Earphone set and charging case

Abstract

To provide an earphone set capable of guiding an earphone to a correct position in a cavity.SOLUTION: An earphone set 1 includes an earphone 2, and a charging case 3 including a housing 31 having a cavity 35 for housing the earphone and a lid for covering an opening of the cavity in an openable / closable manner. The earphone has an earphone side magnet 23. The charging case includes a first case-side magnet 33 that is located near the earphone-side magnet in a state in which the earphones are housed in a correct position P1 in the cavity and generates magnetic attraction with the earphone-side magnet, and a second case-side magnet 34 that is located near the earphone-side magnet in a state in which the earphones are housed in a position P2 shifted from the correct position in the cavity and generates magnetic repulsion with the earphone-side magnet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an earphone set and a charging case. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an earphone set including earphones (portable listening devices) and a charging case (case) including a housing having a cavity for accommodating the earphones and a lid covering the opening of the cavity. This earphone set is configured so that the earphones are charged while they are accommodated in the cavity of the housing. In addition, the earphone set of Patent Document 1 holds the earphone within the cavity by utilizing the magnetic attraction generated between the speaker magnet and / or magnetic plate (magnetic element) of the earphone and the earphone holding magnet (magnetic element) of the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-110417 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, simply using the attractive force between the magnetic element on the earphone and the magnetic element on the housing, as in Patent Document 1, can result in the earphone being positioned out of its correct position within the cavity. For example, if the attractive force between the magnetic element on the earphone and the magnetic element on the housing is insufficient, the earphone may not be guided to the correct position. Furthermore, the greater the distance between the magnetic element on the earphone and the magnetic element on the housing, the less magnetic attractive force is generated between the two magnetic elements, making it more difficult to guide the earphone to the correct position within the cavity. In this case, the charging terminal on the earphone may not contact the power supply terminal on the housing, which can easily lead to problems such as the earphone not charging.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an earphone set and a charging case for the same that can guide earphones to the correct position within a cavity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is an earphone set comprising: an earphone; and a charging case including a housing with a cavity for accommodating the earphone; and a lid that covers the opening of the cavity in an openable and closable manner; the earphone has an earphone-side magnet; and the charging case has a first case-side magnet that is located near the earphone-side magnet when the earphone is accommodated in the correct position within the cavity and generates a magnetic attractive force between itself and the earphone-side magnet; and a second case-side magnet that is located near the earphone-side magnet when the earphone is accommodated in a position displaced from the correct position within the cavity and generates a magnetic repulsive force between itself and the earphone-side magnet.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is an earphone set comprising: an earphone; and a charging case including a housing with a cavity for accommodating the earphone and a lid that opens and closes to cover the opening of the cavity; the charging case has a case-side magnet; and the earphone has: a first earphone-side magnet that is located near the case-side magnet when the earphone is accommodated in the correct position within the cavity and generates a magnetic attractive force between itself and the case-side magnet; and a second earphone-side magnet that is located near the case-side magnet when the earphone is accommodated in a position displaced from the correct position within the cavity and generates a magnetic repulsive force between itself and the case-side magnet.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a charging case that includes a housing with a cavity for accommodating an earphone, and a lid that covers the opening of the cavity in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed freely, the charging case having a first case-side magnet that is located near an earphone-side magnet of the earphone when the earphone is accommodated in the correct position within the cavity, and that generates a magnetic attractive force between itself and the earphone-side magnet, and a second case-side magnet that is located near the earphone-side magnet when the earphone is accommodated in a position displaced from the correct position within the cavity, and that generates a magnetic repulsive force between itself and the earphone-side magnet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an earphone set and a charging case for the same that can guide the earphone to the correct position within the cavity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an earphone set according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the earphones removed from the charging case. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the earphone of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the charging case of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the earphone set of FIG. 1, with the earphone housed in a cavity of a housing of a charging case. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the earphone charging terminals and earphone-side magnets and the power supply terminals and first and second case-side magnets of the charging case in the earphone set of FIG. 1 when the earphones are placed in the cavity of the housing of the charging case. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the earphone magnet and the first and second case magnets in the earphone set of FIG. 1 when the earphone is properly positioned in the cavity. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the earphone magnet and the first and second case magnets in the earphone set of FIG. 1 when the earphone is placed in a position displaced from the correct position in the cavity. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing modified combinations of earphone-side magnets and first and second case-side magnets in the earphone set according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the earphone magnet and additional earphone magnet, and the first and second case magnets in an earphone set according to a second embodiment of the present invention, when the earphone is correctly positioned in the cavity. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the earphone magnet and additional earphone magnet, and the first and second case magnets in an earphone set according to a second embodiment of the present invention, when the earphone is accommodated in a position displaced from the correct position in the cavity. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of combinations of earphone-side magnets and additional earphone-side magnets with first and second case-side magnets in an earphone set according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the first and second earphone-side magnets and the case-side magnet when the earphone is correctly positioned in the cavity in an earphone set according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the first and second earphone-side magnets and the case-side magnet in an earphone set according to a third embodiment of the present invention, when the earphone is placed in a position displaced from the correct position in the cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, the earphone set 1 of the first embodiment includes earphones 2 and a charging case 3. The number of earphones 2 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the number of earphones 2 is two.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each earphone 2 has an earphone main body 21 and an earpiece 22. Although not shown, the earphone main body 21 is equipped inside with a driver unit that converts electrical signals into sound waves, a secondary battery (rechargeable battery) for driving the driver unit, and other components. The earphone main body 21 in the illustrated example is formed in a roughly truncated cone shape. For this reason, the earphone main body 21 is formed in a roughly circular shape when viewed in a plan view from the direction in which its axis C2 extends (axial direction) (see FIG. 5). Note that the earphone main body 21 does not have to be formed in a truncated cone shape; it is sufficient that it is formed in at least a roughly circular shape when viewed in a plan view. In this specification, "roughly circular" includes not only a perfect circle, but also a shape close to a circle (for example, an ellipse that is close to a circle, or a polygon that is close to a circle with many angles).

[0013] The earpiece 22 is made of an elastic material (such as silicone rubber) that is elastically deformable, and is detachably attached to the earphone main body 21. The earpiece 22 is located at the end of one axial side of the earphone main body 21 (the lower side in FIGS. 1 and 2). The earpiece 22 is also positioned offset in the radial direction of the earphone main body 21 from the axis C2 of the earphone main body 21 (see FIG. 4, etc.).

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the earphone 2 has an earphone-side magnet 23 and a charging terminal 27. The earphone magnet 23 may be arranged in any position on the earphone 2. In this embodiment, the earphone magnet 23 is provided on the earphone main body 21. The earphone magnet 23 is positioned radially offset from the axis C2 of the earphone main body 21. There is one earphone magnet 23. As shown in FIG. 4 , the earphone magnet 23 may be arranged inside the earphone main body 21 and not exposed to the outside, but it may also be exposed on the surface of the earphone main body 21, for example.

[0015] 4 and 5, the charging terminal 27 is a terminal for charging the earphone 2 (secondary battery) by coming into contact with a power supply terminal 37 of the charging case 3, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the charging terminal 27 is provided on the earphone main body 21 and exposed on the surface of the earphone main body 21. Like the earphone-side magnet 23, the charging terminal 27 is positioned radially offset from the axis C2 of the earphone main body 21.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the charging case 3 accommodates the earphones 2 and includes a housing 31 and a lid 32. The housing 31 is a case main body that mainly houses the earphones 2. The housing 31 has cavities 35 for housing the earphones 2. The cavities 35 are recesses recessed from the surface 31a of the housing 31. The housing 31 of this embodiment has two cavities 35 that house two earphones 2, respectively.

[0017] In this embodiment, the surface 31a of the housing 31 where the cavity 35 opens is formed flat. The direction in which the flat surface 31a of the housing 31 faces corresponds to the direction in which the cavity 35 opens. In the drawings, the Z-axis direction indicates the direction corresponding to the opening direction of cavity 35. In the Z-axis direction, the direction toward the opening side of cavity 35 is the upper side (+Z side), and the direction toward the bottom side of cavity 35 is the lower side (-Z side).

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the cavity 35 has a first accommodating area 35A in which the earphone body 21 fits, and a second accommodating area 35B in which the earpiece 22 fits. The first accommodating area 35A is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed in a plan view from the opening direction (Z-axis direction) of the cavity 35. The shape and size of the first accommodating area 35A in a plan view correspond to the shape (substantially circular) and size of the earphone main body 21 when viewed in the axial direction. The second storage area 35B is formed adjacent to the first storage area 35A. The second storage area 35B is located mainly below (on the -Z side of) the first storage area 35A. In plan view from the Z axis direction, the second storage area 35B is positioned radially offset from the axis C3 of the substantially circular first storage area 35A. Furthermore, a portion of the second storage area 35B is formed to overlap with the first storage area 35A in plan view from the Z axis direction. Therefore, a portion of the second storage area 35B opens to the inner surface of the first storage area 35A.

[0019] When the earphone 2 is placed in the cavity 35, the earphone main body 21 fits into the first accommodating area 35A, and the earpiece 22 fits into the second accommodating area 35B. In this state, the axis C2 of the earphone main body 21 that has entered the first accommodating area 35A faces in the Z-axis direction. In Fig. 5, the axis C2 of the earphone main body 21 that has entered the first accommodating area 35A coincides with the axis C3 of the first accommodating area 35A, which is substantially circular when viewed in the Z-axis direction, but it may also be positioned offset from the axis C3 of the first accommodating area 35A.

[0020] 5, while housed in the cavity 35 of the charging case 3, the earphone 2 can move in a predetermined direction between a correct position P1 within the cavity 35 and a position P2 that is offset from the correct position P1. In FIG. 5, the correct position P1 and the offset position P2 of the earphone 2 are depicted as the correct position P1 and the offset position P2 of the earphone-side magnet 23, respectively. In this embodiment, the shape and size of the first accommodating area 35A of the cavity 35 in a plan view correspond to the approximate circular shape and size of the earphone main body 21 when viewed in the axial direction. As a result, the earphone main body 21 is rotatable relative to the housing 31 in the circumferential direction RD about the axis lines C2 and C3 of these approximate circles when viewed in the Z axis direction (axis line C2 of the earphone main body 21, axis line C3 of the first accommodating area 35A).

[0021] As described above, the earpiece 22 is elastically deformable. Therefore, when the earpiece 22 is in the second housing area 35B, it can move together with the earphone body 21 in the circumferential direction RD within a predetermined range. As a result of the above, when the earphone 2 is accommodated in the cavity 35, it can move within a predetermined range in the circumferential direction RD centered on the axes C3 and C2 of the first accommodation area 35A and the earphone main body 21 relative to the housing 31.

[0022] 3 to 5, the charging case 3 has a power supply terminal 37 that supplies power to the earphone 2 (secondary battery) by coming into contact with the charging terminal 27 of the earphone 2. In this embodiment, the power supply terminal 37 is exposed on the inner surface of the first housing area 35A of the cavity 35, into which the earphone body 21 is placed. Like the charging terminal 27 of the earphone 2, the power supply terminal 37 is positioned radially offset from the axis C3 of the first housing area 35A of the cavity 35.

[0023] 4 and 5, the power supply terminal 37 comes into contact with the charging terminal 27 when the earphone 2 is positioned at the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the power supply terminal 37 does not come into contact with the charging terminal 27 when the earphone 2 is positioned at a shifted position P2 inside the cavity 35 (a position P2 shifted from the correct position P1 in the circumferential direction RD). In this embodiment, the earphone 2 is rotatable from the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35 to both sides in the circumferential direction RD. Therefore, the shifted positions P2 of the earphone 2 inside the cavity 35 are located on both sides of the correct position P1. Although not shown, a battery that stores power to supply to the earphones 2 is provided inside the charging case 3. The battery is connected to the above-mentioned power supply terminal 37. The battery in the charging case 3 may be, for example, a secondary battery (rechargeable battery).

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the charging case 3 has a first case side magnet 33 and a second case side magnet . The first case magnet 33 generates a magnetic attraction between itself and the earphone magnet 23. That is, the magnetic pole of the first case magnet 33 is different from the magnetic pole of the earphone magnet 23. In Figure 6, the magnetic pole of the earphone magnet 23 is a north pole, and the magnetic pole of the first case magnet 33 is a south pole.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 5, the first case side magnet 33 in this embodiment is positioned radially offset from the axis C3 of the substantially circular first accommodating area 35A in a plan view seen from the Z-axis direction. There is one first case side magnet 33. As shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the first case side magnet 33 may be disposed inside the housing 31 and not exposed to the inner surface of the first accommodating area 35A, but may also be exposed to the inner surface of the first accommodating area 35A, for example.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the first case magnet 33 is positioned closest to the earphone magnet 23 when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35. The first case magnet 33 is positioned closest to the earphone magnet 23 when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35. In FIGS. 4 and 6 , when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, the first case magnet 33 is aligned with the earphone magnet 23 in the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the first case magnet 33 moves away from the earphone magnet 23 when the earphone 2 moves in the direction away from the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35 (the circumferential direction RD). For this reason, the magnetic attraction generated between the first case magnet 33 and the earphone magnet 23 is strongest when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, and weakens as the earphone 2 moves away from the correct position P1 in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction).

[0027] The second case magnet 34 generates a magnetic repulsive force between itself and the earphone magnet 23. That is, the second case magnet 34 and the earphone magnet 23 have the same magnetic pole. In FIG. 6, the second case magnet 34 has the same magnetic pole as the earphone magnet 23, that is, a north pole. Like the first case magnet 33, the second case magnet 34 may be disposed inside the housing 31 and not exposed to the inner surface of the first housing area 35A, or it may be exposed to the inner surface of the second housing area 35B.

[0028] 5, the second case side magnets 34 of this embodiment are positioned radially offset from the axis C3 of the substantially circular first housing area 35A in a plan view seen from the Z axis direction. The second case side magnets 34 are also aligned in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction) with respect to the first case side magnets 33. A plurality of second case side magnets 34 are positioned on both sides of the first case side magnet 33 in the circumferential direction RD. In this embodiment, one second case side magnet 34 is positioned on each side of the first case side magnet 33. 5, the second case side magnet 34 is positioned offset relative to the first case side magnet 33 in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction RD, specifically in the radial direction centered on the axes C2 and C3 of the earphone main body 21 and first housing area 35A. Note that the second case side magnet 34 may also be positioned without being offset relative to the first case side magnet 33 in the radial direction (the direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction RD), for example.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the second case magnet 34 is located near the earphone magnet 23 when the earphone 2 is placed in position P2, which is offset from the correct position P1 within the cavity 35. In FIGS. 5 and 7, when the earphone 2 is placed in position P2, which is offset from the correct position P1 within the cavity 35, the second case magnet 34 is aligned roughly in the Z-axis direction with respect to the earphone magnet 23. Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the earphone 2 is placed in position P1 within the cavity 35, the second case magnet 34 is located farther from the earphone magnet 23 than the first case magnet 33 is. For this reason, the magnetic repulsive force generated between the second case magnet 34 and the earphone magnet 23 becomes stronger the further the earphone 2 is from the correct position P1 within the cavity 35 in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction).

[0030] 1 and 3, the lid 32 covers the opening of the cavity 35 so as to be able to open and close freely. In the illustrated example, the lid 32 is rotatably connected to the housing 31 by a hinge (not shown). In addition, the charging case 3 is configured to hold the lid 32 in a position where the opening of the cavity 35 is closed. When the lid 32 is positioned to close the opening of the cavity 35, the earphones 2 housed in the cavity 35 are pressed against the inner surface of the cavity 35 (particularly the first housing area 35A) by the lid 32. This allows the charging terminals 27 of the earphones 2 to be pressed against the power supply terminal 37 of the charging case 3. In other words, electrical connection between the charging terminals 27 and the power supply terminal 37 can be ensured.

[0031] Next, the operation of the earphone set 1 of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, the earphone magnet 23 is located closest to the first case magnet 33. Therefore, the earphone 2 can be held in the correct position P1 by the magnetic attractive force generated between the first case magnet 33 and the earphone magnet 23. Furthermore, when the earphone 2 is positioned near the correct position P1 but deviates from the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, the magnetic attractive force generated between the first case magnet 33 and the earphone magnet 23 is sufficiently strong. As a result, the magnetic attractive force can move the earphone 2 in the circumferential direction RD relative to the housing 31 and guide it to the correct position P1. Therefore, the earphone 2 can be placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, and the charging terminal 27 of the earphone 2 can be brought into contact with the power supply terminal 37 of the charging case 3 to charge the earphone 2.

[0032] 5 and 7, when the earphone 2 is housed in position P2, which is shifted from the correct position P1 within the cavity 35, the earphone magnet 23 moves away from the first case magnet 33. As a result, the magnetic attraction between the earphone magnet 23 and the first case magnet 33 is weak, or no magnetic attraction occurs between the earphone magnet 23 and the first case magnet 33. As a result, the earphone 2 cannot be guided to the correct position P1 by this magnetic attraction.

[0033] However, when the earphone 2 is housed in the cavity 35 at the misaligned position P2, the earphone magnet 23 is located close to the second case magnet 34, which strengthens the magnetic repulsive force generated between the earphone magnet 23 and the second case magnet 34. This magnetic repulsive force moves the earphone 2 in the circumferential direction RD (the direction indicated by the arrow RD1 in FIG. 7 ) relative to the housing 31, and guides it to the correct position P1. Therefore, by housing the earphone 2 at the correct position P1 in the cavity 35, the charging terminal 27 of the earphone 2 can be brought into contact with the power supply terminal 37 of the charging case 3, allowing the earphone 2 to be charged.

[0034] As explained above, in the earphone set 1 of the first embodiment and the charging case 3 included therein, the first case magnet 33 that generates a magnetic attractive force with the earphone magnet 23 of the earphone 2 is located near the earphone magnet 23 when the earphone 2 is housed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35. Furthermore, the second case magnet 34 that generates a magnetic repulsive force with the earphone magnet 23 is located near the earphone magnet 23 when the earphone 2 is housed in the cavity 35 in a position P2 that is offset from the correct position. Therefore, even if there is no magnetic attraction between the earphone magnet 23 and the first case magnet 33, or even if that magnetic attraction is weak, when the earphone 2 is housed in position P2 displaced from the correct position P1 within the cavity 35, the magnetic repulsion generated between the earphone magnet 23 and the second case magnet 34 makes it possible to move the earphone 2 toward the correct position P1 within the cavity 35. This makes it possible to guide the earphone 2 to the correct position P1 within the cavity 35.

[0035] Furthermore, in the earphone set 1 of the first embodiment, the earphone 2 is movable in a predetermined direction (circumferential direction RD) within the cavity 35 of the charging case 3. The first case magnet 33 and the second case magnet 34 are aligned in the movement direction (predetermined direction) of the earphone 2 relative to the cavity 35. Therefore, even when the earphone 2 is positioned in a predetermined direction away from the correct position P1 within the cavity 35, a magnetic repulsive force can be reliably generated between the earphone magnet 23 and the second case magnet 34. This magnetic repulsive force can reliably move the earphone 2 toward the correct position P1 within the cavity 35.

[0036] Furthermore, in the earphone set 1 of the first embodiment, multiple second case magnets 34 are positioned on both sides of the first case magnet 33 in the direction of movement of the earphone 2 relative to the cavity 35 (circumferential direction RD, predetermined direction). Therefore, even if the earphone 2 is positioned to one side or the other in the direction of movement from the correct position P1 within the cavity 35, a magnetic repulsive force can be reliably generated between the earphone magnet 23 and the second case magnet 34. This magnetic repulsive force can more reliably move the earphone 2 toward the correct position P1 within the cavity 35.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the second case magnet 34 may be located on only one side of the first case magnet 33 in the direction of movement of the earphone 2 relative to the cavity 35 (circumferential direction RD, specified direction), as shown in Fig. 8, for example. In this case, the correct position P1 of the earphone 2 within the cavity 35 may be set, for example, at the end of the range of movement of the earphone 2 relative to the cavity 35. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved. 8, the earphone 2 is housed in a shifted position P2 within the cavity 35. In this state, the magnetic repulsion generated between the earphone magnet 23 and the second case magnet 34 causes the earphone 2 to move in the direction indicated by arrow RD1 relative to the housing 31 of the charging case 3.

[0038] In the first embodiment, the movement direction (predetermined direction) of the earphone 2 relative to the cavity 35 is not limited to one direction, but may include, for example, two directions: a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In this case, the second case side magnet 34 may be arranged around the first case side magnet 33 (arranged so as to surround the first case side magnet 33), for example.

[0039] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , in an earphone set 1C of the second embodiment, the charging case 3 has one first-case magnet 33 and two second-case magnets 34, just like in the first embodiment. The earphone 2 of the second embodiment further has an additional earphone-side magnet 24 in addition to the earphone-side magnet 23. Other configurations of the charging case 3 and the earphone 2 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0041] The additional earphone magnet 24 generates a magnetic repulsive force between itself and the first case magnet 33. That is, the additional earphone magnet 24 and the first case magnet 33 have the same magnetic pole. The additional earphone magnet 24 also generates a magnetic attractive force between itself and the second case magnet 34. That is, the magnetic pole of the additional earphone magnet 24 is different from the magnetic pole of the second case magnet 34. In Figures 9 and 10, the magnetic poles of the first case magnet 33 and the additional earphone magnet 24 are south poles, and the magnetic poles of the second case magnet 34 and the earphone magnet 23 are north poles.

[0042] The additional earphone magnets 24 are aligned in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction) with respect to the earphone magnet 23. Multiple additional earphone magnets 24 are located on both sides of the earphone magnet 23 in the circumferential direction RD. In this embodiment, one additional earphone magnet 24 is located on each side of the earphone magnet 23.

[0043] 10, when the earphone 2 is housed in the cavity 35 at position P2, which is offset to the right, one additional earphone magnet 24, located to the left of the earphone magnet 23, is located near the first case magnet 33. In FIG. 10, when the earphone 2 is housed in the cavity 35 at position P2, one additional earphone magnet 24 is aligned roughly in the Z-axis direction with the first case magnet 33. 9, when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35, one additional earphone magnet 24 is positioned farther from the first case magnet 33 than the earphone magnet 23. For this reason, the magnetic repulsive force generated between the one additional earphone magnet 24 and the first case magnet 33 becomes stronger the further the earphone 2 moves to the right (to one side in the circumferential direction RD) from the correct position P1 in the cavity 35.

[0044] The above description is of one additional earphone magnet 24 located to the left of the earphone magnet 23, but the same applies to the other additional earphone magnet 24 located to the right. That is, the magnetic repulsive force generated between the other additional earphone magnet 24 and the first case magnet 33 becomes stronger the further to the left (the other side in the circumferential direction RD) the earphone 2 is from the correct position P1 in the cavity 35.

[0045] Furthermore, each of the two additional earphone magnets 24 is positioned near the second case magnet 34 when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35. In FIG. 9, when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, each additional earphone magnet 24 is aligned with the second case magnet 34 in the Z axis direction. As shown in FIG. 10, each additional earphone magnet 24 moves away from the second case magnet 34 when the earphone 2 moves in the direction away from the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35 (the circumferential direction RD). For this reason, the magnetic attraction between each additional earphone magnet 24 and the second case magnet 34 is strongest when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, and weakens as the earphone 2 moves away from the correct position P1 in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction).

[0046] 9 and 10, when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 and the offset position P2 within the cavity 35, the positional relationship between the earphone magnet 23 and the first and second case magnets 33, 34 is the same as in the first embodiment. For this reason, as in the first embodiment, the magnetic attractive force generated between the earphone magnet 23 and the first case magnet 33 is strongest when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 within the cavity 35, and becomes weaker as the earphone 2 moves away from the correct position P1 in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction). Similarly, as in the first embodiment, the magnetic repulsive force generated between the earphone magnet 23 and the second case magnet 34 also becomes stronger as the earphone 2 moves away from the correct position P1 within the cavity 35 in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction).

[0047] Next, the operation of the earphone set 1C of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, the earphone magnet 23 is located closest to the first case magnet 33. Additionally, each of the two additional earphone magnets 24 is located closest to the second case magnet 34. Therefore, the earphone 2 can be held in the correct position P1 by the magnetic attractive forces generated between the first case magnet 33 and the earphone magnet 23, and between the second case magnet 34 and the additional earphone magnet 24. Furthermore, when the earphone 2 is positioned near the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35 but deviates from the correct position P1, the magnetic attractive forces generated between the first case magnet 33 and the earphone magnet 23, and between the second case magnet 34 and the additional earphone magnet 24, are sufficiently large. As a result, these magnetic attractive forces can move the earphone 2 in the circumferential direction RD relative to the housing 31 and guide it to the correct position P1. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the earphone 2 can be placed in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35, and the charging terminal 27 of the earphone 2 can be brought into contact with the power supply terminal 37 of the charging case 3 to charge the earphone 2.

[0048] 10 , when the earphone 2 is placed in the cavity 35 at the misaligned position P2, the earphone magnet 23 is separated from the first-case magnet 33. As a result, the magnetic attraction between the earphone magnet 23 and the first-case magnet 33 is weak, or no magnetic attraction occurs between the earphone magnet 23 and the first-case magnet 33. Also, each additional earphone magnet 24 is separated from the second-case magnet 34. As a result, the magnetic attraction between the additional earphone magnet 24 and the second-case magnet 34 is weak, or no magnetic attraction occurs between the additional earphone magnet 24 and the second-case magnet 34. As a result, these magnetic attractions cannot guide the earphone 2 to the correct position P1.

[0049] However, when the earphone 2 is placed in the misaligned position P2 inside the cavity 35, the earphone magnet 23 is positioned close to the second case magnet 34, which strengthens the magnetic repulsive force generated between the earphone magnet 23 and the second case magnet 34. Furthermore, when one additional earphone magnet 24 is positioned close to the first case magnet 33, the magnetic repulsive force generated between the one additional earphone magnet 24 and the first case magnet 33 is strengthened. This magnetic repulsive force allows the earphone 2 to move in the circumferential direction RD (the direction indicated by the arrow RD1 in FIG. 10 ) relative to the housing 31 and be guided to the correct position P1. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the earphone 2 can be placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, and the charging terminal 27 of the earphone 2 can be brought into contact with the power supply terminal 37 of the charging case 3 to charge the earphone 2.

[0050] The earphone set 1C of the second embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the earphone set 1C of the second embodiment, the additional earphone magnet 24, which generates a magnetic repulsive force between itself and the first case magnet 33, is located near the first case magnet 33 when the earphone 2 is housed in a position P2 that is shifted from the correct position P1 in the cavity 35. Therefore, when the earphone 2 is housed in the shifted position P2 in the cavity 35, the magnetic repulsive force generated between the earphone magnet 23 and the second case magnet 34, and the magnetic repulsive force generated between the additional earphone magnet 24 and the first case magnet 33, make it possible to move the earphone 2 toward the correct position P1 in the cavity 35. In other words, the earphone 2 can be moved toward the correct position P1 in the cavity 35 with a stronger force.

[0051] Furthermore, in the earphone set 1C of the second embodiment, the additional earphone magnet 24 that generates a magnetic attractive force between itself and the second case magnet 34 is located near the second case magnet 34 when the earphone 2 is housed in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35. Therefore, when the earphone 2 is housed in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35, a magnetic attractive force is generated between the earphone magnet 23 and the first case magnet 33, and a magnetic attractive force is also generated between the additional earphone magnet 24 and the second case magnet 34. This allows the earphone 2 to be held in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35 with a stronger magnetic force (attraction).

[0052] Furthermore, in the earphone set 1C of the second embodiment, multiple additional earphone magnets 24 are positioned on both sides of the earphone magnet 23 in the direction of movement of the earphone 2 relative to the cavity 35 (circumferential direction RD, predetermined direction). Therefore, even if the earphone 2 is positioned to one side or the other in the direction of movement from the correct position P1 in the cavity 35, a magnetic repulsive force can be reliably generated between the additional earphone magnet 24 and the first case magnet 33. This magnetic repulsive force can more reliably move the earphone 2 toward the correct position P1 in the cavity 35.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the additional earphone magnet 24 may be located on only one side of the earphone magnet 23 in the direction of movement of the earphone 2 relative to the cavity 35 (circumferential direction RD, predetermined direction), as shown in Fig. 11 for example. In this case, the second case magnet 34 may be located on both sides of the first case magnet 33, as in the second embodiment, or may be located on only one side of the first case magnet 33, as shown in Fig. 11 for example.

[0054] When the additional earphone magnet 24 is located on only one side of the earphone magnet 23 and the second case magnet 34 is located on only one side of the first case magnet 33, it is recommended that the additional earphone magnet 24 and the second case magnet 34 be located on the same side (the right side in FIG. 11) of the earphone magnet 23 and the first case magnet 33, as shown in the example of FIG. 11. This configuration achieves the same effects as the second embodiment. That is, the earphone 2 can be held in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35 by a strong magnetic attractive force. Even if the earphone 2 is placed in a misaligned position P2 inside the cavity 35, the earphone 2 can be moved toward the correct position P1 by a strong magnetic repulsive force. Even if the earphone 2 is positioned to one side or the other in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction) from the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, a magnetic repulsive force can be generated between the additional earphone magnet 24 and the first case magnet 33, or between the earphone magnet 23 and the second case magnet 34, and the earphone 2 can be moved toward the correct position P1.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the movement direction (predetermined direction) of the earphone 2 relative to the cavity 35 is not limited to one direction, but may include, for example, two directions: a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In this case, the additional earphone magnet 24 may be arranged around the earphone magnet 23 (arranged so as to surround the earphone magnet 23), for example.

[0056] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] As shown in Figs. 12 and 13 , in an earphone set 1E of the third embodiment, the charging case 3 has only one case magnet 33E. This case magnet 33E corresponds to the first case magnet 33 in the first and second embodiments. The earphone 2 of the third embodiment has one first earphone magnet 23E and one second earphone magnet 24E. The first earphone magnet 23E corresponds to the earphone magnet 23 in the first and second embodiments, and the second earphone magnet 24E corresponds to the additional earphone magnet 24 in the second embodiment. Other configurations of the charging case 3 and the earphones 2 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0058] First earphone magnet 23E generates a magnetic attraction with case-side magnet 33E. That is, the magnetic pole of first earphone magnet 23E is different from the magnetic pole of case-side magnet 33E. In Figures 12 and 13, first earphone magnet 23E has a north pole and case-side magnet 33E has a south pole.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 12, the first earphone magnet 23E is located closest to the case magnet 33E when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35. The first earphone magnet 23E is located closest to the case magnet 33E when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35. In FIG. 12, when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35, the first earphone magnet 23E is aligned with the case magnet 33E in the Z axis direction. As shown in FIG. 13, the first earphone magnet 23E moves away from the case magnet 33E when the earphone 2 moves in the direction away from the correct position P1 in the cavity 35 (the circumferential direction RD). For this reason, the magnetic attraction between the first earphone magnet 23E and the case magnet 33E is strongest when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35, and weakens as the earphone 2 moves away from the correct position P1 in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction).

[0060] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the second earphone magnet 24E generates a magnetic repulsive force between itself and the case-side magnet 33E. That is, the second earphone magnet 24E and the case-side magnet 33E have the same magnetic pole. In Figures 12 and 13, the second earphone magnet 24E has the same magnetic pole as the case-side magnet 33E, an S pole.

[0061] The second earphone magnet 24E is aligned in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction) with respect to the first earphone magnet 23E. In this embodiment, the second earphone magnet 24E is located on only one side of the first earphone magnet 23E in the circumferential direction RD (the left side in FIGS. 12 and 13). Although not shown, the second earphone side magnet 24E may be positioned radially offset relative to the first earphone side magnet 23E around the axes C2 and C3 of the earphone main body 21 and first housing area 35A, as in the case of the first and second case side magnets 33 and 34 of the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, or it may be positioned without being offset in the radial direction.

[0062] 13, when the earphone 2 is placed in the cavity 35 at position P2, which is offset to the other side in the circumferential direction RD (to the right in FIG. 13), the second earphone magnet 24E is located near the case magnet 33E. In FIG. 13, when the earphone 2 is placed in the cavity 35 at position P2, the second earphone magnet 24E is aligned roughly in the Z-axis direction with the case magnet 33E. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35, the second earphone magnet 24E is located farther from the case magnet 33E than the first earphone magnet 23E. For this reason, the magnetic repulsion generated between the second earphone magnet 24E and the case magnet 33E becomes stronger the further the earphone 2 is moved away from the correct position P1 in the cavity 35 to the other side in the circumferential direction RD (to the right).

[0063] Next, the operation of the earphone set 1E of the third embodiment will be described. 12 , when the earphone 2 is placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, the case magnet 33E is located closest to the first earphone magnet 23E. Therefore, the magnetic attractive force generated between the first earphone magnet 23E and the case magnet 33E can hold the earphone 2 in the correct position P1. Furthermore, when the earphone 2 is positioned near the correct position P1 but deviates from the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, the magnetic attractive force generated between the first earphone magnet 23E and the case magnet 33E is sufficiently strong. This magnetic attractive force can move the earphone 2 in the circumferential direction RD relative to the housing 31 and guide it to the correct position P1. Therefore, as with the first embodiment, the earphone 2 can be placed in the correct position P1 inside the cavity 35, and the charging terminal 27 of the earphone 2 can be brought into contact with the power supply terminal 37 of the charging case 3 to charge the earphone 2.

[0064] 13, when the earphone 2 is placed in the cavity 35 at misaligned position P2, the case magnet 33E is separated from the first earphone magnet 23E. As a result, the magnetic attraction between the case magnet 33E and the first earphone magnet 23E is weak, or no magnetic attraction occurs between the case magnet 33E and the first earphone magnet 23E. As a result, the magnetic attraction cannot guide the earphone 2 to the correct position P1.

[0065] However, when the earphone 2 is housed in the cavity 35 at position P2, which is shifted to the other side (right side) in the circumferential direction RD, the case magnet 33E is located close to the second earphone magnet 24E, which strengthens the magnetic repulsive force generated between the case magnet 33E and the second earphone magnet 24E. This magnetic repulsive force can move the earphone 2 in the circumferential direction RD relative to the housing 31 and guide it to the correct position P1. Therefore, as with the first embodiment, the earphone 2 can be housed in the cavity 35 at the correct position P1, and the charging terminal 27 of the earphone 2 can be brought into contact with the power supply terminal 37 of the charging case 3 to charge the earphone 2.

[0066] The earphone set 1E of the third embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment. That is, in the earphone set 1E of the third embodiment, the first earphone magnet 23E, which generates a magnetic attractive force with the case magnet 33E of the charging case 3, is located near the case magnet 33E when the earphone 2 is housed in the correct position P1 in the cavity 35. The second earphone magnet 24E, which generates a magnetic repulsive force with the case magnet 33E, is located near the case magnet 33E when the earphone 2 is housed in the cavity 35 at position P2 that is shifted from the correct position P1. Therefore, even if there is no magnetic attraction between the case magnet 33E and the first earphone magnet 23E when the earphone 2 is housed in the misaligned position P2 within the cavity 35, or even if that magnetic attraction is weak, the magnetic repulsion generated between the case magnet 33E and the second earphone magnet 24E makes it possible to move the earphone 2 toward the correct position P1 within the cavity 35. This makes it possible to guide the earphone 2 to the correct position P1 within the cavity 35.

[0067] In the third embodiment, similar to the additional earphone magnet 24 in the second embodiment, multiple second earphone magnets 24E may be positioned on both sides of the first earphone magnet 23E in the circumferential direction RD (predetermined direction). In this case, the same effects as those of the second embodiment are achieved. That is, even if the earphone 2 is positioned to one side or the other in the circumferential direction RD from the correct position P1 in the cavity 35, a magnetic repulsive force can be reliably generated between the second earphone magnet 24E and the case magnet 33E. This magnetic repulsive force can more reliably move the earphone 2 toward the correct position P1 in the cavity 35.

[0068] In the third embodiment, the movement direction (predetermined direction) of the earphone 2 relative to the cavity 35 is not limited to one direction, but may include, for example, two directions: a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In this case, the second earphone magnet 24E may be arranged around the first earphone magnet 23E (arranged so as to surround the first earphone magnet 23E), for example.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0070] In the present invention, when various case magnets and earphone magnets are positioned closest to each other, the direction in which these case magnets and earphone magnets are aligned is not limited to the Z-axis direction (the direction in which the axes C2 and C3 of the earphone main body 21 and first accommodating area 35A extend). The direction in which the case magnets and earphone magnets are aligned may also be, for example, a radial direction centered on the axes C2 and C3 of the earphone main body 21 and first accommodating area 35A. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1, 1C, 1E...earphone set, 2...earphone, 3...charging case, 23...earphone magnet, 23E...first earphone magnet, 24...additional earphone magnet, 24E...second earphone magnet, 27...charging terminal, 31...housing, 32...lid, 33...first case magnet, 33E...case magnet, 34...second case magnet, 35...cavity, 37...power supply terminal, P1...correct position, P2...misaligned position, RD...circumferential direction (predetermined direction)

Claims

1. earphones; and a charging case including a housing having a cavity for accommodating the earphones and a lid that can be opened and closed to cover an opening of the cavity; The earphone has an earphone-side magnet, The charging case includes: a first case-side magnet that is positioned near the earphone-side magnet when the earphone is housed in the cavity in a correct position, and that generates a magnetic attraction between the first case-side magnet and the earphone-side magnet; and a second case-side magnet that is positioned near the earphone-side magnet when the earphone is housed in a position displaced from the correct position within the cavity, and generates a magnetic repulsive force between itself and the earphone-side magnet.

2. The earphone is movable in a predetermined direction within the cavity, The earphone set according to claim 1 , wherein the first case magnet and the second case magnet are aligned in the predetermined direction.

3. The earphone set according to claim 2 , wherein the second case magnets are positioned on both sides of the first case magnet in the predetermined direction.

4. 4. The earphone set according to claim 1, wherein the earphone further comprises an additional earphone-side magnet that is positioned near the first case-side magnet when the earphone is housed in a position displaced from the correct position in the cavity and generates a magnetic repulsive force between the additional earphone-side magnet and the first case-side magnet.

5. 5. The earphone set according to claim 4, wherein the additional earphone-side magnet is located near the second case-side magnet when the earphone is housed in the correct position within the cavity, and generates a magnetic attraction between the additional earphone-side magnet and the second case-side magnet.

6. The earphone has a charging terminal, the charging case has a power supply terminal that supplies power to the earphone by coming into contact with the charging terminal, 4. The earphone set according to claim 1, wherein the charging terminal and the power supply terminal are in contact with each other when the earphone is housed in the correct position within the cavity.

7. earphones; and a charging case including a housing having a cavity for accommodating the earphones and a lid that can be opened and closed to cover an opening of the cavity; the charging case has a case-side magnet; The earphones include: a first earphone magnet that is positioned near the case magnet when the earphone is properly positioned in the cavity, and generates a magnetic attraction between the first earphone magnet and the case magnet; and a second earphone-side magnet that is positioned near the case-side magnet when the earphone is housed in a position displaced from the correct position in the cavity, and generates a magnetic repulsive force between itself and the case-side magnet.

8. A charging case comprising a housing having a cavity for accommodating earphones and a lid that can be freely opened and closed to cover an opening of the cavity, a first case-side magnet that is positioned near an earphone-side magnet that the earphone has when the earphone is housed in the correct position within the cavity, and that generates a magnetic attraction between the first case-side magnet and the earphone-side magnet; a second case-side magnet that is positioned near the earphone-side magnet when the earphone is housed in a position displaced from the correct position within the cavity, and that generates a magnetic repulsive force between itself and the earphone-side magnet.

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