Earphone

Abstract

Provided is an earphone that can perform acquisition of biological information and voice output in parallel, can suitably exhibit each function, and is worn on the ear with a natural impression. 【Solution means】The earphone 10 is an earphone with a pulse wave sensor that performs voice output by a speaker and acquisition of biological information by a pulse wave sensor in parallel. The earphone 10 has a speaker unit 11, a connection unit 12, and a sensor unit 13. The speaker unit 11 has a speaker 210 and a first contact portion 113 that contacts the auricle. The connection unit 12 is connected to the speaker unit 11 on one end side and has an elastic member that curves in an arcuate shape toward the other end side. The sensor unit 13 is connected to the other end side of the connection unit 12, has a second contact portion 131 that faces the first contact portion 113, and has a pulse wave sensor 220 that contacts the back of the ear at the second contact portion 131.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to earphones.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the development of wearable devices that can be worn on the ear and acquire biological information has been progressing.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrocardiograph in which one electrode is attached to the human ear and the other electrode is attached to the left hand or torso.

[0004] Also, in the device described in Patent Document 2, a housing portion including a light-emitting diode and a photodetector is coupled by a connecting member, attached to the ear of the wearer, and a part of the light emitted by the light-emitting diode passes through the ear and is detected by the photodetector, and the processor calculates the oxygen saturation level based on the detection signal.

[0005] The biological sensor described in Patent Document 3 includes an arm-shaped mounting portion mounted along the outer periphery of the auricle and a capacitance-type biological information detection portion having a detection electrode and a ground electrode, suppresses detachment due to the structure of the mounting portion, and the biological information detection portion easily detects biological information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In relation to the above technology, when a pulse wave sensor for acquiring a user's biological information and a speaker for transmitting sound to the user are separately worn, wearing them across the auricle results in an unnatural visual impression and is not preferable. Further, in a configuration where the speaker and the pulse wave sensor are brought close to each other, there is concern about the influence of the vibration of the speaker on the pulse wave sensor, which leads to restrictions on the placement of the pulse wave sensor and the need for miniaturization. Restrictions on the placement or size of the pulse wave sensor may lead to an increase in cost.

[0008] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an earphone that can concurrently execute acquisition of biological information and sound output, can suitably exhibit each function, and is worn on the ear with a natural impression.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The earphone according to the present disclosure is an earphone with a pulse wave sensor that concurrently performs sound output by a speaker and acquisition of biological information by a pulse wave sensor. The earphone includes a speaker unit, a connection unit, and a sensor unit. The speaker unit includes a speaker and a first contact portion that contacts the auricle. The connection unit is connected to the speaker unit at one end side and has an elastic member that curves in an arcuate shape toward the other end side. The sensor unit is connected to the other end side of the connection unit, has a second contact portion that faces the first contact portion, and has a pulse wave sensor that contacts the back of the ear at the second contact portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to concurrently execute acquisition of biological information and sound output, can suitably exhibit each function, and can provide an earphone that is worn on the ear with a natural impression.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are essential as means for solving the problems. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0013] <Embodiment> The earphone 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an external view of the earphone according to the present disclosure. The earphone 10 is an earphone with a pulse wave sensor that acquires biometric information of a user wearing the earphone 10 and outputs sound. That is, the earphone 10 performs voice output by a speaker and acquisition of biometric information by a pulse wave sensor in parallel. The earphone 10 mainly includes a speaker unit 11, a sensor unit 13, a connection unit 12, and a cable 14.

[0014] For the sake of convenience in explaining the positional relationship of the components, a right-handed orthogonal coordinate system is attached to FIG. 1. Further, in FIGS. 2 and later, when an orthogonal coordinate system is attached, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions in FIG. 1 coincide with the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions of these orthogonal coordinate systems, respectively.

[0015] In addition, the earphone 10 according to the present embodiment will be described as a type that is worn on the user's left ear as a representative example. However, naturally, there may also be a right ear type with a symmetrical shape for the earphone 10. Also, the earphone 10 can be used with only one ear or both ears simultaneously.

[0016] The speaker unit 11 abuts against the auricle in the worn state and transmits sound to the user. The speaker unit 11 mainly includes a diaphragm 110, a side surface portion 111, a ridge line portion 112, a first contact portion 113, and a speaker 210. The speaker unit 11 is connected to the connection portion 12 on one end side of the connection portion 12.

[0017] The diaphragm 110 transmits the vibration of the speaker 210 to the user's auricle. The diaphragm 110 is circular and has a gentle convex shape along the auricle. The speaker 210 is disposed on the back surface of the diaphragm 110. Therefore, the diaphragm 110 can preferably transmit the vibration of the speaker 210 to the auricle in a state of abutting against the user's auricle. The diaphragm 110 is supported by the side surface portion 111 via the ridge line portion 112.

[0018] The side surface portion 111 is a support member that supports the diaphragm 110 via the ridge line portion 112. In the speaker unit 11, the circular diaphragm 110 and the hollow cylindrical side surface portion 111 make the speaker unit 11 exhibit a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0019] The ridge line portion 112 is an annular portion formed in the region of the ridge line connecting the side surface portion 111 and the diaphragm 110. The ridge line portion 112 intervening between the diaphragm 110 and the side surface portion 111 exhibits an annular round shape.

[0020] Among the annular side surface portion 111 and ridge line portion 112, the region facing the second contact portion 131 of the sensor portion 13 is the first contact portion 113. Note that the diaphragm 110, side surface portion 111, and ridge line portion 112 are, for example, integrally formed of ABS resin, polycarbonate resin, or a resin mainly composed of these.

[0021] The first contact portion 113 contacts the auricle during wearing. As described above, the first contact portion 113 is a region facing the second contact portion 131 of the sensor portion 13 among the annular side surface portion 111 and ridge line portion 112. That is, the first contact portion 113 includes at least the ridge line portion 112 or side surface portion 111 interposed between the diaphragm 110 and the side surface portion 111.

[0022] The first contact portion 113 exhibits a convex shape with a smooth three-dimensional curved surface. Thereby, when the speaker portion 11 contacts the user's auricle, the first contact portion 113 secures a contact area with the auricle within a certain range, contributing to an improvement in the holding force of the earphone 10 during wearing. Also, since the first contact portion 113 exhibits a convex shape with a smooth three-dimensional curved surface, when the speaker portion 11 contacts the auricle, the earphone 10 is worn on the auricle without giving the user a sense of discomfort.

[0023] The speaker 210 outputs sound. The speaker 210 according to the present embodiment is a bone conduction speaker. The speaker 210 is disposed inside the side surface portion 111 on the back surface of the diaphragm 110. The speaker 210 transmits its own vibration to the diaphragm 110.

[0024] The connecting portion 12 has an elastic member that is connected to the speaker portion 11 at one end side and is curved in an arcuate shape toward the other end side. The connecting portion 12 mainly includes a cover portion 120, an elastic member 121, and a wire member 122.

[0025] The cover part 120 is a flexible member having a curved tubular shape. The flexible member is, for example, an elastomer. The cover part 120 encloses an elastic member 121 and a wire 122 inside. The elastic member 121 generates a restoring force when the connecting part 12 is deformed. The elastic member 121 is, for example, austenitic stainless steel, piano wire, or a titanium alloy. The wire 122 conducts an electrical signal between the speaker part 11 and the sensor part 13. Note that the elastic member 121 may also conduct an electrical signal. Also, the wire 122 may have elasticity. That is, the elastic member 121 and the wire 122 may be separate bodies or the same thing.

[0026] The sensor part 13 is connected to the other end side of the connecting part 12. The sensor part 13 is located at the user's earlobe in the worn state. The sensor part 13 mainly includes a housing part 130, a second abutting part 131, a control board 200, and a pulse wave sensor 220. The sensor part 13 is connected to a cable 14 on the side opposite to the part connected to the connecting part 12.

[0027] The housing part 130 is a housing that encloses the control board 200 and the pulse wave sensor 220. A second abutting part 131 is formed on the side of the housing part 130 facing the speaker part 11. The second abutting part 131 is a gently crescent-shaped curved surface that abuts along the earlobe. That is, the sensor part 13 has a second abutting part 131 facing the first abutting part 113.

[0028] The second abutting part 131 has a pulse wave sensor 220 at a position facing the first abutting part 113. The pulse wave sensor 220 is a reflection-type pulse wave sensor. The pulse wave sensor is a detector for capturing the volume change of blood vessels generated when the heart pumps blood as a waveform and observing the change. The pulse wave sensor 220 is arranged in a region abutting the earlobe. The pulse wave sensor 220 is located inside a light-transmissive window arranged along the curved surface of the second abutting part 131. The pulse wave sensor 220 has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part inside this window. That is, the sensor part 13 has a pulse wave sensor 220 that abuts the earlobe at the second abutting part 131.

[0029] The control board 200 is equipped with circuits for controlling the speaker 210 and the pulse wave sensor 220. In addition, the control board 200 may have a communication circuit or the like for wirelessly communicating the signals of the speaker 210 or the pulse wave sensor 220 with an external device. The control board 200 is communicably connected to an external device via the cable 14. The cable 14 encloses a cable for communicably connecting the sensor unit 13 and the external device.

[0030] Note that the length of the cable 14 is arbitrary, and a predetermined connector can be connected to the tip of the cable 14. The shape and specifications of the cable 14 beyond the portion indicated by the dashed line shown in FIG. 1 are omitted in the present embodiment. Various specifications that those skilled in the art can assume can be selected as the specifications of the cable 14.

[0031] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the block diagram of the earphone 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the earphone 10 according to the present disclosure. The earphone 10 mainly includes a speaker 210, a pulse wave sensor 220, an audio signal processing unit 230, a sensor signal processing unit 250, and a connector 260.

[0032] The speaker 210 receives an audio signal from the audio signal processing unit 230 and converts the received audio signal into vibrations. The speaker 210 according to the present embodiment is a bone conduction speaker. However, the speaker 210 is not limited to a bone conduction speaker. The speaker 210 may transmit the vibrations generated by itself to the eardrum of the user through the air.

[0033] The pulse wave sensor 220 has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit is, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode). The light receiving unit detects the reflected light of the light emitted by the light emitting unit, converts the detected light into an electrical signal, and transmits it to the sensor signal processing unit 250.

[0034] The audio signal processing unit 230 supplies the audio signal received from the connector 260 to the speaker 210. The sensor signal processing unit 250 supplies current to the light emitting unit of the pulse wave sensor 220, receives the detection signal received from the light receiving unit of the pulse wave sensor 220, and transmits the received detection signal to the connector 260. The connector 260 is an interface that connects to an external device of the earphone 10, receives power supply, and performs the exchange of audio signals and sensor signals.

[0035] Note that the functional configuration of the earphone 10 is not limited to the above. The earphone 10 may not have the connector 260 and may be communicably connected to an external device by wireless communication. In this case, the earphone 10 has a communication function. Also in this case, the earphone 10 further has a battery. The earphone 10 may be one that connects either the audio signal or the sensor signal by wireless communication and connects the other by wired communication. In any case, the earphone 10 performs audio output by the speaker and acquisition of biological information by the pulse wave sensor 220 in parallel.

[0036] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, the configuration of the earphone 10 will be further described. FIG. 3 is a front view of the earphone 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the earphone 10. FIG. 5 is a left side view of the earphone 10. FIG. 6 is a right side view of the earphone 10. FIG. 7 is a top view of the earphone 10. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the wearing state of the earphone 10.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, in the present disclosure, the Z-axis plus direction corresponding to the front of the user in the wearing state is referred to as "front". Similarly, the Z-axis minus direction corresponding to the rear of the user in the wearing state is referred to as "rear". Also, the side facing the head in the left-right direction of the user's head in the wearing state (the X-axis minus side in FIG. 7) is referred to as "inner side". The opposite side of the user's head in the wearing state (the X-axis plus side in FIG. 7) is referred to as "outer side".

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, the shape of the connecting portion 12 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one end of the connecting portion 12 extends from the opposite side (Z-axis positive side) of the first abutting portion 113 in the speaker portion 11 and curves in a semicircular shape. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the connecting portion 12 curves along a predetermined plane (XY plane). The predetermined plane is a plane parallel to the temporal lobe in the mounted state. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, the connecting portion 12 extends along the helix on the back side of the outer ear when worn and is connected to the sensor portion 13 located in the ear back portion. With such a configuration, the earphone 10 can give a natural impression with reduced discomfort to a person who sees the user wearing the earphone 10 in the mounted state.

[0039] Next, the mounted state of the earphone 10 will be described. When mounting the earphone 10, the user deforms the earphone 10 in a direction to separate the speaker portion 11 and the sensor portion 13, arranges the earphone 10 so as to sandwich the auricle between the speaker portion 11 and the sensor portion 13, and releases the speaker portion 11 and the sensor portion 13. Thereby, the connecting portion 12 sandwiches the auricle by the first abutting portion 113 that abuts against the concha and the second abutting portion 131 that abuts against the back of the concha where the first abutting portion 113 abuts, due to the restoring force of the elastic member. Therefore, the connecting portion 12 maintains the mounted state. In other words, in the mounted state, a force that presses backward acts on the speaker portion 11, and a force that presses forward acts on the sensor portion 13. Thereby, the earphone 10 sandwiches the auricle and maintains the mounted state.

[0040] Next, the arrangement of the speaker portion 11 will be described. The speaker portion 11 is a cylindrical bone conduction speaker having a circular diaphragm 110 that transmits the vibration of the speaker 210 and a side surface portion 111 formed around the diaphragm 110 to support the diaphragm 110. In the speaker portion 11, the vibration direction of the diaphragm 110 is inclined in the range of 5 degrees to 45 degrees backward from the head in the mounted state.

[0041] FIG. 7 shows the center line C1 of the speaker 210. The center line C1 coincides with the vibration direction of the speaker 210. The center line C1 is inclined inward and rearward with respect to a straight line L parallel to the X-axis. The angle A1 between the straight line L parallel to the X-axis and the center line C1 is, for example, 20 degrees. The angle A1 is preferably from 15 degrees to 30 degrees. The angle A1 may be in the range of 5 degrees to 45 degrees.

[0042] When observing from above to below with reference to the position of the head in the mounted state, the first contact portion 113 of the speaker unit 11 is located outside and away from the head with respect to the straight line connecting the front and rear ends of the curved portion formed by the connecting portion 12.

[0043] In FIG. 7, the line C2 shown by the dashed-dotted line indicates the plane along the semicircular curved portion formed by the connecting portion 12. In the top view observed from above to below, the connecting portion 12 extends along the line C2. At this time, the first contact portion 113 is located outside the line C2, that is, on the side away from the head. Thereby, when the first contact portion 113 abuts against the auricle in the mounted state, the diaphragm 110 receives a moment from the connecting portion 12 in the direction (i.e., inward) approaching the head with the first contact portion 113 as a fulcrum.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the earphone 10 in the mounted state. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 9 is the cross-section taken along line II-II in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the earphone 10 abuts against the auricle in the first contact region B1, the second contact region B2, and the third contact region B3.

[0045] Among these, the first contact region B1 is a portion behind the concha. In the first contact region B1, the first contact portion 113 of the speaker unit 11 presses the concha backward by the restoring force of the connecting portion 12. At this time, the first contact portion 113 presses the concha in the first direction D1. Note that the first contact portion 113 has a convex shape formed by a three-dimensional curved surface. Therefore, the first contact portion 113 can correspond to the shapes of the conchas of various users.

[0046] The second abutting area B2 is the back ear part corresponding to the back side of the first abutting area B1. In the second abutting area B2, the second abutting portion 131 presses the auricle forward by the restoring force of the connecting portion 12. Further, the second abutting portion 131 includes a pulse wave sensor 220. The pulse wave sensor 220 preferably acquires biological information in a state where the auricle is pressed. Therefore, the pulse wave sensor 220 can acquire biological information in a stable state. Also, on the opposite side of the auricle facing the pulse wave sensor 220, the speaker portion 11 abuts against the concha. Therefore, the pulse wave sensor 220 is configured to be less affected by external light such as sunlight.

[0047] The third abutting area B3 is the inner part of the concha. The diaphragm 110 abuts against the third abutting area B3. At this time, the first abutting portion 113 exists outside the line C2. Therefore, the diaphragm 110 receives a moment from the connecting portion 12 with the first abutting portion 113 as a fulcrum. The direction of this moment is a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1 and is the second direction D2 toward the inside. Thus, the diaphragm 110 preferably abuts against the concha and transmits the vibration of the speaker 210 to the user.

[0048] Next, the force with which the diaphragm 110 presses the concha in the worn state will be further described. FIG. 6 shows the back ear abutting portion 132. The back ear abutting portion 132 is a ridge line portion formed along the plus side of the Z axis and the plus side of the X axis from the other end side of the connecting portion 12 to the vicinity of the connection portion between the sensor portion 13 and the cable 14. The back ear abutting portion 132 includes a ridge line portion formed between the housing portion 130 located on the side far from the head of the second abutting portion 131 and the second abutting portion 131 in the worn state. The back ear abutting portion 132 abuts against at least a part of the back ear in the worn state.

[0049] FIG. 8 shows the back ear abutting portion 132 by a broken line. In the worn state, at least a part of the back ear abutting portion 132 abuts against the back ear. As a result, the earphone 10 is pressed inward toward the head (that is, the minus side of the X axis in the present embodiment).

[0050] Arrow D3 in Fig. 9 indicates the force received by the earphone 10 from the concha. The ear-contact portion 132 of the earphone 10 receives a force directed inward. The force received by the ear-contact portion 132 is transmitted to the speaker portion 11 via the connection portion 12. As a result, the speaker portion 11 comes into contact with the concha. Therefore, in addition to the component force (the force in the second direction D2) of the force by which the connection portion 12 clamps the first contact portion 113 and the second contact portion 131, the earphone 10 causes the diaphragm 110 to suitably contact the concha by the inward force (the force of arrow D3) received by the ear-contact portion 132 from the concha. Thereby, the earphone 10 can transmit the vibration of the speaker 210 to the user.

[0051] The embodiments have been described above. With the above-described configuration, the earphone 10 suitably holds the auricle, and the pulse wave sensor 220 disposed on the second contact portion 131 suitably acquires biological information. Further, in the speaker portion 11, the first contact portion 113 clamps the auricle together with the second contact portion 131, and the diaphragm 110 suitably contacts the concha to transmit the vibration of the speaker 210 to the user. With such a configuration, the pulse wave sensor 220 is hardly affected by the vibration of the speaker 210 and is not subject to size constraints. Thereby, the earphone 10 can suitably acquire biological information while suppressing an increase in cost. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to concurrently execute acquisition of biological information and audio output, each function can be suitably exhibited, and an earphone that is worn on the ear with a natural impression can be provided.

[0052] Note that the embodiments are not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the earphone 10 may be used for only one ear or may be used for both ears. Further, when the earphone 10 is used for both ears, the pulse wave sensor 220 may be disposed on only one side or may be disposed on both sides. The speaker 210 included in the speaker portion 11 may have an acoustic duct that transmits sound waves to the external auditory canal instead of a bone conduction speaker.

[0053] The present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure. And each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0054] Each drawing is merely an illustration for explaining one or more embodiments. Each drawing is not associated with only one specific embodiment, but may be associated with one or more other embodiments. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, various features described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with the features shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. Not all of the features shown in any one drawing for explaining exemplary embodiments are necessarily essential, and some features may be omitted.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0055] 10 Earphone 11 Speaker unit 12 Connection part 13 Sensor part 14 Cable 110 Diaphragm 111 Side surface part 112 Ridge line part 113 First contact part 120 Cover part 121 Elastic member 122 Wire 130 Housing part 131 Second contact part 132 Ear back contact part 200 Control board 210 Speaker 220 Pulse sensor 230 Audio signal processing unit 250 Sensor signal processing unit 260 Connector A1 Angle B1 First contact area B2 Second contact area B3 Third receiving area C1 Center line C2 Line D1 First direction D2 Second direction

Claims

1. An earphone with a pulse wave sensor that outputs audio through a speaker and acquires biological information through a pulse wave sensor in parallel, a speaker unit having a speaker and a first contact portion that contacts the auricle; a connecting portion having an elastic member that is connected to the speaker portion at one end and curved in a bow shape toward the other end; a sensor unit having a second contact portion connected to the other end side of the connection portion and facing the first contact portion, the sensor unit having a pulse wave sensor that contacts the back of the ear at the second contact portion, The connecting portion maintains the attached state by sandwiching the auricle between the first contact portion that contacts the concha and the second contact portion that contacts the back-of-the-ear portion behind the concha with which the first contact portion contacts, due to the restoring force of the elastic member when the connecting portion is attached. Earphones.

2. The connection portion extends from the opposite side of the first contact portion of the speaker portion and curves in a semicircular shape, so that when the connection portion is worn, the connection portion extends along the helix behind the outer ear and connects to the sensor portion. The earphone according to claim 1 .

3. When observed from above to below with respect to the position of the head in a worn state as a reference, the first contact portion of the speaker portion is located outside and away from the head relative to a straight line connecting the front and rear ends of the curved portion formed by the connection portion. The earphone according to claim 2.

4. the speaker unit is a cylindrical bone conduction speaker having a circular diaphragm for transmitting vibrations of the speaker and a side surface portion formed around the diaphragm for supporting the diaphragm, The first contact portion includes at least a ridge portion or the side surface portion interposed between the vibration plate and the side surface portion. The earphone according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The speaker unit has a vibration direction of the diaphragm tilted backward at an angle of 5 degrees to 45 degrees with respect to the left-right direction of the head when the headset is worn. The earphone according to claim 4.

Images