Ear device, hearing unit, and method for wearing the ear device

Abstract

To provide an ear device that can be properly adjusted in relation to the ear canal. [Solution] The ear device 2 comprises a housing 3 having an ear pad 32 that can contact the external auditory canal E1, a conchaemal cavity fixing part 4 connected to the outer circumference of the housing 3 and fixed in the conchaemal cavity E2 when worn, and an adjustment operation part 5 that can adjust the position of the ear pad 32 in the depth direction of the external auditory canal E1 relative to the conchaemal cavity fixing part 4, thereby allowing for good adjustment of the positional relationship with the ear canal.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an ear device, a sound listening unit, and a method for wearing an ear device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, ear devices such as earphones worn on a person's ear are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an earphone having an insertion portion whose one end is inserted into the external auditory canal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, if a state where some attachment such as an insertion portion is inserted into the external auditory canal continues for a long time, pain and itching may occur, and it may feel uncomfortable. The earphone described in Patent Document 1 is locked to the ear by inserting the insertion portion into the external auditory canal, and the insertion portion cannot be removed from the external auditory canal while wearing. On the other hand, it is difficult to adjust the positional relationship with the ear hole well in an open-type ear device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an ear device, a sound listening unit, and a method for wearing an ear device that can adjust the positional relationship between the ear device and the ear hole well.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, one embodiment of the ear device according to the present invention comprises a housing having an ear pad that can contact the external auditory canal, a conchaecular cavity fixing portion connected to the outer circumference of the housing and fixed in the conchaecular cavity when worn, and an adjustment operating portion that can adjust the position of the ear pad in the depth direction of the external auditory canal relative to the conchaecular cavity fixing portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention has the effect of being able to adjust the positional relationship between the ear device and the ear canal to a good degree. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the main part of the hearing unit according to the embodiment, showing it in a state where the ear pad is inserted into the ear canal. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the main part of the ear device corresponding to the state shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the main part of the auditory unit according to the embodiment, showing it in a state where the ear pad is pulled out from inside the ear canal and attached to the ear. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the main part of the ear device corresponding to the state shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the main part of the hearing unit according to the embodiment, showing it in a state where the ear pad is positioned in contact with the entrance of the ear canal. [Figure 6] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the main part of the ear device corresponding to the state shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the main parts showing the hearing unit in the ear and the process of fine-tuning the position of the earpiece. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the main part of the ear device corresponding to the state shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the main components, showing the hearing unit in the ear and the adjustment control unit housed within it. [Figure 10]This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the main part of the ear device corresponding to the state shown in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An embodiment of the ear device, the hearing unit equipped with the ear device, and the method for attaching the ear device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. While the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1 and other figures, the auditory unit 1 according to this embodiment comprises an ear device 2, a main body 6, and a sound path 7. The main body 6 incorporates at least electronic equipment that generates audio signals. Although not shown, the electronic equipment incorporated into the main body 6 may include, for example, a control device and a memory device. The main body 6 may also incorporate a power supply unit (battery). For example, if the auditory unit 1 is an earphone, the electronic equipment includes a driver unit (not shown) that converts electrical signals supplied from an external device into sound and produces sound. Furthermore, if the auditory unit 1 is a hearing aid, the main body 6 further includes a microphone. The microphone is a sound wave input unit (sound collection unit) that collects sound waves (sound data) from the outside. The sound waves (sound data) collected by the microphone are input to the control device. When the main body 6 includes a microphone, the position of the microphone is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to place it in a position that makes it easy to collect external sound waves (sound data), and it is also preferable to place it as far away from the ear device as possible to avoid noise. The sound path 7 is interposed between the main unit 6 and the ear device 2, and transmits the audio signal generated by the electronic equipment (control device, etc.) of the main unit 6 to the ear device 2. If the driver unit, etc., is built into the housing 3, the sound path 7 functions as an arm section containing wiring for supplying power from the power supply unit (battery) built into the main unit 6. In other words, the sound path 7 can be read as an arm section 7.

[0011] The ear device 2 and the auditory unit 1 including the ear device 2 are used by being worn on the user's ear E. When the auditory unit 1 including the ear device 2 is worn on the ear E, the ear device 2 is positioned on the opening side of the external auditory canal E1 and the main body 6 is positioned on the back side of the ear, as shown in Figure 1, etc. Note that in Figures 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, only the ear device 2 is schematically illustrated, and the illustration of the main body 6 and sound path 7 is omitted. Also, Figure 2 corresponds to the state shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 to Figure 3, Figure 6 to Figure 5, Figure 8 to Figure 7, and Figure 10 to Figure 9.

[0012] In this embodiment, the ear device 2 comprises a housing 3, a conchaemal cavity fixing part 4, and an adjustment operation part 5. By operating the adjustment operation part 5, the ear device 2 of this embodiment is adjusted so that, with the conchaemal cavity fixing part 4 positioned in the conchaemal cavity E2, the ear pad 32 of the housing 3 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the entrance of the external auditory canal E1 (ear canal). The configuration of each part will be described in detail below.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the conchaecular cavity fixing portion 4 is a substantially disc-shaped member and is connected to the main body portion 6 via the sound channel 7. When the ear device 2 (auditory unit 1 including the ear device 2) is worn, the conchaecular cavity fixing portion 4 is positioned in the conchaecular cavity E2 (see Figure 4, etc.). The conchaecular cavity fixing portion 4 only needs to be able to be stably positioned in the conchaecular cavity E2, and its shape is not limited to the illustrated example. The conchaecular cavity fixing portion 4 is formed from a cushioning elastic material such as a high-performance urethane foam such as "PORON" (registered trademark), or various foamed resins. The material forming the conchaecular cavity fixing portion 4 is preferably one that has little change over time and excellent shape stability. The shape of the conchaecular cavity E2 varies from person to person, and it is preferable that the conchaecular cavity fixing portion 4 is made of a flexible material so that it can absorb such variations. The material forming the conchaecular cavity fixing portion 4 may be the same as the material forming the ear pad 32, or it may be different. For example, the material forming the conchaemal cavity fixation portion 4 may be harder than the material forming the earpad 32. Furthermore, the conchaemal cavity fixation portion 4 only needs to be made of an elastic material, and the material forming the conchaemal cavity fixation portion 4 is not limited to those exemplified herein.

[0014] A through-hole 41 is formed approximately in the center of the conchaecular cavity fixing portion 4, penetrating through both the front and back surfaces of the conchaecular cavity fixing portion 4. The through-hole 41 has an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the shaft portion 31 of the housing 3, which will be described later, and the shaft portion 31 is inserted into the through-hole 41. The conchaecular cavity fixing portion 4 is connected to the outer circumference of the housing 3. As shown in Figure 2, etc., in this embodiment, the inner surface of the through-hole 41 has a plurality of protrusions 42 formed along the axial direction Lr. As will be described later, a locking projection 311 is formed on the outer circumference of the shaft portion 31 of the housing 3, protruding outward from the outer surface, and when the shaft portion 31 is inserted into the through-hole 41, the locking projection 311 is locked into one of the protrusions 42. As a result, when the housing 3 (the shaft portion 31 of the housing 3) is attached to the concha cavity fixing portion 4, the amount of protrusion of the housing 3 (the shaft portion 31 of the housing 3) that protrudes from the concha cavity fixing portion 4 toward the external auditory canal E1 along the axial direction Lr is maintained at a position where it is of a desired amount.

[0015] The configuration within the through-hole 41 of the concha cavity fixing portion 4 is not limited to those exemplified herein. For example, the inner wall of the through-hole 41 may be configured to change freely according to the shape of the object it is pressed against. In this case, even without providing the protrusions 42, when the housing 3 is inserted into the through-hole 41, the locking projection 311 will engage with the inner wall of the through-hole 41 at any point where the axial movement Lr of the housing 3 stops. The protrusions 42 may be formed in a spiral shape and configured to move axially Lr while changing the position of the protrusions 42 to which the locking projection 311 is screwed as the shaft portion 31 rotates. In this case, protrusions that project inward may be formed on the inner circumference of the protrusions 42 at predetermined intervals, so that, for example, the shaft portion 31 overcomes one protrusion in the protrusions 42 each time it rotates once. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 31 rotates by operating the adjustment operation portion 5 described later, so that a click sensation is transmitted to the hand operating the adjustment operation portion 5 when the protrusions are overcome. This allows the user to easily recognize how many times the adjustment operation unit 5 has been rotated. Note that, as shown in Figure 2, when the locking projection 311 is provided on the housing 3 side and the recessed portion 42 is provided inside the concha cavity fixing portion 4, the adjustment operation unit 5 can adjust the position of the ear pad 32 relative to the concha cavity fixing portion 4 within the range of the thickness of the concha cavity fixing portion 4 in the depth direction of the external auditory canal. On the other hand, when the locking projection 311 is provided on the concha cavity fixing portion 4 side and the recessed portion 42 is provided on the shaft portion 31 of the housing 3, the adjustment operation unit 5 can adjust the position of the ear pad 32 relative to the concha cavity fixing portion 4 within the range of the length of the shaft portion 31 of the housing 3 in the depth direction of the external auditory canal.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the housing 3 has a shaft portion 31 and an ear pad 32. In the embodiment, the housing 3 is long in the axial direction Lr along the external auditory canal E1, both ends in the axial direction Lr are rounded, and the whole is substantially in a capsule shape. Among the housing 3, the insertion side into the external auditory canal E1 is the ear pad 32. The shaft portion 31 is connected along the axial direction Lr on the side opposite to the insertion side into the external auditory canal E1 in the ear pad 32, and as described above, a locking rib portion 311 is formed on the outer periphery. The locking rib portion 311 may be provided entirely around the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion 31 or may be provided partially. At least the shaft portion 31 of the housing 3 is formed of a resin having relatively excellent slidability, such as POM or the like. Thereby, the shaft portion 31 can be smoothly inserted into the through-hole portion 41 of the concha cavity fixing portion 4. Further, after the shaft portion 31 is inserted into the through-hole portion 41 and the locking rib portion 311 is once locked to any of the concave and convex portions 42, by strongly applying a force in the axial direction Lr, the locking rib portion 311 can overcome the concave and convex portions 42 and change the locking position.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, a fixing portion 35 integrally formed with the outer peripheral wall is provided in the shaft portion 31. Note that the fixing portion 35 only needs to be fixed in the shaft portion 31, and the position, range, etc. where it is provided are not particularly limited. An opening portion 312 is formed in the shaft portion 31 on the side opposite to the insertion side into the external auditory canal E1 in the ear pad 32, and an adjustment operation portion 5 described later is inserted into the shaft portion 31 from the opening portion 312. One end side (the end portion on the ear pad 32 side) of the adjustment operation portion 5 is fixed to the fixing portion 35. As will be described later, the adjustment operation portion 5 in the embodiment includes a knock cam mechanism portion 53 (described later), and the space in the shaft portion 31 on the side of the opening portion 312 rather than the fixing portion 35 is an accommodation space SP capable of accommodating the knock cam mechanism portion 53.

[0018] The ear pad 32 is formed of various foamed resins such as high-functional urethane foam like "PORON" (registered trademark), etc., and elastic bodies with cushioning properties. The external auditory canal E1 varies in shape and width among individuals. Therefore, the ear pad 32, which may be inserted into the external auditory canal E1, is preferably formed of a material that is as soft and skin-friendly as possible. Also, the material forming the ear pad 32 is preferably one with little change over time and excellent shape stability. Note that the ear pad 32 is preferably formed of an elastic material so as to conform to the shapes of ears having various shapes by the user, but the specific material forming the ear pad 32 is not limited to those exemplified here.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2 etc., the ear pad 32 has an outer diameter larger than that of the shaft portion 31, and a step portion 33 is formed at the boundary between the ear pad 32 and the shaft portion 31. The outer diameter of the ear pad 32 at the step portion 33 is larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole portion 41 of the concha cavity fixing portion 4 described above. Therefore, the step portion 33 cannot pass through the through-hole portion 41. For example, when the locking ridge portion 311 of the shaft portion 31 is locked to the uneven portion 42 on the side farthest from the external auditory canal E1, as shown in FIG. 4, the step portion 33 abuts against the outer peripheral portion of the through-hole portion 41 of the concha cavity fixing portion 4. Thereby, the housing 3 is prevented from coming off further outward (right side in FIG. 4 etc.). That is, the ear pad �2 has a step portion 33 that regulates the movement of the ear pad 32 in the second direction, which is the direction opposite to the first direction, which is the depth direction of the external auditory canal, by contacting the surface on the external auditory canal side in the concha cavity fixing portion 4. Also, a sound-emitting hole 34 is formed at the tip portion of the ear pad 32 on the external auditory canal E1 side. Although not shown, the housing 3 has a configuration capable of guiding the voice signal transmitted from the main body portion 6 to the sound-emitting hole 34 through the sound path

[0020] The adjustment operation unit 5 has a shaft portion 51 that extends in a direction along the external auditory canal E1 (axial direction Lr), and is configured so that the housing 3, including the ear pad 32, can be moved along the external auditory canal E1 by operating the adjustment operation unit 5 back and forth in the axial direction of the shaft portion 51 (axial direction Lr). As described above, the shaft portion 51 of the adjustment operation unit 5 is inserted into the housing space SP from the opening 312 of the shaft portion 31 of the housing 3 and is fixed to a fixing portion 35 formed inside the shaft portion 31. Therefore, when the adjustment operation unit 5 is operated, the entire housing 3, including the shaft portion 31, moves in the axial direction Lr. In this embodiment, the shaft portion 51 has an operating head portion 52 on the side opposite to the side that is locked to the ear pad 32. The adjustment operation unit 5 is provided with a knock cam mechanism portion 53 that causes the operating head portion 52 to protrude to the outside based on a knock operation on the operating head portion 52 by the user.

[0021] The knock cam mechanism 53 includes a rotor 531 and a knock rod 532. In addition, the knock cam mechanism 53 includes a cylindrical outer cam (not shown) arranged on the outer circumference of the rotor 531 and the knock rod 532. Furthermore, the knock cam mechanism 53 includes a biasing member 533, such as a coil spring, which biases the operating head 52 in a direction that pushes it outward along the axial direction Lr. The knock cam mechanism 53 only needs to have a structure that can push the operating head 52 outward, and may have a configuration other than that exemplified herein. The knock cam mechanism 53 may be partially or entirely housed in the housing space SP of the shaft portion 31 of the housing 3, but the operating head 52 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the opening 312 so as not to enter the housing space SP. For this reason, even when the shaft portion 51 is inserted into the inside of the housing 3 from the opening 312 and almost all of the adjustment operating portion 5 is housed in the housing space SP, the operating head 52 is positioned outside the housing 3, and operation can be resumed. Furthermore, when the knock is released (for example, the state shown in Figure 2), the rotor 531 protrudes more outward compared to when it is knocked (for example, the state shown in Figure 10), making it easier to operate the rotor 531.

[0022] Next, the operation of the ear device 2, the auditory unit 1 equipped with the ear device 2, and the method of attaching the ear device 2 will be explained. When a user attaches the auditory unit 1 equipped with the ear device 2 to their ear E, as shown in Figure 1, the ear device 2 is positioned so that the conchaemal cavity fixing part 4 fits comfortably into the conchaemal cavity E2, and the main body part 6 is placed on the back of the ear E. At this time, the housing 3 is inserted into the external auditory canal E1. The shape of the conchaemal cavity E2 and the distance from the conchaemal cavity E2 to the entrance of the external auditory canal (ear canal) vary from person to person. In the state shown in Figure 2, the cushioning of the conchaemal cavity fixing part 4 prevents the ear device 2 from falling out even with only the conchaemal cavity E2. In this state, the user first determines the axial position Lr of the conchaemal cavity fixing part 4. That is, the user positions the conchaemal cavity fixing part 4 in a stable position in the conchaemal cavity E2. Here, since the ear pad 32 is inserted into the external auditory canal during attachment, it becomes easy to align the ear pad 32 with the external auditory canal.

[0023] Once the position of the concha cavity fixing part 4 is determined, the housing 3, along with the adjustment operation part 5, is pulled out in the direction away from the external auditory canal E1 along the axial Lr (to the right in Figure 4), as shown in Figures 3 and 4, while keeping the position of the concha cavity fixing part 4 (especially the position in the axial direction Lr) unchanged. This pulls out the housing 3 to a position where the ear pad 32 at the tip does not come into contact with the external auditory canal E1. From this state, the user gradually pushes the housing 3 back towards the external auditory canal E1. The pushing motion is stopped when the user feels that the ear pad 32 has come into contact with the entrance of the external auditory canal E1. The point where the ear pad 32 comes into contact with the entrance of the external auditory canal E1 is designated as the contact point Rp in Figure 6. The ear pad 32 has a stepped portion 33 that restricts the movement of the ear pad 32 in the direction opposite to the depth direction of the external auditory canal by contacting the surface of the concha cavity fixing part 4 that faces the external auditory canal. Therefore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, even if the housing 3, along with the adjustment operation unit 5, is pulled out in the direction away from the external auditory canal E1 along the axial direction Lr (to the right in Figure 4), the housing 3 will not detach from the concha cavity fixing unit 4.

[0024] Once the ear pad 32 makes contact with the entrance to the external auditory canal E1, the user fine-tunes the axial position Lr of the ear pad 32 from its position at the contact point Rp. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the user rotates the adjustment operation unit 5 little by little around its axis. This causes the entire housing 3, to which the shaft 51 of the adjustment operation unit 5 is fixed, to rotate and move along the axial direction Lr. The user then fine-tunes the position of the ear pad 32 so that it is positioned at a predetermined distance α from the entrance to the external auditory canal E1. Here, the "predetermined distance α" is the distance (gap) between point a on the ear pad 32 side and point b on the external auditory canal E1 entrance side, as shown in Figure 8. The "position at a predetermined distance α from the entrance to the external auditory canal E1" is the optimal position in which the sound emitted from the ear device 2 can be clearly heard even if the ear pad 32 is not inside the external auditory canal E1. This position may vary from person to person, but for example, it is about 5 mm away from the entrance to the external auditory canal E1.

[0025] For example, if the grooved portion 42 is spiral-shaped as described above, rotating the adjustment operation unit 5 causes the housing 3, including the shaft portion 31, to rotate, changing the position of the grooved portion 42 to which the locking projection 311 is screwed, and the housing 3 moves in the axial direction Lr. In this case, if projections are formed on the inner circumference of the grooved portion 42 at predetermined intervals, rotating the adjustment operation unit 5 causes the shaft portion 31 to overcome the projections each time it rotates, providing a click sensation to the user's hand. This makes it easier for the user to determine whether or not the "predetermined distance α" has been moved. For example, if rotating the adjustment operation unit 5 around its axis once moves the ear pad 32 by 1 mm, the user rotates the adjustment operation unit 5 a predetermined number of times, relying on the click sensation generated by overcoming the projections. For example, if the user wants to move it 5 mm at 1 mm per rotation, they would rotate the adjustment operation unit 5 5 times. This "predetermined distance α" can be arbitrarily set by the user. In other words, for example, when first starting to use the ear device 2, trial and error is repeated until the most comfortable listening position is determined, and then the number of times the adjustment control unit 5 was rotated to reach that position is recorded. In this way, once the "predetermined distance α" is determined, the same position can be accurately reproduced each time the ear device 2 is worn thereafter.

[0026] Once the position of the ear pad 32 has been adjusted, the operating head 52 of the adjustment operating unit 5 is pushed in to retract the shaft 51 of the adjustment operating unit 5, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, while ensuring that the axial position Lr of the ear pad 32 does not shift. This makes it possible to realize an ear device 2 and a listening unit 1 equipped with it, which can emit sound from a position suitable for listening while keeping the ear canal open and reducing the burden on the ear E, with a simple configuration.

[0027] As described above, the ear device 2 in the embodiment comprises a housing 3 having an ear pad 32 that can contact the external auditory canal E1, a conchaemal cavity fixing part 4 connected to the outer circumference of the housing 3 and fixed in the conchaemal cavity E2 when worn, and an adjustment operation part 5 that can adjust the position of the ear pad 32 in the depth direction of the external auditory canal E1 relative to the conchaemal cavity fixing part 4. By operating the adjustment operation part 5, the ear pad 32 is positioned at a predetermined distance α from the entrance of the external auditory canal E1 when the conchaemal cavity fixing part 4 is positioned in the conchaemal cavity E2. The ear device 2 and the auditory unit 1 equipped therewith can be supported by the conchaemal cavity fixing part 4 alone to prevent the ear device 2 from falling off the ear E. In this state, the ear pad 32 can be positioned at a distance from the entrance of the external auditory canal E1 but in a position suitable for hearing. As a result, the ear device 2 and the auditory unit 1 equipped therewith can be worn without putting a burden on the ear E compared to inserting the ear pad 32 etc. into the ear canal.

[0028] Furthermore, the adjustment operation unit 5 of this embodiment has a shaft portion 51 that extends in a direction along the external auditory canal E1, and the ear pad 32 is configured to be movable along the axial direction (axial direction Lr) of the shaft portion 51 by operating the adjustment operation unit 5. Therefore, the position of the ear pad 32 can be easily adjusted using the adjustment operation unit 5.

[0029] Furthermore, the housing 3 of the embodiment is screwed onto the concha cavity fixing part 4, and by changing the degree of screwing of the screwed part by rotating the adjustment operation part 5, the position of the ear pad 32 in the depth direction of the external auditory canal E1 can be finely adjusted. This makes it possible to finely adjust the position of the ear pad 32 with a simple configuration of rotating the housing 3.

[0030] Furthermore, the conchaecular cavity fixing part 4 of the embodiment has a configuration at the screw-in portion with the housing 3 that allows the user to sense the amount of rotation of the adjustment operation part 5. For example, by providing a protrusion on the uneven portion 42 of the conchaecular cavity fixing part 4, a clicking sensation is transmitted to the user's hand when the adjustment operation part 5 is rotated. As a result, the user can accurately rotate the adjustment operation part 5 a predetermined number of times by relying on the clicking sensation, and fine adjustment of the position of the ear pad 32 can be easily and accurately performed.

[0031] Furthermore, the adjustment operation unit 5 of the embodiment is provided with a knock cam mechanism 53 that protrudes at least a portion of the adjustment operation unit 5 outwards based on a knock operation on the operating head 52 by the user. Therefore, even when the shaft portion 51 of the adjustment operation unit 5 is retracted so as not to interfere with the wearing of the ear device 2, the operating head 52 can be easily operated again when operation is required.

[0032] Furthermore, the ear pad 32 and conchaecular cavity fixing part 4 of the embodiment are formed from a flexible elastic material. The shape of the ear E varies from person to person, and there is variation in the size and shape of the external auditory canal E1 and conchaecular cavity E2. The ear pad 32 and conchaecular cavity fixing part 4 are positioned near the external auditory canal E1 and in the conchaecular cavity E2, but by being formed from an elastic material, these variations can be effectively absorbed, and they can be appropriately positioned near the external auditory canal E1 and in the conchaecular cavity E2.

[0033] The ear pad 32 has a stepped portion 33 that contacts the surface of the concha cavity fixing portion 4 on the external auditory canal E1 side, thereby restricting the movement of the ear pad 32 in the direction opposite to the depth direction of the external auditory canal E1. As a result, even when the housing 3 together with the adjustment operation portion 5 is pulled out in the direction away from the external auditory canal E1 along the axial direction Lr (to the right in Figure 4), the housing 3 catches on the concha cavity fixing portion 4 at the stepped portion 33 and does not come off the concha cavity fixing portion 4.

[0034] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0035] For example, in the embodiment, the ear device 2 is provided in a hearing unit 1 that includes a main body 6 and a sound channel 7, but the ear device 2 may be used independently without being connected to the main body 6 or sound channel 7. For example, the ear device 2 may be configured to communicate with various electronic devices such as smartphones, and receive audio signals from the electronic devices wirelessly and emit sound from the sound outlet 34. Alternatively, the ear device 2 may be used in conjunction with various audio equipment via a wired connection.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the concha cavity fixing part 4 is provided with a protrusion on the recessed part 42 which is the screw-in part with the housing 3, so that a click sensation is generated when the adjustment operation part 5 is rotated, thereby allowing the user to sense the amount of rotation of the adjustment operation part 5. However, the configuration for allowing the user to sense the amount of rotation of the adjustment operation part 5 is not limited to this. For example, an image-acquiring device (including a photosensor, etc.) may be provided near the ear pad 32 of the ear device 2 so that the degree of contact between the ear pad 32 and the entrance of the external auditory canal E1 can be determined from the image. Alternatively, a distance sensor (including a sonar, etc.) may be provided near the ear pad 32 of the ear device 2 so that the distance between the ear pad 32 and the entrance of the external auditory canal E1 can be sensed. In this case, the ear device 2 may notify the user by voice or beep whether or not the ear pad 32 and the entrance of the external auditory canal E1 are separated by a predetermined distance α. Furthermore, if the image acquisition device or distance sensor can be linked with an external device such as a smartphone, the image or detection results may be displayed on the display of the external device. The external device may also notify the user with voice or beep sounds. In addition, if the image acquisition device or distance sensor is provided, the user may manually operate the adjustment control unit 5 according to the detection results, or an external device such as a smartphone that receives the detection results may control the adjustment control unit 5 to operate it automatically and adjust the ear pad 32 and the entrance to the ear canal E1 to be separated by a predetermined distance α.

[0037] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 2...Ear device, 3...Housing, 4...Conchaemal cavity fixing part, 5...Adjustment operation part, 32...Ear pad, E...Ear, E1...External auditory canal, E2...Conchaemal cavity

Claims

1. A housing having ear pads that can come into contact with the ear canal, The housing is connected to the outer circumference and is fixed within the concha of the ear when worn, and An adjustment operation unit that allows adjustment of the position of the ear pad relative to the concha cavity fixing portion in the depth direction of the external auditory canal, An ear device characterized by having the following features.

2. The adjustment operating section has a shaft portion that extends in a direction along the external auditory canal, The ear pad is configured to be movable along the axial direction of the shaft by operating the adjustment control unit. The ear device according to feature 1.

3. The housing is screwed to the concha cavity fixing portion, and by rotating the adjustment operating portion, the degree of screwing of the screw portion can be changed, thereby allowing fine adjustment of the position of the ear pad in the depth direction of the external auditory canal. The ear device according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned concha cavity fixing portion has a configuration at the screw-in portion with the housing that allows the user to sense the amount of rotation of the adjustment operation portion. The ear device according to feature 3.

5. The ear pad and the concha cavity fixing portion are formed of an elastic material. The ear device according to feature 1.

6. The ear pad has a stepped portion that contacts the surface of the concha cavity fixing portion on the external auditory canal side, thereby restricting the movement of the ear pad in the direction opposite to the depth direction of the external auditory canal. The ear device according to feature 1.

7. An ear device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The main unit has a built-in battery, The main body and the arm portion connecting to the ear device, A sound-gazing unit characterized by having the following features.

8. A method for attaching an ear device comprising: a housing having an ear pad; a conchaecular cavity fixing part that is locked to the housing; and an adjustment operating part that is locked to the housing and allows adjustment of the position of the ear pad in the depth direction of the external auditory canal. With the concha cavity fixing portion positioned in the concha cavity, the position of the ear pad is adjusted by operating the adjustment control portion so that the ear pad is positioned at a predetermined distance from the entrance of the external auditory canal. A method for attaching an ear device, characterized by the following features.

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