JP6424631B2 - headphone - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to headphones.

  Conventionally, a headset (headphone) provided with a detection element for measuring capacitance has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the conventional headset described in Patent Document 1, it is judged based on the capacitance measured by the detection element whether or not it is attached to the wearer and controlling the audio amplifier to prevent the attachment. It is configured to reduce power consumption.

JP 2007-104670 A

  However, in the headphone described in Patent Document 1, when the wearer does not wear, for example, the band is put on the neck, the detection element approaches the chest of the wearer and detects a change in capacitance, which is detected. There is a possibility that the element erroneously detects the attachment and the headphone may malfunction.

  Therefore, the subject of this invention is mentioned as an example to provide the headphone which can suppress a malfunction.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the headphone of the present invention according to claim 1 includes a band, an ear cup attached to the band, and an operation unit, and the ear cup is a speaker unit And a capacitance type proximity sensor capable of detecting an object disposed on the acoustic emission side of the speaker unit, wherein the operation unit is operated and the proximity sensor detects the object. The speaker unit is capable of emitting a sound wave.

It is a perspective view showing the whole headphone concerning the example of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the ear cup of the said headphone. It is a top view which shows the operation | movement of the said ear cup. It is a side view which shows a mode that the headband of the said headphones was hung on a wearer's neck. It is a block diagram which shows the signal transmitted / received in the said headphone. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which the circuit board of the said headphone performs.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. A headphone according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a band, an ear cup attached to the band, and an operation unit, and the ear cup can detect a speaker unit and an object disposed on the sound emission side of the speaker unit The speaker unit can emit an acoustic wave when the operation unit is operated and the proximity sensor detects an object.

  Not only when the proximity sensor detects an object but also when the operation unit is operated, the speaker unit can emit a sound wave, and a speaker unit to which a drive signal described later is not input does not generate a sound wave The speaker unit emits a sound wave when a drive signal described later is input to the speaker unit. Thereby, for example, even if the proximity sensor that targets the wearer's ear or the temporal region as a target object erroneously detects another part as a target object, if the wearer does not operate the operation unit, the drive described later No sound wave is emitted from the speaker unit to which the signal is input. On the other hand, in the case where only the operation unit is provided without providing the proximity sensor, if the operation unit is erroneously operated due to an external impact or the like, sound waves can be emitted even without wearing headphones. There is sex. Therefore, when the headphone includes both the proximity sensor and the operation unit, erroneous operation can be suppressed as compared with the configuration including either one.

  The ear cup is preferably pivotally attached to the band. Thereby, the adhesion to the wearer of the ear cup and the feeling of use can be improved. In addition, when the ear cup is configured to be rotatable so that the sound radiation side of the speaker unit can be directed to the wearer, the proximity sensor erroneously detects the wearer's chest as an object when the band is put on the neck Although it becomes easy, as described above, the sound wave is not emitted unless the operation unit is operated, and malfunction can be suppressed.

  It is preferable to stop the radiation of the sound wave by the speaker unit when the proximity sensor stops detecting the object. As a result, when the wearer no longer wears the headphones, the emission of sound waves by the speaker unit can be stopped, and power consumption can be reduced.

  The operation unit is preferably a touch panel provided on the side opposite to the sound radiation side in the ear cup. As a result, the wearer can operate the touch panel intuitively even in a state where the headphone is worn and the touch panel can not be seen. In addition, if the touch panel includes a conductive member, and the conductive member is provided to hide or cover the entire proximity sensor when viewed from the opposite side to the acoustic radiation side, the proximity sensor detects on the opposite side to the acoustic radiation side It is possible to block the change in the electrostatic capacitance and to suppress false detection.

  It is preferable to include a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with an external electronic device and a control unit capable of controlling the speaker unit. Accordingly, when using the headphones at a position apart from the electronic device, the speaker unit can emit a sound wave by wearing the headphones and operating the operation unit without operating the electronic device.

  Preferably, when the operation unit is operated and the proximity sensor detects an object, the control unit transmits a signal from the communication unit to the electronic device and causes the electronic device to transmit an audio signal to the communication unit. As a result, there is no need to transmit an audio signal from the electronic device to the headphones before the headphones are attached, and standby power can be reduced.

  Preferably, the control unit transmits a signal from the communication unit to the electronic device when the proximity sensor stops detecting the object, and stops the transmission of the audio signal to the communication unit by the electronic device. As a result, when the wearer no longer wears the headphones, the transmission of the audio signal from the electronic device to the headphones can be stopped, and the power consumption can be reduced.

  Examples of the present invention will be specifically described below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire headphone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an ear cup 2A of the headphone 1, and FIG. 3 is a top view showing an operation of the ear cup 2A. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the headband 3 of the headphone 1 hung on the neck N of the wearer, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing signals transmitted and received in the headphone 1, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the circuit board of the headphone 1. In the present embodiment, the headphone 1 is attached to the wearer with the back side on the paper surface as the front side and the front side as the rear side, the wearer side of the ear cup 2 as the sound radiation side, and the other side as the outside. The vertical direction is as shown in FIG.

  The headphone 1 is a cordless headphone provided with a pair of left and right ear cups 2A and 2B and a headband 3 as a band connecting the pair of ear cups 2A and 2B, and from the audio reproduction device (electronic device) 100 The voice signal SG6 transmitted by wireless is received, and a sound wave corresponding to the signal is emitted (sound is reproduced).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ear cup 2 </ b> A for the right ear includes a cushion 21, a speaker unit 4, and a communication unit 5 capable of wirelessly communicating with the audio reproduction device 100 by having an antenna, for example. And a main power switch 7 for the entire headphone 1; a speaker unit 4; a communication unit 5; and a housing 22 for accommodating the circuit board 6. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the proximity sensor 23 is provided in the ear cup 2A for the right ear. The ear cup 2B for the left ear may have the same configuration as the ear cup 2A for the right ear, and the communication unit 5, the circuit board 6, the main power switch 7, and the proximity sensor 23 are omitted. The circuit board 6 of the ear cup 2A for the right ear may control the speaker unit 4 of the ear cup 2B for the left ear. In addition, in FIG. 1, the cushion 21 is abbreviate | omitted in the ear cup 2A for right ears on account of description.

  The ear cups 2A and 2B are rotatably attached to the headband 3 as shown in FIG. That is, the ear cups 2A and 2B have a pivot axis O1 extending along the vertical direction, and the surface (contact surface 211) on the sound radiation side of the cushion 21 is inside (mounted as shown in FIG. 3B). From the state directed to the person side), as shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (C), it is configured to be pivotable so as to turn slightly forward or backward. Therefore, when the wearer puts the headband 3 on the neck N, as shown in FIG. 4, the surface on the acoustic radiation side of the cushion 21 may face the wearer, and at this time, the proximity sensor 23 described later is attached. There is a possibility that the chest C of a person may be falsely detected as an object.

  The cushion 21 is formed in an annular shape by covering a cushion member such as a sponge with a covering member such as synthetic leather, and is attached to the wearer side (acoustic radiation side) of the housing 22 as shown in FIG. The cushion 21 is formed to be able to abut on the side H of the wearer shown in FIG. The sound wave emitted from the speaker unit 4 passes through the central hole of the cushion 21 to reach the wearer's ear.

  The housing 22 has a housing main body 221 made of, for example, resin, and a touch panel 222 provided on the outer surface 221 A of the housing main body 221.

  The touch panel 222 is, for example, a pressure-sensitive or capacitance-type touch panel, and is configured to be operable by a finger, and is operated to cause the speaker unit 4 to emit a sound wave as described later. The touch panel 222 may have other functions. For example, the touch panel 222 may have a function of adjusting the volume of the speaker unit 4 or selecting a sound to be reproduced or a music. Adjustment of the function of the headphone 1 Alternatively, remote control of the audio reproduction device 100 may be configured. The touch panel 222 according to the present embodiment is a capacitance type, and includes at least one glass substrate 222A, and an electrode portion 222B provided on the surface of the one glass substrate 222A and formed of a conductive member. ing. The electrode portion 222B is provided on the entire touch panel 222, has such a size and arrangement that the proximity sensor 23 is hidden from the outside, and covers the proximity sensor 23 from the outside.

  The speaker unit 4 includes a magnetic circuit 41, a diaphragm 42, and an edge 43, and is housed in the housing main body 221 so as to emit sound waves with the acoustic emission side as the front side.

  The main power switch 7 is, for example, a push-type switch, and when operated, makes the entire headphone 1 operable (turns on the main power) or stops it (turns off the main power). The headphone 1 only needs to have at least the circuit board 6 activated in the operable state, and at least the circuit board 6 stopped in the stopped state, and the proximity sensor 23 is always in operation. It is also good.

  The proximity sensor 23 is accommodated on the cushion 21 side (acoustic radiation side) in the housing main body 221 and is disposed on the lower side. That is, when the housing 22 is virtually divided into a first area A1 on the upper side and a second area A2 on the lower side as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the proximity sensor 23 It is placed in A2. The proximity sensor 23 is disposed at a position for detecting an object that is closer to the acoustic emission than the cushion 21 and at a position that does not impede the progress of the sound wave emitted from the speaker unit 4. The proximity sensor 23 is a capacitive sensor, and is configured to measure the capacitance within the range of the detectable distance. If an object exists within the range of this detectable distance, the electrostatic capacitance detects the object. More specifically, a predetermined threshold is set to the capacitance to be measured, and when the measured capacitance is equal to or more than the threshold, it is determined that the headphone 1 is worn by the wearer. On the other hand, when the measured capacitance falls below this threshold value, it is determined that the headphone 1 is not worn by the wearer. This detectable distance can be changed as appropriate. In this embodiment, a distance slightly larger than the distance between the proximity sensor 23 and the contact surface 211 of the cushion 21 is set as the detectable distance, and the object is the ear E or the side head H of the wearer. . Further, the proximity sensor 23 is configured to measure an electrostatic capacitance every cycle T1 (for example, 5 seconds) to detect an object.

  The headband 3 is formed of, for example, a resin, and formed in an arc shape as viewed from the front or the rear, and is configured to be flexible and deformable according to the size of the head of the wearer. The headband 3 is configured to be placed near the top of the head of the wearer.

  Here, signals transmitted and received among the proximity sensor 23, the touch panel 222, the circuit board 6, the speaker unit 4 and the audio reproduction device 100 will be described based on FIG. A signal is transmitted and received between the circuit board 6 and the audio reproduction device 100 via the communication unit 5.

  The proximity sensor 23 is configured to transmit a proximity detection signal SG1 to the circuit board 6 when detecting an object. The touch panel 222 is configured to transmit an operation detection signal SG2 to the circuit board 6 when a predetermined operation (for example, a long press, a continuous press, or the like) is performed. The circuit board 6 is configured to be able to transmit to the audio reproduction device 100 a start signal SG3 for starting transmission of the audio signal SG6 and a stop signal SG4 for stopping transmission of the audio signal SG6. The drive signal SG5 corresponding to the audio signal SG6 is configured to be transmitted to the speaker unit 4. The audio reproduction device 100 is configured to transmit the audio signal SG6 to the circuit board 6 when the start signal SG3 is received, and to stop transmission of the audio signal SG6 when the stop signal SG4 is received. The circuit board 6 may continuously transmit the start signal SG3 and the audio reproduction device 100 may stop transmission of the audio signal SG6 when the start signal SG3 is not received, and the stop signal SG4 is not transmitted. May be

  Next, an example of detection processing performed by the circuit board 6 as a control unit will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  When the main power switch 7 is operated, the proximity sensor 23, the touch panel 222, and the circuit board 6 are activated, and the circuit board 6 performs a detection process.

  In the detection process, the circuit board 6 determines whether the proximity detection signal SG1 has been received from the proximity sensor 23 (S110). When the proximity detection signal G1 is not received (N in S110), the circuit board 6 determines whether the period in which the audio signal SG6 is not received is T2 (for example, 10 minutes) or more (S120). If the period during which the audio signal SG6 is not received is less than T2 (N in S120), the process returns to S110 again. On the other hand, when the period during which the audio signal SG6 is not received is T2 or more (Y in S120), the circuit board 6 turns off the main power supply of the entire headphone 1 (S130), and ends the detection processing. In addition, you may set waiting time (for example, period T1 of the measurement by the proximity sensor 23) before determination in S120.

  When the proximity detection signal G1 is received (Y in S110), the circuit board 6 determines whether the operation detection signal SG2 is received from the touch panel 222 (S140). When the operation detection signal SG2 is not received (N in S140), the circuit board 6 determines whether a time T3 (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the reception of the proximity detection signal SG1 is started (S150). If it is time T3 after the reception of the proximity detection signal SG1 is started (Y in S150), the process returns to S110 again. In addition, after the start of the reception of the proximity detection signal SG1, the time T3 is not performed (N in S150), and the process returns to S140 again.

  When the operation detection signal SG2 is received (Y in S140), the circuit board 6 transmits the start signal SG3 to the audio reproduction device 100 (S160). Since the audio reproduction device 100 having received the start signal SG3 transmits the audio signal SG6, the circuit board 6 repeatedly determines whether the audio signal SG6 has been received (S170). When the audio signal SG6 is received (Y in S170), the circuit board 6 transmits the drive signal SG5 according to the audio signal SG6 to the speaker unit 4 (S180).

  The circuit board 6 determines whether the interval for receiving the proximity detection signal SG1 is longer than the time T4 while continuing the transmission of the drive signal SG5 (S190). The time T4 may be equal to or longer than the measurement cycle T1 of the proximity sensor 23. For example, the time T4 may be set to an integral multiple. If the reception interval of the proximity detection signal SG1 is T4 or less (N in S190), the circuit board 6 returns to S190 again while continuing the transmission of the drive signal SG5. When the reception interval of the proximity detection signal SG1 is longer than T4 (Y in S190), the circuit board 6 transmits the stop signal SG4 to the audio reproduction device 100 (S200), and stops transmission of the drive signal SG5 to the speaker unit 4 (S210), it returns to S110 again.

  Next, a more specific usage example of the headphone 1 and the operation of the headphone 1 at that time will be described.

  At the time of normal use, the wearer first turns on the power of the audio reproduction device 100 to be in a standby state, and operates the main power switch 7 of the headphone 1 to turn on the main power of the headphone 1. Next, when the wearer wears the headphone 1 and operates the touch panel 222, a sound wave is emitted by the speaker unit 4 and sound is reproduced (S110, S140, S160 to S180). When the wearer stops wearing the headphone 1 during voice reproduction, the speaker unit 4 stops emitting the sound wave (S190 to S210). Thereafter, if the wearer does not wear the headphone 1 (when the time T2 has elapsed), the main power supply of the headphone 1 is automatically turned off (S120, S130). On the other hand, when the wearer wears the headphone 1 again and operates the touch panel 222, the radiation of the sound wave by the speaker unit 4 is resumed.

  In addition, after the wearer turns on the main power supply of the headphone 1, it stands by with the headphone 1 attached (however, the standby time is less than T2), and the speaker is operated even if the touch panel 222 is operated at any timing. A sound wave is emitted by the unit 4.

  Here, the case where the wearer does not wear the headphone 1 after the main power of the headphone 1 is turned on will be described. At this time, if the proximity sensor 23 does not detect an object, the main power supply of the headphone 1 is automatically turned off (S120, S130). On the other hand, when the proximity sensor 23 erroneously detects the chest C or the like of the wearer as an object, the proximity detection signal SG1 is transmitted to the circuit board 6, and the process by the circuit board 6 proceeds to S140. However, if the wearer does not operate the touch panel 222, the process does not advance to the next step, and when the time T3 elapses, the process by the circuit board 6 returns to S110 again. Therefore, if the proximity sensor 23 does not erroneously detect, the main power supply of the headphone 1 is automatically turned off.

  As described above, the headphone 1 is configured to emit a sound wave when worn and when the touch panel 222 is operated, that is, the sound wave is not emitted by only one of the wearing and the operation of the touch panel 222. It is configured.

  With the above configuration, the proximity sensor 23 can emit a sound wave when the touch sensor 222 not only detects the object, but also when the touch panel 222 is operated. Even if a part other than the head H is erroneously detected as an object, if the wearer does not operate the touch panel 222, no sound wave is emitted from the speaker unit 4 to which the drive signal SG5 is input. Can be suppressed. Further, even if the touch panel 222 is erroneously operated due to an external impact or the like, the sound wave is not emitted unless the proximity sensor 23 detects the object, and the erroneous operation can be suppressed.

  Further, by the ear cups 2A and 2B being rotatably attached to the headband 3, the adhesion to the wearer and the feeling of use of the cushion 21 of the ear cups 2A and 2B can be improved. In addition, even if the ear cups 2A and 2B rotate and the proximity sensor 23 erroneously detects the chest C of the wearer as described above, no sound wave is emitted unless the touch panel 222 is operated, and the erroneous operation is suppressed. can do.

  In addition, since the headphone 1 is a cordless headphone including the communication unit 5 capable of communicating with the audio reproduction device 100, the audio reproduction device 100 can be used when the headphone 1 is used at a position separated from the audio reproduction device 100. Even without the operation, the speaker unit 4 to which the drive signal SG5 is input emits a sound wave by wearing the headphone 1 and operating the touch panel 222.

  Further, when the proximity sensor 23 stops detecting the object, the circuit board 6 stops the radiation of the sound wave by the speaker unit 4 to which the drive signal SG5 is input, and the wearer no longer wears the headphone 1 At the same time, the emission of sound waves by the speaker unit 4 can be stopped to reduce power consumption.

  In addition, the circuit board 6 transmits the start signal SG3 and the stop signal SG4 to transmit or stop the audio signal SG6 to the audio reproduction device 100, thereby always transmitting the audio signal SG6 to the audio reproduction device 100 while the speaker is Compared to the configuration in which the unit 4 is operated or stopped, the power for transmitting the audio signal SG6 can be reduced, and the power consumption can be suppressed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes other configurations and the like that can achieve the object of the present invention, and the following modifications and the like are also included in the present invention.

  For example, although the circuit board 6 executes the detection processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 in the above embodiment, the circuit board 6 receives the proximity detection signal SG1 and the operation detection signal SG2 and receives the drive signal. It is sufficient to execute a process of emitting a sound wave to the speaker unit 4 to which the SG 5 is input, and the present invention is not limited to the detection process of the embodiment. For example, the order of reception of the proximity detection signal SG1 and the operation detection signal SG2 is not limited, and the speaker unit 4 to which the drive signal SG5 is input is an acoustic wave by mounting the headphones 1 within a predetermined time after operating the touch panel 222 It may be processing to start the emission of

  In addition, when the headphone 1 is not attached, the emission of the sound wave by the speaker unit 4 may not be stopped. For example, the emission of the sound wave may be stopped by operating the main power switch 7.

  In the above embodiment, the circuit board 6 transmits the start signal SG3 and the stop signal SG4 to the sound reproduction device 100, and the sound reproduction device 100 transmits or stops the sound signal SG6. The audio reproduction device 100 may continue to transmit the audio signal SG6 without transmitting the start signal SG3 and the stop signal SG4. That is, while the circuit board 6 receives the audio signal SG6, the drive signal SG5 to the speaker unit 4 is stopped or the power supply to the speaker unit 4 is stopped, whereby the radiation of the sound wave by the speaker unit 4 is You may stop it.

  In the above embodiment, the circuit board 6 is activated by operating the main power switch 7. However, the proximity sensor 23 is always activated and the circuit board 6 is transmitted by transmitting the proximity detection signal SG1. You may start it. At this time, the main power switch 7 may be omitted.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the cordless headphones 1 capable of wirelessly communicating with the audio reproduction device 100 are exemplified. However, the headphones connected to the audio reproduction device 100 by wire may be used. At this time, the headphone may be provided with at least a proximity sensor and a touch panel as an operation unit, and the communication unit may be omitted and a circuit board as a control unit may be provided in the audio reproduction device 100.

  In the above embodiment, the touch panel is exemplified as the operation unit, but the operation unit may be any device that transmits the operation detection signal SG2 to the circuit board 6 by being operated, for example, a push switch, a seesaw switch, etc. It may be

  In the above embodiment, the ear cups 2A and 2B are rotatably attached to the headband 3 with the pivot axis O1 extending along the vertical direction, but this pivot axis is in the appropriate direction. It may extend, for example, it may be a pivot extending along the front-rear direction. Also, the ear cup may be non-rotatably attached to the headband.

  Besides, the best configuration, method and the like for carrying out the present invention are disclosed in the above description, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, although the present invention has been particularly illustrated and described primarily with respect to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments can be configured without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications in materials, quantities, and other detailed configurations. Therefore, the description with the above-described disclosure of the shape, the material, etc. is exemplarily described for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The description in the name of a member from which some or all of the limitations such as the limitation have been removed is included in the present invention.

1 Headphones 2A, 2B Earcup 3 Headband (Band)
4 Speaker unit 5 Communication unit 6 Circuit board (control unit)
23 Proximity sensor 222 Touch panel (operation unit)
100 Voice Reproduction Equipment (Electronic Equipment)

Claims (7)

With the band,
An ear cup attached to the band;
And an operation unit,
The ear cup has a speaker unit, and a capacitance type proximity sensor capable of detecting an object disposed on the acoustic emission side of the speaker unit,
The headphone unit is capable of emitting a sound wave when the operation unit is operated and the proximity sensor detects the object.   The headphone according to claim 1, wherein the ear cup is rotatably attached to the band.   The headphone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the proximity sensor stops detecting the object, the emission of the sound wave by the speaker unit is stopped.   The headphone according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation unit is a touch panel provided on the side opposite to the sound radiation side in the ear cup. A communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with an external electronic device;
The headphone according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a control unit capable of controlling the speaker unit.   The control unit transmits a signal from the communication unit to the electronic device when the operation unit is operated and the proximity sensor detects the target, and the electronic device transmits an audio signal to the communication unit. The headphone according to claim 5, characterized in that   The control unit transmits a signal from the communication unit to the electronic device when the proximity sensor stops detecting the object, and stops transmission of an audio signal to the communication unit by the electronic device. The headphone according to claim 6, characterized in that:

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