Accessory type sound collector

Abstract

To provide a sound collector serving also as an accessory substantially suitable for fitting, while amplifying mainly a frequency required for amplification responding to a user.SOLUTION: An accessory type sound collector has an ear plate (110) having a concave internal space, a sound guiding pipe intake unit (122) for collecting sound, a sound guiding pipe outlet unit (123) for emanating amplified sound, a sound guiding pipe (120) disposed between the sound guiding intake unit and the sound guiding outlet unit for transmitting sound and resonating at a set frequency, and an ear hook (130) fitted to an ear of a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound collector, and more particularly to a structure for amplifying sounds of specific frequencies. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been headphone-type sound collectors that utilize the sound-collecting effect obtained when a person places his / her hand over his / her ear so as to cover the earlobe.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses such a sound collector that is used when a person with poor hearing communicates with others. This conventional technology does not specify the frequency that the user needs to amplify, and the structure is not compact, so there are inconveniences that prevent it from being widely used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-116586 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Since the frequencies of sounds that are difficult for people with poor hearing to hear vary from person to person, the frequency that needs amplification is provided with focus on the user; and since people do not like being seen by others with a device on their head to cover up their hearing loss, and are reluctant to wear it, which is thought to be a factor in the lack of use of hearing aids, the problem is solved by providing a hearing aid that also doubles as an accessory that people do not feel reluctant to wear. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sound collector of the present invention is a sound collector equipped with a sound collection function on at least one of the left and right sides, and the sound collection function is equipped with a sound conduit (120) that takes in sound from a sound conduit intake section, resonates, amplifies, transmits, and emits it from the sound conduit emission section towards the user's ear canal, and the sound collector is an accessory-type sound collector that is worn on the user's ear and has an ear plate (110) that houses the sound conduit in an internal space and is decorated on the outside. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to selectively amplify sounds of frequencies that are difficult for people with poor hearing to hear. Furthermore, the ear plate (110) facing outward can be designed to suit the user's preference, and since it is lightweight and fits in the earlobe, it does not tire the ear, providing a hearing aid that doubles as an accessory and is expected to be used more frequently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the state in which an accessory-type hearing aid according to an embodiment of the present invention is worn, as viewed from the front of a user. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the accessory-type hearing aid shown in FIG. 1 when worn by a user. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the outer surface of the accessory-type hearing aid shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the outer surface of the accessory-type hearing aid shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an ear plate design different from that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a sound guide tube housed inside the accessory-type sound collector shown in FIG. 1 and an ear hook for attaching the accessory-type sound collector to the user's ear. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a structural plate is attached to the inner surface of the accessory-type hearing aid shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the structure of a sound collector that generates echoes according to Example 2 of the present invention with a structural plate on the inside removed so that the structure can be seen. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 shows the inner surface of the in-ear earphone type. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the inner surface of a spiral-type amplifier. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side view of the accessory-type hearing aid shown in FIG. 1, seen from the sound intake side. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side view of the curved ear plate, seen from the sound intake side. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 shows a sound conduit base plate assembly housed in an ear plate. [Figure 14] This is a side view of an in-ear earphone-type hearing aid, seen from the sound intake side. [Figure 15] This figure shows the inner surface of a spiral-type speaker with an elliptical shape different from that of Figure 10, which captures sound from all directions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0010] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an accessory-type hearing aid according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the accessory-type hearing aid worn by a user as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the accessory-type hearing aid as viewed from the side of the user.

[0011] The accessory-type sound collector of this Example 1 is a sound collector having a sound collecting function on at least one of the left and right sides, and the right and left sound collecting units have the same configuration. In the first embodiment, sounds of frequencies that are difficult for people with poor hearing to hear are primarily amplified.

[0012] (The structure of an accessory-type hearing aid) Figures 3 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the structure of an accessory-type hearing aid, with Figure 3 showing the outer surface when worn on the user's ear and Figure 6 showing the inner surface that faces the user's ear.

[0013] The accessory-type sound collector comprises an ear plate (110) having a concave internal space, a sound guide tube inlet (122) for collecting sound, a sound guide tube (120) that resonates with and amplifies the sound taken in by the sound guide tube inlet and transmits it to the ear canal, and an ear hook (130) for attachment to the user's ear.

[0014] The accessory-type hearing aid of this embodiment 1 is not particularly limited in its configuration as long as it has an ear plate with an intake section for collecting sound and a concave internal space for accommodating a sound guide tube, and a sound guide tube that resonates with, amplifies and transmits the sound collected at the sound guide tube intake section.

[0015] The structure of each part constituting the accessory-type hearing aid of Example 1 will be described in detail below.

[0016] (Ear Plate 110) FIG. 6 shows the state in which the sound guide tube assembly (150) is housed inside the ear plate (110). The inside of the ear plate is shaped like a concave mirror, with a space curved inwards, and the sound guide tube assembly (150) is housed in this space.

[0017] The year plate in Figure 3 has a floral pattern drawn on it, but this is shown as one example. Various designs are envisioned, such as designs related to sports, vehicles, or people, and a transparent material may also be used, allowing users to choose whichever they prefer. Furthermore, the materials for the year plates include not only metals and plastics, but also wood, paper, glass, cloth, bird feathers, etc., and the shape and design are not limited and can include petal shapes or leaf shapes as shown in Figures 4 and 5, as well as jewels, coins, embroidered cloth, etc.

[0018] Further, as a structure in which the ear plate (110) is designed to be replaceable, the sound guide tube assembly (150) shown in FIG. 13 is fitted inside the ear plate (110) and connected thereto, and is separable.

[0019] In Example 1, the shape of the ear plate is circular as shown in Figure 3, but it may be elliptical as shown in Figure 15, triangular, rectangular, diamond, star, or other polygonal shape, and depending on the material, it may be a unique shape that cannot be specified as shown in Figure 4, so the shape is not specified.

[0020] The inner surface of the ear plate is used as a space for accommodating the sound guide tube assembly, and the shape of the concave is not limited to a specific shape and may be any shape as long as it has a space for accommodating the sound guide tube assembly.

[0021] In FIG. 6, posts (111) are provided on the outer periphery of the inner surface of the ear plate to maintain a fixed distance from the user's auricle and temple. When the earphones are worn, air is allowed to circulate between the inside and outside, and trapped reverberating sound does not reach the ear canal. The shape and number of posts are not particularly specified as long as there is sufficient air circulation between inside and outside.

[0022] (sound conduit 120) As shown in FIG. 6, the sound conduit is composed of a sound conduit intake section (122) that takes in sound, a sound conduit discharge section (123) that discharges the amplified sound, and a tube (120) located in between that transmits the sound and resonates at a set frequency. In FIG. 13, a sound conduit (120) is fixed onto a sound conduit base plate (121) to form a sound conduit assembly. The sound guide assembly is fitted and fixed inside the ear plate (110).

[0023] While typical in-ear earphones are generally used by inserting them into the ear canal, the accessory-type hearing aid shown in this Example 1 is not inserted into the ear canal, but rather, as shown in Figure 6, the sound guide emission section (123) is located near the ear canal and is structured to emit sound toward the ear canal like a speaker.

[0024] In terms of the output of sound amplified through a sound guide tube, we have focused on a non-contact type that does not contact the ear canal, as shown in Figure 6, but different forms are also available, as follows:

[0025] The emission part of the sound guide tube can be selected to have a structure that closely covers the ear canal, and there are also types available that enhance the amplification effect at the emission part compared to non-contact types. This is an effective method for reducing sound leakage so that the sound amplified in the sound guide tube of Usage Form 1 can be transmitted to the user more efficiently.

[0026] As shown in Figures 9 and 14, there is also a method in which the amplified sound is emitted from an in-ear earphone, which is inserted into the user's ear canal. This is an effective method for reducing sound leakage so that the sound amplified in the sound guide tube of Usage Form 1 can be transmitted to the user more efficiently.

[0027] The sound conduits are provided in different lengths so that they resonate at a frequency suited to the user.

[0028] In the accessory-type hearing aid of Example 1, the frequency of sound that resonates and is amplified according to the needs of the user is determined, and the length of the sound guide tube is specified based on the result. In other words, the device is provided with sound guides of different lengths so that it is possible to amplify the frequency that is most needed by each individual.

[0029] The length of the sound conduit shown in FIG. 6 is guided by the resonating frequency. As an example, 229 mm is used for 1500 Hz, 172 mm for 2000 Hz, and 137 mm for 2500 Hz. Along with the lengths shown here, lengths of 0.5, 0.75, 1.5 and integer multiples of those lengths may be used. Regarding this length, taking into consideration the environment in which it is used and other conditions, the allowable range for each frequency is a 10% increase or decrease in both length and length.

[0030] The inner diameter of the sound conduit is made to become larger from the vicinity of the sound conduit inlet towards the sound conduit outlet, but the ratio of the change in inner diameter to the length is not specified.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2, 11 and 12, the sound conduit inlets (122) are available in different sizes and shapes.

[0032] Regarding the material of the sound guide tube in the first embodiment, plastic or metal is used, but other materials may be used as long as they can obtain the effects of resonance and amplification.

[0033] As shown in Figures 6 and 13, in the first embodiment the sound conduit is wound in a spiral shape inside the sound conduit base plate (121), but as long as the certain thickness and length required for resonance can be ensured, the shape is not limited to this spiral shape, and it can also be something close to a square or something with repeated folds. Furthermore, the spiral winding is not limited to one layer, and can also be two layers.

[0034] In Example 1, when this accessory-type hearing aid is worn and used as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, compared to when canal-type earphones are inserted into the ear canal like a regular radio or mobile phone, in the case of a type that emits sound from a sound guide tube, when canal-type earphones are inserted into the ear canal, there is less of an uncomfortable feeling of your own voice reverberating and being heard by yourself, and surrounding sounds sounding muffled, so it can be used more comfortably.

[0035] In Figures 6 and 13, the sound guide tube is shown exposed, but as shown in Figure 7, a version is also available in which an inner structural plate is attached so that the sound guide tube is hidden from view.

[0036] (Ear hook 130) As shown in Figures 3 and 6, an ear hook (130) is fixed to the ear plate, and the hearing aid can be attached and fixed to the user's ear by wrapping the hook around the auricle.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the ear hook is made of a rod-shaped plastic material and shaped to fit the ear, however, this material and shape are not specified and it could be plate-shaped rather than rod-shaped, and for example in Figure 4, instead of the ear hook it could be a design in which the petals extend to surround the auricle and be fitted, with the ear hook being integrally molded from the same material as part of the ear plate. Furthermore, the shape of the ear hook is not fixed; for example, an indefinite shape such as a rubber band is acceptable as long as it can be attached and fixed to the ear.

[0038] Regarding sound amplification utilizing the resonance effect, the first embodiment deals with resonance using a sound guide tube, but instead of this, it is also possible to use a structure that combines reverberation boxes to obtain the sound amplification effect, and an example of this is shown in the second embodiment and in Figures 8 and 10. EXAMPLES

[0039] The accessory-type hearing amplifier of this second embodiment is basically the same as the accessory-type hearing amplifier of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the differences between the two will be mainly described, and descriptions of similarities will be omitted. Moreover, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same parts as those in the first embodiment.

[0040] The accessory-type hearing aid of the second embodiment comprises an ear plate (110), a reverberation box portion (141), and an ear hook (130), and the reverberation box portion (141), which performs amplification, is fixed onto a reverberation base plate (145) to form a reverberation assembly (144). This assembly is fitted and fixed onto the ear plate (110).

[0041] Figures 7 and 8 show an example of how sound amplification can be combined with a reverberation box to achieve the amplification effect. The boxes through which sound passes are arranged in series to create an echo effect. The shape and path of the box can be changed to shorten or lengthen the sound transmission path depending on the situation of use.

[0042] In FIG. 8, in order to show the path of sound, the structural plate covering the reverberation box portion (141) on the side in contact with the user's ear has been removed to allow the inside to be seen.

[0043] The sound that enters through the box sound intake section (142) in FIG. 8 travels along a passage formed by a series of reverberation box sections (141) and reaches the box sound emission section (143) where it is emitted toward the user's ear canal and recognized by the user.

[0044] The reverberation box section (141) is housed within the reverberation base plate (145) and has a box sound intake section (142) and a box sound emission section (143), and amplifies sound by utilizing the reverberation space of the reverberation box section (141) which is a combination of boxes. EXAMPLES

[0045] In Figure 8, we have discussed sound amplification using a series of reverberation boxes, but in addition to this method, we will also show a method of achieving sound amplification by using a spiral sound passage as shown in Figure 10.

[0046] The accessory-type hearing amplifier of this embodiment 3 is basically the same as the accessory-type hearing amplifier of the embodiment 1. Therefore, in the following, the differences between the two will be mainly described, and descriptions of similarities will be omitted. Moreover, where there are no differences between the parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used for the explanation.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 10, the accessory-type hearing aid of the third embodiment comprises an ear plate (110), a spiral-type amplifier (154), and an ear hook (130), and the amplifier is fixed onto a spiral base plate (151) to form a spiral assembly (150). This assembly is fitted and fixed onto the ear plate (110).

[0048] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a spiral amplifier is used to amplify sound to obtain an amplification effect. As shown in the figure, the passage through which the sound passes is configured in a spiral shape to achieve the amplification effect. The shape and path of the spiral may be configured to shorten or lengthen the sound transmission path depending on the situation of use.

[0049] In FIG. 10, the structural plate of the portion of the spiral amplifier (154) that contacts the user's ear has been removed to expose the inside, in order to show the tubes through which the sound passes.

[0050] Sound that enters through the spiral sound intake section (152) in FIG. 10 travels along a passage through the spiral amplifier section, reaches the spiral sound emission section (153), and is emitted toward the user's ear canal and is recognized by the user.

[0051] The spiral amplifier section is housed within the spiral base plate (151) and includes a spiral sound intake section (142) and a spiral sound emission section (153) to form a spiral assembly (150).

[0052] (How to use an accessory-type hearing aid)

[0053] Next, the method of using the accessory-type hearing aids of Examples 1, 2 and 3 will be described.

[0054] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an accessory-type hearing amplifier worn on a user's ear.

[0055] In FIG. 2, the sound guide intake portion (122) is a portion that takes in sound, and takes in sound from the direction in which the user's face is facing when the headset is worn by the user. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a sound guide emission section is provided toward the ear canal in the inner central part of the accessory-type hearing aid worn on the user's ear, and resonated and amplified sound is emitted from this toward the user's ear canal and recognized by the user. The explanation of the first embodiment is the same as that of the second and third embodiments. [Industrial Applicability]

[0056] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful in that it makes it possible to obtain a sound collector that also serves as an accessory, capable of selectively amplifying sounds of frequencies that are difficult for people with poor hearing to hear. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10. Accessory-type hearing aid 20 Pinna 110 Year Plate 111 Post 120 Sound Conduit 121 Sound guide tube base plate 122 Sound guide tube intake 123 Sound pipe emission part 124 In-ear earphones 130 Ear hook 141 Echo Box Section 142 Box Sound Intake Section 143 Box sound emission part 144 Echo Assembly 145 Resonant Base Plate 150 volute assembly 151 Spiral Base Plate 152 Spiral type sound intake 153 Spiral type sound emission part 154 Spiral Amplifier 160 Accessory parts

Claims

1. A sound collector having a sound collecting function on at least one of the left and right sides, An ear plate with a sound intake for collecting sound; This sound collector is characterized by having a sound amplification function section that resonates with and amplifies the sound taken in by the sound intake section and emits it toward the user's ear canal.

2. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the ear plate has a shape and an outer surface decorated to enable a user to use the ear plate as an accessory.

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