Electronic stethoscope

Abstract

To sufficiently pick up a biological sound of a low sound pressure level in an electronic stethoscope for collecting a biological sound.SOLUTION: An electronic stethoscope 10 has a diaphragm 12 coming into contact with a living body, a sound sensor 14 receiving vibration propagated from the diaphragm 12 and converting the vibration into an electric signal, and a tubular member 16 having an inner wall surface defining an internal space S in which the vibration is propagated from the diaphragm 12 toward the sound sensor 14. The internal wall surface of the tubular member 16 includes a first internal wall surface 16c defining a first space S1 on a diaphragm side, a second internal wall surface 16d defining a second space S2 on a sound sensor side, and a boundary part 16e at which the first internal wall surface 16c and the second internal wall surface 16d are in contact with each other. The volume of the first space S1 is larger than the volume of the second space S2. The cross-sectional area of the cross section of the internal space S decreases from the diaphragm side end S1a toward the boundary part 16a in the first space S1, and increases from the boundary part 16e toward a sound sensor side end in the second space S2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic stethoscopes. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electronic stethoscope that has a diaphragm that comes into contact with the living body, a microphone (sound sensor) that receives vibrations transmitted from the diaphragm and converts them into an electrical signal, and a chest piece that has an internal space through which vibrations propagate from the diaphragm to the microphone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-119446 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the electronic stethoscope described in Patent Document 1 cannot adequately pick up biological sounds with low sound pressure levels, such as lung sounds.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic stethoscope that collects biological sounds and that can sufficiently pick up biological sounds with low sound pressure levels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a diaphragm having a first surface that contacts the living body and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a sound sensor that receives vibrations propagated from the diaphragm and converts them into an electrical signal; a tubular member having an inner wall surface that defines an internal space through which vibrations propagate from the diaphragm to the sound sensor; The inner wall surface of the tubular member includes a first inner wall surface that defines a first space on the diaphragm side, a second inner wall surface that defines a second space on the sound sensor side, and a boundary portion where the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface meet, The volume of the first space is larger than the volume of the second space, An electronic stethoscope is provided in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section of the internal space intersecting the extension direction of the internal space of the tubular member decreases in the first space from the diaphragm side end toward the boundary portion, and increases in the second space from the boundary portion toward the sound sensor side end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an electronic stethoscope for collecting biological sounds can adequately pick up biological sounds with low sound pressure levels. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electronic stethoscope according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Cross-section of the electronic stethoscope along line AA in Figure 1 [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic stethoscope according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of an electronic stethoscope according to embodiment 2 [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the second space in the electronic stethoscope according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of an electronic stethoscope according to embodiment 3 [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of an electronic stethoscope according to embodiment 4 [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic stethoscope according to another example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of an electronic stethoscope according to embodiment 5 [Figure 10] An exploded perspective view of an electronic stethoscope according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electronic stethoscope according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic stethoscope according to the first embodiment taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic stethoscope according to the first embodiment. Note that the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in the drawings is intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not limit the embodiments. Note that the X-axis direction indicates the width direction of the electronic stethoscope, the Y-axis direction indicates the depth direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the thickness direction. The Z-axis direction is the direction in which the electronic stethoscope comes into contact with a living body.

[0011] The electronic stethoscope 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is an electronic device that, while in contact with a living body such as a human, collects biological sounds emitted by the living body. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the electronic stethoscope 10 has a diaphragm 12 that comes into contact with the living body, and a sound sensor 14 that receives vibrations propagated from the diaphragm 12 and converts them into electrical signals. The electronic stethoscope 10 also has a housing 16 that supports the diaphragm 12 and houses the sound sensor 14.

[0012] Diaphragm 12 is a flexible sheet-like member made of an elastic material. In the first embodiment, diaphragm 12 has a circular shape when viewed in its thickness direction (Z-axis direction). Diaphragm 12 has a first surface 12a that contacts the living body and a second surface 12b opposite to first surface 12a. When diaphragm 12 comes into contact with the living body, it vibrates at a frequency and amplitude corresponding to the living body sound (e.g., lung sound) emitted by the living body.

[0013] The sound sensor 14 is provided in the housing 16, receives vibrations (i.e., biological sounds) propagated from the diaphragm 12 into the housing 16, and converts them into an electrical signal (biological sound data). The sound sensor 14 is, for example, a microphone.

[0014] 2, the sound sensor 14 includes, for example, a casing 14a and a diaphragm 14b disposed within the casing 14a. The casing 14a is formed with a sound collection port 14c for introducing vibrations propagating from the diaphragm 12 into the casing 14a. The vibrations propagating from the diaphragm 12 through the sound collection port 14c of the casing 14a are received by the diaphragm 14b of the sound sensor 14, causing the diaphragm 14b to vibrate.

[0015] Note that the conversion of biological sounds into electrical signals in the sound sensor 14 (i.e., conversion from vibration of the diaphragm 14b into electrical signals) can be done by electrodynamic, electrostatic, piezoelectric, etc. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the method of converting the vibration of the diaphragm 14b into electrical signals is not limited.

[0016] In the case of the first embodiment, the sound sensor 14 is mounted on the circuit board 18 and is housed in the housing 16 together with the circuit board 18.

[0017] The electrical signal (bio-sound data) output from the sound sensor 14 is output as sound via, for example, earphones, a speaker, or the like. It is also transmitted to an external device via, for example, a wireless communication device (not shown) mounted on the circuit board 18. Note that, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the output destination and use of the bio-sound data are not limited.

[0018] The housing 16 is a so-called chestpiece, which is the part of the electronic stethoscope 10 that is held by a user, such as a doctor, during use. The housing 16 is made of a rigid material and is cylindrical in the present embodiment. The housing 16 also has an end surface 16a to which the diaphragm 12 is attached. The diaphragm 12 is fixed to the end surface 16a of the housing 16 via, for example, an adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like. Alternatively, an annular cover member may be attached to the housing 16 so as to cover the outer peripheral edge of the first surface 12a of the diaphragm 12 placed on the end surface 16a of the housing 16, thereby fixing the diaphragm 12 to the housing 16.

[0019] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the housing 16 has an internal space S extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The internal space S is open at the end face 16a to which the diaphragm 12 is attached. As a result, the second surface 12b of the diaphragm 12 fixed to the end face 16a faces the internal space S. As a result, the vibration of the diaphragm 12 is propagated to the internal space S.

[0020] In the case of the first embodiment, the sound sensor 14 is housed in the internal space S of the housing 16. This allows the internal space S to communicate with the internal space of the casing 14a of the sound sensor 14, and vibrations from the diaphragm 12 are transmitted to the diaphragm 14b in the sound sensor 14 via the internal space S of the housing 16. As a result, the sound sensor 14 can collect biological sounds from a living body in contact with the first surface 12a of the diaphragm 12 via the diaphragm 12 and the internal space S of the housing 16.

[0021] Furthermore, the internal space S of the housing 16 is configured to amplify the sound pressure level (amplitude of vibration) of the biological sound propagating from the housing 16 to the sound sensor .

[0022] Specifically, in the case of the first embodiment, the internal space S of the housing 16 includes three spaces S0, S1, and S2.

[0023] The space S0 in the internal space S of the housing 16 is a sound sensor accommodating space for accommodating the sound sensor 14. In the case of the first embodiment, the sound sensor accommodating space S0 is a cylindrical space corresponding to the cylindrical casing 14a of the sound sensor 14, and is defined by the inner wall surface 16b of the housing 16.

[0024] The first space S1 in the internal space S of the housing 16 is the spatial portion closest to the diaphragm 12 and opens at the end face 16a of the housing 16. That is, the diaphragm-side end S1a of the first space S1 faces the diaphragm 12.

[0025] In the first embodiment, the first space S1 is a truncated cone-shaped space whose cross-sectional area decreases from the diaphragm-side end S1a toward the second-space-side end S1b, and is defined by an inner wall surface 16c (first inner wall surface) of the housing 16. Note that the "transverse cross section" referred to in this specification refers to a cross section of the internal space S that intersects with the extension direction of the internal space S (the Z-axis direction in the first embodiment). In the first embodiment, the internal wall surface 16c extends linearly when viewed in a direction (the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction) that intersects with the extension direction of the internal space S.

[0026] In the case of the first embodiment, the second space S2 in the internal space S of the housing 16 has its first space side end S2a connected to the second space side end S1b of the first space S1, and its sound sensor side end S2b connected to the sound sensor accommodating space S0. In other words, the boundary portion 16e where the inner wall surface 16c that defines the first space S1 and the inner wall surface 16d that defines the second space S2 meet is included in the inner wall surface of the housing 16 that defines the internal space S.

[0027] In addition, in the case of the present embodiment 1, the second space S2 in the internal space S of the housing 16 is a truncated cone-shaped space whose cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section increases from the first space side end S2a toward the sound sensor side end S2b, and is defined by an inner wall surface 16d (second inner wall surface) of the housing 16. In the case of the present embodiment 1, the inner wall surface 16d extends linearly when viewed in a direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction) intersecting the extension direction of the internal space S.

[0028] That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section of the internal space S between the diaphragm 12 and the sound sensor 14 decreases once toward the sound sensor 14, and then increases.

[0029] The volume of the first space S1 is larger than the volume of the second space S2. The volume can be calculated by calculation, or it can be calculated by filling the space with a fluid and measuring the amount of fluid.

[0030] Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section at the diaphragm side end S1a of the first space S1 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section at the sound sensor side end S2b of the second space S2. Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, with respect to the extension direction of the internal space S (in the case of the first embodiment, the Z-axis direction), the distance between the diaphragm side end S1a of the first space S1 and the second space side end S1b is larger than the distance between the first space side end S2a and the sound sensor side end S2b of the second space S2. The cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section at the boundary portion 16e where the inner wall surface 16c that defines the first space S1 and the inner wall surface 16d that defines the second space S2 meet is smaller than the opening area of ​​the sound collection port 14c of the sound sensor 14.

[0031] With the internal space S of the housing 16 having such a shape, particularly the first and second spaces S1 and S2, the sound pressure level of minute biological sounds generated from a living body in contact with the first surface 12a of the diaphragm 12 is amplified and efficiently transmitted (collected) to the sound sensor 14.

[0032] Unlike the first embodiment, when the second space S2 does not exist and the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section of the first space S1 at the sound sensor side end is smaller than the opening area of ​​the sound collection port 14c of the sound sensor 14, the space suddenly expands at the sound collection port 14c, and the acoustic energy decreases, that is, the sound pressure level decreases.

[0033] Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment, if the second space S2 does not exist and the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section at the sound sensor side end of the first space S1 is larger than the opening area of ​​the sound collection port 14c of the sound sensor 14, the acoustic energy cannot be sufficiently densified before reaching the sound sensor 14, that is, the sound pressure level cannot be sufficiently amplified.

[0034] Therefore, in the case of the first embodiment, a second space S2 whose cross-sectional area increases as it approaches the sound sensor 14 is provided between the first space S1 and the sound sensor 14. This allows the sound sensor 14 to output an electrical signal corresponding to biological sounds at an amplified sound pressure level, compared to when the second space S2 does not exist or when the cross section of the second space S2 is uniform. As a result, the sound pressure level of minute biological sounds is amplified and they are efficiently transmitted (collected) to the sound sensor 14.

[0035] In consideration of the above-mentioned effects, it is preferable that the shape of the second space S2 be determined based on the size of the sound collection port 14c of the sound sensor 14. Specifically, it is preferable to determine the shape of the second space S2 so that the size of the cross section at the sound sensor side end S2b of the second space S2 approximately matches the size of the sound collection port 14c of the sound sensor 14.

[0036] According to the first embodiment described above, the electronic stethoscope 10 that collects body sounds can adequately pick up body sounds with low sound pressure levels.

[0037] (Embodiment 2) The second embodiment is an improved version of the first embodiment, and differs from the first embodiment in the second space S2 in the internal space S of the housing. Therefore, the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences. Note that components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic stethoscope according to the second embodiment.

[0039] 4, in the electronic stethoscope 110 according to the second embodiment, the second space S2 in the internal space S of the housing 116 is a space having a shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section increases from the first space side end S2a toward the sound sensor side end S2b, and is defined by an inner wall surface 116d (second inner wall surface). In addition, in the case of the second embodiment, the inner wall surface 116d is curved convexly when viewed in a direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction) intersecting the extension direction of the internal space S. In other words, the inner wall surface 116d has a horn shape.

[0040] According to the second space S2 in the internal space S of the housing 116 according to the second embodiment, the sound pressure level of minute biological sounds generated from a living body in contact with the first surface 12a of the diaphragm 12 is amplified and efficiently transmitted (collected) by the sound sensor 14. Specifically, due to the horn effect caused by the horn shape of the second space S2, the directionality of acoustic energy is improved compared to the second space S2 of the truncated cone shape of the housing 16 according to the first embodiment described above, and acoustic energy is transmitted to the sound sensor 14 more efficiently.

[0041] It is preferable that the radius of curvature of the curved inner wall surface 116d that defines the horn-shaped second space S2 decreases from the first space side end S2a toward the sound sensor 14.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the second space in the electronic stethoscope according to the second embodiment.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the portion of the inner wall surface 116d of the housing 116 that defines the second space S2 and that is close to the first space side end S2a is a curved surface with a curvature radius R1. The portion of the inner wall surface 116d that is close to the sound sensor side end S2b is a curved surface with a curvature radius R2 that is smaller than the curvature radius R1. For example, the portion that is close to the first space side end S2a and has a smaller curvature radius is the portion of the inner wall surface 116d that is within 1 / 3 of the extension length of the second space S2 from the first space side end S2a (the boundary where the inner wall surfaces 116c and 116d meet). Also, for example, the portion that is close to the sound sensor side end S2b is the portion of the inner wall surface 116d that is within 1 / 3 of the extension length of the second space S2 from the sound sensor side end S2b. This allows the second space S2 to obtain a stronger horn effect. That is, the directionality of the acoustic energy is improved, and the acoustic energy is transmitted to the sound sensor 14 more efficiently.

[0044] In the second embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the electronic stethoscope 110 that collects body sounds can adequately pick up body sounds with low sound pressure levels.

[0045] (Embodiment 3) The third embodiment is an improved version of the second embodiment. The first space S1 in the internal space S of the housing is different from the second embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences. Note that components that are substantially the same as those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic stethoscope according to the third embodiment.

[0047] 6, in the electronic stethoscope 210 according to the third embodiment, the first space S1 in the internal space S of the housing 216 is a space having a shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section decreases from the diaphragm-side end S1a toward the second-space-side end S1b, and is defined by an inner wall surface 216c (first inner wall surface). In the case of the third embodiment, the inner wall surface 216c is curved convexly when viewed in a direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction) intersecting the extension direction of the internal space S.

[0048] According to the first space S1 in the internal space S of the housing 216 according to the third embodiment, the sound pressure level of minute biological sounds generated from a living body in contact with the first surface 12a of the diaphragm 12 is amplified. Specifically, compared to the first space S1 having a truncated cone shape of the housing 16 according to the first embodiment, the first space S1 of the housing 216 according to the third embodiment can further increase the density of acoustic energy, thereby further increasing the sound pressure level.

[0049] Depending on the radius of curvature of inner wall surface 216c of housing 216 that defines first space S1, the elastic modulus of diaphragm 12, and the like, inner wall surface 216c and second surface 12b of diaphragm 12 may come into contact. That is, as first surface 12a continues to contact the living body, diaphragm 12 continues to flex and deform, causing second surface 12b to continue to contact inner wall surface 216c of housing 216. When such contact occurs, vibration of diaphragm 12 is restricted.

[0050] Therefore, in the case of the third embodiment, an annular spacer member 220 is provided between the outer peripheral edge of the second surface 12b of the diaphragm 12 and the end surface 216a of the housing 216. This spacer member 220 sufficiently separates the second surface 12b of the diaphragm 12 from the inner wall surface 216c of the housing 216, and suppresses contact between the second surface 12b of the diaphragm 12 and the inner wall surface 216c of the housing 216. This makes it possible to suppress changes in the characteristics of the acoustic energy traveling from the diaphragm 12 to the sound sensor 14, which are caused by the vibration stroke of the diaphragm 12 being limited by contact with the inner wall surface 216c.

[0051] The internal space of the annular spacer member 220 (the space through which vibrations propagate) is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may be a truncated cone shape. The spacer member 220 and the housing 216 may be integrated as a single component.

[0052] Furthermore, the inner wall surface 216d defining the second space S2 in the internal space S of the housing 216 may extend linearly when viewed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the internal space S (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction), similar to the second space S2 in the housing 16 according to embodiment 1.

[0053] In the third embodiment as described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the electronic stethoscope 210 that collects body sounds can adequately pick up body sounds with low sound pressure levels.

[0054] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment is an improved version of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the first space S1 and the second space S2 in the internal space S of the housing 216 are directly connected to each other. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the first space S1 and the second space S2 are indirectly connected to each other. Therefore, the fourth embodiment will be described focusing on this difference. Note that components that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic stethoscope according to the fourth embodiment.

[0056] 7, in the electronic stethoscope 310 according to the fourth embodiment, the internal space S of the housing 316 includes a third space S3 located between the first space S1 and the second space S2. The third space S3 has a uniform cylindrical cross-sectional shape, connects to the second space-side end S1b of the first space S1 and the first space-side end S2a of the second space S2, and is defined by an inner wall surface 316e. The inner wall surface 316e connects to the second space-side end of the inner wall surface 316c that defines the first space S1 and the first space-side end of the inner wall surface 316d that defines the second space S2, and extends therebetween.

[0057] Although the third space S3 shown in FIG. 7 extends linearly, the third space S3 is not limited to a linear shape.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic stethoscope according to another example of the fourth embodiment.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, in an electronic stethoscope 410 according to another example of the fourth embodiment, a third space S3 in an internal space S of a housing 416 is a curved space that bends at 90 degrees.

[0060] The third space S3, which can take various shapes in this way, makes it possible to adjust the positional relationship between the diaphragm 12 and the sound sensor 14 without impairing the effect of amplifying the sound pressure level of biological sound by the internal space S of the housing. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the electronic stethoscope increases.

[0061] In the fourth embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the electronic stethoscopes 310 and 410 that collect body sounds can adequately pick up body sounds with low sound pressure levels.

[0062] (Embodiment 5) The fifth embodiment is an improved version of the first embodiment, and is capable of further amplifying the sound pressure level of body sounds. Therefore, the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on this difference. Note that components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0063] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic stethoscope according to embodiment 5. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic stethoscope according to embodiment 5.

[0064] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the electronic stethoscope 510 according to the fifth embodiment is configured to improve the sealing of the internal space S of the housing 16 in order to further amplify the sound pressure level of the living body sounds.

[0065] To this end, in the electronic stethoscope 510 according to the fifth embodiment, first, an annular seal member 522 is disposed between the outer peripheral edge of the second surface 12b of the diaphragm 12 and the end face 16a of the housing 16. The seal member 522 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber.

[0066] Furthermore, the seal member 522 is disposed between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 16 in a compressed and deformed state. Specifically, the electronic stethoscope 510 according to the fifth embodiment has an annular cover member 524 for fixing the diaphragm 12 to the end face 16a of the housing 16. The cover member 524 is attached to the housing 16 so as to cover the outer peripheral edge of the first surface 12a of the diaphragm 12, which is placed on the end face 16a of the housing 16, via the seal member 522. When the cover member 524 is attached to the housing 16, the seal member 522 is compressed in its thickness direction (Z-axis direction). In other words, when the cover member 524 is attached to the housing 16, the distance between the second surface 12b of the diaphragm 12 and the end face 16a of the housing 16 is smaller than the thickness of the seal member 522.

[0067] The seal member 522 is disposed in a compressed and deformed state between the second surface 12b of the diaphragm 12 and the end surface 16a of the housing 16, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal between the diaphragm 12 and the housing 16.

[0068] Additionally, in the electronic stethoscope 510 according to the fifth embodiment, a cylindrical sealing member 526 is disposed between the inner wall surface 16b of the sound sensor accommodating space S0 in the internal space S of the housing 16 and the sound sensor 14. The sealing member 526 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber.

[0069] Furthermore, the sealing member 526 is disposed in a compressed and deformed state between the inner wall surface 16b of the housing 16 and the sound sensor 14. Specifically, when the sealing member 526 is in its natural state, the inner diameter of the cylindrical sealing member 526 is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical sound sensor 14, and at the same time, the outer diameter of the sealing member 526 is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical sound sensor accommodating space S0 of the housing 16. Due to this size relationship, the sealing member 526 is disposed between the inner wall surface 16b of the housing 16 and the sound sensor 14 in a state compressed in the radial direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction).

[0070] The sealing member 526 is disposed in a compressed and deformed state between the inner wall surface 16b of the sound sensor accommodating space S0 in the internal space S of the housing 16 and the sound sensor 14, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal between the sound sensor 14 and the housing 16.

[0071] These two seal members 522, 526 make the internal space S of the housing 16 substantially sealed. As a result, the vibrations propagating from the diaphragm 12 propagate toward the sound sensor 14 via the internal space S without substantially leaking from the internal space S of the housing 16 to the outside. As a result, the sound pressure level of the biological sound increases further within the internal space S of the housing 16.

[0072] In the electronic stethoscope 510 according to the fifth embodiment, the size of the cylindrical sealing member 526 in the extension direction (Z-axis direction) of the sound sensor accommodating space S0 is larger than the size of the sound sensor 14. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9, a part of the sealing member 526 rides up on the end surface of the casing 14a of the sound sensor 14 where the sound collection port 14c is provided. As a result, the sealing member 526 fixes the sound sensor 14 in the extension direction of the sound sensor accommodating space S0.

[0073] Also, if the diaphragm 12 can be fixed to the end surface 16a of the housing 16 without any gaps therebetween, for example, if it can be bonded via an adhesive, then the sealing member 522 can be omitted. Furthermore, if the sound sensor 14 can be inserted into the sound sensor accommodating space S0 without any gaps therebetween, then the sealing member 526 can be omitted.

[0074] Furthermore, the sealing members 522 and 526 according to the fifth embodiment can also be used in the electronic stethoscopes 110, 210, 310, and 410 according to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0075] In the fifth embodiment as described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the electronic stethoscope 510 that collects body sounds can adequately pick up body sounds with low sound pressure levels.

[0076] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to a number of embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0077] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the cross-sectional shape of the internal space S of the housing 16 is circular. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this. The cross-sectional shape of the internal space S of the housing may be rectangular, for example.

[0078] Furthermore, in the case of the above-described first embodiment, the first space S1 in the internal space S of the housing 16 has a shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section decreases from the diaphragm-side end S1a to the second-space-side end S1b when viewed from any direction intersecting the extension direction (Z-axis direction) of the internal space S (i.e., a direction including an X-axis direction component and a Y-axis direction component). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this. For example, the first space S1 may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section decreases when viewed from either the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, and remains constant when viewed from the other direction.

[0079] Furthermore, in the case of the above-described first embodiment, the second space S2 in the internal space S of the housing 16 has a shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section increases from the first space side end S2a toward the sound sensor side end S2b when viewed from any direction intersecting the extension direction (Z-axis direction) of the internal space S (i.e., a direction including the X-axis direction component and the Y-axis direction component). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this. For example, the second space S2 may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section increases when viewed from either the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, and remains constant when viewed from the other direction.

[0080] Furthermore, in the case of the above-described first embodiment, the propagation of vibrations from the diaphragm 12 to the sound sensor 14 occurs via an internal space S provided in the housing 16. That is, the housing 16 is a tubular member having an outer peripheral surface that becomes the outer surface (design surface) of the electronic stethoscope 10, and an inner peripheral surface that defines the internal space S. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this. For example, a tubular member having an internal space through which vibrations propagate may be provided within the housing that forms the outer surface of the electronic stethoscope.

[0081] That is, various aspects of the present disclosure are as follows.

[0082] The first aspect is a diaphragm having a first surface that contacts the living body and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a sound sensor that receives vibrations propagated from the diaphragm and converts them into an electrical signal; a tubular member having an inner wall surface that defines an internal space through which vibrations propagate from the diaphragm to the sound sensor; The inner wall surface of the tubular member includes a first inner wall surface that defines a first space on the diaphragm side, a second inner wall surface that defines a second space on the sound sensor side, and a boundary portion where the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface meet, The volume of the first space is larger than the volume of the second space, This is an electronic stethoscope, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section of the internal space of the tubular member that intersects with the extension direction of the internal space decreases from the diaphragm side end toward the boundary portion in the first space, and increases from the boundary portion toward the sound sensor side end in the second space.

[0083] The second aspect is In a first aspect of the electronic stethoscope, the second inner wall surface of the tubular member is convexly curved when viewed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the internal space, thereby defining the second space.

[0084] The third aspect is This is an electronic stethoscope of a second aspect, in which the radius of curvature of the second inner wall surface is smaller in the portion closer to the sound sensor side end than in the portion closer to the first space side end.

[0085] The fourth aspect is An electronic stethoscope according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first inner wall surface of the tubular member is convexly curved when viewed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the internal space, thereby defining the first space.

[0086] The fifth aspect is A fourth aspect of the electronic stethoscope further includes an annular spacer member disposed between the outer peripheral edge of the second surface of the diaphragm and the end face of the tubular member, separating the second surface of the diaphragm from the first inner wall surface of the tubular member.

[0087] The sixth aspect is The electronic stethoscope of any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the inner wall surface of the tubular member includes a third inner wall surface that is connected to the second space side end of the first inner wall surface that defines the first space and the first space side end of the second inner wall surface that defines the second space, and defines a third space having a uniform cross-sectional shape.

[0088] A seventh aspect is The internal space of the tubular member includes a sound sensor accommodating space that is connected to the sound sensor side end of the second space and accommodates the sound sensor, The electronic stethoscope according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a cylindrical sealing member disposed in a compressed and deformed state between the inner wall surface of the sound sensor accommodating space and the sound sensor.

[0089] The eighth aspect is In the electronic stethoscope of the seventh aspect, the size of the cylindrical sealing member is larger than the size of the sound sensor in the extending direction of the sound sensor accommodating space of the tubular member.

[0090] A ninth aspect is The electronic stethoscope of any one of aspects 1 to 8 further comprises an annular sealing member disposed in a compressed and deformed state between the outer peripheral edge of the second surface of the diaphragm and the end face of the tubular member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 Electronic stethoscope 12 diaphragm 12a First Surface 12b Second Surface 14 Sound Sensor 16 Tubular member (housing) 16c First inner wall 16d Second inner wall 16e Boundary S interior space S1 First Space S1a Diaphragm side end S1b Second space side edge S2 Second Space S2a First space side edge S2b Sound sensor side end

Claims

1. a diaphragm having a first surface that contacts the living body and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a sound sensor that receives vibrations propagated from the diaphragm and converts them into an electrical signal; a tubular member having an inner wall surface that defines an internal space through which vibrations propagate from the diaphragm to the sound sensor; The inner wall surface of the tubular member includes a first inner wall surface that defines a first space on the diaphragm side, a second inner wall surface that defines a second space on the sound sensor side, and a boundary portion where the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface are in contact, The volume of the first space is larger than the volume of the second space, An electronic stethoscope, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the transverse section of the internal space intersecting the extension direction of the internal space of the tubular member decreases in the first space from the diaphragm side end toward the boundary portion, and increases in the second space from the boundary portion toward the sound sensor side end.

2. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the second inner wall surface of the tubular member is convexly curved when viewed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the internal space, thereby defining the second space.

3. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 2, wherein the radius of curvature of the second inner wall surface is smaller in a portion closer to the sound sensor side end than in a portion closer to the first space side end.

4. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the first inner wall surface of the tubular member is convexly curved when viewed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the internal space, thereby defining the first space.

5. 5. The electronic stethoscope of claim 4, further comprising an annular spacer member disposed between an outer peripheral edge of the second surface of the diaphragm and an end face of the tubular member, the annular spacer member separating the second surface of the diaphragm from the first inner wall surface of the tubular member.

6. 2. The electronic stethoscope of claim 1, wherein the inner wall surface of the tubular member includes a third inner wall surface that is connected to the second space side end of the first inner wall surface that defines the first space and the first space side end of the second inner wall surface that defines the second space, and defines a third space having a uniform cross-sectional shape.

7. the internal space of the tubular member includes a sound sensor accommodating space that is connected to the sound sensor side end of the second space and accommodates the sound sensor, 2. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1, further comprising a cylindrical seal member disposed in a compressed and deformed state between the inner wall surface of the sound sensor accommodating space and the sound sensor.

8. 8. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 7, wherein the size of the cylindrical sealing member is larger than the size of the sound sensor in the extending direction of the sound sensor accommodating space of the tubular member.

9. 2. The electronic stethoscope of claim 1, further comprising an annular sealing member disposed in a compressively deformed state between an outer peripheral edge of the second surface of the diaphragm and an end face of the tubular member.

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