JP2020062141A - Response switch and auditory test apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a response switch for auditory test capable of solving various troubles such as a problem that a conventional audiometer has and a problem caused by changing a connection mode from a wired type to a wireless type, and an auditory test apparatus using the response switch.SOLUTION: A response switch according to the present invention includes a housing 1 having an opening 10, and a push button 2 for exposing a depressing part 21 from the opening 10, and, by operating the depressing part 21, changes over an on/off state of a switch disposed in the housing 1 and also, transmits the on/off state of the switch to the body part and/or an earphone. The housing 1 includes a surface part 9 that is curved outward, and a flat-shaped rear surface part 12. The opening 10 includes a position that is most isolated from a surface including the rear surface part 12 when the opening 10 is not present, and the depressing part 21 is characterized in that, in a state where the depressing part 21 is depressed to the deepest, a top face part of the depressing part 21 projects more than the surface part 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an auditory test device such as an audiometer used to test a subject's hearing, and relates to a response switch used when the subject responds to a presented test sound and a hearing test device using the same.

  In general, an audiometer used to test a subject's hearing is capable of outputting a command in accordance with an operator's operation or an automatic hearing test program, and capable of calculating a hearing level based on the response status from the test subject. And an earphone that presents a test sound to the subject based on a command from the main body, and a response switch used when the subject responds. The response switch is provided with a push-down operation unit (button) that is operated by the subject when the inspection sound is heard. When the push-down operation unit is operated, the ON / OFF state of the response switch is switched and the response status of the subject is transmitted. I am trying.

  A conventional audiometer is generally a wired type in which a main body section, earphones, and a response switch are connected by a cable. Patent Document 1 discloses such a wired audiometer in which an earphone and a response switch are connected to the main body by cables. There is also known a wired audiometer in which a main body, a response switch, and an earphone are connected in series in this order by a cable.

  On the other hand, recently, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a wireless audiometer has been proposed in which a main body portion, an earphone, and a response switch are connected by wireless communication.

Japanese Patent No. 5037735 Japanese Patent No. 6302127

By the way, the response switch of the conventional audiometer is basically supposed to be operated by the subject. Therefore, it is difficult for a subject who has difficulty in moving the fingers of the hand to hold and operate the hearing test, and the finger or the palm of the arm should be placed on a desk or the like without using the finger. When the response switch is operated by, for example, the conventional response button lacks stability in mounting, and thus there is a concern that the response result may be affected such that the response switch cannot be operated accurately. In some audiometers, it is also known that a plurality of pairs of earphones and response switches can be connected to one main body to perform hearing test on a plurality of subjects at the same time. It is conceivable that one subject operates the response switch near another subject. In this case, there is a concern that a sound generated by a certain subject operating the push-down operation unit may affect the hearing test.
Further, when the connection system of the response switch is changed from the wired system to the wireless system, it is expected that various points will be affected because a cable is not required. For example, in the case of a wired audiometer, when holding the response switch during operation, it is possible to grasp not only the housing of the response switch but also the cable connected to the housing. Since the only part that can be held is the housing, it is necessary to devise a device that makes it easier to hold.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above point, and can improve various problems such as the problems that the conventional audiometer has and the problems associated with the change of the connection method from wired to wireless. Therefore, for example, when the hearing test is performed by placing the device on a desk or the like, the test is performed more accurately, when the hearing test is performed on a plurality of subjects at the same time, the test is performed more accurately, It is an object of the present invention to provide a response switch that can realize excellent ease.

  The hearing test response switch of the present invention includes a housing having an opening and a push button that exposes the pressing operation unit through the opening, and a switch disposed in the housing by operating the pressing operation unit. The ON / OFF state is switched and the ON / OFF state of the switch is transmitted to the main body and / or the earphone, and the casing has a surface portion curved outward and a flat surface facing the surface portion. A rear surface portion, the front surface portion has the opening, and the opening includes a position most distant from a surface including the rear surface portion when the opening does not exist, and the pressing operation portion. Is characterized in that the top surface portion of the push-down operation portion projects more than the surface portion when the push-down operation portion is pushed down most.

  In such a response switch, the ON / OFF state of the switch arranged in the housing is switched by operating the push-down operation unit, and the ON / OFF state of the switch is wirelessly communicated with the main unit and / or the earphone. It is preferable to tell.

  Further, the push button includes a fixed portion supported by the housing, and an elastic portion that connects the fixed portion and the pressing operation portion to support the pressing operation portion in a non-contact state with the housing. Is preferably provided.

  The fixing portion includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion that sandwich the pressing operation portion therebetween, and the elastic portion connects the first fixing portion and the pressing operation portion with each other. An elastic part and a second elastic part, and a third elastic part and a fourth elastic part that connect the second fixing part and the pressing operation part, and are configured to include one end of the first elastic part and the second elastic part. While each part is connected to the pressing operation part, the other ends of the first elastic part and the second elastic part are respectively on the opposite side to the side facing the pressing operation part in the first fixing part. One end of each of the third elastic portion and the fourth elastic portion is connected to the first fixing portion, and one end portion of each of the third elastic portion and the fourth elastic portion is connected to the pressing operation portion, while the other end portions of the third elastic portion and the fourth elastic portion are connected. Is preferably connected to the second fixing portion on the side opposite to the side of the second fixing portion facing the pressing operation portion. Arbitrariness.

  Further, the back surface portion may include a flat back surface portion facing the front surface portion, and the back surface portion may include a finger rest portion extending along the lateral direction of the housing immediately below the opening. preferable.

  Further, it is preferable that the finger hook portion is curved in a convex shape toward the outside of the housing.

  Further, the back surface portion has a groove portion that is concave from the back surface portion toward the front surface portion and extends along a lateral direction of the housing, and the groove portion is the housing immediately below the opening. It is preferable to have a finger hook portion extending along the lateral direction of.

  Further, it is preferable that the finger hook portion is curved in a convex shape toward the outside of the housing.

  The present invention is also a hearing test apparatus using the above-described hearing test response switch.

According to the response switch of the present invention, the housing is provided with the front surface portion that curves toward the outside and the flat rear surface portion that faces the front surface portion, and the front surface portion is located at the most distant position from the rear surface portion. Since the opening that exposes the push-down operation part is provided, it is possible to push down the push-down operation part with the palm or arm without using a finger, so a hearing test can be performed even on a subject who has difficulty moving the fingers of the hand. It can be carried out.
Moreover, since the push-down operation portion of the push button is supported in a non-contact state with the housing, no contact sound with the housing is produced when the response switch is operated. Therefore, when a hearing test is performed on a plurality of subjects at the same time, the fact that one subject pushes down the pressing operation unit is not understood as a contact sound by other subjects, so that the test is performed more accurately. It can be carried out.
If the back of the housing is provided with a finger rest that extends along the lateral direction of the housing with respect to the back, place the index finger on the finger when holding the housing with one hand. This makes it easier to hold.
Further, the response switch of the present invention may be used not only in the wireless type but also in the wired type.

It is a figure showing one embodiment of a response switch according to the present invention, and Drawing 1 (a) is a top view and Drawing 1 (b) is a bottom view. 2A is a side view of the response switch shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the push button forming the response switch shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 3A. .

  An embodiment of a response switch according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the like, the side shown in FIG. 1A will be referred to as “front” and the side shown in FIG. 1B will be referred to as “back” for convenience. Further, in FIG. 1A, the side on which the opening (front opening 16) extending in the lateral direction is located is "front", and the length in the lateral direction is shorter than the front opening 16 (rear opening 17). The side where is is described as "rear".

  The response switch of the present embodiment, together with the main body and earphones (not shown), constitutes an audiometer for conducting a hearing test. Here, the main body has a function of outputting a command to the earphones according to an operator's operation or an automatic hearing test program, and a function of calculating the hearing level of the subject based on the response situation when the response switch is operated, for example. is there. Further, the earphone has a function of presenting a test sound to the subject based on a command from the main body, for example. The response switch is configured to perform wireless communication with the main body and / or the earphone. When the response switch is operated by the subject, the operation status is directly from the response switch or via the earphone. And indirectly transmitted to the main body. Note that a plurality of sets of earphones and response switches can be connected to the main body section, and a hearing test can be performed simultaneously on a plurality of subjects.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the response switch of this embodiment includes a housing 1, a push button 2, and an indicator light 3. The housing 1 is composed of a front housing 4, a back housing 5, and a battery lid 6. Inside the housing 1 (the space surrounded by the front housing 4 and the back housing 5), the switch 7 that is switched between ON / OFF states by operating the push button 2 and the above-described indicator lamp 3 and the switch 7 are provided. And a substrate 8 to which is attached. The substrate 8 is configured so that the ON / OFF state of the switch 7 can be transmitted to the main body and earphones by wireless communication. The substrate 8 also has a function of turning on / off the indicator lamp 3 according to the ON / OFF state of the switch 7. Further, inside the housing 1 (a space surrounded by the back housing 5 and the battery lid 6), a battery (not shown) for operating the substrate 8 is housed, and the response switch is used without connecting the power cable. To be done.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the housing 1 in the present embodiment is formed in a shape that is generally rectangular in a plan view. More specifically, the housing 1 is formed such that the front and rear edges thereof extend in an arc shape, the side edges thereof extend in a straight line, and the four corners are rounded. ing. Further, the left and right sides are formed in a form symmetrical with respect to the center line in the longitudinal direction (front-back direction).

  Here, the surface portion 9 of the housing 1 is formed so as to be curved outward (curved in an arc shape) in a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) as shown in FIG. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 2B, it is formed so as to be curved outward (curved in an arc shape) even in a cross-sectional view in the lateral direction. The housing 1 also includes an opening 10 that is circular in a plan view at the top of the curved surface portion 9 (the portion of the surface portion 9 that most protrudes outward). Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, the housing 1 is provided with a display lamp opening 11 which is located in front of the opening 10 and has a smaller diameter than the opening 10 and exposes the display lamp 3. The top may be included in at least a part of the opening 10.

  On the other hand, the back surface portion 12 of the housing 1 is formed in a generally flat shape as shown in FIG. 2A, and the back surface portion is formed in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction (a little forward of the opening 10). A groove portion 13 is provided which is concave from the portion 12 toward the surface portion 9 and extends along the lateral direction. The groove portion 13 of the present embodiment has two side surface portions that face each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing 1 (the front side surface portion is referred to as the front side surface portion 14 at the front side, and the rear side surface portion (finger rest portion) 15 is located at the rear side portion). Called)). Here, the front side surface portion 14 is formed in a flat shape as shown in FIG. 1B, and the rear side surface portion 15 is directed toward the front surface side portion 14 (toward the outside in the longitudinal direction of the housing 1). It is formed so as to be convexly curved. The back surface portion 12 is divided into a front portion having a short length in the longitudinal direction and a rear portion having a long length in the longitudinal direction by a groove portion 13 provided slightly forward of the opening 10 as illustrated. There is. Here, the front portion of the rear surface portion 12 is referred to as a front rear surface portion 12a, and the rear portion is referred to as a rear rear surface portion 12b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, a front opening 16 extending in the lateral direction is provided at the front end portion of the housing 1, and the rear end portion has a front opening 16 larger than the front opening 16. A rear opening 17 having a shorter length in the lateral direction is provided.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2A, inside the housing 1, a pair of bosses having a cylindrical shape and sandwiching the opening 10 therebetween (the one located at the front is referred to as a first boss 18 and is located at the rear). What is referred to as a second boss 19) is provided. Further, plate-shaped ribs 20 are provided on the front side of the first boss 18 and the rear side of the second boss 19, respectively.

  Next, the push button 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the push button 2 of the present embodiment is provided with a push-down operation portion 21 having a substantially bowl shape and an edge portion formed into a flange shape. A pressing portion 22 formed in a cylindrical shape is provided on the back surface of the pressing operation portion 21. In addition, the push button 2 has a pair of fixing parts that are cylindrical and sandwich the pressing operation part 21 therebetween (the one located at the front is referred to as the first fixing part 23, and the one located at the rear is referred to as the second fixing part 24). Called). A notch 25 is provided on the front side of the first fixing portion 23 and on the front side of the second fixing portion 24.

  Further, the push button 2 is elastically deformable and includes an elastic portion that connects the push-down operation portion 21 and the first fixing portion 23 and the push-down operation portion 21 and the second fixing portion 24. The elastic portion of the present embodiment includes a first elastic portion 26 and a second elastic portion 27 that connect the pressing operation portion 21 and the first fixing portion 23, and a third elastic portion that connects the pressing operation portion 21 and the second fixing portion 24. It is composed of the portion 28 and the fourth elastic portion 29, and as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each has a U-shape in plan view and is formed in a thin plate shape. . More specifically, one end of each of the first elastic portion 26 and the second elastic portion 27 is connected to a diagonally forward portion of a flange-shaped portion of the push-down operation portion 21, and a diameter from there. After extending outward in the direction, it is curved so as to wrap around toward the first fixing portion 23, and the other end portions thereof are connected to the diagonally forward portions of the first fixing portion 23 (in other words, the other ends of the respective portions). The part is connected to the first fixing part 23 on the side opposite to the side of the first fixing part 23 facing the push-down operation part 21). Further, one end of each of the third elastic portion 28 and the fourth elastic portion 29 is connected to an obliquely rear portion of the flange-shaped portion of the push-down operation portion 21 and extends radially outward therefrom. After being present, it is curved so as to wrap around toward the second fixing portion 24, and the other end portions thereof are connected to diagonally rearward portions of the second fixing portion 24 (in other words, the other end portions thereof are the second fixing portions). The part 24 is connected to the second fixing part 24 on the side opposite to the side facing the push-down operation part 21).

  Then, in order to assemble the push button 2 into the housing 1, before the front housing 4 and the back housing 5 are combined, the first fixing portion 23 is inserted into the first boss 18 and the second fixing portion is inserted into the second boss 19. Insert 24. By inserting the first fixing portion 23 and the like into the first boss 18 and the like to the end, the ribs 20 provided at the bases of the first boss 18 and the second boss 19 are attached to the first fixing portion 23 and the second fixing portion 24. The notch 25 provided can be fitted. Next, in addition to the substrate 8, a member (not shown) built in the housing 1 is incorporated to combine the front housing 4 and the back housing 5. When the board 8 is assembled, the switch 7 provided on the board 8 is in a position facing the pressing portion 22. In the state where the push button 2 is assembled to the housing 1 in this way, the first boss 18 and the second boss 19 are inserted into the first fixing portion 23 and the second fixing portion 24, and the front housing 4 and the board Since it is sandwiched by 8, it is in a state of being fixed to the housing 1. The push-down operation section 21 is exposed from the opening 10 and is supported by the first elastic section 26 and the like in a non-contact state with the housing 1. Even if the push-down operation unit 21 is pushed down to the end, the push-down operation unit 21 is not in contact with the housing 1. Further, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 2B, even when the push-down operation section 21 is pushed all the way down, the top surface section of the push-down operation section 21 projects further than the surface section 9 of the housing 1.

  The response switch with such a configuration can hold and operate the balance in a stable manner with one hand by holding the part that contains the battery, and the subject's dominant hand changes left and right depending on the right hand or left hand. It can be operated with no operational feeling. For example, in the case of holding with the right hand of the dominant hand, the palm of the right hand is applied to the rear right corner of the housing 1, and the index finger of the right hand is housed in the groove portion 13 provided on the back surface portion 12 of the housing 1. In the present embodiment, since the rear side surface portion 15 of the groove portion 13 is curved and the case 1 can be held in a state in which the forefinger is slightly bent along the rear side surface portion 15, an excessive force is applied to the forefinger. No need to add. In addition, the case 1 can be supported from the back side by the index finger housed in the groove 13, and while supporting the rear corner of the case 1 with the palm, the inside of the slightly bent index finger is the rear side surface. Since 15 can be supported, it can be stably held. Further, when the thumb of the right hand is naturally extended while holding the housing 1 in this way, the push-down operation section 21 is located just where the belly of the thumb hits, so that the push-down operation section 21 can be pushed down smoothly. .

  As described above, the pressing operation part 21 is elastically deformable with respect to the first fixing part 23 and the second fixing part 24. The first elastic part 26, the second elastic part 27, the third elastic part 28 and the fourth elastic part. The elastic portions are supported by the portion 29, and all of these elastic portions are curved so as to form a U shape in a plan view. Here, if the elastic portion that connects the pressing operation portion 21 and the first fixing portion 23 or the like has a bent portion in the middle, such as an L-shape, it is elastically deformed when the pressing operation portion 21 is pushed down. Since the portion to be pressed is mainly from the push operation portion 21 to this bent portion, the length of the portion that contributes to the elastic deformation is shortened, and a strong force is required when pushing down the push operation portion 21. On the other hand, in the case where it is curved so as to have a U-shape in a plan view like the first elastic portion 26 of the present embodiment, the length connecting the push-down operation portion 21 and the first fixing portion 23 and the like. Since almost all of the above will contribute to elastic deformation, a very strong force is not required to push down the push-down operation section 21, and operability can be improved. Further, the first elastic portion 26 and the like of the present embodiment are connected to the first fixing portion 23 and the like on the side opposite to the side facing the pressing operation portion 21. That is, by connecting in this manner, the length of the first elastic portion 26 and the like can be made longer than in the case where the first fixing portion 23 and the like are connected on the side facing the pressing operation portion 21. The force required to push down the push-down operation unit 21 can be further suppressed.

  Further, since the push-down operation unit 21 does not come into contact with the housing 1 before the push-down operation or when the push-down operation unit 21 is pushed down, when the response switch is operated, the push-down operation unit 21 does not touch the housing 1. No hit sound is produced. Therefore, for example, in the case where a plurality of test subjects are simultaneously subjected to the hearing test, even when one test subject operates the response switch in the vicinity of another test subject, the sound of the pressing operation unit 21 hitting the housing 1 is generated. Since it does not exist, the hearing test can be performed more accurately.

  Since the rib 20 shown in FIG. 2 is fitted in the notch 25 shown in FIG. 3, the first fixing portion 23 and the second fixing portion 24 are different from the first boss 18 and the second boss 19. It never rotates. Therefore, for example, even if an accidental force is applied to the push-down operation unit 21 and the first elastic portion 26 or the like is unintentionally twisted, the orientation of the first fixing portion 23 or the like is constant. The positions of the first elastic portion 26 and the like do not change significantly. Further, the first fixing portion 23 and the second fixing portion 24 have a height for ensuring a sufficient clearance between the push-down operation portion 21 and the housing 1 against the longitudinal twist of the first elastic portion 26 and the like. Have Therefore, even in such a case, it is possible to avoid contact between the push-down operation unit 21 and the like and the housing 1 and the like, so that the contact sound between the push-down operation unit 21 and the like and the housing 1 and the like is generated more reliably. Can be prevented.

  Further, in the response switch of the present embodiment, since the back surface portion 12 of the housing 1 is formed in a flat shape, the back surface portion 12 side is in a stable state without rattling on the table etc. Can be placed. Therefore, for example, even if it is difficult to move the finger freely and the response switch cannot be held firmly, the response switch can be placed on a table or the like and the push-down operation unit 21 can be pushed down. Regarding that the back surface 12 of the housing 1 forms a flat shape, it is sufficient if the pressing operation unit 21 can be pushed down in a stable state without rattling when the response switch is placed on a table or the like and used. It may be realized by using rubber feet or by forming a protrusion on a part of the back surface. Further, in the response switch of the present embodiment, the push-down operation portion 21 is located on the top of the surface portion 9 that curves outward, and further, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. Even if is pushed down to the end, the top surface portion of the push-down operation portion 21 projects beyond the surface portion 9 of the housing 1, and the push-down operation portion 21 is always at the highest position. It is easy to operate the push-down operation unit 21 by, for example. That is, according to the response switch of the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a hearing test even on a subject who has a finger incompetence.

  In the response switch used in the conventional wired audiometer, the cable is connected to the front end portion or the rear end portion of the housing. However, in the response switch of the present embodiment, the main body portion and / or the earphone is used. Since such a cable is unnecessary, the front opening 16 and the rear opening 17 can be provided at the end of the housing 1. If such an opening is used, the response switch can be hung on the wall after use, which improves usability. Further, if a strap that is passed through the wrist is attached using these openings, it is possible to avoid accidentally dropping the strap, and therefore damage to the response switch can be prevented.

  Although one embodiment of the response switch according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and includes various embodiments embodied within the scope of the claims. For example, the switch 7 is not limited to the one provided on the substrate 8 and may be one separated from the substrate 8. Further, the shapes of the first elastic portion 26 and the like are not limited to those illustrated. Further, the back surface portion 12 may be configured by only the rear back surface portion 12b by removing the front back surface portion 12a shown in FIGS. 1B and 2A.

1: housing 2: push button 7: switch 9: front surface portion 10: opening 12: rear surface portion 21: push-down operation portion 23: first fixing portion (fixing portion)
24: Second fixing part (fixing part)
26: First elastic portion (elastic portion)
27: Second elastic portion (elastic portion)
28: Third elastic portion (elastic portion)
29: Fourth elastic portion (elastic portion)

Claims (9)

A housing having an opening and a push button that exposes the push-down operation section through the opening are provided, and by operating the push-down operation section, the ON / OFF state of the switch arranged in the case is switched and the switch A hearing test response switch for transmitting an ON / OFF state to a main body and / or earphones,
The casing includes a front surface portion that curves outward, and a flat back surface portion that faces the front surface portion,
The surface portion has the opening,
The opening includes a position most distant from a surface including the back surface when the opening does not exist,
The hearing test response switch, wherein the push-down operation section is such that the top surface section of the push-down operation section projects more than the surface section when the push-down operation section is pushed down most.   By operating the push-down operation unit, the ON / OFF state of the switch arranged in the housing is switched, and the ON / OFF state of the switch is transmitted to the main body unit and / or the earphone by wireless communication. The response switch for hearing test according to claim 1.   The push button includes a fixed portion supported by the housing, and an elastic portion that connects the fixed portion and the pressing operation portion to support the pressing operation portion in a non-contact state with the housing. The hearing test response switch according to claim 1, further comprising: The fixing portion is configured to include a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion that sandwich the pressing operation portion,
The elastic part includes a first elastic part and a second elastic part that connect the first fixing part and the pressing operation part, and a third elastic part and a fourth elastic part that connect the second fixing part and the pressing operation part. Composed of parts,
One ends of the first elastic part and the second elastic part are respectively connected to the pressing operation part, while the other ends of the first elastic part and the second elastic part are respectively in the first fixing part. Connected to the first fixing portion on the side opposite to the side facing the push-down operation portion,
One ends of the third elastic part and the fourth elastic part are respectively connected to the pressing operation part, while the other ends of the third elastic part and the fourth elastic part are respectively in the second fixing part. The hearing test response switch according to claim 3, wherein the second fixed part is connected on the side opposite to the side facing the push-down operation part. The back surface portion includes a flat back surface portion facing the front surface portion,
The hearing test according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the back surface portion is provided with a finger hook portion that extends along the lateral direction of the housing immediately below the opening. Response switch.   The hearing test response switch according to claim 5, wherein the finger hook portion is curved in a convex shape toward the outside of the housing. The back surface portion has a groove portion that is concave from the back surface portion toward the front surface portion and extends along the lateral direction of the housing,
The hearing test according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the groove portion has a finger hook portion that extends along the lateral direction of the housing immediately below the opening. Response switch.   The hearing test response switch according to claim 7, wherein the finger hook portion is curved in a convex shape toward the outside of the housing. A hearing test apparatus comprising the hearing test response switch according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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