Audio output device

Abstract

To provide an acoustic output device capable of improving usability.SOLUTION: An acoustic output device 1 includes a mounting unit 2 that has a first pressing unit 22 and a second pressing unit 23 respectively pressed against both surfaces of an auricle and is mounted on an ear in a state of sandwiching the auricle. The mounting unit 2 is formed in a bent shape so that a longitudinal direction becomes a circumferential direction. The first pressing unit 22 and the second pressing unit 23 are respectively provided at both ends of the mounting unit 2. A gap A is formed between the first pressing unit 22 and the second pressing unit 23. A helix is relatively inserted into the gap A and the mounting unit 2 is thereby mounted on the ear.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to the technical field of acoustic output devices that are worn on the ears. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There are audio output devices that are worn on the ears as headphones or earphones and output sound from speakers.

[0003] In recent years, audio output devices are increasingly being used outdoors in addition to indoors. Therefore, it is desirable for audio output devices to ensure convenience, such as improved portability, in addition to ensuring good audio output.

[0004] When not in use, sound output devices such as those described above are often removed from the ears and carried in a bag, pocket, etc., and in recent years, compact types have been developed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0005] In the sound output device described in Patent Document 1, a housing is composed of an insertion part and a transmission member, an electroacoustic conversion element and a vibrator are arranged inside the transmission member as a driver for sound output, and a plug that can move inside and outside the insertion part is provided. A through hole that allows external sounds to be heard is formed in the insertion part.

[0006] This sound output device is worn on the ear with a part of the insertion part inserted into the ear canal and the transmission member in front of the insertion part in contact with the tragus and antitragus. Vibrations generated in the electroacoustic conversion element are transmitted from the vibrator to the transmission member, and the transmitted vibrations are transmitted from the ear bone via the skull etc. to the brain, where sound is recognized. External sound vibrates into the space between the plug and the eardrum and is transmitted to the user, and at this time it is possible to change the way the external sound is heard by moving the plug. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-96739 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Incidentally, many of the above-mentioned audio output devices input and output electrical signals such as audio signals via a cord. In the case of such audio output devices that are connected to a cord, if the part that is worn on the ear when carrying the device becomes tangled with the cord, it may become difficult to quickly wear the device on the ear, reducing usability.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the sound output device of the present technology is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and to improve usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] First, the acoustic output device of the present technology comprises an attachment part which has a first pressing part and a second pressing part which are pressed against both sides of the auricle, respectively, and which is attached to the ear in a state in which the auricle is sandwiched between the auricle, and the attachment parts are provided in pair so that the pair of attachment parts can be combined.

[0011] This makes it possible to keep the pair of mounting parts in an assembled state when not in use.

[0012] Secondly, in the above-mentioned acoustic output device, it is desirable that the mounting portion is formed in a bent shape so that the longitudinal direction becomes the circumferential direction, a gap is formed between both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the mounting portion is elastically deformable in a direction in which both ends in the longitudinal direction move toward and away from each other.

[0013] This allows the attachment portion to be elastically deformed when attached to and removed from the ear.

[0014] Thirdly, in the above-described sound output device, it is desirable that the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are provided at both ends of the mounting portion, respectively.

[0015] This causes both ends of the attachment part to be pressed against both sides of the auricle.

[0016] Fourthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, a portion of the mounting portion other than the both end portions is provided as an intermediate portion, and the distance between the ends in the longitudinal direction is It is preferable that the distance be smaller than the maximum distance between two points.

[0017] This makes it difficult for the intermediate portion to come into contact with the auricle when the sound output device is worn on the ear.

[0018] Fifth, in the above-described sound output device, it is preferable that the surfaces of the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are formed into outwardly convex curved surfaces.

[0019] This prevents excessive load from being applied to the pinna from the sound output device.

[0020] Sixth, in the above-mentioned acoustic output device, it is desirable that the portion of the mounting portion other than the two end portions is provided as an intermediate portion, and that the maximum thickness of one end portion in the longitudinal direction and the maximum thickness of the other end portion in the longitudinal direction are made thicker than the maximum thickness of the intermediate portion.

[0021] This makes it possible to position the two end portions inserted inside the middle portion when the mounting portions are assembled.

[0022] Seventh, in the above-described sound output device, it is preferable that the mounting portion is configured by connecting a plurality of members, and that the mounting portion is covered with a cover that is in close contact with an outer surface of the mounting portion.

[0023] As a result, the mounting portion is covered from the outside by the cover, so that even if gaps occur between multiple members, the gaps are closed by the cover.

[0024] Eighth, in the above-described sound output device, it is preferable that the outer surface of the mounting portion is formed into a curved surface.

[0025] This allows the sound output device to be worn with the curved surface pressed against the ear. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present technology, it is possible to combine a pair of attachment parts when not in use, thereby preventing the cords or the cord and attachment parts from becoming entangled and improving usability.

[0027] It should be noted that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a sound output device according to the present technology together with FIG. 2 to FIG. 12, and is a perspective view of an ear to which the sound output device is attached. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sound output device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sound output device. [Diagram 5] 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the sound output device as seen from a different direction than in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sound output device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the sound output device is attached to an ear. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the sound output device is worn on an ear, as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 7. [Figure 9]4 is a side view showing a state before the sound output device is elastically deformed. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the sound output device is attached. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the sound output device is assembled. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the sound output device is attached to the electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sound output device according to the present technology will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] In the embodiment described below, the sound output device of the present technology is applied to earphones. However, the scope of application of the present technology is not limited to earphones, and the technology can be widely applied to various other sound output devices such as headphones.

[0031] <The structure of the ear> First, the structure of the ear to which the sound output device is attached will be described (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0032] The ears 100, 100 are considered to be parts of the head 200, and each is composed of an auricle 101 and various parts present inside the head 200, such as the eardrum, semicircular canals, and cochlea. The parts of the head 200 that are inside the auricle 101 are the temporal regions 201, 201, respectively, and the auricle 101 protrudes to the left or right from the temporal regions 201, 201.

[0033] The auricle 101 is formed in a shallow concave shape that opens generally forward so as to have an inner space 150, and has an outer periphery formed by a portion called the helix 102 and a portion called the crus helix 103 that is connected to the helix 102 and positioned near the temporal region 201.

[0034] The inner part of the helix 102 is called the concave scaphoid fossa 104, and the lower half of the inner part of the scaphoid fossa 104 is called the convex antihelix 105. Above the antihelix 105, there is a bifurcated convex part that is continuous with the antihelix 105, and the outer part and the inner part of this bifurcated part are called the superior crus 106 of the antihelix and the inferior crus 107 of the antihelix, respectively. The part between the superior crus 106 of the antihelix and the inferior crus 107 of the antihelix is ​​called the concave triangular fossa 108, and the inner part of the antihelix 105 and the inferior crus 107 of the antihelix is ​​called the concave concha 109.

[0035] The part continuing below the antihelix 105 bulges slightly toward the temporal region 201 and is called the antitragus 110. The part on the temporal region 201 side facing the antitragus 110 is called the tragus 111, which bulges slightly toward the antitragus 110, and the lower end continuing below the helix 102 is called the earlobe 112.

[0036] Between the antitragus 110 and the tragus 111 is an external auditory canal 113a, which is the entrance of the external auditory canal 113, and the external auditory canal 113 is connected to the eardrum, the semicircular canals, etc. Of the inner space 150 of the auricle 101, the space surrounded by the antihelix 105, the inferior crus of the antihelix 107, and the crus of the antihelix 103, i.e., the space in front of the concha 109, is called the concha cavity 114, and is connected to the external auditory canal 113a of the external auditory canal 113. Of the inner space 150, the space that is continuous with the lower side of the concha cavity 114 and opens in a U-shape is called the intertragic notch 115.

[0037] The inner space 150 of the auricle 101 includes the concha cavity 114, the intertragic notch 115, and the space near the external auditory canal 113a of the external auditory canal 113, and also includes the navicular fossa 104, the antihelix 105, the superior crus of the antihelix 106, the inferior crus of the antihelix 107, the triangular fossa 108, the antitragus 110, and the space in front of the tragus 111.

[0038] <Outline of the configuration of the sound output device> Next, the configuration of the sound output devices 1, 1 will be described (see Figs. 3 to 6). One of the sound output devices 1, 1 is used for the left ear 100, and the other is used for the right ear 100. However, sound may be heard using only one of the sound output devices 1.

[0039] The sound output device 1 has a mounting part 2 and a speaker 3 .

[0040] The mounting portion 2 is configured by combining a housing 4, a detachable body 5, and a connecting member 6.

[0041] The mounting part 2 is formed in a bent shape so that the longitudinal direction becomes the circumferential direction, and is formed in a shape that extends in the circumferential direction as a whole. The outer surface of the mounting part 2 is formed as an outwardly convex curved surface. One end of the mounting part 2 in the longitudinal direction is provided as a speaker arrangement part 7, the other end of the mounting part 2 in the longitudinal direction is provided as an audio output part 8, and the part between the speaker arrangement part 7 and the audio output part 8 is provided as an intermediate part 9.

[0042] The housing 4 is formed, for example, from a resin material, with one portion functioning as the speaker arrangement section 7 and the other portion functioning as the intermediate section 9. The housing 4 is configured by joining a first member 10 and a second member 11 (see Figs. 4 to 6). The first member 10 and the second member 11 are joined in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to configure the housing 4.

[0043] The first member 10 comprises a base portion 12 formed in a substantially arcuate shape, a placement portion 13 connected to one end of the base portion 12 in the longitudinal direction, and a connecting portion 14 connected to the other end of the base portion 12 in the longitudinal direction. A groove portion 12a extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in the base portion 12. A placement recess 13a is formed in the placement portion 13 and connected to the groove portion 12a. The connecting portion 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the internal space is formed as an audio hole 14a that is connected to the groove portion 12a.

[0044] A shallow mounting recess 13b is formed on the outer surface side of the arrangement portion 13. The arrangement portion 13 is formed with a cord insertion hole 13c which communicates with the mounting recess 13b and the arrangement recess 13a.

[0045] The second member 11 is composed of a base portion 15 formed in a substantially arcuate shape and an arrangement portion 16 connected to one end in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 15. A groove portion 15a extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in the base portion 15. An arrangement recess 16a is formed in the arrangement portion 16 and connected to the groove portion 15a.

[0046] The first member 10 and the second member 11 are joined by, for example, bonding the base portion 12 and the base portion 15 and the arrangement portion 13 and the arrangement portion 16. In the state in which the first member 10 and the second member 11 are joined, the sound guide space 17 is formed by the groove portion 12a and the groove portion 15a, and the arrangement space 18 is formed by the arrangement recess 13a and the arrangement recess 16a.

[0047] In a state in which the housing 4 is constructed by combining the first member 10 and the second member 11, the speaker 3 is arranged in the arrangement space 18. For example, a dynamic type driver unit is used as the speaker 3. In addition to the speaker 3, a battery for supplying power to the speaker 3, a control board for controlling the speaker 3, etc. may be arranged in the arrangement space 18.

[0048] The detachable body 5 is formed, for example, from a silicon or rubber material, and has an audio hole 19 formed therein (see FIG. 6). One end of the audio hole 19 is formed as an opening 19a for audio output. The direction in which the audio hole 19 extends is the longitudinal direction of the detachable body 5, and approximately half of the longitudinal direction is provided as a connecting portion 20, and approximately the other half is provided as a tip portion 21. The connecting portion 20 functions as a part of the intermediate portion 9, and the tip portion 21 functions as the audio output portion 8.

[0049] The inner periphery of the coupling portion 20 of the detachable body 5 is provided as an outer fitting portion 20a, and the outer fitting portion 20a is formed of a material harder than the other portions of the detachable body 5. The detachable body 5 is detachably attached to the housing 4, and is connected to the housing 4 by fitting the outer fitting portion 20a onto the connecting portion 14.

[0050] The mounting section 2 is configured such that the speaker arrangement section 7 of the housing 4 and the tip 21 of the detachable body 5 face each other, the portion of the speaker arrangement section 7 facing the tip 21 is provided as a first pressing section 22, and the portion of the tip 21 facing the speaker arrangement section 7 is provided as a second pressing section 23, with a gap A being formed between the first pressing section 22 and the second pressing section 23. The first pressing section 22 and the second pressing section 23 are sections that are pressed against both sides of the auricle 101 when the sound output device 1 is mounted on the ear 100. The surfaces of the first pressing section 22 and the second pressing section 23 are formed into gently curved surfaces that convex outward.

[0051] In addition, the mounting portion 2 has a portion other than both ends in the longitudinal direction provided as an intermediate portion 9, and the distance A between the ends in the longitudinal direction is smaller than the maximum distance H among the distances connecting two points on the inner circumference of the intermediate portion 9.

[0052] The mounting portion 2 is elastically deformable in directions in which the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23 move toward and away from each other.

[0053] The connecting member 6 is composed of an attachment plate portion 24 and a cord insertion portion 25 protruding from the attachment plate portion 24 (see Figs. 3 to 5). The connecting member 6 is formed with a cord insertion hole 6a penetrating between the cord insertion portion 25 and the attachment plate portion 24. The connecting member 6 is attached to the housing 4 by adhesive or the like with the attachment plate portion 24 inserted into the attachment recess 13b. When the connecting member 6 is attached to the housing 4, the cord insertion hole 6a communicates with the cord insertion hole 13c.

[0054] The housing 4 is covered with a cover 26 except for the connecting portion 14, and the cover 26 is in close contact with the outer surface of the housing 4. The cover 26 is made of an elastically deformable material such as silicone or rubber, and is formed in a thin, bag-like shape. An opening 26a is formed in one end surface of the cover 26. An arrangement hole 26b is formed in the cover 26.

[0055] When the housing 4 is covered with the cover 26, the cover 26 is in close contact with the outer surface of the housing 4, the opening 26a is positioned at the boundary between the coupling portion 14 and the base portion 12, and the connection member 6 is disposed in the arrangement hole 26b. Therefore, the housing 4 is in a state where the coupling portion 14 protrudes from the opening 26a, and the connection member 6 is in a state where the cord insertion portion 25 protrudes from the arrangement hole 26b.

[0056] As described above, the mounting portion 2 is configured by joining a plurality of members, at least the first member 10 and the second member 11, and is covered with the cover 26 in a tightly attached state on the outer surface.

[0057] Therefore, since the mounting portion 2 is covered from the outside by the cover 26, even if a gap occurs between the first member 10 and the second member 11, the gap is blocked by the cover 26, and it is possible to prevent the sound output from the speaker 3 from leaking to the outside.

[0058] Furthermore, since the first member 10 and the second member 11 are joined by adhesion, there is a possibility that the adhesive may overflow onto the outer surface side of the housing 4. However, even if the adhesive does overflow, the overflowing adhesive is blocked by the cover 26, and there is no need to form a structure in the housing 4 to prevent the adhesive from overflowing, which reduces manufacturing costs and improves workability in the bonding process.

[0059] Furthermore, one way to prevent the adhesive from spilling out is to form vertical walls or grooves within the thickness of the housing 4 to prevent the adhesive from leaking out, but because the cover 26 eliminates the need to form vertical walls or grooves, it is possible to make the housing 4 thinner. This makes it possible to increase the diameter of the space formed inside the housing 4 for guiding sound, It is possible to ensure good audio output conditions.

[0060] A cord 27 is inserted into the cord insertion hole 6a of the connection member 6 and the cord insertion hole 13c of the housing 4, and one end of the cord 27 is connected to the control board or the speaker 3. For example, a remote control device (not shown) is connected to the middle part of the cord 27, and it is possible to change the type of sound output from the speaker 3, change the volume, etc. by operating the remote control device.

[0061] The cord 27 extending from the audio output device 1 for the left ear 100 and the cord 27 extending from the audio output device 1 for the right ear 100 are both connected at their midpoints to the same remote control device.

[0062] The other end of cord 27 is connected to an external device (not shown), such as a music player, used as a source of sound (audio signal). Therefore, an audio signal output from the external device is transmitted to speaker 3 via cord 27, and sound is output from speaker 3. Also, power is supplied from the external device to speaker 3 via cord 27, enabling speaker 3 to be driven.

[0063] <How the sound output device is worn on the ears> The state in which the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100 will be described below (see FIGS. 7 to 10).

[0064] The sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100 with the attachment part 2 sandwiching the outer periphery of the auricle 101, for example the helix 102, from the front and back with the entire device covered by the cover 26 (see Figures 7 and 8).

[0065] When the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100, the helix 102 is relatively inserted between the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23 in a state in which the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23 are elastically deformed in a direction in which they move away from each other (see FIG. 9), and when the helix 102 is inserted, the sound output device 1 elastically returns to its original state and is attached to the ear 100 (see FIG. 10). When the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100, the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23 of the attachment portion 2 are in contact with and pressed against both sides of the auricle 101, respectively.

[0066] Since the first pressing portion 22 is covered by the cover 26, the mounting portion 2 is brought into a state in which the first pressing portion 22 is pressed against and in contact with the auricle 101 via the cover 26.

[0067] The first pressing portion 22 is in contact with the rear surface of the auricle 101, and the second pressing portion 23 is in contact with the front surface of the auricle 101. Therefore, the speaker 3 arranged in the speaker arrangement portion 7 is positioned behind the auricle 101.

[0068] At this time, since the surfaces of the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23 are formed into an outwardly convex curved surface, the audio output device 1 is attached to the ear 100 with the curved surfaces pressed against it, so that excessive load is not applied from the audio output device 1 to the auricle 101, and a good fit of the audio output device 1 to the ear 100 can be ensured.

[0069] In the above, an example is shown in which the surfaces of the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23 are formed into a curved surface, but at least one of the surfaces of the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23 may be formed into a flat surface.

[0070] The sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100 as described above. Since there is no need to attach the earphone by hooking it onto the base of the auricle 101, which is the boundary between the temporal region 201 and the auricle 101, the hair of a user with long hair, such as a woman, does not interfere with the sound output device 1, and a stable attachment state can be ensured regardless of the length of the user's hair.

[0071] Furthermore, even when an accessory such as a pierced earring is attached to the ear 100, the sound output device 1 can be attached to the accessory attachment portion, for example, a position other than the earlobe 112, thereby improving usability and ensuring a stable attachment state.

[0072] In the above, an example is shown in which the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100 with each part of the attachment portion 2 clamping the outer periphery of the auricle 101, but the sound output device 1 may also be attached to the ear 100 with each part of the attachment portion 2 clamping a part other than the outer periphery of the auricle 101.

[0073] On the other hand, the sound output device 1 can be removed from the ear 100 by elastically deforming the sound output device 1 in the direction in which the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23 move away from each other, thereby separating the sound output device 1 from the auricle 101.

[0074] As described above, the mounting portion 2 is formed in a bent shape so that the longitudinal direction becomes the circumferential direction, a gap A is formed between both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the mounting portion 2 is made elastically deformable in the direction in which both ends in the longitudinal direction move away from each other.

[0075] Therefore, since the fitting portion 2 is elastically deformed when it is fitted to and removed from the ear 100, it is possible to easily fit and remove the earphones from the ear and ensure a stable fit to the ear.

[0076] Furthermore, in the sound output device 1, the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23 are provided at both ends of the mounting portion 2, respectively, so that both ends of the mounting portion 2 are pressed against both sides of the auricle 101, respectively.

[0077] Therefore, the portions pressed against the auricle 101 are both ends of the attachment portion 2, and the length from the first pressing portion 22 to the second pressing portion 23 is the entire length of the audio output device 1, thereby ensuring a stable attachment state to the ear 100 while ensuring the compactness of the audio output device 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the portion of the mounting portion 2 other than both end portions is provided as an intermediate portion 9, and the distance A between the ends in the longitudinal direction is made smaller than the maximum distance H among the distances connecting two points on the inner circumference of the intermediate portion 9.

[0079] Therefore, when the sound output device 1 is worn on the ear 100, the intermediate portion 9 is unlikely to come into contact with the auricle 101, and the sound output device 1 can be worn on the ear 100 without causing any load from the intermediate portion 9 to the ear 100.

[0080] Furthermore, since the outer surface of the attachment portion 2 is formed into a curved surface, the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100 with the curved surface pressed against it, thereby ensuring a good attachment state to the ear 100.

[0081] When the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100 as described above, the detachable body 5 is positioned in the inner space 150 of the auricle 101 with its tip not in contact with the auricle 101. The detachable body 5 is not in a state where it covers the entire external ear canal 113a, and the opening 19a is positioned near the external ear canal 113a.

[0082] In this manner, when the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100, the opening 19 of the attachment portion 2 Since the opening 19a is positioned in the inner space 150 of the auricle 101, the opening 19a is positioned close to the ear canal 113, ensuring good recognition of the sound output from the speaker 3 and external sounds.

[0083] Furthermore, when the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100, the portion of the attachment part 2 having the opening 19a is not in contact with the ear 100, so that the portion having the opening 19a through which sound is emitted is not in contact with the ear 100.

[0084] Therefore, good recognition of the sound output from the sound output device 1 and external sound can be ensured, and the occurrence of a sense of discomfort when the device is worn on the ear 100 can be reduced.

[0085] Furthermore, when the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100, the opening 19a is positioned near the external auditory canal 113a, so that sound guided through the attachment portion 2 is emitted from the opening 19a toward the external auditory canal 113, allowing the sound to be heard clearly.

[0086] When the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100 , the opening 19 a of the attachment portion 2 may be positioned in the cavity of the concha 114 .

[0087] In this case as well, since the opening 19a of the mounting portion 2 is positioned close to the ear canal 113, good recognition of the sound output from the speaker 3 and external sounds can be ensured.

[0088] Furthermore, the opening 19a of the removable body 5 does not have to be located in the external auditory canal 113 or the concha cavity 114, and may be located away from the external auditory canal 113 and the concha cavity 114 as long as it is located in the inner space 150 of the auricle 101.

[0089] Depending on the shape and size of the user's ear 100, the opening 19a of the removable body 5 may be located outside the inner space 150 of the auricle 101.

[0090] Furthermore, when the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100, there are no structures such as the speaker 3 arranged inside the attachment part 2 in front of the auricle 101, so the structures in front of the auricle 101 are small, and the effect on the head-related transfer function is suppressed, thereby preventing a decrease in spatial perception ability.

[0091] Furthermore, the detachable body 5 having the opening 19a is detachable from the connecting portion 14 of the housing 4. Therefore, the detachable body 5 can be replaced according to the size, shape, etc. of the ear 100, and good sound hearing conditions can be ensured regardless of the size, shape, etc. of the ear 100.

[0092] For example, by replacing the detachable body 5 with one of a different length, it becomes possible to position the opening 19a at the desired position when the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100, thereby improving the usability of the sound output device 1.

[0093] Furthermore, the audio output device 1 is provided with a connecting portion 14 that is inserted into the detachable body 5 when the detachable body 5 is connected. By inserting the connecting portion 14 into the detachable body 5, the detachable body 5 is connected to the connecting portion 14, and the connection work of the detachable body 5 to the connecting portion 14 can be performed quickly and easily.

[0094] Furthermore, by attaching the cover 26 to the mounting portion 2, the gap between the cover 26 and the second pressing portion 23 becomes smaller than the gap A due to the thickness of the cover 26, and the sound output device When the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100, the auricle 101 is clamped with sufficient pressure between the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23, so that a stable attachment state of the sound output device 1 to the ear 100 can be ensured.

[0095] In addition, the fitting portion 20a of the detachable body 5 that is fitted onto the connecting portion 14 is formed of a material that is harder than the other portions of the detachable body 5. Therefore, when the sound output device 1 is elastically deformed or elastically restored upon attachment to or detachment from the ear 100, the joining portion 20 of the detachable body 5 is less likely to deform relative to the connecting portion 14, and therefore, the detachable body 5 can be prevented from falling off from the housing 4.

[0096] Furthermore, since the outer fitting portion 20a is formed from a material harder than the other portions of the detachable body 5, the coupling portion 20 is less likely to deform, and the detachable body 5 can be prevented from rolling up relative to the housing 4.

[0097] The detachable body 5 may be made of a material (flexible material) that is deformable (bendable) and can maintain the deformed state. By making the detachable body 5 of such a material, when the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100, the detachable body 5 can be deformed into a desired state, for example, to bring the opening 19a closer to the ear canal 113 or to change the direction of the sound emitted from the opening 19a as necessary.

[0098] Furthermore, both the connecting part 14 and the detachable body 5 may be formed from a material that is deformable (bendable) and can maintain a deformed state. By forming the connecting part 14 and the detachable body 5 from such a material, when the sound output device 1 is attached to the ear 100, it becomes possible to deform the attachment part 2 into a desired state, for example, to bring the opening 19a closer to the ear canal 113, or to change the direction of the sound emitted from the opening 19a as necessary.

[0099] Furthermore, since it is possible to deform the attachment part 2 according to the shape and size of the ear 100 when attaching the attachment part 2 to the ear 100, a stable attachment state of the sound output device 1 to the ear 100 can be ensured.

[0100] Furthermore, when a pair of sound output devices 1, 1 are used, the sound output devices 1, 1 function as a stereotype, improving the functionality of the sound output devices 1, 1 and enabling the user to hear high-quality sound. In addition, a good weight balance is ensured for the left and right ears 100, 100, and the sound output devices 1, 1 can be stably worn on the left and right ears 100, 100.

[0101] Although the above example shows the speaker 3 being arranged in the speaker arrangement section 7 provided at one end of the mounting section 2 in the longitudinal direction, the speaker 3 may also be arranged at the other end of the mounting section 2 in the longitudinal direction or at a position closer to the other end.

[0102] <Combination of audio output devices, etc.> The combined state of the sound output devices 1, 1 will be described below (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0103] In the case of the sound output devices 1, 1, it is possible to combine and hold both of them (see FIG. 11).

[0104] The combination of the sound output devices 1, 1 can be achieved by placing the speaker arrangement parts 7, 7 and the audio output parts 8, 8 at right angles to each other while facing each other, and moving at least one of the sound output devices 1, 1 closer to the other. The placement unit 7 and the audio output unit 8 are inserted.

[0105] At this time, in the sound output devices 1, 1, the speaker arrangement parts 7, 7 and the audio output parts 8, 8 are elastically deformed in a direction separating them from each other, and the speaker arrangement parts 7, 7 and the audio output parts 8, 8 elastically return to their original state by climbing over the speaker arrangement parts 7, 7 and the audio output parts 8, 8. When the speaker arrangement part 7 and the audio output part 8 are inserted between each other, the outer surfaces of the mounting parts 2, 2 (the outer surface of the mounting part 2 and the outer surface of the cover 26) come into sliding contact with each other, but in the sound output devices 1, 1, the outer surfaces of the mounting parts 2, 2 are formed into outwardly convex curved surfaces, so that the speaker arrangement part 7 and the audio output part 8 can be smoothly inserted into each other.

[0106] When the sound output devices 1, 1 are combined, the speaker arrangement sections 7, 7 and the sound output sections 8, 8 are positioned inside the intermediate sections 9, 9, making it difficult for the sound output devices 1, 1 to be separated.

[0107] On the other hand, when the combination of the sound output devices 1, 1 is to be released, the combination can be released by moving the two devices in a direction away from each other, causing elastic deformation, and then allowing them to return to their original elastic state.

[0108] In this way, in the sound output device 1, the mounting parts 2, 2 can be combined, so that when not in use, the pair of mounting parts 2, 2 can be carried or stored in a combined state, which prevents tangling of the mounting parts 2, 2, which are the parts that are worn on the ears, and the cord 27, and of the cords 27 themselves, when carried or stored, thereby improving usability.

[0109] Moreover, the maximum thickness of the mounting section 2 at a speaker arrangement section 7 which is one end in the longitudinal direction and at a sound output section 8 which is the other end in the longitudinal direction are made greater than the maximum thickness of a middle section 9 .

[0110] Therefore, when the mounting parts 2, 2 are combined, the speaker arrangement parts 7, 7 and the audio output parts 8, 8, which are both ends, can be positioned in a state where they are inserted inside the middle parts 9, 9, and when combined, they are unlikely to come off, allowing the mounting parts 2, 2 to be combined in a stable state.

[0111] On the other hand, in addition to the combination of the two sound output devices 1, 1, it is also possible to attach them to other structures, equipment, etc. and store them therein (see FIG. 12).

[0112] For example, when the sound output device 1 is used in an electronic device 50 such as a mobile phone, the outer periphery 51 of the electronic device 50 can be inserted between the speaker arrangement section 7 and the audio output section 8, and the sound output device 1 can be attached to the electronic device 50 with the outer periphery 51 sandwiched between the speaker arrangement section 7 and the audio output section 8 from both sides, and can be stored. In a state in which the outer periphery 51 is sandwiched between the speaker arrangement section 7 and the audio output section 8 from both sides, an elastic force is applied to the sound output device 1 in a direction in which the speaker arrangement section 7 and the audio output section 8 approach each other, making it difficult for the sound output device 1 to fall off the electronic device 50 due to vibrations, etc.

[0113] Such use (storage) can also be performed when, for example, listening to music is temporarily stopped and the sound output device 1 is removed from the ear 100.

[0114] As described above, the sound output device 1 can be attached to the outer periphery 51 of an electronic device 50, such as a mobile phone, by clamping the outer periphery 51, making it easy to carry and store, and improving usability.

[0115] In addition, when the earphone is carried or stored, entanglement between the attachment part 2, which is the part that is attached to the ear 100, and the cord 27, and between the cords 27 themselves, can be prevented, thereby improving usability.

[0116] <Example> Furthermore, in the audio output devices 1, 1, the internal configurations of the audio output device 1 for the left ear 100 and the audio output device 1 for the right ear 100 may be similar, or the internal configurations of the audio output device 1 for the left ear 100 and the audio output device 1 for the right ear 100 may be different.

[0117] For example, a speaker 3, a battery (not shown), and a relay board (not shown) may be arranged inside the mounting portion 2 of one audio output device 1, and a speaker 3 and a control board (not shown) may be arranged inside the mounting portion 2 of the other audio output device 1.

[0118] The relay board of one sound output device 1 and the control board of the other sound output device 1 are connected by a cord 27. Battery power is supplied to the speaker 3 and relay board of one sound output device 1, and is also supplied from the relay board via the cord 27 to the control board and speaker 3 of the other sound output device 1. In addition, an audio signal received by wireless communication of the communication circuit in the control board is transmitted to the speaker 3 of one sound output device 1 and also to the speaker 3 of the other sound output device 1 via the cord 27 and the relay board. The received audio signal is converted into sound and output from the speakers 3, 3, respectively.

[0119] As described above, the sound output devices 1, 1 can be configured to receive audio signals through wireless communication, which can improve convenience and ease of use.

[0120] The audio output device 1 may be capable of receiving an audio signal from an external device such as a music player via wireless communication, converting the received audio signal and outputting it as audio from the speaker 3, and performing pairing processing such as connection authentication with the music player. The wireless communication for receiving the audio signal may be, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), or a short-distance wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) as wireless communication for pairing processing such as connection authentication.

[0121] Furthermore, in the sound output devices 1, 1, a battery is disposed only in one of the sound output devices 1, so that the sound output devices 1, 1 as a whole can be made lighter in weight and the internal structure can be simplified.

[0122] Furthermore, since the sound output device 1 is lightweight as described above, excessive load is not placed on the ear 100 when the device is worn on the ear 100, and a comfortable wearing condition that does not cause discomfort to the ear 100 can be ensured.

[0123] The battery placed inside the attachment part 2 may be of a disposable type or a rechargeable type. In particular, if the battery is of a disposable type, it is desirable that a part of the attachment part 2 be openable and closable, and that the battery be replaceable. Also, if the battery is of a rechargeable type, a part of the attachment part 2 may be openable and closable, and that the battery be replaceable.

[0124] <This technology> The present technology can be configured as follows.

[0125] (1) The earphone has a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion which are pressed against both sides of the auricle, respectively, and is attached to the ear in a state in which the auricle is sandwiched between the earphone, A pair of the mounting parts is provided, The pair of mounting parts can be combined. Audio output device.

[0126] (2) The mounting portion is formed in a bent shape so that the longitudinal direction is the circumferential direction, A gap is formed between both ends in the longitudinal direction, The mounting portion is elastically deformable in a direction in which both ends in the longitudinal direction move toward and away from each other. The sound output device according to (1) above.

[0127] (3) The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are provided at both ends of the mounting portion, respectively. The sound output device according to (2) above.

[0128] (4) A portion other than the two end portions of the mounting portion is provided as an intermediate portion, The distance between the ends in the longitudinal direction is made smaller than the maximum distance between two points on the inner circumference of the middle portion. The audio output device according to (2) or (3).

[0129] (5) The surfaces of the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are formed into outwardly convex curved surfaces. The sound output device according to any one of (1) to (4).

[0130] (6) A portion other than the two end portions of the mounting portion is provided as an intermediate portion, The maximum thickness of one end portion in the longitudinal direction and the maximum thickness of the other end portion in the longitudinal direction are made larger than the maximum thickness of the intermediate portion. The sound output device according to any one of (2) to (5).

[0131] (7) The mounting portion is configured by connecting a plurality of members, The mounting portion is covered with a cover attached to its outer surface. The sound output device according to any one of (1) to (6).

[0132] (8) The outer surface of the mounting portion is formed into a curved surface. The sound output device according to any one of (1) to (7). [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 100: ear; 101: auricle; 1: sound output device; 2: attachment portion; 3: speaker; 4: housing; 9: intermediate portion; 22: first pressing portion; 23: second pressing portion; 26: cover

Claims

1. The earphone has a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion that are pressed against both sides of an outer periphery of the auricle, and is attached to the ear in a state where the auricle is sandwiched between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion. The mounting portion is formed in a bent shape so that the longitudinal direction is generally in the circumferential direction, The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are provided at both ends of the mounting portion, An opening for audio output is formed on the outer side of the second pressing portion in the circumferential direction, A gap is formed between the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion, The auricle is relatively inserted into the gap, and the mounting part is mounted on the ear. Audio output device.

2. A pair of the mounting parts is provided, The pair of mounting parts can be combined. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

3. The surfaces of the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion are formed into outwardly convex curved surfaces. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

4. A portion other than both ends in the longitudinal direction is provided as an intermediate portion, The maximum thickness of one end portion in the longitudinal direction and the maximum thickness of the other end portion in the longitudinal direction are made larger than the maximum thickness of the intermediate portion. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

5. A portion other than both ends in the longitudinal direction is provided as an intermediate portion, The distance between the ends in the longitudinal direction is made smaller than the maximum distance between two points on the inner circumference of the middle portion. The sound output device according to claim 1 .

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