CN113573673A

CN113573673A - Earplug, sound collecting device, and sound volume measuring system

Info

Publication number: CN113573673A
Application number: CN202080021393.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 畑中武蔵
Original assignee: Nitto Denko Corp
Current assignee: Nitto Denko Corp
Priority date: 2019-03-26
Filing date: 2020-03-16
Publication date: 2021-10-29
Also published as: JP2020163098A

Abstract

The present invention provides an earplug including a tubular part extending in one direction and capable of being bent with respect to the one direction; a first sound sensor that collects sound through the tubular member; and an ear plug type sound insulating member into which the tubular member is inserted. Preferably, the tubular member is bendable along the shape of the external auditory meatus. Preferably, the sound sensor further includes a housing having a first opening communicating with the tubular member, and the first sound sensor is provided in the housing and collects sound through the tubular member and the first opening.

Description

Earplug, sound collecting device, and sound volume measuring system

Technical Field

The invention relates to an earplug, a sound collecting device and a sound volume measuring system.

Background

Conventionally, there are devices that determine in situ the acoustic seal provided by an ear plug type of an intra-external auditory canal device inserted into the external auditory canal of an individual. The sound measuring device is provided with an environment hole which is detachably engaged with a sound hole of an ear plug type external auditory canal device. The sound measuring device includes a probe microphone and a reference microphone which are separated from each other, and is connected to the data processing unit. The data processing unit comprises a control box connected with the computer unit and a reference sound source. The probe microphone and the reference microphone measure a sound pressure level inside the external auditory canal of the individual and a sound pressure level from the environment near the device in the external auditory canal, respectively.

The external auditory meatus internal device is capable of expansion and contraction, and further has an injection channel for injecting a curable compound material in order to appropriately form the external auditory meatus (for example, see patent document 1).

< Prior Art document >

< patent document >

Patent document 1 Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2004-524070

Disclosure of Invention

< problems to be solved by the present invention >

However, in the conventional device, after the shape of the device is matched to the shape of the external auditory canal, the sound measurement device is removed from the surrounding hole of the sound hole of the device in the external auditory canal. The ear insert is used in a state where the sound measurement device is removed.

However, since the sound measurement device is removed when the device serving as the ear plug is inserted into the external auditory canal after conforming the shape of the device to the shape of the external auditory canal, the noise state of the user wearing the ear plug cannot be measured, and the ear of the user may be exposed to noise. There is a concern that the user will be continuously exposed to noise and cause a noisy hearing loss.

Accordingly, the present invention aims to prevent a noise hearing loss, and provides an earplug, a sound collection device, and a sound volume measurement system that can measure a noise situation in the external ear canal while protecting the ear from noise.

< means for solving the problems >

In order to solve the above problems, the earplug of the present invention includes a tubular member extending in one direction and bendable in the one direction; a first sound sensor that collects sound through the tubular member; and an ear plug type sound insulating member into which the tubular member is inserted.

< effects of the invention >

According to the present invention, for the purpose of preventing noise hearing loss, the noise status in the external auditory canal can be measured while protecting the ear from noise.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a sound volume measurement system 200 according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an actual configuration of the earplug 100.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the sound collection device 100A.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state where the earplug 100 is inserted into the external auditory meatus 10 of the ear mold 50.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the ear model 50.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an earplug 100M1 of a first modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics in the external auditory canal in the earplug 100M1 and the earplug a.

Fig. 8 is a graph showing frequency characteristics in the external auditory canal in the earplug 100 and the earplug a.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing frequency characteristics in the external auditory canal in the earplugs 100M1, a and B.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an earplug 100M2 of a second modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an earplug 100M3 of a third modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an earplug 300 of a second embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an earplug 300A of a first modification of the second embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an earplug 300B of a second modification of the second embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an earplug 300C of a third modification of the second embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an earplug 400 of a third embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an earplug 400A according to a first modification of the third embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an earplug 400B of a second modification of the third embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an earplug 400C according to a third modification of the third embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an earplug 400D of a fourth modification of the third embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an earplug 400E of a fifth modification of the third embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an earplug 400F of a sixth modification of the third embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an earplug 500 of a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an earplug 600 of a fifth embodiment.

Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an earplug 600A of a modification of the fifth embodiment.

Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an earplug 700 of a sixth embodiment.

Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an earplug 700A according to a modification of the sixth embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments to which the earplug, the sound collecting apparatus, and the sound volume measuring system of the present invention are applied will be described.

< first embodiment >

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a sound volume measurement system 200 according to a first embodiment. The loudness measuring system 200 comprises an ear bud 100 and a signal processing device 210. Hereinafter, the description will be given using an XYZ rectangular coordinate system.

The earplug 100 includes a housing 110, a tube 120, microphones (hereinafter, referred to as microphones) 130, 140, and a sound insulating section 150. The tubular body 120 is an example of a tubular member, the microphone 130 is an example of a second microphone, the microphone 140 is an example of a first microphone, and the soundproof portion 150 is an example of a soundproof member. The portion of the earplug 100 from which the sound insulating portion 150 is removed is referred to as a sound collecting device 100A.

The earplug 100 is a wearable sound volume measuring device that can measure noise conditions (frequency, sound pressure, noise time, and the like) outside the ear canal and inside the external auditory canal and the difference in sound pressure thereof while protecting the ear from noise (insulating sound) for the purpose of preventing a noisy hearing loss.

For example, the earplug 100 can measure the noise level near the operator and the noise level to which the operator is actually exposed, can determine whether the noise exposure inside and outside the ear is a safe level, can determine the sound insulation effect and the wearing state, and can appropriately guide the operator who has failed to wear the earplug in a factory work site and/or an indoor/outdoor work site, particularly in a noisy environment where a hand tool or a large machine (e.g., a press) is used for operation. Further, the noise level to which the operator is actually exposed can be measured, and appropriate setting of the operation time and/or necessary treatment and measures can be taken.

In addition, the earplug 100 is not limited to a construction site, and can be used for determining a sound insulation state of the earplug in an environment where a loud sound exists, such as an orchestra, an airport, or the like. When the noise-induced hearing loss is increased, the high-pitched sound region of about 2000Hz to 8000Hz is particularly difficult to hear.

In general, when the earplug is not properly worn, the original sound insulation performance cannot be exhibited, and a manager of the wearer cannot grasp the noise to which the wearer is actually exposed.

The earplug 100 includes the

microphones

130 and 140 that cannot be removed, and when the earplug 100 is worn with the sound insulating portion 150 inserted into the external auditory meatus, it is possible to determine whether or not the sound insulating portion 150 is properly worn in the external auditory meatus, and to obtain a desired sound insulating performance.

The earplug 100 has the same level of sound insulating properties as an earplug made of the same sound insulating material as the sound insulating portion 150, and can measure the difference between the sound volume level in the external auditory canal of the wearer and the sound volume level of the environment in which the wearer is located as the difference in the outputs of the

microphones

130 and 140. Hereinafter, each constituent element will be described.

The housing 110 is a case for accommodating the two

microphones

130, 140. The housing 110 is made of a material (resin as an example) harder than the pipe body 120. The housing 110 includes a main body 111,

openings

112 and 113, and a partition wall 114. With respect to the housing 110, the-X direction side thereof faces the external auditory meatus 10 side, and the + X direction side thereof faces in the outward direction from the external auditory meatus 10.

The main body 111 is a body (main body) of the casing 110, and has an accommodating portion 111A for accommodating the

microphones

130 and 140 therein. Although the shape of the body portion 111 is shown in fig. 1 for simplicity, it may be a cylindrical member having a central axis parallel to the X axis, for example, and the cylindrical member may have a shape in which the diameter decreases toward both ends in the X axis direction.

The opening 112 is an example of a second opening, and the opening 113 is an example of a first opening. Opening 112 is provided on the + X direction side (the side outward from external auditory meatus 10) of main body 111, and opening 113 is provided on the-X direction side (the side of external auditory meatus 10) of main body 111.

The partition wall 114 divides the housing portion 111A in the X direction and has an opening 114A. The opening portion 114A is aligned with the opening portion 113 so that the opening portion 113 is positioned on an extension line of the opening portion 114A.

The pipe 120 is attached to the opening 113 of the housing 110 and communicates with the opening 113. The tube body 120 is provided for transmitting sound inside the external auditory meatus 10 to the microphone 140. The pipe 120 is a tubular member extending in the-X direction from the opening 113, and has a smaller cross section in the YZ plane than the cross section of the housing 110.

The tube 120 is made of an elastic member such as silicon that can be bent in the extending direction (X direction), for example. Bendable means curved in a manner having an angle with respect to the X direction.

When the sound insulating portion 150 provided on the outer periphery of the tube body 120 is pressed into the tympanic membrane 11 inside the external auditory canal 10, the sound insulating portion 150 deforms according to the shape inside the external auditory canal 10, and the tube body 120 bends. The pipe body 120 is configured to be able to maintain a state in which both ends communicate with each other in this state. This is because the tube body 120 cannot maintain a state of communication between both ends when it is bent and flattened.

The microphone 130 is provided for collecting sound outside the outer ear canal 10. The sound outside the external auditory canal 10 is the environmental sound of the subject wearing the earplug 100. The microphone 130 includes, as an example, an a/d (analog to digital) converter, which is a digital microphone that digitally converts collected sound and outputs the converted sound as a sound signal. As the microphone 130, an electret condenser microphone or a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphone can be used. The MEMS microphone is a device in which, for example, a sound pressure sensor formed by MEMS technology or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) for performing signal processing is packaged.

Inside the main body 111 of the case 110, the microphone 130 is fixed such that a diaphragm (diaphragm) 131 of the microphone 130 closes the opening 112 at a position substantially coincident with the opening 112. The microphone 130 is connected to the signal processing device 210 by a cable shown by a dotted line. Accordingly, a sound signal representing the sound collected by the microphone 130 is input to the signal processing device 210.

The microphone 140 is provided for collecting sound inside the external acoustic meatus 10. The microphone 140 has, as an example, an a/D converter, which is a digital microphone for digitally converting collected sound and outputting it as a sound signal. As the microphone 140, an electret condenser microphone or a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphone can be used, similarly to the microphone 130.

Inside the main body 111 of the case 110, the microphone 140 is provided such that a diaphragm (diaphragm) 141 of the microphone 140 blocks the opening 114A from the + X direction side of the partition wall 114 at a position substantially coincident with the position of the opening.

The microphone 140 is attached to the partition wall 114 in the housing 110 so as to be separated from the tube 120 without being in direct contact therewith. Since the tube body 120 is relatively flexible due to an elastic member such as silicon, vibration may occur in a frequency band of 2000Hz or more, for example. As described above, when the tube 120 vibrates, the sound due to the vibration is captured by the microphone 140, and the sound in the external auditory canal 10 cannot be accurately measured by the microphone 140.

From such a viewpoint, the microphone 140 is attached to the partition wall 114 in the case 110 so as not to be directly in contact with the pipe 120 but to be separated therefrom, and thus the measurement of the microphone 140 is not affected even if the pipe 120 vibrates. Further, by setting the hardness of the case 110 to which the tube 120 and the microphone 140 are attached to be harder than the tube 120, the case 110 does not vibrate even if the tube 120 vibrates.

The sound insulating portion 150 is an example of a sound insulating member made of a sound insulating material such as a sponge made of polyurethane. The sound insulation portion 150 is inserted halfway through the external acoustic meatus 10, and closes the space on the back side of the external acoustic meatus 10.

The sound insulating part 150 has a through hole 151 located above the central axis of the cylindrical sound insulating member. The pipe body 120 is fixed in a state of being inserted into the through hole 151. The size of the through hole 151 is matched with the size of the tube 120 so that a gap is not generated.

Since the external auditory meatus 10 is actually curved, when the sound insulating portion 150 fixed to the outer periphery of the tube body 120 is pressed (or screwed) into the external auditory meatus 10, the sound insulating portion 150 deforms in accordance with the shape of the inside of the external auditory meatus 10, and the tube body 120 is curved.

The earplug 100 constructed as described above has the same level of sound insulation as an earplug made of only the sound insulation material of the same material as the sound insulation part 150 and having the same outer dimensions.

The signal processing device 210 is an example of a volume measuring device, and is connected to output terminals of the

microphones

130 and 140, and receives audio signals from the

microphones

130 and 140. The signal processing device 210 has a processor and a memory. The signal processing device 210 obtains the level difference (japanese text: レベル difference) between the two sound signals in digital form input from the

microphones

130 and 140 by the processor. Data representing the found level difference may be stored in a memory.

The signal processing device 210 may be provided in the housing portion 111A of the housing 110, or may be provided outside the housing 110. For example, in the case where two earplugs 100 are used as one set and the two earplugs 100 are connected by a neckband (not shown), the signal processing device 210 may be provided in the neckband. The signal processing device 210 is connected to a pc (personal computer)220, for example, so as to be communicable by wireless communication.

When an analog microphone that outputs an analog audio signal representing the collected audio is used as the

microphones

130 and 140, the signal processing device 210 may include an amplifier circuit and an a/d (analog to digital) converter, and may convert the analog audio signal into a digital audio signal.

Signal processing device 210 determines whether or not ear plug 100 is properly worn in external auditory canal 10 by measuring the difference in sound volume levels measured by

microphones

130 and 140. Specifically, when the volume level difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the wearing is correct. The signal processing device 210 transmits the determination result of the wearing state to the PC 220.

The PC220 displays the wearing state of the earplug 100 on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display based on the determination result received from the signal processing device 210. For example, the PC220 notifies the wearing state by changing the display color in a case where the earplug 100 is normally worn and a case where it is not normally worn (at the time of wearing abnormality). The PC220 is an example of a wearing state notification device for notifying the wearing state of the earplug 100. The wearing state of the earplug 100 may be notified by sound based on a speaker provided in the earplug 100, vibration based on a vibration element of a vibrator or the like instead of display based on the PC 220. In addition, the wearing state can be notified by display based on light emitted from a light emitting element such as the housing 110 provided in the earplug 100. The Light Emitting element is, for example, an LED (Light-Emitting Diode).

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an actual configuration of the earplug 100. Fig. 2 (a) is a side view, and fig. 2 (B) is a perspective view. As shown in fig. 2 (a) and (B), the casing 110 is of a barrel shape, and the

microphones

130 and 140 are built therein.

The cable 115 is connected to the housing 110. The cable 115 transmits the audio signals output from the

microphones

130 and 140 to the signal processing device 210 (see fig. 1). The sound insulating part 150 has a substantially conical shape, and has an end part of the through hole 151 at the tip end (end part in the (-X direction), and the tip end of the pipe body 120 can be observed.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the sound collection device 100A. In fig. 3, the

microphones

130, 140 are omitted. Fig. 3 (a) is a side view, and fig. 3 (B) is a back view (view from the + X direction side).

The case 110 has a protruding portion 113A at the end on the + X direction side. The protruding portion 113A is a portion of the body 111 where the wall portion on the-X direction side protrudes in a cylindrical shape, and has an opening 113 at its distal end. The pipe 120 is detachable from the housing 110. If sound insulating section 150 and pipe body 120 are detachable from casing 110, for example, when sound insulating section 150 and pipe body 120 are soiled, they can be replaced, which is convenient.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state where the earplug 100 is inserted into the external auditory meatus 10 of the ear mold 50. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the ear model 50. The ear model 50 is the left ear. Fig. 4 shows a state in which the left ear is viewed from the front, and fig. 5 shows a state in which the left ear is viewed from above.

The ear model 50 is made of transparent resin and has an external auditory canal 10 that reproduces the average shape of the external auditory canal of a human. The average depth of the external auditory canal 10 is about 25mm to about 35mm from the entrance of the external auditory canal 10 (the opening on the lateral head 51 side) to the front of the tympanic membrane 11.

The external auditory canal 10 has a first bend 10A and a second bend 10B as it progresses inward from the lateral head 51 toward the tympanic membrane 11. In this way, the external auditory canal 10 has two bends (curved portions) in many cases. The first bend 10A is a portion of the external acoustic meatus 10 that bends first when entering from the entrance side (lateral head portion 51 side) of the external acoustic meatus 10. The second bend 10B is a portion of the external auditory canal 10 bent on the inner side of the first bend 10A, and is a portion very close to the eardrum 11.

Therefore, in order to obtain the sound volume level in the external auditory canal 10 in the earplug 100, it is desirable to press the earplug 100 to a portion as close as possible to the tympanic membrane 11, and therefore, the tube body 120 and the sound insulating section 150 are pressed so that the tip end of the tube body 120 is located halfway in the first bend 10A, in the vicinity beyond the first bend 10A (in the vicinity of the outlet), or in the vicinity of the second bend 10B.

In order to position the tip end of the pipe body 120 in the middle of the first bend 10A or in the vicinity of the outlet, the pipe body 120 is configured to be bendable in accordance with the bend of the first bend 10A.

Since the sound insulating portion 150 is sufficiently more flexible than the tube body 120 and can be deformed in accordance with the bending of the first bend 10A of the external auditory meatus 10, when the tube body 120 having the sound insulating portion 150 attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof is pressed into (or screwed into) the external auditory meatus 10, the sound insulating portion 150 is crushed between the inner wall of the external auditory meatus 10 and the tube body 120, and the tube body 120 receives a reaction force from the inner wall of the external auditory meatus 10 via the crushed sound insulating portion 150, and is bent in accordance with the bending of the first bend 10A.

Therefore, the pipe body 120 having the sound insulating portion 150 attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof can be easily inserted in accordance with the shape of the external auditory meatus 10 of an individual. In addition, whether or not a desired sound insulation performance is obtained can be measured (or determined) in the inserted state.

Therefore, it is possible to provide the earplug 100, the sound collection device 100A, and the sound volume measurement system 200 that can grasp whether or not the earplug is properly worn in the external auditory canal during use. The "in use" means a state in which the earplug 100 is worn and the tube 120 having the sound insulating portion 150 attached to the outer peripheral portion thereof is worn (or inserted) in the external auditory canal 10. That is, it is possible to provide the earplug 100, the sound collecting device 100A, and the sound volume measuring system 200 that can grasp whether or not they are properly worn in the external auditory canal.

If the earplug 100 of the earplug type is not properly worn in the external auditory canal 10, the volume measured by the microphone 140 increases, and thus the difference in the volume levels measured by the microphone 130 and the microphone 140 decreases. Proper fitting of the earplug 100 in the external auditory canal 10 means that the earplug 100 is properly fitted to the external auditory canal 10 and the sound insulating part 150 contacts the external auditory canal 10 so as to be able to properly insulate sound.

By measuring the sound volume level difference by the earplug 100, it is possible to quantitatively determine whether or not the wearer has correctly worn the earplug 100 on the external acoustic meatus 10.

Particularly, when the earplug 100 is worn in an environment where noise fluctuates or an environment where loud noise is generated, whether or not sound insulation is appropriately performed can be quantitatively determined, which is very effective.

In addition, compared to a noise detection device based on fixed-point observation installed at a specific place, by measuring the noise actually exposed to the wearer as in the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect the noise level to which the operator actually performing the operation is exposed even in an operation in which the operation place changes with time or an operation in which the noise level varies with time in the same operation place.

In addition, for example, data indicating the sound volume level difference in which the earplug 100 is correctly sound-insulated may be continuously measured and stored in a memory or the like while an operator at a construction site or the like operates the earplug 100, so that a manager at the site can manage the data. Further, data indicating the difference in sound level may be continuously measured while an operator at a construction site or the like is wearing the earplug 100 and operating the same, and a manager at the site may monitor the data with a PC or the like. Further, the wireless communication device may be mounted on the ear plug 100, so that a manager or an operator can confirm the sound volume level difference in real time while the operator at a construction site or the like operates the ear plug 100.

Further, since the tube body 120 of the earplug 100 to which the sound insulating portion 150 is attached is curved in accordance with the curved shape of the inside of the external auditory meatus 10, it is not necessary to customize the shape of the external auditory meatus 10 for an individual person, and mass production is suitable. Accordingly, the earplug 100 can be provided at low cost.

The microphone 140 is mounted on the partition wall 114 in the housing 110 so as to be separated from the tube 120 without being in direct contact therewith. However, the microphone 140 may be in direct contact with the pipe body 120 in a case where the pipe body 120 does not generate vibration or the measurement of the microphone 140 is not affected.

< first modification of the first embodiment >

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an earplug 100M1 of a first modification of the first embodiment. Earplug 100M1 the shell 110 of earplug 100 of fig. 1 is replaced with shell 110M 1. Case 110M1 includes body 111M1 and openings 112M and 113M. The body 111M1 does not have the partition wall 114 shown in fig. 1, and has openings 112M and 113M corresponding to the

openings

112 and 113 shown in fig. 1. The

microphones

130 and 140 are provided inside the housing portion 111MA1 of the body portion 111M1, and are attached so as to close the openings 112M and 113M at positions where the diaphragms (diaphragms) 131 and 141 of the microphones substantially coincide with the positions of the openings, respectively. Therefore, the microphone 140 is in direct contact with the pipe body 120 attached to the opening 113M.

Fig. 7 is a graph showing frequency characteristics in the external auditory canal. In fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents the output of the microphone 140. Here, the output of the microphone 140 measured by the earplug a in which the tube 120 is not provided and the microphone 140 is attached to the tip of the sound insulating portion 150 having no through-hole 151 is shown in addition to the earplug 100M1 of the modified example. The measurement is performed using a model such as the ear model 50 (see fig. 4).

As shown in fig. 7, the earplug a shown by the chain line is in the range of about-58 dB to about-87 dB in the entire region of the frequency band from 100Hz to 10000 Hz.

The earplug 100M1 shown by the solid line shows that the output of the microphone 140 rises in a high-pitched sound region of about 2000Hz or higher (see a portion surrounded by an ellipse of the broken line), and it is considered that the vibration of the silicon tube 120 affects the measurement of the microphone 140.

Next, the frequency characteristics in the external auditory canal in the earplug 100 and the earplug a will be explained. Fig. 8 is a graph showing frequency characteristics in the external auditory canal in the earplug 100 and the earplug a. In fig. 8, the horizontal axis represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents the output of the microphone 140. The measurement is performed using a model such as the ear model 50 (see fig. 4).

As shown in fig. 8, the earplug a shown by the chain line is in a range of about-58 dB to about-87 dB in the entire region of the frequency band of 100Hz to 10000 Hz. In addition, the earplug 100 shown by the solid line shows frequency characteristics at approximately the same level as the earplug a.

This confirms that the earplug 100 can measure the sound signal in the same horizontal direction as the earplug a in which the microphone 140 is attached to the tip end of the sound insulating portion 150 without the through hole 151.

Fig. 9 is a diagram in which frequency characteristics of the earplug B are added to fig. 7. Earplug B has a configuration in which the tube 120 of the earplug 100M1 is modified to be made of stainless steel. As is clear from fig. 9, although the microphone output of the earplug B rises around about 3000Hz, the microphone output in the high-pitched region is suppressed with respect to the earplug 100M 1. This is considered because stainless steel is harder than silicon, and therefore vibration in the high-pitched range is reduced.

< second and third modifications of the first embodiment >

In addition, the earplugs 100M2 and 100M3 shown in fig. 10 and 11 may be used instead of the earplug 100 shown in fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an earplug 100M2 of a second modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an earplug 100M3 of a third modification of the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 10, in the earplug 100M2, the interior of the main body portion 111M2 of the case 110M2 is divided into two parts by a partition wall 114M 2. Since the microphone 140 may be separated from the tube 120, the

microphones

130 and 140 are provided on the inner wall surface of the case 110M2 on both sides of the partition wall 114M 2. In this case, the

diaphragms

131 and 141 of the

microphones

130 and 140 face upward so as to collect sounds from the

openings

112 and 113.

In the earplug 100M2 shown in fig. 11, the positions of the

microphones

130 and 140 in fig. 10 are changed to both sides of the partition wall 114M 2. The

diaphragms

131 and 141 of the

microphones

130 and 140 face the

openings

112 and 113, and can collect sound.

< second embodiment >

The earplug 100 of the first embodiment described above has the microphone 130 for collecting sounds outside the external acoustic meatus 10 and the microphone 140 for collecting sounds inside the external acoustic meatus 10. The earplug of the present invention is not limited to the configuration having two microphones, and may have only one microphone. Hereinafter, as a second embodiment, an ear plug having only a microphone 140 for collecting sound in the external acoustic meatus 10 as a microphone will be described.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an earplug 300 of a second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the case 110A includes a body 111B, an opening 113, and a partition wall 114. The main body 111B of the present embodiment is different from the case 110 of the first embodiment in that the opening 112 serving as the second opening is not provided, and only the opening 113 serving as the first opening is provided. The other configurations of the case 110A of the second embodiment are the same as those of the case 110 of the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, only the microphone 140 for collecting the sound inside the external acoustic meatus 10 is housed in the housing portion 111C in the main body portion 111B. As in the first embodiment, the microphone 140 is provided on the + X direction side of the opening 114A via the diaphragm 141 so as to block the opening 114A formed in the partition wall 114.

The pipe body 120 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is connected to the opening 113 of the housing 110A. A sound insulating portion 150 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is provided on the outer periphery of the pipe body 120. The sound insulating portion 150 has a through hole 151, and the tube body 120 is inserted into the through hole 151. The device for removing the sound insulating section 150 from the earplug 300 corresponds to a sound collecting device.

In the present embodiment, the microphone 140 can obtain the volume level in the external acoustic meatus 10. Therefore, according to the earplug 300 of the present embodiment, for the purpose of preventing a noisy hearing loss, the noise state in the external ear canal can be measured while protecting the ear from noise.

In the present embodiment, since the earplug 300 does not include the microphone 130 for collecting sounds outside the external acoustic meatus 10, the signal processing device (not shown) quantitatively determines whether or not the earplug 300 is correctly worn on the external acoustic meatus 10 by the wearer based on the volume level obtained by the microphone 140. For example, when the volume level acquired by the microphone 140 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the signal processing device determines that the wearer has correctly worn the earplug 300 in the external acoustic meatus 10. In the case where an external microphone for collecting external sound is provided separately from the earplug 300, it is possible to quantitatively determine whether or not the earplug 300 is correctly worn on the external auditory meatus 10 by the wearer based on the difference between the volume level obtained by the external microphone and the volume level obtained by the microphone 140.

< first modification of the second embodiment >

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an earplug 300A of a first modification of the second embodiment. The earplug 300A of the first modification has the same configuration as the earplug 300 of the second embodiment except for the sound insulating section 150A.

The sound insulating section 150A of the present modification includes a non-through hole 151A instead of the through hole 151. That is, the sound insulation portion 150A does not penetrate the-X direction side (i.e., the tympanic membrane 11 side), and blocks the-X direction side of the non-through hole 151A. The tube 120 of the earplug 300A is inserted from the end on the + X direction side of the opening of the non-through hole 151A. The portion of the sound insulating portion 150A located at the distal end of the tube 120 functions as an acoustic resistance to sound transmitted from the external acoustic meatus 10 to the microphone 140.

In the present modification, the non-through hole 151A is provided in the sound insulating portion 150A, so that the distal end portion of the tube body 120 is protected from being exposed from the sound insulating portion 150A, and the risk of the distal end portion of the tube body 120 coming into contact with the eardrum 11 or the like when the user wears the earplug 300A is reduced, thereby improving safety. Further, the non-through hole 151A can protect the microphone 140 and the tube 120 (waterproof and dustproof). The portion of the sound insulating portion 150A located at the distal end of the tube body 120 is formed of a material or a thickness to be able to obtain sound in the external acoustic meatus 10. Although the sound signal transmitted from the external auditory meatus 10 to the microphone 140 is attenuated by the non-through hole 151A, the signal processing of the signal processing device may be performed in consideration of the sound level or the like based on the attenuation amount of the sound signal of the non-through hole 151A.

< second modification of the second embodiment >

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an earplug 300B of a second modification of the second embodiment. The earplug 300B of the second modification has the same configuration as the earplug 300 of the second embodiment with respect to the portions other than the sound insulating section 150B.

The sound insulating section 150B of the present modification has the through-hole 151 as in the first embodiment. In the present modification, the acoustic resistor 160 is provided at the end (on the side of the X direction) of the through-hole 151. The acoustic resistive body 160 is formed of a material having properties different from or a different configuration from the material forming the soundproof portion 150B. The acoustic resistor 160 is an open cell structure such as polyurethane or polyethylene. Note that the acoustic resistor 160 may be formed of an acoustic membrane, a waterproof acoustic membrane, a wire mesh, or the like.

In the present modification, the distal end of the pipe 120 is inserted so as to contact the acoustic resistor 160 without being exposed from the end of the through-hole 151 (the side in the (-X direction)). As shown in fig. 14, in the present modification, a part of the acoustic resistor 160 enters the pipe 120, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the acoustic resistor 160 may not enter the pipe 120.

By providing the acoustic resistor 160 so as to cover the distal end portion of the pipe body 120 in this manner, the same effects as those of the first modification can be obtained.

< third modification of the second embodiment >

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an earplug 300C of a third modification of the second embodiment. The earplug 300C of the third modification has the same configuration as the earplug 300 of the second embodiment except for the sound insulating section 150C.

The sound insulating section 150C of the present modification has the through-hole 151 as in the first embodiment. In the present modification, the sound-blocking body 160A is formed on the entire front end surface 152, which is the end surface on the-X direction side of the sound-insulating section 150C. For example, the sound resistor 160A has the same shape as the sound insulating portion 150C in YZ plane view, and is fixed to the tip end surface 152 by an adhesive.

The acoustic resistor 160A is formed of a material having properties different from or a different configuration from the material forming the soundproof portion 150C. The acoustic resistor 160A is an open cell structure such as polyurethane or polyethylene. The acoustic resistor 160A may be formed of an acoustic membrane, a waterproof acoustic membrane, a wire mesh, or the like.

In the present modification, the distal end portion of the pipe body 120 is covered with the acoustic resistor 160A. In this way, the same effect as in the first modification can be obtained by providing the acoustic resistor 160A so that the distal end portion of the tube body 120 is covered.

< other modification >

In the second embodiment and the modifications thereof, the microphone 140 is housed in the case 110A, but the case 110A is not essential. For example, the housing 110A may be eliminated. The housing 110A and the partition wall 114 may be omitted, and the microphone 140 may be connected directly to the end portion (+ X direction side) of the pipe body 120 or may be connected to the end portion of the pipe body 120 via a diaphragm.

In the second and third modifications of the second embodiment, the acoustic resistor is provided at the distal end of the tube 120, but may be provided at any position as long as it is a path from the distal end of the tube 120 to the microphone 140. For example, the acoustic resistor may be provided in the center of the pipe 120, the opening 113 of the case 110A, and the opening 114A of the partition wall 114. Further, the entire pipe body 120 may be filled with the acoustic resistor.

In addition, the earplug 100 of the first embodiment may also be provided with a sound-blocking body in the same manner. In this case, a sound resistor may be provided in the opening 112 of the casing 110A in addition to the central portion of the pipe body 120, the opening 113 of the casing 110, and the opening 114A of the partition wall 114. In addition, the entire pipe body 120 may be filled with the acoustic resistor.

The configuration of the sound insulating section shown in fig. 13 to 15 can also be applied to the earplugs of the first embodiment and the modifications of the first embodiment.

< third embodiment >

In the earplugs of the first and second embodiments, the microphone for collecting the sound inside the external auditory canal is provided on the housing side of the tube body (on the side opposite to the external auditory canal). Hereinafter, as a third embodiment, an earplug in which a microphone for collecting sound inside an external acoustic meatus is provided inside a tube body will be described.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an earplug 400 of a third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the case 110B includes a body 111D and an opening 113. In the present embodiment, the microphone 140 for collecting sound inside the external acoustic meatus 10 is set to a size that can be inserted into the tube 120 connected to the opening 113. In the present embodiment, the microphone 140 is disposed at the distal end portion of the tube 120 on the opposite side of the opening 113.

In the present embodiment, for example, the signal processing device 210 may be disposed in the housing portion 111E of the casing 110B. The microphone 140 is connected to the signal processing device 210 via a signal cable 142 inserted into the tube body 120.

The other constitution of the earplug 400 is the same as that of the earplug 300 of the second embodiment.

As shown in the present embodiment, by disposing the microphone 140 at the distal end portion of the tube 120, the efficiency of collecting sound (sound signal) inside the external acoustic meatus 10 is improved. In addition, it is possible to obtain an effect of suppressing high-frequency noise, which may be generated by vibration of the tube body 120, from being transmitted to the microphone 140.

In the present embodiment, since the tube 120 is hollow, the signal cable 142 can be easily wired.

< first modification of the third embodiment >

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an earplug 400A according to a first modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400A of the first modification is filled with the vibration reduction member 170 from the position of the microphone 140 to the downstream side (the opening 113 side) in the tube 120. The earplug 400A has the same configuration as the earplug 400 of the third embodiment, except that the vibration reduction member 170 is filled in the tube 120.

The vibration reducing member 170 is an open cell structure such as polyurethane or polyethylene, for example, and suppresses vibration of the pipe body 120. The vibration reduction member 170 may be the same material as the acoustic resistor 160 shown in the second embodiment.

As in the present modification, by filling the vibration reduction member 170 in the tube 120, it is possible to further suppress transmission of high-frequency noise, which may be generated by vibration of the tube 120, to the microphone 140.

In the present modification, the vibration reduction member 170 is filled in the pipe body 120 on the downstream side from the microphone 140, but the pipe body 120 may be configured to be non-hollow (solid) on the downstream side from the microphone 140.

< second modification of the third embodiment >

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an earplug 400B of a second modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400B of the second modification differs from the earplug 400 of the third embodiment only in that the microphone 140 is disposed at the center portion in the tube 120.

As in the present modification, by disposing the microphone 140 at the center portion in the pipe 120, the microphone 140 can be protected from being soiled.

< third modification of the third embodiment >

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an earplug 400C according to a third modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400C according to the third modification is filled with the vibration reduction member 170A from the position of the microphone 140 to the downstream side (the opening 113 side) in the tube 120, and is filled with the acoustic resistor 160B from the position of the microphone 140 to the upstream side (the tip end side) in the tube 120. The other configuration of the earplug 400C is the same as that of the earplug 400B of the second modification.

The vibration reduction member 170A is made of the same material as the vibration reduction member 170 of the first modification. The vibration reducing member 170A and the resistive body 160B may be composed of the same material.

As in the present modification, by filling the vibration reduction member 170A in the tube 120, it is possible to suppress transmission of high-frequency noise, which may be generated by vibration of the tube 120, to the microphone 140. Further, by filling the acoustic resistor 160B on the upstream side from the microphone 140 in the pipe 120, the microphone 140 can be protected (waterproof and dustproof).

Note that only one of the vibration reducing member 170A and the resistor 160B may be provided. Further, the tube 120 may be set to be non-hollow (solid) on the downstream side from the microphone 140.

In the third embodiment and the modifications, as in the second embodiment, the microphone 130 for collecting the sound outside the external acoustic meatus 10 is not provided, but the microphone 130 may be provided in the housing portion 111E of the casing 110B.

< other modification >

The earplug according to the third embodiment and the modifications thereof can be modified in the sound insulating portion in the same manner as the first to third modifications of the second embodiment shown in fig. 13 to 15.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an earplug 400D of a fourth modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400D of the fourth modification has the same configuration as the earplug 400 of the third embodiment except for the sound insulating section 150A. Sound insulating section 150A has the same configuration as sound insulating section 150A shown in fig. 13, and has non-through hole 151A instead of through hole 151.

In the present modification, the microphone 140 provided at the distal end of the tube body 120 abuts on the sound insulating section 150A, and the portion of the sound insulating section 150A abutting on the microphone 140 functions as an acoustic resistor. By setting the non-through hole 151A in this manner, the inside of the tube 120 and the microphone 140 can be protected (waterproof and dustproof).

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an earplug 400E of a fifth modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400E of the fifth modification has the same configuration as the earplug 400 of the third embodiment except for the sound insulating section 150A. Sound insulating section 150B has the same configuration as sound insulating section 150B shown in fig. 14, and has through-holes 151.

In the present modification, the acoustic resistor 160 is provided at the end (on the side of the X direction) of the through hole 151, and the microphone 140 is in contact with the acoustic resistor 160. The same effect as in the fourth modification can be obtained by the acoustic resistor 160.

Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an earplug 400F of a sixth modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400F of the sixth modification has the same configuration as the earplug 400 of the third embodiment except for the sound insulating section 150C. The sound insulating section 150C has the same configuration as the sound insulating section 150C shown in fig. 15, and has a through-hole 151.

In the present modification, the acoustic resistor 160A is formed on the entire front end surface 152, which is the end surface on the-X direction side of the sound insulating section 150C, and the microphone 140 abuts on the acoustic resistor 160A. The same effect as in the fourth modification can be obtained by the acoustic resistor 160A.

< fourth embodiment >

In the earplug according to the third embodiment, the microphone for collecting the sound inside the external auditory canal is provided inside the tube body. Hereinafter, as a fourth embodiment, an earplug in which a microphone for collecting sound inside an external acoustic meatus is attached to a distal end of a tube body will be described.

Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an earplug 500 of a fourth embodiment. In the earplug 500 of the fourth embodiment, the microphone 140 for collecting sound inside the external acoustic meatus 10 is attached to the tip end of the tube 120. The microphone 140 is larger than the inner diameter of the tube 120, and is not so large as to be inserted into the tube 120.

In the present embodiment, since the microphone 140 is exposed to the outside of the pipe body 120, it is covered with the cover body 180 attached to the distal end surface 152 of the sound insulating section 150. A plurality of minute holes 181 for transmitting sound are formed in the cover 180. The cover 180 is, for example, a net-shaped member. The holes 181 are preferably of such a size as not to allow water and dust to pass therethrough.

As in the present embodiment, by attaching the microphone 140 to the distal end of the tube 120, the sound collection efficiency of the sound (sound signal) inside the external acoustic meatus 10 is improved. In addition, it is possible to obtain an effect of suppressing transmission of high-frequency noise, which can be generated by vibration of the tube body 120, to the microphone 140.

In the present embodiment, the vibration reducing member may be filled in the pipe 120, or the pipe 120 may be formed to be non-hollow (solid). Further, the cover 180 may be filled with a sound-blocking body. In addition, a microphone 130 may be provided in the housing portion 111E of the case 110B.

Although the case 110B is provided in the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, and the modifications, the case 110B is not essential. The configurations of the above embodiments and modifications may be combined with each other as long as no contradiction occurs.

The

microphones

130 and 140 shown in the above embodiments and modifications are examples of omnidirectional or unidirectional sound sensors. The acoustic sensor includes an acoustic-electric transducer, a micro-electromechanical sensor, an ultrasonic microphone, and the like in addition to the electret condenser microphone and the MEMS microphone.

< fifth embodiment >

As in the first embodiment, in an ear plug having a microphone 130 for collecting sound outside the wearer in addition to the microphone 140 for collecting sound inside the external auditory canal 10, there is a possibility that wind sound (wind noise) outside the ear plug is collected by the microphone 130. Hereinafter, as a fifth embodiment, an ear plug capable of reducing the level of wind sound collected by the microphone 130 will be described.

Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an earplug 600 of a fifth embodiment. The earplug 600 of the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the earplug 100 of the first embodiment, except for the case 110C. In the present embodiment, the case 110C includes a body 111,

openings

112 and 113, a partition wall 114, and a pipe 116.

The tube portion 116 is provided in the accommodating portion 111A. One end of tube portion 116 is connected to opening portion 112 and extends in the-X direction (the external auditory meatus 10 side). The other end of the tube 116 is connected to a microphone 130 via a diaphragm 131.

As described above, by disposing the microphone 130 in the housing portion 111A via the pipe portion 116, direct contact of the wind with the microphone 130 is suppressed, and the level of wind sound collected by the microphone 130 is reduced.

Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an earplug 600A of a modification of the fifth embodiment. In the earplug 600A of the present modification, the sound resistor 160C is filled in the tube 116. The acoustic resistor 160C may be provided in a part of the inside of the tube 116. The acoustic resistor 160C is made of the same material as the acoustic resistor 160 shown in the second modification of the second embodiment. The earplug 600A has the same configuration as the earplug 600 of the fifth embodiment, except that the sound-blocking body 160C is filled in the tube portion 116.

In this manner, by filling the pipe portion 116 with the acoustic resistor 160C, the inside of the pipe portion 116 and the microphone 130 can be protected (waterproof and dustproof). Although the sound signal transmitted from the outside of the case 110C to the microphone 130 is reduced by the acoustic resistor 160C, the sound level or the like may be determined by considering the attenuation amount of the sound signal by the acoustic resistor 160C based on the signal processing of the signal processing device.

< sixth embodiment >

Next, similarly to the fifth embodiment, an earplug capable of reducing the level of wind sound collected by the microphone 130 will be described.

Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an earplug 700 of a sixth embodiment. The earplug 700 of the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as the earplug 100 of the first embodiment, except for the case 110D. In the present embodiment, the housing 110D includes a body 111,

openings

112 and 113, and

partition walls

114 and 117.

The partition 117 is provided to divide the housing portion 111A in the X direction on the + X direction side (opening 112 side) of the partition 114. Partition wall 117 has opening 117A at a position facing opening 112. The microphone 130 is connected to the partition wall 117 via a diaphragm 131 on the-X direction side (the external auditory meatus 10 side) of the opening 117A.

By disposing microphone 130 in housing portion 111A via partition wall 117 in this manner, direct contact of the wind with microphone 130 is suppressed, and the level of wind noise collected by microphone 130 is reduced.

Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an earplug 700A according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. In earplug 700A of the present modification, acoustic resistor 160D is filled in a region on the + X direction side (opening 112 side) of partition wall 117 in case 110D. Note that the acoustic resistor 160D may be provided in a part of this region. The acoustic resistor 160D is made of the same material as the acoustic resistor 160 shown in the second modification of the second embodiment. Earplug 600A has the same configuration as earplug 700 of the sixth embodiment except that a region on the + X direction side of partition wall 117 in case 110D is filled with sound-blocking body 160D.

By providing the acoustic resistor 160D in this manner, the inside of the housing 110D and the microphone 130 can be protected (waterproof and dustproof).

The fifth embodiment, the sixth embodiment, and the modifications can be modified to the sound insulating section in the same manner as the first to third modifications of the second embodiment shown in fig. 13 to 15.

The above embodiments and modifications can be combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

Although the earplugs, the sound collecting device, and the volume measuring system according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The international application claims priority to japanese patent application No. 2019-058326, which was applied on 26/3/2019, and japanese patent application No. 2019-141546, which was applied on 31/7/2019, and the entire contents of the applications are cited in the international application.

Description of the reference numerals

100. 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 earplug

100A sound collection device

110 casing

112 opening part (second opening part)

113 opening (first opening)

114. 117 bulkhead

116 tube part

120 tube (tubular component)

130 microphone (second sound sensor)

140 microphone (first sound sensor)

141 diaphragm

150 soundproof portion (soundproof component)

151 through hole

151A non-through hole

152 top end face

160 acoustic resistance body

170 vibration reducing member

180 cover

181 holes

200 sound volume measuring system

210 Signal processing device (volume measuring device)

Claims

1. An earplug, comprising:

a tubular member extending in one direction and capable of bending with respect to the one direction;

a first sound sensor that collects sound through the tubular member; and

and an ear plug type sound insulating member into which the tubular member is inserted.

2. The earplug of claim 1, wherein,

the tubular member is capable of bending along the shape of the external auditory meatus.

3. The earplug of claim 1 or 2, wherein,

further comprising a housing having a first opening communicating with the tubular member,

the first sound sensor is provided in the housing, and collects sound through the tubular member and the first opening.

4. The earplug of claim 3, wherein,

the tubular member and the first acoustic sensor are attached to the housing in a state of being separated from each other without being in direct contact with each other.

5. The earplug of claim 3, wherein,

the housing is harder than the tubular member.

6. The earplug of claim 3, wherein,

the housing has a second opening portion,

the sound sensor further includes a second sound sensor provided in the housing and configured to collect sound through the second opening.

7. The earplug of claim 6, wherein,

the first sound sensor is a sound sensor for collecting sound in the external auditory canal of the wearer,

the second sound sensor is a sound sensor for collecting sound outside the wearer.

8. The earplug of claim 1, wherein,

the sound insulating member is provided with a sound resistor so as to cover a distal end portion of the tubular member.

9. The earplug of claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the first acoustic sensor is disposed inside the tubular member.

10. The earplug of claim 9, wherein,

a vibration reducing member is filled in the tubular member on a downstream side of the position of the first acoustic sensor.

11. The earplug of claim 9, wherein,

an acoustic resistor is filled in the tubular member on the upstream side of the position of the first acoustic sensor.

12. A sound collection device comprising:

a tubular member extending in one direction and capable of bending with respect to the one direction; and

a first sound sensor for collecting sound through the tubular member.

13. A sound volume measuring system comprises an earplug and a sound volume measuring device,

the above-mentioned earplug has:

a housing having a first opening and a second opening;

a tubular member that extends so as to communicate with the first opening portion and is bendable in an extending direction;

a first sound sensor provided in the housing and collecting sound through the tubular member and the first opening;

a second sound sensor provided in the housing and configured to collect sound through the second opening; and

an ear plug type sound insulating member into which the tubular member is inserted,

the sound volume measuring device is connected to output terminals of the first acoustic sensor and the second acoustic sensor.

14. The sound volume measuring system according to claim 13,

the sound volume measuring device determines the wearing state of the earplug based on the sound level difference between the first sound sensor and the second sound sensor.

15. The sound volume measuring system according to claim 14,

the sound volume measuring device further includes a wearing state notifying device that notifies the wearing state based on a determination result of the wearing state of the sound volume measuring device.