Sound output device

A sound output device includes a main device portion that incorporates at least a battery and that is positioned behind an auricle, a sound output portion that incorporates at least a speaker and that is positioned in front of the auricle, a connection portion that connects the main device portion and the sound output portion to each other and that is positioned to run up along an ear lobe, and a joint that is removably attached to the sound output portion, that has a sound emitting opening, and that guides sound output from the speaker to an external acoustic opening, in which the joint for one of a left ear or a right ear is mounted on the sound output portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2020/027481 filed on Jul. 15, 2020, which claims priority benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2019-153036 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Aug. 23, 2019. Each of the above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to a technical field on a sound output device that is worn on an ear to be used.

BACKGROUND ART

There have been sound output devices that are worn on ears to be used as headphones or earphones and configured to output sound from speakers, and the sound output devices have been increasingly used outdoors in addition to indoor use in recent years. A sound output device incorporates, for example, a speaker configured to output sound and a control board configured to control the drive of the speaker and the like.

As such a sound output device, there is a sound output device that is worn on one of the left ear or the right ear to be used (see PTL 1). The sound output device described in PTL 1 is provided as an earphone and incorporates an electroacoustic element that functions as a speaker.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

Incidentally, with regard to human ears, angles of the left ear and right ear with respect to a face portion are different from each other. Thus, with regard to a sound output device that is worn on one of the ears to be used, it is necessary to select whether to wear a predetermined left ear-specific sound output device on the left ear or to wear a predetermined right ear-specific sound output device on the right ear.

However, the user may want to select which ear to wear the sound output device, depending on usage environment or user's convenience, and if the user cannot make a selection in such a case, the user may feel inconvenience. For example, in a case where the user has injured one of the ears, it is desired that the sound output device be worn on the non-injured ear, and in a case where the user is hard of hearing in one of the ears, it is desired that the sound output device be worn on the well-hearing ear.

Meanwhile, to eliminate such inconvenience, it is conceivable to provide, to users, a left ear-specific sound output device and a right ear-specific sound output device as a pair. In this case, however, the two sound output devices need to be manufactured individually, resulting in rise in manufacturing cost.

Thus, it is an object of a sound output device of the present technology to enhance the usability without causing rise in manufacturing cost.

Solution to Problem

First, according to the present technology, there is provided a sound output device including a main device portion that incorporates at least a battery and that is positioned behind an auricle, a sound output portion that incorporates at least a speaker and that is positioned in front of the auricle, a connection portion that connects the main device portion and the sound output portion to each other and that is positioned to run up along an ear lobe, and a joint that is removably attached to the sound output portion, that has a sound emitting opening, and that guides sound output from the speaker to an external acoustic opening, in which the joint for one of a left ear or a right ear is mounted on the sound output portion.

With this, with the joint for one of a left ear or a right ear mounted on the sound output portion, the sound output device can be worn on one of the left ear or the right ear.

Secondly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the joint is desirably rotatable with respect to the sound output portion in a direction about a virtual axis extending in an attaching/removing direction.

With this, the angle of the sound emitting opening can be adjusted with respect to the sound output portion, and the positions of the main device portion, the sound output portion, and the connection portion with respect to the auricle can be adjusted.

Thirdly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, an output direction of the sound from the speaker is desirably set to an obliquely upward and backward direction, and the sound output from the speaker is desirably guided by the joint to a direction different from the output direction.

With this, the sound output from the speaker in the obliquely upward and backward direction is guided by the joint to the direction different from the output direction to be output from the sound emitting opening to the external acoustic opening.

Fourthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the joint desirably includes a joint main body portion formed into a cylindrical shape and a support portion that is formed into a curved shape and that is hung on an inferior crus of an antihelix.

With this, the joint is held on the ear with the curved support portion, which is provided to the joint, hung on the inferior crus of the antihelix.

Fifthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the joint main body portion and the support portion are desirably integrally formed.

With this, the joint main body portion and the support portion are not provided as individual components.

Sixthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the support portion is desirably elastically deformable.

With this, the support portion can be elastically deformed to be hung on the inferior crus of the antihelix.

Seventhly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the joint desirably includes a cylindrical inner member that is placed inside the joint main body portion, and hardness of the inner member is desirably higher than hardness of the joint main body portion.

With this, the joint main body portion, which serves as the outer side of the joint and has low hardness, can be brought into contact with the ear and the joint is reinforced by the inner member.

Eighthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, a control board is desirably placed inside the main device portion, and an operation button for executing a predetermined function is desirably placed on the main device portion.

With this, the main device portion includes, in addition to the battery, the control board and the operation button, so that the sound output portion that is positioned in front of the auricle can be reduced in size.

Ninthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, a plurality of the operation buttons is desirably placed on the main device portion, and the plurality of the operation buttons is desirably arranged to be adjacent to one another while partially protruding from a peripheral surface of the main device portion.

With this, the user can blindly operate a desired operation button by tracing the peripheral surface of the main device portion with his/her finger.

Tenthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, in which an antenna configured to receive a sound signal is desirably placed inside the connection portion.

With this, the antenna is placed inside the connection portion that is positioned to run up along the ear lobe, so that the antenna is prevented from being covered by the ear.

Eleventhly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, in which a holding supporter that includes a coupling portion coupled to the connection portion and that is positioned to run down along a helix is desirably provided.

With this, the holding supporter connected to the connection portion can be hung on the base of the ear near the temporal region, so that the sound output device is worn on the ear with the support of the holding supporter.

Twelfthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the coupling portion is desirably slidable with respect to the connection portion.

With this, the position of the holding supporter with respect to the ear can be adjusted by changing the position of the connection portion with respect to the coupling portion.

Thirteenthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, the main device portion desirably includes a charging terminal that is connected to a connection terminal of a charger, the charger desirably includes a magnet, and the main device portion desirably includes a magnetic member that is attracted to the magnet.

With this, the magnetic member is attracted to the magnet when the sound output device is connected to the charger.

Fourteenthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, in which an earpad is desirably removably attached to the joint, and the earpad desirably has formed therein a sound passing hole that functions as a passage for sound output from the sound emitting opening and an input hole capable of receiving external sound.

With this, sound generated in an external environment is input to the ear canal from the input hole formed in the earpad, so that the sound generated in the external environment can be heard together with the sound output from the speaker.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Now, a mode for carrying out a sound output device of the present technology is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, a structure of an ear on which the sound output device is worn is described (seeFIG.1andFIG.2).

Ears100and100are part of a head200and each include an auricle101or101and parts located inside the head200, such as an eardrum, semicircular canals, and a cochlea. The portions of the head200that are positioned on the inner sides of the auricles101and101are temporal regions201and201, and the auricles101and101each protrude leftward or rightward from the temporal region201or201.

The auricle101has a shallow recessed shape opening substantially leftward or substantially rightward as a whole to have an inner space150. The auricle101has, as its peripheral portion, a portion called a helix102and a projecting portion called a crus of a helix103. The crus of the helix103is continuous with the helix102and positioned near the temporal region201.

The portion on the inner side of the helix102is called a scapha104having a recessed shape, and the substantially lower half portion on the inner side of the scapha104is called an antihelix105having a projecting shape. A bifurcated projecting portion continuous with the antihelix105is positioned above the antihelix105. Of the bifurcated portion, an outer-side portion and an inner-side portion are called a superior crus of an antihelix106and an inferior crus of an antihelix107, respectively. A portion between the superior crus of the antihelix106and the inferior crus of the antihelix107is called a triangular fossa108having a recessed shape, and a portion on the inner sides of the antihelix105and the inferior crus of the antihelix107is called an ear concha109having a recessed shape.

A portion that is continuous with a lower part of the antihelix105and slightly bulges toward the temporal region201is called an antitragus110. A portion on the temporal region201side that faces the antitragus110and slightly bulges toward the antitragus110is called a tragus111, and a lower end portion continuous with a lower part of the helix102is called an ear lobe112.

An external acoustic opening113athat is an entrance of an ear canal113is positioned between the antitragus110and the tragus111, and the ear canal113communicates with the eardrum, the semicircular canals, and the like.

Of the inner space150, a space surrounded by the inferior crus of the antihelix107and the crus of the helix103is called a cymba concha114, and a space under the cymba concha114is called a cavity of a concha115. The cymba concha114and the cavity of the concha115are the parts of the ear concha109. The cavity of the concha115communicates with the external acoustic opening113aof the ear canal113. A U-shaped open space of the inner space150that is continuous with a lower part of the cavity of the concha115is called an intertragic notch116.

The inner space150of the auricle101is the space including the cymba concha114, the cavity of concha115, and the intertragic notch116, and a lateral space of the scapha104, the antihelix105, the superior crus of the antihelix106, the inferior crus of the antihelix107, and the triangular fossa108.

The ears100of humans are different in shape, size, and angle between individuals. It is, however, known that, when a distance A from a center P of the external acoustic opening113ato an upper end of the helix102and a distance B from the center P to a lower end of the ear lobe112are compared to each other (seeFIG.1), the distance B has a smaller individual difference than the distance A.

<Overall Configuration of Sound Output Device>

Next, the configuration of a sound output device1is described (seeFIG.3toFIG.13). The sound output device1is worn on one of the left ear100or the right ear100, for example.

The sound output device1can be used indoors and outdoors and can also be used during various exercises (sports) and the driving of vehicles such as a bicycle and a motorcycle. In particular, the sound output device1can also be used for, other than water sports and winter sports, competitive sports such as baseball, soccer, and golf.

The sound output device1includes a device main body2and a joint3, and the joint3for a left ear or a joint3A for a right ear is removably attached to the device main body2(seeFIG.3toFIG.8). Thus, the joint3for a left ear or the joint3A for a right ear is attached to the device main body2in a replaceable manner, and the joint3for a left ear or the joint3A for a right ear is mounted on the device main body2.

The sound output device1can be worn on the left ear100with the joint3for a left ear mounted on the device main body2(seeFIG.3,FIG.5, andFIG.7). The sound output device1can be worn on the right ear100with the joint3A for a right ear mounted on the device main body2(seeFIG.4,FIG.6, andFIG.8).

<Configuration of Device Main Body>

The device main body2includes a housing4incorporating necessary components (seeFIG.9to FIG.12). Note that, in the following, unless otherwise particularly described, the configuration of the sound output device1including the device main body2having mounted thereon the joint3for a left ear is described.

Note that the configuration of the sound output device1is described below with directions based on the positions of the parts of the ear100. Thus, front-back, up-down, and left-right directions of the sound output device1are determined with the following positional relations: the tragus111is positioned in front of the cavity of the concha115, the ear lobe112is positioned in a lower part, and the external acoustic opening113ais positioned on an outer side of the ear canal113in the left-right direction.

The housing4includes a case5, a chassis6, and a cabinet7, and the case5includes a first case portion8and a second case portion9that are coupled to each other.

The first case portion8is positioned closer to the ear100than the second case portion9is in the left-right direction, and includes a base placing portion10, a speaker placing portion11, and an antenna placing portion12that are integrally formed.

The base placing portion10is formed into a laterally open box shape and includes a base surface portion13facing the left-right direction and a peripheral portion14laterally protruding from the peripheral edge of the base surface portion13(seeFIG.10). A terminal placing hole13ais formed in an upper end portion of the base surface portion13. The peripheral portion14includes a slope portion15having a slight inclination with respect to the front-back direction, a curved surface portion16formed into a curved surface shape projecting upward, a first planar portion17facing the front-back direction, and a second planar portion18facing the up-down direction that are continuous in this order in a circumferential direction (seeFIG.10andFIG.12). A microphone hole16ais formed in the curved surface portion16, and the first planar portion17and the second planar portion18have button holes17aand17aor18a,18aand18aformed separately in the circumferential direction.

The speaker placing portion11is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape and positioned in front of the base placing portion10. The speaker placing portion11includes a base cylindrical portion19having the largest diameter and a mounting cylindrical portion20protruding substantially upward from a peripheral portion of the base cylindrical portion19. The mounting cylindrical portion20is provided with a flanged mounting protruding portion20aprojecting outward. An axial direction of the speaker placing portion11is set to an obliquely upward and backward direction.

The antenna placing portion12includes a curved portion21formed into a semi-circular shape projecting substantially downward and a linear portion22continuous with one end of the curved portion21. The other end of the curved portion21is continuous with a lower end portion of a front end of the base placing portion10. The antenna placing portion12is formed into a laterally open shape and has an internal space communicating with an internal space of the base placing portion10and an internal space of the speaker placing portion11.

The second case portion9includes a main cover portion23formed in shape and size corresponding to the base placing portion10, a speaker cover portion24that is coupled to the speaker placing portion11, and an antenna cover portion25formed in shape and size corresponding to the antenna placing portion12, the main cover portion23, the speaker cover portion24, and the antenna cover portion25being integrally formed (seeFIG.9toFIG.11). The main cover portion23includes an opposing surface portion26that is opposed to the base surface portion13and a first button placing surface portion27and a second button placing surface portion28that laterally protrude from the respective portions of the peripheral edge of the opposing surface portion26. The first button placing surface portion27is positioned to be opposed to the first planar portion17and the second planar portion18. The first button placing surface portion27and the second button placing surface portion28have holes27aand27aor28a,28a, and28aformed separately in the circumferential direction.

The chassis6is placed inside the base placing portion10of the first case portion8(seeFIG.10andFIG.12). The chassis6includes a first board mounting portion29facing a substantially front-back direction and extending substantially vertically, a second board mounting portion30protruding substantially forward from a lower end portion of the first board mounting portion29, and a third board mounting portion31protruding substantially upward from the substantially front half portion of the second board mounting portion30. The third board mounting portion31is formed into a substantially vertically long plate shape facing the left-right direction. The chassis6has a space formed between the first board mounting portion29and the third board mounting portion31, and this space is a battery placing space6a. A microphone placing portion31ais formed in an upper end portion of the third board mounting portion31.

A switch board32is mounted on an exterior surfaces of the first board mounting portion29and the second board mounting portion30. The switch board32is bent at a right angle and includes switch portions32a,32a, etc. separately positioned in a longitudinal direction. A connection board33, for example, a flexible printed wiring board is connected to one end portion of the switch board32. A microphone34is connected to part of the connection board33. The microphone34is placed on the microphone placing portion31aof the third board mounting portion31.

A control board35is mounted on the third board mounting portion31. The control board35functions to perform electrical control on the components of the sound output device1. Part of the connection board33is connected to the control board35. Thus, the switch board32and the microphone34are connected to the control board35through the connection board33.

With the chassis6placed inside the base placing portion10, the switch board32is positioned to be opposed to an inner surface of the first case portion8and the switch portions32a,32a, etc. are at the positions corresponding to the respective button holes17a,17a,18a,18a, and18aof the base placing portion10. Further, with the chassis6placed inside the base placing portion10, the microphone34and the control board35are also placed inside the base placing portion10and the microphone34is at the position corresponding to the microphone hole16aof the base placing portion10. Note that the microphone hole16ais covered with a waterproof sheet, which is not illustrated, from an inner surface side of the curved surface portion16, so that the microphone34is protected against moisture by the waterproof sheet.

With the microphone34and the control board35placed inside the base placing portion10, inside the base placing portion10, the battery36is placed in the battery placing space6a, which is positioned behind the control board35, of the chassis6. The battery36has a terminal portion, which is not illustrated, and the terminal portion is connected to the control board35.

A cover sheet37made of, for example, silicon is adhered on exterior surfaces of the first planar portion17and the second planar portion18with waterproof adhesive paper, which is not illustrated. On an exterior surface side of the cover sheet37, the operation buttons38,38, etc. are placed separately in the longitudinal direction of the cover sheet37. The operation buttons38,38, etc. are placed at the positions corresponding to the button holes17a,17a,18a,18a, and18aof the first case portion8, and partially protrude outward from the respective button placing holes27a,27a,28a,28a, and28aof the second case portion9(seeFIG.11). Thus, the operation buttons38,38, etc. are arranged while partially protruding from a peripheral surface of the second case portion9.

When the operation button38is pressed, the switch portion32aof the switch board32is pressed through the cover sheet37and the button hole17aor the button hole18a, and a predetermined function corresponding to the pressed operation button38is executed. The switch portion32aof the switch board32is pressed through the cover sheet37when the operation button38is pressed in this way, so that the switch board32placed inside the base placing portion10is protected against moisture by the cover sheet37.

Note that the sound output device1can receive signals from mobile terminals such as a mobile phone by wireless communication or the like. For example, when a mobile terminal receives an incoming call, the incoming signal is input to the sound output device1to allow the user to have, with the caller, a phone conversation over the sound output device1by use of the microphone34.

As the operation buttons38,38, etc., for example, four operation buttons38D,38C,38B, and38A are provided.

With the operation on the operation button38A, the power can be turned on or off and an incoming call can be answered or ended. With the long press of the operation button38A, the power can be turned on or off, and with the short press of the operation button38A, an incoming call can be answered or ended.

With the operation on the operation button38B, a conversation between a plurality of users (group call) can be made. When the operation button38B is operated, a group call in a group set in advance is started to make the exchange of conversation in the group possible. When the operation button38B is operated again, the group call is ended (with regard to the details of group calls, see PCT/JP 2017/43820 by the present applicant).

With the operation on the operation button38C, the function of a predetermined conversation application can be executed. This conversation application is, for example, an application supporting a conversation between four or more users. When the user speaks while pressing the operation button38C, the generated voice is transmitted to other users using the sound output devices1, so that a conversation can be made between the four or more users.

Note that, while the group call function, which is executed with the operation on the operation button38B, can be executed in a case where the distance between the sound output devices1used by the users in the group is equal to or shorter than a certain distance, the function of the conversation application, which is executed with the operation on the operation button38C, can be executed even in a case where the distance between the sound output devices1is longer than the certain distance that the group call function supports.

With the operation on the operation button38D, the volume can be changed.

Note that, in the sound output device1, in a case where there is an incoming call, the incoming function can be executed with priority over other sound output to answer the call. For example, in a case where there is an incoming call when a group call is being held, the incoming function can be executed on a priority basis to answer the call. Further, group calls are executed with priority over music reproduction. The sound output device1is set such that incoming calls, group calls, and music reproduction are executed in order of priority.

One end portion of an antenna39is connected to the control board35. The antenna39is placed on the antenna placing portion12(seeFIG.10andFIG.12). The antenna39functions to receive sound signals.

Charging terminals40and40are connected to respective surfaces of the control board35. The charging terminals40and40protrude in opposite directions from the same portion of the control board35. The charging terminals40and40are connected to the terminal portion of the battery36through the control board35. Thus, the charging terminals40and40are charging terminals for charging the battery36.

On the speaker placing portion11of the first case portion8, a speaker41configured to output sound on the basis of sound signals received by the antenna39and a speaker board42for driving the speaker41are placed (seeFIG.10andFIG.13). The speaker board42and the control board35are connected to each other by a cable43. The cable43is placed along the antenna39inside the antenna placing portion12.

The cabinet7includes a plate-shaped cover portion44formed in shape and size corresponding to the base placing portion10of the first case portion8and a protruding cover portion45formed in shape and size corresponding to the antenna placing portion12and protruding from the plate-shaped cover portion44, the plate-shaped cover portion44and the protruding cover portion45being integrally formed (seeFIG.10). A terminal insertion hole44ais formed in an upper end portion of the plate-shaped cover portion44.

With regard to the cabinet7, with the necessary components such as the control board35, the battery36, and the antenna39placed on the first case portion8as described above, the plate-shaped cover portion44is laterally joined to the base placing portion10, and the protruding cover portion45is laterally joined to the antenna placing portion12. The plate-shaped cover portion44and the protruding cover portion45are joined to the base placing portion10and the antenna placing portion12, respectively, with a UV-curable adhesive, for example. The plate-shaped cover portion44and the protruding cover portion45are joined to the base placing portion10and the antenna placing portion12, respectively, so that the space between the cabinet7and the first case portion8is protected against moisture.

With the cabinet7joined to the first case portion8, the first case portion8and the second case portion9are coupled to each other. Specifically, the base placing portion10and the main cover portion23are coupled to each other, the speaker placing portion11and the speaker cover portion24are coupled to each other, and the antenna placing portion12and the antenna cover portion25are coupled to each other, so that the case5is formed. The speaker cover portion24is coupled to a lower end portion of the speaker placing portion11.

With the cabinet7joined to the first case portion8and with the first case portion8and the second case portion9coupled to each other, one of the charging terminals40is inserted and placed in the terminal placing hole13aformed in the base placing portion10, and the other charging terminal40is inserted and placed in a terminal placing hole23aformed in the second case portion9through the terminal insertion hole44aformed in the cabinet7.

Note that the sound output device1includes the charging terminals40and40provided on the respective sides, such that, irrespective of whether the sound output device1which is worn on one of the left ear100or the right ear100is worn on the left ear100or the right ear100, one of the charging terminals40and40provided on the respective sides is exposed. Thus, irrespective of whether the sound output device1is worn on the left ear100or the right ear100, the sound output device1exhibits a similar designability, so that the designability and conspicuity of the sound output device1can be enhanced.

In the device main body2configured as described above, the base placing portion10, the main cover portion23, and the components placed therein are provided as a main device portion46, the speaker placing portion11, the speaker cover portion24, and the components placed therein are provided as a sound output portion47, and the antenna placing portion12, the antenna cover portion25, and the components placed therein are provided as a connection portion48for connecting the main device portion46and the sound output portion47to each other (seeFIG.9).

The joint3includes a base body49made of, for example, a silicon material, an inner member50made of, for example, a resin material, and a nozzle51made of, for example, a resin material (seeFIG.3,FIG.10, andFIG.13). With regard to the joint3, the base body49has a lower hardness than the inner member50and the nozzle51, so that the base body49is elastically deformable.

The base body49includes a joint main body portion52and a support portion53that are integrally formed. The joint main body portion52includes a first cylindrical portion54and a second cylindrical portion55, and a diameter of the first cylindrical portion54is larger than a diameter of the second cylindrical portion55.

The first cylindrical portion54includes a substantially cylindrical detachable portion56and a disc-shaped closing portion57for closing one axial end of the detachable portion56. A circumferentially extending receiving groove56ais formed in an inner peripheral portion of the detachable portion56. The receiving groove56ais formed at a position near an end portion opposite to the closing portion57.

The second cylindrical portion55is formed into a cylindrical shape, has an axial direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the first cylindrical portion54, and is continuous with the portion of the detachable portion56that is positioned near the closing portion57. The second cylindrical portion55has coupling holes55a,55a, and55aformed separately in the circumferential direction. The second cylindrical portion55has a central axis S2not intersecting with a central axis S1of the first cylindrical portion54and is continuous with the portion radially displaced from the central axis S1of the first cylindrical portion54(seeFIG.7). Note that, inFIG.13, as a matter of convenience, the base body49is illustrated with the central axis S1of the first cylindrical portion54and the central axis S2of the second cylindrical portion55intersecting with each other.

An internal space of the first cylindrical portion54and an internal space of the second cylindrical portion55communicate with each other, and the internal spaces which communicate with each other is formed as a space bent at a right angle (seeFIG.13).

The support portion53is formed into a substantially arc shape protruding from the joint main body portion52. An exterior surface of the support portion53is formed as a curved surface as a whole. The support portion53is elastically deformable.

The inner member50includes a bottom portion58facing a substantially up-down direction and a circumferential surface portion59protruding substantially downward from a peripheral portion of the bottom portion58(seeFIG.3andFIG.13). A communication hole59ais formed in the circumferential surface portion59. The inner member50is inserted and fitted into the first cylindrical portion54of the base body49and functions to reinforce the first cylindrical portion54. With the inner member50inserted into the base body49, the communication hole59ais matched with the portion where the first cylindrical portion54and the second cylindrical portion55are continuous with each other.

The nozzle51includes a substantially cylindrical large-diameter portion60and a substantially cylindrical small-diameter portion61that are axially continuous with each other.

A flanged regulation protruding portion60aprotruding outward is provided at an end portion on the small-diameter portion61side of the large-diameter portion60. In an axially middle portion of the large-diameter portion60, coupling protruding portions60b,60b, and60bprotruding outward are provided separately in the circumferential direction.

A ring-shaped engagement protruding portion61aprotruding outward is provided at an axially middle portion of the small-diameter portion61. The opening of the small-diameter portion61is formed as a sound emitting opening61b.

The nozzle51is inserted with the large-diameter portion60fitted into the second cylindrical portion55, thereby functioning to reinforce the second cylindrical portion55.

With the large-diameter portion60inserted into the second cylindrical portion55, the coupling protruding portions60b,60b, and60bare fitted into the respective coupling holes55a,55a, and55a, so that the nozzle51is prevented from dropping out of the second cylindrical portion55, and the regulation protruding portion60ais in abutment against a distal end surface of the second cylindrical portion55, and thus, the nozzle51is positioned with respect to the second cylindrical portion55in an insertion direction. With the large-diameter portion60inserted into the second cylindrical portion55, the large-diameter portion60is partially inserted into the communication hole59aof the inner member50.

The joint main body portion52and the nozzle51are coupled to each other as described above. Since the joint main body portion52is made of a silicon material, in the state where the joint main body portion52and the nozzle51are coupled to each other, the second cylindrical portion55of the joint main body portion52is in close contact with an outer side of the large-diameter portion60of the nozzle51. Thus, high waterproof performance between the joint main body portion52and the nozzle51is achieved.

The first cylindrical portion54of the base body49of the joint3is mounted on the sound output portion47of the device main body2. The first cylindrical portion54is mounted on the sound output portion47with the mounting cylindrical portion20inserted into the detachable portion56. With the first cylindrical portion54mounted on the sound output portion47, the mounting protruding portion20aof the mounting cylindrical portion20is fitted into the receiving groove56a, so that the joint3is prevented from dropping out of the device main body2.

Further, the joint3can be removed from the device main body2by axially pulling out the first cylindrical portion54from the sound output portion47. When the first cylindrical portion54is pulled out from the sound output portion47, the detachable portion56is partially elastically deformed to allow the mounting protruding portion20ato be drawn out from the receiving groove56a.

The joint main body portion52of the joint3and the sound output portion47of the device main body2are coupled to each other as described above. Since the joint main body portion52is made of a silicon material, in the state where the joint main body portion52and the sound output portion47are coupled to each other, the first cylindrical portion54is in close contact with an outer side of the mounting cylindrical portion20of the sound output portion47. Thus, high waterproof performance between the joint main body portion52and the sound output portion47is achieved.

In the state where the joint3is mounted on the device main body2, when sound is output from the speaker41placed in the sound output portion47, the output sound is output from the sound emitting opening61bof the nozzle51through an internal space of the joint3. The internal space of the joint3is bent at a right angle, so that the sound is output from the speaker41to pass through the internal space of the joint3which is bent at a right angle to be output from the sound emitting opening61b.

The second cylindrical portion55and the support portion53of the joint3A for a right ear have symmetrical shapes to the second cylindrical portion55and the support portion53of the joint3for a left ear about the first cylindrical portion54(seeFIG.5toFIG.10). The joint3A is also removably attached to the sound output portion47of the device main body2like the joint3.

As described above, the joint3and the joint3A are removably attached to the sound output portion47of the device main body2, and hence, the joint3for a left ear or the joint3A for a right ear can be mounted on the device main body2in a replaceable manner.

With the joint3or the joint3A mounted on the device main body2, the joint3or the joint3A is rotatable with respect to the sound output portion47in directions about a virtual axis J extending in the attaching/removing direction (seeFIG.3andFIG.4).

An earpad62is removably attached to the small-diameter portion61of the nozzle51of the joint3(seeFIG.9,FIG.10, andFIG.13). The earpad62is made of, for example, a silicon material and is elastically deformable. The earpad62includes a cylindrical portion63which is substantially cylindrical, and a hole inserting portion64which is continuous with one axial end portion of the cylindrical portion63and covers an outer side of the cylindrical portion63, the cylindrical portion63and the hole inserting portion64being integrally formed. A ring-shaped engagement groove63ais formed in an inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion63. An internal space of the cylindrical portion63is formed as a sound passing hole63b. The hole inserting portion64has, for example, at an end portion continuous with the cylindrical portion63, input holes64aand64aformed separately in the circumferential direction.

The cylindrical portion63of the earpad62is mounted on the small-diameter portion61of the nozzle51. The cylindrical portion63is mounted on the small-diameter portion61with the small-diameter portion61inserted into the cylindrical portion63. With the cylindrical portion63mounted on the small-diameter portion61, the engagement protruding portion61aof the small-diameter portion61is fitted into the engagement groove63a, so that the earpad62is prevented from dropping out of the nozzle51.

Further, the earpad62can be removed from the nozzle51by axially pulling out the cylindrical portion63from the small-diameter portion61. When the cylindrical portion63is pulled out from the small-diameter portion61, the cylindrical portion63is partially elastically deformed to allow the engagement protruding portion61ato be drawn out from the engagement groove63a.

Note that the earpad62may be of a type provided with a thin film sheet for closing the opening edge on the hole inserting portion64side of the sound passing hole63b. This thin film sheet may be made of, for example, a silicon material and formed integrally with the cylindrical portion63and the hole inserting portion64. The thin film sheet functions to prevent moisture from passing therethrough and to allow sound (sound waves) to pass therethrough.

Thus, with the use of the earpad62of the type provided with the thin film sheet, moisture can be prevented from entering the joint3from the sound passing hole63b, so that the sound output device1can be suitably used even in an environment requiring waterproof.

<Wearing of Sound Output Device on Ear>

The sound output device1configured as described above is worn on the ear100with the support portion53of the joint3in abutment against the inferior crus of the antihelix107from below and the earpad62partially inserted into the ear canal113from the external acoustic opening113a(seeFIG.13andFIG.14).

At this time, since the support portion53is made of a silicon material and elastically deformable, the support portion53is elastically deformed to match the shape of the inferior crus of the antihelix107to be in close contact with at least part of the inferior crus of the antihelix107from below. Further, the support portion53is entirely inserted into the ear concha109.

The hole inserting portion64of the earpad62is in abutment against the opening edge of the external acoustic opening113a. Since the earpad62is made of a silicon material and elastically deformable, the earpad62is elastically deformed to match the shape of the opening edge of the external acoustic opening113ato be in close contact with the opening edge of the external acoustic opening113a.

With the sound output device1worn on the ear100, an axial direction of the base body49of the joint3and an axial direction of the sound output portion47of the device main body2are set to a direction slightly tilted in the front-back direction from the up-down direction, so that sound is output from the speaker41, which is placed in the sound output portion47, in an obliquely upward and backward direction. The sound output from the speaker41in the obliquely upward and backward direction is output from the sound emitting opening61bof the nozzle51toward the ear100through the internal space of the joint3, which is bent at a right angle.

At this time, for the user, sound generated in an external environment is input to the ear canal113from the input holes64aand64aformed in the earpad62, so that the sound generated in the external environment can be heard together with the sound output from the speaker41.

Thus, the sound output device1can be used more safely when the sound output device1is used during exercise or walking, or in the vehicle.

Further, with the sound output device1worn on the ear100, the connection portion48is positioned to run up along the ear lobe112, the joint3and the sound output portion47are positioned in front of the auricle101, and the main device portion46is positioned behind the auricle101.

At this time, the microphone hole16a, which is formed in the curved surface portion16of the main device portion46of the device main body2, is positioned behind the auricle101. Thus, the auricle101is positioned in front of the microphone hole16aas a shield to prevent wind from entering the microphone hole16a. Generation of generally called wind noise, which is generated due to flow of wind, can therefore be prevented, so that the quality of sound that is input to the microphone34can be enhanced.

However, the microphone hole16amay be formed in a lower end portion of the device main body2, for example, in a lower end portion of the main device portion46or the connection portion48. With the microphone hole16aformed in the lower end portion of the device main body2, entrance of moisture such as rainwater and sweat of the user, from the microphone hole16ais prevented, so that the quality of sound that is input to the microphone34can be enhanced.

Further, left and right surfaces of the main device portion46of the sound output device1may have different colors or the same color.

In the case where the left and right surfaces of the main device portion46have different colors, the sound output devices1worn on the left ear100and the right ear100each exhibit different designability, so that the designability and conspicuity of the sound output device1can be enhanced. Further, whether to wear the sound output device1on the left ear100or the right ear100can be easily determined by recognizing the colors of the left and right surfaces of the main device portion46in advance.

Meanwhile, in the case where the left and right surfaces of the main device portion46have the same color, irrespective of whether the sound output device1is worn on the left ear100or the right ear100, the sound output device1exhibits a similar designability, so that the designability and conspicuity of the sound output device1can be enhanced.

Further, stickers, decorations, or the like having various colors, patterns, designs, or the like may be put on the left and right surfaces of the main device portion46. In this case, the user puts, for example, stickers having his/her favorite colors or the like on the left and right surfaces of the main device portion46, so that the user can decorate the sound output device1, depending on the user's preference.

The sound output device1includes the control board35and the battery36placed inside the main device portion46, and the operation buttons38,38, etc. for executing the predetermined functions are placed on the main device portion46.

Thus, the main device portion46includes, in addition to the battery36, the control board35and the operation buttons38,38, etc., so that the sound output portion47that is positioned in front of the auricle101can be reduced in size, and hence, the sound output device1hardly comes into the user's view. The sound output device1can therefore be worn on the ear100more satisfactorily.

Further, the sound output portion47, which is smaller than the main device portion46, is positioned in front of the auricle101so that the presence of the component on the front side of the auricle101becomes weak, with the result that the designability and the conspicuity can be enhanced.

Further, in the sound output device1, as described above, with the sound output device1worn on the ear100, the output direction of sound from the speaker41is set to the obliquely upward and backward direction, and the sound output from the speaker41is guided by the joint3to the direction different from the output direction.

Thus, the sound output from the speaker41in the obliquely upward and backward direction is guided by the joint3to the direction different from the output direction to be output from the sound emitting opening61bto the external acoustic opening113, so that the sound output portion47, in which the speaker41is placed, can be positioned below the external acoustic opening113. The connection portion48can thus be shortened, so that the sound output device1can be reduced in size.

In addition, in the sound output device1, the joint3is rotatable with respect to the sound output portion47in the directions about the virtual axis J extending in the attaching/removing direction (seeFIG.3andFIG.4).

Thus, the angle of the sound emitting opening61bcan be adjusted with respect to the sound output portion47, and the positions of the main device portion46, the sound output portion47, and the connection portion48with respect to the auricle101can be adjusted. The sound output device1can therefore be worn on the ear100optimally with the sound emitting opening61band the portions of the device main body2set at optimal angles and positions depending on the angle and shape of the ear100that are different between individuals.

Still further, the joint3includes the joint main body portion52formed into a cylindrical shape and the support portion53that is formed into a curved shape and hung on the inferior crus of the antihelix107.

Thus, the joint3is held on the ear100with the curved support portion53, which is provided to the joint3, hung on the inferior crus of the antihelix107, so that the sound output device1can be worn on the ear100stably.

Moreover, the support portion53that is hung on the inferior crus of the antihelix107is elastically deformable.

Thus, the support portion53can be elastically deformed to be hung on the inferior crus of the antihelix107, so that the support portion53is stably brought into abutment against the inferior crus of the antihelix107, irrespective of the shape and size of the ear100, with the result that the sound output device1can be worn on the ear100more stably.

Further, the joint3includes the cylindrical inner member50placed inside the joint main body portion52, and the hardness of the inner member50is higher than the hardness of the joint main body portion52.

Thus, the joint main body portion52, which serves as an outer side of the joint3and has low hardness, can be brought into contact with the ear100, and the joint3is reinforced by the inner member50, with the result that the user can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable with the ear100when the joint3is brought into contact with the ear100and the high strength of the joint3can be achieved.

Still further, the plurality of operation buttons38,38, etc. is placed on the main device portion46, and the operation buttons38,38, etc. are arranged to be adjacent to one another while partially protruding from a peripheral surface of the main device portion46.

Thus, the user can blindly operate a desired one of the operation buttons38,38, etc. by tracing the peripheral surface of the main device portion46with his/her finger, so that the high operability of the operation buttons38,38, etc. can be achieved.

In addition, the antenna39configured to receive sound signals is placed inside the connection portion48.

Thus, the antenna39is placed inside the connection portion48that is positioned to run up along the ear lobe112, so that the antenna39is prevented from being covered by the ear100, and the high functionality of the antenna39can therefore be achieved.

Note that the sound output device1can be suitably used even in a situation where the user is likely to be affected by vibration or vibration is likely to be generated, such as during various exercises (sports) and the driving of vehicles such as a bicycle and a motorcycle, and when the sound output device1is used in such a situation, the sound output device1can be worn on the ear100more stably by use of a holding supporter65(seeFIG.15).

The holding supporter65is made of, for example, a silicon material and includes a hook portion66formed into a curved shape which is curved, and a U-shaped coupling portion67continuous with one longitudinal end of the hook portion66, the hook portion66and the coupling portion67being integrally formed.

The holding supporter65is engaged with the base of the ear100near the temporal region201from above with the coupling portion67coupled to, for example, the connection portion48to be fitted thereon and the hook portion66partially running down along the helix102. Further, the coupling portion67of the holding supporter65is slidable with respect to the connection portion48, so that the position of the holding supporter65with respect to the auricle101can be adjusted by sliding the coupling portion67with respect to the connection portion48.

The holding supporter65that includes the coupling portion67which is coupled to the connection portion48and that is positioned to run down along the helix102in this way can be used.

Thus, the holding supporter65connected to the connection portion48can be hung on the base of the ear100near the temporal region201, so that the sound output device1is worn on the ear100with the support of the holding supporter65, with the result that the sound output device1can be worn on the ear100more stably.

Moreover, the coupling portion67is slidable with respect to the connection portion48, so that the position of the holding supporter65with respect to the ear100can be adjusted by changing the position of the coupling portion67with respect to the connection portion48.

Thus, irrespective of the shape and size of the ear100that are different between individuals, the sound output device1can be worn on the ear100more stably with the holding supporter65hung on the base of the ear100near the temporal region201.

Note that the coupling portion67of the holding supporter65may be coupled to a portion other than the connection portion48.

<Charging of Battery of Sound Output Device>

The sound output device1can be used as a wireless device by charging the battery36. The battery36is charged with a predetermined charger70, and the charger70includes connection terminals71and71(seeFIG.16).

With the sound output device1connected to the charger70, the charging terminals40and40of the sound output device1are connected to the respective connection terminals71and71. The sound output device1is connected when, for example, the main device portion46is slid toward the charger70, and at this time, the charging terminals40and40are slid toward the respective connection terminals71and71to be connected thereto. Thus, even in a case where dust or the like adheres to the charging terminals40and40, the dust or the like is removed when the charging terminals40and40are slid toward the connection terminals71and71, that is, generally called self-cleaning is performed. Consequently, every time the sound output device1is connected to the charger70, the charging terminals40and40can be satisfactorily connected to the connection terminals71and71.

Moreover, the charger70desirably incorporates a magnet72and the main device portion46desirably incorporates a magnetic member68that is attracted to the magnet72.

With the magnet72provided in the charger70and with the magnetic member68provided in the main device portion46, when the sound output device1is connected to the charger70, the magnetic member68is attracted to the magnet72, so that the charging terminals40and40can be easily and positively connected to the connection terminals71and71.

Note that, in the example described above, the charger70incorporates the magnet72, and the main device portion46incorporates the magnetic member68, but in contrast to this, the charger70may incorporate a magnetic member, and the main device portion46may incorporate a magnet. However, in the case where the main device portion46incorporates the magnet, there arises a need to prevent the magnet from affecting the other components placed in the main device portion46.

As described above, the sound output device1includes the main device portion46that is positioned behind the auricle101, the sound output portion47that is positioned in front of the auricle101, the connection portion48that connects the main device portion46and the sound output portion47to each other and that is positioned to run up along the ear lobe112, and the joint3that is removably attached to the sound output portion47, that has the sound emitting opening61b, and that guides sound output from the speaker41to the external acoustic opening113a, in which the joint3for a left ear or the joint3A for a right ear is mounted on the sound output portion47.

Thus, with the joint3for a left ear or the joint3A for a right ear mounted on the sound output portion47, the sound output device1can be worn on one of the left ear100or the right ear100. There is therefore no need to manufacture a left ear-specific sound output device and a right ear-specific sound output device as a pair to provide the sound output devices to users, so that the usability can be enhanced without any manufacturing cost rise.

Moreover, with the sound output device1worn on the ear100, the connection portion48is positioned to run up along the ear lobe112, the joint3and the sound output portion47are positioned in front of the auricle101, and the main device portion46is positioned behind the auricle101.

Thus, none of the components of the sound output device1is positioned above the auricle100, so that, in a state where, for example, glasses are worn on the head100, the sound output device1does not interfere with the glasses. The sound output device1provides a comfortable wearing experience even when being used together with glasses without causing any trouble on using the glasses, and hence, the usability of the sound output device1can be more enhanced.

Further, as described above, the ears100of humans are different in shape, size, and angle between individuals, and it is known that, when the distance A from the center P of the external acoustic opening113ato the upper end of the helix102and the distance B from the center P to the lower end of the ear lobe112are compared to each other, the distance B has a smaller individual difference than the distance A (seeFIG.1).

Thus, with the configuration in which the connection portion48is positioned to run up along the ear lobe112, a coverage rate of users who can wear the sound output device1is high, so that the sound output device1can be used with satisfactory wearability, irrespective of differences in shape, size, and angle of the ear100.

In addition, since the joint main body portion52and the support portion53of the joint3are integrally formed, the joint main body portion52and the support portion53are not provided as individual components, so that the number of components is reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the sound output device1can therefore be reduced.

The present technology can take the following configurations.(1)A sound output device including:a main device portion that incorporates at least a battery and that is positioned behind an auricle;a sound output portion that incorporates at least a speaker and that is positioned in front of the auricle;a connection portion that connects the main device portion and the sound output portion to each other and that is positioned to run up along an ear lobe; anda joint that is removably attached to the sound output portion, that has a sound emitting opening, and that guides sound output from the speaker to an external acoustic opening,in which the joint for one of a left ear or a right ear is mounted on the sound output portion.(2)The sound output device according to Item (1),in which the joint is rotatable with respect to the sound output portion in a direction about a virtual axis extending in an attaching/removing direction.(3)The sound output device according to Item (1) or (2),in which an output direction of the sound from the speaker is set to an obliquely upward and backward direction, andthe sound output from the speaker is guided by the joint to a direction different from the output direction.(4)The sound output device according to any one of Items (1) to (3),in which the joint includes a joint main body portion formed into a cylindrical shape and a support portion that is formed into a curved shape and that is hung on an inferior crus of an antihelix.(5)The sound output device according to Item (4),in which the joint main body portion and the support portion are integrally formed.(6)The sound output device according to Item (4) or (5),in which the support portion is elastically deformable.(7)The sound output device according to any one of Items (4) to (6),in which the joint includes a cylindrical inner member that is placed inside the joint main body portion, andhardness of the inner member is higher than hardness of the joint main body portion.(8)The sound output device according to any one of Items (1) to (7),in which a control board is placed inside the main device portion, andan operation button for executing a predetermined function is placed on the main device portion.(9)The sound output device according to Item (8),in which a plurality of the operation buttons is placed on the main device portion, andthe plurality of the operation buttons is arranged to be adjacent to one another while partially protruding from a peripheral surface of the main device portion.(10)The sound output device according to any one of Items (1) to (9)in which an antenna configured to receive a sound signal is placed inside the connection portion.(11)The sound output device according to any one of Items (1) to (10),in which a holding supporter that includes a coupling portion coupled to the connection portion and that is positioned to run down along a helix is provided.(12)The sound output device according to Item (11),in which the coupling portion is slidable with respect to the connection portion.(13)The sound output device according to any one of Items (1) to (12),in which the main device portion includes a charging terminal that is connected to a connection terminal of a charger,the charger includes a magnet, andthe main device portion includes a magnetic member that is attracted to the magnet.(14)The sound output device according to any one of Items (1) to (13),in which an earpad is removably attached to the joint, andthe earpad has formed therein a sound passing hole that functions as a passage for sound output from the sound emitting opening and an input hole capable of receiving external sound.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST