electronic machinery

Abstract

To provide means for enabling a user to hear external sound.SOLUTION: An earphone 1 includes: a shell 2 which constitutes an outer shell of the earphone 1; a bone conduction device 4 which is arranged inside the shell 2 and whose vibration surface 4a is exposed outward from the shell 2; and a through-hole 21a which is arranged in a tip part of the shell 2, extending toward an inner side of an ear when the earphone is worn and penetrates the shell 2 from the inner side to an outer side. Slits 21b are also arranged on the tip part of the shell 2. The shell 2 includes: a first shell 21 positioned on an ear side when the earphone is worn; and a second shell 22 positioned on the opposite side of the ear with respect to the first shell 21 when the earphone is worn.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices for listening to sounds such as earphones, hearing aids, and microphones.

Background Art

[0002] Among earphones, there are earphones called custom IEM (In Ear Monitor). Patent Documents 1 to 3 describe custom IEMs. In custom IEM earphones, the user's ear shape is taken and shelled for use. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of custom IEM earphones. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of a user ordering custom IEM earphones. The shell is created based on the ear shape taken from the user and is the part that becomes the outer shell of the earphone. The faceplate is the part that decorates the earphone. A cable is connected to the connector. The connector is, for example, a connector of a type called "T2" or a connector of a type called "MMCX". Generally, in custom IEM earphones, there are the following advantages and disadvantages.

[0003] Advantages (1) It has a good fit and the earphone is difficult to fall off the ear. (2) It has high sound insulation, and the user can listen clearly even at a low volume, so there is less damage to the user's eardrum. (3) You can enjoy your own design by combining favorite colors such as the faceplate. (4) Since no earpiece is used, problems such as sound quality changes and the earphone not fitting the ear are eliminated.

[0004] Disadvantages (1) Ear shape taking at a specialty store handling hearing aids etc. is required. (2) Time is required until delivery (about 2 to 4 months). (3) It is more expensive than a universal model that is versatile for various users (at least 30,000 to 50,000 yen). (4) Because external sounds are blocked out, users face danger when going outside. (5) Because it is a custom-made product, refunds and returns are not possible, and each product is unique, resulting in low design flexibility. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-201786 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5872722 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5849296 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Because earphones block out external sounds, especially with the aforementioned custom IEM earphones that fit snugly in the ear, there is a problem that users cannot hear external sounds, which can be dangerous.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a means for a user to hear external sounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The electronic device of the first invention is characterized by comprising a shell that constitutes the outer casing of the device, and a bone conduction device provided inside the shell, the vibrating surface of which is exposed to the outside from the shell.

[0009] In this invention, the vibrating surface of the bone conduction device is exposed to the outside from the shell. Therefore, the vibrations of the bone conduction device are transmitted directly to the ear of the user wearing the electronic device, allowing the user to fully hear the sound generated by the electronic device. As a result, the user can hear the sound generated by the electronic device without blocking their ears and can fully hear external sounds (sounds from outside). This means that the user does not face any danger when going out. Furthermore, since the user does not need to insert the electronic device into their ear canal, they do not experience ear pain from prolonged wear.

[0010] The electronic device of the second invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device of the first invention, a through hole is provided in the tip portion of the shell that extends toward the inside of the ear when worn, and that penetrates from the inside to the outside of the shell.

[0011] In this invention, the tip of the shell, which extends inward towards the ear when worn, is provided with a through-hole that penetrates from the inside to the outside of the shell. The through-hole ensures a sound path for air-conducted sound from the bone conduction device, in addition to bone conduction sound.

[0012] The electronic device of the third invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device of the first invention, a slit is provided in the tip portion of the shell that extends toward the inside of the ear when worn.

[0013] In this invention, a slit is provided at the tip of the shell, which extends inward into the ear when worn. The slit allows the user to perceive external sounds more effectively.

[0014] The electronic device of the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device of the second invention, the through hole is connected to the bone conduction device by a cavity inside the shell.

[0015] In conventional electronic devices (e.g., earphones) using bone conduction devices, occlusion sound has occurred due to the method of transmitting vibration to the bone part. In the present invention, the through-hole is connected to the bone conduction device and the cavity inside the shell. Thereby, since the sound path of the air conduction sound from the bone conduction device is also secured, it is possible to achieve a wide range like general earphones that utilize air conduction sound.

[0016] The electronic device according to the fifth invention is the electronic device according to the second invention, characterized in that at the tip portion of the shell that extends toward the inside of the ear during wearing, a plurality of slits are provided around the through-hole.

[0017] The electronic device according to the sixth invention is the electronic device according to the third invention, characterized in that the slit extends rearward from the tip portion of the shell, and the depth of the slit becomes shallower from the tip portion toward the rear.

[0018] The electronic device according to the seventh invention is the electronic device according to the first invention, characterized in that the shell has a first shell located on the ear side during wearing and a second shell located on the opposite side of the ear during wearing with respect to the first shell.

[0019] The electronic device according to the eighth invention is the electronic device according to the seventh invention, characterized in that the first shell is based on the shape of the concha.

[0020] In the present invention, the first shell is based on the shape of the concha. Therefore, the adverse effect on the sound quality due to the contact pressure with the bone part, which is a concern in earphones using bone conduction devices, is eliminated.

[0021] The electronic device according to the ninth invention is the electronic device according to the first invention, further comprising a mounting portion located on the side opposite to the side of the shell close to the ear during wearing.

[0022] In the present invention, the electronic device includes a decorative portion located on the side opposite to the side of the shell close to the ear during wearing. Therefore, the electronic device can be decorated by the decorative portion.

[0023] The electronic device according to the tenth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the ninth invention, the decorative part is detachable from the shell.

[0024] For example, in a conventional custom IEM earphone, since it is a made-to-order product, a favorite design can be freely selected. However, for example, it is not possible to change the design according to the mood of the day. In the present invention, the decorative part is detachable from the shell. Therefore, the user can freely select various decorative parts according to the mood of the day and the clothing.

[0025] The electronic device according to the eleventh invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the ninth invention, the shell has a detachable part for detachably fixing the decorative part, and the decorative part has a detachable part for detachably fixing itself.

[0026] The electronic device according to the twelfth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the eleventh invention, the detachable part and the detachable part are each a magnet.

[0027] The electronic device according to the thirteenth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the first invention, it further includes a connector to which a plug for outputting sound from a sound source is connected.

[0028] In the present invention, a connector to which a plug for outputting sound from a sound source is connected is provided. Thereby, if a cable having a plug is connected, the electronic device can be made into a wired specification. Also, if a wireless receiver having a plug is connected, the electronic device can be made into a wireless specification.

[0029] The electronic device according to the fourteenth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the first invention, the bone conduction device is a dynamic type vibrator.

[0030] The electronic device according to the fifteenth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the first invention, it is an earphone.

[0031] The electronic device of the 16th invention is characterized in that it is a hearing aid, as described in the electronic device of the first invention.

[0032] The electronic device of the 17th invention is characterized in that it is a sound collector in the electronic device of the first invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present invention, users can hear sounds generated from electronic devices without blocking their ears, and can also hear external sounds (sounds from outside) sufficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an earphone according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing an earphone according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ear. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example of custom IEM earphones. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the process a user goes through when ordering custom IEM earphones. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, earphones will be used as an example of an electronic device for listening to sound. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing earphone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing earphone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Earphone 1 (electronic device) is a custom IEM (In Ear Monitor) earphone. As shown in the figure, earphone 1 comprises a shell 2, a faceplate 3, a bone conduction device 4, etc.

[0036] Shell 2 is the outer shell of earphone 1. Shell 2 has a first shell 21 and a second shell 22. The first shell 21 is a part based only on the shape of the user's concha. For this reason, the manufacturer of earphone 1 takes an ear mold of only the user's concha and creates the first shell 21. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an ear. In conventional custom IEM earphones, an ear mold is taken including parts other than the concha, and the shell is created. In this embodiment, shell 2 includes two shell parts 21 and 22, whereas in conventional custom IEM earphones, the shell does not include two shell parts. In this embodiment, the side of earphone 1 with the first shell 21 is defined as the tip side, and the direction away from the tip side is described as the rear. In other words, when earphone 1 is worn in the user's ear, the side of earphone 1 closer to the ear is defined as the tip side.

[0037] The tip portion of the first shell 21, that is, the tip portion that extends inward into the ear when the earphone 1 is worn in the user's ear, is provided with a through hole 21a and a slit 21b. The through hole 21a is a hole that penetrates from the inside to the outside of the first shell 21. A slit 21b is provided around the through hole 21a. In this embodiment, five (or more) slits 21b are provided at equal intervals around the through hole 21a. Needless to say, the number of slits 21b is not limited to five. The slits 21b extend from the tip of the first shell 21 toward the rear, and the depth of the slits 21b is deepest at the tip and becomes shallower toward the rear. In addition, an MMCX type connector 21c is provided inside the first shell 21 in the portion that leads to the through hole 21a.

[0038] The second shell 22 is located behind the first shell 21. A magnet 22a is provided on the rear surface of the second shell 22. The magnet 22a (detachable part) is for detachably fixing the faceplate 3 to the shell 2.

[0039] The faceplate 3 (decorative part) is located at the rear of the shell 22, at the very rear of the earphone 1. In other words, the faceplate 3 is located on the opposite side of the second shell 22 (shell 2) from the side closest to the ear when the earphone 1 is worn by the user. Because the faceplate 3 is located at the very rear of the earphone 1, it is the part that is exposed when the user wears the earphone 1, and people other than the user will see the faceplate 3. The faceplate 3 can also be said to be the decorative part of the earphone 1.

[0040] A magnet (not shown) is provided on the front end surface of the faceplate 3. The magnet (attachment / detachment part) is for detachably fixing the faceplate 3 to the shell 2. The faceplate 3 is detachably fixed to the shell 2 by the second shell 22 and the magnet on the faceplate 3.

[0041] The bone conduction device 4 is a device that allows the user to hear sound through bone conduction. The bone conduction device 4 is, for example, a dynamic vibrator with a diameter of 10 mm and a total height of 6.1 mm. The bone conduction device 4 is installed inside the first shell 21. The vibrating surface 4a of the bone conduction device 4 is exposed to the outside from the first shell 21. When the earphone 1 is worn in the user's ear, the bone conduction device 4 is installed in the first shell 21 so that the vibrating surface 4a of the bone conduction device 4 contacts the concha of the user's ear. Furthermore, the aforementioned through hole 21a is connected to the bone conduction device 4 by a cavity inside the first shell 21.

[0042] The earphone 1 according to this embodiment uses cartilage conduction, which transmits sound by vibrating the ear cartilage. Conventionally, sound transmission paths have been classified into air conduction and bone conduction, but it has been proven that cartilage conduction provides better hearing than air conduction and bone conduction.

[0043] Furthermore, the earphone 1 is further equipped with a connector 21c to which a plug that outputs sound from a sound source is connected. In this embodiment, the connector 21c is an MMCX type connector, but it may also be a T2 type connector.

[0044] As described above, in this embodiment, the vibrating surface 4a of the bone conduction device 4 is exposed to the outside from the first shell 21 (shell 2). Therefore, the vibrations of the bone conduction device 4 are transmitted directly to the ear of the user wearing the earphone 1, allowing the user to fully hear the sound generated from the earphone 1. As a result, the user can hear the sound generated from the earphone without blocking their ears and can fully hear external sounds (sounds from outside). This ensures that the user is not in danger when going out. Furthermore, since the user does not need to insert the earphone 1 into their ear canal, they do not experience ear pain from prolonged wear. Note that since the first shell 21 is based on the shape of the concha, when the user wears the earphone 1 on their ear, the earphone 1 is held by the concha, and the tip of the first shell 21 does not come into contact with the user's ear canal. In other words, when the earphone 1 is worn on the user's ear, the tip of the first shell 21 is not inserted into the user's ear canal.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a through-hole 21a is provided at the tip of the first shell 21 (shell 2), which extends inward towards the ear when worn, and which penetrates from the inside to the outside of the first shell 21. The through-hole 21a ensures a sound path for air-conducted sound from the bone conduction device 4, in addition to bone conduction.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a slit 21b is provided at the tip of the first shell 21 (shell 2), which extends inward towards the inside of the ear when worn. The slit 21b allows the user to perceive external sounds more effectively.

[0047] Conventional electronic devices using bone conduction devices (e.g., earphones) produce muffled sounds because they transmit vibrations to the bone. In this embodiment, the through-hole 21a is connected to the bone conduction device 4 by a cavity inside the first shell 21 (shell). This ensures a sound path for air-conducted sound from the bone conduction device 4, allowing for a wider frequency range, similar to general earphones that utilize air-conducted sound.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first shell 21 is based on the shape of the concha. Therefore, the adverse effects on sound quality due to contact pressure with the bone, which are a concern with earphones and the like using bone conduction devices, are eliminated.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electronic device includes a decorative part located on the opposite side of the shell from the side closest to the ear when worn. Therefore, the electronic device can be decorated by the decorative part.

[0050] For example, with conventional custom IEM earphones, since they are made-to-order products, users can freely choose their preferred design, but they cannot change the design to match their mood on any given day. In this embodiment, the faceplate 3 is detachable from the shell 2. Therefore, users can freely select various faceplates 3 to match their mood or outfit of the day.

[0051] Furthermore, this embodiment includes a connector 21c to which a plug that outputs sound from a sound source is connected. This allows the electronic device to be wired by connecting a cable with a plug. Also, by connecting a wireless receiver with a plug, the earphones 1 can be made wireless.

[0052] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-174294 (see abstract and Figure 1) discloses a cartilage conduction earphone comprising an electromechanical transducer 12 that converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations and a vibrating member 13 that transmits mechanical vibrations. The vibrating member 13 has a flat diaphragm 20 that vibrates in the thickness direction in response to mechanical vibrations when engaged with the electromechanical transducer 12, and a plurality of contact portions 21 that protrude in the thickness direction from a plurality of ends of the diaphragm 20. When the cartilage conduction earphone is worn, the vibrating member 13 is supported such that each of the plurality of contact portions 21 abuts against the side wall of the concha cavity and the diaphragm 20 faces the external auditory canal.

[0053] In the invention described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-174294, the vibrating member 13 that transmits mechanical vibrations from the electromechanical transducer 12 has a flat plate-shaped vibrating plate 20 that vibrates in the thickness direction in response to mechanical vibrations when engaged with the electromechanical transducer 12, and a plurality of contact portions 21 that protrude in the thickness direction from a plurality of ends of the vibrating plate 20. As a result, the dimensions in the thickness direction are large, and the device is large. Furthermore, since the mechanical vibrations from the electromechanical transducer 12 are transmitted via the vibrating member 13, the vibrations cannot be transmitted sufficiently.

[0054] In contrast, in the earphone 1 according to this embodiment, the vibrating surface 4a of the bone conduction device 4 is exposed to the outside from the first shell 21 (shell 2), so vibrations can be sufficiently transmitted by directly contacting the ear. Furthermore, because the vibrating surface 4a of the bone conduction device 4, which is exposed to the outside, is in direct contact with the ear, no extra components are needed, and the earphone 1 does not become larger.

[0055] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the applicable forms of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0056] In the embodiments described above, earphones were used as an example of an electronic device for listening to sound. However, the invention is not limited to earphones; any electronic device for listening to sound, such as a sound amplifier or hearing aid, may be used. Furthermore, while custom IEM earphones created from ear molds taken from the user were used as an example of earphones, other types of earphones may also be used.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, a magnet 22a was given as an example for the detachable part and the detachable part for detachably fixing the faceplate 3, but the embodiment is not limited to this. [Industrial applicability]

[0058] The present invention can be suitably adopted in electronic devices for listening to sound, such as earphones, hearing aids, and sound amplifiers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1. Earphones (electronic device) 2 Shells 21 First Shell 21a Through hole 21b Slit 21c connector 22 Second Shell 22a Magnet (detachable part) 3. Faceplate (decorative part) 4. Bone conduction devices 4a Vibration surface

Claims

1. A shell comprising: a first shell located on the ear side when worn, having a hollow interior and an opening on the side opposite the ear; and a second shell located on the opposite side of the ear when worn, sealing the opening of the first shell, which constitutes the outer shell of the device, A bone conduction device provided inside the first shell, with its vibrating surface exposed to the outside from the shell, Equipped with, The first shell has a shape based solely on the shape of the concha, An electronic device characterized in that the tip portion of the first shell, which extends toward the inside of the ear when worn, does not come into contact with the ear canal.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip portion of the shell, which extends toward the inside of the ear when worn, is provided with a through hole that penetrates from the inside to the outside of the shell.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that the through-hole is connected to the bone conduction device by a cavity inside the shell.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a connector to which a plug for outputting sound from a sound source is connected.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bone conduction device is a dynamic vibrator.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is an earphone.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a hearing aid.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a sound collector.

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