Speech aids

Abstract

A speaking assistance device according to the present invention comprises: a mounted body mounted inside the oral cavity of a person and having an opposing part opposing the palate of the person; a vibrating plate provided on the opposing part and capable of outputting, as an original sound, a sound recorded by a device having a sound recording function; and a passage provided in the opposing part to convey, to a rearward side in the oral cavity, the original sound output from the vibrating plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a voice assistance device.

Background Art

[0002] Examples of voice assistance devices include voice assistance devices such as artificial larynxes disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-501950, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-192851, Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-24688, and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0034395.

[0003] The artificial larynx disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-501950 includes a first unit that is attached in the mouth and has a denture, a loudspeaker, a power amplifier, a built-in power source, and a wireless receiver, and a second unit that is held in the hand and has an input control device, a built-in power source, an electronic circuit that allows the user to modify the frequency and volume generated by the unit in the mouth, and a transmitter.

[0004] The voice assistance device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-192851 includes a speaker, a housing that transmits the sound generated by the speaker to a person's nostrils, a sound generator that generates a sound including a frequency component that resonates in the person's oral cavity for the speaker, and a switch that switches whether or not the sound generator generates a sound for the speaker.

[0005] The electric artificial larynx disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-24688 includes a biological information detection means for detecting biological information, and a control means for controlling the fundamental frequency and volume of a substitute sound source output from an acoustic transducer according to the biological information detected by the biological information detection means.

[0006] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0034395 discloses an artificial larynx device in which a speaker is disposed at the center of the palate.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] For example, when making a plosive sound by releasing the tongue from the palate, if the original sound that is the source of the sound is made in front of the position where the tongue comes into contact with and separates from the palate, it is difficult to make the plosive sound because the original sound cannot be blocked. Therefore, it is desirable for the original sound to be made in the rear part of the oral cavity.

[0008] In consideration of the above, the present disclosure aims to provide a speech assistance device that can produce original sounds at the rear side of the oral cavity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The speech assistance device disclosed herein comprises a mounting body that is fitted into a person's oral cavity and has an opposing part that faces the roof of the mouth of the person, a diaphragm that is provided in the opposing part and is capable of outputting a sound recorded by a device having a recording function as an original sound, and a passage that is provided in the opposing part and transmits the original sound output from the diaphragm to the rear side of the oral cavity.

[0010] The speech assistance device disclosed herein comprises a mounting body that is fitted into a person's oral cavity and has an opposing part that faces the palate of the person and is movable in an up and down direction with its front side as a fulcrum, and a diaphragm that is provided on the opposing part and is capable of outputting, as original sound, a sound recorded by a device having a recording function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As described above, the speech assistance device of the present disclosure has the excellent effect of being able to produce original sound at the rear side of the oral cavity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] <First Embodiment> The configuration of the voice assistance device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the voice assistance device 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0015] The voice assistance device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that assists a person's voice. Specifically, the voice assistance device 10 generates a primary sound inside a person's oral cavity. As a result, the primary sound generated inside the oral cavity is articulated into a speech sound (that is, a consonant and a vowel) by articulatory organs such as the lips and tongue, thereby enabling voice production. In this specification, the "primary sound" refers to the sound that is the source of voice production.

[0016] The voice assistance device 10 is used, for example, by those who have had their larynx removed due to illness or the like, and those who have had their trachea incised due to the use of a ventilator or the like. Note that the voice assistance device 10 may be used as a device that can change the voice to speak (i.e., a voice changer), and an instrument similar to a talking modulator. Therefore, the voice assistance device 10 may be used by healthy individuals.

[0017] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the voice assistance device 10 includes an internal device 20 and an external device 50. Hereinafter, the specific configurations of the internal device 20 and the external device 50 will be described.

[0018] <Internal device 20> The internal device 20 is a device that is worn inside a person's oral cavity. Therefore, the internal device 20 can also be said to be a wearing device. Hereinafter, the person on whom the internal device 20 is worn may be referred to as the wearer 90. As shown in FIG. 1, the internal device 20 includes a mouthpiece 22, a speaker 24, a power source 26, and a communication unit 28.

[0019] <Mouthpiece 22> The mouthpiece 22 is a member that is worn inside the oral cavity of the wearer 90 and is an example of a wearing body. This mouthpiece 22 is worn in a predetermined orientation with respect to the oral cavity of the wearer 90. Further, the mouthpiece 22 is worn at a predetermined position inside the oral cavity of the wearer 90. Specifically, the mouthpiece 22 has a mounting portion 22A that is mounted on the upper dental arch 92 of the wearer 90 and a mounting portion 22B that faces the palate 94. The mounting portion 22B is an example of a facing portion.

[0020] The mounting part 22A is formed in a U shape that opens at the rear side in the wearer 90's oral cavity when viewed from the bottom. Note that the bottom view in this specification refers to the case of viewing from the lower side to the upper side in the state where the mouthpiece 22 is mounted in the wearer 90's oral cavity (hereinafter referred to as "the mounted state of the mouthpiece 22"). The mounting part 22A is mounted on the tooth row 92 so as to cover the outer peripheral surface, inner peripheral surface, and occlusal surface of the tooth row 92. Note that the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction in the following description are the directions in the oral cavity in the mounted state of the mouthpiece 22.

[0021] The attachment part 22B is arranged along the palate 94 and is connected to the upper end of the mounting part 22A on the inner peripheral side of the mounting part 22A. The attachment part 22B is a part to which components such as the speaker 24 are attached. It can also be said that the mounting part 22A has a function of holding the state where the attachment part 22B is arranged on the palate 94. Note that the attachment part 22B may be arranged so as to face the palate 94, and does not necessarily need to be in contact with the palate 94, and may have a gap with respect to the palate 94.

[0022] As the material of the mouthpiece 22, for example, resin materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, and polyethylene (PE) are used. Note that the material of the mouthpiece 22 is not limited to the aforementioned materials, and various materials can be used. The mouthpiece 22 may be a mouthpiece adapted to the tooth shape of the wearer 90, or may be a general-purpose mouthpiece with a fixed shape.

[0023] Note that as an example of the wearing body, the attachment part 22B may be arranged so as to face the palate 94. Therefore, the mounting part 22A does not necessarily need to be mounted on all the teeth in the tooth row 92, and may be configured to be mounted on some teeth (for example, a plurality of teeth on the rear side) in the tooth row 92.

[0024] <Speaker 24> The speaker 24 is a device that converts an electrical signal (i.e., electrical vibration) into sound (i.e., physical vibration). The speaker 24 has a case 24A, a diaphragm 24B, a passage 24C, and an amplifier (not shown). This speaker 24 (specifically, the case 24A) is attached to the attachment portion 22B of the mouthpiece 22. As a result, each part of the speaker 24 (specifically, the diaphragm 24B, the passage 24C, and the amplifier (not shown)) is provided on the attachment portion 22B.

[0025] The case 24A is formed in a flat shape that is thin in the vertical direction and has an extension in the left - right direction and the front - rear direction. That is, the case 24A is formed in a plate shape with the vertical direction as the thickness direction.

[0026] The diaphragm 24B is housed inside the case 24A. This diaphragm 24B converts an electrical signal into sound and outputs the original sound. At the rear end of the case 24A, an emission port 24D for emitting the original sound is formed.

[0027] The passage 24C is formed inside the case 24A. Specifically, the passage 24C is formed by being surrounded by the case 24A in the vertical and horizontal directions inside the oral cavity. That is, the case 24A has an upper wall, a lower wall, a left wall, and a right wall that form the passage 24C. This passage 24C extends from the diaphragm 24B to the rear side inside the oral cavity. And the passage 24C transmits the original sound output from the diaphragm 24B to the rear side inside the oral cavity. Further, the passage 24C has an emission port 24D formed at the rear end of the case 24A. The passage 24C emits the original sound transmitted to the rear side inside the oral cavity from the emission port 24D.

[0028] In the speaker 24, after the electrical signal received by the communication unit 28 is amplified by an amplifier (not shown), the diaphragm 24B converts the electrical signal into the original sound, and the passage 24C emits the original sound to the rear side inside the oral cavity through the emission port 24D.

[0029] The size of the speaker 24 (specifically, the case 24A) in a bottom view is at least smaller than the size of the mounting portion 22B in a bottom view. Specifically, the speaker 24 (specifically, the case 24A) is at least narrower in the left-right width than the left-right width of the mounting portion 22B. In other words, the speaker 24 (specifically, the case 24A) is at least narrower in the left-right width than the left-right interval between the left and right rearmost teeth 92A of the wearer 90. Note that the rearmost teeth 92A are the teeth arranged most rearward in the tooth row 92. In the example of the present embodiment, the rearmost teeth 92A are the second molars. Also, in the present embodiment, the length of the speaker 24 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the mounting portion 22B in the front-rear direction.

[0030] The speaker 24 (specifically, the case 24A) is attached to the attachment portion 22B such that the emission port 24D is disposed on the rear side in the oral cavity of the wearer 90 in the mounted state of the mouthpiece 22 (see FIG. 2).

[0031] In the present embodiment, the emission port 24D is disposed at a position rearward from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A of the wearer 90. That is, the speaker 24 (specifically, the case 24A) is attached to the attachment portion 22B such that the emission port 24D is disposed at a position rearward from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A of the wearer 90 in the mounted state of the mouthpiece 22 (see FIG. 2). The position rearward from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A includes the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A and a position rearward from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A (that is, the soft palate 94B existing behind the hard palate 94A). In the present embodiment, specifically, the emission port 24D is disposed at a position rearward from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A.

[0032] Furthermore, the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rearmost tooth 92A of the wearer 90. That is, the speaker 24 (specifically, the case 24A) is attached to the attachment portion 22B such that the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rearmost tooth 92A of the wearer 90 in the state where the mouthpiece 22 is worn (see FIG. 1). The position on the rear side from the rearmost tooth 92A is a position including the rearmost tooth 92A and a position on the rear side from the rearmost tooth 92A. For the wearer 90 without the second molar, the speaker 24 is attached to the attachment portion 22B such that the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the position where the second molar is disposed when the second molar exists.

[0033] Furthermore, the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the contact position where the tongue contacts the palate 94 when the wearer 90 makes the sound of the consonant [k]. That is, the speaker 24 (specifically, the case 24A) is attached to the attachment portion 22B such that the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the contact position where the tongue contacts the palate 94 when the wearer 90 makes the sound of the consonant [k] in the state where the mouthpiece 22 is worn. The position on the rear side from the contact position is a position including the contact position and a position on the rear side from the contact position.

[0034] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion of the attachment portion 22B. That is, the speaker 24 (specifically, the case 24A) is attached to the attachment portion 22B such that the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion of the attachment portion 22B in the state where the mouthpiece 22 is worn (see FIG. 1). The position on the rear side from the rear end portion of the attachment portion 22B is a position including the rear end portion of the attachment portion 22B and a position on the rear side from the rear end portion of the attachment portion 22B.

[0035] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the case 24A protrudes rearward from the attachment portion 22B. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the emission port 24D formed in the case 24A is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion of the attachment portion 22B.

[0036] The protruding portion of the case 24A toward the rear side is made non - contact with the lid 94. That is, the case 24A is attached to the attachment portion 22B such that the protruding portion is non - contact with the lid 94.

[0037] Note that the entire case 24A including the protruding portion protruding rearward from the attachment portion 22B is non - contact with the lid 94. The speaker 24 is desirably arranged as far as possible on the rear side in the oral cavity of the wearer 90 within a range where no choking reflection occurs in the state where the mouthpiece 22 is worn. The choking reflection is a reflex reaction caused by the stimulation of each part in the oral cavity, and is a reflex reaction such as gagging (that is, causing nausea).

[0038] Note that the position of the hard palate 94A, the position of the rearmost tooth 92A, the position where the tongue touches the palate 94 when pronouncing the consonant [k], and the position where the choking reflection occurs, etc. have individual differences. Therefore, for example, the position of the sound outlet 24D etc. is adjusted according to each individual wearer 90, and the speaker 24 (specifically, the case 24A) is attached to the mouthpiece 22.

[0039] A plurality of speakers 24 may be provided on the attachment portion 22B. Thereby, the sound range in which voice can be generated can be expanded. Also, the speaker 24 may have a plurality of diaphragms 24B. Thereby, the sound range in which voice can be generated can be expanded.

[0040] <Power supply 26> The power supply 26 is a power supply for driving the speaker 24 (specifically, the aforementioned amplifier etc.). As the power supply 26, a small rechargeable battery etc. is used. The power supply 26 is attached to the attachment portion 22B together with the speaker 24. The power supply 26 is arranged at a position close to the speaker 24 (for example, an adjacent position).

[0041] <Communication unit 28> The communication unit 28 is a component for communicating with the external device 50. In this embodiment, the communication unit 28 receives, via wireless communication means, an electrical signal that is converted into sound by the speaker 24. One example of the wireless communication means is a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 28 is attached to the attachment portion 22B together with the power supply 26 and the speaker 24. The communication unit 28 is disposed in a position close to (for example, adjacent to) the speaker 24.

[0042] The communication unit 28, the power supply 26, and the amplifier in the speaker 24 may be located outside the oral cavity. For example, the components of the communication unit 28, the power supply 26, and the amplifier are housed in a case. The case may be configured as an ear-hook type that can be hung on the ear. In this case, the wiring connecting the components housed in the case to the speaker 24 in the oral cavity is, for example, arranged from the case through the ear and cheek and into the oral cavity through the corners of the mouth. Furthermore, the wiring arranged into the oral cavity through the corners of the mouth is, for example, arranged posteriorly outside the tooth row 92, folded back in a U-shape at the rearmost tooth 92A, and connected to the speaker 24.

[0043] Furthermore, the internal device 20 and the external device 50 may be connected by a wire. In this configuration, for example, the electric wire can be used to communicate an electric signal converted into sound by the speaker 24 and to supply power. In this configuration, the communication unit 28 is not necessary, and the power supply 26 is provided in the external device 50, for example.

[0044] <Modifications of the Wearable Body> An example of the wearing body may be the wearing body 122 shown in Fig. 3. The wearing body 122 has a wearing part 122A that is attached to the upper dentition 92 of the wearer 90, and an attachment part 122B that is placed on the palate 94. The dotted part in Fig. 3 corresponds to the attachment part 122B.

[0045] The attachment part 122B is the part to which components such as the speaker 24 are attached. As the material of this attachment part 122B, for example, resin materials such as polymethyl methacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, and polyethylene (PE) are used. Note that the material of the attachment part 122B is not limited to the aforementioned materials, and various materials can be used.

[0046] The mounting part 122A is composed of a plurality of metal wires, and one end side is fixed to the attachment part 122B. The other end side of the mounting part 122A is engaged with at least a part of the upper dental arch 92 of the wearer 90, whereby the mounting part 122A is mounted. Thereby, the attachment part 122B is held in a state of being disposed on the palate 94. As the material of the metal wire constituting the mounting part 122A, gold, silver, platinum, titanium, palladium, and their alloys, etc., or cobalt chromium and other wires are used.

[0047] Note that the wearing body 122 may not have the mounting part 122A and may be composed only of the attachment part 122B. In this case, the attachment part 122B is mechanically mounted and held in the oral cavity by being mounted in the oral cavity by its own adhesive force or the like, or in a form that covers the dental arch with a resin material.

[0048] Furthermore, when the wearer 90 is using dentures, the dentures themselves may be used as the wearing body.

[0049] <External device 50> The external device 50 is a device disposed outside the oral cavity of the wearer 90. The external device 50 is also a device operated by the wearer 90. The external device 50 is an example of a "device having a recording function". Specifically, the external device 50 is composed of a smartphone. Note that the external device 50 may be a tablet terminal or the like. Also, the external device 50 may be a dedicated device, and various devices can be used. The external device 50 and the voice assistance device 10 may be configured as separate devices.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the external device 50 has a housing 52 and an operation panel 54. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the external device 50 has a microphone 56 and a control unit 60.

[0051] <Housing 52> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the housing 52 is a box (casing) that houses components such as the control unit 60. The housing 52 is formed in a panel shape (i.e., a plate shape).

[0052] <Operation panel 54> The operation panel 54 is an operation unit for the wearer 90 to operate. The operation panel 54 is provided on one surface of the housing 52. Specifically, the operation panel 54 is composed of a touch panel type display. At least an output instruction to output sound from the speaker 24 and a stop instruction to stop the sound output of the speaker 24 can be given on the operation panel 54.

[0053] <Microphone 56> The microphone 56 is a device that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone 56 is used when recording the sound output by the speaker 24. The sound recorded by the microphone 56 is converted into an electrical signal, and the information of this electrical signal is recorded in a storage 63 of the control unit 60 described later. When recording the voice of the wearer 90, it is desirable to place the microphone 56 at the position where the speaker 24 (specifically, the outlet 24D) is arranged for recording. Thereby, the reproducibility of the voice can be enhanced. The voice of the wearer 90 to be recorded is, for example, the sound of "a".

[0054] <Control unit 60> The control unit 60 is a unit (i.e., a control unit) that controls each part of the external device 50 and the speaker 24. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 60 is composed of a computer having a processor 61, a memory 62, a storage 63, and a communication interface 64.

[0055] The communication interface 64 is an interface (i.e., a communication unit) for communicating with the internal device 20. In the present embodiment, the communication interface 64 transmits, by means of wireless communication, an electrical signal converted into sound by the speaker 24 to the communication unit 28. As an example of the wireless communication means, a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used.

[0056] Specifically, the processor 61 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is a central processing unit. The storage 63 stores various programs including a control program 63A (see FIG. 5) and various data. Specifically, the storage 63 is realized by a recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a flash memory.

[0057] The memory 62 is a work area for the processor 61 to execute various programs, and temporarily records various programs or various data when the processor 61 executes processing. The processor 61 reads various programs including the control program 63A from the storage 63 into the memory 62, and executes the programs using the memory 62 as a work area.

[0058] In the control unit 60, the processor 61 realizes various functions by executing the control program 63A. Hereinafter, the functional configuration realized by the cooperation of the processor 61 as a hardware resource and the control program 63A as a software resource will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the processor 61, and mainly shows a functional configuration for realizing the control of the operation panel 54.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, in the control unit 60, the processor 61 functions as an acquisition unit 61A and an output control unit 61B by executing the control program 63A.

[0060] The acquisition unit 61A acquires the instructions operationally input to the operation panel 54. The instructions include at least an output instruction to output sound from the speaker 24 and a stop instruction to stop the sound output of the speaker 24.

[0061] When the acquisition unit 61A acquires an output instruction to output sound from the speaker 24, the output control unit 61B causes the sound recorded by the microphone 56 to be output to the speaker 24. Specifically, when the acquisition unit 61A acquires the output instruction, the output control unit 61B reads out the information of the electrical signal of the sound recorded by the microphone 56 from the storage 63, and transmits the electrical signal to the communication unit 28 of the internal device 20 through the communication interface 64. The speaker 24 converts the electrical signal received by the communication unit 28 into sound and outputs the sound.

[0062] When the acquisition unit 61A acquires a stop instruction to stop the sound output of the speaker 24, the output control unit 61B stops the sound output from the speaker 24. Specifically, when the acquisition unit 61A acquires the stop instruction, the output control unit 61B stops transmitting the electrical signal to the communication unit 28 of the internal device 20 through the communication interface 64.

[0063] Note that by controlling the frequency of the electrical signal of the recorded sound, a configuration may be adopted in which sound processed with intonation or pitch difference is output from the speaker 24. For example, when an instruction operation to output sound with intonation from the speaker 24 is performed on the operation panel 54 and the acquisition unit 61A acquires the instruction, the output control unit 61B causes the sound with intonation to be output from the speaker 24. Note that as the intonation, for example, the intonation when speaking an interrogative sentence can be considered.

[0064] <Operation and Effect of the Voice Assist Device 10> Next, the operation and effect of the voice assist device 10 will be described.

[0065] In the configuration of the speech assistance device 10, a mouthpiece 22 is fitted into the oral cavity of a wearer 90. A speaker 24 attached to the mouthpiece 22 is positioned along the person's palate 94 when the mouthpiece 22 is fitted into the oral cavity. The speaker 24 is capable of outputting a sound recorded by an external device 50 with a recording function as an original sound. As a result, the original sound output from the speaker is articulated into speech sounds (consonants and vowels) by articulatory organs such as the lips and tongue, thereby producing speech. In this way, in the speech assistance device 10, the internal device 20 is placed inside the oral cavity and is therefore not visible from the surroundings. This does not impair the appearance.

[0066] Here, the speaker 24 is capable of outputting a sound recorded by the external device 50 as the original sound, which increases the degree of freedom in selecting a sound that can be used as the original sound. For example, by recording the wearer 90's own voice using the external device 50, it becomes possible to use the wearer's 90's own voice as the original sound. Note that if the wearer 90 is to have their larynx, including their vocal cords, removed through surgery or the like, it becomes possible to use the wearer's 90's own voice as the original sound by recording their own voice before the surgery. Note that the speech assistance device 10 may be configured to selectively use, in addition to recorded sounds, artificial sounds pre-recorded on a chip or the like as the original sound.

[0067] In this embodiment, the passage 24C transmits the original sound output from the diaphragm 24B to the rear of the oral cavity. This allows the original sound to be heard at the rear of the oral cavity. As a result, when uttering a plosive sound made by releasing the tongue from contact with the palate, the original sound is more easily blocked, making it easier to utter the plosive sound.

[0068] In this embodiment, the passage 24C transmits the original sound to the rear side of the oral cavity and outputs it from the outlet 24D formed at the rear end of the case 24A. This allows the original sound to be emitted at the rear side of the oral cavity. As a result, when uttering a plosive sound made by releasing the tongue from contact with the palate, the original sound is more easily blocked, making it easier to utter the plosive sound.

[0069] In addition, in the present embodiment, the emission port 24D that emits the original sound is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A of the wearer 90.

[0070] Here, in a configuration (hereinafter referred to as "first configuration") in which the emission port 24D of the speaker 24 is disposed at a position on the front side from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A of the wearer 90, for example, when making a popping sound created by separating the tongue that has been in contact with the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A, the original sound rings in front of the position where the tongue approaches and separates from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A, and thus the original sound cannot be blocked. Therefore, it is difficult to make the popping sound.

[0071] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A of the wearer 90, when making the popping sound, the original sound rings on the rear side from the position where the tongue approaches and separates from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A. Therefore, it becomes possible to articulate the popping sound with the tongue. For this reason, compared with the first configuration, it becomes possible to make a better popping sound.

[0072] In addition, in the present embodiment, the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the contact position where the tongue contacts the palate 94 when the wearer 90 makes the sound of the consonant [k].

[0073] Here, in a configuration (hereinafter referred to as "second configuration") in which the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the front side from the contact position where the tongue contacts the palate 94 when the wearer 90 makes the sound of the consonant [k], when making the consonant [k], the original sound rings in front of the position where the tongue approaches and separates from the palate 94, and thus the original sound cannot be blocked. Therefore, it is difficult to make the consonant sound.

[0074] In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, the emission port 24D of the speaker 24 is disposed at a position on the rear side from the contact position where the tongue contacts the palate 94 when the wearer 90 makes the consonant sound [k] in the mounted state of the mouthpiece 22. Therefore, when making the consonant sound [k], since the original sound rings on the rear side from the position where the tongue contacts and separates from the palate 94, the tongue can articulate the plosive sound. For this reason, compared with the second configuration, a better pronunciation of the consonant sound [k] is possible.

[0075] Also, in the present embodiment, the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rearmost tooth 92A of the wearer 90.

[0076] Here, in a configuration where the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the front side from the rearmost tooth 92A of the wearer 90 (hereinafter referred to as "third configuration"), for example, when pronouncing the plosive sound created by separating the tongue that contacts the palate 94 adjacent to the rearmost tooth 92A, the original sound rings in front of the position where the tongue contacts and separates from the palate 94, and the original sound cannot be blocked. Therefore, it is difficult to pronounce the plosive sound.

[0077] In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rearmost tooth 92A of the wearer 90, when pronouncing the plosive sound, the original sound rings further to the rear. Therefore, the tongue can articulate the plosive sound. For this reason, compared with the third configuration, a better pronunciation of the consonant sound is possible.

[0078] Also, in the present embodiment, the emission port 24D is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion of the attachment portion 22B. For this reason, the emission port 24D can be disposed at a more rear side in the oral cavity.

[0079] Also, in the present embodiment, the case 24A of the speaker 24 protrudes to the rear side with respect to the attachment portion 22B. For this reason, the emission port 24D can be disposed at a more rear side in the oral cavity.

[0080] Here, when the emission port 24D is disposed on the more rearward side within the oral cavity, a new problem may arise in that the protruding portion of the case 24A in which the emission port 24D is formed may come into contact with the palate 94, making it easy for a gag reflex to occur. In contrast, in the present embodiment, since the case 24A including the protruding portion is non-contact with respect to the palate 94, a gag reflex is less likely to occur.

[0081] <Second Embodiment> The voice assistance device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIGS. 6 and 7 show schematic views of the voice assistance device 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0082] The voice assistance device 200 is a device in which the configuration and arrangement position of the speaker 24 and the configuration of the attachment portion 22B of the mouthpiece 22 are changed with respect to the voice assistance device 10 of the first embodiment. Note that parts having the same configuration as those of the voice assistance device 10 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6, the voice assistance device 200 includes an internal device 220 and an external device 50. The internal device 220 includes a mouthpiece 222, a speaker 224, a power supply 26, and a communication unit 28.

[0084] <Mouthpiece 222> The mouthpiece 222 has a mounting portion 22A and an attachment portion 222B facing the palate 94. The attachment portion 222B is an example of a facing portion. The mouthpiece 222 is configured in the same manner as the mouthpiece 22, except that the shape of the attachment portion 222B is different from that of the attachment portion 22B of the mouthpiece 22 of the first embodiment. The specific configuration of the attachment portion 222B will be described later.

[0085] <Speaker 224> The speaker 224 is a device that converts an electrical signal (i.e., an electrical vibration) into a sound (i.e., a physical vibration). As shown in FIG. 7, the speaker 224 includes a case 224A, a diaphragm 224B, and an amplifier (not shown).

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the case 224A is formed in a flat shape that is thin in the vertical direction and has an extension in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. That is, the case 224A is formed in a plate shape with the vertical direction as the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper side (i.e., the lid 94 side) of the case 224A is open.

[0087] The diaphragm 224B is housed in the case 224A in a state of being exposed to the lid 94 side. This diaphragm 224B can convert an electrical signal into sound and output the original sound upward (i.e., the lid 94 side) through the opening of the case 224A.

[0088] In the speaker 224, after the electrical signal received by the communication unit 28 is amplified by the amplifier, the diaphragm 224B converts the electrical signal into the original sound, and the original sound is output upward (i.e., the lid 94 side) through the opening of the case 224A.

[0089] The size of the speaker 224 (specifically, the case 224A) in a bottom view is at least smaller than the size of the mounting portion 222B in a bottom view. Specifically, the speaker 224 (specifically, the case 224A) has at least a narrower width in the left-right direction than the width of the mounting portion 222B in the left-right direction. In other words, the speaker 224 (specifically, the case 224A) has at least a narrower width in the left-right direction than the interval between the left and right rearmost teeth 92A of the wearer 90. Here, the bottom view of the speaker 224 is the bottom view when the mounting portion 222B is seen through. Also, the rearmost tooth 92A is the tooth arranged at the most rearward position in the tooth row 92. Specifically, in the example of this embodiment, the rearmost tooth 92A is the second molar. Also, in this embodiment, the length of the speaker 224 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the mounting portion 222B in the front-rear direction.

[0090] <Position of the speaker 224 and specific configuration of the mounting portion 222B> The attachment portion 222B has an attachment surface 23A to which the speaker 224 is attached, and a protruding portion 23B that protrudes upward (i.e., toward the lid 94 side). The speaker 224 is attached to the surface on the lid 94 side (i.e., the upper surface) of the attachment surface 23A.

[0091] The protruding portion 23B surrounds the periphery of the speaker 224 (specifically, the left side, the right side, the front side, and the rear side). This protruding portion 23B protrudes to a position higher than that of the speaker 224 (i.e., the position on the lid 94 side). Note that a hard resin material such as resin for dentures may be used for the protruding portion 23B. That is, the mouthpiece 222 may be created by changing the material for each part.

[0092] Furthermore, the attachment portion 222B is provided with a passage 21 that transmits the original sound output from the speaker 224 toward the lid 94 side to the rear side. The passage 21 is formed by a gap between the attachment portion 222B and the lid 94. Specifically, the passage 21 is formed by a gap in a recess (i.e., a groove) provided on the upper surface side of the attachment portion 222B extending rearward from the attachment surface 23A. Therefore, the passage 21 is surrounded by the attachment portion 222B on the lower side and the left and right sides, and by the lid 94 on the upper side. That is, the attachment portion 222B has a lower wall, a left wall, and a right wall that form the passage 21C. The gap in the recess that forms the passage 21 does not need to be a gap completely closed by the lid 94. Note that the bottom surface of the recess that forms the passage 21 is disposed at a position lower than the top of the protruding portion 23B. Also, in FIG. 7, the transmission path of the original sound from the diaphragm 224B is indicated by an arrow 29.

[0093] The passage 21 has an emission port 21A that emits the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity of the wearer 90. The emission port 21A is disposed on the rear side in the oral cavity of the wearer 90 in the mounted state of the mouthpiece 222 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0094] In this embodiment, the emission port 21A is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A of the wearer 90. The position on the rear side from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A is a position including the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A and a position on the rear side from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A (that is, the soft palate 94B existing behind the hard palate 94A). In this embodiment, specifically, the emission port 21A is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A.

[0095] Furthermore, the emission port 21A is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rearmost tooth 92A of the wearer 90. The position on the rear side from the rearmost tooth 92A is a position including the rearmost tooth 92A and a position on the rear side from the rearmost tooth 92A. For a wearer 90 without a second molar, when there is a second molar, the emission port 21A is disposed at a position on the rear side from the position where the second molar is disposed.

[0096] Furthermore, the emission port 21A is disposed at a position on the rear side from the contact position where the tongue contacts the palate 94 when the wearer 90 makes the sound of the consonant [k]. The position on the rear side from the contact position is a position including the contact position and a position on the rear side from the contact position. Further, in this embodiment, the emission port 21A is disposed at the rear end portion of the attachment portion 222B.

[0097] Note that since there are individual differences in the position of the hard palate 94A, the position of the rearmost tooth 92A, and the position where the tongue contacts the palate 94 when making the sound of the consonant [k], etc., for example, the position of the emission port 21A and the like are adjusted according to each individual wearer 90.

[0098] A plurality of speakers 224 may be provided on the attachment portion 222B. Thereby, the sound range in which vocalization is possible can be widened. Also, the speaker 224 may have a plurality of diaphragms 224B. Thereby, the sound range in which vocalization is possible can be widened.

[0099] In the second embodiment as well, similar to the wearing body 122 (see FIG. 3) of the first embodiment, a wearing body in which the wearing part is composed of a plurality of metal wires and a wearing body having no wearing part and composed only of the mounting part may be used.

[0100] <Function and Effect of the Voice Assist Device 200> Next, the function and effect of the voice assist device 200 will be described.

[0101] Also in the voice assist device 200, the same function and effect as those of the voice assist device 10 are achieved. Specifically, in the voice assist device 200, the passage 21 transmits the original sound output from the diaphragm 224B to the rear side in the oral cavity. As a result, the original sound can be made to sound on the rear side in the oral cavity. As a result, when making a plosive sound created by separating the tongue in contact with the palate, it becomes easier to block the original sound, and it becomes easier to make the plosive sound.

[0102] Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the outlet 21A is arranged at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A of the wearer 90, when making the plosive sound, since the original sound sounds on the rear side from the position where the tongue contacts and separates from the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A, the tongue can articulate the plosive sound. For this reason, compared with the configuration in which the outlet 21A is arranged at a position on the front side rather than the rear end portion 94A1 of the hard palate 94A of the wearer 90, a good pronunciation of the plosive sound can be achieved.

[0103] Further, in the present embodiment, since the outlet 21A is arranged at a position on the rear side from the contact position where the tongue contacts the palate 94 when the wearer 90 makes the sound of the consonant [k], when making the consonant [k], since the original sound sounds on the rear side from the position where the tongue contacts and separates from the palate 94, the tongue can articulate the plosive sound. For this reason, compared with the configuration in which the outlet 21A is arranged at a position on the front side rather than the contact position where the tongue contacts the palate 94 when the wearer 90 makes the sound of the consonant [k], a good pronunciation of the consonant [k] can be achieved.

[0104] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the emission port 21A is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rearmost tooth 92A of the wearer 90, when the popping sound is uttered, the original sound rings more rearward, so that the popping sound can be articulated by the tongue. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the emission port 21A is disposed at a position on the front side of the rearmost tooth 92A of the wearer 90, good articulation of the consonant is possible.

[0105] Also, in the present embodiment, the emission port 21A is disposed up to the rear end portion of the attachment portion 22B. Therefore, the emission port 21A can be disposed more rearward in the oral cavity.

[0106] Furthermore, in the configuration of the voice assistance device 200, as described above, the speaker 224 is attached to the surface on the palate 94 side (i.e., the upper surface) of the attachment surface 23A of the attachment portion 222B. Thereby, the lower side of the speaker 224 is covered by the attachment portion 222B, and it becomes difficult for the speaker 224 to come into contact with water such as saliva accumulated in the oral cavity, so that water hardly enters the speaker 224.

[0107] Also, in the voice assistance device 200, even when water such as saliva enters the case 224A of the speaker 224, the water can be discharged through the opening at the upper end of the case 224A.

[0108] <Third Embodiment> The voice assistance device 300 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show schematic views of the voice assistance device 300 according to the present embodiment.

[0109] The voice assistance device 300 is a device in which the attachment portion 322B to which the speaker 24 is attached can be moved up and down in the voice assistance device 10 of the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the portions having the same configuration as those of the voice assistance device 10 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 8, the voice assistance device 300 includes an internal device 320 and an external device 50. The internal device 320 includes a mouthpiece 322, a speaker 24, a power source 26, and a communication unit 28.

[0111] <mouthpiece 322> The mouthpiece 322 has a mounting portion 322A and an attachment portion 322B that faces the lid 94. The attachment portion 322B is an example of a facing portion. The mouthpiece 322 is configured in the same manner as the mouthpiece 22, except that the shapes of the mounting portion 322A and the attachment portion 322B are different from those of the mounting portion 22A and the attachment portion 22B of the mouthpiece 22 in the first embodiment.

[0112] In the mounting portion 322A, the front portion is cut out. Therefore, the mounting portion 322A is configured to be mounted on some of the teeth on the rear side and not on some of the teeth on the front side in the dental arch 92. Further, since the attachment portion 322B does not cover the front portion of the palate 94, the front portion of the palate 94 is exposed downward.

[0113] Thus, in the present embodiment, the front portions of the mounting portion 322A and the attachment portion 322B are cut out, and some of the teeth on the front side in the dental arch 92 and the front portion of the palate 94 are exposed.

[0114] Furthermore, the attachment portion 322B is connected to the mounting portion 322A at the front portion and is separated from the mounting portion 322A at the rear portion. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the attachment portion 322B is movable in the vertical direction with the front side as a fulcrum.

[0115] <Effects of the voice assistance device 300> Next, the effects of the voice assistance device 300 will be described.

[0116] Also in the voice assistance device 300, in addition to the effects of the voice assistance device 10, the following effects are achieved. In the configuration of the voice assistance device 300, the attachment portion 322B is movable in the vertical direction with the front side as a fulcrum. Therefore, the direction of the emission port 24D of the speaker 24 can be changed, and the direction in which the original sound is output from the speaker 24 can be changed.

[0117] In the present embodiment, for example, due to the weight of the speaker 24, the speaker 24 is positioned at a position intermediate between the tongue and the palate 94 (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9). As a result, the original sound can be transmitted more to the rear side (i.e., the inner side) in the oral cavity, and sounds such as nasal sounds can be produced.

[0118] The direction in which the sound is output from the emission port 24D of the speaker 24 is, for example, the direction indicated by the arrow 329. Also, by forming an opening on the palate 94 side (i.e., the upper side) in the rear portion of the case 24A of the speaker 24, the original sound may be output to the palate 94 side (see arrow 333). In this case, for example, by making the size of the opening smaller than the size of the opening at the rear end of the case 24A, the magnitude of the original sound output to the upper side (see arrow 333) can be made smaller than the magnitude of the original sound output to the rear side (see arrow 329).

[0119] Also, when it is necessary to bring the tongue into contact with the palate 94, the tongue can be brought into contact with the palate 94 while moving the speaker 24 upward with the tongue. Examples of cases where it is necessary to bring the tongue into contact with the palate 94 include cases where a plosive sound created by separating the tongue in contact with the palate 94 from the palate 94 is produced.

[0120] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the front portions of the mounting portion 322A and the attachment portion 322B are notched, and a part of the front teeth in the dental arch 92 and the front portion of the palate 94 are exposed.

[0121] Therefore, since the contact between a part of the front teeth and the front part of the palate 94 and the tongue is not hindered, fricative sounds such as the consonant [s] are likely to be pronounced. Note that the configuration in which the front part of the mounting part and the attachment part is cut out may also be applied to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0122] <Modification Example of Speaker 24> In the present embodiment, instead of the speaker 24, as shown in FIG. 10, the above-described speaker 224 that outputs the original sound upward may be used. Also in this modification example, the direction in which the original sound is output from the speaker 224 can be changed.

[0123] In the present embodiment, for example, due to the self-weight of the speaker 224, the speaker 224 is positioned at a position intermediate between the tongue and the palate 94 (the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 10). As a result, the original sound can be transmitted more to the rear side (i.e., the back side) inside the oral cavity, and sounds such as nasal sounds can be pronounced.

[0124] The direction in which the original sound is output from the speaker 224 is, for example, the direction indicated by the arrow 335. Also, by forming a rear opening in the case 224A of the speaker 224, the original sound may be output to the rear side (see arrow 337). In this case, for example, by making the size of the opening smaller than the size of the upper opening of the case 24A, the magnitude of the original sound output to the rear side (see arrow 337) can be made smaller than the magnitude of the original sound output to the upper side (see arrow 335).

[0125] Also, when it is necessary to bring the tongue into contact with the palate 94, for example, while moving the speaker 224 upward with the tongue, the tongue can be brought into contact with the palate 94. Examples of the case where it is necessary to bring the tongue into contact with the palate 94 include the case of pronouncing a plosive sound created by separating the tongue in contact with the palate 94 from the palate 94.

[0126] In a state where the speaker 224 has moved upward, a passage 31 is formed by the gaps between the case 224A and the palate 94 and between the attachment part 322B and the palate 94 on the rear side with respect to the diaphragm 224B.

[0127] <Modification example of the mouthpiece 322> As an example of the wearing body, it is not limited to the mouthpiece 322. For example, in the mouthpiece 322, a wearing body in which a portion on the outer peripheral side (i.e., the cheek side) is made of a hard resin material such as resin for dentures may be used. Further, in the mouthpiece 322, the mounting portion 322A may be a wearing body using a hard resin material such as resin for dentures.

[0128] Further, as the wearing body, a mounting body in which a mounting portion 322B (i.e., a movable portion) is attached to a support member (so-called palatal bar) extending along the palate 94 between the left teeth and the right teeth in the dental arch 92 so as to be movable in the vertical direction with the front side as a fulcrum may be used.

[0129] Furthermore, when the wearer 90 is using dentures, a wearing body in which a mounting portion 322B (i.e., a movable portion) is attached to the dentures so as to be movable in the vertical direction with the front side as a fulcrum may be used.

[0130] As described above, an embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be appropriately combined in plural.

[0131] <Supplementary note> The first aspect includes a wearing body that is worn in a human oral cavity and has a facing portion facing the palate of the human, a diaphragm provided on the facing portion and capable of outputting, as original sound, sound recorded by a device having a recording function, and a passage provided on the facing portion and transmitting the original sound output from the diaphragm to the rear side in the oral cavity.

[0132] The second aspect is the first aspect, in which the passage has an outlet for emitting the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity, and the outlet is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion of the hard palate of the human.

[0133] In the third aspect, in the first aspect, the passage has an outlet that emits the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity, and the outlet is disposed at a position on the rear side from the position where the tongue contacts the palate when the person pronounces the consonant [k].

[0134] In the fourth aspect, in the first aspect, the passage has an outlet that emits the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity, and the outlet is disposed at a position on the rear side from the person's rearmost tooth.

[0135] In the fifth aspect, in the first aspect, the passage has an outlet that emits the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity, and the outlet is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion of the opposing portion.

[0136] In the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the diaphragm is disposed on the palatal side surface of the opposing portion, and the original sound can be output to the palatal side.

[0137] In the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the passage is formed by a gap between the opposing portion and the person's palate.

[0138] In the eighth aspect, in the sixth or seventh aspect, a case is provided in which the palatal side is open and the diaphragm is housed in a state of being exposed to the palatal side.

[0139] In the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, a case in which the diaphragm is housed and the passage is formed inside is provided, and the passage emits the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity from an outlet formed at the rear end portion of the case.

[0140] In the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the case protrudes to the rear side with respect to the opposing portion.

[0141] In the eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the protruding portion of the case to the rear side is non-contact with respect to the palate.

[0142] Aspect 12 is that in any one of Aspects 1 to 11, the wearing body is a mouthpiece.

[0143] Aspect 13 is that in any one of Aspects 1 to 12, the opposing part is movable in the vertical direction with the front side in the oral cavity as a fulcrum.

[0144] Aspect 14 includes a wearing body that is worn in a human oral cavity and has an opposing part that faces the palate of the human and is movable in the vertical direction with the front side as a fulcrum, and a diaphragm provided on the opposing part and capable of outputting, as original sound, sound recorded by a device having a recording function.

[0145] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-010291 filed on January 26, 2021 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually stated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A wearable body that is worn in a person's oral cavity and has a facing portion facing the person's palate, a diaphragm provided on the facing portion and capable of outputting, as original sound, sound recorded by a device having a recording function, a passage provided on the facing portion for transmitting the original sound output from the diaphragm to a position in the oral cavity behind the position where the person's tongue contacts and separates from the palate, and a voice assistance device comprising the same.

2. A wearable body that is worn in a person's oral cavity and has a facing portion facing the person's palate, a diaphragm provided on the facing portion and capable of outputting, as original sound, sound recorded by a device having a recording function, a passage provided on the facing portion for transmitting the original sound output from the diaphragm to the rear side in the oral cavity, and comprising the passage has an outlet for emitting the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity, and the outlet is disposed at a position rearward from the rear end portion of the person's hard palate and a voice assistance device.

3. A wearable body that is worn in a person's oral cavity and has a facing portion facing the person's palate, a diaphragm provided on the facing portion and capable of outputting, as original sound, sound recorded by a device having a recording function, a passage provided on the facing portion for transmitting the original sound output from the diaphragm to the rear side in the oral cavity, and comprising the passage has an outlet for emitting the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity, and the outlet is disposed at a position rearward from the position where the tongue contacts the palate when the person pronounces the consonant [k] and a voice assistance device.

4. A wearable body that is worn in a person's oral cavity and has a facing portion facing the person's palate, a diaphragm provided on the facing portion and capable of outputting, as original sound, sound recorded by a device having a recording function, a passage provided on the facing portion for transmitting the original sound output from the diaphragm to the rear side in the oral cavity, and comprising the passage has an outlet for emitting the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity, and the outlet is disposed at a position rearward from the person's rearmost tooth and a voice assistance device.

5. A wearable body that is worn in a person's oral cavity and has a facing portion facing the person's palate, a diaphragm provided on the facing portion and capable of outputting, as original sound, sound recorded by a device having a recording function, a passage provided on the facing portion for transmitting the original sound output from the diaphragm to the rear side in the oral cavity, and comprising the passage has an outlet for emitting the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity, The outlet is disposed at a position on the rear side from the rear end portion of the opposing portion. Voice assistance device.

6. The diaphragm is disposed on the surface on the palate side in the opposing portion, and is capable of outputting the original sound to the palate side. The voice assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The passage is formed by a gap between the opposing portion and the person's palate. The voice assistance device according to claim 6.

8. A case in which the palate side is open and the diaphragm is housed in a state of being exposed to the palate side The voice assistance device according to claim 6 or 7, comprising the case.

9. A wearing body that is worn in a person's oral cavity and has an opposing portion that faces the person's palate, A diaphragm provided on the opposing portion and capable of outputting, as an original sound, a sound recorded by a device having a recording function, A passage provided on the opposing portion and transmitting the original sound output from the diaphragm to the rear side in the oral cavity, A case in which the diaphragm is housed and the passage is formed inside, Comprising The passage emits the original sound transmitted to the rear side in the oral cavity from an outlet formed at the rear end portion of the case. Voice assistance device.

10. The case protrudes to the rear side with respect to the opposing portion. The voice assistance device according to claim 9.

11. The protruding portion of the case to the rear side is non-contact with respect to the palate. The voice assistance device according to claim 10.

12. The wearing body is a mouthpiece. The voice assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The opposing portion is movable in the vertical direction with the front side in the oral cavity as a fulcrum. The voice assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A wearing body that is worn in a person's oral cavity and has an opposing portion that faces the person's palate and is movable in the vertical direction with the front side as a fulcrum, A diaphragm provided on the opposing portion and capable of outputting, as an original sound, a sound recorded by a device having a recording function, toward a position in the oral cavity on the rear side of the position where the person's tongue contacts and separates from the palate, Voice assistance device comprising.

Images