51b is narrow, the heating element 2 can be easily accommodated so that it spans both the gap between the designated portion 60 of the flange opposing surface 52 and the flange surface 51b and the internal space 15a. In other words, by having the aforementioned portion 60a in the designated portion 60, the heating element 2 can be easily installed in the ear-wearing device 4. It should be noted that when removing the heating element 2 from the ear-wearing device 4, the heating element 2 can be easily removed from the ear-wearing device 4 by performing the reverse operation of the installation operation described above.

[0103] By reducing the gap between the flange-facing surface 52 and the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b, the range of movement of the heating element 2 housed in the storage space 40 can be reduced. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the distance between the heating element 2 and the concave surface 51a within the desired range. Consequently, the heating element 2 can be easily used to heat the contact surfaces, such as the bottom contact surface 16a located on the opposite side of the concave surface 51a and in contact with the auricle AU, to the desired temperature via the concave surface 51a.

[0104] In other words, by having the aforementioned portion 60a in the designated part 60, the auricle AU can be heated more efficiently by the heating body 2, and the wearability of the heating body 2 can be improved.

[0105] The specific shape of the portion 60a located closer to the upper side than the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a in the designated portion 60 is not particularly limited. For example, the portion 60a of the designated portion 60 can be formed by a concave surface that is recessed upwards. However, it is preferable, as in this embodiment, that the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b has an inclined surface that gradually slopes towards the bottom side (upper side in this embodiment) of the concave surface 51a in the height direction A as it slopes from the inner side in the radial direction B towards the outer side. Furthermore, the portion 60a is preferably formed by this inclined surface. In this way, it is possible to prevent a portion of the heated element 2 (the holding portion 2b in this embodiment) inserted between the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b and the flange opposing surface 52 from being hooked by the portion 60a of the designated portion 60, thereby facilitating insertion into the appropriate position.

[0106] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the radial length L3 of the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b is less than or equal to the radial length L4 of the holding portion 2b of the heating element 2 installed in the ear-wearing device 4. Furthermore, the designated portion 60 is formed by the aforementioned inclined surface throughout its radial direction B. That is, the portion 60a of the designated portion 60 is also formed by the aforementioned inclined surface. In this way, the holding portion 2b of the heating element 2 inserted between the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b and the flange opposing surface 52 is less likely to be snagged throughout its radial direction B.

[0107] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the length L1 of the connecting flange 20 in the radial direction B at the free end 20a (refer to...) Figure 5 , Figure 6 ), which is smaller than the length L4 in the radial direction B of the portion 2b of the heated body 2. Therefore, as Figure 2 , Figure 9 As shown, with the heating element 2 installed in the ear-wearing device 4, the holding portion 2b protrudes further outward in the radial direction B than the free end 20a. Therefore, when removing the heating element 2 from the ear-wearing device 4, one can simply grasp the portion of the holding portion 2b of the heating element 2 that protrudes from the free end 20a. In this way, the heating element 2 can be easily removed from the ear-wearing device 4.

[0108] In addition, such as Figures 6-9 As shown, the flange-facing surface 52 is located only on the side opposite to the bottom side of the concave surface 51a in the height direction A, compared to the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a. In other words, the flange-facing surface 52 is located only on the lower side in the height direction A, closer to the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a. This allows the heated body 2 to be tilted relative to the height direction A (see reference...). Figure 10 Under these conditions, a portion of the heating element 2 (in this embodiment, the holding portion 2b) is inserted between a predetermined portion 60 of the flange surface 51b and the flange opposing surface 52. Afterward, the heating element 2 is positioned so as not to tilt relative to the height direction A (see reference). Figure 9 The heating element 2 can be moved. This allows the other part of the heating element 2 (in this embodiment, the main body 2a) to be housed within the internal space 15a defined by the concave surface 51a. In this embodiment, the heating element 2 is positioned in a state where it is not tilted relative to the height direction A (see reference). Figure 9As the heating element 2 moves, the holding portion 2b of the heating element 2 passes over the supporting protrusion 18b. This completes the installation of the heating element 2 onto the ear-wearing device 4. It should be noted that in this embodiment, "the state in which the heating element 2 is tilted relative to the height direction A" means that the in-plane direction of the holding portion 2b of the heating element 2 is tilted relative to the height direction A and also tilted relative to a direction orthogonal to the height direction A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, "the state in which the heating element 2 is not tilted relative to the height direction A" means that the in-plane direction of the holding portion 2b of the heating element 2 is parallel to a direction orthogonal to the height direction A.

[0109] Although the concave surface 51a of the hat-shaped surface 51 in this embodiment is formed by the insert portion 14, it is not limited to this structure. The concave surface 51a can be any back side of the contact surface that contacts a predetermined part of the heated auricle AU. However, preferably, as in this embodiment, the contact surface and the concave surface 51a are formed by the surface of the insert portion 14 into which the concha CA can be inserted. Specifically, the contact surface in this embodiment is formed by the top upper surface 17a (bottom contact surface 16a) and the outer surface (lateral contact surface) of the annular sidewall portion 15, which are the surface of the insert portion 14. In addition, the concave surface 51a in this embodiment is formed by the bottom surface 17b of the top plate and the inner surface 15b of the annular sidewall portion 15, which are the surface of the insert portion 14. In this way, the inner surface of the concha CA can be easily heated by the heating body 2. By heating the inner surface of the concha CA, the relaxation effect can be improved as described above.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the designated portion 60 in the flange surface 51b of the cap-shaped surface 51, which faces the flange opposing surface 52, is formed by the lower surface 12a1, which is the lower side of the insertion portion 12. However, the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b may also be formed by other portions of the ear-wearing device 4 that are different from the insertion portion 12. However, the designated portion 60 of the flange surface 51b is preferably formed by the surface of the insertion portion 12, as in this embodiment. The insertion portion 12 can improve the fixation to the ear and the sound insulation, and can be easily used as the location for the aforementioned portion 60a where the designated portion 60 is set. Therefore, it is not necessary to use other portions different from the insertion portion 12 to set the designated portion 60, which simplifies the structure of the ear-wearing device 4.

[0111] It should be noted that, in addition to the aforementioned hat-shaped surface 51 and flange-facing surface 52, the dividing surface 50 of this embodiment also includes a surrounding surface 53 located on the outer side of the holding portion 2b of the heating body 2 in the radial direction B. The surrounding surface 53 extends from the outer edge of the flange surface 51b of the hat-shaped surface 51 to the lower side in the height direction A. Furthermore, a portion of the surrounding surface 53, at its lower end in the height direction A, connects to the outer end of the flange-facing surface 52 in the radial direction B. In other words, a portion of the surrounding surface 53 is a connecting wall surface 53a that connects the flange surface 51b and the flange-facing surface 52, and this connecting wall surface 53a is located on the outer side of the gap between the flange surface 51b and the flange-facing surface 52 in the height direction A, in the radial direction B. Figure 10 As shown, by providing such a connecting wall surface 53a, when a portion of the heating element 2 (in this embodiment, the holding portion 2b) is inserted from the inside to the outside in the radial direction B between the flange surface 51b and the flange opposing surface 52 of the cap-shaped surface 51, the insertion amount of the heating element 2 can be limited. In other words, when the heating element 2 is installed in the ear-wearing device 4, a portion of the heating element 2 is inserted between the flange surface 51b and the flange opposing surface 52 until it contacts the connecting wall surface 53a. Afterwards, by simply changing the degree of inclination of the heating element 2 relative to the height direction A, the other portion of the heating element 2 (in this embodiment, the body portion 2a) can be housed in the internal space 15a. In other words, by providing the connecting wall surface 53a, the operability of installing the heating element 2 in the ear-wearing device 4 can be improved.

[0112] Although the connecting wall 53a in this embodiment is shown in the cross-sectional view along the height direction A (see reference 53a), Figure 9 The structure may be a surface that extends approximately parallel to the height direction A, but is not limited to this structure. The connecting wall surface 53a may, for example, be a surface that extends obliquely relative to the height direction A in this cross-sectional view, or it may be a surface that is recessed outward toward the radial direction B in this cross-sectional view.

[0113] In this embodiment, the surrounding surface 53 is formed by the inner surface of the first limiting wall portion 19a in the radial direction B and the inner surface of the second limiting wall portion 19b in the radial direction B. However, the portion constituting the surrounding surface 53 is not particularly limited.

[0114] The ear-wearing device and heating device of the present invention are not limited to the specific structures shown in the embodiments described above, and various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the flange surface 51b described above is not limited to a structure that protrudes outward in the radial direction B from the entire area surrounding the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a. That is, the flange surface 51b may be a structure that protrudes outward in the radial direction B from only a portion of the area surrounding the opening end 51a1 of the concave surface 51a.

[0115] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0116] 2: Warm body

[0117] 2a: Main body

[0118] 2b: The part that is retained

[0119] 3: Cover component

[0120] 3a: Installation cylinder

[0121] 3a1: Annular recess

[0122] 3b: External cylindrical section

[0123] 4: Ear-wearing devices

[0124] 5: Heating components

[0125] 6: Storage unit

[0126] 6a: Sheet 1

[0127] 6b: 2nd sheet

[0128] 11: Contact Department

[0129] 12: Insertion section

[0130] 12a: Base end

[0131] 12a1: Lower surface of the insertion part

[0132] 12b: Top part

[0133] 12b1: Annular protrusion

[0134] 13: Maintaining section

[0135] 14: Embedded part

[0136] 15: Annular sidewall portion

[0137] 15a: Interior space

[0138] 15b: Inner surface of the annular sidewall portion

[0139] 16: Top plate section

[0140] 16a: Bottom contact surface (contact surface)

[0141] 17a: Top surface of the top plate

[0142] 17b: Lower surface of the top plate

[0143] 18: Support Department

[0144] 18a: Support board section

[0145] 18a1: Upper surface of the support plate

[0146] 18b: Supporting protrusion

[0147] 19: Restricted wall section

[0148] 19a: First limiting wall section

[0149] 19b: Second limiting wall section

[0150] 20: Connecting flange portion

[0151] 20a: Free end

[0152] 20b: Wall connection end

[0153] 20c: Lower surface of the connecting flange

[0154] 21: Ventilation slot

[0155] 30: Ventilation Path

[0156] 40: Storage space

[0157] 50: Divide the storage space into distinct sections.

[0158] 51: Hat Shape

[0159] 51a: Concave surface

[0160] 51a1: Opening end of the concave surface

[0161] 51b: Flange surface

[0162] 52: Opposite surfaces of flanges

[0163] 53: Enclosing surface

[0164] 53a: Connecting wall surfaces

[0165] 60: Specified portion of the flange surface

[0166] 60a: Part of the specified location

[0167] 100: Heating appliances

[0168] L1: Length in the radial direction at the location of the free end of the connecting flange.

[0169] L2: Length in the radial direction at the position of the wall connection end of the connecting flange.

[0170] L3: Length in the radial direction at a specified portion of the flange surface.

[0171] L4: Length in the radial direction of the retaining part of the heating element installed in the ear-wearing device.

[0172] X: Gap

[0173] AU: Auricle

[0174] CA: concha

[0175] EA: External auditory canal

[0176] A: Height direction of the embedded part (hat axis direction)

[0177] B: The radial direction of the annular sidewall of the embedded part (the radial direction of the cap).

[0178] C: Central axis direction of the insertion part

[0179] D: Circumferential direction of the embedded part

Claims

1. An ear-wearing device that can be worn on the ear, wherein, Storage space has been created to accommodate warm objects. The dividing surfaces that define the storage space include: A concave surface formed on the back side of the contact surface that contacts the auricle; A flange surface extending from the opening end of the concave surface; and The flange opposing surfaces are arranged such that they face a predetermined portion, which is part of the flange surface, with a gap in the axial direction of the concave surface. A portion of the heating element can be inserted, from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction of the concave surface, between the designated portion of the flange surface and the opposing surface of the flange. The designated portion of the flange surface is the portion located closer to the outer side of the inner end relative to the radial direction and closer to the bottom side of the concave surface in the axial direction relative to the opening end of the concave surface.

2. The ear-wearing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The opposing flange face is located relative to the opening end of the concave surface, closer in the axial direction to the side opposite to the bottom side of the concave surface.

3. The ear-wearing device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The designated portion of the flange surface has an inclined surface that gradually slopes towards the bottom side of the concave surface in the axial direction as it moves from the inner side in the radial direction towards the outer side. The portion of the specified location of the flange surface is formed by the inclined surface.

4. The ear-wearing device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The dividing surface includes a connecting wall that connects the flange surface and the flange opposing surface, and the connecting wall is located on the outer side of the gap between the flange surface and the flange opposing surface in the radial direction.

5. The ear-wearing device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, It has an inserting part that can be inserted into the concha of the auricle. The contact surface and the concave surface are formed by the surface of the embedded part.

6. The ear-wearing device as described in claim 5, wherein, It has an insertion part that protrudes from the embedding part and can be inserted into the external ear canal. The designated portion of the flange surface is formed by the surface of the insertion portion.

7. A heating device comprising an ear-wearing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, and the heating body.

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