JPH04200000A - Ear insertion type acoustic unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the damage to an acoustic converter and the like with simple configuration by providing a supporting member which is integrally molded with a case frame and which supports an acoustic transducing part at the inside and a fitting part which is integrally molded by means of a flexible member, which has an external diameter wider than the ear of a user and which can be deformed in correspondence with the auditory miatus of the user. CONSTITUTION:An almost cylindrical insertion part 101 inserted into the external ear of a human is integrally molded with flexible resin and a receiver supporting part 105 is a protruding piece which is integrally molded with a mainbody and it supports a receiver 104 at the internal part of the insertion part 101. Furthermore, the fitting part 117 which is integrally molded with the flexible member, which has the external diameter wider than the auditory miatus of the user and which can be deformed in correspondence with the auditory miatus of the user is provided. Thus, the damage to the acoustic transducing unit and the like stored in the mainbody can be prevented.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to in-the-ear audio equipment, such as in-ear hearing aids and earphones, which are used by being partially or completely inserted into the external auditory canal.

[Conventional technology]

In general, earphones and hearing aids, etc., in which an electroacoustic transducer or receiver that converts electrical signals to sound is housed in a housing, and a part of this housing is inserted into the ear canal to listen to sounds, music, etc., are widely used. ing. This type of in-ear type is called a canal type, and can be roughly divided into three types: custom, semi-custom, and easy order. Among such conventional in-ear type audio equipment, an example made by easy order is shown in FIG. 8, and an example made by semi-custom is shown in FIG. 9. In the canal type hearing aid shown in Fig. 8, the sound input hole 8
A microphone 80 connected to the sound guide tube 86a from the sound output hole 87, a receiver 81 connected to the sound output hole 87 through the sound guide tube 86b, an amplifier 82, a battery chamber 83, etc. are housed in the housing 88. The housing 88 is made of hard resin (for example, ABS resin, etc.), and includes an insertion section 89 that is inserted into the auditory canal, and an operation section 90 in which a battery cover 84 is disposed. Note that the operating section 90 is provided with a sound adjustment knob, but it is not particularly shown. Furthermore, although a communicating tube 91 is shown to equalize the air pressure inside and outside the auditory canal, this may be omitted depending on the model. Next, a custom canal type hearing aid will be explained with reference to FIG. A housing 92 made of hard resin has an insertion portion 93 and a volume adjustment knob 95, similar to the housing 88 in FIG.
The ear tip 98 is made of soft resin and is formed to fit the shape of the ear canal of the wearer.
It is configured to cover the insertion portion 93. Note that, as a matter of course, an output hole 97 for outputting sound is opened at the right end of the ear tip 93 in the figure. FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the structure of a conventional earphone housing, in which a main body part 52 housing an electroacoustic transducer 51 consisting of a sounding body 50a and a diaphragm 50b is fitted into a slope part 56 at a fitting part 55. It is then glued and then the auditory canal (external auditory canal)
An insertion portion 57 for insertion into the slanted portion 56 is threadedly engaged with the inclined portion 56. It consists of a cover 54 for protecting the lead wire 53 connected to this electroacoustic transducer 51 and the connecting portion 53a of this lead wire 53, and basically consists of an insertion portion 57.
A housing is constituted by the inclined portion 56 and the main body portion 52. In this case, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 6, the fitting portion 55 is simply a connecting step portion 60 that is fitted with an adhesive 61 applied thereto. Furthermore, the method using the adhesive 61 has the disadvantage that it is impossible (or very difficult) to release the bond. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7, the hook-shaped stepped portion 62 is press-fitted by using the elasticity of the resin (plastic) constituting the housing 59 without using adhesive. In this case as well, it is not easy to release this connection.In addition, in the case of a hearing aid, as shown in Figure 10, the main body 5
A screw 65 is passed through the bottom of a battery chamber 64 provided in an operating portion 63 corresponding to No. 2, and is screwed into and coupled to a screw receiving portion 66 provided inside an insertion portion 67. In addition, although not shown, there is also a structure in which the operating section 64 and the insertion section 67 are connected by a pin or the like.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in such conventional hearing aids and earphones, for example, in the case of easy order as shown in Fig. 8, the housing 88
In designing the insertion portion 89 (especially the insertion portion 89), it is necessary to measure the shapes of the auditory canals of many people, which requires an enormous amount of time and effort. Also, even if the part that is inserted into the auditory canal is designed in this way,
It is difficult to match the shape of everyone's auditory canal. In this way, if the shape of the ear canal is not properly fitted, there is a problem that not only will the fit not be good for the wearer, but it will also have a negative effect on the acoustic characteristics, for example, it may cause howling etc. Furthermore, in the case of the custom type shown in Fig. 9, the fit is good (although it takes time and effort to manufacture the ear tip 98, and there is a problem that the number of parts increases. If the inserted part comes out of the auditory canal due to a person's exercise, etc., problems such as howling may occur.Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 10, conventional hearing aids are made of hard resin. Since it is sealed, the airtightness is good (,
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, using an adhesive at the joint increases the adhesion, but there is a problem in that it becomes impossible or extremely difficult to release the joint. Furthermore, in either case, unless the dimensional accuracy of the joint portions (fitting portions) is made good, there is a problem that the fitting may be poor. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and by integrally molding the case body with a flexible resin member, the present invention has a simple structure and can prevent damage to the acoustic transducer etc. housed inside the main body. The purpose is to provide ear-shaped audio equipment. An in-ear type acoustic device that is inexpensive and has a simple structure, can connect and disconnect two housings relatively easily, does not require molding dimensional accuracy compared to conventional products, and has a good seal when combined. The purpose is to provide

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the in-ear audio device of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, it is an in-ear type audio device that is used by housing an acoustic conversion section that converts an input signal into an acoustic signal and outputting it inside a case frame, and inserting a part or almost the whole of it into the ear canal. The frame is integrally molded with a flexible member, and includes a support member that is molded integrally with the case frame and supports the acoustic transducer inside, and a support member that is integrally molded with the flexible member and has an outer diameter wider than the ear canal of the user. It also has a fitting part that can be deformed according to the auditory canal of the user.

[Effect]

In the above configuration, the case frame is integrally molded with the case frame and supports the acoustic converter inside, and is further integrally molded with a flexible member and has an outer diameter wider than the ear canal of the user; It has a fitting part that can be deformed according to the ear canal of the user. This protects the interior and allows the shape to change according to the ear canal of the user, thereby increasing suitability for the user.

【Example】

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of Hearing Aid (Fig. 1)> Fig. 1 is a structural sectional view showing details of the hearing aid of the embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a substantially cylindrical insertion section that is inserted into a human's outer ear, and this insertion section 101 is integrally molded from a flexible resin. Reference numeral 102 denotes a sound output hole, which is opened toward the ear hole at the left end of the insertion portion 101 in the figure. 103 is a hollow part,
A receiver 104 is housed within the insertion section 101. 10
4 is a receiver which converts an electrical signal into a sound signal and outputs it from the output boat 104a. l○5 is a receiver support part, which is a protruding piece molded integrally with the main body.
04 is supported inside the insertion section 101. The flexible resin used here has a rubber hardness of 40 to 100.
If it is less than 40, it is too soft and cannot maintain its shape, and if it is 100 or more, it is too hard and gives a poor feeling of use. Reference numeral 106 denotes an inclined portion formed of the same material as the insertion portion 101, and formed in a shape in which the inner and outer shapes gradually increase toward the right end in the figure. Reference numeral 107 denotes a fastened portion, which is formed on an extension of the inclined portion 106 and made of the same material as the insertion portion 101. 1
Reference numeral 08 denotes an annular fixing frame made of hard resin, which is fitted into the open end of the fastened portion 107 . Reference numeral 109 denotes a circuit board supported on the inner peripheral side of the fastened portion 108 as shown in the figure, and on which circuits such as an amplifier, electronic components, etc. are mounted. 110 is a battery as a power source. In addition, this insertion part 1
01 is composed of an inclined portion 106 and a fastened portion IO7, and this insertion portion 101 is integrally formed of a moderately soft elastic member such as silicone rubber. Reference numeral 112 indicates an operating surface portion made of silicone rubber or the like and open to the outside of the ear; 113 indicates a fastening portion integrally formed from the same material as the operating surface portion 112 and having an open end; The portion 113 is formed of a cylindrical body having an inner circumference slightly shorter than the outer circumference of the fastened portion 107 . The solid line portion of the fastening portion 113 shows a state in which the tip end is rolled up, and the dotted line portion shows a state in which it is fastened to the fastened portion 107. In this way, the hearing aid housing of this embodiment is composed of two parts: the fastening part 113 and the operation surface part 112. Reference numeral 114 denotes a base plate disposed on the inner peripheral side of the operation surface section 112 to reinforce the inside thereof, and is made of hard resin (for example, ABS).
molded from resin). Reference numeral 115 denotes a volume control knob, which is fixed to the base plate 114 and a part of which is attached to the operation surface section 11.
It protrudes outward from 2. A microphone unit 116 is supported by the base plate 114. Reference numeral 116a denotes an input section, and an opening is provided in the operation surface section 112 in order to input sound into the microphone unit 116. Further, in the operating section 101, reference numeral 117 is a fitting section that matches the shape of the ear canal of the wearer, and is made of a suitably flexible member such as silicone rubber. 118 is a hollow portion provided between the receiver 104 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion 101. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the fitting portion 117, and is a sectional view showing the insertion portion 101 and its surroundings. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 20 shows the shape of the fitting portion 118 when it is inserted into the ear canal and deformed, and parts common to those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same numbers. In this manner, the size of the fitting portion 117 is deformed as shown by 20, so that the insertion portion 101 properly fits into the auditory canal. Also,
At this time, the portion 1a of the insertion portion 101 is also deformed as shown in the figure, which has the effect of further increasing the compatibility with the ear canal of the wearer. Furthermore, since the receiver support part 105 is also formed of a flexible member, it deforms accordingly and supports the receiver 104.
can contribute to this deformation without deteriorating its anti-vibration effect. 3(A) to (DJ) are views showing modified embodiments of the insertion portion 101 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, each of 101a to 101d corresponds to the insertion portion 101 in FIG. 102 is an output hole for outputting sound. Each of 117a to 117d is
Both correspond to the matching section 117 in FIG. 104
is a receiver, and 103 is a hollow part. In FIG. 3(A), an umbrella-shaped continuous body (circumferential direction) compatible part 117a is provided on the outer periphery of the insertion part 101a, and a third
In Figure (B), the fitting portion 117b is a semicircular raised continuum provided on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 101b. In addition, in FIG. 3(C), the compatible part 117c is the insertion part 101.
It consists of a wavy protruding continuous body provided on the outer periphery of c. The fitting part 117d in FIG. 3(D) is the insertion part 10.
A hollow portion 33a is further provided inside 1d itself. In any of the above cases, the outer diameter of the insertion portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the auditory canal, and shorter than the length of the auditory canal (formed,
Each fitting part is thicker (formed) than the inner diameter of the auditory canal. In FIG. 3, unlike in the case of FIG. They are the same in that the compatibility with the ear canal of the wearer is improved by changing the shape of ~117d in various ways. Figure 4 shows the hearing aid of this example, with the entire insertion part 1゜1 deformed. In this figure, the insertion part 101 can be deformed in accordance with the inclination angle of the auditory canal viewed from the auricle side.
This is because the entire part 1 is flexible. This further improves the compatibility with the operator's auditory canal. Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible. For example, although silicone rubber is used as the housing member in this embodiment, it is not limited to this; for example, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. may also be used. Also, the above embodiment is explained in the case of a hearing aid. However, the present invention is not limited thereto (for example, it may be an earphone, etc.). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a connecting portion between an insertion portion and an operation surface portion in a hearing aid according to another embodiment. Here, a step portion 1 for fitting is attached to the tip of the fastened portion 107f.
07g is provided, and the fitting part 113 is provided at the tip of the fastening part 113f.
g. By fitting these together as shown in the figure, the fastening portion 113f and the fastened portion 107f can be fitted and locked. Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, a wavy unevenness or recess may be provided in the portion where the fastening portion 113 and the fastened portion 107 are fastened. This facilitates winding up of the fastening portion 113. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insertion section 101 and the operation section 111 are formed, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The insertion portion 101 and the operating portion 111 are integrally molded in a shape that is divided into two approximately vertically in the cross section shown in FIG.
A housing may be formed by combining the two. Furthermore, although the insertion section 101 and the operation section 111 have been described as being the same member, they may not necessarily be the same member as long as they are flexible members. [Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, By integrally molding the case with a flexible resin material, it has a simple configuration.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an in-ear type acoustic device that can prevent damage to an acoustic transducer etc. housed inside the main body. An in-ear type acoustic device that is inexpensive and has a simple structure, can connect and disconnect two housings relatively easily, does not require molding dimensional accuracy compared to conventional products, and has a good seal when combined. It is effective in providing the following.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the hearing aid according to the embodiment, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a modification of the insertion section of the hearing aid according to the embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the shape of the fitting part of the insertion section of the hearing aid according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing a modified example of the hearing aid according to the embodiment, Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the housing of a conventional earphone, and Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the structure of the fastening part in the conventional hearing aid. Figures 8 to 10 are cross-sectional views showing the configuration of a conventional hearing aid,
FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the state of the fastening portion of another embodiment. In the figure, 101...insertion part, 102...sound output hole, 1
03...Hollow part, 104...Receiver, 104a.
... Output boat, 105 ... Receiver support part, 106
... Inclined part, 107 ... Fastened part, 108 ... Base plate, 109 ... Circuit board, 110 ... Battery, 11
2... Operation surface section, 113... Fastening section, 115...
This is a volume control knob.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) An in-ear type audio device that is used by housing an acoustic conversion unit that converts an input signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it inside a case frame, and inserts a portion or substantially the entirety of the unit into the ear canal, and the above-mentioned The case frame is integrally molded with a flexible member, and includes a support member molded integrally with the case frame and supporting the acoustic transducer internally, and a support member integrally molded with the flexible member and having an outer diameter wider than the ear canal of the user. and a fitting part that can be deformed according to the ear canal of the user. (2) An in-ear type audio device that is used by housing an acoustic conversion unit that converts an input signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it inside a case frame, and inserts a part or almost the whole of it into the ear canal, which is made of rubber. A cylindrical first container made of a flexible member having a hardness of 40 to 100, and a first container also made of a flexible member.
and a second container having a cylindrical portion having an inner circumference shorter than the outer circumference of the end portion on the joining side of the container, and the case body is formed in a state where the first and second containers are fastened together. An in-ear type audio device characterized by: