Bone conduction earphone unit and bone conduction testing device

Abstract

To provide a technique contributing to a proper osseous conduction inspection.SOLUTION: An osseous condition earphone unit 100 comprises an osseous conduction inspection earphone 102 to be used by abutting on a head of a subject, an elastic part 104 that is capable of generating certain pressure of pressing the osseous conduction earphone 102 to the head by its restoring force in the elastic deformation, in a state in which the elastic part supports the osseous condition inspection earphone 102, a position guide part 106 that enables recognizing that the elastic part 104 is displaced from a position in a non-load state to a position in which predetermined certain pressure is generated, based on an arrangement independent from the disposition of the elastic part 104, and a stopper 108 that is able to maintain relative positional relation between the elastic part 104 and the position guide part 106 in the elastic deformation, in the state in which the elastic part 104 and the position guide part 106 are supported by a head band 112 to be worn on the head of the subject.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bone conduction earphone unit used in a bone conduction test in a hearing test, and a bone conduction test device using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Typically, in bone conduction hearing tests, in order to apply sufficient vibrations from the bone conduction test earphones (receivers) to the subject's skull, the earphones must be pressed against the skull with a constant static pressure (hereinafter referred to as "constant pressure") to apply vibrations.

[0003] For this reason, a conventional method has been to clamp the subject's head with a curved, spring-like headband and press the earphone for bone conduction testing against it with the force of the spring. Prior art bone conduction receivers using a headband (head arm) also include a mechanism for adjusting the pressure of the earphone for bone conduction testing when worn (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-148295 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The pressure exerted by a spring-like device that clamps the head, such as a headband, is determined by how far the headband is opened from its unloaded state (opening distance). As a result, the opening distance of the headband varies depending on the subject's head shape and size, and how the headband is worn (its position and orientation relative to the head), resulting in an inconsistent pressure force for each test.

[0006] Meanwhile, the standard for hearing test equipment (audiometer) (JIST1201-1) stipulates that headbands for bone conduction handsets must be able to hold the handset on the mastoid or forehead at the nominal pressure of the ISO389 series or the manufacturer's nominal pressure. However, even if a headband meets the standard requirements, it is not certain that the nominal pressure is being achieved due to the above-mentioned issues.

[0007] If the pressure applied to the bone conduction receiver during an actual hearing test deviates from the nominal value, there is a possibility that the bone conduction test will not be performed correctly. However, it is difficult for the user at the test site to check each time whether the pressure applied is correct, which places a psychological burden on the user.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a technique that contributes to proper bone conduction testing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention employs the following solutions. Note that the solutions and the wording in parentheses below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention can be an invention that includes at least one of the invention-specifying matters shown in the solutions below. Furthermore, each invention-specifying matter shown in the solutions below can be made into a subordinate concept by adding an element that limits the invention-specifying matter, or can be made into a superordinate concept by removing an element that limits the invention-specifying matter.

[0010] As a solution to this problem, the present invention provides a bone conduction earphone unit and a bone conduction testing device that uses the same to perform a bone conduction test. The bone conduction earphone unit includes a bone conduction earphone unit, an elastic unit, a position guide unit, and a stopper unit. The bone conduction earphone unit is used by abutting against the subject's head and is also called a bone conduction test receiver or speaker. The elastic unit supports the bone conduction earphone unit and generates a force, i.e., a pressure force, that presses the bone conduction earphone unit against the head by using a restoring force when elastically deformed. Note that the elastic unit does not need to be in a shape that clamps the head like a headband. Therefore, it may be a leaf spring, a spiral spring, or a rubber-like material.

[0011] The position guide unit allows the user to recognize when the elastic unit has displaced from its unloaded position to a position where it generates a predetermined pressure force, and this function is achieved based on a position independent of the displacement of the elastic unit. For example, even if the elastic unit undergoes elastic deformation under load, the position guide unit can maintain a position independent of that movement, and its own position is not affected by the displacement of the elastic unit. Furthermore, based on its independent position, the position guide unit can function as a scale that objectively (e.g., visually or audibly) indicates or indicates the degree to which the elastic unit has displaced from its unloaded position. This function allows the user to recognize when the elastic unit has displaced to a position where it generates a predetermined pressure force.

[0012] From another perspective, the position guide portion has a predetermined relationship with the elastic portion in advance, and this relationship allows the user to recognize that the elastic portion has displaced from a position when no load is applied to a position when the elastic portion is elastically deformed to generate a predetermined pressure force (hereinafter referred to as the "pressure position"). Similarly, even if the elastic portion is elastically deformed under load, the position of the position guide portion is independent and is not affected by the displacement of the elastic portion.

[0013] The stopper can maintain the relative positional relationship between the elastic part and the position guide part during elastic deformation. The positional relationship can be maintained by the stopper while the elastic part and the position guide part are supported by an appliance worn on the head of the wearer (subject). The bone-conduction earphone unit may be provided with a cushioning material that prevents vibrations from being transmitted from the bone-conduction earphone part through the elastic part.

[0014] The bone conduction earphone unit may further include an adjustment mechanism, which allows the positions at which the position guide portion and the elastic portion are supported to be adjusted relative to the prosthetic device.

[0015] The bone conduction earphone unit of the present invention can be used, for example, as follows. (1) The elastic part is in an unloaded state, and the relative positional relationship between the elastic part and the position guide part is released (unheld) by the stopper. It is advisable to attach a separate device such as a headband to the head of the wearer (subject). (2) With the bone-conduction earphone unit in contact with the head of the wearer (subject), a load is applied to the elastic unit to cause elastic deformation, and the deformation is stopped when the position guide unit recognizes that the earphone unit has been displaced to a position that generates a predetermined pressure force. If an adjustment mechanism is provided, the position at which the position guide unit and elastic unit are supported can be adjusted relative to the prosthesis to match the shape of the head. (3) The relative positional relationship between the elastic part and the position guide part is maintained by the stopper. At this time, since the elastic part and the position guide part are supported by the prosthesis, if the positional relationship between these parts is maintained by the stopper, a predetermined pressure force will be generated in the bone conduction earphone part that is placed against the head of the wearer (subject). (4) A hearing test is performed on the wearer (subject) by vibrating the bone-conduction earphone unit using a hearing test device, etc. Vibrations from the bone-conduction earphone unit to the prosthesis or other parts are sufficiently attenuated by the elastic part, etc., but if a cushioning material is provided, even if the elastic part and position guide part are supported by the prosthesis, the cushioning material will effectively prevent transmission of vibrations from the bone-conduction earphone unit to the prosthesis or other parts through the elastic part.

[0016] This reduces variations in pressure due to factors such as the head shape and size of the wearer (subject) and the state of the device when measuring hearing with an audiometer, enabling high-precision bone conduction hearing tests to be performed with stable and correct pressure, while also helping to alleviate the psychological burden on the user.

[0017] Furthermore, the bone conduction earphone unit of the present invention also provides the following advantages. For example, in the past, when a wearer (subject) was wearing a headband for earphones for an air conduction test and then a headband for earphones for a bone conduction test, the two headbands would get tangled around the head and interfere with each other, which was also a factor in causing fluctuations in pressure. This is particularly likely to occur in forehead bone conduction tests.

[0018] In this regard, the bone conduction earphone unit of the present invention does not require the bone conduction earphone portion to be attached using a dedicated headband, but rather has the bone conduction earphone portion abut against the wearer's (subject's) head via an elastic portion, so interference between headbands does not become a problem.

[0019] In addition, in the past, if an operator made a mistake (their hand slipped) when attaching or detaching the headband of an earphone for bone conduction testing, the spring that generates the pressure force could bounce and cause a blow to the human body.

[0020] In this regard, the bone-conduction earphone unit of the present invention does not require the headband to be opened and placed over the wearer's (subject's) head when pressing the bone-conduction earphone unit against the head, thereby reducing the possibility of unintended force being applied to the human body when putting on or taking off the earphone.

[0021] Furthermore, by applying the structure adopted in the present invention to bone conduction earphones for listening to music, bone conduction earphones for listening to music can also provide bone conduction sound with a constant pressure regardless of the individual user.

[0022] The bone conduction earphone unit of the present invention can be integrated with an air conduction test receiver. This embodiment includes a headband-type device worn on the head of the wearer (subject), the air conduction test receiver, and a fixing mechanism. For example, a pair of air conduction test receivers are attached to the device, and the device is connected to a predetermined hearing test device via wire or wirelessly for communication. The fixing mechanism fixes the elastic portion to which the bone conduction earphone unit is attached and the position guide portion together with a stopper to the device, thereby allowing the bone conduction earphone unit to be used integrally with the air conduction test receiver when connected to the hearing test device. The bone conduction earphone unit can also be connected to the hearing test device via wire or wireless communication.

[0023] This minimizes the number of headbands that the wearer (subject) needs to wear during a hearing test, improving the efficiency of the test, including the work of putting them on and taking them off. Also, if the air conduction test handset is a wireless type, it will be possible to provide an all-in-one wireless handset that is equipped with both air conduction and bone conduction test earphones.

[0024] The fixing mechanism can fix the elastic part and the position guide part to the prosthesis by at least one of the first and second aspects. The first aspect allows the bone-conduction earphone part to abut against the forehead of the wearer (subject), and the second aspect allows the bone-conduction earphone part to abut against the mastoid part of the wearer (subject). In this case, hearing tests can be performed by bone conduction on either the forehead or the mastoid part, further improving convenience.

[0025] In the above, the fixing mechanism can fix the two sets of elastic parts and position guide parts together with the stoppers to the brace according to the second aspect, so that the bone-conduction earphone parts can be used by abutting them against the left and right mastoids of the wearer (subject). This further improves the efficiency of testing at both the left and right mastoids.

[0026] The bone conduction earphone unit of the present invention may further include a pressure measuring unit and a display unit. The pressure measuring unit is capable of measuring the pressure generated in association with the elastic deformation of the elastic unit, and the display unit is capable of displaying that the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit is a predetermined value or is within a predetermined range.

[0027] In this case, in addition to the position guide unit recognizing the position of the elastic part (displacement to a position that generates a specified pressure force), the disclosure of the measurement results by the pressure measurement unit can be utilized to further improve the efficiency of the inspection work.

[0028] Furthermore, the pressure measurement unit can measure pressure mechanically or electrically. Mechanical measurement is possible based on the displacement of the elastic part, and electrical measurement is possible based on the detection signal from the force sensor. Mechanistic measurement of pressure allows the pressure measurement unit to have a simple configuration. Electrical measurement of pressure allows the measurement results to be used in a wider range of applications. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] As described above, the present invention can provide a technique that contributes to proper bone conduction testing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a bone-conduction earphone unit 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A is a vertical cross-sectional view of the bone-conduction earphone unit 100 (cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1A). [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of how the bone-conduction earphone unit 100 of the first embodiment is used. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing an example of a procedure for setting a pressure-fixing force when using the bone-conduction earphone unit 100. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a bone-conduction earphone unit 200 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6]10 is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between an elastic portion 204 and a position guide portion 206 in the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for measuring and detecting pressure using force sensors 304 and 306. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the configurations of the bone conduction earphone unit and bone conduction testing device shown in the following embodiments are preferred examples, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, the term "bone conduction earphone unit" is not limited to this, and other terms such as "earphone prosthesis," "bone conduction testing instrument," "bone conduction testing earphone," and "bone conduction testing receiver" may also be used.

[0032] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a bone-conduction earphone unit 100 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along II-II in Fig. 1A) of the bone-conduction earphone unit 100. If the bone-conduction earphone unit 100 shown in Fig. 1A is shown from a different direction (180° opposite), it will be shown in the perspective view shown in Fig. 1B.

[0033] [Overall structure] The bone conduction earphone unit 100 of the first embodiment is broadly composed of a bone conduction test earphone 102, an elastic part 104, a position guide part 106, a stopper 108, and a cushioning material 110. The cushioning material 110 is not essential.

[0034] [Bone conduction earphone part] Of these, the bone conduction test earphone 102 is used by abutting against the head (forehead, mastoid, etc.) of the wearer (hereinafter referred to as "subject"), and the casing contains a vibrator, a drive circuit, etc. (not shown). The bone conduction test earphone 102 is used while connected to, for example, a hearing test device (audiometer) (not shown), but the connection configuration for driving the bone conduction test earphone 102 is omitted here.

[0035] [Elastic part] In the first embodiment, the elastic part 104 is formed, for example, from a leaf spring curved in a V-shape in the thickness direction, and supports the bone conduction test earphone 102 at one longitudinal end thereof. The other longitudinal end of the elastic part 104 is fixed to the position guide part 106 via a cushioning material 110, and this fixed other end serves as the fixed end, causing the elastic part 104 to elastically deform like a cantilever beam. The elastic part 104 generates a pressure force for the bone conduction test earphone 102, and is positioned independently of the position guide part 106, so that in an unloaded state it is located between the position guide part 106 and the subject's head. Note that the elastic part 104 is not limited to a leaf spring.

[0036] [Position guide section] The position guide 106 of the first embodiment has a base end portion (the hatched portion in FIG. 2 ) that supports and fixes the other end (fixed end) of the elastic portion 104 by sandwiching it together with the cushion material 110 in the thickness direction. The base end portion of the position guide 106 penetrates the elastic portion 104 and the cushion material 110 in the thickness direction, forming a so-called eyelet structure that prevents them from slipping out. The position guide 106 also has two fork-shaped portions located on both sides of the elastic portion 104 in the width direction, and these two fork-shaped portions have the same shape and extend toward one end of the elastic portion 104. These two fork-shaped portions are also curved in the thickness direction, for example, in a V-shape, but the degree (angle) of the curve is gentler than that of the elastic portion 104 in the free state (unloaded state), and are set shorter than the length of the elastic portion 104, extending closer to the base than the one end. Note that the position guide portion 106 does not function as an elastic body like the elastic portion 104, and is used as a non-deformable member (rigid body) arranged independently of the elastic portion 104 in this structure.

[0037] [Stopper] Stopper 108 is composed of, for example, a pair of opposing screw-like members, which are arranged so as to sandwich position guide portion 106 from both sides. Stopper 108 generates a tightening force by rotating a cylindrical knob portion integrally formed with the screw-like member in the tightening direction, and is able to maintain (fix) the relative positional relationship between elastic portion 104 and position guide portion 106. Note that one of the pair of screw-like members of stopper 108 may be configured as a bolt and the other as a nut.

[0038] [Cushioning material] The cushion material 110 is arranged so as to sandwich the other end (fixed end) of the elastic part 104 between itself and the base end of the position guide part 106. The cushion material 110 prevents vibrations output from the bone conduction test earphone 102 from propagating to the stopper 108, the position guide part 106, etc. via the elastic part 104. The cushion material 110 may be made of a material such as rubber or urethane resin, but is not limited to these. However, if there is no problem with the bone conduction test, a configuration without a cushion material may be used.

[0039] [Peripheral configuration] In addition to the above, the bone conduction test earphone 102 also uses peripheral components. The peripheral components include, for example, a headband 112 and a base 114, and the headband 112 can be a device worn on the subject's head. Although only a portion of the headband 112 is shown in Fig. 1, the headband 112 can be secured to the head by, for example, clamping it.

[0040] [Fixing mechanism, adjustment mechanism] The base portion 114 is an adapter mechanism component for fixing the bone conduction test earphone 102, elastic portion 104, and position guide portion 106 to the headband 112, and in this example, is composed of two parts combined to sandwich a part of the headband 112. One of the parts (the upper part when worn) has a pair of wall-plate-like bracket portions 114b formed on both sides of the position guide portion 106, and these bracket portions 114a extend in parallel linear directions (in the front-to-back direction when worn). Each bracket portion 114a has an elongated hole 114b formed therein through which the screw-like member of the stopper 108 can be inserted.

[0041] [Relative positional relationship (relationship)] 2, elastic portion 104 is adjusted to a positional relationship in which its relative position with respect to position guide portion 106 is a distance Δx away when no load is applied. Position guide portion 106, on the other hand, is positioned independently of the displacement (movement) caused by elastic deformation of elastic portion 104, so even if elastic portion 104 is elastically deformed, the position of position guide portion 106 is not affected by the displacement of elastic portion 104.

[0042] In this case, if the spring constant of the elastic part 104 is k, the displacement in the x direction from the no-load state (point x=0) is Δx, and the restoring force generated by the elastic part 104 is F, the relationship in the following equation (1) holds according to Hooke's law. Δx=F / k …(1)

[0043] Therefore, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 2, when the position guide portion 106 and the elastic portion 104 are aligned in the x direction, the elastic portion 104 generates a constant restoring force F due to the spring constant k, which becomes a constant pressure force when the bone conduction test earphone 102 is pressed against the head.

[0044] In the first embodiment, since the elastic portion 104 is inclined relative to the position guide portion 106, the magnitude of the distance Δx varies depending on the longitudinal position of the elastic portion 104. However, regardless of the position at which the distance Δx is defined, the characteristics of the elastic portion 104 and the position of the position guide portion 106 can be appropriately set so that the relationship between the spring constant k and the displacement Δx (Equation (1)) holds true, and the desired pressure force F is obtained at the attachment position of the bone conduction test earphone 102.

[0045] This structure makes it possible to perform the test by pressing the bone conduction test earphone 102 with a constant pressure, regardless of various variables such as the shape and size of the subject's head and the state of wearing the headband 112. Below, we will explain in detail how to use it together with examples.

[0046] [Usage example] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of how the bone-conduction earphone unit 100 of the first embodiment is used. Fig. 3A is a front view of the earphone unit 100 worn by a subject, and Fig. 3B is a right side view (the left side of the head is visible).

[0047] [Air conduction receiver integrated] As shown in Figure 3, the bone conduction earphone unit 100 can be used as an audiometer receiver integrated with an air conduction receiver 116, for example. The air conduction receiver 116 has a structure in which a pair of ear cups (left and right) are attached to the headband 112, for example. In this case, by wearing the air conduction receiver 116 in the same manner as before, the bone conduction earphone unit 100 is inevitably positioned at the midpoint of the forehead, making it easy to obtain a position suitable for testing. This makes it easy to perform tests using both the air conduction receiver 116 and the bone conduction test earphone 102 on the same subject.

[0048] Note that detailed illustration of the connection structure between headband 112 and ear cup portions is omitted in Fig. 3. Also, in the example of Fig. 3, air conduction receiver 116 is of an ear-circling type, but is not limited to an ear-circling type.

[0049] Furthermore, in an all-in-one receiver, the air conduction receiver 116 and the bone conduction test earphone 102 each have a cable (one set each) that connects to a hearing test device (not shown), but for the convenience of the test subject, it is preferable to keep the number of cables to a minimum (bundled). In this case, it is preferable to route the wiring so that the cables branch off according to the connection destination near the bone conduction test earphone 102 and air conduction receiver 116 and near the hearing test device. Alternatively, the receiver side and the hearing test device side may be connected by only one multi-core cable, and connectors may be provided on each side so that the wiring system is distributed locally between the receiver side and the hearing test device side.

[0050] Alternatively, the hearing test device may be connected to the bone conduction earphone unit 100 and the air conduction receiver 116 via wireless communication. In this case, as shown in Fig. 3, the subject wears an integrated device that combines the air conduction receiver 116 and the bone conduction earphone unit 100 during the test, but because the hearing test device is connected wirelessly, the subject has greater freedom of movement during the test.

[0051] [Pressure setting] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure for setting the pressure when using the bone-conduction earphone unit 100. The examiner (user) can set the pressure of the bone-conduction earphone 102 to a constant (desired) pressure, for example, by the following procedure.

[0052] 4A: With the stopper 108 loosened, the headband 112 is properly attached to the subject's head. At this time, the elastic part 104 is in an unloaded state. It is also advisable to keep the bone conduction test earphone 102 floating above the subject's head.

[0053] In FIG. 4B, with the bone conduction test earphone 102 lightly abutting the subject's head (at the midpoint of the forehead), the position guide unit 106 is brought closer to the head (arrow A1) until the positions of the elastic unit 104 and the position guide unit 106 are aligned in a side view. During this time, if necessary, the front-to-rear positions of the position guide unit 106 and the elastic unit 104 relative to the base unit 114 can also be adjusted (arrow A2). This position adjustment can be performed, for example, by moving the stopper 108 back and forth along the elongated hole 114b, but position adjustment in the front-to-rear direction is not essential. The stopper 108 is then tightened to fix the relative positions of the position guide unit 106 and the elastic unit 104 (arrow A3). The front-to-rear position of the position guide unit 106 may also be adjusted by adjusting the position of the headband 112.

[0054] This allows the bone conduction test earphone 102 to be pressed properly against the head, even for heads of various sizes and shapes, while generating a pressure force F at a position (pressure position) where the elastic part 104 is displaced by a distance Δx from the initial position.

[0055] In this regard, for example, a conventional technique is known in which air conduction receivers are located at both ends of a headband and a bone conduction receiver is attached between them, but in this case, the pressure varies depending on the shape of the subject's head and the state in which the headband is worn, making it difficult to perform the test stably and correctly.In contrast, the present embodiment is advantageous in that the bone conduction test earphone 102 can be placed against the head with a constant pressure, as described above.

[0056] The fork-shaped portions of the position guide portion 106 are arranged on both sides of the elastic portion 104 so as to sandwich the elastic portion 104, and these ends are open, but this is not limited to this configuration. That is, as long as the fork-shaped portion can perform the role of adjusting the pressure force as described above, the fork-shaped portion may be located on only one side of the elastic portion 104, or the two ends may be connected to each other. Therefore, it is preferable that the fork-shaped portion of the position guide portion 106 is designed taking into consideration safety and ease of use when actually worn.

[0057] Second Embodiment Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a bone-conduction earphone unit 200 of the second embodiment. When the bone-conduction earphone unit 200 shown in Fig. 5(A) is shown from a different direction (180° opposite), it becomes the perspective view shown in Fig. 5(B). Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0058] The bone conduction earphone unit 200 of the second embodiment has a spiral-shaped elastic part 204. The elastic part 204 is supported and fixed at the tip part, not the base end part, of the position guide part 206, and the position guide part 206 has a box-shaped spring fixing part 206a at the tip part. The spring fixing part 206a supports one axial end of the elastic part 204 while partially housing it therein. The elastic part 204 has a length that protrudes from the spring fixing part 206a in an unloaded state.

[0059] A support plate 204a, which is shaped like a long plate, is connected to the protruding end of the elastic portion 204, and this support plate 204a is disposed between the two fork-shaped portions of the position guide portion 206. One longitudinal end of the support plate 204a is supported by the position guide portion 206 via a shaft member 204b, allowing it to move (i.e., rotate or swing) around this shaft member 204b. The support plate 204a is made of a member that does not have an elastic structure, and when the support plate 204a moves toward the position guide portion 206 with the shaft member 204b acting as a fulcrum of a lever, the spiral-shaped elastic portion 204 is compressed and elastically deformed. The support plate 204a may be a rod-shaped member or may be curved.

[0060] The earphone 102 for bone conduction testing is supported at the other end of the support plate 204a, and the elastic part 204 can generate a pressure force on the earphone 102 for bone conduction testing via the support plate 204a, which is not of elastic structure.

[0061] The cushion material 110 is provided at the base end of the position guide portion 206 as in the first embodiment, but another cushion material 210 is also provided between the position guide portion 206 (spring fixing portion 206a) and the elastic portion 204. Note that such a cushion material 210 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0062] [Relative positional relationship] 6 is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the elastic portion 204 and the position guide portion 206 in the second embodiment. Although it differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the elastic portion 204 and the use of the support plate 204a, the second embodiment is similar in that the position guide portion 206 is arranged independently of the displacement (movement) caused by the elastic deformation of the spiral-shaped elastic portion 204.

[0063] Similarly, in the second embodiment, the elastic portion 204 is adjusted to a positional relationship in which the protruding end is positioned at a distance Δx relative to the position guide portion 206 under no load. Therefore, a constant pressure force can be generated by performing the same adjustment as in the first embodiment. In addition, other aspects (examples of use, connection relationships, etc.) are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0064] Third Embodiment 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, for example, a pressure indicator 302 and force sensors 304 and 306 are added to the bone-conduction earphone unit 100. This will be explained in detail below.

[0065] The pressure indicator 302 is configured, for example, as a sector-shaped transparent plate made of resin, with the two sides forming the central angle of the sector being positioned symmetrically with the position guide section 106 as the center. Such a pressure indicator 302 is attached, for example, to one side of the position guide section 106, and can be seen in its entirety from the side direction shown in Fig. 7. Note that the pressure indicator 302 may be an opaque plate, and the material is not limited to resin.

[0066] The pressure indicator 302 has an indicator line 302a and a scale band 302b printed or otherwise attached thereto. The indicator line 302a is depicted as an arrow extending along a center line that bisects the central angle of a sector. A numerical value, such as "5.4 N," is displayed at the tip of the arrow on the indicator line 302a. The scale band 302b is depicted as an arc-shaped band extending on both sides of the indicator line 302a, with multiple scale lines drawn at a fixed angle inside. Two of the scale lines, symmetrical to the indicator line 302a, have numerical values, such as "-0.5" and "+0.5," at their ends. The indicator line 302a and the numerical values ​​do not necessarily have to be printed, but may be engraved, printed, or attached. The range from "-0.5" to "+0.5" on the scale band 302b may be colored a different color from the rest of the scale band.

[0067] Furthermore, for example, a first force sensor 304 is provided at the attachment portion between the bone conduction test earphone 102 and the elastic portion 104, and a second force sensor 306 is provided at the position where the bone conduction test earphone 102 contacts the subject's head. These force sensors 304 and 306 are devices that output detection signals (e.g., detection voltages) corresponding to the forces (loads) generated at the respective positions. Note that only one of the force sensors 304 and 306 may be used.

[0068] [Example of mechanical pressure measurement] The pressure indicator 302 mechanically measures (recognizes) the pressure force F based on the displacement of the elastic portion 104 and displays the result. For example, assume that under no load, the elastic portion 104 is in an initial position, significantly deflected from the indicator line 302a toward the negative side (the direction indicated by "-0.5") and positioned outside the range of the scale band 302b. From this state, as the position guide unit 106 is moved closer to the subject's head in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the position of the elastic portion 104 gradually approaches the indicator line 302a. Then, when the position of the elastic portion 104 overlaps with the indicator line 302a in the side view of FIG. 7, the position is stopped and the positional relationship is fixed with the stopper 108. The pressure indicator 302 mechanically measures and visually displays the result of the numerically displayed pressure force (e.g., a predetermined value of 5.4 N). Note that "display" here may also be referred to as "display" or "presentation" (the same applies hereinafter).

[0069] The scale band 302b indicates that the pressure is within a predetermined range, allowing the operator to recognize it. That is, when the position of the elastic portion 104 does not overlap the indicator line 302a but is within the range of the scale band 302b, it is mechanically measured and indicated that the pressure is within the predetermined range. For example, when the position of the elastic portion 104 is within the range of "-0.5" to "+0.5" in the numerical display, it is mechanically measured and indicated that the pressure is within the range of "5.4 N ± 0.5 N."

[0070] The number of numerical indications and scale lines is not limited to those shown in the figure. Furthermore, the pressure indicator 302 is not limited to a sector shape, but may be rectangular. Two or more indicator lines may be added at different angles from indicator line 302a to indicate the upper and lower limits of the pressure range. Alternatively, multiple indicator lines may be used to indicate multiple pressures.

[0071] [Example of electrical pressure measurement] The force sensors 304, 306 electrically measure (detect) the pressure force F and display the result so that the operator or the subject can recognize it. For example, as described above, when the position guide unit 106 is brought closer to the subject's head and the elastic unit 104 is elastically deformed, a detection signal corresponding to the generated pressure force F is output in real time from the force sensors 304, 306. By processing the detection signal at this time, for example, in a hearing test device (not shown), it can be measured and displayed as a digital numerical value on a display device or the like. This point will be further explained below.

[0072] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for measuring and detecting pressure using force sensors 304 and 306. Of these, Fig. 8 (A) is a block diagram, and Fig. 8 (B) and (C) are examples of devices into which the device is to be incorporated.

[0073] 8 (A): The components may include, for example, a processing unit 310, a display device 312, a sound output device 314, and a vibrator 316. The processing unit 310 may be configured, for example, by an electronic circuit or computer device having a CPU or the like. The processing unit 310 is equipped with an input / output interface, etc., and signals from the force sensors 304 and 306 are input to the processing unit 310 and processed.

[0074] Furthermore, the display device 312 can be configured with, for example, a display, an LED, an analog meter, etc. The sound output device 314 can be configured with a speaker, etc., and the vibrator 316 can be configured with a piezoelectric vibrator, etc. These output devices can be controlled by control signals from the processing unit 310. However, the output devices are not limited to these examples.

[0075] The display device 312 may be incorporated into the bone conduction test earphone 102 in the form of an LED, for example, or may be incorporated into the position guide unit 106. The sound output device 314 may also be incorporated into the bone conduction test earphone 102 or the position guide unit 106 in the form of a small speaker or the like, and the vibrator 316 may also be incorporated into the bone conduction test earphone 102 or the position guide unit 106.

[0076] [Measurement and disclosure examples] Then, when processing unit 310 detects that pressure force F has reached a predetermined value or is within a predetermined range based on the detection signals from force sensors 304, 306, it lights up an LED on display device 312 (visual information), drives sound output device 314 to generate audible sound (auditory information), or drives vibrator 316 to generate vibration (tactile information). This allows the worker to recognize that pressure force F is at a predetermined value or within a predetermined range. Alternatively, it may be configured to detect that pressure force F is outside the predetermined range.

[0077] Furthermore, the display device 312 can be, for example, a 7-segment LED to display the pressure F numerically, or it can be an analog meter with a pointer display. In the former case, the processing unit 310 can use the display device 312 to digitally display the magnitude of the pressure F at that time in real time, and in the latter case, the magnitude of the pressure F can be analogized by the position of a pointer on a dial, allowing the operator to recognize the magnitude of the current pressure F in real time.

[0078] 8(B): The above components can also be incorporated into, for example, a hearing test device 320. In this case, the display, speaker, response buttons, etc. of the hearing test device 320 can be used as the display device 312 and sound output device 314. In this case, too, based on the detection signals from the force sensors 304 and 306, the display can display the pressure force F in real time as a digital value, or graphically in the form of an analog meter, or indicate whether it is within a specified pressure force range. This allows the operator to recognize the magnitude of the current pressure force in real time.

[0079] [Bone conduction testing device] 8B is an example of a bone conduction test device that performs a bone conduction test using the bone conduction earphone units 100, 200, etc. In this case, the configuration of the force sensors 304, 306 is not essential.

[0080] (C) in FIG. 8: Alternatively, the functions of the above components can be implemented as an application on the smartphone 330. In this case, the force sensors 304, 306 are capable of wireless communication with the smartphone 330, and the processing of the processing unit 310 can be executed by the installed application. Then, based on the detection signals from the force sensors 304, 306, the pressure force F is displayed on the screen in real time as a digital number or graphically in the form of an analog meter. This allows the operator to recognize the magnitude of the current pressure force in real time. The medium on which the application is implemented is not limited to the smartphone 330, but may also be a tablet or a PC. Furthermore, the application may not only be installed directly on the smartphone 330 and executed, but may also be executed on a web browser.

[0081] As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to generating an appropriate pressure force based on the position guide portion 106, it is also possible to objectively recognize whether the pressure force is actually appropriate.

[0082] [Fourth embodiment] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fourth embodiment, which allows a bone conduction test earphone 102 to be placed against the mastoid of a subject.

[0083] Here, for example, two bridge members 402 are connected to the headband 112 of the air conduction receiver 116. These bridge members 402 extend between both ends of the headband 112, for example, around the back of the head. Attaching a base 114 to the bridge members 402 positions the elastic member 104 and the position guide member 106 in a downward direction, enabling the bone conduction test earphone 102 to abut against the mastoid. Attaching two bases 114, one on each side as shown, allows the bone conduction test earphone 102 to abut against the left and right mastoids, respectively. (The bone conduction test earphone 102 in FIG. 9 is shown in use abutting against the mastoid of the subject's head to generate a pressure force.) The number of bridge members 402 may be three or more, or may be strip-shaped.

[0084] According to the fourth embodiment, a bone conduction test can be performed at the mastoid region using the bone conduction earphone unit 100 integrated with the air conduction receiver 116. Although not shown in Fig. 9, the bone conduction earphone unit 100 may also be attached to the headband 112 at the top of the head. In this case, the test can be performed both at the mastoid region and at the midpoint of the forehead.

[0085] In addition, two sets of bone-conduction earphone units 100 are provided here to perform an examination at each of the left and right mastoids, but only one set of bone-conduction earphone units 100 may be used. In this case, by making the base 114 detachable (semi-fixed) from the bridge member 402, it is possible to perform an examination at the mastoid while changing the position to the left or right according to the ear to be examined. Also, one set of bone-conduction earphone units 100 can be attached to the headband 112, allowing for switching to an examination at the forehead.

[0086] Furthermore, it is preferable that the method of connection with the air conduction receiver 116 allows for easy change of the position at which the bone conduction test earphone 102 is abutted, as described above, and therefore it is more preferable that the base part 114 can be easily attached and detached to the headband 112 or bridge member 402, and that the detachment mechanism can properly (securely) fix the entire bone conduction earphone unit 100 when worn.

[0087] Although FIG. 9 shows the bone-conduction earphone unit 100 of the first embodiment as an example, the bone-conduction earphone unit 200 of the second embodiment (using the spiral elastic portion 204) may also be used in the fourth embodiment, or the first and second embodiments may be used in combination.

[0088] The various embodiments described above provide the following benefits. (1) In hearing tests using an audiometer or the like, the variation in pressure due to the size and shape of the subject's head can be reduced, contributing to more accurate testing. (2) By integrating it with the air conduction test receiver, the number of headbands that the test subject must wear during the hearing test can be minimized, improving the efficiency of the test. For example, if the air conduction test receiver is a wireless headset, it will be possible to provide a wireless receiver equipped with both air conduction and bone conduction earphones. (3) Regarding the part for bone conduction testing, the elastic part 104 and the like are different from a headband that clamps the head, so there is no risk of mistaking the earphones 102 for bone conduction testing when putting them on or taking them off, and the possibility of unintended force being applied to the human body can be minimized.

[0089] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be practiced in various modified forms. The structures, forms, and numerical values ​​given in each embodiment are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0090] Furthermore, the structure of the present invention for generating a pressure force is not limited to applications in bone conduction testing, but can also be used in bone conduction earphones for listening to music. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 100 Bone conduction earphone unit 102 Bone conduction test earphones 104 Elastic part 106 Position guide part 108 Stopper 110 Cushioning material

Claims

1. a bone conduction earphone unit that is used by being placed in contact with the head of a wearer; an elastic part capable of generating a pressure force that presses the bone-conduction earphone part against the head by a restoring force when elastically deformed while supporting the bone-conduction earphone part; a position guide section that can recognize that the elastic section has been displaced from a no-load position to a position that generates the predetermined pressure force, based on an arrangement that is independent of the displacement of the elastic section; and a stopper that can maintain the relative positional relationship between the elastic portion and the position guide portion during elastic deformation in a state in which the elastic portion and the position guide portion are supported by an appliance that is worn on the head of a wearer; A bone conduction earphone unit equipped with a

2. a bone conduction earphone unit that is used by being placed in contact with the head of a wearer; an elastic part capable of generating a pressure force that presses the bone-conduction earphone part against the head by a restoring force when elastically deformed while supporting the bone-conduction earphone part; a position guide section that has a relationship with the elastic section that enables recognition of displacement from a position under no load to a pressure position during elastic deformation that generates the predetermined pressure force, and that is supported by an appliance that is attached to the head of a wearer together with the elastic section independently of displacement of the elastic section; a stopper that can maintain the relative positional relationship between the elastic part and the position guide part in a state in which the elastic part is displaced to the fixed pressure position that can be recognized by the position guide part while the bone conduction earphone part is abutted against the head of the wearer; A bone conduction earphone unit equipped with a

3. The bone conduction earphone unit according to claim 1 or 2, The bone conduction earphone unit further includes an adjustment mechanism that enables the positions at which the position guide portion and the elastic portion are supported to be adjusted relative to an appliance worn on the wearer's head.

4. 4. The bone conduction earphone unit according to claim 1, An orthosis to be worn on the head of a wearer; an air conduction test receiver attached to the hearing aid and connected to a predetermined hearing test device; a fixing mechanism that fixes the elastic portion to which the bone conduction earphone portion is attached and the position guide portion together with the stopper to the prosthesis, thereby enabling the bone conduction earphone portion to be used integrally with the air conduction test receiver by connecting to the hearing test device; A bone conduction earphone unit that also includes:

5. The bone conduction earphone unit according to claim 4, The fixing mechanism includes: A bone-conduction earphone unit characterized in that the elastic part and the position guide part can be fixed to the appliance together with the stopper in at least one of a first aspect in which the bone-conduction earphone part can be brought into contact with the wearer's forehead, or a second aspect in which the bone-conduction earphone part can be brought into contact with the wearer's mastoid region.

6. The bone conduction earphone unit according to claim 5, The fixing mechanism includes: A bone conduction earphone unit characterized in that, by fixing two sets of the elastic portion and the position guide portion together with the stopper to the appliance according to the second aspect, the bone conduction earphone portion can be abutted against each of the wearer's left and right mastoids and used.

7. 7. The bone conduction earphone unit according to claim 1, a pressure measuring unit that can measure the pressure force generated in association with the elastic deformation of the elastic portion; a disclosure unit capable of disclosing that the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit is a predetermined value or is within a predetermined range; A bone conduction earphone unit that also includes:

8. The bone conduction earphone unit according to claim 7, The pressure measuring unit A bone conduction earphone unit characterized in that the pressure force can be measured mechanically based on the amount of displacement of the elastic part relative to the position guide part, or the pressure force can be measured electrically based on a detection signal from a force sensor.

9. 9. The bone conduction earphone unit according to claim 1, The bone-conduction earphone unit further comprises a cushioning material that prevents vibrations from being transmitted from the bone-conduction earphone unit through the elastic portion.

10. A bone conduction test device for performing a bone conduction test on a wearer using the bone conduction earphone unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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