Electronic stethoscope

Abstract

To provide an electronic stethoscope that can reduce external noise. [Solution] The electronic stethoscope of this disclosure is an electronic stethoscope for acquiring biological sounds, comprising: a microphone for acquiring biological sounds, having a casing and a diaphragm provided with a first through-hole; a housing for housing the microphone, having one end and the other end, with an opening at one end, a first wall portion extending from the microphone toward the opening, and a second wall portion defining a second space provided on the other end side of the microphone, and having one or more second through-holes penetrating the second wall portion; and a first member that closes one or more second through-holes and has an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of a living organism, wherein the first through-holes communicate the second space with the inside of the casing, and one or more second through-holes communicate the outside of the housing with the second space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic stethoscope.

Background Art

[0002] An electronic stethoscope that acquires a body sound by a sensor, converts the acquired body sound into an electrical signal, and outputs it to a speaker or an earpiece is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic stethoscope including a sound collecting unit that acquires a body sound with a microphone and a support unit of the sound collecting unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the electronic stethoscope of Patent Document 1, there is still room for improvement in reducing noise.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an electronic stethoscope capable of reducing noise.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An electronic stethoscope according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an electronic stethoscope that acquires a body sound, having a casing provided with a first through hole and a diaphragm, and a microphone that acquires a body sound, A housing having one end and the other end and housing the microphone, the housing having an opening at one end, a first wall portion extending from the microphone toward the opening, and a second wall portion defining a second space provided on the other end side of the microphone, and one or more second through holes penetrating the second wall portion, A first member that blocks one or more of the second through-holes and has an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of living organisms, Equipped with, The first through-hole connects the second space and the inside of the casing, The one or more second through-holes connect the outside of the housing to the second space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic stethoscope that can reduce noise. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view AA in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Schematic diagram illustrating the transmission path of external noise to an electronic stethoscope. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram illustrating the length of the sound path transmitted to the microphone of an electronic stethoscope. [Figure 5] A schematic plan view of an electronic stethoscope according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic stethoscope (BB). [Figure 7] A schematic plan view of an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of CC in Figure 7 [Figure 9] A schematic plan view of an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. [Figure 10] DD cross-section diagram, Figure 9 [Figure 11]Cross-sectional view schematically showing an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (Background Leading to the Present Disclosure) An electronic stethoscope that converts a biological sound into an electrical signal and outputs it to a speaker or earpiece is known. With an electronic stethoscope, a biological sound with a low sound pressure level can be amplified to improve the auscultation accuracy.

[0011] Also, for example, as in Patent Document 1, it has also been considered to obtain a biological sound with an appropriate signal level by acquiring the biological sound in a state where the chest piece of the electronic stethoscope and the auscultation target are in contact with each other with an appropriate pressure.

[0012] However, there is a problem that by amplifying the sound pressure level of the biological sound, noise such as external noise is also amplified.

[0013] Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have studied reducing the noise of the stethoscope and have arrived at the following invention.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an electronic stethoscope 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1. The X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system shown in the drawings is for facilitating the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not limit the embodiments. The X-axis direction indicates the width direction of the electronic stethoscope, the Y-axis direction indicates the depth direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the thickness direction. Also, the Z-axis direction is the direction in which the electronic stethoscope contacts the living body.

[0015] The electronic stethoscope 1 is an electronic device that picks up biological sounds emitted by a living body, for example, in a state of being in contact with a living body such as a human. Biological sounds include, for example, heart sounds, lung sounds, blood flow sounds, or intestinal sounds. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, the electronic stethoscope 1 includes a microphone 10, a housing 20, and a first member 30.

[0016] Microphone 10 is a microphone that acquires biological sounds and has a casing 11 and a diaphragm 12 placed inside the casing 11. The casing 11 is provided with a first through hole 13. The casing 11 is also provided with a sound collection port 14 for capturing sound into the diaphragm 12.

[0017] The microphone 10 is mounted on a circuit board (not shown) and is housed inside the enclosure 20 together with the circuit board.

[0018] Microphone 10 converts biological sounds into electrical signals. That is, microphone 10 converts vibrations detected by the diaphragm 12 into electrical signals. The conversion from biological sounds to electrical signals can be electrodynamic, electrostatic, etc. In this embodiment, the method of converting vibrations from the diaphragm 12 into electrical signals is not particularly limited.

[0019] The housing 20 is the so-called chestpiece of the electronic stethoscope 1, and is the part that is held by the user, such as a doctor, when in use. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the housing 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape having one end 20a and the other end 20b.

[0020] The housing 20 has a first wall portion 21 that defines a first space S1 located on one end side of the microphone 10, and a second wall portion 22 that defines a second space S2 located on the other end 20b side of the microphone 10. In other words, the housing 20 has a first space S1 and a second space S2 inside. The microphone 10 is housed between the first space S1 and the second space S2 of the housing 20. In this embodiment, a space for housing the microphone 10 is provided between the first space S1 and the second space S2, and the microphone 10 is positioned in the space between the first space S1 and the second space S2. The housing 20 is provided with a second through-hole 23 that penetrates the second wall portion 22. The second through-hole 23 is a hole that connects the second space S2 and the external space of the housing 20. In this embodiment, the second through-hole 23 is provided at the other end 20b of the housing 20. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the second through-hole 23 is positioned on the central axis AX of the cylindrical housing 20.

[0021] The first space S1 is, for example, a frustoconical space. The first space S1 can amplify sound from the biological BD. In this embodiment, the first space S1 is open at one end 20a of the housing 20. That is, an opening is provided at one end 20a of the housing 20. The first wall portion 21 is formed extending from the microphone 10 to the opening at one end 20a of the housing 20. Since the first wall portion 21 is formed to gradually widen from the microphone 10 to the opening at one end 20a, the first space S1 is formed in a frustoconical shape. The second space S2 is, for example, a cylindrical space. The second space S2 amplifies sound entering from outside the housing 20, as will be described in detail later.

[0022] In this embodiment, the second space S2 is formed such that its volume is between 0.9 and 1.1 times the volume of the first space S1. By making the volumes of the first space S1 and the second space S2 substantially equal, the noise cancellation effect can be improved. The second space S2 can have any shape as long as it has a volume between 0.9 and 1.1 times the volume of the first space S1.

[0023] The sound collection port 14 of the casing 11 of the microphone 10 opens toward the first space S1. Therefore, when using the electronic stethoscope 1, the first space S1 is located on the side of the living body BD, and the living body sounds reach the diaphragm of the microphone 10 via the first space S1.

[0024] A first through-hole 13 provided in the casing 11 of the microphone 10 connects the second space S2 with the inside of the casing 11. A second through-hole 23 provided in the housing 20 connects the outside of the housing 20 with the second space S2. In this embodiment, one of the second through-holes 23 is provided on the end face of the housing 20 on the other end 20b side.

[0025] The first member 30 is positioned to block the second through-hole 23. In this embodiment, the first member 30 is positioned inside the second through-hole 23. The first member 30 is made of a material having an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of living tissue. A material having an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of living tissue is, for example, an elastomer material such as silicone rubber or urethane. The inherent acoustic resistance is determined by the density and Young's modulus of the material. Since the electronic stethoscope 1 is used in contact with human skin, the first member 30 can be made of, for example, a material having an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of human skin. A material having an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of human skin is, for example, a Young's modulus of 0.1 MPa or more and 19.0 MPa or less and a density of 0.5 g / cm³. 3 More than 2.0g / cm 3 The following substances are examples.

[0026] The microphone 10 acquires two types of sound: sound that reaches the diaphragm 12 from the biological BD via the first space S1, and sound that reaches the diaphragm 12 from outside the housing 20 via the second space S2. The sound that reaches the diaphragm 12 from the biological BD via the first space S1 includes biological sounds and external noise propagating through the biological BD. The sound that reaches the diaphragm 12 from outside the housing 20 via the second space S2 also includes external noise. Here, external noise includes ambient noise in the environment in which the electronic stethoscope 1 is used, and is sound other than biological sounds. External noise propagating through the biological BD becomes noise included in biological sounds and may interfere with auscultation.

[0027] In the electronic stethoscope 1 according to this embodiment, noise is removed from biological sounds by canceling out external noise propagating from the biological body BD through the first space S1 and external noise propagating from outside the housing 20 through the second space S2, that is, through the inside of the electronic stethoscope 1.

[0028] The noise reduction method in this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission path of external noise NZ to the electronic stethoscope 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the length of the sound path transmitted to the microphone 10 of the electronic stethoscope 1.

[0029] External noise NZ generated outside the electronic stethoscope 1 reaches the diaphragm 12 via two paths, path C1 and path C2, as shown in Figure 3. Path C1 is the sound path that passes through the inside of the biological tissue BD and reaches the first space S1 side of the diaphragm 12 of the microphone 10 via the first space S1. Path C2 is the sound path that passes through the second through-hole 23 and reaches the second space S2 side of the diaphragm 12 of the microphone 10 via the second space S2. External noise NZ propagating through path C1 reaches the front side 12a of the diaphragm 12, and external noise NZ propagating through path C2 reaches the back side 12b of the diaphragm.

[0030] The external noise NZ that reaches the microphone 10 via path C1 is noise contained in biological sounds and reaches the front side 12a of the diaphragm 12 of the microphone 10 together with the biological sounds. In this embodiment, by providing a second through-hole 23 in the second wall portion 22, the external noise NZ reaches the back side 12b of the diaphragm 12 via the second space S2 from the second through-hole 23. As the external noise NZ reaches both the front side 12a and the back side 12b of the diaphragm 12, the external noise NZ that reaches the front side 12a of the diaphragm 12 via path C1 and the external noise NZ that reaches the back side 12b of the diaphragm 12 via path C2 cancel each other out. Therefore, the noise contained in biological sounds can be removed. As described above, by making the volume of the first space S1 and the volume of the second space S2 substantially equal, the effect of canceling each other out between the external noise NZ of path C1 and the external noise NZ of path C2 can be enhanced.

[0031] The second through-hole 23 is blocked by the first member 30, which has a natural acoustic resistance similar to that of living tissue. Therefore, external noise NZ propagating through path C2 reaches the back side 12b of the diaphragm 12 via the second space S2 from the first member 30. On the other hand, external noise NZ propagating through path C1 reaches the front side 12a of the diaphragm 12 via the first space S1 from the living tissue BD. As described above, the first member 30 and the living tissue BD have similar natural acoustic resistances, so both paths C1 and C2 are paths from a material with a natural acoustic resistance similar to that of living tissue BD to the diaphragm 12 via space. In other words, the order of the multiple components constituting the sound propagation path C1, which propagates from one end of the housing 20 through the first space S1 to the diaphragm 12, is the same as the order of the components constituting the sound propagation path C2, which propagates from the first member 30 through the second space S to the diaphragm 12. Specifically, sound from the biological BD via path C1 propagates through the components in the order of biological BD to the first space S1 and reaches the diaphragm 12, while sound from outside the housing 20 via path C2 propagates through the components in the order of first member 30 to the second space S2 and reaches the diaphragm 12. Since the biological BD and the first member 30 have similar inherent acoustic resistances, the order in which the components propagate via path C1 and path C2 is the same. Because the order in which the components propagate is the same, the phase of the external noise NZ that propagates via path C2 and reaches the back side 12b of the diaphragm 12 is substantially equal to the phase of the external noise NZ that propagates via path C1 and reaches the front side 12a of the diaphragm 12. Therefore, external noise NZ with the same phase reaches both the front side 12a and the back side 12b of the diaphragm 12, and the external noise NZ that propagated via path C1 and the external noise NZ that propagated via path C2 cancel each other out. Therefore, noise contained in the sound propagating to the microphone 10 through path C1 can be removed by noise propagating to the microphone 10 through path C2.

[0032] Here, reducing the difference between the distance from the biological BD to the microphone 10 in path C1 and the distance from the first member 30 to the microphone 10 in path C2 can further improve the effect of canceling out external noise NZ. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, it is preferable to make the shortest distance D1 of the path from the outer edge P1, which is the outer edge of one end 20a of the housing 20, along the first wall portion 21 to the microphone 10, and the shortest distance D2 of the first member 30 from the surface P2 on the second space S2 side to the microphone 10 equal.

[0033] By reducing the difference between distance D1 and distance D2, the phase of the external noise NZ from path C1 to the diaphragm 12 can be made approximately equal to the phase of the external noise NZ from path C2 to the diaphragm 12. By making the phases approximately equal, the effect of canceling out the external noise NZ from path C1 and the external noise NZ from path C2 can be improved.

[0034] [effect] According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be achieved.

[0035] The electronic stethoscope 1 comprises a microphone 10 for acquiring biological sounds, a housing 20 having one end 20a and the other end 20b to house the microphone 10, and a first member 30. The microphone 10 has a casing 11 with a first through hole 13 and a diaphragm 12. The housing 20 has a first wall portion 21 that defines a first space S1 located on the one end 20a side of the microphone 10, and a second wall portion 22 that defines a second space S2 located on the other end 20b side of the microphone 10. The housing 20 is provided with a second through hole 23 that penetrates the second wall portion 22. The first member 30 is a member that closes the second through hole 23 and has an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of living tissue. The first through hole 13 communicates the second space S2 with the inside of the casing 11. The second through hole 23 communicates the outside of the housing 20 with the second space S2.

[0036] This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic stethoscope that can reduce external noise. By providing the first through-hole 13 and the second through-hole 23, external noise NZ can be taken in from the back side 12b of the diaphragm 12. In this case, the external noise NZ from the back side 12b of the diaphragm 12 can cancel out the external noise NZ from the front side 12a of the diaphragm 12. In addition, the order of the components constituting the sound propagation path is approximately the same in path C1 and path C2. Therefore, the phase of the external noise NZ reaching the front side 12a and the back side 12b of the diaphragm 12 can be made approximately equal, and the noise cancellation effect can be improved.

[0037] The Young's modulus of the first member 30 is between 0.1 M and 10.0 MPa. The density of the first member 30 is 0.5 g / cm³. 3 More than 2.0g / cm 3 The following applies:

[0038] This configuration allows the intrinsic acoustic resistance of the first member 30 to approximate that of a living organism, thereby improving the effect of canceling out external noise NZ.

[0039] The second through-hole 23 is provided on the end face of the housing 20 on the other end 20b side.

[0040] This configuration allows for efficient cancellation of external noise, thereby improving the accuracy of auscultation of biological sounds.

[0041] The shortest distance D1 from the outer edge of one end 20a of the housing 20 to the microphone 10 is equal to the shortest distance D2 from the first member 30 to the microphone 10.

[0042] This configuration allows the phase of the external noise NZ from path C1 to the diaphragm 12 to be approximately equal to the phase of the external noise NZ from path C2 to the diaphragm 12. By making the phases approximately equal, the effect of canceling out the external noise NZ from path C1 and the external noise NZ from path C2 can be improved.

[0043] The volume of the second space S2 is between 0.9 and 1.1 times the volume of the first space S1.

[0044] This configuration can improve the noise cancellation effect.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the first member 30 is placed inside the second through-hole 23, but the invention is not limited to this. The first member 30 may be placed not inside the second through-hole 23, but for example, on the end face of the other end 20b of the housing 20, or on the second wall portion 22 of the housing 20, as long as it can close the second through-hole 23.

[0046] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described an example in which the housing 20 is cylindrical, it is not limited to this. The housing 20 may be a columnar shape having, for example, an elliptical cross-section. Alternatively, the housing 20 may be a columnar shape having a polygonal cross-section.

[0047] [Differentiation] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing an electronic stethoscope 1A according to a modified example 1 of Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view BB of the electronic stethoscope 1A of Figure 5.

[0048] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the housing 120 may be provided with a plurality of second through holes 123. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the end face 120c on the other end 120b side of the housing 120 has a circular shape, and four second through holes 123 are provided on the end face 120c on the other end 120b side of the housing 120. The four second through holes 123 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer circumference of the end face 120c. A first member 130 is placed in each of the second through holes 123. In this embodiment, the four second through holes 123 are substantially the same in size and shape.

[0049] This configuration allows for efficient cancellation of sound transmitted from the biological BD to the diaphragm 12 via the first space S11 and sound transmitted from the second through-hole 223 to the diaphragm 12 via the second space S22. As a result, external noise can be reduced, improving the accuracy of auscultation of biological sounds.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the four second through holes 123 are arranged concentrically in a plan view, centered on the center CP1 of the circular end face 120c. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, in a cross-section horizontal to the YZ plane, the four second through holes 123 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis AX of the cylindrical housing 20. The symmetrical arrangement of the four second through holes 123 with respect to the central axis AX allows for efficient cancellation of external noise reaching the diaphragm 12 through the first space S11 and external noise reaching the diaphragm 12 through the second space S12, regardless of the position of the external noise source relative to the housing 20 of the electronic stethoscope 1A.

[0051] Furthermore, if there is no external noise source in a predetermined direction to the housing 20, that is, if noise does not reach the housing 20 from a predetermined direction, the four second through holes 123 do not need to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis Ax.

[0052] Furthermore, the number of second through-holes 123 is not limited to four. The number of second through-holes 123 may be one or more.

[0053] Furthermore, if multiple second through-holes 123 are provided, the dimensions and shapes of each second through-hole 123 may be the same or they may be different.

[0054] (Embodiment 2) This document describes an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Embodiment 2 mainly describes the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 2, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in Embodiment 2, descriptions that are redundant with Embodiment 1 are omitted.

[0055] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the electronic stethoscope 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 7. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that four second through holes 223 are provided on the side surface 220d of the housing 220.

[0056] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment, four second through-holes 223 are provided in the side surface 220d of the housing 220. The four second through-holes 223 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer circumference of the circular end face 220c on the other end 220b side of the housing 220. Furthermore, in a cross-section parallel to the YZ plane, the second through-holes 223 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis AX of the housing 220. A first member 230 is placed in each of the second through-holes 223.

[0057] This configuration allows for increased design flexibility in the housing 220 of the electronic stethoscope 2.

[0058] (Embodiment 3) This invention will now describe an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 will primarily describe the differences from Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 3, components identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 2 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 2 will be omitted.

[0059] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of the electronic stethoscope 3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 9. Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 2 in that the housing 320 has a first housing 324 and a second housing 325, and a second through hole 323 is defined between the first housing 324 and the second housing 325.

[0060] As shown in Figure 10, the housing 320 is composed of a first housing 324 and a second housing 325. The first housing 324 has a first wall portion 321 that defines a first space S31. The second housing 325 has a second wall portion 322 that defines a second space S32. In this embodiment, the housing 320 is constructed by combining the first housing 324 and the second housing 325.

[0061] A first member 330 is positioned between the first housing 324 and the second housing 325. As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, since the end face of the housing 320 is formed in a circular shape, the first member 330 is formed in an annular shape. For example, the housing 320 can be formed by bonding the first housing 324 and the first member 330 with an adhesive, and bonding the second housing 325 and the first member 330 with an adhesive. As the adhesive, a bio-like material such as silicone sealant can also be used.

[0062] This configuration allows for the cancellation of ambient noise around the housing 20, thereby improving the accuracy of auscultation.

[0063] (Embodiment 4) This invention will now describe an electronic stethoscope according to Embodiment 4. Embodiment 4 will primarily describe the differences from Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 4, components identical or equivalent to those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in Embodiment 4, descriptions that overlap with those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0064] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an electronic stethoscope 4 according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in that the electronic stethoscope 4 includes a diaphragm 40 positioned at one end 20a of the housing 20 so as to cover the first space S1. Furthermore, the electronic stethoscope 4 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it includes a second member 50 having an intrinsic acoustic resistance similar to that of the diaphragm 40 and positioned on the second space S2 side of the first member 30.

[0065] As shown in Figure 11, the diaphragm 40 is positioned on one end 20a side of the housing 20. Positioning on one end 20a side of the housing 20 means that it is positioned on one end 20a of the housing 20, or between the microphone 10 and one end 20a. Therefore, the diaphragm 40 may also be positioned inside one end 20a of the housing 20. When using the electronic stethoscope 4, the diaphragm 40 comes into contact with the living body BD. The diaphragm 40 vibrates in contact with the living body at a frequency and amplitude corresponding to the living sound. The vibration of the diaphragm 40 propagates to the diaphragm 12 through the first space S1. The diaphragm 40 is a flexible sheet-like member and is made of a material such as glass epoxy.

[0066] In this embodiment, the second member 50 is positioned on the second space S2 side of the first member 30. The second member 50 is also positioned to close the second through hole 23, similar to the first member 30.

[0067] The second member 50 is made of a material having an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of the diaphragm 40. A material having an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of the diaphragm 40 is, for example, a material having a Young's modulus and density that are 0.9 to 1.1 times greater than or equal to the Young's modulus and density of the material constituting the diaphragm 40.

[0068] The electronic stethoscope 4 is equipped with a diaphragm 40 and a second member 50, so that sound from the living body BD is transmitted from the diaphragm 40 through the first space S1 to the diaphragm 12, and sound from outside the housing 20 is transmitted through the first member 30 and then through the second member 50 to the diaphragm 12 via the second space S2. Sound from the living body BD propagates sequentially through the living body BD, the diaphragm 40, and the first space S1 to reach the diaphragm 12, and sound from outside the housing 20 propagates sequentially through the first member 30, the second member 50, and the second space S2 to reach the diaphragm 12.

[0069] The second member 50 may be formed to be thinner than the thickness of the diaphragm 40. Generally, when sound passes through a thin component such as a diaphragm, the smaller the size of the component in a plan view, the lower the level of sound that passes through, and the thicker the component, the lower the sound pressure level that passes through. As shown in Figure 11, the size of the second member 50 depends on the size of the second through hole 23, but it is thought to be often smaller than the size of the diaphragm 40. Therefore, by making the thickness of the second member 50 smaller than the thickness of the diaphragm 40, the sound pressure levels of the sound passing through the diaphragm 40 and the sound passing through the second member 50 can be matched. In this case, the effect of noise cancellation on the front side 12a and the back side 12b of the diaphragm 12 can be further improved.

[0070] This configuration allows for improved noise cancellation by aligning the order of the components that make up the sound propagation path.

[0071] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the electronic stethoscope 4 further includes a diaphragm 40 and a second member 50, but it is not limited to this. The electronic stethoscope 4 may have a diaphragm 40 but not a second member 50.

[0072] (Summary of the embodiment) (1) The electronic stethoscope of the present disclosure is an electronic stethoscope for acquiring biological sounds, comprising: a casing provided with a first through-hole and a diaphragm; a microphone for acquiring biological sounds; a diaphragm; a columnar housing having one end and the other end and housing the microphone, having a first wall portion that defines a first space provided on the one end side of the microphone together with the diaphragm located on the one end side, and a second wall portion that defines a second space provided on the other end side of the microphone, and having one or more second through-holes penetrating the second wall portion; and a first member that closes one or more second through-holes and has an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of a living organism, wherein the first space is defined by the first wall portion of the housing and the diaphragm, the second space is defined by the second wall portion, the first through-hole communicates the second space and the inside of the casing, and one or more second through-holes communicate the outside of the housing and the second space.

[0073] (2) The electronic stethoscope of the present disclosure is an electronic stethoscope for acquiring biological sounds, comprising: a microphone for acquiring biological sounds, having a casing and a diaphragm provided with a first through-hole; a housing for housing the microphone, having one end and the other end, with an opening at one end, a first wall portion extending from the microphone toward the opening, and a second wall portion defining a second space provided on the other end side of the microphone, and having one or more second through-holes penetrating the second wall portion; and a first member that closes one or more second through-holes and has an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of a living organism, wherein the first through-holes communicate the second space with the inside of the casing, and one or more second through-holes communicate the outside of the housing with the second space.

[0074] (3) In any one of the electronic stethoscopes described in (1) to (3), the Young's modulus of the first component is 0.1 MPa or more and 10.0 MPa or less, and the density of the first component is 0.5 g / cm³. 3 More than 2.0g / cm 3 The following is also acceptable.

[0075] (4) In any one of the electronic stethoscopes described in (1) to (4), the shortest distance of the path from the outer edge of one end of the housing to the microphone may be approximately equal to the shortest distance from the first member to the microphone.

[0076] (5) An electronic stethoscope according to any one of (2) to (4) may further include a diaphragm positioned at one end of the housing so as to cover the opening.

[0077] (6) An electronic stethoscope according to (1) or (5) may further include a second member having an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of a diaphragm and positioned on the second spatial side of the first member.

[0078] (7) In the electronic stethoscope of (6), the thickness of the second component may be thinner than the thickness of the diaphragm.

[0079] (8) In any one of the electronic stethoscopes described in (1) to (7), one or more second through holes may be provided on the end face of the housing on the other end side.

[0080] (9) In any one of the electronic stethoscopes described in (1) to (8), one or more second through-holes may be provided on the side of the housing.

[0081] In the electronic stethoscope of (10)(8) or (9), the end face of the housing may have a circular shape, and the multiple second through holes may be arranged at equal intervals along the outer circumference of the other end face of the housing.

[0082] (11) In any one of the electronic stethoscopes described in (1) to (10), the volume of the second space may be 0.9 times or more and 1.1 times or less the volume of the first space.

[0083] (12) In any one of the electronic stethoscopes from (1) to (11), the housing includes a first housing having a first wall and a second housing having a second wall, and the second through-hole may be defined between the first housing and the second housing.

[0084] (13) The electronic stethoscope of the present disclosure is an electronic stethoscope for acquiring biological sounds, comprising: a microphone having a diaphragm for acquiring biological sounds; a housing having one end and the other end, housing the microphone, having a first wall portion defining a first space provided on the one end side of the microphone, and a second wall portion defining a second space provided on the other end side of the microphone, and having one or more through holes penetrating the second wall portion; and a member that closes one or more through holes and has an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of a living organism, wherein sound reaches the microphone from both the one end and the other end of the housing via a plurality of components, and the order of the plurality of components constituting a sound propagation path from the one end side through the first space to the diaphragm of the microphone is equal to the order of the plurality of components constituting a sound propagation path from the member through the second space to the diaphragm of the microphone. [Industrial applicability]

[0085] This disclosure is applicable to electronic stethoscopes for acquiring biological sounds. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4 Electronic stethoscope 10 Microphones 11 Casing 12 Diaphragm 13. First through hole 20, 120, 220, 320 chassis 20a one end 20b, 120b, 220b other end 21, 321 1st wall part 22, 322 2nd wall part 23, 123, 223, 323 Second through-hole 30, 130, 230, 330 First member 40 diaphragm 50 Second Member 120c, 220c end face 220c end face 220d side 324 1st Housing 325 Second Housing

Claims

1. An electronic stethoscope that acquires biological sounds, A microphone having a casing and a diaphragm with a first through-hole, for acquiring biological sounds, Diaphragm and, A columnar housing having one end and the other end and housing the microphone, having a first wall portion that defines a first space provided on the one end side of the microphone and a second wall portion that defines a second space provided on the other end side of the microphone, together with the diaphragm disposed on the one end side, and having one or more second through holes penetrating the second wall portion, A first member that blocks one or more of the second through holes and has an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of living organisms, Equipped with, The first space is defined by the first wall portion of the housing and the diaphragm, The second space is defined by the second wall, The first through-hole connects the second space and the inside of the casing, The one or more second through holes communicate the outside of the housing with the second space. Electronic stethoscope.

2. An electronic stethoscope that acquires biological sounds, A microphone having a casing and a diaphragm with a first through-hole, for acquiring biological sounds, A housing having one end and the other end and housing the microphone, the housing having an opening at one end, a first wall portion extending from the microphone toward the opening, and a second wall portion defining a second space provided on the other end side of the microphone, and having one or more second through holes penetrating the second wall portion, A first member that blocks one or more of the second through holes and has an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of living organisms, Equipped with, The first through-hole connects the second space and the inside of the casing, The one or more second through holes communicate the outside of the housing with the second space. Electronic stethoscope.

3. The Young's modulus of the first member is 0.1 MPa or more and 10.0 MPa or less. The density of the first member is 0.5 g / cm³. ３ 2.0g / cm or more ３ The following is: The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The shortest distance of the path from the outer edge of one end of the housing to the microphone is approximately equal to the shortest distance from the first member to the microphone. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The housing further comprises a diaphragm positioned at one end of the housing so as to cover the opening, The electronic stethoscope according to claim 2.

6. The system further comprises a second member having an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of the diaphragm and positioned on the second spatial side of the first member, The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1 or 5.

7. The thickness of the second member is thinner than the thickness of the diaphragm. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 6.

8. The one or more second through holes are provided on the end face of the housing on the other end side. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The one or more second through holes are provided on the side surface of the housing. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The end face of the housing has a circular shape, The plurality of second through holes are arranged at equal intervals along the outer circumference of the other end face of the housing. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 8.

11. The volume of the second space is 0.9 times or more and 1.1 times or less the volume of the first space. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1.

12. The housing includes a first housing having the first wall portion and a second housing having the second wall portion, The second through-hole is defined between the first housing and the second housing. The electronic stethoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

13. An electronic stethoscope that acquires biological sounds, A microphone having a diaphragm that acquires biological sounds, A housing having one end and the other end, for housing the microphone, having a first wall portion defining a first space provided on the one end side of the microphone, and a second wall portion defining a second space provided on the other end side of the microphone, and having one or more through holes penetrating the second wall portion, A member that blocks one or more of the aforementioned through holes and has an inherent acoustic resistance similar to that of living organisms, Equipped with, Sound reaches the microphone from both the one end and the other end of the housing via multiple components. The order of the multiple components constituting the sound propagation path from one end through the first space to the diaphragm of the microphone is equal to the order of the multiple components constituting the sound propagation path from the member through the second space to the diaphragm of the microphone. Electronic stethoscope.

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