SOUND OUTPUT DEVICE

Provided is a sound output device including a drive unit that has a sound output section inside and that is formed in an annular shape and an electric unit that has a drive control section inside and that is coupled to the drive unit. A space inside the drive unit is formed as an intake hole that takes in an external sound. The sound output device is attached to an ear with the drive unit inserted into a cavum concha. Accordingly, in a state in which the electric unit is coupled to the drive unit and the drive unit is inserted into the cavum concha to be attached to the ear, an external sound taken in from the intake hole that is the space inside the drive unit goes to the external auditory canal. Therefore, a stable and favorable wearing state on the ear can be ensured, and at the same time, a state in which an external sound is taken in naturally can be ensured.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technique relates to the technical field of a sound output device that is attached to an ear to be used to output sounds.

BACKGROUND ART

There are sound output devices that are attached to ears and used as headphones or earphones to output sounds from sound output sections, and in recent years, modes of the sound output devices for being used outdoors are also increasing in addition to modes for being used indoors.

It is desired that such a sound output device be capable of ensuring a stable and favorable wearing state in consideration of constant wearing and long-time wearing at the time of, for example, going out and naturally taking in an external sound at the same time.

Therefore, as a sound output device capable of taking in an external sound as described above, there is one at least a part of which is inserted into a cavum concha and in which a through hole is formed in a portion to be attached to the ear (See, for example, PTL 1 or PTL 2).

In a sound output device described in PTL 1, a speaker unit having a diaphragm and a magnetic circuit is arranged inside a housing, the housing is inserted into the cavum concha, and the sound output device is thereby attached to the ear. The housing has a vent hole on the external auditory canal side and a through hole on the opposite side of the external auditory canal. An external sound is taken into the inside of the housing through the through hole, passes through the diaphragm, and then goes from the vent hole to the external auditory canal.

In a sound output device described in PTL 2, a housing has a tubular portion and a transmission member, one end of the tubular portion having a through hole is inserted into a cavum concha, and the sound output device is thereby attached to the ear. A speaker unit having a vibrating body and a sound conversion element is arranged inside the transmission member, and a vibration member that vibrates in reaction to acoustic vibration transmitted from the sound conversion element is arranged inside the tubular portion. The external sound passes through the inside of the tubular portion and goes to the external auditory canal.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

Technical Problems

Incidentally, as described above, since it is desired that the sound output device ensure a stable and favorable wearing state in consideration of constant wearing and long-time wearing at the time of, for example, going out and naturally take in an external sound, it is desirable that the external sound be naturally taken in regardless of whether or not the sound is output from the speaker unit.

In this respect, in the sound output device having such configuration as described in PTL 1, since the external sound taken into the inside of the housing through the through hole goes to the external auditory canal through the diaphragm, the external sound to be heard by a user may be affected by the diaphragm because the diaphragm is present in the path of the external sound. Therefore, there is a possibility that the external sound is prevented from being naturally taken in.

Further, as in PTL 2, in the configuration in which the one end of the tubular portion of the housing is inserted into the cavum concha and the sound output device is attached to the ear, a portion, of the tubular portion, other than the one end is allowed to protrude outward from the ear, and therefore, there is a risk that the wearing state on the ear may become unstable. In particular, only the vibration member is arranged inside the tubular portion inserted into the cavum concha, and the speaker unit having the vibrating body and the sound conversion element is arranged inside the transmission member located outside the ear. Therefore, the weight of the portion located outside the ear tends to be heavy, and the wearing state on the ear may become more unstable.

As such, an object of the sound output device of the present technique is to ensure a stable and favorable wearing state on the ear and to ensure a state in which the external sound is naturally taken in at the same time.

Solution to Problems

Firstly, the sound output device according to the present technique includes a drive unit that has a sound output section inside and that is formed in an annular shape and an electric unit that has a drive control section inside and that is coupled to the drive unit. A space inside the drive unit is formed as an intake hole that takes in an external sound. The sound output device is attached to an ear with the drive unit inserted into a cavum concha.

Owing to this, in the state in which the electric unit is coupled to the drive unit and the drive unit is inserted into the cavum concha to be attached to the ear, the external sound taken in from the intake hole which is a space inside the drive unit is directed to the external auditory canal.

Secondly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that the electric unit be coupled to the drive unit at a portion at which the intake hole is not blocked.

Owing to this, the entire intake hole is open without being blocked by the electric unit.

Thirdly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that the electric unit be coupled to the drive unit in a state in which a part of the electric unit overlaps the drive unit in an axial direction of the intake hole.

Owing to this, a step portion is formed between the drive unit and the electric unit, so that the electric unit is pressed against the crus helicis without a sense of discomfort in a state of being attached to the ear.

Fourthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that the drive unit and the electric unit be arranged at an ear concha with the sound output device attached to the ear.

Owing to this, the drive unit and the electric unit do not protrude from the auricle in a state in which the sound output device is attached to the ear.

Fifthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that the outer surface of the drive unit be formed in a curved surface.

Owing to this, the curved surface of the drive unit comes into contact with various parts of the ear in the state of being attached to the ear.

Sixthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that the outer surface of the electric unit be formed in a curved surface or a flat surface.

Owing to this, the curved surface or the flat surface of the electric unit comes into contact with various parts of the ear in a state of being attached to the ear.

Seventhly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that the electric unit be formed in a shape having a central axis and that the central axis of the electric unit be inclined with respect to a central axis of the intake hole.

Owing to this, the electric unit is positioned in an inclined state with respect to the drive unit, and the drive unit and the electric unit can each be positioned in the optimum orientation according to the shape of the ear.

Eighthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that the drive unit be formed in an annular shape.

Owing to this, the portion to be inserted into the cavum concha is made in an annular shape, and the drive unit can easily be inserted into the cavum concha regardless of the shape and size of the ear.

Ninthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that an opening/closing lid that opens and closes the intake hole be provided.

Owing to this, the intake hole is opened and closed by the opening/closing lid.

Tenthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that the opening/closing lid be housed in the electric unit at an open position where the intake hole is open.

Owing to this, the opening/closing lid is not located outside the drive unit and the electric unit at the open position.

Eleventhly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that the electric unit be provided with an attachment assist body which is attachable to and detachable from the electric unit and that the attachment assist body be made elastically deformable.

This makes it possible to attach the sound output device to the ear with a part of the attachment assist body being in contact with a part of the ear.

Twelfthly, in the above-mentioned sound output device, it is desirable that an antenna for wireless communication be arranged inside the electric unit.

This makes it possible to perform wireless communication by use of the antenna.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, an embodiment for implementing a sound output device of the present technique will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The sound output device of the present technique is used as a headphone or an earphone.

It should be noted that the sound output device described below is provided with a drive unit and an electric unit, that the drive unit is formed in an annular shape, for example, a ring shape, and that, when the direction is indicated in the following description, the front-back, up-down, and right-left directions are indicated with the axial direction of the drive unit regarded as the right-left direction.

However, the front-back, up-down, right-left directions described below are for convenience of explanation, and regarding the implementation of the present technique, directions are not limited to these.

Ear Structure

First, the structure of an ear to which the sound output device is attached will be described (seeFIGS.1and2).

Ears100are parts of a head200, and include auricles101and such parts as eardrums, semicircular canals, and cochleae each existing inside the head200. Portions, of the head200, on the inner sides of the auricles101are each temporal regions201, and the auricles101project to the left and the right from the temporal regions201, respectively.

The auricle101is formed in a shallow recessed shape that is opened substantially to the left or to the right on the whole to have an inner space150, and the outer periphery of the auricle101has a portion called a helix102and a protruded portion called a crus helicis103which is continuous with the helix102and located in the vicinity of the temporal region201.

An inner portion of the helix102is referred to as a navicular fossa104having a recessed shape, and a substantially lower half portion inside the navicular fossa104is referred to as an antihelix105having a protruded shape. Above the antihelix105, there is a bifurcated protruded portion continuous with the antihelix105, and the outer and inner parts of the bifurcated portion are called an antihelix upper crus106and an antihelix lower crus107, respectively. A portion between the antihelix upper crus106and the antihelix lower crus107is referred to as a triangular fossa108having a recessed shape, and an inner portion of the antihelix105and the antihelix lower crus107is referred to as an ear concha109having a recessed shape.

A portion continuous with the lower side of the antihelix105is slightly bulged toward the temporal region201side and is a portion called an antitragus110. A portion, on the temporal region201side, facing the antitragus110is referred to as a tragus111slightly bulging toward the antitragus110, and the lower end continuous with the lower side of the helix102is referred to as an earlobe112.

An external auditory pore113a, which is the entrance of an external auditory canal113, exists in a portion between the antitragus110and the tragus111, and the external auditory canal113communicates with the eardrum, the semicircular canal, or the like.

In the inner space150, a space surrounded by the antihelix lower crus107and the crus helicis103is called a cymba concha114, a space below the cymba concha114is called a cavum concha115, and further, the cymba concha114and the cavum concha115are parts of the ear concha109. The cavum concha115communicates with the external auditory pore113aof the external auditory canal113. In the inner space150, a space that is continuous with the lower side of the cavum concha115and opens in a U shape is a space called an intertragic notch116.

The inner space150of the auricle101is a space that includes the cymba concha114, the cavum concha115, and the intertragic notch116, and also includes a space on the side having the navicular fossa104, the antihelix105, the antihelix upper crus106, the antihelix lower crus107, and the triangular fossa108.

Configuration of Sound Output Device

Next, the configuration of sound output devices1will be described (seeFIGS.3to5).

The sound output devices1are used in pairs, including one for the left ear and the other for the right ear, for example. However, only one sound output device1may be used to listen to sounds.

The sound output device1contains required parts arranged inside a housing2, and the housing2includes a first case3and a second case4. An unillustrated operation section is arranged on the housing2. The operation section may be a push button type operation section or a sensing operation section such as a touch panel, for example.

The first case3is formed in an annular shape having a through hole extending substantially in the right-left direction, and an entire outer surface3ais formed into an outwardly convex curved surface, for example. Each required part is arranged inside the first case3, and a drive unit5includes the first case3and each part arranged inside the first case3.

The drive unit5is formed in an annular shape (doughnut shape), the space inside the drive unit5is formed as an intake hole5afor taking in an external sound, and the intake hole5ais a through hole extending in the right-left direction. Incidentally, the drive unit5may have any shape as long as the shape is annular, and, for example, the outer shape of the drive unit5may be formed in another shape such as an elliptical shape or an oval shape.

Right and left side surfaces4aof the outer surface of the second case4are each formed into a flat surface or an outwardly convex, gently curved surface, for example, and an outer peripheral surface4bthat is a portion, of the outer surface, between the side surfaces4ais formed into an outwardly convex curved surface, for example. Each required part is arranged inside the second case4, and an electric unit6includes the second case4and each part arranged inside the second case4.

The drive unit5and the electric unit6are partially coupled, so that, for example, the lower end of the second case4of the electric unit6is coupled to the upper end of the first case3of the drive unit5, and a portion of the electric unit6excluding one end6ain the right-left direction is provided as a protrusion6bprotruding laterally from the drive unit5(seeFIGS.3and5). To be specific, the sound output device1is configured such that, in a state of being attached to the ear100, the protrusion6bof the electric unit6is located outside the drive unit5in the right-left direction.

As described above, the sound output device1has a configuration in which the lower end of the second case4is coupled to the upper end of the first case3and in which the protrusion6bis located outside the drive unit5in the right-left direction. Therefore, a step portion D is formed between the one end6aand the drive unit5. When the sound output device1is attached to the ear100, the crus helicis103is positioned at the step portion D.

As described above, the drive unit5is formed in an annular shape and has a shape having a central axis P (seeFIG.5). Further, the electric unit6is also formed in a shape having a central axis Q, and the central axis Q of the electric unit6is in a slightly inclined state with respect to the central axis P of the drive unit5, for example. However, in the sound output device1, the central axis P of the drive unit5and the central axis Q of the electric unit6may be parallel to each other.

The first case3includes an inner housing portion7and an outer housing portion8being connected to each other in the right-left direction. Multiple unillustrated sound output holes are formed on the inner housing portion7to be separated from each other in the circumferential direction. An annular sound output section9is arranged inside the first case3. The sound output section9has a dynamic type driver unit.

The sound output section9has a holding case10, a magnetic drive section11, an outer ring12, and an inner ring13.

Annular coupling protrusions10aand10bare provided at one end of the holding case10in the right-left direction. The coupling protrusion10ahas a larger diameter than that of the coupling protrusion10band is located on the outer peripheral side of the coupling protrusion10b. The magnetic drive section11has a magnet and a yoke, and is held in the holding case10. The outer ring12and the inner ring13are housed inside the inner housing portion7, and the diameter of the outer ring12is larger than the diameter of the inner ring13. The outer ring12and the inner ring13have an inner peripheral portion and an outer peripheral portion coupled to the coupling protrusion10aand the coupling protrusion10b, respectively, and are attached to the holding case10.

An unillustrated diaphragm is attached to the outer ring12and the inner ring13. Therefore, in the sound output section9, the driving force of the magnetic drive section11is transmitted to the diaphragm, the diaphragm is vibrated, and sounds are thereby output from the sound output holes.

A connection terminal14is attached to the upper end of the holding case10. A current or a signal is input to the magnetic drive section11held in the holding case10, from a substrate to be described later via the connection terminal14.

The second case4includes an inner arrangement portion15and an outer arrangement portion16being connected to each other in the right-left direction. The inner arrangement portion15is provided with a terminal arrangement hole15aand a sensor arrangement hole15b, each of which is a through hole extending in the right-left direction. An annular mounting groove15cis formed in the inner arrangement portion15. A microphone hole16apassing through in the right-left direction is formed in the outer arrangement portion16. A drive control section17is arranged inside the second case4.

The drive control section17has a base plate18, a main substrate19, a holder20, a battery21, and a sub-substrate22.

The base plate18and the main substrate19are arranged inside the outer arrangement portion16, and the base plate18is arranged on the side away from the drive unit5in the right-left direction with respect to the main substrate19. An unillustrated antenna and one or multiple unillustrated microphones are attached to the base plate18. A wireless signal from an external wireless communication device is input to the antenna, a sound is input to the microphone via the microphone hole16a, and the antenna and the microphone are electrically connected to the main substrate19. The antenna has a function of performing wireless communication by transmitting and receiving sound signals.

By providing the sound output device1with an antenna and a microphone, a conversation by wireless communication can be held. As the microphone, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems) microphone is used.

Multiple electronic components19aare mounted on both sides of the main substrate19, and a contact portion19bis connected to one side.

The holder20and the battery21are arranged inside the inner arrangement portion15, and the battery21is held in the holder20. The battery21is connected to the main substrate19by the contact portion19b.

The sub-substrate22is located on the opposite side of the main substrate19with respect to the battery21, and is arranged inside the inner arrangement portion15. A contact portion22ais connected to a surface of the sub-substrate22on the battery21side, and the battery21is connected to the sub-substrate22through the contact portion22a.

For example, the battery21is formed in a columnar shape whose axial direction is the right-left direction, and the main substrate19and the sub-substrate22are both arranged inside the second case4in a state of facing the right-left direction. Therefore, since the main substrate19and the sub-substrate22are arranged in parallel in the axial direction of the battery21, the internal space of the second case4is effectively utilized, and the sound output device1is miniaturized.

A charging terminal23and a sensor24are connected to a surface of the sub-substrate22, the surface being opposite to the battery21. The charging terminal23is arranged in a state of being inserted into the terminal arrangement hole15a, and the sensor24is arranged in a state of being inserted in the sensor arrangement hole15b.

The charging terminal23is connected to an unillustrated charging device, and the charging device charges the battery21. The sensor24has a function of detecting the state of attachment of the sound output device1to the ear100, and the sensor24detects that the sound output device1is attached to the ear100.

The sub-substrate22is electrically connected to the connection terminal14arranged inside the first case3.

An attachment assist body25is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the second case4(seeFIGS.3to5).

The attachment assist body25is attachable to and detachable from the inner arrangement portion15, and is formed by use of such a material as silicon or an elastomer to be elastically deformable, for example. The attachment assist body25is made by an annular mounted portion26attached to the inner arrangement portion15and a support portion27to be fitted to a part of the ear100being integrally formed. The attachment assist body25is mounted on the second case4when the mounted portion26is inserted into the mounting groove15cof the inner arrangement portion15.

The support portion27is formed in a substantially arc shape protruding outward with respect to the mounted portion26, and both ends thereof are each continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the mounted portion26.

The support portion27of the attachment assist body25is formed of a material having hardness lower than that of the mounted portion26, for example. Therefore, the support portion27is more easily elastically deformed than the mounted portion26, and high strength is ensured for the mounted portion26.

The mounted portion26is elastically deformed to have a large diameter and elastically restored to have a small diameter, so that the mounted portion26is attached to the inner arrangement portion15in a state of being inserted into the mounting groove15c.

Attachment of Sound Output Device to Ear

Next, the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100will be described (seeFIGS.6and7). It should be noted that, in the following, a state in which the sound output device1is attached to the left ear100will be described as an example. Depending on the shape and size of the ear100, the sound output device1is attached to the ear100in either a state in which the attachment assist body25is not attached to the second case4or a state in which the attachment assist body25is attached to the second case4.

First, a state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100when the attachment assist body25is not attached to the second case4will be described (seeFIG.6). In a case where the size of the ear100is small, particularly, in a case where the size of the ear concha109is small, the sound output device1is attached to the ear100in a state in which the attachment assist body25is not attached to the second case4.

In the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100, the entire drive unit5is inserted into the cavum concha115. At this time, there are cases where a part of the drive unit5is inserted into the intertragic notch116. The drive unit5has the intake hole5alocated to correspond to the external auditory canal113, and parts of the drive unit5are inserted into the insides of the tragus111and the antitragus110. The drive unit5is held by the tragus111and the antitragus110.

In the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100as described above, parts of the drive unit5are pressed by the tragus111and the antitragus110, so that a state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100in a stable manner can be ensured.

With the sound output device1attached to the ear100, the electric unit6is inserted into a space extending from the cavum concha115to the cymba concha114in the ear concha109.

In the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100as described above, the entire drive unit5is inserted into the cavum concha115, and the electric unit6is inserted into the space from the cavum concha115to the cymba concha114at the same time. Therefore, since the entire sound output device1is inserted into the ear concha109, the sound output device1is unlikely to fall off the ear100, and a more stable wearing state of the sound output device1on the ear100can be ensured.

In the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100, the outer peripheral surface4bof the second case4is fitted to the edge of the antihelix lower crus107, and the crus helicis103is located at the step portion D. Therefore, a part of the electric unit6is pressed against the edge of the antihelix lower crus107and a part of the electric unit6is pressed against the crus helicis103at the same time, so that a stable wearing state of the electric unit6on the ear100can be ensured.

Next, the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100when the attachment assist body25is attached to the second case4will be described (seeFIG.7). In a case where the size of the ear100is large, particularly, in a case where the size of the ear concha109is large, the sound output device1is attached to the ear100with the attachment assist body25attached to the second case4.

In the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100, the entire drive unit5is inserted into the cavum concha115. At this time, there are cases where a part of the drive unit5is inserted into the intertragic notch116. The drive unit5has the intake hole5alocated to correspond to the external auditory canal113, and parts of the drive unit5are inserted into the insides of the tragus111and the antitragus110. The drive unit5is held by the tragus111and the antitragus110.

This state of the drive unit5is similar to the state of the drive unit5described above of the case where the attachment assist body25is not attached to the second case4.

With the sound output device1attached to the ear100, the electric unit6is inserted into the space extending from the cavum concha115to the cymba concha114in the ear concha109. At this time, the attachment assist body25is also inserted into the space extending from the cavum concha115to the cymba concha114, the support portion27is fitted to the edge of the antihelix lower crus107to be elastically deformed, and the crus helicis103is located at the step portion D.

In the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100as described above, the support portion27of the attachment assist body25is pressed by the edge of the antihelix lower crus107, and a part of the electric unit6is pushed against the crus helicis103at the same time. Therefore, a stable wearing state of the electric unit6on the ear100can be ensured.

Further, in the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100, the drive unit5and the electric unit6are entirely arranged on the ear concha109, and in the case where the attachment assist body25is attached to the electric unit6, the attachment assist body25is also arranged at the ear concha109.

The drive unit5and the electric unit6are arranged in the ear concha109as described above and thus do not protrude from the auricle101to the outside in a state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100. Therefore, a stable wearing state of the sound output device1without a sense of discomfort can be ensured.

Incidentally, in the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100, a part of the electric unit6may be located outside the inner space150.

In the state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100, for example, music data (sound signal) transmitted from an unillustrated wireless communication device is received by an antenna, and the received music data is controlled by the main substrate19and the sub-substrate22to be output as a sound from the sound output section9. The sound output from the sound output section9reaches the eardrum through the external auditory canal113. At this time, the external sound is taken in from the intake hole5aand reaches the eardrum through the external auditory canal113.

An antenna for wireless communication is arranged inside the electric unit6as described above, and wireless communication can thus be performed by the antenna. Accordingly, no wired cable is required, so that the usability of the sound output device1can be improved.

Note that, although the sound output device1having an antenna is described above as an example, the sound output device1may be a wired type which has no antenna and in which a sound signal is input via a connection line.

As described above, in the sound output device1, the electric unit6is provided with the attachment assist body25which is attachable to and detachable from the electric unit6and which can be elastically deformed.

Therefore, the sound output device1can be attached to the ear100with a part of the attachment assist body25being in contact with a part of the ear100, and the sound output device1can be attached to the ear100in a stable state regardless of the size and shape of the ear100.

Further, in the sound output device1, since the outer surface3aof the drive unit5is formed as an outwardly convex curved surface, the curved surface of the drive unit5is in contact with various parts of the ear100with the sound output device1attached to the ear100, and a comfortable wearing state without any sense of discomfort can be ensured.

Further, in the sound output device1, since the drive unit5is formed in an annular shape, the portion to be inserted into the cavum concha115is in an annular shape, and thus, the drive unit5can easily be inserted into the cavum concha115regardless of the shape and size of the ear100. Therefore, the sound output device1can easily and swiftly be attached to the ear100, and at the same time, the sound output device1can be attached to the ear100with comfort at the time when the sound output device1is attached to the ear100.

Moreover, since the outer surface of the electric unit6is formed into a curved surface or a flat surface, the curved surface or the flat surface of the electric unit6comes into contact with various parts of the ear100in a state in which the electric unit6is attached to the ear100, so that a comfortable wearing state without a sense of discomfort can be ensured.

In addition, since the central axis Q of the electric unit6is inclined with respect to the central axis P of the drive unit5(the central axis of the intake hole5a), the electric unit6is positioned to be inclined with respect to the drive unit5, and the drive unit5and the electric unit6can each be positioned in the optimum orientation according to the shape of the ear100, so that a comfortable wearing state without a sense of discomfort can be ensured.

Note that a total length L of the sound output device1in the direction in which the central axis P of the drive unit5and the central axis Q of the electric unit6are connected to each other is preferably 30 mm or less (seeFIG.4). When the total length L is made 30 mm or less, the drive unit5is inserted into the cavum concha115, and at the same time, the electric unit6is inserted into the space extending from the cavum concha115to the cymba concha114, regardless of the size of the ear concha109, so that the sound output device1can easily be attached to the ear100in a stable state.

Further, when being mounted on the electric unit6, the attachment assist body25is located in a position shifted by a predetermined angle θ with respect to a line segment S connecting the central axis P of the drive unit5and the central axis Q of the electric unit6to each other, with the central axis Q as the base point. The direction shifted by the angle θ is the direction shifted toward the antihelix lower crus107with respect to the antihelix105. When the attachment assist body25is placed in a position shifted by the angle θ, the attachment assist body25is held at the edge of the antihelix lower crus107in a stable state, and thus, a stable wearing state of the sound output device1on the ear100can be ensured.

Modifications

Modifications of the sound output device1will be described below (seeFIGS.8to15).

It should be noted that, regarding the modifications described below, since a part of configurations thereof is different from the configuration of the above-described sound output device1, comparison is made therebetween, and only portions that are different from those of the above-described sound output device1will be described in detail. The other portions will be denoted by the same reference signs as those assigned to similar portions in the above-described sound output device1, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, a sound output device1A relating to a first modification will be described (seeFIGS.8and9). The sound output device1A is an example in which a first opening/closing lid31that opens and closes the intake hole5ais provided.

The first opening/closing lid31is formed in a flat plate shape and is moved (slid) between an open position for holding the intake hole5aopen (seeFIG.8) and a closed position for holding the intake hole5aclosed (seeFIG.9). The first opening/closing lid31is housed inside the electric unit6in the open position and holds the intake hole5aclosed on the outer housing portion8side in the closed position, for example. The first opening/closing lid31may be operated by an actuator such as a stepping motor, or may be manually operated by a user. The operation of the first opening/closing lid31by the actuator is performed, for example, by operating an unillustrated operation section provided on the sound output device1A or operating an external wireless communication device.

Next, a sound output device1B relating to a second modification will be described (seeFIGS.10and11). The sound output device1B is an example in which a second opening/closing lid32that opens and closes the intake hole5ais provided.

The second opening/closing lid32is formed in a flat plate shape, and is rotated (turned) with a fulcrum shaft32aprovided inside the electric unit6as a fulcrum, between the open position (seeFIG.10) for holding the intake hole5aopen and the closed position (seeFIG.11) for holding the intake hole5aclosed. In the open position, for example, a part of the second opening/closing lid32is housed inside the electric unit6, and the intake hole5ais closed on the outer housing portion8side in the closed position. The second opening/closing lid32may be operated by an actuator such as a stepping motor, or may be manually operated by the user. The operation of the second opening/closing lid32by the actuator is performed, for example, by operating an unillustrated operation section provided on the sound output device1B or operating an external wireless communication device.

Next, a sound output device1C relating to a third modification will be described (seeFIGS.12and13). The sound output device1C is an example in which a third opening/closing lid33that opens and closes the intake hole5ais provided.

The third opening/closing lid33has a base surface portion34formed in a disk shape and a cylindrical peripheral surface portion35projecting from the outer periphery of the base surface portion34in a direction perpendicular to the base surface portion34. A first locking protrusion36and a second locking protrusion37that extend in the circumferential direction are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral surface portion35, the first locking protrusion36is provided at the tip portion, and the second locking protrusion37is provided at a position closer to the base surface portion34. Sound passage holes35aare formed at the end portion on the base surface portion34side of the peripheral surface portion35to be separated from each other in the circumferential direction.

The first case3of the drive unit5has a support hole38opened on the outer housing portion8. The support hole38is opened in a part of the outer arrangement portion16in the right-left direction.

A locking notch39that is located in the support hole38and extends in the circumferential direction is formed on the first case3. A compression coil spring40is arranged in the support hole38.

The peripheral surface portion35of the third opening/closing lid33is inserted into the support hole38and is supported by the first case3to be movable in the axial direction of the intake hole5a. The third opening/closing lid33is moved between the open position (seeFIG.12) for holding the intake hole5aopen and the closed position (seeFIG.13) for holding the intake hole5aclosed, and is urged to move to the open position by the urging force of the compression coil spring40.

In the third opening/closing lid33, the first locking protrusion36is locked to the locking notch39at the open position, and the sound passage holes35aare located outside the support hole38. Therefore, at the open position, the intake hole5aand the sound passage holes35acommunicate with each other, and the external sound taken in from the intake hole5apasses through the sound passage holes35atoward the external auditory canal113.

Meanwhile, the second locking protrusion37of the third opening/closing lid33is locked to the locking notch39at the closed position, and the sound passage holes35aare located in the support hole38. Thus, at the closed position, the intake hole5aand the sound passage holes35ado not communicate with each other, and the intake hole5ais closed by the third opening/closing lid33, so that the external sound is not taken through the intake hole5a.

As described above, in the sound output devices1A,1B, and1C relating to the first modification, the second modification, and the third modification, the first opening/closing lid31, the second opening/closing lid32, or the third opening/closing lid33that opens and closes the intake hole5ais provided.

Therefore, since the intake hole5ais opened and closed by the first opening/closing lid31, the second opening/closing lid32, and the third opening/closing lid33, the intake hole5ais opened and closed according to the usage mode desired by the user, and a favorable listening state of the sound can be ensured regardless of the usage mode.

For example, in a case where it is desired to hear, indoors or in other areas, only the sound output from the sound output section9, by closing the intake hole5awith the first opening/closing lid31, second opening/closing lid32, or third opening/closing lid33, it is possible to listen to the sound output from the sound output section9with high sound quality, without hearing external sounds.

On the other hand, in the case where it is desired to hear, outdoors or in other areas, the sound output from the sound output section9and an external sound, holding the intake hole5aopen with the first opening/closing lid31, the second opening/closing lid32, or the third opening/closing lid33makes it possible for the sound output from the sound output section9and the external sound to be heard at the same time, and it is possible to listen to the sound output from the sound output section9while ensuring the safety by taking in the external sound.

Further, in the first modification and the second modification, the first opening/closing lid31and the second opening/closing lid32that each open/close the intake hole5aare stored in the electric unit6in the open position where the first opening/closing lid31and the second opening/closing lid32each keep the intake holes5aopen.

Therefore, since the first opening/closing lid31and the second opening/closing lid32are not located outside the drive unit5and the electric unit6in the open position, the sound output device1can be miniaturized, and at the same time, the first opening/closing lid31and the second opening/closing lid32can be protected.

Next, a sound output device1D relating to the fourth modification will be described (seeFIG.14).

In the sound output device1D, an electric unit6D is formed in a rod shape (straight line shape), and one end of the electric unit6D in the longitudinal direction is coupled to the drive unit5. Therefore, the electric unit6D is in a state of protruding from the drive unit5. The sound output device1D is attached to the ear100in a state in which the entire drive unit5is inserted into the cavum concha115and the electric unit6D is positioned at the boundary with the temporal region201on the earlobe112.

Since the electric unit6D of the sound output device1D is formed in a rod shape, the size of the sound output device1D is reduced.

Next, a sound output device1E relating to the fifth modification will be described (seeFIG.15).

In the sound output device1E, an electric unit6E is coupled to the drive unit5via a linear (tubular) intermediate joint portion41. The intermediate joint portion41includes a straight portion41aextending in one direction and a curved portion41bformed in a substantially arc shape being continuously formed, one end of the straight portion41ais coupled to the drive unit5, and one end of the curved portion41bis coupled to the electric unit6E. The electric unit6E has an oval outer shape, for example, but the shape of the electric unit6E can be any shape.

Inside the intermediate joint portion41, electric wires and signal lines connecting the sound output section9disposed inside the drive unit5and the drive control section17disposed inside the electric unit6E to each other are arranged. Further, the intermediate joint portion41may function as a sound conduit.

A sound output device1E is attached to the ear100in a state in which the entire drive unit5is inserted into the cavum concha115, the straight portion41aof the intermediate joint portion41is located at the boundary with the temporal region201on the earlobe112, the curved portion41bof the intermediate joint portion41is wrapped around the earlobe112from below, and at least a part of the electric unit6E is located on the back side of the auricle101.

Since the sound output device1E is attached to the ear100in such a manner that the auricle101is sandwiched between the drive unit5and the electric unit6E from the front and back, a stable wearing state is ensured.

It is to be noted that the intermediate joint portion41may be made of a material that is not elastically deformable, elastically deformable, or deformable but not elastically deformable. Since the intermediate joint portion41is formed of an elastically deformable or deformable material, the user can deform the intermediate joint portion41into any shape when attaching the sound output device1E to the ear100, and can easily attach the sound output device1E to the ear100.

Others

The drive unit5of the sound output device1(including the sound output devices1A,1B,1C,1D, and1E; the same applies hereinafter) can be equipped with a cap42formed in a predetermined shape (SeeFIG.16).

The cap42is substantially entirely formed of an elastically deformable material such as silicon or rubber, for example, and has a cover portion43attached to cover a part of the sound output device1and an insertion portion44protruding in a predetermined direction with respect to the cover portion43.

The cover portion43is formed in a bag shape that covers the drive unit5, is elastically deformed and stretched before being attached to the sound output device1, and is elastically restored at the time of being attached to the drive unit5, for example, to be brought into close contact with the outer surface3aof the first case3of the drive unit5. The insertion portion44has a peripheral portion45which protrudes from a part of the cover portion43and whose diameter decreases toward the tip and a block portion46whose outer periphery is continuous with the tip of the peripheral portion45, and sound holes46aare formed on the block portion46. Incidentally, the cap42may be provided with a portion having a sound quality adjusting function such as an equalizer.

In a state in which the cover portion43is in close contact with the outer surface3aof the first case3and the cap42is attached to the drive unit5, one opening side of the intake hole5ais not covered with the cover portion43, and at the same time, the intake hole5acommunicates with the internal space of the insertion portion44.

In the cap42attached to the sound output device1, the insertion portion44is inserted into the external auditory canal113in a state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100. Therefore, the external sound taken in from the intake hole5apasses through the internal space of the insertion portion44, and passes through the external auditory canal113from the sound holes46atoward the eardrum.

By such a cap42being attached to the sound output device1, the range of usage of the sound output device1is widened, and the usability of the sound output device1can be improved. In particular, since the cap42has the insertion portion44to be inserted into the external auditory canal113, the insertion portion44functions as an earpiece, and the sound output device1can efficiently transmit a low-pitched sound to the external auditory canal113.

Further, in the sound output device1, in addition to the dynamic type sound output section9, a single or multiple balanced armature type speaker units may be provided, and the setting of a balanced armature type speaker unit makes it possible to reinforce the delicate reproducibility on the high frequency side and the reproducibility of the low-pitched sound, so that the sound quality in the sound output device1can be improved.

Further, the sound output device1may be provided with a single sensor or multiple sensors. As the sensor, for example, a type having a function of measuring the pulse rate of the user, a function of measuring the blood oxygen concentration of the user, or the like is used. By such a sensor being provided, the sound output device1can also be used as a health device, and the functionality of the sound output device1can be improved.

Summary

As described above, the sound output device1has the drive unit5that is formed in an annular shape and that has the sound output section9inside and the electric unit6that is coupled to the drive unit5and that has the drive control section17inside, and the space inside the drive unit5is formed as the intake hole5afor taking in an external sound. The sound output device1is attached to the ear100with the drive unit5inserted into the cavum concha115.

Therefore, since the external sound taken in from the intake hole5awhich is an inner space of the drive unit5goes to the external auditory canal113in a state in which the electric unit6is coupled to the drive unit5and the drive unit5is inserted into the cavum concha115to be attached to the ear100, a stable and favorable wearing state on the ear100can be ensured, and at the same time, a state in which the external sound is naturally taken in can be ensured.

In particular, since the entire drive unit5is inserted into the cavum concha115and attached to the ear100, high stability can be ensured regarding the state of attachment to the ear100, and since the external sound is taken in from the intake hole5a, which is a path different from the path of the sound output from the sound output section9, the external sound can be taken in with a natural sound quality.

Further, unlike a canal type sound output device having an earpiece, the earpiece is not attached to the ear100while being supported by the external auditory canal113, so that a load is unlikely to be applied to the external auditory canal113in a state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100, and thus, it is possible to prevent the generation of a feeling of oppression and a feeling of fatigue on the ear100and to ensure a state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100with comfort for a long time.

Further, in the sound output device1, the electric unit6is coupled to the drive unit5at a portion at which the intake hole5ais not blocked.

Therefore, since the entire intake hole5ais opened without being blocked by the electric unit6, the external sound taken in through the intake hole5aand the sound output from the sound output section9can be heard favorably, and a favorable listening state of each sound can be ensured.

Moreover, in the sound output device1, the electric unit6is coupled to the drive unit5in a state in which a part of the electric unit6overlaps the drive unit5in the axial direction of the intake hole5a.

Therefore, since the step portion D is formed between the drive unit5and the electric unit6, the electric unit6is pressed against the crus helicis103without a sense of discomfort in the state of being attached to the ear100, and a state in which the sound output device1is attached to the ear100in a comfortable and stable manner can be ensured.

Note that the sound output device1may be provided with an acceleration sensor. By the acceleration sensor being provided, it becomes possible to execute various functions according to an operation (tapping operation) performed on the sensing operation section.

For example, in a case where left and right operation sections are provided, the music (sound) reproducing function and the stop function are alternately executed by the operation section on the right side being operated once, the music feed function is executed by the operation section on the right side being operated twice, and the music return function is executed by the operation section on the right side being operated three times. Further, the function of increasing the volume of music is executed by the operation section on the left side being operated once, and the function of decreasing the volume of music is executed by the operation section on the left side being operated twice.

The assignment of functions executed in response to the above-described operations of the left and right operation sections is an example, and the assignment of functions to the left and right operation sections may be freely settable by the user by operation of an external wireless communication device.

Present Technique

The present technique can be configured as follows.

(1) A sound output device including:a drive unit that has a sound output section inside and is formed in an annular shape; andan electric unit that has a drive control section inside and is coupled to the drive unit, in whicha space inside the drive unit is formed as an intake hole that takes in an external sound, andthe sound output device is attached to an ear with the drive unit inserted into a cavum concha.

(2) The sound output device described in the above item (1), in which

the electric unit is coupled to the drive unit at a portion at which the intake hole is not blocked.

(3) The sound output device described in the above item (2), in which

the electric unit is coupled to the drive unit in a state in which a part of the electric unit overlaps the drive unit in an axial direction of the intake hole.

(4) The sound output device described in any one of the above items (1) to (3), in which

the drive unit and the electric unit are arranged at an ear concha with the sound output device attached to the ear.

(5) The sound output device described in any one of the above items (1) to (4), in which

an outer surface of the drive unit is formed in a curved surface.

(6) The sound output device described in any one of the above items (1) to (5), in which

an outer surface of the electric unit is formed in a curved surface or a flat surface.

(7) The sound output device described in any one of the above items (1) to (6), in whichthe electric unit is formed in a shape having a central axis, andthe central axis of the electric unit is inclined with respect to a central axis of the intake hole.

(8) The sound output device described in any one of the above items (1) to (7), in which

the drive unit is formed in an annular shape.

(9) The sound output device described in any one of the above items (1) to (8), further including:

an opening/closing lid that opens and closes the intake hole.

(10) The sound output device described in the above item (9), in which

the opening/closing lid is housed in the electric unit at an open position where the intake hole is open.

(11) The sound output device described in any one of the above items (1) to (10), further including:

an attachment assist body that is provided on the electric unit to be attachable to and detachable from the electric unit and is made elastically deformable.

(12) The sound output device described in any one of the above items (1) to (11), further including:

an antenna for wireless communication arranged inside the electric unit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST