Earwear device

Abstract

Provided is an earwear device that improves the wearing sensation of a main body portion housed in a concha cavity. The earwear device includes a main body portion having a protruding portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the protruding portion, and worn in the concha cavity in a use state; and an insertion portion mounted to the cylindrical portion and inserted into an external auditory canal in the use state. The main body portion has an inner housing in which the protruding portion is formed, and a cover covering the inner housing, a first end portion of the cover being sealingly fixed to the inner housing side, an intermediate portion being separated from the inner housing to form an air chamber therebetween and cover the protruding portion, a second end portion on the opposite side of the first end portion across the intermediate portion having an opening portion through which the cylindrical portion is inserted, and a valve structure being constituted by the opening portion, the intermediate portion, and the protruding portion, the valve structure controlling the ventilation of air in the air chamber with an external space via the opening portion according to the pressure difference between the air chamber and the external space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an earwear. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Patent Literature 1, a technology is described in which, in an earwear such as an earplug, earphone, or hearing aid, an insertion portion that is inserted into an external auditory canal is composed of a soundproof member and an elastic member that covers the soundproof member, and by causing air to flow into the inside of the elastic member to expand it and make it adhere to the inner wall of the external auditory canal, the wearing feeling is improved.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-057164 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] An earwear generally has an insertion portion that is inserted into an external auditory canal and a main body portion that is housed in a concha cavity of an auricle.

[0008] The earwear described in Patent Literature 1 is a device that improves the wearing feeling of the insertion portion that is inserted into the external auditory canal, and is not a device that improves the wearing feeling of the main body portion that is housed in the concha cavity. Therefore, a technology that improves the wearing feeling of the main body portion, particularly a technology that improves the tactile sensation when the main body portion is pressed against the head, is desired.

[0009] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present application is to provide an earwear that can improve the wearing feeling of a main body portion that is housed in a concha cavity.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] To solve the above-described problems, an earwear of one embodiment of the present application includes a main body portion that has a protruding portion and a cylindrical portion that extends from the protruding portion and is worn in a concha cavity in a use state, and an insertion portion that is attached to the cylindrical portion and is inserted into an external auditory canal in the use state, the main body portion has an inner housing that forms the protruding portion and a cover that covers the inner housing, a first end portion of the cover is sealingly fixed to the inner housing side, an intermediate portion is separated from the inner housing to form an air chamber therebetween and cover the protruding portion, a second end portion of the cover on the opposite side of the first end portion across the intermediate portion has an opening portion through which the cylindrical portion is inserted, a valve structure is configured including the opening portion, the intermediate portion, and the protruding portion, and the valve structure controls the ventilation of air in the air chamber with an outside space via the opening portion in accordance with the pressure difference between the air chamber and the outside space.

[0012] Another earwear device according to the present application includes a main body portion having a protruding portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the protruding portion, and worn in a concha cavity in a use state, and an insertion portion attached to the cylindrical portion and inserted into an external auditory canal in the use state, the main body portion having an inner housing in which the protruding portion is formed, and a cover covering the inner housing, a first end portion of the cover being sealingly fixed to the inner housing side, an intermediate portion being separated from the inner housing to form an air chamber therebetween and closely covering the protruding portion, the cover having an opening portion through which the cylindrical portion is inserted with a gap at a second end portion located on the opposite side of the first end portion across the intermediate portion, and a ventilation resistance body between the intermediate portion and the protruding portion.

[0013] Another earwear device according to the present application includes a main body portion having a protruding portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the protruding portion, and worn in a concha cavity in a use state, and an insertion portion attached to the cylindrical portion and inserted into an external auditory canal in the use state, the main body portion having an inner housing in which the protruding portion is formed, and a cover covering the inner housing, a first end portion of the cover being sealingly fixed to the inner housing side, an intermediate portion being separated from the inner housing to form an air chamber therebetween and closely covering the protruding portion, the cover having an opening portion through which the cylindrical portion is inserted with a gap at a second end portion located on the opposite side of the first end portion across the intermediate portion, and a ventilation resistance body between the intermediate portion and the protruding portion.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present application, an effect of improving the wearing feeling of the main body portion accommodated in the concha cavity can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a view showing a state in which an earplug 91 of Embodiment 1 of an earwear device according to the present application is worn in a right auricle E.

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the earplug 91.

[0018] Figure 3 is an assembly view of a main body portion 911 of the earplug 91.

[0019] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main body portion 911 in which S4-S4 is cut. Figure 2

[0020] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view at S5-S5 in Figure 4 ​​

[0021] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the earplug 91 of Example 1. Figure 2 Cross-sectional view at the S6-S6 position in FIG. Figure 6 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the earplug 91 in a normal wearing state in the auricle E. Figure 6 (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the process of putting the earplug 91 on the auricle E.

[0022] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the earplug 91B of Example 2. Figure 7 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the earplug 91B in the auricle E when normally worn. Figure 7 (b) is Figure 7 The local enlarged view in (a) Figure 7 (c) is a longitudinal sectional view of the process of putting the earplug 91B on the auricle E.

[0023] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the earplug 91C of Example 3, Figure 8 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the earplug 91C in the auricle E when normally worn. Figure 8 (b) is a top view of the filter member 5 used in the valve structure BK3.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a partial perspective view showing the inner housing 2D included in the valve structure BK4 of the earplug 91D of the fourth embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an earplug 91D according to a fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a partial stereoscopic view of the earplug 91E of Example 5.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the earplug 91E of Example 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The earwear according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using earplugs 91, 91B, 91C, 91D, and 91E of Examples 1 to 5.

[0029] (Example 1)

[0030] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outline of the earplug 91 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0031] The earplug 91 described below is for the right ear and is symmetrical for the left ear. Figure 1and Figure 2 Direction of arrow shown.

[0032] The up-down direction corresponds to the up-down direction of the earplug 91 wearer when the earplug 91 is in a standing position, the front-back direction corresponds to the front-back direction of the head, and the left-right direction corresponds to the left-right direction of the head.

[0033] When worn on the auricle E, the earplug 91 includes a main body 911 that is housed in the cavum concha Eb and an insertion portion 912 that protrudes from the main body 911 and is inserted into the external auditory canal.

[0034] The insertion portion 912 is made of silicone rubber or the like and has elasticity. The insertion portion 912 is detachably attached to the main body 911 .

[0035] The state in which the earplug 91 is attached to the auricle E is also referred to as a use state.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 911 includes a base 911 a , a protrusion 911 b , and a locking protrusion 911 c .

[0037] The base portion 911 a has an ellipsoidal shape obtained by three-dimensionalizing an elongated circle into a flat shape.

[0038] The protrusion 911b is formed to protrude obliquely upward to the left at a position offset to the front side of the surface facing the concha cavity Eb when the earpiece is worn on the auricle E.

[0039] The locking protrusion 911 c protrudes from an end side of the protruding direction of the protruding portion 911 b along the axial direction of the protruding portion 911 b with a diameter smaller than that of the protruding portion 911 b.

[0040] The insertion portion 912 is elastically locked to the locking protrusion 911c.

[0041] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated state of the earplug 91 being worn on the auricle E, the insertion portion 912 (not shown) is inserted into the external auditory canal, and the base 911a of the main body 911 is housed in the cavum concha Eb. The front side of the base 911a is inserted between the cavum concha Eb and the tragus Ec, while the rear side of the base 911a is inserted inside the protruding antihelix Ea, covering the cavum concha Eb. This ensures a stable fit unless excessive external force is applied to the auricle E in a direction that would cause it to disengage.

[0042] The main body 911 is composed of Figure 3 Specifically, the main body 911 includes an outer shell 1, an inner shell 2, and a cover 3. The outer shell 1 and the inner shell 2 are formed of a hard resin. The hard resin is, for example, PC (polycarbonate).

[0043] The cover 3 is formed of a material having flexibility. The material is, for example, an elastomer, silicone rubber, or the like.

[0044] Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of the main body portion 911 in which the S4-S4 position is cut in Figure 2 As shown in Figure 4 , the outer housing 1 has a substantially flat bottom wall la and an outer peripheral wall portion le curved upright from the outer edge of the bottom wall la in its entirety.

[0045] The outer peripheral wall portion le has a peripheral stepped portion Id on the inner side edge portion of the front end face in the left direction, which is entirely dug toward the right direction.

[0046] In the bottom wall la, an inner rib lb is formed in its entirety at a position separated from the inner side of the outer peripheral wall portion le so as to protrude toward the left direction at a height lower than the outer peripheral wall portion le.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the inner housing 2 has a base portion 21d opposed to the bottom wall la of the outer housing 1 and a fitting protrusion 21b protruding toward the right direction in its entirety in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the base portion 21d.

[0048] The peripheral edge of the base portion 21d becomes an outer flange portion 21a protruding more outward than the fitting protrusion 21b.

[0049] A cylindrical protrusion 22 protruding toward the left obliquely upward is formed at a position biased toward the front of the base portion 21d. A cylindrical portion 23 having a diameter smaller than the protrusion 22 is formed so as to extend from the front end face of the protrusion 22 along the axis of the protrusion 22. The above-mentioned locking protrusion 911c visible from the outside is the cylindrical portion 23.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4 , the outer housing 1 and the inner housing 2 can be combined by making the fitting protrusion 21b of the inner housing 2 enter fitting into the peripheral recess portion lc, which is a recess between the outer peripheral wall portion le and the inner rib lb of the outer housing 1.

[0051] In a state in which the outer housing 1 and the inner housing 2 are combined, the peripheral stepped portion Id of the outer housing 1 and the peripheral stepped portion 21c of the inner housing 2 are opposed across a gap in the left-right direction.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the cover 3 has a cover base portion 31 having the same outer shape as the outer housing 1 and serving as a left-right direction intermediate portion and a cylindrical protrusion 32 protruding toward the left obliquely upward at a position biased toward the front of the cover base portion 31 and protruding in a bottomed cylindrical shape.

[0053] An opening 34 is formed in the shoulder 32b serving as a wall closing the end of the cylindrical protrusion 32. The inner diameter of the opening 34 is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 23 of the inner housing 2.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover base 31 has an inner flange 31a that protrudes inward along its entire circumference, and a peripheral rib 31b that protrudes rightward from the inner edge of the inner flange 31a along its entire circumference. The peripheral rib 31b forms the first end portion on the right side in the left-right direction. Meanwhile, the cylindrical protrusion 32 forms the second end portion opposite the first end portion, across the middle portion (cover base 31).

[0055] The peripheral rib 31b is accommodated in a gap between the peripheral step portion 1d and the peripheral step portion 21c formed when the outer housing 1 and the inner housing 2 are combined.

[0056] The main body 911 of the earplug 91 is formed by combining the outer shell 1 and the inner shell 2, sandwiching the peripheral rib 31b of the cover base 31, and then fusing or bonding them together to form a single piece. In other words, the peripheral rib 31b is sandwiched in the gap between the peripheral step 1d and the peripheral step 21c on the inner shell 2 side, sealing and securing them.

[0057] The main body 911 is integrated between the outer housing 1 and the inner housing 2 with the cover 3 interposed therebetween. In a natural state where no external force is applied, the cylindrical portion 23 of the inner housing 2 is inserted into the opening 34 of the cover 3 .

[0058] In the natural state, the cover base 31 of the cover 3 is separated to the left from the base 21d of the inner case 2. That is, in the natural state, an air chamber V is formed as a space between the cover base 31 and the base 21d.

[0059] The formation range of the air chamber V is, for example, Figure 5 shown.

[0060] Figure 5 This is the view from the left side of the base 21d of the inner case 2, slightly to the left. Figure 4 The cross-sectional view at the S5-S5 position in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the air chamber V is formed in a wide range corresponding to the outer shape of the base 911a.

[0061] The cover 3 is formed of a material having a certain degree of rigidity and maintains the shape of the air chamber V well in a natural state.

[0062] like Figure 4As shown, the air chamber V extends leftward along the protrusion 22 of the inner housing 2. In the natural state, the cover 3 is in close contact with the protrusion 22 at a position close to the front end of the protrusion 22. In other words, the left end of the air chamber V in the natural state corresponds to the boundary position where the cover 3 is in close contact with the protrusion 22 at a position close to the front end of the protrusion 22.

[0063] The inner flange 31 a side of the cover base 31 , which is the right end side of the cover 3 , is sandwiched and sealed between the inner housing 2 and the outer housing 1 .

[0064] The distal end of the cylindrical protrusion 32 of the cover 3, which includes the opening 34, cooperates with the inner housing 2 to form a valve structure BK that controls the flow of air from the air chamber V into and out of the external space. Specifically, the earplug 91 includes the air chamber V and the valve structure BK that controls the flow of air from the air chamber V into and out of the external space.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 (a) of the present invention will now explain the valve structure BK.

[0066] Figure 6 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the protruding portion 911b of the main body 911, specifically, Figure 2 Cross-sectional view at the S6-S6 position in FIG.

[0067] The protrusion 22 of the inner shell 2 has: a cylindrical portion 22a, which extends in a cylindrical shape with the axis CL22 as the axis; a top wall portion 22t, which is approximately perpendicular to the axis CL22 and approximately closes the cylinder; and a shoulder portion 22b, which bends and smoothly connects the front end of the cylindrical portion 22a and the edge of the top wall portion 22t.

[0068] In the natural state of the earplug 91, the cover 3 is in close contact with the outer surface 22t1 of the top wall portion 22t and the outer surface 22b1 of the shoulder portion 22b at the front end side portion ( Figure 6 The device is installed in a manner such that the device is closer to the front end than the close boundary line LN1).

[0069] The close contact boundary line LN1 is a line indicating the position where the cover 3 starts to contact the protruding portion 22 .

[0070] Specifically, the inner surface of the cylindrical protrusion 32 of the cover 3 is formed to have the same shape as the outer surface of the front end side compared to the close-fitting boundary line LN1 of the protrusion 22 of the inner shell 2, the side 32a of the cylindrical protrusion 32 is closely fitted to the cylindrical portion of the protrusion 22 with the close-fitting boundary line LN1 as the boundary, and the shoulder 32b of the cylindrical protrusion 32 is closely fitted to the shoulder 22b of the protrusion 22.

[0071] As a result, the earplug 91 is in a state where the valve structure BK is closed in a natural state, the air chamber V is sealed, and the air inside does not leak to the outside.

[0072] The opening 34 of the cover 3 is concentric with the cylindrical portion 23 of the inner housing 2 and has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 23. Therefore, a gap F1 of a distance D1 is formed in the radial direction between the base of the cylindrical portion 23 and the end face of the opening 34.

[0073] When wearing the earplug 91 having the valve structure BK on the auricle E, the user grasps the main body 911 with fingers, inserts the insertion part 912 into the external auditory canal, and presses the main body 911 so as to be accommodated in the cavum concha Eb.

[0074] When the main body 911 is pressed against the cavum concha Eb, the cover base 31 of the cover 3 is pressed against the surface of the cavum concha Eb and elastically deforms to reduce the distance between the cover base 21d and the inner housing 2. As a result, the air chamber V is compressed.

[0075] When compression is performed and the air pressure inside the air chamber V rises and exceeds a certain pressure, the valve structure BK opens and the air in the air chamber V is discharged to the outside.

[0076] The status is as Figure 6 As shown in (b).

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown in (b), when the internal pressure of the air chamber V rises and reaches a predetermined value, the cylindrical protrusion 32 of the cover 3 expands against the elastic repulsion of the portion, forming a ventilation path fa between the cover 3 and the inner housing 2. That is, the cylindrical protrusion 32 expands and deforms to form the ventilation path fa.

[0078] The ventilation path fa connects the air chamber V and the external space Vg via the opening 34 .

[0079] As a result, the air inside the air chamber V is discharged to the outside through the air vent fa, and the pressure of the air chamber V is reduced.

[0080] The earplug 91 has the valve structure BK, thereby reducing the burden on the head when the earplug 91 is worn on the auricle E or when the main body 911 of the earplug 91 is pressed against the cavum concha Eb in the worn state.

[0081] Specifically, when the main body 911 is pressed against the cavum concha Eb, the air chamber V is compressed and sealed, eliminating any path for air to escape and elastically shrinking. This also applies an elastic repulsive force between the air chamber V and the cover 3 to the cavum concha Eb, resulting in a soft and pleasant tactile feel to the main body 911.

[0082] When the main body 911 is pressed further strongly against the cavum concha Eb, the pressure within the air chamber V reaches a predetermined value, opening the valve structure BK and gradually discharging the air within the air chamber V to the outside, thereby reducing the pressure in the air chamber V. Consequently, the repulsive force applied to the cavum concha Eb decreases steadily without becoming excessive even with strong pressure, maintaining a good tactile feel from the main body 911.

[0083] When the earplug 91 is worn on the auricle E, the entire circumference of the cover 3 in the valve structure BK is not in close contact with the inner wall of the auricle E. Therefore, the ventilation path fa is not formed along the entire circumference, but is initially formed in the portion where there is a gap between the cover 3 and the inner wall of the auricle E. To discharge the pressurized air in the air chamber V, the ventilation path fa only needs to be formed along a portion of the circumference.

[0084] When the earplug 91 is removed from the auricle over time or while the ventilation path fa is still formed, the air chamber V expands from its collapsed state due to the restoring force that restores the cover 3 to its original shape. At this time, while the shoulder 32b remains deformed, the ventilation path fa is maintained, allowing air to flow into the air chamber V from the opening 34. When the cover 3 returns to its original shape, the ventilation path fa is blocked, and the air chamber V becomes sealed again.

[0085] As a usage method in which the main body 911 is pressed more strongly against the cavum concha Eb when the earplug 91 is worn on the auricle E, there is a method in which the user lies on their side with their head resting on a pillow while wearing the earplug 91. In this method, the earplug 91 is pressed against the head by the pillow.

[0086] In this embodiment, the earplug 91 includes the air chamber V and the valve structure BK, so that the main body 911 comes into soft contact with the cavum concha Eb, and thus the user can obtain a good wearing feeling.

[0087] (Example 2)

[0088] Next, the earplug 91B of the second embodiment will be described. The earplug 91B is similar to the earplug 91 of the first embodiment except that the valve structure BK2 is replaced with the valve structure BK. The other parts are the same. Figure 7 (a)~ Figure 7 (c) The valve structure BK2 is described.

[0089] Figure 7 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inner housing 2 near the shoulder 22b for explaining the valve structure BK2. Figure 7 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the earplug 91B in the auricle E when normally worn. Figure 7 (b) is Figure 7 The local enlarged view in (a) Figure 7(c) is a longitudinal sectional view of the process of putting the earplug 91B on the auricle E.

[0090] like Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 As shown in (b), the valve structure BK2 includes a cover 3B instead of the cover 3 of the valve structure BK. The side portion 32a and shoulder portion 32b of the cover 3B are formed to be separated from the protrusion 22 of the inner housing 2 in a natural state to generate a gap F2 over the entire circumference.

[0091] Thus, the valve structure BK2 has an air passage fb communicating with the air chamber V between the cover 3B and the protruding portion 22 .

[0092] The shoulder portion 32b of the cover 3B is formed with an opening 34B having an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 23 of the inner housing 2. The peripheral edge of the opening 34B forms a thin, easily deformable annular fin portion 35. In this example, the fins are two thin inner fins 35a and outer fins 35b separated in the thickness direction. The number of fins is not limited.

[0093] When the peripheral edge of the opening 34 is in a natural state, the inner fins 35a and the outer fins 35b are in close contact with the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 23, thereby separating the space on the air passage fb side from the external space Vg.

[0094] When a predetermined pressure difference occurs between the space on the ventilation path fb side of the opening 34B and the external space Vg, the inner fins 35a and the outer fins 35b bend to allow ventilation in a direction that reduces the pressure difference, thereby forming a gap with the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 23. This gap is not limited to extending over the entire circumference of the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 23, but may also be formed in a portion of the circumference.

[0095] When the earplug 91 is worn on the auricle E, when the cover 3B is pressed by the concha cavity Eb and the air chamber V is flattened and the pressure of the air chamber V is increased, for example, Figure 7 As shown in (c) of FIG. 5 , the inner fins 35 a and the outer fins 35 b are deformed so that the pressurized air in the air chamber V is discharged to the external space Vg as the air flow ARb.

[0096] When the earplug 91 is removed from the auricle E while the cover 3B is pressed and the air chamber V is deformed, the air chamber V of the cover 3B expands from its collapsed state due to the restoring force that restores it to its original shape, thereby reducing the pressure. As a result, the inner and outer wings 35a, 35b deform to allow air to flow from the external space Vg into the air chamber V.

[0097] When the cover 3B returns to its original shape, the pressure difference between the air chamber V and the external space Vg becomes extremely small, the inner fins 35a and the outer fins 35b are again in close contact with the cylindrical portion 23, and the air chamber V becomes sealed again.

[0098] The earplug 91B has the valve structure BK2, thereby reducing the burden on the head when the earplug 91B is worn on the auricle E or when the main body 911 of the earplug 91B is pressed against the cavum concha Eb in the worn state.

[0099] Specifically, when the main body 911 is pressed against the cavum concha Eb, the air chamber V is compressed. However, until a predetermined pressure difference is generated between the air chamber V and the external space Vg, the air chamber V is kept sealed, with no air escape path, and the air chamber V elastically contracts. This elastic repulsive force is applied from the cover 3 to the cavum concha Eb, resulting in a soft and pleasant touch.

[0100] When the main body 911 is pressed even more strongly against the cavum concha Eb, the pressure in the air chamber V further increases, creating a predetermined pressure difference between the air chamber V and the external space Vg. The inner flap 35a and outer flap 35b of the valve structure BK2 open, allowing the air inside the air chamber V to be discharged to the outside, thereby reducing the pressure in the air chamber V. Consequently, the repulsive force applied to the cavum concha Eb does not become excessive even when the main body 911 is pressed strongly, but decreases steadily, thereby maintaining a good tactile feel.

[0101] As a usage mode in which the main body 911 is pressed more strongly against the concha Eb when the earplug 91B is worn on the auricle E, there is the usage mode (lateral decubitus position) described as an example in the description of Example 1.

[0102] In this case, the earplug 91B also includes the air chamber V and the valve structure BK2, so that the main body 911 comes into soft contact with the cavum concha Eb, thereby improving the wearing feeling.

[0103] (Example 3)

[0104] Next, an earplug 91C according to Example 3 will be described. The earplug 91C is similar to the earplug 91 according to Example 1 in that a valve structure BK3 is installed instead of the valve structure BK. The remaining parts are the same, so their description will be omitted.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 (b) illustrates the valve structure BK3.

[0106] Figure 8 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inner housing 2 near the shoulder 22b for explaining the valve structure BK3 of the third embodiment. Figure 8 (a) is a longitudinal sectional view of the device in a normal wearing state. Figure 8 (b) is a top view of the filter member 5 used in the valve structure BK3.

[0107] like Figure 8As shown in (a) of FIG. 2 , the valve structure BK3 includes a cover 3C in place of the cover 3 of the valve structure BK, and further includes a filter element 5. The side portion 32a and shoulder portion 32b of the cover 3C are formed so as to be naturally separated from the protrusion 22 of the inner housing 2. This creates a gap F3 between the cover 3B and the protrusion 22, and the filter element 5 is interposed in this gap F3.

[0108] like Figure 8 As shown in (b), the filter element 5 is formed into a substantially bowl shape in the gap F3 between the cover 3C and the protrusion 22 so as to be in close contact with both the cover 3C and the protrusion 22. An opening 5a is formed in the center of the bowl-shaped bottom of the filter element 5, through which the cylindrical portion 23 can be inserted.

[0109] The filter element 5 is formed of a material that allows air to pass through while withstanding resistance. That is, the filter element 5 is an air flow resistance body. The material is, for example, a porous material such as polyurethane foam.

[0110] As described above, the valve structure BK3 includes the filter member 5 between the air chamber V and the external space Vg. The filter member 5 functions as an air passage fc between the air chamber V and the external space Vg, which allows air to pass therethrough with resistance.

[0111] Therefore, when the earplug 91C is stored in the concha cavity Eb, even if the cover 3C is pressed while abutting the concha cavity Eb and the air chamber V is compressed and deformed, the air in the air chamber V takes time to be discharged to the external space Vg due to the resistance of the filter component 5, so the air chamber V shrinks elastically and slowly.

[0112] As a result, an elastic repulsive force corresponding to the compressive deformation of the air cell V is applied to the cavum concha Eb, so that the tactile feel becomes soft and good.

[0113] When the earplug 91C is removed from the auricle E while the cover 3C is pressed and deformed, the restoring force of the cover 3C, which attempts to return to its original shape, causes the air chamber V to expand from its compressed state, reducing the pressure in the air chamber V. This allows external air to flow into the air chamber V through the filter element 5, and the cover 3C returns to its original state.

[0114] (Example 4)

[0115] Next, an earplug 91D according to Example 4 will be described. The earplug 91D is similar to the earplug 91 according to Example 1 in that a valve structure BK4 is installed instead of the valve structure BK. The remaining parts are the same, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The valve structure BK4 will be described.

[0117] Figure 91 is a partial perspective view showing an inner housing 2D of a valve structure BK4 according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the shoulder portion 22 b of the inner housing 2D for explaining the valve structure BK4 .

[0118] The valve structure BK4 includes an inner housing 2D instead of the inner housing 2 in the valve structure BK. The cover 3 is universal.

[0119] like Figure 9 As shown, inner housing 2D differs from inner housing 2 in that it has a groove 25. Groove 25 is formed on the outer surface of protrusion 22. Groove 25 is a thin groove that extends radially away from opening 34 from the base of cylindrical portion 23 through shoulder 22b of protrusion 22 to cylindrical portion 22a, and is recessed inward from the outer surface of protrusion 22. The cross-sectional shape of groove 25 is not limited, and may be, for example, rectangular.

[0120] like Figure 10 As shown, valve structure BK4 uses the same cover 3 as valve structure BK. Specifically, cover 3 and protrusion 22 are in close contact in their natural state, except for groove 25. The end of groove 25 on the side of cylindrical portion 22a, i.e., the side away from opening 34, can communicate with air chamber V in its natural state, or can be brought into communication by expansion and deformation of cover 3.

[0121] On the other hand, the end of the groove 25 on the cylindrical portion 23 side extends to a position visible from the outside through the opening 34 of the cover 3 and communicates with the external space Vg. In other words, the air chamber V and the external space Vg communicate through the groove 25. The groove 25 has a small cross-sectional area as the ventilation path fd, which generates a large resistance to the ventilation between the air chamber V and the external space Vg.

[0122] In this manner, the valve structure BK4 includes the groove portion 25 , and the groove portion 25 serves as the ventilation path fd that allows ventilation between the gas chamber V and the external space Vg by applying a large resistance.

[0123] Therefore, when the earplug 91D is stored in the concha cavity Eb, even if the cover 3 is pressed while abutting against the concha cavity Eb and the air chamber V is compressed and deformed, the air in the air chamber V will not be immediately exhausted to the external space Vg due to the large resistance when passing through the groove 25. The air chamber V maintains the increased pressure for a certain period of time and shrinks elastically and slowly.

[0124] This imparts elastic repulsive force to the concha cavity Eb, so that the touch feeling becomes soft and good.

[0125] When the earplug 91D is removed from the auricle E in the state where the valve structure BK4 is deformed by the pressing of the cover 3, the air chamber V expands from the flattened state due to the restoring force of the cover 3 to return to the original shape, and the air chamber V is depressurized. Thus, the outside air flows into the air chamber V little by little through the groove portion 25, and the cover 3 returns to the original state.

[0126] (Example 5)

[0127] Next, the earplug 91E of Example 5 will be described. The earplug 91E has the valve structure BK5 instead of the valve structure BK of the earplug 91 of Example 1, and is the same in other parts, so the description will be omitted.

[0128] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The valve structure BK5 will be described.

[0129] Figure 11 is a partial perspective view showing an inner housing 2E that the valve structure BK5 has, Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the shoulder portion 22b of the inner housing 2E for describing the valve structure BK5.

[0130] The valve structure BK5 has the inner housing 2E instead of the inner housing 2 in the valve structure BK.

[0131] As shown in Figure 11 , the inner housing 2E is different from the inner housing 2 in that it has a groove portion group 26 having a plurality of groove portions, and is the same in other parts. The groove portion group 26 includes a plurality of (two in this example) groove portions having different extension lengths, i.e., a long groove portion 261 and a short groove portion 262. In Figure 11 the example shown in , the groove portion group 26 has four long groove portions 261 and four short groove portions 262 alternately formed at 45° intervals around the axis CL22 on the outer surface of the protrusion portion 22 of the inner housing 2E.

[0132] The long groove portion 261 is a fine groove extending in the radial direction toward the direction away from the opening portion 34 from the root of the cylindrical portion 23 via the shoulder portion 22b of the protrusion portion 22 to the barrel portion 22a and recessed inward from the outer surface of the protrusion portion 22.

[0133] On the other hand, the short groove portion 262 is a groove extending from the root of the cylindrical portion 23 toward the shoulder portion 22b of the protrusion portion, is a fine groove extending in the radial direction toward the direction away from the opening portion 34 and recessed inward from the outer surface of the protrusion portion 22. The short groove portion 262 is shorter than the long groove portion 261 and does not reach the barrel portion 22a.

[0134] Figure 12As shown, the valve structure BK5 uses the same cover 3 as the valve structure BK. That is, the cover 3 and the protrusion 22 are in a state of close contact except for the long groove portion 261 and the short groove portion 262 in the natural state. The long groove portion 261 and the short groove portion 262 differ in the interval distance from the end portion of the opening portion 34 on the far side.

[0135] In the natural state, the end portion of the long groove portion 261 on the side away from the cylindrical portion 23 is covered by the cover 3 and does not communicate with the air chamber V. The same applies to the short groove portion 262, and the end portion on the side away from the cylindrical portion 23 does not communicate with the air chamber V. That is, the communication of the groove portion group 26 with the air chamber V is limited.

[0136] When the earplug 91E is housed in the concha cavity Eb, when the cover 3 is pressed in a state of abutment with the concha cavity Eb and the air chamber V is compressed and deformed, in the case of a small degree of deformation, first, the air chamber V communicates with the long groove portion 261. The long groove portion 261 functions as a ventilation path fe that communicates the air chamber V with the outside space Vg, and the air compressed in the air chamber V is discharged to the outside through the long groove portion 261 as the ventilation path fe. The cross-sectional area of the long groove portion 261 is slightly small, and thus a large resistance to ventilation between the air chamber V and the outside space Vg is generated.

[0137] Therefore, even if the cover 3 is deformed and the ventilation path fe is first established, the air in the air chamber V after the pressure rise is not discharged to the outside space Vg all at once from the long groove portion 261, but is discharged over time, and thus the air chamber V is elastically reduced slowly.

[0138] On the other hand, in the case of a large degree of deformation of the cover 3, the air chamber V not only communicates with the long groove portion 261, but also communicates with the short groove portion 262. The short groove portion 262 functions as a ventilation path ff that communicates the air chamber V with the outside space Vg, and thus the air in the air chamber V after a large degree of compression due to the large flattening deformation of the cover 3 is discharged to the outside space Vg through the ventilation paths fe and ff of the long groove portion 261 and the short groove portion 262, respectively.

[0139] Therefore, in the case of a large degree of flattening deformation of the cover 3, an appropriate amount of air in the air chamber V after the pressure rise corresponding thereto can be discharged, and thus the elastic repulsive force of the air chamber V imparted by the cover 3 to the concha cavity Eb is not imparted to the head with an excessively large force.

[0140] That is, the earplug 91E can stably impart the elastic repulsive force of the cover 3 to the concha cavity Eb regardless of the degree of flattening deformation of the cover 3 that is flattened by the concha cavity Eb when worn on the auricle E, and thus a more favorable feeling of wearing is obtained.

[0141] The above-described embodiments are not limited to the structure, and modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present application.

[0142] The earwear is not limited to earplugs, but may be a so-called earphone or hearing aid that houses a speaker unit inside the main body 911 and emits sound into the external auditory canal through the cylindrical portion 23 .

[0143] Explanation of symbols:

[0144] 1. Outer shell

[0145] 1a Bottom wall

[0146] 1b Inner rib

[0147] 1c Circumferential concave part

[0148] 1d Circumferential step

[0149] 1e Outer wall

[0150] 2, 2D, 2E inner shell

[0151] 21a Outer flange

[0152] 21b Engaging protrusion

[0153] 21c Circumferential step

[0154] 21d base

[0155] 22 protrusion

[0156] 22a Cylinder

[0157] 22b Shoulder

[0158] 22b1 External surface

[0159] 22t top wall

[0160] 22t1 outer surface

[0161] 23 cylindrical part

[0162] 25 groove

[0163] 26 slot group

[0164] 261 Long groove

[0165] 262 short slot

[0166] 3, 3B, 3C covers

[0167] 31 Cover base (middle part)

[0168] 31a Inner flange

[0169] 31b Circumferential rib (first end)

[0170] 32 cylindrical protrusion (second end)

[0171] 32a Side

[0172] 32b Shoulder

[0173] 34 opening

[0174] 35 Wing

[0175] 35a Inner wing

[0176] 35b Outer wing

[0177] 5. Filter component (ventilation resistance)

[0178] 5a Opening

[0179] 91, 91B, 91C, 91D, 91E earplugs (earwear)

[0180] 911 Main Body

[0181] 911a base

[0182] 911b protrusion

[0183] 911c locking protrusion

[0184] 912 Insertion

[0185] ARb airflow

[0186] BK, BK2, BK3, BK4, BK5 valve structure

[0187] CL22 axis

[0188] D1 distance

[0189] E. auricle

[0190] Ea antihelix

[0191] Eb concha cavity

[0192] Ec tragus

[0193] F1, F2, F3 gap

[0194] fa, fb, fc, fd, fe, ff ventilation path

[0195] LN1 close to the border line

[0196] V-chamber

[0197] Vg outer space

Claims

1. An earwear comprising: a main body having a protruding portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the protruding portion and being worn in the concha cavity in a use state; as well as The inserting portion is mounted on the cylindrical portion and inserted into the external auditory canal in the use state. The main body includes an inner shell having the protruding portion formed therein and a cover covering the inner shell. The first end of the cover is sealed and fixed to the inner shell side, the middle portion is separated from the inner shell to form an air chamber between the middle portion and the inner shell and cover the protrusion, and the cover has an opening for inserting the cylindrical portion at a second end located on the opposite side of the first end across the middle portion. The opening, the middle portion, and the protrusion constitute a valve structure, and the valve structure controls the ventilation of the air in the air chamber with the external space through the opening according to the pressure difference between the air chamber and the external space. The cover is elastically deformable.

2. The earwear according to claim 1, wherein There is a gap between the opening and the cylindrical portion, The middle portion is in close contact with the protruding portion.

3. The earwear according to claim 1, wherein The opening portion has a thin-walled fin at the periphery thereof, the inner diameter of which is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion. The wing is in close contact with the cylindrical portion.

4. An earwear comprising: a main body having a protruding portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the protruding portion and being worn in the concha cavity in a use state; as well as The inserting portion is mounted on the cylindrical portion and inserted into the external auditory canal in the use state. The main body includes an inner shell having the protruding portion formed therein and a cover covering the inner shell. The first end of the cover is sealed and fixed to the inner shell side, the middle portion is separated from the inner shell to form an air chamber between the middle portion and the inner shell and cover the protrusion, and the cover has an opening for inserting the cylindrical portion at a second end located on the opposite side of the first end across the middle portion. A ventilation resistance body is provided between the middle portion and the protruding portion. The ventilation resistor is formed of a porous material.

5. An earwear comprising: a main body having a protruding portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the protruding portion and being worn in the concha cavity in a use state; as well as The inserting portion is mounted on the cylindrical portion and inserted into the external auditory canal in the use state. The main body includes an inner shell having the protruding portion formed therein and a cover covering the inner shell. The first end of the cover is sealed and fixed to the inner shell side, the middle portion is separated from the inner shell to form an air chamber between the middle portion and the inner shell and closely covers the protrusion, and the second end located on the opposite side of the first end across the middle portion has an opening for the cylindrical portion to be inserted therethrough with a gap. The protruding portion has a groove portion, one end of the groove portion communicates with the gap and extends toward the other end in a direction away from the opening portion, and the air chamber can communicate with the external space through the groove portion.

6. The earwear according to claim 5, wherein The intermediate portion covers the other end portion of the groove portion in a natural state to restrict communication between the air chamber and the groove portion, and expands and deforms due to pressure increase in the air chamber to allow the communication.

7. The earwear according to claim 5, wherein The groove portion includes a plurality of groove portions having different spacing distances between the other end portion and the opening portion.

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