Patent ID: 9014403
Filing Date: 2015-04-21
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
1. An earphone, comprising: a magnetostrictive element which is composed of a magnetostrictive material and has a column-like shape, the magnetostrictive element expanding and contracting due to magnetostrictive effect; a coil wound around the magnetostrictive element, the coil converting an electrical signal into a change in magnetic field; and an elastic portion which is composed of an elastic body having magnetism, the elastic portion including: a first elastic portion to which one of ends of the magnetostrictive element is joined; a second elastic portion to which the other end of the magnetostrictive element is joined; and a beam portion having a column-like shape and being provided in parallel to the magnetostrictive element between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion and being integrally formed with the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion; wherein the magnetostrictive element, the beam portion, the first elastic portion, and the second elastic portion are arranged such that expansion and contraction of the magnetostrictive element causes deformation of said elastic portion such that the first and second elastic portions of said elastic portion are flexurally displaced in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the magnetostrictive element.