HEADPHONE
TECHNICAL FIELD
5 [0001]
The present technology relates to a headphone.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
10 A headphone has been used as a device through which
sound output from an audio reproduction device is heard.
A typical headphone includes a headband provided in
contact with the head of a user, and housings provided on
the left and right ends of the headband. Each of the
15 housings accommodates an audio output means constituted
by a speaker or the like. There are known a considerable
number of types and folding systems of a headphone
(Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2). A known foldable
headphone often includes two or three, or more folding
20 rotational shafts disposed on each of an L side and an R
side.
CITATION LIST
PATENT DOCUMENTS
25 [0003]
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 2004-236324
Patent Document 2: Japanese Translation of PCT
International Application Publication No. 2005-527134
30
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
3
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0004]
However, in case of a headphone provided with many
folding rotational shafts, a user operating this
headphone is required to perform a complicated 5 folding
operation, as has been a problem of this type of
headphone.
[0005]
The present technology has been developed in
10 consideration of this problem. It is an object of the
present technology to provide an easily foldable
headphone.
SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
15 [0006]
For solving the above-mentioned problem, the
present technology is directed to a headphone including:
a headband; a pair of housing support portions, one and
the other of which are provided at one and the other ends
20 of the headband, respectively; a pair of rotational
shafts, one and the other of which rotatably connect one
and the other of the pair of housing support portions to
the headband, respectively; a pair of housings, one and
the other of which are provided on one and the other of
25 the pair of housing support portions, respectively,
wherein, in a folded state of the housing support
portions as a result of a rotation, the pair of housings
are disposed in positions contained within an area inside
an arc formed by the headband and the housing support
30 portions in an opened state of the housing support
portions, and are located side by side without crossing
4
each other; and a pair of ear pads, one and the other of
which are provided on one and the other of the pair of
housings, respectively.
EFFECTS 5 OF THE INVENTION
[0007]
According to the present technology, a headphone
becomes easily foldable.
10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008]
Fig. 1A is a view illustrating a use state of a
headphone according to a first embodiment of the present
technology, while Fig. 1B is a view illustrating a
15 sliding state of a slider.
Fig. 2A is a view illustrating a state of the
headphone during folding, while Fig. 2B is a view
illustrating a folded state of the headphone.
Fig. 3 is a partial enlarged view of a connection
20 portion between the headband and an arm.
Figs. 4A to 4E are views illustrating a method for
determining a folding position of the headphone.
Fig. 5A is a view illustrating an angle of each
rotational shaft in an X-Y plane, Fig. 5B is a view
25 illustrating an angle of each rotational shaft in a Y-Z
plane, and Fig. 5C is a view illustrating an angle of
each rotational shaft in an X-Z plane.
Fig. 6A is a top view of the slider, a housing, and
an ear pad, Fig. 6B is a side view of the slider, the
30 housing, and the ear pad, Fig. 6C is an inside front view
of the arm, Fig. 6D is a cross-sectional side view of the
5
arm, and Fig. 6E is a cross-sectional side view of the
arm in a state of connection between the arm and the
slider.
Fig. 7A is a plan view of the housing, Fig. 7B
shows a side view of the slider and 5 a cross-sectional
view of the housing and the ear pad, Fig. 7C is a side
view of a state of connection between the slider and the
housing, and Fig. 7D is a side view illustrating a state
of connection between the slider and the housing, and a
10 moving state of the housing.
Fig. 8A shows a bottom view of the slider and a
cross-sectional view of the housing and the ear pad as
viewed from the bottom, Fig. 8B is a bottom view of the
slider in a state of connection between the slider and
15 the housing, and Fig. 8C is a bottom view illustrating a
state of connection between the slider and the housing,
and a moving state of the housing.
Fig. 9A is a view illustrating an area formed by
the headband and the arm, while Fig. 9B is a view
20 illustrating such a state where the housings are located
within the area formed by the headband and the arm in the
folded state of the headphone.
Fig. 10 is a view illustrating a state of the
housing in the side view of the headphone.
25 Fig. 11 is a view illustrating a use state of a
headphone according to a second embodiment of the present
technology.
Fig. 12A is a view illustrating a state of the
headphone during folding, while Fig. 12B is a view
30 illustrating a folded state of the headphone.
Fig. 13A is a view illustrating an angle of each
6
rotational shaft in the X-Y plane, Fig. 13B is a view
illustrating an angle of each rotational shaft in the Y-Z
plane, and Fig. 13C is a view illustrating an angle of
each rotational shaft in the X-Z plane.
Figs. 14A and 14B are partially enlarged 5 side views
illustrating a connection state between a headband and a
hanger.
Fig. 15 is a view illustrating a connection state
of the headband and the hanger.
10 Fig 16 is a partially enlarged view illustrating
the connection state between the headband and the hanger.
Figs. 17A to 17C are partially enlarged views
illustrating folding processes in a state of connection
between the headband and the hanger.
15 Fig. 18 is a view illustrating the connection state
between the headband and the hanger.
Fig. 19A is a view illustrating a state of
insertion of the rotational shaft into a shaft insertion
hole of the hanger, while Fig. 19B is a cross-sectional
20 view of the state of insertion of the rotational shaft
into the shaft insertion hole of the hanger.
Fig. 20A is a view illustrating an area formed
inside the headphone, while Fig. 20B is a view
illustrating such a state where the housings are located
25 within the area in the folded state of the headphone.
Fig. 21A is a view illustrating a use state of a
headphone according to a modified example of the present
technology, while Fig. 21B is a view illustrating a
folded state of the headphone according to the modified
30 example.
7
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0009]
Embodiments according to the present technology are
hereinafter described with reference to the drawings.
The description will be presented in the 5 following order.
<1. First Embodiment>
[1-1. Configuration of Headphone]
<2. Second Embodiment>
[2-1. Configuration of Headphone]
10 <3. Modified Examples>
[0010]
<1. First Embodiment>
[1-1. Configuration of Headphone]
Figs. 1A and 1B and Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate a
15 general configuration of a headphone 100 according to the
present technology. The headphone 100 is constituted by
a headband 110, rotational shafts 120, arms 130, sliders
140, housings 150, ear pads 160, and cords 170.
[0011]
20 The headband 110 is curved along the head of a user,
and brought into contact with the top of the head of the
user in a wearing state to support the entire headphone
100. The headband 110 is constituted by synthetic resin
such as plastic, or metal, for example, and has
25 flexibility produced by predetermined rigidity and
elasticity of the headband 110. Accordingly, the
headband 110 is capable of pressing the housings 150 and
the ear pads 160 toward the side of the head of the user
during wearing of the headphone 100, thereby maintaining
30 the wearing state of the headphone 100. A cushioning
member such as rubber may be provided on a portion of the
8
inner surface of the headband 110 in contact with the top
of the head of the user.
[0012]
One and the other of the rotational shafts 120 are
provided on one and the other ends of 5 the headband 110,
respectively, to rotatably connect the arms 130 to the
headband 110. Each of the rotational shafts 120 is
tilted at a predetermined angle in a diagonal direction.
The detailed configuration of the rotational shafts 120
10 will be described later. According to the first
embodiment, the L side rotational shaft 120 and the R
side rotational shaft 120 are disposed at bilaterally
symmetric positions.
[0013]
15 The arms 130 are slightly curved along the side of
the head of the user. The arms 130 are rotatably
connected with the one and the other ends of the headband
110, respectively, with the rotational shafts 120
interposed between the arms 130 and the headband 110.
20 Each of the arms 130 is foldable as illustrated in Fig.
2A by rotation around an axis of the corresponding
rotational shaft 120. The arms 130 are constituted by
synthetic resin such as plastic, or metal, for example.
A state of the arms 130 not folded and allowing use of
25 the headphone 100 by the user as illustrated in Fig. 1A
is hereinafter referred to as a use state.
[0014]
The sliders 140 are slidable in the up-down
direction along the inner side surfaces of the arms 130.
30 The sliders 140 support the housings 150, wherefore the
user is capable of shifting the housings 150 in the up9
down direction by sliding the sliders 140 along the arms
130. The arms 130 and the sliders 140 correspond to
housing support portions according to the claims.
[0015]
During wearing of the headphone 5 100, each of the
housings 150 and each of the ear pads 160 are aligned
with a position facing the corresponding ear of the user
by adjustment of the position of the corresponding slider
140 in accordance with the size of the head of the user,
10 the distance between the ear and the top of the head, and
others. This alignment produces fitting comfort in
accordance with physical features and preferences of the
user. When the headphone 100 is not used, each of the
sliders 140 is slid to a folding position located at the
15 upper end of a slidable range to bring the headphone 100
into a compact condition. This point will be described
later.
[0016]
The housings 150 connected with the sliders 140
20 face the inside of the headphone 100. The housings 150
are supported by the sliders 140 in such a condition that
each of the housings 150 can perform a twisting action.
In this case, the direction of each of the housings 150
changes in accordance with the shape of an area around
25 the ear of the user during wearing of the headphone 100,
wherefore the housing 150 comes to the position facing
the ear in a state appropriate for the shape of the side
of the head of the user. Connection between the sliders
140 and the housings 150 will be detailed later.
30 [0017]
Each of the housings 150 functions as an
10
accommodating unit for accommodating an audio processing
circuit, a speaker (both not shown), and others inside
the housing 150. Each of the housings 150 is constituted
by synthetic resin such as plastic, for example. The
audio processing circuit executes predetermined 5 audio
signal processes, such as a noise canceling process, a
signal amplifying process, and an equalizing process.
The speaker outputs audio signals processed by the audio
processing circuit in the form of sound.
10 [0018]
Each of the ear pads 160 is configured to have
elasticity, and provided on the corresponding housing 150
on a surface facing the side of the head of the user.
Each of the ear pads 160 interposed between the
15 corresponding housing 150 and the side of the head of the
user functions as a cushioning member between the housing
150 and the side of the head of the user. More
specifically, the ear pads 160 prevent discomfort or pain
given to the user from the housings 150 made of hard and
20 not easily deformable material and coming in direct
contact with the side of the head of the user during
wearing of the headphone 100.
[0019]
In addition, each of the ear pads 160 has a
25 function of improving sound quality, such as enhancement
of reproduction of a low range, by sealing a space formed
by the ear pad 160 and the side of the head of the user
when the ear pad 160 is ring-shaped. Moreover, each of
the ear pads 160 has a function of preventing leakage of
30 sound to the outside after output of sound from the
speaker. Furthermore, each of the ear pads 160 has a
11
function of blocking noise entering from the outside to
allow the user to more easily hear sound generated from
the speaker.
[0020]
Each of the cords 170 is a cord 5 into which a lead,
a ground line and the like are inserted, as a cord
through which audio signals are transmitted. One end of
each of the cords 170 is connected with the audio
processing circuit accommodated in the corresponding
10 housing 150. A plug (not shown) is provided at the other
end of each of the cords 170. This plug is connected
with an audio reproduction device (not shown) such as an
MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) player for connection between
the headphone 100 and the audio reproduction device.
15 According to the example illustrated in Figs. 1A and 1B
and Figs. 2A and 2B, cords 170 are provided such that one
and the other of the cords 170 are connected with the L
side housing 150 and the R side housing 150, respectively.
As can be seen from Fig. 2B, the L side housing 150 and
20 the R side housing 150 come close to each other when the
headphone 100 is in a folded state. Accordingly, it is
preferable that connection portions of the cords 170 are
determined such that the connection portion of the L side
cord 170 and the connection portion of the R side cord
25 170 do not contact each other when the headphone 100 is
in the folded state.
[0021]
The cord 170 may be connected with only either the
L side housing 150 or the R side housing 150. In this
30 case, an L channel lead, an R channel lead, and a ground
line are inserted into the cord 170. A connection cord
12
(not shown) is further provided between the housing 150
connected with the cord 170, and the other housing 150
not connected with the cord 170 to drive the speaker
within the other housing 150 not connected with the cord
170. This connection cord is connected 5 with the cord 170
or the audio processing circuit within the housing 150
connected with the cord 170, and inserted into the
sliders 140, arms 130, and the headband 110 to connect
with the audio processing circuit within the other
10 housing 150. Audio signals are transmitted via this
connection cord to the audio processing circuit of the
other housing 150 not connected with the cord 170.
[0022]
According to the headphone 100 in the first
15 embodiment, one of the L side and R side sliders 140 is
initially slid along the arm 130 to the upper end of the
slidable range as illustrated in Fig. 1B when the
headphone 100 is not used. Then, the arm 130 on the side
of the slider 140 slid to the upper end of the slidable
20 range is rotated and folded toward the headband 110 as
illustrated in Fig. 2A.
[0023]
These steps are also performed for the other slider
140 and arm 130. In this case, the arm 130 corresponding
25 to the one slider 140 is folded after sliding of the one
slider 140, whereafter the arm 130 corresponding to the
other slider 140 is folded after the sliding of the other
slider 140. However, both the arms 130 may be folded
after sliding of both the sliders 140.
30 [0024]
When the L side arm 130 and the R side arm 130 are
13
folded, the headphone 100 comes into a folded state as
illustrated in Fig. 2B. This folded state of the L side
arm 130 and the R side arm 130 is hereinafter referred to
as a folded state.
5 [0025]
Each of the housings 150 makes a directional change
from a state facing a plane I located at equal distances
from the L side and R side housings 150 in the use state
(state in Fig. 1A), to a state substantially
10 perpendicular to the plane I (state in Fig. 2B) in
accordance with rotation of the arm 130. This change
applies to the ear pads 160 provided on the housings 150.
When the headphone 100 is not used or carried to a
different place, for example, the headphone 100 is
15 brought into the folded state for size reduction of the
headphone 100, thereby achieving space saving for storage
of the headphone 100.
[0026]
A configuration of the rotational shafts 120 is now
20 described. As discussed above, the rotational shafts 120
are tilted in a diagonal direction with respect to the
plane I located at equal distances from the L side and R
side housings 150. As illustrated in Fig. 3, for example,
each of the rotational shafts 120 is inserted into both a
25 shaft insertion hole 111 formed at one end of the
headband 110, and a shaft insertion hole 131 formed at
the upper end of the arm 130. This structure allows
rotation of the arms 130 with respect to the headband 110.
[0027]
30 Figs. 4A to 4E are views illustrating a method for
determining optimum position and tilt of each of the
14
rotational shafts 120. A headphone 1 illustrated in Figs.
4A to 4E is a schematic illustration, assuming that the
headphone 1 includes one curved band 2, and housings 3
disposed at both ends of the band 2.
5 [0028]
Initially, an optimum position of one of the
housings 3 in the folded state of the headphone 1 is
determined. It is preferable that this position
corresponds to such a position that the size of the
10 headphone 1 becomes the minimum in the folded state.
Based on this determination, a folding position A of the
band 2 is determined in accordance with the position of
the housing 3 and the length of the band 2 as illustrated
in Fig. 4A.
15 [0029]
Subsequently, arbitrary two points are determined
on the housing 1 and/or on the band 2 as illustrated in
Fig. 4B. According to the example in Fig. 4B, a point B
is determined on the band 2, while a point C is
20 determined on the housing 3. The points B and C are
provided below the point A corresponding to the folding
position in the use state of the headphone 1.
[0030]
Subsequently, the band 2 is folded at the
25 determined folding position A as illustrated in Fig. 4C.
It is assumed that the points B and C are shifted to
positions B’ and C’, respectively, after this folding.
[0031]
Then, a plane Mb is determined between the point B
30 and the point B’ as a plane located at equal distances
from the point B and the point B’ as illustrated in Fig.
15
4D. The plane Mb is considered as a group of points
located at equal distances from the two points B and B’.
Similarly, a plane Mc is determined between the point C
and the point C’ as a plane located at equal distances
from the points C and C’. The plane Mc 5 is considered as
a group of points located at equal distances from the two
points C and C’.
[0032]
As illustrated in Fig. 4E, a line L along which the
10 plane Mb and the plane Mc cross each other corresponds to
the direction of the rotational shaft 120. The tilt of
the rotational shaft 120 is determined by this method.
The optimum positions and tilts of the rotational shafts
are determined in this manner.
15 [0033]
According to this embodiment, the headband 110 and
the arm 130 are connected with each other via the
rotational shaft 120, in which condition the arm 130 is
foldable in accordance with rotation of the arm 130 as
20 described with reference to Figs. 1A and 1B and Figs. 2A
and 2B. Accordingly, it is preferable that the headband
110 and the arm 130 are connected with alignment between
the rotational shaft 120 and the folding position C
obtained by the method illustrated in Figs. 4A to 4E.
25 [0034]
The tilt of the rotational shaft 120 in a diagonal
direction realizes folding of the arm 130 and a change of
the direction of the housing 150 by one rotation around
the axis of the rotational shaft 120. The one rotation
30 of the arm 130 changes the direction of the housing 150
facing the plane I located at equal distances from the
16
left and right housings 150 in the use state. A
conventional headphone requires two or more operations,
including one operation for folding the headphone, and
one operation for changing the direction of the housing.
However, the headphone 100 according 5 to the present
technology realizes folding of the headphone 100 and a
change of the direction of the housing 150 by one arm
rotation.
[0035]
10 As illustrated in Fig. 5A, it is preferable that
each of the rotational shafts 120 is disposed at an angle
approximately in a range from 12° to 22° with respect to
an X axis perpendicular to a Y axis dividing an arc of
the headband 110 into two equal parts in the front view
15 of the headphone 100. It is further preferable that each
of the rotational shafts 120 is disposed at an angle of
approximately 17° with respect to the X axis in the front
view.
[0036]
20 As illustrated in Fig. 5B, it is preferable that
each of the rotational shafts 120 is disposed at an angle
approximately in a range from 19° to 29° with respect to
a Z axis substantially parallel with the width direction
of the headband 110 in the side view of the headphone 100.
25 It is further preferable that each of the rotational
shafts 120 is disposed at an angle of approximately 24°
with respect to the Z axis in the side view.
[0037]
As illustrated in Fig. 5C, it is preferable that
30 each of the rotational shafts 120 is disposed at an angle
approximately in a range from 29° to 39° with respect to
17
the X axis substantially in parallel with the
longitudinal direction of the headband 110 in the top
view of the headphone 100. It is further preferable that
each of the rotational shafts 120 is disposed at an angle
of approximately 34° with respect to 5 the X axis in the
top view.
[0038]
Configurations of the arm 130 and the slider 140
are now described. Fig. 6A is a top view of the slider
10 140, the housing 150, and the ear pad 160. Fig. 6B is a
side view of the slider 140, the housing 150, and the ear
pad 160. Fig. 6C is an inside view of the arm 130. Fig.
6D is a cross-sectional side view of the arm 130. Fig.
6E is a cross-sectional side view of the arm 130 to which
15 the slider 140 is connected.
[0039]
As illustrated in Figs. 6A and 6B, the slider 140
includes an engaging projection 141 which is T-shaped in
the top view and engages with the inside of the arm 130.
20 [0040]
As illustrated in Fig. 6C, a guide groove 132 is
formed in the inner surface of the arm 130. The guide
groove 132 is a groove in which the slider 140 is
slidable along the arm 130 in a state of insertion of the
25 engaging projection 141 into the arm 130. As illustrated
in Fig. 6D, a cavity is formed inside the arm 130 so that
the engaging projection 141 of the slider 140 becomes
slidable.
[0041]
30 A plurality of use-state projections 133 are
provided on the inner side surface of the arm 130. The
18
engaging projection 141 of the slider 140 is caught by
the plurality of use-state projections 133 at the time of
fixture of the position of the housing 150. A range of
the use-state projections 133 coincides with a range of
sliding of the slider 140 for adjustment 5 of the position
of the housing 150 by the user during use of the
headphone 100. This range is therefore referred to as a
use range. The use-state projections 133 correspond to a
first position fixing mechanism according to the claims.
10 The housing 150 and the ear pad 160 is aligned with the
position facing the ear of the user by adjusting the
position of the slider 140 in accordance with the size of
the head of the user, the distance between the ear and
the top of the head, or other conditions, and fixing the
15 adjusted position of the slider 140. This alignment
produces fitting comfort in accordance with physical
features and preferences of the user.
[0042]
According to the example illustrated in Fig. 6D, 11
20 pieces of the use-state projections 133 are provided.
However, the number of the use-state projections 133 is
not limited to this number. Finer adjustment of the
position of the housing is achievable by the user as the
number of the use-state projections 133 becomes larger.
25 [0043]
In addition, one folded-state projection 134 is
provided in an upper part of the inner side surface of
the arm 130. The folded-state projection 134 fixes the
position of the housing 150 at the time of folding of the
30 headphone 100. The position of the folded-state
projection 134 coincides with the position of the housing
19
150 at the time of folding of the arm 130. Accordingly,
this position is referred to as a folding position. The
folded-state projection 134 corresponds to a second
position fixing mechanism according to the claims.
5 [0044]
There is provided a range containing no projection
between the use range and the folded-state position. No
projection is provided in the range between the use range
and the folded-state position, wherefore the slider 140
10 is capable of smoothly sliding in the range between the
use range and the folded-state position. The range
between the use range and the folded-state position is
hereinafter referred to as a smooth range.
[0045]
15 As illustrated in Fig. 6E, the slider 140 is
slidable upward and downward along the arm 130 in the
state of insertion of the engaging projection 141 of the
slider 140 into the arm 130. At the time of adjustment
of the position of the housing 150 for use of the
20 headphone 100, the user slides the slide upward or
downward within the use range.
[0046]
As a result, the engaging projection 141 of the
slider 140 is caught by the use-state projections 133 for
25 fixation of the position of the slider 140. Accordingly,
the housing 150 is fixable to a position corresponding to
a preference of the user. In this case, the user
realizes that the position of the housing 150 has been
adjusted based on the click feeling given to the user
30 when the engaging projection 141 of the slider 140 climbs
over the use-state projections 133.
20
[0047]
When the headphone 100 is not used and desired to
be folded, the slider 140 is slid through the smooth
range toward the folding position. As a result, the
engaging projection 141 of the slider 5 140 is caught by
the folded-state projection 134, whereby the slider 140
is fixed to the folding position of the slider 140.
[0048]
No projection is provided in the smooth range
10 between the use range and the folding position.
Accordingly, the user is capable of smoothly sliding the
slider 140 in the smooth range. The smooth range is
neither the range for fixing the position of the housing
150 during use, nor a range for positioning the housing
15 150 during storage. Accordingly, no projection needs to
be formed in the smooth range. The absence of a
projection in the smooth range allows the user to easily
and rapidly slide the slider 140. Accordingly, folding
of the headphone 100 rapidly finishes.
20 [0049]
As described above, the slidable range of the
slider 140 according to the present technology is wider
than the position changeable range of the housing 150
during use of the headphone 100. According to this
25 structure, the housing 150 is slidable to the upper end
of the arm 130 at the time of storage of the headphone
100, thereby increasing the compactness of the headphone
100.
[0050]
30 The connection between the slider 140 and the
housing 150 is now described. Fig. 7A is a view
21
illustrating a surface of the housing 150 on the side
opposite to the side where the ear pad 160 is provided.
Fig. 7B is a side view of the arm 130, the slider 140,
the housing 150, and the ear pad 160. Fig. 7C is a side
view illustrating a state of connection 5 between the
slider 140 and the housing 150. Fig. 7D is a side view
illustrating a moving state of the housing 150 under the
state of connection between the slider 140 and the
housing 150. Figs. 7B, 7C and 7D show cross sections of
10 the housing 150 and the ear pad 160.
[0051]
An elongated recess 151 is formed substantially at
the center of the surface of the housing 150 on the side
opposite to the side where the ear pad 160 is provided.
15 As illustrated in Fig. 7B, a projecting spherical surface
152 having a projecting spherical shape in the side view
is provided substantially at the center of the recess 151.
A connection hole 153 is further formed substantially at
the center of the projecting spherical surface 152.
20 [0052]
As illustrated in Fig. 7B, a projection-shaped
housing connection portion 142 is provided on the slider
140. A recessed spherical surface 143 having a recessed
spherical shape in the front view is formed at the tip of
25 the housing connection portion 142. The housing
connection portion 142 is provided to tiltably support
the housing 150.
[0053]
The slider 140 and the housing 150 are connected
30 with each other via a screw of the like inserted into the
connection hole 153 of the housing 150 in a state of
22
abutment between the recessed spherical surface 143 of
the slider 140 and the projecting spherical surface 152
of the housing 150. As a result, the projecting
spherical surface 152 of the housing 150 becomes slidable
with respect to the recessed spherical 5 surface 143 of the
slider 140 as illustrated in Fig. 7D. In this case, the
housing 150 is movable in correspondence with the shapes
of the side of the head and the ear of the user at the
time of wearing of the headphone 100 by the user.
10 Accordingly, the ear pad 160 comes to a position facing
the user in accordance with conditions of each user.
[0054]
Figs. 8A to 8C are bottom views of the arm 130, the
slider 140, the housing 150, and the ear pad 160. As
15 illustrated in Fig. 8A, a recess 151 formed in the
housing 150 is wider than the housing connection portion
142 of the slider 140. Accordingly, when the slider 140
is connected with the housing 150 as illustrated in Fig.
8B, the housing 150 becomes tiltable in the left-right
20 direction as illustrated in Fig. 8C.
[0055]
The housing 150 is tiltable in the longitudinal
direction as discussed with reference to Figs. 7A to 7D.
Moreover, the housing 150 is also tiltable in the lateral
25 direction as discussed with reference to Figs. 8A to 8C.
Furthermore, a contact portion between the housing 150
and the slider 140 is constituted by the projecting
spherical surface 152 of the housing 150 and the recessed
spherical surface 143 of the slider 140. These
30 configurations realize the twisting action of the housing
150 in all directions. In this case, the followability
23
of the housing 150 and the ear pad 160 increases and
aligns the ear pad 160 with the position facing the ear
of the user. Accordingly, the user is allowed to feel
fitting comfort corresponding to the physical features
and preferences 5 of the user.
[0056]
The headphone 100 according to the first embodiment
is constructed as described above. An area surrounded by
the headband 110 and the arm 130 (hatched area) in the
10 use state is herein defined as illustrated in Fig. 9A.
According to the headphone 100 in this embodiment, the
housing 150 is contained in this hatched area in the
folded state as illustrated in Fig. 9B. The headphone
100 in this embodiment is therefore folded, and brought
15 into a compact condition while not used. In this
condition, the L side arm 130 and the R side arm 130
overlap with each other at a position where the housings
are located in the use state.
[0057]
20 Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 10, it is
preferable that the housing 150 is tilted in a range
within ±45° with respect to a plane II substantially in
parallel with the headband 110 in the folded state in the
side view of the headphone 100.
25 [0058]
According to this embodiment, both folding of the
arm 130 and a directional change of the housing 150 are
achievable by one rotation of the arm 130 around the axis
of the one rotational shaft 120. Accordingly, the user
30 is capable of rapidly and easily completing folding of
the headphone 100. Moreover, only a pair of the
24
rotational shafts 120 are needed as rotational shafts.
In this case, the number of parts decreases, wherefore
the manufacturing cost lowers.
[0059]
The slider 140 is slidable wider 5 than the use range
corresponding to the position changeable range of the
housing 150 during use of the headphone 100. In this
case, the slider 140 is allowed to slide above the use
range during folding. Accordingly, compactness of the
10 headphone 100 increases.
[0060]
At the time of folding of the arm 130, the slider
140 is slid to position the housing 150 at the upper end
side of the arm 130 (in the vicinity of the center of the
15 headphone 100 in the longitudinal direction). As a
result, both the housings 150 are positioned side-by-side
in the folded state as illustrated in Fig. 2B. In this
case, the housings 150 do not overlap with each other,
wherefore the thickness of the headphone 100 in the
20 folded state further decreases.
[0061]
In the folded state, the housings 150 do not cross
each other. In other words, the L side housing 150 is
positioned on the left side of the headphone 100. On the
25 other hand, the R side housing 150 is positioned on the
right side of the headphone 100. In this case, such a
condition that the housings 150 cross each other, i.e.,
that the L side housing 150 is positioned on the right
side of the headphone 100, and that the R side housing
30 150 is positioned on the left side of the headphone 100
does not occur. Accordingly, entanglement of the cords
25
170 connected with the housings 150 is avoidable.
[0062]
Furthermore, in the folded state of the headphone
100, each of the ear pads 160 faces in the same direction
as illustrated in Fig. 2B. Accordingly, 5 flaws or other
damage to the housings 150 are avoidable when the
headphone 100 is placed on a desk, a table or the like
with the ear pad 160 side facing downward.
[0063]
10 <2. Second Embodiment>
[2-1. Configuration of Headphone]
A second embodiment according to the present
technology is hereinafter described. Fig. 11 and Figs.
12A and 12B illustrate a general configuration of a
15 headphone 200 according to the second embodiment. The
headphone 200 includes a headband 210, rotational shafts
220, hangers 230, housings 240, ear pads 250, and cords
260.
[0064]
20 The headband 210 is curved along the head of a user,
and brought into contact with the top of the head of the
user in a wearing state to support the entire headphone
200. The headband 210 is constituted by synthetic resin
such as plastic, or metal, for example, and has
25 flexibility produced by predetermined rigidity and
elasticity of the headband 210. Accordingly, the
headband 210 is capable of pressing the housings 240 and
the ear pads 250 toward the side of the head of the user
in the wearing state, thereby maintaining the wearing
30 state of the headphone 200. A cushioning member such as
rubber may be provided on a portion of the inner surface
26
of the headband 210 in contact with the top of the head
of the user.
[0065]
According to the second embodiment, both ends of
the headband 210 constitute sliders 5 211. The headband
210 expands and contracts in accordance with sliding of
each of the sliders 211. Each of the hangers 230 shifts
upward or downward with respect to the headband 210 in
accordance with sliding of the corresponding slider 211.
10 [0066]
During use of the headphone 200, each of the
housings 240 and each of the ear pads 250 are aligned
with a position facing the ear of the user by adjustment
of the degree of expansion and contraction of the slider
15 211 in accordance with the size of the head of the user,
the distance between the ear and the top of the head, or
other conditions. This alignment produces fitting
comfort in accordance with physical features and
preferences of the user. On the other hand, when the
20 headphone 200 is not used, the slider 211 is contracted
to make the headphone 200 compact for storing space
saving of the headphone 200.
[0067]
The rotational shaft 220 is provided at an end of
25 each of the sliders 211 of the headband 210 to rotatably
support the corresponding hanger 230 with respect to the
slider 211. The rotational shaft 220 is tilted with
respect to the plane I located at equal distances from
the left and right housings 240, similarly to the first
30 embodiment. According to the second embodiment, the L
side rotational shaft 220 and the R side rotational shaft
27
220 are disposed at bilaterally symmetric positions. The
configuration of the rotational shafts 220 will be
described later.
[0068]
Each of the hangers 230 is provided 5 at the tip of
the corresponding slider 211 of the headband 210 to
rotatably support the corresponding housing 240. Each of
the hangers 230 rotatably supports the housing 240 via
support pins (not shown) projecting inward from a pair of
10 tips of the hanger 230. According to this structure, the
direction of the housing 240 changes in accordance with
the shape of an area around the ear of the user during
wearing of the headphone 200, wherefore the housing 2405
is allowed to face the ear in a condition appropriate for
15 the side shape of the head of the user. The hanger 230
corresponds to a support portion of the housing 240
according to the claims.
[0069]
The housing 240 functions as an accommodating unit
20 for accommodating an audio processing circuit, a speaker
(both not shown), and others inside the housing 240. The
housing 240 is made of synthetic resin such as plastic,
for example. The audio processing circuit executes
predetermined audio signal processes, such as a noise
25 canceling process, a signal amplifying process, and an
equalizing process. The speaker outputs audio signals
processed by the audio processing circuit in the form of
sound.
[0070]
30 The ear pad 250 is configured to have elasticity,
and provided on a surface of the housing 240 on the side
28
opposite to the side of the head of the user. Each of
the ear pads 250 interposed between the corresponding
housing 240 and the side of the head of the user
functions as a cushioning member between the housing 240
and the side of the head of the user. More 5 specifically,
the ear pad 250 prevents discomfort or pain given to the
user from the housing 240 made of hard and not easily
deformable material and coming into direct contact with
the side of the head of the user during waring of the
10 headphone 200.
[0071]
In addition, each of the ear pads 250 has a
function of improving sound quality, such as enhancement
of reproduction of a low range, by sealing a space formed
15 by the ear pad 250 and the side of the head of the user
when the ear pad 250 is ring-shaped. Moreover, each of
the ear pads 160 has a function of preventing leakage of
sound to the outside after output of sound from the
speaker. Furthermore, each of the ear pads 250 has a
20 function of blocking noise entering from the outside to
allow the user to more easily hear sound generated from
the speaker.
[0072]
Each of the cords 260 is a cord into which a lead,
25 a ground line and the like are inserted, as a cord
through which audio signals are transmitted. One end of
each of the cords 260 is connected with the audio
processing circuit accommodated in the housing 240. A
plug (not shown) is provided at the other end of the cord
30 260. This plug is connected with an audio reproduction
device (not shown) such as an MP3 player for connection
29
between the headphone 2001 and the audio reproduction
device.
[0073]
The cord 260 may be only connected with either the
L side housing 240 or the R side housing 5 240. In this
case, an L channel lead, an R channel lead, and a ground
line are inserted into the cord 260. A connection cord
(not shown) is further provided between the housing 240
connected with the cord 260, and the other housing 240
10 not connected with the cord 260 to drive the speaker
within the other housing 240 not connected with the cord
260. This connection cord is connected with the cord 260
or the audio processing circuit within the housing 240
connected with the cord 260, and inserted into the
15 sliders 211, arms, and the headband 210 to connect with
the audio processing circuit within the other housing 240.
Audio signals are transmitted via this connection cord to
the audio processing circuit within the other housing 240
not connected with the cord 260.
20 [0074]
According to the headphone 200 in the second
embodiment, each of the hangers 230 is folded toward the
headband 210 when the headphone 200 is not used as
illustrated in Fig. 12A. As a result, the headphone 200
25 is brought into a folded state as illustrated in Fig. 12B.
This state is hereinafter referred to as a folded state.
Each of the housings 240 changes in direction from a
state facing the plane I located at equal distances from
the L side and R side housings 240 (state in Fig. 11), to
30 a state substantially perpendicular to the plane I (state
in Fig. 12B) in the folded state. This change applies to
30
the ear pads 250 provided on the housings 240. When the
headphone 200 is not used or carried to a different place,
for example, the headphone 200 is brought into the folded
state for size reduction of the headphone 200, thereby
achieving space saving for storage of 5 the headphone 200.
[0075]
Connection between the slider 211 of the headband
210 and the hanger 230 is now described. Figs. 14A and
14B are partially enlarged views of a connection portion
10 between the slider 211 and the hanger 230 illustrated in
Fig. 15, as viewed from the inside of the headphone 200.
A connection portion provided at a tip of the slider 211
and connected with the hanger 230 is referred to as a
slider side connection portion 212. A connection portion
15 provided in the vicinity of the top of the hanger 230 and
connected with the slider side connection portion 212 is
referred to as a hanger side connection portion 231. The
hanger side connection portion 231 in a broken state is
shown for convenience of explanation.
20 [0076]
The rotational shaft 220 is tilted in a diagonal
direction with respect to the plane I located at equal
distances from the left and right housings 240 as
illustrated in Fig. 11, similarly to the first embodiment.
25 Both ends of the rotational shaft 220 are supported by
the slider side connection portion 212 in a state of
insertion of the rotational shaft 220 into a shaft
insertion hole 233 formed in the hanger side connection
portion 231. This structure allows rotation of the
30 hanger 230 with respect to the slider 211. A method
similar to the method described in the first embodiment
31
with reference to Figs. 4A to 4E is adopted for
determining the position and tilt of the rotational shaft
220.
[0077]
It is preferable that the rotational 5 shaft 220 is
disposed at an angle approximately in a range from 4° to
14° with respect to an X axis perpendicular to a Y axis
dividing an arc of the headband 210 into equal two parts
in the front view of the headphone 200, as illustrated in
10 Fig. 13A. It is further preferable that the rotational
shaft 220 is disposed at an angle of approximately 9°
with respect to the X axis in the front view.
[0078]
It is further preferable that the rotational shaft
15 220 is disposed at an angle approximately in a range from
9° to 19° with respect to a Z axis substantially in
parallel with the width direction of the headband 210 in
the side view of the headphone 200 as illustrated in Fig.
13B. It is further preferable that the rotational shaft
20 220 is disposed at an angle of approximately 14° with
respect to the Z axis in the side view.
[0079]
It is further preferable that the rotational shaft
220 is disposed at an angle approximately in a range from
25 27° to 37° with respect to the X axis substantially in
parallel with the longitudinal direction of the headband
210 in the top view of the headphone 200 as illustrated
in Fig. 13C. It is further preferable that the
rotational shaft 220 is disposed at an angle of
30 approximately 32° with respect to the X axis in the top
view.
32
[0080]
Fig. 14A illustrates the hanger 230 in the middle
of rotation and not yet completely folded. Fig. 14B
illustrates a completely folded state of the hanger 230.
The slider side connection portion 5 212 includes a
projection-shaped first and second clicks 213 and 214.
When the hanger 230 is rotated and brought into the
folded state, the state illustrated in Fig. 14A is
changed to the state illustrated in Fig. 14B.
10 [0081]
In this case, the hanger side connection portion
231 is caught by the first click 213 as illustrated in
Fig. 14B. In addition, the hanger side connection
portion 231 climbs over the second click 214.
15 Accordingly, the hanger 230 is supported and not opened
by gravity in the folded state.
[0082]
A transition from the folded state to the use state
is now described. Fig. 16, and Figs. 17A, 17B, and 17C
20 are partial enlarged views of a connection portion of the
slider 211 and the hanger 230 illustrated in Fig. 18 and
viewed from below. Fig. 18 illustrates a folded state of
the hanger 230.
[0083]
25 Fig. 16 illustrates a folded state of the hanger
230. A projection-shaped third click 215 is provided on
the slider side connection portion 212. On the other
hand, a recessed portion 232 having a recessed shape is
formed in the hanger side connection portion 231.
30 [0084]
Figs. 17A to 17C illustrate processes from the
33
folded state to the use state along with opening of the
housing 240. When the state illustrated in Fig. 17A
changes to the state illustrated in Fig. 17B and further
to the use state, the third click 215 of the slider side
connection portion 212 is inserted 5 into the recessed
portion 232 of the hanger side connection portion 231,
and caught by the recessed portion 232 as illustrated in
Fig. 17C. As a result, the state of the hanger 230 is
fixed, whereby unnecessary movement of the hanger 230 is
10 prevented during use of the headphone 200. In this case,
the user is capable of realizing the state that the
hanger 230 is completely opened, based on click feeling
given to the user when the third click 215 is inserted
into the recessed portion 232 of the hanger side
15 connection portion 231
[0085]
At the time of a transition from the use state to
the folded state, the recessed portion 232 of the hanger
side connection portion 231 climbs over the third click
20 215, whereby the hanger 230 is brought into the folded
state as illustrated in Fig. 17B. In this case, the user
is capable of realizing the state that the hanger 230 is
released from the completely opened state, based on click
feeling given to the user when the hanger side connection
25 portion 231 climbs over the third click 215.
[0086]
A configuration for allowing a twisting action of
the housing 240 is now described. Fig. 19A illustrates
the hanger side connection portion 231 and the rotational
30 shaft 220 inserted into the shaft insertion hole 233 of
the hanger side connection portion 231. Fig. 19B is a
34
cross-sectional view of the shaft insertion hole 233 of
the hanger side connection portion 231, and the shaft.
In this case, the rotational shaft 220 is inserted into
the shaft insertion hole 233 of the hanger side
connection portion 231, and connected 5 with the slider
side connection portion 212 in the state of connection
between the hanger 230 and the slider 211. However, the
slider 211 is not shown in Figs. 19A and 19B for
convenience of explanation.
10 [0087]
As illustrated in Fig. 19B, the shaft insertion
hole 233 of the hanger side connection portion 231 has a
larger diameter on one opening side. This structure
produces looseness 234 of the shaft insertion hole 233.
15 The looseness 234 allows the twisting action of the
hanger 230 relative to the rotational shaft 220. In this
case, the housing 240 connected with the hanger 230 also
performs the twisting action. Accordingly, the
followability of the housing 240 and the ear pad 250
20 increases, and aligns the ear pad 250 with the position
facing the ear of the user, in which condition the user
is capable of obtaining fitting comfort in accordance
with the physical features and preferences of the user.
[0088]
25 The headphone 200 according to the second
embodiment is constructed as described above. According
to the first embodiment, the rotational shaft 120
corresponding to a fulcrum of the rotation for folding is
disposed above the slider 140. According to the second
30 embodiment, however, the rotational shaft 220 is disposed
below the slider 211. In this case, the headphone 200
35
having either of these configurations is easily foldable,
and becomes compact in size in a condition after folding.
[0089]
An area (hatched area) inside the headphone 200 in
the use state is herein defined as illustrated 5 in Fig.
20A. According to the headphone 200 in this embodiment,
the housings 240 are contained in this hatched area in
the folded state as illustrated in Fig. 20B. The
headphone 200 in this embodiment is therefore foldable
10 and made compact while not used.
[0090]
According to the headphone 200 in the second
embodiment, it is preferable that the housing 240 is
tilted at an angle in a range within ±45° with respect to
15 the plane II substantially in parallel with the headband
210 in the side view of the headphone 200 in the folded
state, similarly to the first embodiment.
[0091]
According to the second embodiment, folding of the
20 headphone 200 is achievable by one rotation of the hanger
230 around the axis of the one rotational shaft 220.
Accordingly, the user is capable of rapidly and easily
completing folding of the headphone 200.
[0092]
25 Moreover, both the housings 240 are positioned
side-by-side in the folded state illustrated in Fig. 12B.
In this case, the housings 240 do not overlap with each
other, wherefore the thickness of the headphone 200 in
the folded state further decreases.
30 [0093]
In the folded state, the housings 240 do not cross
36
each other in the folded state. In other words, the L
side housing 240 is positioned on the left side of the
headphone 200. On the other hand, the R side housing 240
is positioned on the right side of the headphone 200. In
this case, such a condition that the 5 housings 240 cross
each other, i.e., that the L side housing 240 is
positioned on the right side of the headphone 200, and
that the R side housing 240 is positioned on the left
side of the headphone 200 does not occur. Accordingly,
10 entanglement of the cords 260 connected with the housings
240 is avoidable.
[0094]
Furthermore, in the folded state of the headphone
200, each of the ear pads 250 faces in the same direction
15 as illustrated in Fig. 12B. Accordingly, flaws or other
damage are not given to the housings 240 when the
headphone 200 is placed on a desk, a table or the like
with the ear pads 250 side facing downward.
[0095]
20 <3. Modified Examples>
While the specific embodiments of the present
technology have been described, the present technology is
not limited to the respective embodiments described
herein, but includes various modifications made based on
25 the technical concepts of the present technology.
[0096]
Figs. 21A and 21B illustrate an external appearance
of a headphone according to a modified example of the
first embodiment of the present technology. Fig. 21A
30 illustrates a use state, while Fig. 21B illustrates a
folded state.
37
[0097]
A headphone 300 according to this modified example
is constituted by a headband 310, rotational shafts 320,
arms 330, sliders 340, housings 350, ear pads 360, and
cords 370. The respective configurations 5 are similar to
the corresponding configurations of the first embodiment,
wherefore explanation of these configurations is not
repeated herein.
[0098]
10 According to the first embodiment described above,
the pair of rotational shafts 120 on the L side and the R
side are disposed at bilaterally symmetric positions. On
the other hand, according to the headphone 300 in the
modified example, the pair of rotational shafts 320 on
15 the L side and the R side are bilaterally asymmetric.
[0099]
When the rotational shafts 320 at the folding
positions of the arms 330 are bilaterally asymmetric, the
headphone 300 in the folded state comes to a position
20 illustrated in Fig. 21B. In the folded state illustrated
in Fig. 21B, the folding positions of the arms 330 are
not aligned in the left-right direction due to bilateral
asymmetry of the left and right rotational shafts 320.
In this case, the arms 330 do not overlap with each other
25 in the folded state, wherefore the thickness of the
headphone 300 in the folded state further decreases.
[0100]
The present technology may have the following
configurations.
30 (1)
A headphone including:
38
a headband;
a pair of housing support portions, one and the
other of which are provided at one and the other ends of
the headband, respectively;
a pair of rotational shafts, one 5 and the other of
which rotatably connects one and the other of the pair of
housing support portions to the headband, respectively;
a pair of housings, one and the other of which are
provided on one and the other of the pair of housing
10 support portions, respectively, wherein, in a folded
state of the housing support portions as a result of a
rotation, the pair of housings are disposed in positions
contained within an area inside an arc formed by the
headband and the housing support portions in an opened
15 state of the housing support portions, and are located
side by side without crossing each other; and
a pair of ear pads, one and the other of which are
provided on one and the other of the pair of housings,
respectively.
20 (2)
The headphone according to (1) noted above, wherein
the rotational shafts are tilted to allow folding of the
housing support portions and directional changes of the
ear pads after the folding by one rotation.
25 (3)
The headphone according to (1) or (2) noted above,
wherein the pair of ear pads face substantially in the
same direction in the folded state of the housing support
portions.
30 (4)
The headphone according to any one of (1) to (3)
39
noted above, wherein each of the housing support portions
includes an arm connected with the headband via the
corresponding rotational shaft, and a slider slidably
provided with respect to the arm and sliding along the
arm to adjust the position of the corresponding 5 housing.
(5)
The headphone according to (4) noted above, wherein
a slidable range of the slider is wider than a position
changeable range of the housing during use of the
10 headphone by a user.
(6)
The headphone according to (5) noted above, wherein
each of the housing support portions includes a first
position fixing mechanism for fixing the position of the
15 corresponding housing in the position changeable range of
the corresponding housing during use of the headphone.
(7)
The headphone according to (6) noted above, wherein
the first position fixing mechanism is capable of fixing
20 the corresponding housing to a plurality of positions.
(8)
The headphone according to (5) noted above, wherein
each of the housing support portions includes a second
position fixing mechanism for fixing the position of the
25 corresponding housing in an area out of the position
changeable range of the corresponding housing during use
of the headphone.
(9)
The headphone according to (4) noted above, wherein
30 each of the sliders is disposed below the corresponding
rotational shaft.
40
(10)
The headphone according to any one of (1) to (9)
noted above, wherein the pair of rotational shafts are
disposed at bilaterally symmetric positions.
5 (11)
The headphone according to any one of (1) to (10)
noted above, wherein each of the housings is movable in
accordance with a side shape of the head of the user.
(12)
10 The headphone according to any one of (1) to (11)
noted above, wherein each of the housings is movable in
accordance with a side shape of the head of the user.
(13)
The headphone according to any one of (1) to (12)
15 noted above, wherein
one and another cords are connected with one and
the other of the pair of housings, respectively, and
the cords are connected in such positions that each
connection portion for connection between the
20 corresponding housing and the corresponding cord does not
contact the other connection portion in the folded state
of the pair of housing support portions.
(14)
The headphone according to (4) noted above, wherein
25 the arms in the folded state overlap with each other at a
position where the housings are present during use of the
headphone by the user.
(15)
The headphone according to any one of (1) to (14)
30 noted above, wherein the housing support portions are
hangers that support the housings.
41
(16)
The headphone according to (15) noted above,
wherein
the headband includes sliders each of which moves
the corresponding hanger upward 5 and downward, and
each of the sliders is disposed above the
corresponding rotational shaft.
(17)
The headphone according to any one of (1) to (16)
10 noted above, wherein each of the housings is contained
within ±45° with respect to a plane substantially in
parallel with the headband in a side view in the folded
state of each of the housing support portions.
(18)
15 The headphone according to (2) noted above, wherein
the rotational shaft is disposed at an angle within
a range from 4° to 22° with respect to an X axis
direction perpendicular to a Y axis direction that
divides the arc of the headband into two equal parts in a
20 front view,
the rotational shaft is disposed at an angle within
a range from 9° to 29° with respect to a Z axis direction
substantially in parallel with a width direction of the
headband in a side view, and
25 the rotational shaft is disposed at an angle within
a range from 27° to 39° with respect to the X axis in a
top view.
(19)
The headphone according to (18) noted above,
30 wherein the rotational shaft is disposed at an angle of
17° with respect to the X axis in the front view, an
42
angle of 24° with respect to the Z axis in the side view,
and an angle of 34° with respect to the X axis in the top
view.
(20)
The headphone according to 5 (18) noted above,
wherein the rotational shaft is disposed at an angle of
9° with respect to the X axis in the front view, an angle
of 14° with respect to the Z axis in the side view, and
an angle of 32° with respect to the X axis in the top
10 view.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0101]
100, 200, 300 Headphone
15 110, 210, 310 Headband
120, 220, 320 Rotational shaft
130, 330 Arm
140, 340 Slider
150, 240, 350 Housing
20 160, 250, 360 Ear pad
170, 260, 370 Cord
230 Hanger
43
CLAIMS
1. A headphone comprising:
a headband;
a pair of housing support portions, 5 one and the
other of which are provided at one and the other ends of
the headband, respectively;
a pair of rotational shafts, one and the other of
which rotatably connects one and the other of the pair of
10 housing support portions to the headband, respectively;
a pair of housings, one and the other of which are
provided on one and the other of the pair of housing
support portions, respectively, wherein, in a folded
state of the housing support portions as a result of a
15 rotation, the pair of housings are disposed in positions
contained within an area inside an arc formed by the
headband and the housing support portions in an opened
state of the housing support portions, and are located
side by side without crossing each other; and
20 a pair of ear pads, one and the other of which are
provided on one and the other of the pair of housings,
respectively.
2. The headphone according to claim 1, wherein the
25 rotational shafts are tilted to allow folding of the
housing support portions and directional changes of the
ear pads after the folding by one rotation.
3. The headphone according to claim 1, wherein the
30 pair of ear pads face substantially in the same direction
in the folded state of the housing support portions.
44
4. The headphone according to claim 1, wherein each of
the housing support portions includes an arm connected
with the headband via the corresponding rotational shaft,
and a slider slidably provided with 5 respect to the arm
and sliding along the arm to adjust the position of the
corresponding housing.
5. The headphone according to claim 4, wherein a
10 slidable range of the slider is wider than a position
changeable range of the housing during use of the
headphone by a user.
6. The headphone according to claim 5, wherein each of
15 the housing support portions includes a first position
fixing mechanism for fixing the position of the
corresponding housing in the position changeable range of
the corresponding housing during use of the headphone.
20 7. The headphone according to claim 6, wherein the
first position fixing mechanism is capable of fixing the
corresponding housing to a plurality of positions.
8. The headphone according to claim 5, wherein each of
25 the housing support portions includes a second position
fixing mechanism for fixing the position of the
corresponding housing in an area out of the position
changeable range of the corresponding housing during use
of the headphone.
30
9. The headphone according to claim 4, wherein each of
45
the sliders is disposed below the corresponding
rotational shaft.
10. The headphone according to claim 1, wherein the
pair of rotational shafts are disposed 5 at bilaterally
symmetric positions.
11. The headphone according to claim 1, wherein the
pair of rotational shafts are disposed at bilaterally
10 asymmetric positions.
12. The headphone according to claim 1, wherein each of
the housings is movable in accordance with a side shape
of the head of the user.
15
13. The headphone according to claim 1, wherein
one and another cords are connected with one and
the other of the pair of housings, respectively, and
the cords are connected in such positions that each
20 connection portion for connection between the
corresponding housing and the corresponding cord does not
contact the other connection portion in the folded state
of the pair of housing support portions.
25 14. The headphone according to claim 4, wherein the
arms in the folded state overlap with each other at a
position where the housings are present during use of the
headphone by the user.
30 15. The headphone according to claim 1, wherein the
housing support portions are hangers that support the
46
housings.
16. The headphone according to claim 15, wherein
the headband includes sliders each of which moves
the corresponding hanger upward 5 and downward, and
each of the sliders is disposed above the
corresponding rotational shaft.
17. The headphone according to claim 1, wherein each of
10 the housings is contained within ±45° with respect to a
plane substantially in parallel with the headband in a
side view in the folded state of each of the housing
support portions.
15 18. The headphone according to claim 2, wherein
the rotational shaft is disposed at an angle within
a range from 4° to 22° with respect to an X axis
direction perpendicular to a Y axis direction that
divides the arc of the headband into two equal parts in a
20 front view,
the rotational shaft is disposed at an angle within
a range from 9° to 29° with respect to a Z axis direction
substantially in parallel with a width direction of the
headband in a side view, and
25 the rotational shaft is disposed at an angle within
a range from 27° to 39° with respect to the X axis in a
top view.
19. The headphone according to claim 18, wherein the
30 rotational shaft is disposed at an angle of 17° with
respect to the X axis in the front view, an angle of 24°
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with respect to the Z axis in the side view, and an angle
of 34° with respect to the X axis in the top view.
20. The headphone according to claim 18, wherein the
rotational shaft is disposed at an 5 angle of 9° with
respect to the X axis in the front view, an angle of 14°
with respect to the Z axis in the side view, and an angle
of 32° with respect to the X axis in the top view.