JPS5845233B2 - wireless earphone device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a wireless earphone device that wirelessly receives signals sent from a main body of an audio device and enables listening to sounds.

As is well known, listening using earphones is performed by electrically connecting an earphone cord to, for example, the main body of the audio device.

In this case, there are many inconveniences such as the earphone cord restricting the user's activities or causing the earphone to fall off from the ear, so it is desired to be able to listen to music without the earphone cord.

Therefore, a wireless earphone device that allows listening to sound wirelessly is considered.

In this case, since various circuit components are housed within the earphone device, the shape of the device tends to increase in size, but since the earphone device is used by being worn in the ear, it is preferable to make it as small and lightweight as possible.

Furthermore, it is required that the attached state be stably maintained and that it not be accidentally removed.

This invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and includes a receiving antenna, a receiving section, and a sounding section inside the earphone device to wirelessly receive signals sent from the main body of the audio device so that the signals can be heard and can be heard in the ear. It is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless earphone device that does not easily come off from the ear when worn, and also allows the device to be made smaller and lighter.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIGS. 1a, b, c, and d, 11 is the main body of the earphone device.

An earmuff part 12 is provided on the back side of the earphone device body 11, and the earmuff part 12 is provided with a plurality of through holes 13 through which sound generated by a sounding part 23, which will be described later, passes through.

Further, a loop-shaped ear hook portion 14 is provided on the earphone device main body 11 in a substantially concentric manner.

That is, the ear hook portion 14 is integrally attached to the lower end portion of the earphone device main body 11 by a connecting portion 141.

The ear hook portion 14 is made of, for example, a flexible resin, and is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the earphone device main body 11 as shown in FIG.

Thus, when the ear hook part 14 is attached to the ear, the through hole 13 of the ear piece part 12 comes to face the external auditory canal.

Further, 15 is a power switch.

On the other hand, the inside of the earphone device main body 11 and the ear hook are part 1.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, there is a receiving antenna 21 made of a wire rod. A receiving section 22, a sounding section 23, and a power source described later are provided.

That is, the receiving antenna 21 is connected to the ear hook + as shown in FIG.
The receiving section 22 and the sounding section 23 are accommodated in a groove section 14 □ provided along the back surface section (the section that contacts the human body) of the first section 14 to form a loop-shaped antenna.
The sounding part 23 is housed inside and is arranged to face the through hole 13 provided in the earmuff part 12.

The FM modulated wave or AM modulated wave received by the antenna 21 and transmitted from the main body of the audio device such as an amplifier (not shown) is detected and amplified by the receiving section 22, and converted into sound by the sounding section 23. It is said that the sound can be heard.

The antenna 21 is covered with an insulating member 24 while being accommodated in the groove 14° of the ear hook 14.

Further, when the power switch 15 is turned on, the receiving section 22 and the like are supplied with power from a battery provided in the earphone device main body 11 and are put into operation.

According to the above configuration, the ear hook has the antenna 21 disposed in a loop shape in the portion 14, so that the ear hook has the portion 14 connected to the earphone device main body 11.
It can be used both for holding the antenna 21 and for arranging the antenna 21. Moreover, since the antenna 21 can be made larger, the receiving sensitivity can be improved.

Moreover, since the ear hook part 14 is loop-shaped and inclined with respect to the earphone device main body 14, the ear piece part 12 is brought into contact with the ear with appropriate strength when the earphone is worn on the ear.

Therefore, it does not easily fall out of the ear, and the sound quality can be improved because leakage of sound is reduced.

In addition, if the ear hook is provided with an elastic material such as silicon rubber or urethane on the back side of the part 14, the ear hook will fit tightly when worn on the ear, and there will be less wobbling, making the ear hook comfortable. .

Next, the attachment structure of the antenna 21 will be further explained using FIG. 3.

Note that the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 3a, a groove 14□ is provided along the surface of the ear hook portion 14, and an antenna 21 is disposed within the groove 14□ to form a loop antenna.

With such a configuration, the insulating member 2 shown in FIGS. 1c and d
4 can be omitted.

In addition, in Fig. 3, the ear hook has a hollow part 14 and the antenna 21 is inserted through it to form a loop antenna, and in Fig. 3 C, the ear hook has the antenna 21 integrated inside the part 14. It was formed.

Next, the switch mechanism will be explained using FIG. 4.

Note that the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

This switch mechanism supplies power to the receiving section 22 etc. from the power supply provided inside the main body 11 when the earphone device main body 11 is attached to the ear, and turns off the power when the main body 11 is removed from the ear. It is something.

It is assumed that the earphone device main body 11 is worn in the ear horizontally as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4c.

Here, the ear hook portion 14 is provided separately from the earphone device main body 11.

That is, the connecting part 141 of the ear hook part 14 is provided inside the earbon device main body 11 so as to be removable and retractable, and the connecting part 141 is attached to the inner end of the main body 11 as shown in FIG.

As shown in d, a movable contact piece 31 constituting a switch mechanism is provided.

In addition, the inside of the earphone device main body 11 includes, for example, a connecting portion 1.
Fixed contact pieces 32, 33 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the forward and backward direction of 4.
A power source, a receiving section 22, etc. are connected to the fixed contact pieces 32 and 33.

Further, the connecting portion 14□ is always urged in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 4a by a spring (not shown), for example.

In the above configuration, when the earphone device main body 11 is not worn on the ear, the connecting portion 14 and the ear hook portion 14 are biased in the direction of arrow A in the figure with respect to the earphone device main body 11, so the movable contact piece 31 is fixedly connected. It is spaced apart from the pieces 32 and 33 and is in the off state as shown in FIG.

In this state, when the earphone device main body 11 is worn in the ear against the biasing force of a spring (not shown), the connecting portion 141 and the ear hook portion 14 are attached to the earphone device main body 11 as shown in FIG. 4a.
The movable contact piece 31 operates in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG.
2.33 is bridged and turned on.

Therefore, power is supplied to the receiving section 22 and the like, and the receiving section 22 and the like become ready for reception.

In this state, when the earphone device main body 11 and the ear hook part 14 are removed from the ear, the ear hook part 14 and the connecting part 141 are returned to the states shown in FIGS. is also turned off.

According to the above configuration, the switch state of the earphone device main body 11 and the ear hook is in the off state when the part 14 is not worn on the ear, and is in the on state when it is worn on the ear, supplying power to the receiving part 22 and the like. Therefore, it is possible to suppress power consumption when not in use.

The switch mechanism is a movable contact piece 31. Fixed contact piece 32
, 33 may be provided separately, for example, a microswitch may be provided within the earphone device main body 11, and the movable hand of this switch may be pressed by the connecting portion 141 to change the switch state.

Next, the ear hook portion 14 will be further explained using FIG. 5.

Note that the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

Human ears vary in size and shape depending on the individual.

Therefore, the ear hook portion 14 needs to be adapted to these individual differences.

In FIGS. 5a and 5b, both ends of the ear hook part 14 are separated, and are provided in the earphone device main body 11 so that they can be moved forward and backward without being removed.

Further, in the earphone device main body 11, pressing members 41 are abutted around both ends of the ear hook portion 14, and the ear hook portion 14 is prevented from loosening.

According to such a configuration, the ear hook 1 is moved by moving both ends of the portion 14 forward and backward with respect to the earphone device main body 11.
The overall length of 4 is variable and can be adjusted to suit each person.

Further, FIG. 5C shows an arrangement in which an articulating mechanism is provided between both ends of the ear hook part 14 and the earphone device main body 11.

That is, both ends of the ear hook part 14 and the earphone device main body 1
1 has a plurality of hemispherical or semi-cylindrical recesses 4, respectively.
2.43 are stacked in layers.

A spherical or cylindrical rigid body 44 is provided between the opposing recesses 42 and 43, respectively.

Therefore, the ear hook has a concave portion 42 provided in the portion 14 that is connected to the rigid body 4.
4, the total length of the ear hook portion 14 can be easily adjusted.

It is also convenient because the adjustment state does not change easily due to the articulation mechanism.

In addition, in FIGS. 5a, b, and c, a loop-shaped antenna 21 is disposed on the ear hook part 14, but the presser member 41, the rigid body 44, etc. are made of metal, for example, and the antenna 21
In order to electrically connect the antenna 21 and the receiving section 22, and to not change the overall length of the antenna 21, both ends of the antenna 21 and the receiving section 22 are connected.
For example, the ear hook may be connected with a wire longer than the moving distance of the portion 14.

Furthermore, in FIG. 6, it is also possible to provide the switch mechanism shown in FIG. 5.

In addition, in FIG. 6a, the loop-shaped ear hook part 14 is formed by connecting a plurality of cylindrical members made of metal, for example, with different diameters to form an expandable pipe, so that the total length of the ear hook part 14 can be varied. This is how it was done.

That is, the ear hook portion 14 is formed into a loop shape by alternately connecting a cylindrical member 45 with a larger diameter and a cylindrical member 46 with a smaller diameter than this member 45, as shown in FIG. Both ends of this ear hook part 14 are connected to the earphone device main body 1.
It is fixed at 1.

In this state, the cylindrical member 46 moves back and forth into the interior 45, so that the overall length of the ear hook portion 14 can be adjusted.

In addition, the cylindrical members 45 and 46 are prevented from being removed from each other,
Moreover, it is designed so that it does not move easily.

Even with such a configuration, the total length of the ear hook portion 14 can be adjusted according to each person.

Furthermore, if the cylindrical members 45 and 46 are combined in a spiral shape, for example, to form a so-called flexible tube, the ear hooks will be connected to the portion 14.
It is possible to change the shape arbitrarily.

Furthermore, in the above configuration, the antenna 21 is connected to the cylindrical member 45.
．． 46.

In this case, the cylindrical members 45, 46 and the antenna 21 are insulated.

Next, the ear hook portion 14 will be further explained using FIG.

Note that the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 7a, the ear hook part 14 is formed of an elastic material, and its shape is almost the same as that of a human ear.

In such a structure, when the ear hook section 14 is worn on the ear, the ear hook section 14 deforms depending on the shape and size of each person's ears, as shown in FIG. 7, for example.

With such a configuration, the ear hook can be attached to the portion 14 and the earphone device main body 11 almost regardless of the shape and size of the ear.
It is possible to attach the device to the device, and it is difficult for displacement to occur in the attached state.

Furthermore, since the earphone device main body 11 can be firmly positioned with respect to the ear, it is possible to further improve the sound quality.

Note that the loop-shaped antenna 21 is provided inside the ear hook part 14.

Next, the antenna 21 will be further explained using FIG. 8.

Note that the same parts as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

In FIGS. 1 to 7, the antenna 21 and the human body are insulated to prevent deviations in resonance frequency (tuned frequency) due to contact between the antenna 21 and the human body.

Here, the antenna 21 and the human body are brought into contact and the human body is used as a part of the antenna.

In FIG. 8a, a contact portion 51 is provided on a part of the back surface of the ear hook portion 14.

The antenna 21 is separated from the contact portion 51 as shown in FIG. 8, and the separated portion 52 is exposed.

However. When the earhook section 14 is worn on the ear, the separation section 52 comes into contact with the human body, and the human body is used as a grounding section of the grounding antenna.

However, in this case, for example, impedance matching is performed between the receiving side and the human body.

With such a configuration, the human body can be used as an antenna, and reception sensitivity can be improved.

Note that the ear hook for the contact portion 51 is not limited to the portion 14, and may be provided, for example, on the earmuff portion 12 or the like.

Further, if the contact portion 51 is made of, for example, an elastic member, it is possible to bring the separation portion 52 even closer to the human body.

Further, in this example, the separation portion 52 of the antenna 21 is brought into direct contact with the human body, but the antenna 21 and the human body may be capacitively coupled.

Next, an integrated circuit element with a power supply terminal that constitutes, for example, the receiving section 22 will be explained using FIG. 9.

Since the earphone device main body 11 is worn on the ear, it needs to be small and lightweight to the extent that it does not cause discomfort when worn.

Therefore, for example, it is desired that the components housed in the earphone device main body 11 be made smaller and lighter.

In FIG. 9a, 61 is an integrated circuit element in which an integrated circuit chip constituting, for example, the receiving section 22 is housed.

Positive and negative battery terminals 62 and 63 made of elastic material are provided on the surface of the integrated circuit element 61.

The battery terminals 62 and 63 are electrically connected to the integrated circuit and are adapted to hold a battery 64.

With such a configuration, there is no need to separately provide a sparse space for arranging the battery 64, so it is possible to downsize the earphone device main body 11.

In addition, FIG. 9 shows a battery 66 on the surface of the integrated circuit element 65.
A recess 651 is provided to accommodate the positive and negative battery terminals 67. made of elastic material at the bottom and side wall surface of the recess 65□.
68.

With such a configuration, it is possible to take out the electric power from the battery 66 through the battery terminals 67 and 68, and since the battery 66 is housed in the recess 651, the battery 66 can be taken out through the battery terminals 67 and 68.
6 is offset, and it is possible to further reduce the size and weight of the earphone device main body 11.

Incidentally, in FIG. 9 atb, the battery terminals 63, 68 are not limited to being provided on the integrated circuit elements 61, 65, but may be provided on the earphone device main body 11 side for electrical connection with the batteries 64, 66, for example.

Further, in this case, the power supply may be connected or disconnected by, for example, a power switch via an integrated circuit.

Next, the transducer, that is, the sounding section 23 that converts an electric signal into an acoustic signal will be explained using FIG.

In FIGS. 10a and 10b, 71 is a printed wiring board.

On the front surface of this printed wiring board 71, parts 721, 722, and 723 constituting an electric circuit, for example, the receiving section 22, are arranged, and on the back surface of this board 71, these parts 721, 722, and 723 are arranged.
2□, a conductive pattern 73 connecting portions 23 is printed.

Further, on the back side of this printed wiring board T1, a sounding section 22, for example, a ring-shaped magnet 73 constituting a magnetic transducer, a magnetic path, for example, a pole T4, a coil 75 connected to the receiving section 22, and a sounding body 76 are installed as appropriate. It is arranged.

Further, on the back surface of the printed wiring board 71, a magnetic material 77, which is the main feature, is formed by etching, for example.

This magnetic body 77 has a ring-shaped portion 77 as shown in FIG.
1. Circular part 77□, this circular part 772 and ring-shaped part 77
1, and the ring-shaped magnet 73 and the pole 74 each have a ring-shaped part T71,
It is provided in contact with the circular portion 77□.

Therefore, the conductive pattern 73 is formed on a portion other than the magnetic body 77.

According to the above configuration, since the magnetic material 77 is printed and formed on the back surface of the printed wiring board 71, the magnetic material TI can be formed extremely thin, and the strength of the magnetic material 77 can be obtained by the printed wiring board 71.

Moreover, the magnetic body 77 and the printed wiring board 71. Since the ring-shaped magnet 73 and the magnetic path T4 can be assembled integrally, accuracy is improved, airtightness is improved, and sound quality can be improved.

Furthermore, since it has become possible to assemble the device in one piece, it is possible to easily reduce the size and manufacturing cost.

Next, the earphone device main body 11 will be further explained using FIG. 11.

Note that the same parts as in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the above description, the earphone device main body 11 is a wireless system that receives signals sent from the audio device main body, but here, an example will be described in which it is possible to switch between wireless and wired as desired.

In FIG. 11a, 81 is a plug connected to the main body of an audio device such as an amplifier, and 22 is a plug detachably connected to the main body 11 of the earphone device.

A transmitter 83 is provided between the plugs 81 and 82.

This transmitter 83 transmits the signal sent from the main body of the acoustic device.
M or A, M modulated and transmitted, code 84
is an antenna for this transmitter 83.

The transmitter 83 is also provided with a wired/wireless switch (not shown).

If this switch selects wired, connector 81
The signal input from the connector 81 is directly guided to the connector 82, and when wireless is selected, the signal input from the connector 81 is modulated by the transmitter 83 and then sent out via the cord 84.

On the other hand, the circuit configuration housed within the earphone device main body 11 is as shown in FIG. 11.

That is, 85 is a jack to which the plug 82 is connected.

When the plug 82 is in the detached state, the movable contact piece 85□ of the jack 85 is connected to the fixed contact piece 85° and guides the output signal of the receiving section 22 to the sounding section 23, so that the plug 82
5, the connection is switched to the fixed contact piece 853, and a wired signal is guided to the sound generating section 23.

In the case of wireless, the power switch 15 is turned on and power from the built-in battery 86 is supplied to the receiver 22, etc. In the case of wired, the power switch 15 is turned off and the resistors 870, 87□, transformer 813, diode 874 are turned off. The battery 86 is charged using a part of the signal led from the wire by the charging circuit made up of the following.

According to the above configuration, the plug 82 detachably connected to the earphone device body 11 and the changeover switch used in the transmitter 83 can be switched and connected as desired to connect the earphone device body 11 wirelessly or by wire. It is possible to use.

Therefore, it can be used with high versatility.

Further, by using the cord 84 as an antenna for the transmitter 83, there is no need to provide a separate antenna, which is convenient.

Furthermore, in the case of a wired system, the battery 86 can be charged by a portion of the signal guided through the wire, so that the life of the battery 86 can be extended.

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, a receiving antenna, a receiving section, and a sounding section are provided inside the earphone device to wirelessly receive and listen to signals sent from the audio device main body, and the earphone device can be attached to the ear. It is possible to provide a wireless earphone device that does not easily fall out of the ear in a state where the earphone is in a closed state, and that allows the device to be made smaller and lighter.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] The drawings show an embodiment of the wireless earphone device according to the present invention, and FIG. 1A is a front view showing the external appearance, FIG. is a rear view of figure a, figure d is a side sectional view of figure a, figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration housed in the earphone device, figure 3 a, b, and c are respectively The ear hook is a cross-sectional view shown to explain the state of the antenna housed in the section, and FIG. 4 shows an embodiment different from that in FIG. 1, and FIG. Figure C is a front view showing a different operating state from Figure a;
Figure d is a side sectional view of Figure C, Figure 5 shows a different embodiment of the ear hook, Figure a is a front view, and Figure A is a front view.
Fig. 6 is a partially cutaway front view showing a main part of the main part, Figure C is a partially cutaway front view showing a different example from the one shown in the same figure, and Figure 6 shows a further different embodiment of the ear hook part. Figure a is a front view;
Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of figure a, Figure 7 shows a different embodiment of the ear hook part, figure a is a front view, figure a is A front view showing a different state from
Fig. 8 shows an improved embodiment of the antenna; Fig. 8a is a rear view, Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of Fig. 9a, and Fig. 9a is used in this invention. FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing an example of an integrated circuit element with a battery terminal that can be used in the present invention; FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing an example different from FIG. 11a is a side view, the same figure is a top view of FIG. 11a, and FIG.
It is a diagram showing a circuit configuration housed in the earphone device. 11... Earphone device body, 14...
Ear hook part, 15... Power switch, 21...
...Antenna, 22...Receiving section, 23...
...Sound generation part, 31, 32, 33...Switch mechanism, 41...Press member, 42.43...
・Concavity, 44... Rigid body, 45, 46...
・Cylindrical member, 51...Contact part, 52...
...Separation part, 61°65...Integrated circuit element, 6
2,63,67.68...Battery terminal, 71...
...Printed wiring board, 77...Magnetic material, 83
......Transmitter, 84...Code.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An earphone device main body having a receiving section and a sounding section inside, an ear hook provided on the device main body and having both ends joined together so as to surround the device main body so as to form a substantially loop shape, and an ear hook section that extends along the ear hook section. 1. A wireless earphone device comprising: a loop-shaped antenna made of a wire that receives a signal sent from the audio device main body and supplies the received signal to the receiving section.