Headphones

Abstract

Disclosed are headphones that each have a housing. The housing has a front surface part that, when the housing is attached to an auricle of a user, forms a front surface space in which the auricle is wrapped, and a rear surface part that faces the front surface part. The front surface part has a front surface plate that forms the front surface space. When a parietal part of the user is in an upward direction and a jaw part of the user is in a downward direction, the front surface plate has a first part formed from the upper part toward the lower part thereof, and a second part continuous from the lower end of the first part, and inclined and extending in a direction approaching the auricle. Further, the headphones each have a first driver attached to the first part, and a second driver attached to the second part.

Description

headphone

[0001] The present disclosure relates to headphones.

[0002] Noise-canceling headphones are known that are equipped with a microphone and perform signal processing based on the sound picked up by the microphone to eliminate external sounds (external noise) that reach the auricle. For example, in FB (Feedback) noise-canceling processing, the headphone driver outputs the collected sound signal in addition to the sound signal that is originally to be output, thereby eliminating external noise.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a headphone having a plurality of drivers that output noise cancellation signals.

[0004] International Publication No. 2022 / 009722

[0005] The technical documents disclosed in the prior art documents disclose that by installing multiple drivers, it becomes possible to control the sound field and improve noise canceling performance.

[0006] Generally, improving noise canceling performance requires a sufficient amount of front volume. However, if multiple drivers are installed or sufficient front volume is secured, the headphones will likely become larger and heavier, which may impair the comfort of wearing the headphones.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide headphones that are small, thin, and comfortable to wear.

[0008] A headphone having a housing, the housing having a front portion that forms a front space that encloses the auricle when the housing is worn on the auricle of a user, and a rear portion facing the front portion. The front portion has a front plate that forms the front space, and the front plate has a first portion that extends from top to bottom when the top of the user's head is positioned upward and the user's chin is positioned downward, and a second portion that is continuous with the bottom end of the first portion and extends at an angle toward the auricle. The headphones further have a first driver attached to the first portion and a second driver attached to the second portion.

[0009] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of headphones. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a front part of headphones according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a battery, which is a power source, and a driver. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating noise canceling processing of the FB method. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a front part of headphones according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between a front plate and a driver when the headphones are viewed in the depth direction from the front space side. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones in which one conventional driver is provided in a housing. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to a tenth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to an eleventh embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to a twelfth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones according to a thirteenth embodiment.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. The description will be given in the following order.

[0011] 1. First embodiment 1-1. Headphone configuration 1-2. Headphone operation 2. Second embodiment 3. Third embodiment 4. Fourth embodiment 5. Fifth embodiment 6. Sixth embodiment 7. Seventh embodiment 8. Eighth embodiment 9. Ninth embodiment 10. Tenth embodiment 11. Eleventh embodiment 12. Twelfth embodiment 13. Thirteenth embodiment 14. Effects 15. Other embodiments

[0012] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Configuration of Headphones FIG. 1A shows an example of the appearance of headphones according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating the appearance of headphones 1. As shown in FIG. 1A, the headphones 1 have two housings 11, each worn over a user's right and left ears, connected via a headband 4. The headphones 1 have a front portion 5, side portions 6, and a rear portion 7. The front portion 5 is a portion that forms a front space that encloses the user's auricles when the headphones are worn. The rear portion 7 is a portion that faces the front portion 5 and constitutes the exterior of the housing 11. The side portion 6 is a portion between the front portion 5 and the rear portion 7 and, like the rear portion 7, constitutes the exterior of the housing 11.

[0013] Fig. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of the front portion of the headphones 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 1B shows the configuration of a housing 11 that is attached to one of the user's auricles. Note that, if there is a housing of the headphones 1 that is attached to the other auricle, the housing that is attached to the other auricle has a configuration that is bilaterally symmetrical to the housing 11 shown in Fig. 1B. The front portion has a front panel 12.

[0014] In the description of the embodiment, when the housing 11 is attached to the user's auricle, the top of the user's head is defined as the upper direction and the chin of the user is defined as the lower direction. Also, in the description of the embodiment, the direction from the front to the rear is defined as the depth direction.

[0015] <Front Panel 12> When the housing 11 is worn on the user's auricle, the front panel 12 has a first member 12-1 that extends in the depth direction from the upper side surface of the front part of the headphones 1. The front panel 12 also has a second member 12-2 that is continuous with the depth direction end of the first member 12-1 and extends in the up-down direction. Note that while FIG. 1B shows an example in which the second member 12-2 is formed so as to be perpendicular to the first member 12-1, the angle at which the first member 12-1 and the second member 12-2 are connected is not limited to this example and may be any angle. Similarly, the angles, orientations, sizes, etc. of the other members included in the front panel 12 are not limited to the examples shown in the drawings.

[0016] The front panel 12 also has a third member 12-3 that is continuous with the lower end of the second member 12-2 and extends in the depth direction, parallel to the first member 12-1, in a direction perpendicular to the second member 12-2. The front panel 12 also has a fourth member 12-4 that is continuous with the depth direction end of the third member 12-3 and extends generally parallel to the second member 12-2. The front panel 12 also has a fifth member 12-5 that is continuous with the upper end of the fourth member 12-4 and extends generally parallel to the third member 12-3 in the opposite direction to the depth direction. The front panel 12 also has a sixth member 12-6 that is continuous with the opposite depth direction end of the fifth member 12-5 and extends generally parallel to the up-down direction of the second member 12-2. Furthermore, the front plate 12 has a seventh member 12-7 that is continuous with the upper end of the sixth member 12-6 and extends from the lower side surface of the front part of the headphones 1 in the direction opposite to the depth direction.

[0017] The fourth member 12-4 has a surface that faces the user's auricle when the housing 11 is attached to the user's auricle. For example, the fourth member 12-4 is an oval-shaped plate with the long side extending vertically and the short side extending in the depth direction. In the embodiments, the term "auricle" refers to the outermost part of the outer ear, i.e., the external shape of the ear.

[0018] 1B shows an example in which the fourth member 12-4 is formed at a position further in the depth direction (farther from the user) than the second member 12-2 and the sixth member 12-6 in order to illustrate the situation in which the auricle fits into the front space 10. However, the relationship between the fourth member 12-4 and the second member 12-2 and the sixth member 12-6 is not limited to this. For example, the fourth member 12-4 may be formed at the same position in the depth direction (flush) as the second member 12-2 and the sixth member 12-6. Alternatively, the fourth member 12-4 may be formed at a position closer to the user than the second member 12-2 and the sixth member 12-6.

[0019] When the housing 11 is attached to the user's auricle, the front space 10 is formed between the front plate 12, the ear pad 16, the user's auricle 17, the user's cheek 18, etc.

[0020] <Ear Pads 16> Ear pads 16 are attached to parts of the first member 12-1 and the seventh member 12-7 to form the front space 10 when the user's ears are placed on the housing 11.

[0021] The user's ear is fitted between a portion 16-2 of the ear pad 16 (on the right side in FIG. 1B) that contacts the user's head and a portion 16-1 of the ear pad 16 (on the left side in FIG. 1B) that contacts the cheek 18 of the user's face.

[0022] <Rear Member 13> Inside the housing 11, a rear member 13 shaped to cover the drivers 14-1 and 14-2 is provided on the fourth member 12-4. The rear member 13 may be, for example, a member that constitutes part of the rear section 7 shown in Fig. 1A. Fig. 1B shows an example in which the rear member 13 is formed parallel to the fourth member 12-4, but the rear member 13 is not limited to this example and may be formed at any angle.

[0023] A battery for supplying power to the drivers 14-1, 14-2, etc. may be placed on the rear member 13. For example, the battery may be placed in a space 15 formed between the rear member 13 and the fourth member 12-4. In addition, the battery is generally provided on only one of the two housings 11 of the headphones 1.

[0024] <Driver 14-1, Driver 14-2> The driver 14-1 and the driver 14-2 are provided on a plane on the fourth member 12-4 of the front panel 12, in the space 15, in a straight line along the vertical direction of the user.

[0025] The driver 14-1 is provided above the driver 14-2. For example, the drivers 14-1 and 14-2 are provided below the center of the fourth member 12-4. The sound output direction of the drivers 14-1 and 14-2 is approximately perpendicular to the fourth member 12-4, and is directed toward the user's auricle when the housing 11 is worn on the user's auricle.

[0026] 2 is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the battery 21, which is a power source, and the drivers 14-1 and 14-2. As shown in FIG. 2, the drivers 14-1 and 14-2 are connected in parallel to the battery 21.

[0027] This reduces the workload of each of the drivers 14-1 and 14-2. Therefore, the drivers 14-1 and 14-2 can be made smaller and thinner in the headphones 1. As a result, the headphones 1 can be made smaller and thinner.

[0028] <1-2. Operation of headphones> Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing FB noise canceling processing by the headphones 1. Fig. 3 shows the transfer function of the headphones 1 having x drivers 57-1 to 57-x. Note that in the configurations of the second to thirteenth embodiments, when FB noise canceling (NC) is performed, a method similar to that shown in Fig. 3 is adopted.

[0029] 3, the output of the FB microphone 53-1 is input to FBNC filters 54-1-1 to 54-1-x, each having a filter coefficient for performing FB noise canceling. The output of the FB microphone 53-2 is input to FBNC filters 54-2-1 to 54-2-x, each having a filter coefficient for performing FB noise canceling. Similarly, the output of the FB microphone 53-x is input to FBNC filters 54-x-1 to 54-x-x, each having a filter coefficient for performing FB noise canceling (NC).

[0030] The FBNC filters 54-1-1 to 54-1-x, 54-2-1 to 54-2-x, ..., 54-x-1 to 54-x-x may be implemented using conventional technology. Each of the FBNC filters 54-1-1 to 54-1-x, 54-2-1 to 54-2-x, ..., 54-x-1 to 54-x-x may be implemented, for example, by the FBNC filter 320c disclosed in International Publication No. 2022 / 009722.

[0031] 3, the noise cancellation signals output from the FBNC filters 54-1-1, 54-2-1, ..., 54-x-1 are added by a second adder 55-1 and combined into a single noise cancellation signal. The combined noise cancellation signal output from the second adder 55-1 is amplified by a power amplifier 56-1 and reproduced by a driver 57-1.

[0032] The noise cancellation signals output from the FBNC filters 54-1-2, 54-2-2, ..., 54-x-2 are added by a second adder 55-2 and combined into a single noise cancellation signal. The combined noise cancellation signal output from the second adder 55-2 is amplified by a power amplifier 56-2 and reproduced by a driver 57-2.

[0033] Similarly, the noise cancellation signals output from the FBNC filters 54-1-x, 54-2-x, ..., 54-xx are added by a second adder 55-x and combined into a single noise cancellation signal. The combined noise cancellation signal output from the second adder 55-x is amplified by a power amplifier 56-x and reproduced by a driver 57-x.

[0034] The noise-canceling sound reproduced by driver 57-1 arrives at first adders 52-1, 52-2, ..., 52-x via the spaces of spatial transfer functions 58-1-1 to 58-1-x within housing 11. Furthermore, the noise-canceling sound reproduced by driver 57-1 is input to third adder 59 via spatial transfer function 58-1 within housing 11 up to driver 57-1.

[0035] The noise-canceling sound reproduced by driver 57-2 arrives at first adders 52-1, 52-2, ..., 52-x via the spaces of spatial transfer functions 58-2-1 to 58-2-x within housing 11. Furthermore, the noise-canceling sound reproduced by driver 57-2 is input to third adder 59 via spatial transfer function 58-2 within housing 11 up to driver 57-2.

[0036] Similarly, the noise-canceling sound reproduced by driver 57-x reaches first adders 52-1, 52-2, ..., 52-x via the spaces of spatial transfer functions 58-x-1 to 58-x-x within housing 11. Also, the noise-canceling sound reproduced by driver 57-x is input to third adder 59 via spatial transfer function 58-x within housing 11 up to driver 57-x.

[0037] Furthermore, noise 50 arrives at the first adder 52-1 via the space of the spatial transfer function 51-1. The first adder 52-1 combines each noise canceling sound with the noise 50 that has arrived via the spatial transfer function 51-1. Each noise canceling sound is a noise canceling sound that has arrived via the spatial transfer functions 58-1-1, 58-2-1, ..., 58-x-1, respectively. The FB microphone 53-1 collects sounds that have been canceled by each noise canceling sound from the noise 50 that has arrived via the spatial transfer function 51-1.

[0038] Furthermore, noise 50 arrives at the first adder 52-2 via the space of the spatial transfer function 51-2. The first adder 52-2 combines each noise canceling sound with the noise 50 that has arrived via the spatial transfer function 51-2. Each noise canceling sound is a noise canceling sound from the noise 50 that has arrived via the spatial transfer functions 58-1-2, 58-2-2, ..., 58-x-2. The FB microphone 53-2 collects sounds that have been canceled by each noise canceling sound from the noise 50 that has arrived via the spatial transfer function 51-2.

[0039] Similarly, noise 50 further arrives at first adder 52-x via the space of spatial transfer function 51-2. First adder 52-x combines the noise canceling sounds arriving via spatial transfer functions 58-1-x, 58-2-x, ..., 58-x-x with noise 50 arriving via spatial transfer function 51-x. Each noise canceling sound is a noise canceling sound arriving via spatial transfer function 58-1-x, 58-2-x, ..., 58-x-x. FB microphone 53-X collects the sound canceled by each noise canceling sound from noise 50 arriving via spatial transfer function 51-x.

[0040] Noise 50 arrives at third adder 59 via the space of spatial transfer function 51-0. Third adder 59 adds the noise-canceling sound and noise 50 that has arrived via the space of spatial transfer function 51-0, cancels the noise, and outputs the result as sound 60. Here, the noise-canceling sound includes the noise-canceling sound reproduced by driver 57-1 via spatial transfer function 58-1 in housing 11 up to driver 57-1, ..., the noise-canceling sound reproduced by driver 57-x via spatial transfer function 58-x in housing 11 up to driver 57-x.

[0041] 2. Second embodiment Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of the front portion of headphones 100 according to a second embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the configuration of headphones 100 that are attached to one auricle of a user. If there is a housing that is attached to the other auricle, the housing that is attached to the other auricle has a configuration that is symmetrical to the configuration of housing 111, for example.

[0042] In the embodiment, when the housing 111 is attached to the user's auricle, the top of the user's head is defined as the upper direction, the chin of the user is defined as the lower direction, and the direction from the front to the rear is defined as the depth direction.

[0043] <Front Panel 210> As shown in Fig. 4, the front portion has a front panel 210. The front panel 210 has a first member 210-1 that extends in the depth direction from the upper side surface (left side in Fig. 4) of the front portion of the headphones 100 when the housing 111 is worn on the user's auricle. The front panel 210 also has a second member 210-2 that is continuous with the depth direction end of the first member 210-1 and extends in the up-down direction in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the first member 210-1. The front panel 210 also has a third member 210-3 that is continuous with the downward end of the second member 210-2.

[0044] Furthermore, the front panel 210 has a fourth member 210-4 that is continuous with the end of the third member 210-3 in the depth direction and extends substantially parallel to the second member 210-2.

[0045] The fourth member 210-4 is formed from top to bottom. The fourth member 210-4 has a surface that faces the user's auricle 117 when the user's auricle is attached to the housing 111. For example, the fourth member 210-4 is a semi-elliptical plate with the upper end of the ellipse facing upward and the lower end horizontal, but the shape of the fourth member 210-4 is not important. The driver 114-1 is provided on the fourth member 210-4.

[0046] Furthermore, the front panel 210 has a fifth member 210-5 that is continuous with the downward end of the fourth member 210-4 and extends at an angle toward the auricle. For example, the fifth member 210-5 is angled toward the surface opposite to the surface on which the driver 114-2 is attached. The fifth member 210-5 also extends toward the outlet side of the air vent 119 in the front space 110 of the housing 111. The driver 114-2 is provided on the fifth member 210-5. The fifth member 210-5 may be formed by bending the fourth member 210-4. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the housing 111 is attached to the user's auricle 117, the fifth member 210-5 faces the user's auricle 117. In this disclosure, "facing the auricle" refers to, for example, a direction toward the auricle tubercle on the auricle.

[0047] Furthermore, the front plate 210 has a sixth member 210-6 that extends in the depth direction from the lower side surface of the front part of the headphones 100 when the housing 111 is worn on the user's auricle. The front plate 210 also has a seventh member 210-7 that is continuous with the depth direction end of the sixth member 210-6 and extends in the up-down direction in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction of the sixth member 210-6. The front plate 210 also has an eighth member 210-8 that is continuous with the upper end of the seventh member 210-7 and in which the air vent 119 is formed.

[0048] <Ear Pads 116> Ear pads 116 are attached to parts of the first member 210-1 and sixth member 210-6 of the front plate 210 of the housing 111 to form the front space 110 when the housing 111 is worn on the user's auricle.

[0049] The user's auricle is fitted between a portion 116-1 of the ear pad 116 (on the left side in FIG. 4) that comes into contact with the user's head and a portion 116-2 of the ear pad 116 (on the right side in FIG. 4) that comes into contact with the user's cheek. A front space 110 is formed between the user's auricle 117 and the front plate 212.

[0050] <Driver 114-1, Driver 114-2> The driver 114-1 is provided on the fourth member 210-4. The driver 114-2 is provided on the fifth member 210-5. The sound output direction of the driver 114-1 is a direction perpendicular to the fourth member 210-4, and is a direction toward the user's pinna 117. The sound output direction of the driver 114-2 is a direction perpendicular to the fifth member 210-5, and is a direction toward the user's pinna. In other words, the sounds output from the driver 114-1 and the driver 114-2 are input approximately perpendicular to the user's pinna.

[0051] The driver 114-1 and the driver 114-2 output a canceling sound that cancels external noise collected by the FB microphone 118. The driver 114-2 is provided at a position closer to the air vent 119 than the driver 114-1.

[0052] <Air Vent 119 > The air vent 119 is provided in the eighth member 210 - 8 of the housing 111 , and is a hole that connects the rear or side surface of the housing 111 to the front space 110 .

[0053] <FB microphone 118> The FB microphone 118 is installed in the fifth member 210-5, and collects external noise through the ventilation hole 119, and also collects sound output from the driver 114-2. The control unit of the headphones 100 performs noise canceling processing based on the sound collected by the FB microphone 118.

[0054] Specifically, the FB microphone 118 is provided on the back side (the surface on the front space 110 side) of the surface of the fifth member 210-5 on which the driver 114-2 is provided. The FB microphone 118 is also provided closer to the driver 114-2 than to the driver 114-1.

[0055] The FB microphone 118 is provided at a position different from the position corresponding to the center of the driver 114-2 on the rear surface of the fifth member 210-5, and is located near the air vent 119. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the FB microphone may also be provided in the driver 114-1.

[0056] In a configuration including multiple drivers, as in the example of FIG. 4 , the driver size can be reduced by sharing the workload. Reducing the driver size allows for more flexible driver placement compared to a configuration equipped with a large driver. Specifically, in a configuration equipped with only one large driver, attempting to install a microphone near the driver inevitably requires a greater distance from the air vent. However, in the configuration disclosed herein, miniaturization allows the driver to be installed closer to the air vent. This inevitably means that the microphone is installed closer to the air vent. This allows the headphones 100 to more quickly capture noise collected through the air vent 119, thereby improving the noise canceling effect.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the front plate 120 and the drivers 114-1 and 114-2 when the headphones 100 are viewed in the depth direction from the front space side. As shown in FIG. 5, the front plate 120 is a flat, elliptical plate member. The drivers 114-1 and 114-2 are arranged on the front plate 120. The shapes of the drivers 114-1 and 114-2 are not important. The shapes of the drivers 114-1 and 114-2 may be, for example, cylindrical, track-shaped, or rectangular. Furthermore, the shape of the front plate 120 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5 and may be any shape.

[0058] For example, the driver 114-1 and the driver 114-2 are disposed at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the front panel 120. A substantially rectangular rear member 13 is placed on the rear side of the driver 114-1 and the driver 114-2.

[0059] <Driver configuration examples> Variations in the configuration of the front panel and driver are illustrated using simple schematic diagrams in Figure 6 and subsequent figures. Note that in each example in Figure 6 and subsequent figures, the directions used in the explanation are defined as the top of the user's head as the top, the chin as the bottom, and the direction from the front to the back of the headphones as the depth.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a conventional headphone 1 in which one driver 314 is provided in the housing.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6, when the user wears the headphones 1, the user's auricle 317 and cheek 321 are placed between an upper portion 316-1 of the ear pad 316 and a lower portion 316-2 of the ear pad 316.

[0062] The front plate 312 of the front part of the housing has a first member 312-1, a second member 312-2, and a third member 312-3. The second member 312-2 has, for example, a shape that extends in the vertical direction and is formed so as to face the user's ear.

[0063] The second member 312-2 is provided with one driver 314. An FB microphone 318 is provided on the front space 310 side on a driver center line 322 of the driver 314. The driver 314 outputs sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the second member 312-2, and is provided on the front plate 312 near the auricle 317.

[0064] The second member 312-2 is also formed with a vent hole 319 that communicates with the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the vent hole 319.

[0065] 3. Third Embodiment Next, a configuration including two drivers will be illustrated as a third embodiment. The third embodiment corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to the third embodiment. Note that the same parts as in FIG. 6 are described using the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 7, drivers 314-1 and 314-2 are provided on a second member 312-2 of a front plate 312 in the vertical direction of the user. The second member 312-2 extends in the vertical direction of the user and is formed so as to directly face the user's auricle 317.

[0066] An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1, on the front space 310 side. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on the driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2, on the front space 310 side.

[0067] The driver 314-1 and the driver 314-2 are provided to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the second member 312-2.

[0068] A ventilation hole 319 that communicates with the front space 310 is formed in the second member 312-2 of the housing. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the ventilation hole 319. In the third embodiment, a plurality of drivers are installed in parallel in the second member 312-2, so that the FB microphone 318-2 is disposed closer to the ventilation hole 319 than in the configuration shown in FIG.

[0069] 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to a fourth embodiment. Note that the same parts as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, in the fourth embodiment, the second member 312-2 of the front panel 312 is inclined obliquely from the top to the bottom of the user so that it approaches the auricle 317 as it moves from top to bottom.

[0071] The second member 312-2 of the front plate 312 of the housing is provided with drivers 314-1 and 314-2.

[0072] An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1, on the front space 310 side. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on the driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2, on the front space 310 side.

[0073] Drivers 314-1 and 314-2 are provided on front plate 312 near pinna 317 so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to front plate 312.

[0074] The second member 312-2 is also formed with a vent hole 319 that communicates with the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the vent hole 319.

[0075] 5. Fifth Embodiment Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to a fifth embodiment. Note that the same parts as in Fig. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The fifth embodiment corresponds to, for example, the configuration shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 9, the front plate 312 has a second member 312-2 and a third member 312-3. The second member 312-2 and the third member 312-3 are formed, for example, by bending the front plate 312.

[0076] The second member 312-2 is provided so as to extend in the vertical direction when viewed from the user side. A driver 314-1 is provided on the second member 312-2. An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the front space 310 side on a driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1.

[0077] The third member 312-3 is connected to the second member 312-2 and is provided with a driver 314-2. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on the front space 310 side on a driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2.

[0078] An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1, on the front space 310 side. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on the driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2, on the front space 310 side.

[0079] The driver 314-1 is provided on the second member 312-2 near the pinna 317 so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the second member 312-2. The driver 314-2 is provided on the third member 312-3 near the pinna 317 so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the third member 312-3.

[0080] The driver 314-1 and the driver 314-2 are disposed on different planes of the front plate 312.

[0081] For example, the length of the first member 312-1 connected to the second member 312-2 is longer than the length of the fourth member 312-4 connected to the third member 312-3.

[0082] The third member 312-3 is also formed with a vent hole 319 that communicates with the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the vent hole 319.

[0083] 6. Sixth Embodiment Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to a sixth embodiment. Note that the same parts as in Fig. 7 are described using the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 10, drivers 314-1, 314-2, and 314-3 are provided on the second member 312-2 of the front plate 312, above and below the user.

[0084] An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1, facing the front space 310. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on the driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2, facing the front space 310. An FB microphone 318-3 is provided on the driver center line 322-3 of the driver 314-3, facing the front space 310.

[0085] The drivers 314-1, 314-2, and 314-3 are attached to the second member 312-2 of the front panel 312, lined up in the vertical direction. An FB microphone 318-1 is attached to the driver 314-1. An FB microphone 318-2 is attached to the driver 314-2. An FB microphone 318-3 is attached to the driver 314-3.

[0086] The drivers 314-1, 314-2, and 314-3 are provided so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the second member 312-2.

[0087] The second member 312-2 is also formed with a vent hole 319 that communicates with the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the vent hole 319.

[0088] 7. Seventh Embodiment Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to a seventh embodiment. Note that the same parts as in Fig. 6 are described using the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 11, the second member 312-2 of the front panel 312 is provided at an angle relative to the direction from the top to the bottom of the user so as to approach the auricle 17.

[0089] Drivers 314-1, 314-2, and 314-3 are attached to the second member 312-2 in a vertically aligned manner. An FB microphone 318-1 is attached to the driver 314-1. An FB microphone 318-2 is attached to the driver 314-2. An FB microphone 318-3 is attached to the driver 314-3.

[0090] An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1, facing the front space 310. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on the driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2, facing the front space 310. An FB microphone 318-3 is provided on the driver center line 322-3 of the driver 314-3, facing the front space 310.

[0091] The drivers 314-1, 314-2, and 314-3 are provided on the front plate 312 near the pinna 317 so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the second member 312-2.

[0092] Furthermore, a vent hole 319 is formed in the front plate 312 of the housing, which leads to the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the vent hole 319.

[0093] 8. Eighth Embodiment Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to an eighth embodiment. Note that the same parts as in Fig. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 12, the front panel 312 has a second member 312-2 and a third member 312-3.

[0094] The second member 312-2 is provided so as to extend in the vertical direction when viewed from the user side. The second member 312-2 is provided with drivers 314-1 and 314-2. The third member 312-3 is provided with a driver 314-3.

[0095] The third member 312-3 is provided at an angle relative to the direction from the top to the bottom of the user so as to approach the auricle 317.

[0096] An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1, facing the front space 310. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on the driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2, facing the front space 310. An FB microphone 318-3 is provided on the driver center line 322-3 of the driver 314-3, facing the front space 310.

[0097] Drivers 314-1 and 314-2 are provided on the first member 312-1 near the pinna 317 so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the second member 312-2. Driver 314-3 is provided on the third member 312-3 near the pinna 317 so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the third member 312-2.

[0098] The second member 312-2 is also formed with a vent hole 319 that communicates with the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the vent hole 319.

[0099] 9. Ninth embodiment Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to a ninth embodiment. Note that the same parts as in Fig. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 13, the front panel 312 has a second member 312-2 and a third member 312-3.

[0100] The second member 312-2 is provided so as to extend in the vertical direction when viewed from the user side. A driver 314-1 is provided on the second member 312-2. An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the front space 310 side on a driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1.

[0101] The third member 312-3 is connected to the second member 312-2, and is provided with drivers 314-2 and 314-3. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on a driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2, on the front space 310 side. An FB microphone 318-3 is provided on a driver center line 322-3 of the driver 314-3, on the front space 310 side.

[0102] An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1, facing the front space 310. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on the driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2, facing the front space 310. An FB microphone 318-3 is provided on the driver center line 322-3 of the driver 314-3, facing the front space 310.

[0103] Driver 314-1 is provided on second member 312-2 near pinna 317 so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to first member 312-1. Drivers 314-2 and 314-3 are provided on third member 312-3 near pinna 317 so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to third member 312-3.

[0104] The driver 314-1 and the driver 314-2 are disposed on different planes of the front plate 312.

[0105] The length of the first member 312-1 connected to the second member 312-2 is longer than the length of the fourth member 312-4 connected to the third member 312-3.

[0106] The third member 312-3 is also formed with a vent hole 319 that communicates with the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the vent hole 319.

[0107] 10. Tenth Embodiment Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to a tenth embodiment. Note that the same parts as in Fig. 6 are described using the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 14, drivers 314-1 and 314-2 are provided above and below the user on the second member 312-2 of the front panel 312. The diameter of driver 314-2 is smaller than the diameter of driver 314-1.

[0108] An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1, on the front space 310 side. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on the driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2, on the front space 310 side.

[0109] The driver 314-1 and the driver 314-2 are provided on the front plate 312 near the pinna 317 so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the second member 312-2.

[0110] Furthermore, the second member 312-2 of the housing is formed with an air vent 319 that communicates with the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the air vent 319.

[0111] 11. Eleventh Embodiment Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to an eleventh embodiment. Note that the same parts as in Fig. 6 are described using the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 15, drivers 314-1, 314-2, and 314-3 are provided on a second member 312-2 of a front plate 312 in the vertical direction of the user. The second member 312-2 extends in the vertical direction of the user and is formed so as to directly face an auricle 317 of the user.

[0112] An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1, facing the front space 310. An FB microphone 318-2 is provided on the driver center line 322-2 of the driver 314-2, facing the front space 310. An FB microphone 318-3 is provided on the driver center line 322-3 of the driver 314-3, facing the front space 310.

[0113] The diameter of the driver 314-3 is smaller than the diameters of the drivers 314-1 and 314-2. The diameters of the drivers 314-1, 314-2, and 314-3 may be different from each other.

[0114] The drivers 314-1, 314-2, and 314-3 are provided so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the second member 312-2.

[0115] Furthermore, the second member 312-2 of the housing is formed with an air vent 319 that communicates with the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the air vent 319.

[0116] 12. Twelfth Embodiment Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to a twelfth embodiment. Note that the same parts as in Fig. 6 are described using the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 7, drivers 314-1 and 314-2 are provided on the second member 312-2 of the front plate 312 in the vertical direction of the user. The second member 312-2 extends in the vertical direction of the user and is formed so as to directly face the user's auricle 317.

[0117] An FB microphone 318-1 is provided on the driver 314-1, facing the front space 310. In the twelfth embodiment, the FB microphone 318-1 is not provided on the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the microphone center line 333-1 of the FB microphone 318-1 may be shifted downward from the driver center line 322-1 of the driver 314-1. Similarly, the FB microphone 318-2 does not have to be provided on the driver center line.

[0118] The driver 314-1 and the driver 314-2 are provided to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the second member 312-2.

[0119] Furthermore, the second member 312-2 of the housing is formed with an air vent 319 that communicates with the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the air vent 319.

[0120] 13. Thirteenth Embodiment Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of headphones 1 according to a thirteenth embodiment. Note that the same parts as in Fig. 6 are described using the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 17, drivers 314-1, 314-2, and 314-3 are provided on a second member 312-2 of a front plate 312. The second member 312-2 extends in the vertical direction of the user and is formed so as to face the user's auricle 317.

[0121] As in the example shown in FIG. 16, the FB microphones 318-1, 318-2, and 318-3 do not need to be provided on the center line of the driver.

[0122] The drivers 314-1, 314-2, and 314-3 are provided so as to output sound waves in a direction perpendicular to the second member 312-2.

[0123] Furthermore, a vent hole 319 is formed in the front plate 312 of the housing, which leads to the front space 310. External noise reaches the front space 310 through the vent hole 319.

[0124] 14. Effects Headphones according to the present disclosure (headphones 100 in the embodiment) have a housing. When the housing is attached to a user's auricle, the housing has a front portion that forms a front space (front space 110 in the embodiment) that envelops the auricle, a rear portion that faces the front portion, and a side portion between the front portion and the rear portion. The front portion has a front plate (front plate 210 in the embodiment) that forms the front space. When the top of the user's head is positioned upward and the user's chin is positioned downward, the front plate has a first portion (fourth member 210-4 in the embodiment) that extends from the top to the bottom, and a second portion (fifth member 210-5 in the embodiment) that is continuous with the bottom end of the first portion and extends at an angle toward the auricle. The headphones have a first driver (driver 114-1 in the embodiment) provided in the first portion and a second driver (driver 114-2 in the embodiment) provided in the second portion.

[0125] In this way, the headphones according to the present disclosure can reduce the workload of the driver compared to headphones with a single driver, allowing the first and second drivers to be made smaller and thinner. As a result, the entire headphones can be made smaller and thinner. Furthermore, the headphones according to the present disclosure can reduce the size of the first and second drivers, improving the design freedom of the front space. Furthermore, the headphones according to the present disclosure can position the second driver at an angle toward the auricle, thereby bringing the output closer to the user's listening position, allowing the desired sound to be delivered to the user with a smaller output.

[0126] The headphones according to the present disclosure also have a vent hole that connects the rear portion to the front space, which allows the second driver microphone to easily pick up external noise through the vent hole, improving noise canceling performance.

[0127] The headphones according to the present disclosure also include a microphone installed in the second section that collects external noise through the air vent and collects sound output from the second driver, and a control unit that performs noise canceling processing based on the sound collected by the microphone. Because the headphones according to the present disclosure have a smaller driver, the distance between the microphone installed in the second section and the air vent is shorter, making it possible for the microphone to quickly detect external noise and improving noise canceling performance.

[0128] Furthermore, the second driver is located closer to the air vent than the first driver, and the microphone is located closer to the second driver than the first driver. In the headphones according to the present disclosure, the microphone is located closer to the second driver, thereby improving noise canceling performance. Furthermore, the first driver and the second driver can be made smaller and thinner, thereby shortening the distance between the microphone and the air vent. As a result, the microphone can quickly collect external noise before it reaches the user's auricle. The headphone control unit can quickly perform noise canceling processing.

[0129] Furthermore, the first portion is continuous with the upper portion of the second portion, and the lower portion of the first portion is formed so as to be inclined in a direction approaching the auricle. Furthermore, the first portion is formed so as to face the user's auricle. With such headphones according to the present disclosure, the distance between the first driver and the second driver and the user's auricle can be shortened, thereby reducing the workload of the first driver and the second driver. As a result, the first driver and the second driver can be made smaller, and the entire headphones can be made smaller and thinner.

[0130] In addition, the second portion is formed so as to face directly toward the user's auricle, and the first portion is formed at an angle different from that of the second portion and closer to the vertical direction connecting the top of the user's head and chin relative to the inclination of the second portion.

[0131] In the headphones according to the present disclosure, the distance between the second driver and the user's auricle can be shortened, thereby reducing the workload of the second driver, which in turn allows the second driver to be made smaller, and the headphones as a whole to be made smaller and thinner.

[0132] The headphones according to the present disclosure also have a third driver attached to the first portion. The headphones according to the present disclosure can reduce the size of the first to third drivers, thereby reducing the overall size and thickness of the headphones. Furthermore, by providing three different drivers, the headphones according to the present disclosure can provide different acoustic characteristics, thereby improving the sound quality of the headphones.

[0133] The headphones according to the present disclosure also have a third driver attached to the second section. By providing three drivers, the headphones according to the present disclosure can provide different acoustic characteristics. As a result, the headphones according to the present disclosure can improve the sound quality of the headphones.

[0134] In addition, in the headphones according to the present disclosure, the diameter of the first driver is different from the diameter of the second driver. In such headphones according to the present disclosure, the first driver and the second driver have different acoustic characteristics, which allows the headphones to handle a wide range of noise and improve noise canceling performance. Furthermore, if the diameter of the second driver is smaller than the diameter of the first driver, the headphones according to the present disclosure can reproduce high-resolution audio using the second driver.

[0135] Furthermore, the headphones according to the present disclosure have a power supply, and the first driver and the second driver are connected in parallel to the power supply. Since the headphones according to the present disclosure can reduce the workload of the drivers, the first driver and the second driver can be made smaller and thinner. As a result, the headphones according to the present disclosure can be made smaller and thinner overall.

[0136] Headphones according to the present disclosure (headphones 100 in the embodiment) are headphones having a housing. The housing has a front portion that forms a front space that envelops the user's auricle when the housing is worn on the user's auricle, and a rear portion that faces the front portion. The front portion has a front plate (front plate 210 in the embodiment) that forms the front space. The front plate has a first portion (fourth member 12-4 in the embodiment) that extends from top to bottom, with the top of the user's head facing upward and the user's chin facing downward. The headphones have a first driver (driver 14-1 in the embodiment) attached to the first portion, and a second driver (driver 14-2 in the embodiment) attached to the first portion.

[0137] In the headphones according to the present disclosure, the first driver and the second driver are attached to the first portion, so the first driver and the second driver can be made smaller and thinner than headphones having a single driver. As a result, the headphones according to the present disclosure are made smaller and thinner overall, improving the comfort for the user.

[0138] Furthermore, the headphones according to the present disclosure have a power supply, and the first driver and the second driver are connected in parallel to the power supply. Since the headphones according to the present disclosure can reduce the workload of the drivers, the first driver and the second driver can be made smaller and thinner. As a result, the headphones according to the present disclosure can be made smaller and thinner overall.

[0139] The headphones according to the present disclosure also have a third driver attached to the first section. Because the headphones according to the present disclosure have three drivers in the first section, the workload of each driver can be reduced, allowing each driver to be made smaller. Furthermore, because the headphones according to the present disclosure have three drivers, the acoustic characteristics can be enriched.

[0140] 15. Other Embodiments The processing according to the above-described embodiments may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments.

[0141] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. Furthermore, the information, including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0142] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0143] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0144] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0145] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0146] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely descriptive or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above-described effects.

[0147] Note that the present technology can also be configured as follows: (1) Headphones having a housing, wherein the housing has: a front portion that forms a front space that encloses the auricle when the housing is attached to the auricle of a user, and a rear portion facing the front portion, the front portion has a front panel that forms the front space, the front panel having: a first portion that extends from top to bottom when the top of the user's head is in the upward direction and the user's chin is in the downward direction, and a second portion that is continuous with the lower end of the first portion and extends at an angle in a direction approaching the auricle, a first driver provided in the first portion, and a second driver provided in the second portion. (2) The headphones according to (1), wherein the headphones have an air vent that connects the rear portion to the front space. (3) The headphones according to (2), further comprising: a microphone installed in the second portion, collecting external noise through the air vent and collecting sound output from the second driver; and a control unit that performs noise canceling processing based on the sound collected by the microphone. (4) The headphones according to (3), wherein the second driver is provided closer to the air vent than the first driver, and the microphone is provided closer to the second driver than the first driver. (5) The headphones according to (1), wherein the first portion is continuous with an upper part of the second portion and is formed with an inclination similar to the inclination of the second portion. (6) The headphones according to (5), wherein the first portion is formed to face the user's auricle. (7) The headphones according to (1), wherein the second portion is formed to face the user's auricle, and wherein the first portion is formed at an angle different from that of the second portion and closer to the inclination of the second portion in the vertical direction connecting the top of the head and the chin of the user. (8) The headphones according to (1), further comprising a third driver attached to the first portion. (8) The headphones according to (1), further comprising a third driver attached to the first portion.(9) The headphones according to (1), further comprising a third driver attached to the second portion. (10) The headphones according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the diameter of the first driver is different from the diameter of the second driver. (11) The headphones according to any one of (1) to (10), further comprising a power source, wherein the first driver and the second driver are connected in parallel to the power source. (12) Headphones having a housing, wherein the housing has a front portion that forms a front space that encloses the auricle when the housing is worn on a user's auricle, and a rear portion facing the front portion, the front portion has a front plate that forms the front space, and the front plate has a first portion that is formed from top to bottom when the top of the user's head is directed upward and the user's chin is directed downward, and the headphones comprising: a first driver and a second driver attached to the first portion. (13) The headphones according to (12), further comprising a third driver attached to the first portion.

[0148] 1, 100 headphones 10, 110, 310 front space 12, 210, 312 front panel 14-1, 14-2, 114-1, 114-2, 314, 314-1 to 314-3 driver 17, 117, 317 auricle 118, 318-1 to 318-3 FB microphone 21 battery 119, 319 ventilation hole 322-1, 322-2, 322-3 driver center line 331-1 to 331-3 microphone center line of FB microphone

Claims

1. Headphones having a housing, the housing having: a front portion that forms a front space that encloses the auricle when the housing is attached to the auricle of a user; and a rear portion that faces the front portion; the front portion having a front panel that forms the front space; the front panel having: a first portion that extends from top to bottom when the top of the user's head is in the upward direction and the user's chin is in the downward direction; and a second portion that is continuous with the bottom end of the first portion and extends at an angle in a direction approaching the auricle; and a first driver provided in the first portion; and a second driver provided in the second portion.

2. The headphones according to claim 1, further comprising a vent hole that connects the rear portion to the front space.

3. The headphones according to claim 2, further comprising: a microphone installed in the second part, which collects external noise through the air vent and also collects sound output from the second driver; and a control unit which performs noise canceling processing based on the sound collected by the microphone.

4. The headphones according to claim 3, wherein the second driver is located closer to the air vent than the first driver, and the microphone is located closer to the second driver than to the first driver.

5. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is continuous with an upper portion of the second portion and is formed with a slope similar to the slope of the second portion.

6. The headphones according to claim 5, wherein the first portion is formed to face directly against the user's pinna.

7. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is formed so as to face the user's auricle, and the first portion is formed at an angle different from that of the second portion and closer to the vertical direction connecting the top of the user's head and chin relative to the inclination of the second portion.

8. The headphones of claim 1, further comprising a third driver attached to the first portion.

9. The headphones of claim 1, further comprising a third driver attached to said second portion.

10. The headphones according to claim 1, wherein the aperture of the first driver is different from the aperture of the second driver.

11. The headphones according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply, wherein the first driver and the second driver are connected in parallel to the power supply.

12. Headphones having a housing, wherein the housing has a front portion that forms a front space that encloses the user's auricle when the housing is attached to the user's auricle, and a rear portion facing the front portion, the front portion having a front panel that forms the front space, the front panel having a first portion that is formed from top to bottom when the top of the user's head is upward and the user's chin is downward, and a first driver and a second driver attached to the first portion.

13. The headphones of claim 12, further comprising a third driver attached to the first portion.

Images