Ear-mounted device and manufacturing method for the same

Abstract

To provide an ear-mounted device that readily conforms to the shape of a user's ear canal and a manufacturing method for the same.SOLUTION: An ear-mounted device 100 includes a plug body portion 1 inserted into the external auditory canal and a support portion 5 supporting the plug body portion 1. The support portion 5 is formed in a columnar shape. The plug body portion 1 has a head portion 2 supported at the axial tip end of the support portion 5, and an annular plate-like annular portion 3 extending from the side of the head portion 2 radially outward from the support portion 5 and axially towards the base end. The annular portion 3 is deformable between a first state, in which it forms a convex curved surface extending radially outward and toward the leading end in the axial direction, and a second state, in which it forms a convex curved surface extending radially outward and toward the base end in the axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ear wearing device and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an earpiece. This earpiece has a columnar central support and an umbrella-shaped portion covering the central support. The umbrella-shaped portion has a first part and a second part, with the first part having a first hardness and the second part having a second hardness that is lower than the first hardness. The upper end of the first part is connected to the top end of the central support, and the lower end of the first part and the upper end of the second part overlap to form a transition region. In the transition region, the thickness of the first part gradually decreases from top to bottom, and the thickness of the second part gradually increases from top to bottom. The width of the transition region is two to three times the thickness of the umbrella-shaped portion.

[0003] Patent Document 1 points out that earpieces are usually made of soft materials such as silicone, and that if the earpiece material is hard, it may cause discomfort to some users (especially Asians and women, whose ear canals tend to be curved and narrow).It also points out that if a softer material is used, the earpiece may not be able to maintain its structure and may lose its shape, and that if the earpiece is too soft, the user may feel anxious about the earphones falling out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-122274 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, as disclosed in Cited Document 1, the shapes of users' ear canals (hereinafter referred to as ear holes) vary widely, and the shapes and hole diameters vary depending on, for example, race, sex, and physique. Therefore, it is desirable to provide ear wearing devices that are comfortable to wear for as many users as possible. Specifically, it is desirable to provide ear wearing devices that can easily fit the shapes of the ear holes of as many users as possible, and a method for manufacturing such devices.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ear wearing device that easily fits the shape of a user's ear canal, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the ear wearing device according to the present invention comprises: a plug portion to be inserted into the ear canal; a support portion that supports the plug portion, The support portion is formed in a columnar shape, The plug body portion is a head supported at a tip end portion of the support portion in the axial direction; an annular, plate-shaped annular portion extending from a side portion of the head portion to the radial outside of the support portion and toward a base end side in the axial direction; The annular portion is a first state in which the surface is curved convexly outward in the radial direction and toward a tip end side in the axial direction; a second state in which the protrusion has a curved surface that is convex outward in the radial direction and toward the base end side in the axial direction;

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a method for manufacturing an ear wearing device according to the present invention comprises: A method for manufacturing the ear wearing device described above, a molding step of molding an elastic resin into the second state shape; and an inversion step of inverting the molded body obtained in the molding step into the first state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ear wearing device that easily fits the shape of a user's ear canal and a method for manufacturing the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ear wearing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plug portion of the cross section shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a view of the plug body portion as seen from the tip side in the axial direction. [Figure 6] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the ear wearing device according to the present embodiment worn on a user's ear. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ear wearing device in a second state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the plug portion of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 10 is a view of the plug portion of the ear wearing device in the second state as viewed from the tip side in the axial direction. FIG. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a method for molding an ear wearing device using a mold. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An ear wearing device and a manufacturing method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Fig. 1 shows an ear wearing device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Fig. 1. The ear wearing device 100 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 may be so-called earplugs or earphones, or a general ear accessory that combines the functions of earplugs or earphones with other additional functions and is worn in the ear.

[0013] The ear wearing device 100 may be formed from a base material primarily made of elastic resin. The resin is preferably soft. Examples of such resins include so-called elastomers and elastomer resins, including natural rubber and synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber.

[0014] The base material forming the ear wearing device 100 may be resin alone, or may be resin with a filler dispersed therein. The filler may be a functional additive that exhibits a specific function. Specifically, the base material may be resin-based with particles of a functional additive dispersed therein.

[0015] Examples of functional additives are heat storage materials and heat generating materials. An example of a heat storage material is a material containing a material with a larger heat capacity than the resin forming the base material. When the base material forming the ear wearing device 100 contains a heat storage material or a heat generating material, the ear wearing device 100 itself can become a heat generating body.

[0016] An example of a heat storage material is metal powder such as iron powder. An example of a heat generating material is a material that includes a material that can convert non-thermal energy supplied from outside the ear wearing device 100 into thermal energy, or a material that generates heat through a chemical reaction such as an oxidation reaction of iron (for example, a chemical warmer such as a disposable warmer). An example of non-thermal energy that can be supplied from outside the ear wearing device 100 is electromagnetic waves (for example, microwaves used in microwave ovens, with a frequency of 2.45 GHz). An example of a material that can convert non-thermal energy into thermal energy is ferrite (ceramics mainly composed of iron oxide), for example, when the non-thermal energy is microwaves.

[0017] The ear wearing device 100 may be integrally molded using a mold. The molding of the ear wearing device 100 will be described later.

[0018] The ear wearing device 100 includes a plug 1 that is inserted into the ear canal (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the ear canal), which is the opening of the user's ear, and a support 5 that supports the plug 1. The support 5 is formed in a columnar shape. The plug 1 is supported at the tip of the columnar shape of the support 5 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described below in which the ear wearing device 100 further includes an additional function unit 7 connected to the base end of the support unit 5. Note that the additional function unit 7 is not an essential component of the ear wearing device 100.

[0019] Hereinafter, the same direction as the axial direction (extension direction) of the axial center G of the support portion 5 (see FIG. 2) will be simply referred to as the axial direction. Also, the same direction as the radial direction centered on the axial center G of the support portion 5 will be simply referred to as the radial direction. Also, the same direction as the circumferential direction centered on the axial center G of the support portion 5 will be simply referred to as the circumferential direction. Furthermore, as viewed from the support portion 5, the side in the axial direction where the plug portion 1 is supported will be simply referred to as the tip or tip side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the base end or base end side. In FIG. 2, the axial direction is indicated by the symbol g, and the radial direction is indicated by the symbol r. Note that in FIG. 4, which will be described later, the circumferential direction is indicated by the symbol C.

[0020] The plug body 1 is the part that functions as a so-called earplug. The ear wearing device 100 is used by inserting the plug body 1 into the ear canal. The plug body 1 has a dome-shaped (umbrella-shaped) surface on the tip side in the axial direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the surface portion) that is curved and convex toward the tip side. The dome-shaped shape can also be referred to as an umbrella-shaped shape.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plug body 1 in the cross section shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in Fig. 2, i.e., a view of the plug body 1 as seen from the base end side in the axial direction. Fig. 5 shows a view of the plug body 1 as seen from the tip end side in the axial direction.

[0022] 3 and 4, plug 1 has a head 2, which is the apex of the dome-shaped configuration, and an annular portion 3, which is the outer periphery of the dome-shaped configuration of plug 1 and is disposed along the outer periphery of head 2. The outer periphery of the dome-shaped configuration of plug 1 is the radially outer portion of plug 1. The diameter of plug 1 may be larger than the diameter of the user's ear canal.

[0023] The head 2 is supported by the axial tip of the support part 5. The plug part 1 is supported by the support part 5 via the head 2. The head 2 may be convex toward the tip, or may be flat. Figures 3 and 4 show an example in which the head 2 is convex. When viewed along the axial direction, the head 2 overlaps with the tip of the support part 5 on the plug part 1. The head 2 may be circular when viewed from the axial tip side (see Figure 5).

[0024] The annular portion 3 is an annular, plate-like portion extending radially outward from the side (radial outer periphery) of the head 2 and toward the base end in the axial direction. In other words, the annular portion 3 is formed in a curved shape that is convex toward the radially outer side of the support portion 5 and the tip end in the axial direction. The annular portion 3 has an inner periphery, a base portion 30, which is disposed along the entire circumference of the side portion of the head 2, and an outer ring portion 31, which is disposed radially outward from the base portion 30. The outer ring portion 31 is the outer periphery of the annular portion 3. In the axial direction, the outer peripheral end of the outer ring portion 31 is located closer to the base end than the head 2. The thickness of the annular portion 3 is preferably 0.1 to 1.0 mm. This provides the annular portion 3 with appropriate flexibility.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the ring outer peripheral portion 31 is divided into a plurality of adjacent petal-shaped portions 4 along the circumferential direction of the support portion 5 (see FIG. 4 ). More specifically, a plurality of axial and radial slits 34 are formed in the ring outer peripheral portion 31 of the annular portion 3, thereby dividing the annular portion 3 into a plurality of petal-shaped portions 4 in the circumferential direction. In other words, a petal-shaped portion 4 is separated from another adjacent petal-shaped portion 4 in the circumferential direction by the slits 34. The ring outer peripheral portion 31 may be divided into three or more petal-shaped portions 4. In this embodiment, a case in which the ring outer peripheral portion 31 is divided into four petal-shaped portions 4 is illustrated.

[0026] The slit 34 is a cutout portion formed radially from the outer peripheral end of the plug body portion 1, i.e., the outer peripheral end of the ring outer peripheral portion 31 of the annular portion 3, extending inward.

[0027] In the annular portion 3, the portion radially inside the region where the slit 34 is formed is the base portion 30. The diameter of the base portion 30 is set smaller than the diameter of the user's ear canal.

[0028] Each petal-shaped portion 4 extends radially outward from the base 30. The radially outer edge of each petal-shaped portion 4 may have a curved shape that is convex outward in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the radially outer edge of each petal-shaped portion 4, which is the radially central portion of each petal-shaped portion 4, is the apex of the arc of the edge of each petal-shaped portion 4 (the portion that protrudes most radially outward).

[0029] The annular portion 3 may have a rib-like portion 43 erected on the back surface 3A, which is the surface on the base end side in the axial direction. The rib-like portion 43 may be erected perpendicular to the back surface 3A. The rib-like portion 43 may extend radially on the surface of the back surface 3A. One rib-like portion 43 may be provided corresponding to one petal-like portion 4. The rib-like portion 43 may extend from the inner end of the annular portion 3 in the radial direction (the boundary between the annular portion 3 and the head portion 2) to the tip 41 of the petal-like portion 4 in the radial direction. The rib-like portion 43 may be disposed in the center of the petal-like portion 4 in the radial direction. It is preferable that the width (circumferential width) of the rib-like portion 43 is 1.0 to 5.0 mm, and the thickness (height) of the rib-like portion 43 is 0.05 to 0.5 mm. This provides the annular portion 3 with appropriate rigidity and improves the fit felt by the user.

[0030] The plug 1 may have a groove 23 formed at the boundary (hereinafter referred to as the tip boundary) between the base 30 of the annular portion 3 and the head 2 on the tip side in the axial direction. The tip boundary includes the portion of the base 30 adjacent to the head 2 and its vicinity, and the portion of the head 2 adjacent to the base 30 and its vicinity.

[0031] The groove 23 is formed along the boundary between the base 30 and the head 2. The groove 23 may be formed in a ring shape along the entire circumference of the boundary between the base 30 and the head 2. The groove 23 may be formed only in the base 30 at the tip side boundary, or only in the head 2, or may be formed across the base 30 and the head 2.

[0032] The plug body 1 may have a groove 25 formed on the base end side in the axial direction at the boundary between the base 30 of the annular portion 3, the head 2, and the support portion 5 (hereinafter referred to as the base end boundary). The base end boundary includes the portion of the base 30 adjacent to the head 2 and its vicinity, and the region of the head 2 between the base 30 and the head 2.

[0033] The groove 25 is formed along the boundary between the base 30, the head 2, and the support 5. The groove 25 may be formed in a ring shape along the entire circumference of the boundary between the base 30, the head 2, and the support 5. The groove 25 is formed in the base 30 at least at the base-end side boundary. The groove 25 may be formed only in the base 30, or may be formed across the base 30 and the head 2.

[0034] The support part 5 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a columnar gripping portion of the ear wearing device 100 (a portion for the user to grip the ear wearing device 100) when inserting or removing the plug part 1 into or from the ear canal. In this embodiment, it is a bridge that connects the plug part 1 and the additional function part 7. The support part 5 may have a cylindrical or prismatic shape when viewed from the outside. This embodiment illustrates a case in which the support part 5 has a cylindrical shape when viewed from the outside. The diameter of the support part 5 may be larger than the diameter of the user's ear canal. The support part 5 may be solid or hollow (cylindrical). This embodiment illustrates a case in which the support part 5 is hollow, i.e., cylindrical. If the support part 5 is cylindrical, the diameter of its cross section (cross section perpendicular to the axial direction) is preferably 2.0 to 12.0 mm. When the support part 5 is hollow, the thickness of the support part 5 (thickness of the wall part of the tube) is preferably 0.1 to 2.0 mm in order to increase flexibility when worn.

[0035] The support part 5 may be straight or tapered toward the distal or proximal end. The support part 5 may also be shaped so that the central part is thinner than the distal and proximal ends. In this embodiment, the diameter of the distal end of the support part 5 in the axial direction is smaller than the diameter of the proximal end, and the central part is smaller than the diameter of the distal end.

[0036] The support part 5 may have a groove part 51 formed in its side part. The groove part 51 may be formed along the circumferential direction. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, two or more groove parts 51 may be formed adjacent to each other along the axial direction. That is, all or part of the side part of the support part 5 may have an accordion shape. In this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which two adjacent groove parts 51, 51 are formed in the center of the support part 5 in the axial direction.

[0037] 1 and 2 is a part connected to the base end of the support part 5 and provides an additional function for the ear wearing device 100. As an example, the additional function part 7 may be a contact part that comes into contact with the user's auricle and provides the additional function.

[0038] An example of an additional function of the additional function unit 7 is heat transfer. That is, the additional function unit 7 may be a heat transfer unit that comes into contact with the auricle and supplies heat to the auricle (warms the auricle) or removes heat from the auricle (cools the auricle).

[0039] The additional function part 7 may be in the shape of a solid or hollow pillar, or in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom. FIG. 2 shows the case where the additional function part 7 is a cup-shaped part 70 formed in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom. The additional function part 7 (cup-shaped part 70) may be connected to the base end of the support part 5. The support part 5 may be connected to the side of the cylinder or body part of the additional function part 7 (cup-shaped part 70). As will be described later, if it is desired to have the bottom surface 7A of the pillar or cylinder of the additional function part 7 abut against the auricle, the axial direction of the support part 5 and the axial direction of the axis of the pillar-shaped or cylindrical shape of the cup-shaped part 70 (additional function part 7) may be arranged so as to intersect at an angle smaller than 90 degrees, for example, an angle between 20 degrees and 75 degrees.

[0040] Cup-shaped portion 70 can also have a component (hereinafter referred to as a functional component) attached to the cylindrical interior 71 of the tube, separate from ear wearing device 100, that provides an additional function. Examples of this functional component include a unit including a heat storage material (hereinafter referred to as a heat storage component) and a unit including a heat generating material (hereinafter referred to as a heat generating component). The heat storage component or heat generating component may be, for example, a container that contains the heat storage material or heat generating material.

[0041] The heat storage member may be attached to the additional function unit 7 in a heated or cooled state. If the heat storage member is preheated, the additional function unit 7 can warm the auricle. If the heat storage member is precooled, the additional function unit 7 can cool the auricle.

[0042] Alternatively, the additional function section 7 may be hollow so that the above-mentioned heat storage member or heat generating member can be accommodated in the hollow portion.

[0043] Alternatively, the additional function unit 7 may be solid, and the solid portion may be formed from a base material in which a heat-generating material that generates heat when supplied with external energy is dispersed in a resin. In this case, the additional function unit 7 may be the heat generating element. This base material may be the same as or different from the base material described above as the base material that forms the ear wearing device 100. When the additional function unit 7 is solid and is molded integrally with the plug unit 1 and the support unit 5, the entire ear wearing device 100, including the additional function unit 7, may be molded from the same base material.

[0044] An example of how to use the ear wearing device 100 is described below. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the ear wearing device 100 worn on the user's ear (viewed from the front of the user). As shown in Fig. 6, the ear wearing device 100 is used by pushing the plug body 1 into the ear canal 91 of the user's ear and fitting it into the ear canal 91.

[0045] As described above, the plug 1 is dome-shaped; specifically, its annular portion 3 is formed in a curved shape that is convex radially outward from the support portion 5 and toward the tip in the axial direction, and the outer ring portion 31 of the annular portion 3 is divided into three or more petal-shaped portions 4. Therefore, during the process of fitting the plug 1 into the ear canal 91, the plug 1 deforms such that adjacent petal-shaped portions 4 move closer to each other while being separated by the slits 34 so that the diameter of the outer periphery of the plug 1 conforms to the inner diameter of the ear canal 91, and the diameter of the plug 1 decreases (hereinafter, this may be simply referred to as contraction). As a result, when the plug 1 is fitted into the ear canal 91, the diameter of the plug 1 conforms to the inner diameter of the ear canal 91. In this way, in the ear wearing device 100, the outer ring portion 31 of the annular portion 3 is divided into three or more petal-shaped portions 4, which makes it easier for the plug portion 1 to naturally fit the diameter (one example of the shape) of the user's external auditory canal 91 (ear hole).

[0046] When the plug body 1 has grooves 23 (see FIG. 3, etc.), the ring outer periphery 31 is more likely to bend and deform along these grooves 23 relative to the head 2. This bending deformation is a bending in the direction in which the ring outer periphery 31 approaches the support part 5. As a result, the plug body 1 deforms along the grooves 23 while also deforming so that the petal-shaped parts 4 approach each other, which may make the plug body 1 more likely to fit the diameter of the user's ear canal 91.

[0047] When the plug body 1 has a groove 25 (see FIG. 3, etc.), the ring outer periphery 31 is more likely to bend and deform along this groove 25 relative to the head 2 and the support part 5. This bending deformation is a bending in the direction in which the ring outer periphery 31 approaches the support part 5. As a result, the plug body 1 deforms along the groove 25 while also deforming so that the petal-shaped parts 4 approach each other, which may make the plug body 1 more likely to fit the diameter of the user's ear canal 91.

[0048] In the ear wearing device 100, the plug body 1 is easily deformed and naturally fits the diameter (one example of the shape) of the user's ear canal 91 (ear hole), which provides a very comfortable feel (fit) for many users. In other words, many users will feel a good fit in their ears, providing a high level of satisfaction.

[0049] In the ear wearing device 100, the plug body 1 is easily deformed and naturally adapts to the diameter (one example of the shape) of the user's ear canal 91 (ear hole), improving the sealing of the ear canal 91 and thereby improving the sound insulation properties of the earplug.

[0050] If the plug 1 is easily deformable as described above, it will easily fit the diameter of the user's ear canal 91, improving the user's comfort. Furthermore, if the plug 1 presses appropriately against the inner wall surface of the ear canal 91, the plug 1 will be less likely to shift position within the ear canal 91. This may further improve the user's comfort. For example, if the petal-shaped portions 4 have ribs 43, the rigidity of the petal-shaped portions 4 will be appropriately increased, maintaining a state in which the plug 1 is easily contracted, while the petal-shaped portions 4 of the plug 1 will press appropriately against the inner wall surface of the ear canal 91, which may prevent the plug 1 from shifting position within the ear canal 91.

[0051] When the ear wearing device 100 includes the additional function unit 7, the additional function unit 7 is positioned outside the ear canal 91 when the plug body 1 is fitted into the ear canal 91. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 7A of the pillar of the additional function unit 7 is in contact with the pinna 92 ​​of the user's ear. The additional function unit 7 can warm the pinna 92 ​​by being fitted with a heat storage member or formed from a base material in which a heat-generating material is dispersed in resin, for example. This allows the ear wearing device 100 to provide a comfortable feeling to the user and promote relaxation.

[0052] When the support part 5 has the groove part 51, the support part 5 is more likely to deform along the curvature of the ear canal 91, with the groove part 51 serving as the starting point of deformation. Note that this deformation of the support part 5 can include deformation in which the support part 5 warps in the axial direction of its columnar shape and deformation in which the support part 5 contracts in the axial direction. This prevents a state in which a part of the support part 5 comes into contact with or presses strongly against the inner wall of the ear canal 91, reducing discomfort to the user and improving the usability of the ear wearing device 100.

[0053] An example of a method for manufacturing the ear wearing device 100 will be described below.

[0054] The ear wearing device 100 can be manufactured by a manufacturing method including a molding step of molding a base material containing an elastic resin into a second state shape described below, and an inversion step of inverting the molded body obtained in the molding step into a first state described below. That is, the ear wearing device 100 is deformable between a first state and a second state as described below, and can be manufactured by molding it into a second state shape and then deforming it into the first state shape.

[0055] The first state is a state in which the ear wearing device 100 has the shape shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, in the first state, as shown in Figure 3 and other figures, the annular portion 3 has a curved surface that is convex radially outward and toward the tip in the axial direction. In other words, in the first state, the surface of the plug body 1 has a dome-like shape that is curved toward the tip. In the first state, the outer peripheral end of the annular portion 3 is located closer to the base end than the head 2 in the axial direction.

[0056] In the second state, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the annular portion 3 of the ear wearing device 100 has a curved surface that is convex radially outward and toward the base end in the axial direction. In other words, in the second state, the dome-shaped plug portion 1 of the ear wearing device 100 is inverted in the axial direction from the first state. In the second state, as shown in Figure 9, the outer peripheral end of the annular portion 3 is located closer to the base end than the head portion 2 in the axial direction. Note that Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plug portion in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in Figure 8. Figure 11 is a view of the plug portion 1 in the second state as seen from the tip end in the axial direction.

[0057] When the plug body portion 1 has a groove portion 23 as shown in Figures 9 and 11, as described above, the ring outer peripheral portion 31 is more likely to bend and deform relative to the head portion 2 along this groove portion 23, making it easier for the plug body portion 1 to flip from the second state to the first state.

[0058] When the stopper body portion 1 has a groove portion 25 as shown in Figures 9 and 10, as described above, the ring outer peripheral portion 31 is more likely to bend and deform along this groove portion 25 relative to the head portion 2 and the support portion 5, making it easier for the stopper body portion 1 to flip from the second state to the first state.

[0059] When the petal-shaped portions 4 have the rib-shaped portions 43, the plug 1 is less likely to inadvertently return to the second state after being flipped from the second state to the first state. In other words, when the petal-shaped portions 4 have the rib-shaped portions 43, the plug 1 is more likely to maintain the first state after being flipped from the second state to the first state.

[0060] 12, the plug portion 1 and the support portion 5 of the ear wearing device 100 can be molded using, for example, three dies 81, 82, and 83. The die 81 is located closer to the tip end in the axial direction than the plug portion 1. The dies 82 and 83 are located radially outward from the plug portion 1 and the support portion 5.

[0061] The shapes of the molds 81, 82, and 83 correspond to the shapes of the plug body 1 and the support portion 5 in the second state. When molding the plug body 1 and the support portion 5 in the second state, the mold 81 only needs to be moved away from the plug body 1 and the support portion 5 in the axial direction, and the molds 82 and 83 only need to be moved away from the plug body 1 and the support portion 5 in the radial direction during demolding. When molding the plug body 1 and the support portion 5 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the formation of undercut shapes that would interfere with the demolding of the molds 81, 82, and 83 on the surface portion of the plug body 1 facing the axial tip and the surface portions of the plug body 1 and the support portion 5 facing outward in the radial direction. If the plug body 1 and the support portion 5 were to be molded in the shape of the first state, the plug body 1 would have an undercut, and molding the plug body 1 and the support portion 5 would be complicated.

[0062] Furthermore, when molding in the second state, molding can be performed without considering undercuts in the radially opposing surface portions of plug portion 1 and support portion 5, thereby expanding the options for base resin. More specifically, when molding is performed to allow for complex undercuts, it may be necessary to adjust the elasticity and hardness of the resin, specifically to select a resin that is easily deformed. However, when molding can be performed without considering undercuts, it becomes possible to select a base resin based on raw material costs and improving the usability of ear wearing device 100.

[0063] In this way, the ear wearing device 100 can be transformed between the first state and the second state, which makes it easy to manufacture by molding using a mold.

[0064] As described above, it is possible to provide an ear wearing device that easily fits the shape of the user's ear canal and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0065] The configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] The present invention is applicable to a wearing tool and a manufacturing method thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1: Plug body part 100: Ear fittings 2:Head 23: Groove 25: Groove 3: Annular section 3A: Back part 30: Base 31: Ring outer periphery 34: Slit 4: Petal-like part 41:Tip 43: Rib-like part 5: Support part 51: Groove 7: Additional function section 7A: Bottom 70: Cup-shaped part 71: Inside the tube 81: Mold 82: Mold 83: Mold 91: External auditory canal 92: Auricle G: Axial center

Claims

1. a plug portion to be inserted into the ear canal; a support portion that supports the plug portion, The support portion is formed in a columnar shape, The plug body portion is a head supported at a tip end portion of the support portion in the axial direction; an annular, plate-shaped annular portion extending from a side portion of the head portion to the radial outside of the support portion and toward a base end side in the axial direction; The annular portion is a first state in which the surface is curved convexly outward in the radial direction and toward a tip end side in the axial direction; a second state in which the ear wearing device has a curved surface that is convex outward in the radial direction and toward the base end side in the axial direction;

2. The ear wearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the outer periphery of the annular portion is divided into a plurality of petal-shaped portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the support portion.

3. The annular portion is divided into the plurality of petal-shaped portions by forming a plurality of slits along the axial direction, The ear wearing device according to claim 2 , wherein the petals are separated from each other by the slits.

4. the annular portion has a rib-shaped portion erected on a back surface portion that is a surface on a base end side in the axial direction, The ear wearing device according to claim 3 , wherein the rib-shaped portion extends along the radial direction.

5. The ear wearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the plug body has a groove formed at a boundary between a base of the annular portion and the head portion, on a tip side in the axial direction.

6. The ear wearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the plug body has a groove formed at a boundary between a base of the annular portion and the head portion, on a base end side in the axial direction.

7. Further provided with a cylindrical cup-shaped portion with a bottom, The ear wearing device according to claim 6 , wherein the cup-shaped portion is connected to a base end of the support portion.

8. A method for manufacturing the ear wearing device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: a molding step of molding an elastic resin into the second state shape; an inverting step of inverting the molded body obtained in the molding step into the first state.

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