JP2020163098A - Ear plug, sound collection device, and sound amount measurement system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ear plug, sound collection device, and sound amount measurement system, capable of measuring a noise situation in an external auditory canal while protecting an ear from noise in order to prevent noise deafness.SOLUTION: An ear plug includes: a tubular member that extends in one direction and is capable of being curved with respect to the one direction; a first acoustic sensor for collecting sound through the tubular member; and an ear plug-type sound insulation member into which the tubular member is inserted. Preferably, the tubular member can be curved along a shape of an external auditory canal. Preferably, the ear plug includes a frame having a first opening communicating with the tubular member and the first acoustic sensor is provided in the frame to collect sound through the tubular member and the first opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to earplugs, a sound collector, and a volume measuring system.

Traditionally, there are devices for field determination of the auditory seal provided by an earplug-type ear canal device inserted into an individual's ear canal. The device has an acoustic measuring device that detachably engages with an environmental hole in the sound hole of an earplug-type ear canal device. The acoustic measuring device includes probe microphones and reference microphones that are isolated from each other and is connected to a data processing unit. The data processing unit includes a control box and a reference sound source connected to the computer unit. Probe microphones and reference microphones each measure sound pressure levels inside an individual's ear canal and from an environment in close proximity to an ear canal device.

The ear canal device is stretchable and further has an injection channel for injecting a solidifiable compound material so that the ear canal device is properly shaped in the ear canal (see, eg, Patent Document 1).

Special Table 2004-524070

By the way, in the conventional device, the acoustic measuring device is removed from the environment hole of the sound hole of the device in the ear canal after the shape of the device is adjusted to the shape of the ear canal. The ear canal device as an earplug is used with the acoustic measuring device removed.

However, since the acoustic measuring device is removed when the device as an earplug is inserted into the ear canal after matching the shape of the device to the shape of the ear canal, it is not possible to measure the noise condition when the user wears the earplug. In addition, the user's ears may be exposed to noise. Users may develop noise-induced hearing loss due to continued exposure to noise.

Therefore, the present invention provides an earplug, a sound collecting device, and a volume measuring system capable of measuring the noise condition in the ear canal while protecting the ear from noise for the purpose of preventing noise-induced hearing loss. With the goal.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the earplugs of the present invention include a tubular member that extends in one direction and can be curved in one direction, a first acoustic sensor that collects sound through the tubular member, and the above. Includes earplug-type sound insulation members through which tubular members are inserted.

According to the present invention, for the purpose of preventing noise-induced hearing loss, it is possible to measure the noise condition in the ear canal while protecting the ear from noise.

It is a figure which shows the volume measuring system 200 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the actual structure of the earplug 100. It is a figure which shows the sound collector 100A. It is a figure which shows the state which inserted the earplug 100 into the ear canal 10 of the ear model 50. It is a figure which shows the ear model 50. It is a figure which shows the earplug 100M1 which concerns on the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the frequency characteristic in the ear canal in earplug 100M1 and earplug A. It is a figure which shows the frequency characteristic in the ear canal in earplug 100 and earplug A. It is a figure which shows the frequency characteristic in the ear canal in earplugs 100M1 and earplugs A and B. It is a figure which shows the earplug 100M2 which concerns on the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 100M3 which concerns on the 3rd modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 300 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 300A which concerns on the 1st modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 300B which concerns on the 2nd modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 300C which concerns on the 3rd modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 400 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 400A which concerns on the 1st modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 400B which concerns on the 2nd modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 400C which concerns on the 3rd modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 400D which concerns on the 4th modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 400E which concerns on the 5th modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 400F which concerns on the 6th modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 500 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 600 which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 600A which concerns on the modification of 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 700 which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the earplug 700A which concerns on the modification of 6th Embodiment.

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

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a volume measuring system 200 according to the first embodiment. The volume measuring system 200 includes earplugs 100 and a signal processing device 210. In the following, the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system will be used for description.

The earplugs 100 include a housing 110, a tube 120, microphones (hereinafter referred to as microphones) 130 and 140, and a sound insulation unit 150. The tube 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 sound insulation unit 150 is an example of a sound insulation member. Further, the earplug 100 excluding the sound insulating portion 150 is referred to as a sound collecting device 100A.

For the purpose of preventing noise-induced hearing loss, the earplugs 100 protect the ears from noise (while insulating the sound) and the noise conditions (frequency, sound pressure, noise time, etc.) outside the outer auditorium and inside the outer auditory canal, and the difference in sound pressure between them. It is a wearable volume measuring device that can measure.

The earplugs 100 are, for example, near a worker at a factory work site or an indoor / outdoor construction site, especially in a noisy environment where work is performed using a handheld tool or a large machine (for example, a press machine). The noise level and the noise level actually exposed to the worker can be measured, it can be judged whether the noise exposure inside and outside the ear is a safe level, the sound insulation effect and the wearing condition can be judged, and the earplugs can be worn correctly. Appropriate guidance can be given to workers who have not. Furthermore, by making it possible for the operator to measure the noise level actually exposed, it is possible to set an appropriate working time and take necessary measures and countermeasures.

Further, the earplugs 100 can be used not only at a construction site or the like but also for determining the sound insulation state of the earplugs in an environment with a loud noise such as an orchestra or an airport. As noise-induced hearing loss progresses, it becomes particularly difficult to hear the high frequency range of about 2000 Hz to 8000 Hz.

In general, earplugs cannot exhibit their original sound insulation performance unless they are properly worn, and the wearer's manager cannot grasp the noise that the wearer is actually exposed to.

The earplugs 100 are provided with non-removable microphones 130 and 140, and if the sound insulation unit 150 is inserted into the ear canal and the earplugs 100 are attached, the sound insulation unit 150 is properly attached to the ear canal and is desired. It can be determined whether or not the sound insulation performance is obtained.

The earplug 100 has the same level of sound insulation as an earplug made of the same sound insulating material as the sound insulating portion 150, and has a volume level in the ear canal of the wearer and a volume level of the environment in which the wearer is present. It is a device that can measure the difference between the two microphones as the difference between the outputs of the microphones 130 and 140. Hereinafter, each component will be described.

The housing 110 is a case for storing two microphones 130 and 140. The housing 110 is made of a material (resin, for example) that is harder than the tube 120. The housing 110 has a main body 111, openings 112, 113, and a partition 114. In the housing 110, the −X direction side is directed toward the ear canal 10 side, and the + X direction side is directed outward from the ear canal 10.

The main body 111 is the body (main body) of the housing 110, and has a storage portion 111A for accommodating the microphones 130 and 140 inside. Although the shape of the main body 111 is shown in FIG. 1 in a simplified manner, for example, it may be a cylindrical member having a central axis parallel to the X axis, and the cylindrical member has a smaller diameter at both ends in the X axis direction. The shape may be.

The opening 112 is an example of the second opening, and the opening 113 is an example of the first opening. The opening 112 is provided on the + X direction side of the main body 111 (the side facing outward from the ear canal 10), and the opening 113 is provided on the −X direction side (the ear canal 10 side) of the main body 111.

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

The tube 120 is attached to the opening 113 of the housing 110 and communicates with the opening 113. The tube 120 is provided to transmit the sound inside the ear canal 10 to the microphone 140. The tube 120 is a tubular member extending in the −X direction from the opening 113, and its cross section in YZ plane view is smaller than the cross section of the housing 110.

As an example, the tube 120 is made of an elastic member such as silicon that can be bent in the extension direction (X direction). Curvable means that it is curved so as to have an angle with respect to the X direction.

When the sound insulation portion 150 provided on the outer circumference of the tube 120 is pushed to the front of the eardrum 11 inside the ear canal 10, the sound insulation portion 150 is deformed according to the shape of the inside of the ear canal 10 and the tube 120 is curved. The tube 120 is configured to be able to maintain a state in which both ends are in communication in such a state. This is because if the tube 120 is bent and crushed, it is not possible to maintain a state in which both ends are in communication.

The microphone 130 is provided to collect sounds outside the ear canal 10. The external sound of the ear canal 10 is an environmental sound of a subject wearing earplugs 100. The microphone 130 is, for example, a digital microphone having an A / D (Analog to Digital) converter, digitally converting the collected sound and outputting it 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, for example, a package of a sound pressure sensor formed by MEMS technology and an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) that performs signal processing.

The microphone 130 is fixed inside the main body 111 of the housing 110 so as to close the opening 112 at a position where the diaphragm (diaphragm) 131 of the microphone 130 substantially coincides with the opening 112. The microphone 130 is connected to the signal processing device 210 by a cable shown by a broken line. Therefore, the sound signal representing the sound collected by the microphone 130 is input to the signal processing device 210.

The microphone 140 is provided to collect the sound inside the ear canal 10. The microphone 140 has an A / D converter as an example, and is a digital microphone that digitally converts the collected sound and outputs it as a sound signal. As with the microphone 130, an electret condenser microphone or a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphone can be used as the microphone 140.

The microphone 140 closes the opening 114A from the + X direction side of the partition wall 114 at a position where the diaphragm (diaphragm) 141 of the microphone 140 substantially coincides with the position of the opening inside the main body 111 of the housing 110. It is provided.

The microphone 140 is attached to the partition wall 114 in the housing 110 so as to be separated from the tube 120 without directly contacting the tube 120. Since the tube 120 is an elastic member such as silicon and is relatively soft, vibration may be generated in a frequency band of, for example, 2000 Hz or higher. When the tube 120 vibrates in this way, the sound caused by the vibration is picked up by the microphone 140, and the sound in the ear canal 10 cannot be measured correctly by the microphone 140.

From this point of view, the microphone 140 is attached to the partition wall 114 in the housing 110 so as to be separated from the tube 120 without directly contacting the tube 120, and even if the tube 120 vibrates, the measurement of the microphone 140 is affected. I try not to. Further, the hardness of the housing 110 to which the tube 120 and the microphone 140 are attached is made harder than that of the tube 120 so that the housing 110 does not vibrate even if the tube 120 vibrates.

The sound insulation unit 150 is an example of a sound insulation member made of a sound insulation material such as a polyurethane sponge. The sound insulation portion 150 is inserted halfway through the ear canal 10 and seals the space behind the ear canal 10.

The sound insulation unit 150 has a through hole 151 located on the central axis of the cylindrical sound insulation member. The tube 120 is fixed in the through hole 151 in a state of being inserted. The size of the through hole 151 is matched with the size of the tube 120, and is configured so that no gap is generated.

Since the ear canal 10 is actually curved, when the sound insulation portion 150 fixed to the outer circumference of the tube 120 is pushed (or screwed) into the ear canal 10, the sound insulation portion 150 is deformed according to the internal shape of the ear canal 10 and is also deformed. , The tube 120 is curved.

The earplug 100 having the above configuration has the same level of sound insulation as the earplug which is made of only the sound insulation material of the same material as the sound insulation portion 150 and has the same outer dimensions.

The signal processing device 210 is an example of a volume measuring device, and is connected to the output terminals of the microphones 130 and 140, and a sound signal is input from the microphones 130 and 140. The signal processing device 210 includes a processor and a memory. The signal processing device 210 obtains the level difference between the two digital sound signals input from the microphones 130 and 140 by the processor. The data representing the obtained level difference may be stored in the memory.

The signal processing device 210 may be provided inside the storage portion 111A of the housing 110, or may be provided outside the housing 110. For example, if two earplugs 100 are used as a set and the two earplugs 100 are connected by a neck strap (not shown), the signal processor 210 may be provided within the neck strap. .. The signal processing device 210 is communicably connected to, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) 220 by a wireless communication method.

When an analog microphone that outputs an analog format sound signal representing the collected sound is used as the microphones 130 and 140, the signal processing device 210 includes an amplifier circuit and an A / D (Analog to Digital) converter. It may be converted into a digital sound signal.

The signal processing device 210 determines whether or not the earplugs 100 are correctly attached to the ear canal 10 by measuring the volume level difference measured by the microphone 130 and the microphone 140. Specifically, when the volume level difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the device is correctly mounted. The signal processing device 210 transmits the determination result of the mounting state to the PC 220.

The PC 220 displays the wearing state of the earplugs 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 PC 220 notifies the wearing state by changing the display color depending on whether the earplugs 100 are normally worn or not (when wearing is abnormal). The PC 220 is an example of a wearing state notification device that notifies the wearing state of the earplugs 100. Instead of displaying the earplugs 100 by the PC 220, the wearing state of the earplugs 100 may be notified by voice from a speaker provided in the earplugs 100 or vibration by a vibrating element such as a vibrator. Further, the wearing state may be notified by the display by the light emitted by the light emitting element provided in the housing 110 or the like of 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 earplugs 100. FIG. 2 (A) is a side view, and FIG. 2 (B) is a perspective view. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the housing 110 has a barrel shape and incorporates microphones 130 and 140.

A cable 115 is connected to the housing 110. The cable 115 transmits the sound signals output from the microphones 130 and 140 to the signal processing device 210 (see FIG. 1). The sound insulation portion 150 has a substantially conical shape, and the tip end (end portion in the −X direction) has an end portion of a through hole 151, and the tip end of the tube 120 is visible.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a sound collecting device 100A. In FIG. 3, microphones 130 and 140 are omitted. FIG. 3A is a side view, and FIG. 3B is a rear view (viewed from the + X direction side).

The housing 110 has a protrusion 113A at an end on the + X direction side. The protruding portion 113A is a portion in which the wall portion on the −X direction side of the main body portion 111 protrudes in a cylindrical shape, and an opening 113 is provided at the tip thereof. The tube 120 may be detachable from the housing 110. If the sound insulation portion 150 and the tube 120 can be attached to and detached from the housing 110, it is convenient to replace the sound insulation portion 150 and the tube 120 when they become dirty, for example.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the earplugs 100 are inserted into the ear canal 10 of the ear model 50. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an 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 ear canal 10 that reproduces the average shape of the human ear canal. The average depth of the ear canal 10 is about 25 mm to about 35 mm from the entrance of the ear canal 10 (the opening on the temporal 51 side) to the front of the eardrum 11.

The ear canal 10 has a first curve 10A and a second curve 10B as it goes deeper from the temporal region 51 toward the eardrum 11. As described above, the ear canal 10 often has two curves (curved portions). The first curve 10A is a portion where the ear canal 10 first curves from the entrance side (temporal head 51 side) of the ear canal 10 to the back. Further, the second curve 10B is a portion where the ear canal 10 is curved on the back side of the first curve 10A, and is a portion very close to the eardrum 11.

Therefore, in order to obtain the volume level in the ear canal 10 with the earplugs 100, it is desirable to push the earplugs 100 as close to the eardrum 11 as possible, and for that purpose, the tip of the tube 120 is in the middle of the first curve 10A. The tube 120 and the sound insulation portion 150 are pushed in until they are located near the first curve 10A (around the exit) or the second curve 10B.

In order to position the tip of the tube 120 in the middle of the first curve 10A or near the exit, the tube 120 is configured to be bendable in accordance with the curvature of the first curve 10A.

Since the sound insulation portion 150 is sufficiently softer than the tube 120 and can be deformed according to the curvature of the first curve 10A of the ear canal 10, when the sound insulation portion 150 pushes (or screws in) the tube 120 attached to the outer peripheral portion into the ear canal 10. The sound insulation portion 150 is crushed between the inner wall of the ear canal 10 and the tube 120, and the tube 120 receives a reaction force from the inner wall of the ear canal 10 via the crushed sound insulation portion 150, and the first curve 10A. It curves according to the curve.

Therefore, the tube 120 to which the sound insulation portion 150 is attached to the outer peripheral portion can be easily inserted according to the shape of the individual ear canal 10. Then, it is possible to measure (or determine) whether or not the desired sound insulation performance is obtained in the inserted state.

Therefore, it is possible to provide earplugs 100, a sound collecting device 100A, and a volume measuring system 200 that can grasp whether or not they are properly attached to the ear canal during use. "In use" means that the earplugs 100 are worn, and the tube 120 to which the sound insulation portion 150 is attached to the outer peripheral portion is attached (or inserted) to the ear canal 10. That is, it is possible to provide earplugs 100, a sound collecting device 100A, and a volume measuring system 200 that can grasp whether or not they are properly attached to the ear canal.

If the earplug-type earplugs 100 are not correctly attached to the ear canal 10, the volume measured by the microphone 140 becomes large, so that the difference in volume level measured by the microphone 130 and the microphone 140 becomes small. Correctly attaching the earplugs 100 to the ear canal 10 means that the earplugs 100 are properly attached to the ear canal 10 and that the sound insulating portion 150 fits the ear canal 10 so as to appropriately insulate sound.

By measuring the volume level difference with the earplugs 100, it is possible to quantitatively determine whether or not the wearer correctly wears the earplugs 100 on the ear canal 10.

In particular, if the earplugs 100 are worn in an environment where noise fluctuates or in an environment where loud noise is generated, it is possible to quantitatively determine whether sound insulation is properly performed, which is very effective.

In addition, compared to a noise measuring device that uses fixed-point observation to be installed in a specific location, by measuring the noise that the wearer is actually exposed to as in the present invention, the work location can be changed over time. It is possible to accurately measure the noise level exposed to the worker who actually performs the work even in a fluctuating work in which the noise level differs with time in the same work place.

Further, for example, while a worker at a construction site or the like wears the earplugs 100 and works, whether the earplugs 100 are properly sound-insulated or the data representing the volume level difference is continuously measured and stored in the memory or the like. It may be stored and managed by the site manager. Further, even if a worker at a construction site or the like wears earplugs 100 and works, the data representing the volume level difference is continuously measured and the site manager monitors it with a PC or the like. Good. Further, by mounting a wireless communication device on the earplugs 100, the manager or the worker can check the volume level difference in real time while the worker at the construction site or the like wears the earplugs 100 and works. You may do so.

Further, the earplugs 100 do not need to be made according to the shape of the individual ear canal 10 because the tube 120 to which the sound insulation portion 150 is attached is curved according to the curved shape inside the ear canal 10, and can be mass-produced. It is suitable. Therefore, the earplugs 100 can be provided at low cost.

In the above, the form in which the microphone 140 is attached to the partition wall 114 in the housing 110 so as to be separated from the tube 120 without directly contacting the tube 120 has been described. However, the microphone 140 may be in direct contact with the tube 120 if the tube 120 does not vibrate or does not affect the measurement of the microphone 140.

<First modification of the first embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing earplugs 100M1 according to a first modification of the first embodiment. The earplug 100M1 is obtained by replacing the housing 110 of the earplug 100 shown in FIG. 1 with the housing 110M1. The housing 110M1 has a main body 111M1, openings 112M, and 113M. The main body 111M1 does not have the partition wall 114 shown in FIG. 1, but has openings 112M and 113M corresponding to the openings 112 and 113 shown in FIG. The microphones 130 and 140 are provided inside the storage portion 111MA1 of the main body portion 111M1 and close the openings 112M and 113M at positions where the diaphragms (diaphragms) 131 and 141 of the microphone substantially coincide with the positions of the openings, respectively. It is installed like this. Therefore, the microphone 140 is in direct contact with the tube 120 attached to the opening 113M.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing frequency characteristics in the ear canal. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis is the frequency and the vertical axis is the output of the microphone 140. Here, in addition to the earplug 100M1 of the modified example, the microphone 140 measured with the earplug A having the microphone 140 attached to the tip of the sound insulating portion 150 having no through hole 151 without providing the tube 120. Shows the output. The measurement was performed using a model such as the ear model 50 (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 7, the earplug A indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is in the range of about −58 dB to about −87 dB over the entire frequency band from 100 Hz to 10000 Hz.

In the earplug 100M1 shown by the solid line, the output of the microphone 140 increased in the high frequency range of about 2000 Hz or higher (see the part surrounded by the broken line ellipse), and it is considered that the vibration of the silicon tube 120 affected the measurement of the microphone 140. ..

Next, the frequency characteristics in the ear canal of the earplugs 100 and the earplugs A will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing frequency characteristics in the ear canal of earplugs 100 and A. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis is the frequency and the vertical axis is the output of the microphone 140. The measurement was performed using a model such as the ear model 50 (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 8, the earplug A indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is in the range of about −58 dB to about −87 dB over the entire frequency band from 100 Hz to 10000 Hz. In addition, the earplug 100 shown by the solid line showed a frequency characteristic of substantially the same level as that of the earplug A.

From this, it was confirmed that the earplugs 100 can measure the sound signal at the same level as the earplugs A in which the microphone 140 is attached to the tip of the sound insulation portion 150 having no through hole 151.

FIG. 9 is a diagram in which the frequency characteristics of earplugs B are added to FIG. 7. Earplug B has a structure in which the tube 120 of earplug 100M1 is changed to stainless steel. As can be seen from FIG. 9, although the microphone output of the earplug B increases at about 3000 Hz, the microphone output in the high frequency range is suppressed with respect to the earplug 100M1. This is because stainless steel is harder than silicon, so it is thought that vibration in the high frequency range was reduced.

<Second and third modified examples of the first embodiment>
Further, instead of the earplugs 100 shown in FIG. 1, the earplugs 100M2 and 100M3 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 may be used. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing earplugs 100M2 according to a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing earplugs 100M3 according to a third modification of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the earplugs 100M2, the inside of the main body portion 111M2 of the housing 110M2 is divided into two by a partition wall 114M2. Since the microphone 140 need only be separated from the tube 120, the microphones 130 and 140 are installed on the inner wall surface of the housing 110M2 on both sides of the partition wall 114M2. In this case, the diaphragms 131 and 141 of the microphones 130 and 140 are facing upward so that the sound from the openings 112 and 113 can be collected.

In the earplugs 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 114M2. The diaphragms 131 and 141 of the microphones 130 and 140 face the openings 112 and 113 so that sound can be collected.

<Second Embodiment>
The earplugs 100 according to the first embodiment include a microphone 130 that collects sounds outside the ear canal 10 and a microphone 140 that collects sounds inside the ear canal 10. The earplugs according to the present invention are not limited to the configuration having two microphones, and may have only one microphone. Hereinafter, as a second embodiment, an earplug having only a microphone 140 that collects the sound inside the ear canal 10 as a microphone will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing earplugs 300 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the housing 110A has a main body 111B, an opening 113, and a partition 114. The main body 111B of the present embodiment is not provided with the opening 112 as the second opening, but is provided with only the opening 113 as the first opening, which is the housing of the first embodiment. Different from 110. Other configurations of the housing 110A of the second embodiment are the same as those of the housing 110 of the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, only the microphone 140 that collects the sound inside the ear canal 10 is housed in the storage portion 111C in the main body portion 111B. Similar to the first embodiment, the microphone 140 is provided on the + X direction side of the opening 114A via the diaphragm 141 so as to close the opening 114A formed in the partition wall 114.

A tube 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 tube 120. The sound insulating portion 150 has a through hole 151, and the tube 120 is inserted through the through hole 151. Further, the earplug 300 from which the sound insulation portion 150 is removed corresponds to the sound collecting device.

In this embodiment, the microphone 140 can acquire the volume level in the ear canal 10. Therefore, according to the earplugs 300 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to measure the noise condition in the ear canal while protecting the ears from noise for the purpose of preventing noise-induced hearing loss.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the earplugs 300 do not have the microphone 130 that collects the sound outside the ear canal 10, the signal processing device (not shown) is based on the volume level acquired by the microphone 140. Therefore, it is quantitatively determined whether or not the wearer correctly wears the earplugs 300 on the ear canal 10. For example, the signal processing device determines that the wearer is correctly wearing the earplugs 300 on the ear canal 10 when the volume level acquired by the microphone 140 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. If the earplugs 300 have an external microphone that collects external sounds, the wearer should use the difference between the volume level acquired by the external microphone and the volume level acquired by the microphone 140. May quantitatively determine whether or not the earplugs 300 are correctly attached to the ear canal 10.

<First modification of the second embodiment>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing earplugs 300A according to the first modification of the second embodiment. The earplugs 300A according to the first modification have the same configuration as the earplugs 300 according to the second embodiment except for the sound insulating portion 150A.

The sound insulation portion 150A of this modification has a non-through hole 151A instead of the through hole 151. That is, the sound insulating portion 150A does not penetrate the −X direction side (that is, the eardrum 11 side) and closes the −X direction side of the non-penetrating hole 151A. The tube 120 of the earplugs 300A is inserted from the open + X direction end of the non-through hole 151A. The portion of the sound insulation portion 150A located at the tip of the tube 120 acts as an acoustic resistance to the sound propagating from the ear canal 10 to the microphone 140.

In this modification, by providing the non-through hole 151A in the sound insulation portion 150A, the tip portion of the tube 120 is protected without being exposed from the sound insulation portion 150A, so that when the user wears the earplug 300A, the tube 120 The risk of the tip coming into contact with the eardrum 11 is reduced, and safety is improved. Further, by setting the non-through hole 151A, it is possible to protect the inside of the tube 120 and the microphone 140 (waterproof and dustproof). The portion of the sound insulation portion 150A located at the tip of the tube 120 is formed of a thickness and material sufficient to acquire the sound in the ear canal 10. The acoustic signal propagating from the outside auditory canal 10 to the microphone 140 is attenuated by the non-penetrating hole 151A, but the signal processing by the signal processing device determines the volume level and the like in consideration of the amount of attenuation of the acoustic signal by the non-penetrating hole 151A. Just do it.

<Second modification of the second embodiment>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing earplugs 300B according to a second modification of the second embodiment. The earplugs 300B according to the second modification have the same configuration as the earplugs 300 according to the second embodiment except for the sound insulating portion 150B.

The sound insulation portion 150B of this modification has a through hole 151 as in the first embodiment. In this modification, the acoustic resistor 160 is provided at the end portion (-X direction side) of the through hole 151. The acoustic resistor 160 is made of a material having different properties or a different structure from the material forming the sound insulation portion 150B. The acoustic resistor 160 is, for example, an open cell structure such as urethane or polyethylene. The acoustic resistor 160 may be formed of a sound-transmitting film, a waterproof sound-transmitting film, a wire mesh, or the like.

In this modification, the tube 120 is inserted so that the tip end portion is not exposed from the end portion (−X direction side) of the through hole 151 and is in contact with the acoustic resistor 160. As shown in FIG. 14, in this modification, a part of the acoustic resistor 160 has penetrated into the tube 120, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the acoustic resistor 160 does not penetrate into the tube 120. You may.

By providing the acoustic resistor 160 so as to cover the tip of the tube 120 in this way, the same effect as that of the first modification can be obtained.

<Third variant of the second embodiment>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing earplugs 300C according to a third modification of the second embodiment. The earplugs 300C according to the third modification have the same configuration as the earplugs 300 according to the second embodiment except for the sound insulation portion 150C.

The sound insulation portion 150C of this modification has a through hole 151 as in the first embodiment. In this modification, the acoustic resistor 160A is formed on the entire tip surface 152, which is the end surface of the sound insulation portion 150C on the −X direction side. For example, the acoustic resistor 160A has the same shape as the sound insulating portion 150C in the YZ plane view, and is fixed to the tip surface 152 via an adhesive or the like.

The acoustic resistor 160A is made of a material having different properties or a different structure from the material forming the sound insulation portion 150C. The acoustic resistor 160A is, for example, an open cell structure such as urethane or polyethylene. The acoustic resistor 160A may be formed of a sound-transmitting film, a waterproof sound-transmitting film, a wire mesh, or the like.

In this modification, the tip of the tube 120 is covered with the acoustic resistor 160A. By providing the acoustic resistor 160A so as to cover the tip of the tube 120 in this way, the same effect as that of the first modification can be obtained.

<Other variants>
Further, in the second embodiment and each modification thereof, the microphone 140 is housed in the housing 110A, but the housing 110A is not essential. For example, the housing 110A may be eliminated. Further, the housing 110A and the partition wall 114 may be eliminated, and the microphone 140 may be connected directly to the end portion (+ X direction side) of the tube 120 or via a diaphragm.

In the second and third modifications of the second embodiment, the acoustic resistor is provided at the tip of the tube 120, but if it is a path from the tip of the tube 120 to the microphone 140, it is provided at any position. May be good. For example, acoustic resistors may be provided in the central portion of the tube 120, the opening 113 of the housing 110A, and the opening 114A of the partition wall 114. Further, the entire inside of the tube 120 may be filled with an acoustic resistor.

Further, the earplug 100 according to the first embodiment may be similarly provided with an acoustic resistor. In this case, in addition to the central portion of the tube 120, the opening 113 of the housing 110, and the opening 114A of the partition wall 114, an acoustic resistor may be provided in the opening 112 of the housing 110A. Further, the entire inside of the tube 120 may be filled with an acoustic resistor.

Further, the configuration of the sound insulation portion shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 can be applied to the earplugs according to the first embodiment and each modification of the first embodiment.

<Third Embodiment>
In the earplugs according to the first and second embodiments, a microphone for collecting the sound inside the ear canal is provided on the housing side (opposite side of the ear canal) of the tube. Hereinafter, as a third embodiment, an earplug in which a microphone for collecting sound inside the ear canal is provided in a tube will be described.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing earplugs 400 according to the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the housing 110B has a main body portion 111D and an opening portion 113. In the present embodiment, the microphone 140 that collects the sound inside the ear canal 10 has a size that can be inserted into the tube 120 connected to the opening 113. In this embodiment, the microphone 140 is arranged in the tube 120 at the tip opposite to the opening 113.

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

Other configurations of the earplugs 400 are the same as the configurations of the earplugs 300 according to the second embodiment.

By arranging the microphone 140 at the tip of the tube 120 as in the present embodiment, the sound collection efficiency of the sound (acoustic signal) inside the ear canal 10 is improved. In addition, the effect of suppressing the transmission of high-frequency noise that may occur due to the vibration of the tube 120 to the microphone 140 can be obtained.

Further, 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 earplugs 400A according to the first modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400A according to the first modification is filled with the vibration reducing member 170 on the downstream side (opening 113 side) from the position of the microphone 140 in the tube 120. The earplugs 400A have the same configuration as the earplugs 400 according to the third embodiment, except that the tube 120 is filled with the vibration reducing member 170.

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

By filling the tube 120 with the vibration reducing member 170 as in the present modification, it is possible to further suppress the transmission of high frequency noise that may occur due to the vibration of the tube 120 to the microphone 140.

In this modification, the vibration reducing member 170 is filled on the downstream side of the microphone 140 in the tube 120, but the downstream side of the microphone 140 in the tube 120 may be non-hollow (solid).

<Second modification of the third embodiment>
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing earplugs 400B according to a second modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400B according to the second modification is different from the configuration of the earplug 400 according to the third embodiment only in that the microphone 140 is arranged in the central portion in the tube 120.

By arranging the microphone 140 in the central portion of the tube 120 as in this modification, the microphone 140 can be protected from dirt.

<Third variant of the third embodiment>
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing earplugs 400C according to a third modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400C according to the third modification is filled with the vibration reducing member 170A on the downstream side (opening 113 side) from the position of the microphone 140 in the tube 120, and is on the upstream side from the position of the microphone 140 in the tube 120. The (tip side) is filled with the acoustic resistor 160B. Other configurations of the earplugs 400C are the same as those of the earplugs 400B according to the second modification.

The vibration reducing member 170A is made of the same material as the vibration reducing member 170 of the first modification. The vibration reducing member 170A and the acoustic resistor 160B may be made of the same material.

By filling the tube 120 with the vibration reducing member 170A as in this modification, it is possible to suppress the transmission of high frequency noise that may occur due to the vibration of the tube 120 to the microphone 140. Further, by filling the acoustic resistor 160B on the upstream side of the microphone 140 in the tube 120, the microphone 140 can be protected (waterproof or dustproof).

Only one of the vibration reducing member 170A and the acoustic resistor 160B may be provided. Further, the downstream side of the tube 120 from the microphone 140 may be non-hollow (solid).

In the third embodiment and each modification, as in the second embodiment, the microphone 130 that collects the sound outside the ear canal 10 is not provided, but the microphone 130 is provided in the storage portion 111E of the housing 110B. You may.

<Other variants>
With respect to the earplugs according to the third embodiment and each of the modified examples, the sound insulation portion can be deformed in the same manner as in the first to third modified examples of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 15.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing earplugs 400D according to a fourth modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400D according to the fourth modification has the same configuration as the earplug 400 according to the third embodiment except for the sound insulation portion 150A. The sound insulation portion 150A has the same configuration as the sound insulation portion 150A shown in FIG. 13, and has a non-through hole 151A instead of the through hole 151.

In this modification, the microphone 140 arranged at the tip of the tube 120 comes into contact with the sound insulation portion 150A, and the portion of the sound insulation portion 150A that comes into contact with the microphone 140 acts as an acoustic resistance. By setting the non-through hole 151A in this way, it is possible to protect the inside of the tube 120 and the microphone 140 (waterproof and dustproof).

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing earplugs 400E according to a fifth modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400E according to the fifth modification has the same configuration as the earplug 400 according to the third embodiment except for the sound insulation portion 150A. The sound insulation unit 150B has the same configuration as the sound insulation unit 150B shown in FIG. 14, and has a through hole 151.

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

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing earplugs 400F according to a sixth modification of the third embodiment. The earplug 400F according to the sixth modification has the same configuration as the earplug 400 according to the third embodiment except for the sound insulation portion 150C. The sound insulation unit 150C has the same configuration as the sound insulation unit 150C shown in FIG. 15, and has a through hole 151.

In this modification, the acoustic resistor 160A is formed on the entire tip surface 152, which is the end surface of the sound insulation portion 150C on the −X direction side, and the microphone 140 is in contact with the acoustic resistor 160A. With the acoustic resistor 160A, the same effect as that of the fourth modification can be obtained.

<Fourth Embodiment>
In the earplugs according to the third embodiment, a microphone for collecting the sound inside the ear canal is provided in the tube. Hereinafter, as a fourth embodiment, earplugs in which a microphone for collecting sound inside the ear canal is attached to the tip of a tube will be described.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing earplugs 500 according to the fourth embodiment. In the earplugs 500 according to the fourth embodiment, a microphone 140 that collects sounds inside the ear canal 10 is attached to the tip of the tube 120. The microphone 140 is larger than the inner diameter of the tube 120 and is not large enough to be inserted into the tube 120.

In the present embodiment, since the microphone 140 is exposed to the outside of the tube 120, it is covered with a cover 180 attached to the tip surface 152 of the sound insulation portion 150. The cover 180 is formed with a plurality of minute holes 181 for transmitting sound. The cover 180 is, for example, a mesh-like member. The hole 181 is preferably large enough to prevent water and dust from passing through.

By attaching the microphone 140 to the tip of the tube 120 as in the present embodiment, the sound collection efficiency of the sound (acoustic signal) inside the ear canal 10 is improved. In addition, the effect of suppressing the transmission of high-frequency noise that may occur due to the vibration of the tube 120 to the microphone 140 can be obtained.

In this embodiment as well, the tube 120 may be filled with a vibration reducing member, or the tube 120 may be non-hollow (solid). Further, the cover 180 may be filled with an acoustic resistor. Further, the microphone 130 may be provided in the storage portion 111E of the housing 110B.

Although the housing 110B is provided in the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, and each modification, the housing 110B is not essential. In addition, the configurations according to the above embodiments and the modifications can be combined with each other as long as there is no contradiction.

Further, the microphones 130 and 140 shown in the above-described embodiments and modifications are examples of omnidirectional or unidirectional acoustic sensors. Examples of the acoustic sensor include an acoustic electric converter, a microelectromechanical sensor, an ultrasonic microphone, and the like, in addition to the above-mentioned electret condenser microphone and MEMS microphone.

<Fifth Embodiment>
As in the first embodiment, in an earplug having a microphone 130 that collects sound outside the wearer in addition to a microphone 140 that collects sound inside the external auditory canal 10, the microphone 130 is used to remove the sound outside the earplug. Wind noise (wind noise) may be collected. Hereinafter, as a fifth embodiment, earplugs capable of reducing the level of wind sound collected by the microphone 130 will be described.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing earplugs 600 according to the fifth embodiment. The earplugs 600 according to the fifth embodiment have the same configuration as the earplugs 100 according to the first embodiment except for the housing 110C. In this embodiment, the housing 110C has a main body 111, openings 112 and 113, a partition 114, and a pipe 116.

The pipe portion 116 is provided in the storage portion 111A. One end of the tube portion 116 is connected to the opening 112 and extends toward the −X direction side (the ear canal 10 side). A microphone 130 is connected to the other end of the tube portion 116 via a diaphragm 131.

By arranging the microphone 130 in the storage portion 111A via the pipe portion 116 in this way, it is possible to suppress the direct wind from hitting the microphone 130, so that the level of the wind sound collected by the microphone 130 can be adjusted. Reduce.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing earplugs 600A according to a modified example of the fifth embodiment. The earplug 600A according to this modification is filled with an acoustic resistor 160C inside the tube portion 116. The acoustic resistor 160C may be provided in a part of the inside of the pipe portion 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 according to the fifth embodiment except that the tube portion 116 is filled with the acoustic resistor 160C.

By filling the tube portion 116 with the acoustic resistor 160C in this way, it is possible to protect the inside of the tube portion 116 and the microphone 130 (waterproof and dustproof). Although the acoustic signal propagating from the outside of the housing 110C to the microphone 130 is reduced by the acoustic resistor 160C, the signal processing by the signal processing device determines the volume level and the like in consideration of the attenuation amount of the acoustic signal by the acoustic resistor 160C. You just have to do.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, as in the fifth embodiment, earplugs that can reduce the level of wind sound collected by the microphone 130 will be described.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing earplugs 700 according to the sixth embodiment. The earplug 700 according to the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as the earplug 100 according to the first embodiment except for the housing 110D. In this embodiment, the housing 110D has a main body 111, openings 112, 113, and partition 114, 117.

The partition wall 117 is provided on the + X direction side (opening 112 side) of the partition wall 114 so as to divide the storage portion 111A in the X direction. The partition wall 117 has an opening 117A at a position facing the opening 112. A microphone 130 is connected to the partition wall 117 on the −X direction side (ear canal 10 side) of the opening 117A via a diaphragm 131.

By arranging the microphone 130 in the storage portion 111A via the partition wall 117 in this way, the direct wind from the microphone 130 is suppressed, so that the level of the wind sound collected by the microphone 130 is reduced. To do.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing earplugs 700A according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment. In the earplug 700A according to this modification, the acoustic resistor 160D is filled in the region on the + X direction side (opening 112 side) of the partition wall 117 in the housing 110D. The acoustic resistor 160D may be provided in a part of the 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. The earplug 600A has the same configuration as the earplug 700 according to the sixth embodiment except that the labor commissioner on the + X direction side of the partition wall 117 in the housing 110D is filled with the acoustic resistor 160D. is there.

By providing the acoustic resistor 160D in this way, it is possible to protect the inside of the housing 110D and the microphone 130 (waterproof and dustproof).

In the fifth embodiment, the sixth embodiment, and each of the modified examples, the sound insulation portion can be deformed in the same manner as in the first to third modified examples of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. is there.

Each of the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

Although the earplugs, the sound collecting device, and the volume measuring system of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and claims for patent. Various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the range of.

100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 Earplugs 100A Sound collector 110 Housing 112 Opening (second opening)
113 Opening (1st opening)
114, 117 partition wall 116 tube part 120 tube (tubular member)
130 microphone (second acoustic sensor)
140 microphone (first acoustic sensor)
141 Diaphragm 150 Sound insulation part (sound insulation member)
151 Through hole 151A Non-through hole 152 Tip surface 160 Acoustic resistor 170 Vibration reduction member 180 Cover 181 hole 200 Volume measurement system 210 Signal processing device (volume measurement device)

Claims (15)

A tubular member that extends in one direction and can bend in one direction,
A first acoustic sensor that collects sound via the tubular member,
An earplug that includes an earplug-type sound insulation member through which the tubular member is inserted. The earplug according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member can be curved along the shape of the ear canal. A housing having a first opening communicating with the tubular member is included.
The earplug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first acoustic sensor is provided in the housing and collects sound through the tubular member and the first opening. The earplug according to 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 direct contact. The earplug according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the housing is harder than the tubular member. The housing has a second opening and
The earplug according to any one of claims 3 to 5, which is provided in the housing and includes a second acoustic sensor that collects sound through the second opening. The first acoustic sensor is an acoustic sensor that collects sounds in the ear canal of the wearer.
The earplug according to claim 6, wherein the second acoustic sensor is an acoustic sensor that collects sounds external to the wearer. The earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sound insulating member is provided with an acoustic resistor so as to cover the tip end portion of the tubular member. The earplug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first acoustic sensor is arranged inside the tubular member. The earplug according to claim 9, wherein the vibration reducing member is filled in the tubular member on the downstream side of the position of the first acoustic sensor. The earplug according to claim 9 or 10, wherein an acoustic resistor is filled on the upstream side of the position of the first acoustic sensor inside the tubular member. A tubular member that extends in one direction and can bend in one direction,
A first acoustic sensor that collects sound via the tubular member,
Sound collector, including. A volume measuring system that includes earplugs and a volume measuring device.
The earplugs
A housing having a first opening and a second opening,
A tubular member that communicates with the first opening and extends and bends in the extension direction.
A first acoustic sensor provided in the housing and collecting sound through the tubular member and the first opening.
A second acoustic sensor provided in the housing and collecting sound through the second opening,
It has an earplug-type sound insulation member through which the tubular member is inserted.
The volume measuring device is a volume measuring system connected to the output terminals of the first acoustic sensor and the second acoustic sensor. The volume measuring system according to claim 13, wherein the volume measuring device determines a wearing state of the earplugs based on a volume level difference between the first acoustic sensor and the second acoustic sensor. The volume measuring system according to claim 14, further comprising a mounting state notification device that notifies the mounting state based on the determination result of the mounting state by the volume measuring device.

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