Ear pads and headphones

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an ear pad and a headphone which can avoid an increase in size while not only preventing the ear pad from being incorrectly disposed but also having excellent attachability. [Solution] This ear pad has a planar surface, is annular when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface, and has an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, the ear pad comprising a first region and a second region. The first region faces the surface and has constant hardness between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge. The second region faces the surface and has hardness, between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge, which is higher than that of the first region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to ear pads and headphones that contact a user's temporal region.

Background Art

[0002] Many headphones are supported on a user's head by ear pads contacting around the user's ears, but ear pads with a contoured shape have also been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses headphones with an inclined ear pad for improving sound quality. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an ear pad for headphones with an inclined ear pad for preventing sound leakage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, ear pads having an inclined structure as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are larger in size than flat ear pads. In particular, in the case of foldable headphones, the presence of the inclined portion makes it easy for the overall size to increase when folded.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present technology is to provide an ear pad and headphones capable of avoiding an increase in size while achieving both prevention of displacement of the ear pad and good wearing comfort.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, an ear pad according to one embodiment of the present technology has a planar surface, is annular when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface, and has an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, and includes a first region and a second region. The first region faces the surface, and the hardness between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge is constant. The second region faces the surface, and the hardness between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge is harder than that of the first region.

[0007] According to this configuration, when the second region contacts the concave region around the ear and the first region contacts the region other than the concave region, the pressing forces on the user's side head from the first region and the second region become approximately the same, and the force received by the side head from the ear pad becomes uniform. Therefore, the ear pad is less likely to shift. In addition, there is no concentration of force such as single-sided contact, and it is possible to avoid discomfort during wearing.

[0008] To achieve the above object, an ear pad according to one embodiment of the present technology has a planar surface, has a center and a periphery when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface, and includes a first region and a second region. The first region faces the surface, and the hardness between the center and the periphery is constant. The second region faces the surface, is adjacent to the periphery, and is harder than the first region.

[0009] The first region and the second region may have a constant thickness from the surface.

[0010] The hardness of the second region may be variable.

[0011] The hardness of the second region may vary depending on its position on the surface.

[0012] The hardness of the second region may be harder at a second position spaced apart from the inner peripheral edge on the surface than at a first position closer to the inner peripheral edge on the surface.

[0013] In the above second region, the hardness at a fourth position spaced apart from the first region on the surface may be harder than the hardness at a third position close to the first region on the surface.

[0014] The first region and the second region may be made of different materials.

[0015] The first region and the second region may have different porosities.

[0016] The ear pad is an around-ear type ear pad, The second region may be disposed at a position where it contacts the region behind the ear of the user's temporal region on the surface.

[0017] The ear pad is an around-ear type ear pad, The second region may be disposed at a position where it contacts the region of the temple of the temporal region on the surface.

[0018] The ear pad is an on-ear type ear pad, The second region may be disposed at a position where it contacts the region in front of the ear of the temporal region on the surface.

[0019] The first region and the second region are adjacent to each other on the surface, The hardness of the first region and the hardness of the second region may gradually change across the boundary between the first region and the second region.

[0020] To achieve the above object, a headphone according to one embodiment of the present technology includes a driver unit, a housing, and an ear pad. The housing houses the driver unit. The ear pad is attached to the housing, has a planar surface, is annular when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface, and has an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge. The ear pad has a first region facing the surface, where the hardness between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge is constant, and a second region facing the surface, where the hardness between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge is harder than that of the first region.

[0021] To achieve the above object, a headset according to one embodiment of the present technology includes a driver unit, a housing, and an ear pad. The housing houses the driver unit. The ear pad is attached to the housing, has a planar surface, and has a center and a periphery when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface. The ear pad has a first region facing the surface, where the hardness between the center and the periphery is constant, and a second region facing the surface, adjacent to the periphery, and harder than the first region.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] (First Embodiment) The headphones according to the first embodiment of the present technology will be described.

[0024] [Structure of Headphones] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the headphones 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the headphones 100 include a headband 101, arms 102, a right unit 103R, and a left unit 103L.

[0025] The headband 101 is a portion supported by the user's head. It can be provided with a slider mechanism (not shown) or the like for adjusting the length of the headband 101. The arms 102 are connected to both ends of the headband 101 and connect the headband 101 to the right unit 103R and the left unit 103L.

[0026] The right unit 103R and the left unit 103L have the same structure. Figure 2 is a side view of the unit 103 that can constitute the right unit 103R and the left unit 103L, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the unit 103. As shown in these figures, the unit 103 includes a driver unit 111, a housing 112, and an ear pad 113.

[0027] The driver unit 111 is a mechanism for generating sound, and its structure is not particularly limited. The housing 112 houses the driver unit 111 and is rotatably connected to the arm 102. The ear pad 113 has elasticity, is attached to the housing 112, and contacts the user's side head. Details of the ear pad 113 will be described later.

[0028] The headphones 100 have the above configuration. The structure of the headphones 100 is not particularly limited, and it may be any one provided with the ear pad 113 described later.

[0029] [Configuration of Ear Pad] The configuration of the ear pad 113 will be described. Figure 4 is a plan view of the ear pad 113, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the unit 103. Note that the illustration of the inside of the housing 112 is omitted in Figure 5 and the following figures.

[0030] In FIG. 5, among the surfaces of the ear pad 113, the surface on the side opposite to the housing 112 is the surface that contacts the user's temporal region. Hereinafter, this surface is referred to as surface 113a. The surface 113a is a planar surface. The ear pad 113 has a certain thickness T from the surface 113a and has an annular shape when viewed from the direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the surface 113a as shown in FIG. 4. The annular shape includes an annular shape, an elliptical annular shape, an oval annular shape, a rectangular annular shape, and the like.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the ear pad 113 and the user's temporal region. As shown in the figure, the ear pad 113 can be an around-ear type ear pad that contacts around the user's ear Y.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the ear pad 113. As shown in the figure, the inner peripheral edge of the ear pad 113 viewed from the Z direction is defined as the inner peripheral edge S1, and the outer peripheral edge of the ear pad 113 viewed from the Z direction is defined as the outer peripheral edge S2.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, the ear pad 113 has a first region 151 and a second region 152. The first region 151 faces the surface 113a and is a region where the hardness between the inner peripheral edge S1 and the outer peripheral edge S2 is constant.

[0034] The second region 152 faces the surface 113a, is arranged adjacent to the first region 151, and is a region where the hardness between the inner peripheral edge S1 and the outer peripheral edge S2 is harder than that of the first region 151. The hardness of the second region 152 may be uniform or may vary within a range harder than the first region 151 as described later. Note that the hardness of the ear pad 113 can be specified by how much it sinks from the surface 113a when pressed by a specific member. For example, it can be said that a region where the depth is the same when the ear pad is pressed by a specific member has a uniform hardness, and a region where the depth is different when the ear pad is pressed by a specific member has a different hardness.

[0035] The first region 151 and the second region 152 are arranged as follows. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the first region 151 and the second region 152, and the second region 152 is shown as a hatched region. As shown in the figure, the second region 152 is arranged to contact the region behind the user's ear Y. The region behind a person's ear is concave due to the shape of the skull, but the second region 152 can be made to contact this concave region. The first region 151 is arranged to contact the region other than the region behind the ear Y among the regions around the user's ear Y.

[0036] Note that FIG. 8 shows the left side of the user's head, but similarly on the right side of the head, the second region 152 contacts the region behind the user's ear Y, and the first region 151 is arranged to contact the other regions.

[0037] [Effects by ear pads] The effects of the ear pad 113 will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the effects of the ear pad 113. In FIG. 9 and the following figures, the deformed ear pad 113 is shown by a solid line, and the undeformed ear pad 113 is shown by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the ear pad 113 is brought into contact with the user's temporal region, first the first region 151 contacts the temporal region. Since the region R behind the ear Y is concave, the second region 152 does not contact the region R at this time.

[0038] After that, when the ear pad 113 is pressed toward the temporal region by adjustment with the headband 101 or the like, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the first region 151 is slightly deformed, and the second region 152 also contacts the region R.

[0039] Furthermore, when the ear pad 113 is pressed toward the temporal region, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the soft first region 151 is greatly deformed. On the other hand, the second region 152, which is harder than the first region 151, is slightly deformed. Here, since the second region 152 is harder than the first region 151, the force received by the temporal region from the second region 152 is about the same as the force received from the first region 152.

[0040] In this way, the force received by the temporal region from the ear pad 113 becomes uniform over the entire area of the surface 113a, making it difficult for the headphones 100 to shift. In addition, since the force applied to the temporal region is uniform, there is no concentration of force such as unilateral contact, and it is possible to avoid discomfort during wearing.

[0041] Furthermore, the effect of the ear pad 113 will be described by comparison with a comparative example. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the force related to the unit 301. The unit 301 includes an ear pad 302, a housing 303, and a headband 303. In the figure, "F" is the frictional force between the ear pad and the temporal region, "μ" is the coefficient of friction of the temporal region surface, "N" is the perpendicular reaction force from the temporal region to the ear pad, "f" is the pressing force of the headband on the ear pad to the temporal region (equal to N), "mg" is the self-weight of the headphones, and "f out " respectively indicates the external force vertically downward applied to the headphones due to walking or the like.

[0042] Here, when the following relationship (Equation 1) holds for the ear pad, there is no shift with respect to the temporal region, and when the following relationship (Equation 2) holds, a shift occurs with respect to the temporal region.

[0043] F = μN = μf > mg + f out (Equation 1) F = μN = μf < mg + f out (Equation 2)

[0044] FIGS. 11 to 13 are schematic diagrams showing the wearing mode of the ear pad according to the comparative example on the user's temporal region.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 11, the unit 311 according to the comparative example includes a housing 312 and an ear pad 313. The ear pad 313 is hard and has a uniform hardness. In the case of this ear pad 313, the ear pad 313 does not contact the region R, and only a part of the ear pad 313 contacts the temporal region.

[0046] As described above, when only a part of the ear pad 313 contacts the temporal region, the frictional force (F) becomes small and the relationship of the above (Equation 2) is established, so the headphones are likely to be displaced. In addition, due to the concentration of force (arrow in the figure) caused by the single contact of the ear pad 313, the discomfort during wearing is great.

[0047] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, a unit 321 according to another comparative example includes a housing 322 and an ear pad 323. The ear pad 323 is soft and has a uniform hardness. In the case of this ear pad 323, the ear pad 323 contacts the region R, but the force (arrow in the figure) applied to the region R is small. Also in this case, the frictional force F becomes small and the relationship of the above (Equation 2) is established, so the headphones are likely to be displaced. In addition, since the ear pad 323 is soft, the force is not transmitted firmly to the region R, and the discomfort during wearing is great due to single contact.

[0048] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, a unit 331 according to another comparative example includes a housing 332 and an ear pad 333. The ear pad 333 does not have a uniform thickness and has a structure in which the surface with the temporal region is inclined. In the case of this ear pad 333, since the ear pad 333 also contacts the region R, the frictional force F becomes large and the relationship of the above (Equation 1) is established, so the headphones are less likely to be displaced. In addition, since the entire region of the ear pad 333 contacts the temporal region and force is uniformly applied to the temporal region, discomfort can also be avoided. However, since the surface of the ear pad 333 is inclined, the size in the folded state during storage becomes large.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the headphones including the unit 331 in a folded state. The unit 331 is connected to a headband (not shown) via an arm 334. As shown in the figure, since the surface of the ear pad 333 is inclined, when the headphones are folded, the unit 331 is in an inclined state, and the size becomes larger than when it is not inclined.

[0050] On the other hand, in the ear pad 113 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the force received by the temporal region from the ear pad 113 becomes uniform over the entire region of the surface 113a, and the frictional force F increases. As a result, the relationship of the above (Equation 1) is satisfied, making it difficult for the headphones to shift and avoiding discomfort during wearing. Furthermore, since the thickness of the ear pad 113 is uniform, it is possible to reduce the size during storage. That is, the ear pad 113 has all the merits of the ear pads according to the above comparative examples while having none of the demerits.

[0051] [Regarding the shape of the ear pad and the arrangement of the first region and the second region] The arrangement of the first region 151 and the second region 152 in the ear pad 113 is not limited to the above. FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams showing other arrangement examples of the first region 151 and the second region 152.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 15, in addition to the region behind the ear Y, the second region 152 may be provided at a position where it contacts the temple region. Since the temple region is also concave like the region behind the ear Y, by providing the second region 152, the force received by the temporal region from the ear pad 113 can be made uniform.

[0053] Note that the second region 152 that contacts the temple region may have the same hardness as the second region 152 that contacts the region behind the ear Y, or may be softer than the second region 152 that contacts the region behind the ear Y and harder than the first region 151. Also, the second region 152 may not be provided at the position where it contacts the region behind the ear Y and may be provided only at the position where it contacts the temple region.

[0054] Also, as shown in FIG. 16, the ear pad 113 is not limited to an around-the-ear type ear pad, and may be an on-ear type ear pad disposed on the user's ear Y. In the case of an on-ear type ear pad, as shown in FIG. 16, the second region 152 can be provided at a position that contacts the region in front of the ear Y. The region in front of the ear Y is concave compared to other regions on the ear, and by providing the second region 152 in this region, the force received by the temporal region from the ear pad 113 can be equalized.

[0055] The shape of the ear pad 113 can also be various annular shapes. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the ear pad 113 having a rectangular annular shape. Also in this ear pad 113, the second region 152 can be arranged to contact the region behind the ear Y or the temple region in the case of an around-the-ear type, and the region in front of the ear in the case of an on-ear type.

[0056] [Regarding the hardness of the first region and the second region] As described above, the second region 152 is a region harder than the first region 151. The second region 152 may have a certain hardness harder than the first region, or the hardness may be variable within a range harder than the first region 151. Specifically, the hardness of the second region 152 can be changed by air pressure, fluid, magnetism, heat, or the like. For example, the second region 152 may be such that gas or liquid is introduced into the bag-shaped portion by a pump to adjust the hardness. Also, the second region 152 may be such that the hardness can be adjusted using magnetorheological fluid, thermoplastic resin, shape memory polymer, or the like.

[0057] The user may adjust the hardness of the second region 152, or the headset 100 may detect the pressing force on the temporal region by the ear pad 113 and make the pressing force uniform. Also, instead of the second region 152, the hardness of the first region 151 may be changed to make the hardness of the second region 152 relatively harder than the first region 151, or the hardness of both the first region 151 and the second region 152 may be changed.

[0058] Further, the hardness of the second region 152 may vary depending on the position on the surface 113a. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the ear pad 113, and FIG. 19 is a graph showing the hardness of the second region 152 on the line A-A′ of FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 19, the second region 152 may gradually become harder from the A side (inner peripheral edge S1 side) toward the A′ side (outer peripheral edge S2 side), that is, it may gradually become harder as it moves away from the inner peripheral edge S1. In other words, the hardness of the second region 152 at a position on the surface 113a that is farther from the inner peripheral edge S1 can be made harder than the hardness at a position on the surface 113a that is closer to the inner peripheral edge S1.

[0059] Since the area behind the ear Y becomes deeper as it moves away from the ear Y, by making the second region 152 harder according to the depth in this way, it is possible to prevent displacement and further improve the wearing comfort. Note that the hardness distribution of the second region 152 may be stepped as shown in FIG. 19, or may be linear or curved.

[0060] Further, FIG. 20 is a graph showing the hardness of the second region 152 on the line B-B′ of FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 20, the second region 152 may gradually become harder from the B side and the B′ side toward the center of the second region 152, that is, it may gradually become harder as it moves away from the first region 151. In other words, the hardness of the second region 152 at a position on the surface 113a that is farther from the first region 151 can be made harder than the hardness at a position on the surface 113a that is closer to the first region 151.

[0061] Since the area behind the ear Y becomes deeper from the forehead toward the back of the head, by making the second region 152 harder according to the depth in this way, it is possible to prevent displacement and further improve the wearing comfort. Note that the hardness distribution of the second region 152 may be stepped as shown in FIG. 20, or may be linear or curved.

[0062] Furthermore, the second region 152 may have only one of the hardness distributions shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, or may have both distributions.

[0063] Also, the hardness of the first region 151 and the second region 152 may gradually change across the boundary between the two regions. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the ear pad 113, and FIG. 22 is a graph showing the hardness of the second region 152 on the C-C' line of FIG. 21. In FIGS. 21 and 22, the boundary between the first region 151 and the second region 152 is shown as boundary K. As shown in FIG. 22, the second region 152 may have the same firmness as the first region 151 in the vicinity of the boundary K, and gradually become harder as it moves away from the boundary K.

[0064] Since the human temporal region has a smooth inclination, by making the hardness of the first region 151 and the second region 152 gradually change, it is possible to avoid local force concentration on the temporal region, and it is possible to prevent displacement and further improve the wearing comfort. Note that the hardness distribution of the second region 152 may be stepped as shown in FIG. 22, or may be linear or curved.

[0065] [Regarding the internal structure of the ear pad] The ear pad 113 may have any configuration that can realize the first region 151 and the second region 152. Specifically, the ear pad 113 can be provided with a first region 151 made of a specific material and a second region 152 made of a material harder than the first region 151. For example, the first region 151 and the second region 152 can be made of a material selected from urethane materials, gel materials, etc.

[0066] Also, the ear pad 113 can be made of the same material but have different porosity. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the first region 151 and the second region 152 with different porosity. As shown in the figure, the first region 151 has a high foaming rate and a soft structure. The second region 152 is made of the same material as the first region 151, but has a low foaming rate and a hard structure.

[0067] The first region 151 and the second region 152 can have different hardnesses by having different foaming rates in the earpad manufacturing process. The first region 151 and the second region 152 can be made of, for example, foamed polyurethane. In addition to this, the first region 151 and the second region 152 can be made of the same material, and by having different densities, crosslinking rates, degrees of polymerization, etc., the second region 152 can be made harder than the first region 151.

[0068] Note that the earpad 113 is not limited to being composed of a single layer between the housing 112 and the surface 113a, and may be composed of a plurality of laminated layers. In this case, for the first region 151 and the second region 152, it is sufficient that the second region 152 is harder than the first region 151 due to at least one of the layers having a different hardness. For example, the earpad 113 may be composed of an elastic member that occupies most of it and a flexible member that covers its surface, and the first region 151 and the second region 152 may be formed due to the different hardnesses of the elastic member.

[0069] (Second Embodiment) The headphones according to the second embodiment of the present technology will be described. The headphones according to this embodiment differ from those of the first embodiment in the configuration of the earpad, and the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0070] [Configuration of Earpad] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the earpad 213 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the earpad 213 has a surface 213a that contacts the user's temporal region. The earpad 213 has a certain thickness from the surface 213a and has a plate-like shape when viewed from a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the surface 213a as shown in FIG. 24. The plate-like shape includes a disc shape, an elliptical plate shape, an oval plate shape, a rectangular plate shape, etc. The earpad 213 can be an on-ear type earpad that contacts the user's ear.

[0071] Also, as shown in FIG. 26, with the center of the ear pad 213 as viewed from the Z direction being the center P and the periphery of the ear pad 213 as viewed from the Z direction being the periphery S. Note that the center P can be the center of gravity assuming that the thickness and density of the ear pad 213 are uniform. As shown in the figure, the ear pad 213 has a first region 251 and a second region 252. The first region 251 is a region that faces the surface 213a and has a certain hardness between the center P and the periphery S.

[0072] The second region 252 can be a region that faces the surface 213a, is arranged adjacent to the periphery S and the first region 251, and is harder than the first region 251. The second region 252 can be arranged so as to contact the region in front of the ear (see FIG. 16). The hardness of the second region 252 may be uniform or may vary within a range harder than the first region 251.

[0073] [Effect of the ear pad] The ear pad 213 has the same effect as the ear pad 113 according to the first embodiment. That is, the second region 252 contacts the concave region in front of the ear, and the first region 251 contacts the non-concave region other than the region in front of the ear. The first region 251 deforms greatly and the second region 252 deforms slightly, but since the second region 252 is harder than the first region 251, the pressing forces by the first region 251 and the second region 252 are about the same.

[0074] Therefore, the force received by the temporal region from the ear pad 213 becomes uniform over the entire region of the surface 213a, and it becomes difficult for the headphones to shift. In addition, since the force applied to the temporal region is uniform, there is no concentration of force such as single-sided contact, and it is possible to avoid discomfort during wearing.

[0075] [Regarding the hardness of the first region and the second region] As described above, the second region 252 is a region harder than the first region 251. Similar to the first embodiment, the hardness can also be made variable by air pressure, fluid, magnetism, heat, or the like. For example, the second region 252 may be such that gas or liquid is caused to flow into the bag-shaped portion by a pump to adjust the hardness. Further, the second region 252 may be such that the hardness can be adjusted using a magnetorheological fluid, a thermoplastic resin, a shape memory polymer, or the like.

[0076] Also, similar to the first embodiment, the hardness of the second region 252 may vary depending on the position on the surface 213a. Specifically, it can be made to gradually become harder as it moves away from the center P. Further, the second region 252 can be made to gradually become harder from the outer periphery of the second region 252 toward the center, that is, to gradually become harder as it moves away from the first region 251. Furthermore, the hardness of the first region 251 and the second region 252 may gradually change across the boundary between the two regions, and the second region 252 may have the same hardness as the first region 251 in the vicinity of the boundary with the first region 251 and gradually become harder as it moves away from the boundary.

[0077] [Regarding the internal structure of the earpad] The earpad 213 may have a configuration capable of realizing the first region 251 and the second region 252. Specifically, the earpad 213 can be provided with a first region 251 made of a specific material and a second region 252 made of a material harder than the first region 251. For example, the first region 251 and the second region 252 can be made of a material selected from urethane materials, gel materials, or the like.

[0078] Also, the earpad 213 can be made of the same material but have different structures. For example, the first region 251 can have a high porosity and a soft structure, and the second region 252 can have a lower porosity and a harder structure than the first region 251. In addition to this, the first region 251 and the second region 252 can be made of the same material, and the second region 252 can be made harder than the first region 251 due to differences in density, foaming ratio, crosslinking ratio, degree of polymerization, or the like.

[0079] Note that the ear pad 213 is not limited to being composed of a single layer between the housing and the surface 213a, and may be composed of a plurality of laminated layers. In this case, for the first region 251 and the second region 252, it is sufficient that at least one of the layers has a different hardness, and the second region 252 is harder than the first region 251. For example, the ear pad 213 may be composed of an elastic member that occupies most of it and a flexible member that covers its surface, and the first region 251 and the second region 252 may be formed due to the different hardness of the elastic member.

[0080] (Application examples of ear pads) The ear pads described in the above first embodiment and second embodiment can be used not only in headphones but also in devices or accessories worn on the user's ears. For example, they can be used as ear pads for earmuffs, helmets, head-mounted displays, etc.

[0081] Note that the present technology can also take the following configurations.

[0082] (1) An ear pad having a planar surface, being annular when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface, and having an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, a first region facing the surface and having a constant hardness between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge, and a second region facing the surface and having a hardness between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge that is harder than the first region and comprising an ear pad. (2) An ear pad having a planar surface and having a center and a periphery when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface, a first region facing the surface and having a constant hardness between the center and the periphery, and a second region facing the surface, adjacent to the periphery, and harder than the first region and comprising an ear pad. (3) The ear pad according to (1) or (2) above, The first region and the second region have a constant thickness from the surface. Ear pad. (4) The ear pad according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the second region has a variable hardness. Ear pad. (5) The ear pad according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the hardness of the second region varies depending on the position on the surface. Ear pad. (6) The ear pad according to (5) above, wherein the hardness of the second region at a second position spaced apart from the inner peripheral edge on the surface is harder than the hardness of the second region at a first position closer to the inner peripheral edge on the surface. Ear pad. (7) The ear pad according to (5) or (6) above, wherein the hardness of the second region at a fourth position spaced apart from the first region on the surface is harder than the hardness of the second region at a third position closer to the first region on the surface. Ear pad. (8) The ear pad according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the first region and the second region are made of different materials. Ear pad. (9) The ear pad according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the first region and the second region have different porosities. Ear pad. (10) The ear pad according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the ear pad is an around-ear type ear pad, The second region is disposed at a position on the surface that contacts the area behind the ear of the user's temporal region on the surface. Ear pad. (11) The ear pad according to any one of (1) to (9) above, The ear pad is an around-ear type ear pad, The second region is disposed at a position on the surface that contacts the area of the user's temporal region on the surface. Ear pad. (12) The ear pad according to any one of (1) to (9) above, The ear pad is an on-ear type ear pad, The second region is disposed at a position on the surface that contacts the area in front of the ear of the user's temporal region on the surface. Ear pad. (13) The ear pad according to any one of (1) to (12) above, The first region and the second region are adjacent to each other on the surface, The hardness of the first region and the hardness of the second region gradually change across the boundary between the first region and the second region. Ear pad. (14) A driver unit, A housing that houses the driver unit, An ear pad that is attached to the housing, has a planar surface, is annular when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface, and has an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, and has a first region facing the surface and having a constant hardness between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge, and a second region facing the surface and having a hardness harder than that of the first region between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge. A headset comprising the above. (15) A driver unit, A housing that houses the driver unit, An ear pad that is attached to the housing, has a planar surface, and has a center and a periphery when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface, the ear pad having a first region facing the surface and having a constant hardness between the center and the periphery, and a second region facing the surface, adjacent to the periphery, and harder than the first region A headset comprising the same.

Explanation of Signs

[0083] 100…Headset 101…Headband 102…Arm 103…Unit 111…Driver unit 112…Housing 113, 213…Ear pad 113a, 213a…Surface 151, 251…First region 152, 252…Second region

Claims

1. An ear pad having a planar surface, which is annular when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface and has an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, a first region facing the surface and having a constant hardness between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge, a second region facing the surface and having a hardness higher than that of the first region between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge and comprising, wherein the first region and the second region have the same thickness, the second region is disposed at a position on the surface that contacts the region behind the user's ear on the side head, and the first region is disposed at a position on the surface that contacts a region other than the region behind the ear, the second region gradually becomes harder from the inner peripheral edge side to the outer peripheral edge side on the surface and gradually becomes harder as it moves away from the first region ear pad.

2. The ear pad according to claim 1, wherein the second region has a variable hardness ear pad.

3. The ear pad according to claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region are made of different materials ear pad.

4. The ear pad according to claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region have different porosities ear pad. ear pad.

5. a driver unit, a housing for accommodating the driver unit, an ear pad attached to the housing, having a planar surface, which is annular when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface and has an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, and having a first region facing the surface and having a constant hardness between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge, and a second region facing the surface and having a hardness higher than that of the first region between the inner peripheral edge and the outer peripheral edge, and comprising, wherein the first region and the second region have the same thickness, the second region is disposed at a position on the surface that contacts the region behind the user's ear on the side head, and the first region is disposed at a position on the surface that contacts a region other than the region behind the ear, the second region gradually becomes harder from the inner peripheral edge side to the outer peripheral edge side on the surface and gradually becomes harder as it moves away from the first region headphone.

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