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EP2219392A2 - Microphone module for a hearing device - Google Patents

Microphone module for a hearing device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2219392A2
EP2219392A2 EP10153249A EP10153249A EP2219392A2 EP 2219392 A2 EP2219392 A2 EP 2219392A2 EP 10153249 A EP10153249 A EP 10153249A EP 10153249 A EP10153249 A EP 10153249A EP 2219392 A2 EP2219392 A2 EP 2219392A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
microphone
housing
module
hearing device
hearing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP10153249A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2219392A3 (en
EP2219392B1 (en
Inventor
Hartmut Ritter
Michael Sattler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sivantos Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd filed Critical Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Publication of EP2219392A2 publication Critical patent/EP2219392A2/en
Publication of EP2219392A3 publication Critical patent/EP2219392A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2219392B1 publication Critical patent/EP2219392B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/604—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/45—Prevention of acoustic reaction, i.e. acoustic oscillatory feedback
    • H04R25/456—Prevention of acoustic reaction, i.e. acoustic oscillatory feedback mechanically
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/40—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic
    • H04R25/405—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic by combining a plurality of transducers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a microphone module for a hearing device.
  • a hearing device is understood to mean any sound-emitting device that can be worn in or on the ear or on the head, in particular a hearing aid, a headset, headphones and the like.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired.
  • different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aid with external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), e.g. Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC).
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • RIC hearing aid with external receiver
  • IDO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • ITE canal hearing aids
  • the hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal.
  • bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.
  • Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed.
  • a signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated into the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them she.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal.
  • the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier.
  • the power supply of the hearing device and in particular the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • one of the main problems in achieving these high demands is the structure-borne noise and feedback suppression on the microphones. It is in principle to be avoided that structure-borne noise is transmitted from a built-in hearing aid housing handset directly to the or also in the hearing aid housing built-in microphones. If the feedbacks are too high, then either the amplification is to be reduced or appropriate damping measures are to be provided.
  • Attenuation measures are usually only that the microphones are stored in an elastic shell.
  • An interference fit clamps the microphones so mounted against the housing and / or its internal rack (frame).
  • the object of the present invention is thus to be able to better dampen the structure-borne noise in hearing aids with high amplification.
  • a microphone module for a hearing device is provided with a module housing which is not part of the housing of the hearing device, a microphone including a microphone housing which is arranged in the module housing, an inductive receiver arranged in the module housing, and a bearing device for elastic bearings the module housing in the housing of the hearing device.
  • a microphone including a microphone housing which is arranged in the module housing, an inductive receiver arranged in the module housing, and a bearing device for elastic bearings the module housing in the housing of the hearing device.
  • the additional receiver can also be used to change the mass of the module so that the coupling between the module and the hearing device housing can be varied as a result.
  • the microphone is additionally decoupled from the housing of the hearing device by the module housing.
  • high gains can be realized with less risk of feedback.
  • a further microphone with its own microphone housing is housed in the module housing. This results in the same high quality decoupling for both microphones.
  • the microphone can be contacted with a flexible printed circuit board, which is led out of the module housing. This would be an alternative to individually led stranded and brings advantages in the assembly.
  • the module housing is hermetically sealed except for one sound inlet opening for each microphone. This is particularly advantageous when the microphone module is installed in a hearing aid or another hearing device and due to the tightness no sound penetrates undesirably into the interior of the module housing and to the microphones.
  • the microphone housing may be mounted in the module housing with a body sound-damping microphone pocket.
  • a microphone pocket decouples the microphone housing or the microphone from the module housing with regard to the transmission of structure-borne noise.
  • the microphone pocket may have a sound conduit for guiding sound from a sound inlet opening of the module housing to an opening in the microphone housing.
  • a sound pipe connection can bring benefits when it comes to transmitting the sound as undisturbed as possible to each microphone.
  • the bearing device can have a plurality of rubber studs which can be plugged into or onto the housing of the hearing device. In this way, a robust and easy to install storage of the microphone module can be realized.
  • the described microphone module can be used in a hearing device that is designed as a hearing aid.
  • the risk of feedback is significantly reduced by a microphone module of this type in a hearing aid.
  • This in FIG. 2 reproduced microphone module is a separate easily installed in a hearing aid housing or from him easily removable unit. It has a module housing 10, in which two microphones 11, 12 are housed here. The microphones 11, 12 are supported by microphone pockets 13, 14 in the module housing 10. The module pockets 13, 14 each have a sound conductor stub 15, 16. About this sound pipe stub 15, 16 penetrates the male sound from the outside to the microphones 11, 12. To dampen structure-borne noise, the micro pockets 13, 14 made of a soft material such as rubber or Foam made. The housings of the microphones 11, 12 do not directly contact the module housing 10. As a result, structure-borne noise can only reach the microphone housings or the microphones 11, 12 via the microphone pockets 13, 14 from the module housing 10.
  • an inductive receiver 17 is arranged here between the microphones 11 and 12. It is only optional included in the microphone module. This can bring advantages in terms of wiring, because the inductive receiver 17 as the microphones 11, 12 is an input converter whose signals are to be transmitted to an amplifier.
  • the module housing 10 has a foot 18, on the outside of a rubber bearing element 19 is inserted.
  • This rubber bearing element 19 is in the 3 and 4 better to recognize. It has four nubs 20 here, which protrude in pairs to the side. They can be plugged into corresponding holders of a hearing aid housing (not shown).
  • a lid 21 is provided, which closes the module housing 10 upwards or outwards. He serves here at the same time for fixing the inductive receiver 17th
  • the microphone module is shown from its top, ie the outward-facing side.
  • the elongated shape of the microphone module can be seen, at the ends of each of the microphone inlets with the sound conduit 15, 16 are arranged.
  • the lid 21 extends in the central region of the module housing 10, the lid 21 extends.
  • FIG. 4 shows an oblique view of the microphone module, wherein the lid 21 is removed.
  • a flexible circuit board 22 which extends in the interior of the microphone module to the microphones 11, 12 and contacts them.
  • FIG. 5 the microphone module is shown installed in a hearing aid.
  • the figure shows a section through both the microphone module and the corresponding part of the hearing aid.
  • FIG. 5 shows a cladding 23 at the top.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 22 which is guided through a gap 24 in the module housing 10. A part of the circuit board 22 contacts the left microphone 11 and another part of the flexible circuit board 22 contacts the right microphone 12. Because the circuit board 22 is flexible, virtually no structure-borne noise from the hearing aid housing or a component located therein to the microphone module or to the microphones 11, 12 are transmitted.
  • the microphone module according to the invention integrates in this example the two microphones 11, 12 necessary for a directivity, as well as a hearing coil in an independent unit which is completely separated from the hearing aid housing 25 and is decoupled by an elastic bearing.
  • the sealing of the microphones 11, 12 within this module is - as was explained above - conventionally achieved by micro pockets 13, 14 with or without corresponding sound conduit 15, 16.
  • a particular advantage of the microphone module according to the invention is again the better decoupling of the microphones from the hearing aid housing or its internal rack (frame) to mention.
  • a hermetic seal against the hearing aid interior can be achieved. This has the consequence that the background noise can be better suppressed by the listener.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Electrostatic, Electromagnetic, Magneto- Strictive, And Variable-Resistance Transducers (AREA)

Abstract

The module has microphones (11, 12) including a microphone housing arranged in a stand-alone module housing (10). An inductive receiver (17) is arranged in the module housing. A mounting device (19) elastically mounts the module housing in a housing of a hearing device. The microphone with the microphone housing is accommodated in the module housing, where the microphone is in contact with a flexible printed circuit board that is led out of the module housing. The microphone housing with body-sound damping microphone pouches (13, 14) is mounted in the module housing.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Mikrofonmodul für eine Hörvorrichtung. Unter einer Hörvorrichtung wird hier jedes im oder am Ohr bzw. am Kopf tragbare, schallausgebende Gerät verstanden, insbesondere ein Hörgerät, ein Headset, Kopfhörer und dergleichen.The present invention relates to a microphone module for a hearing device. A hearing device is understood to mean any sound-emitting device that can be worn in or on the ear or on the head, in particular a hearing aid, a headset, headphones and the like.

Hörgeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, die zur Versorgung von Schwerhörenden dienen. Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörgeräten wie Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO), Hörgerät mit externem Hörer (RIC: receiver in the canal) und In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO), z.B. auch Concha-Hörgeräte oder Kanal-Hörgeräte (ITE, CIC), bereitgestellt. Die beispielhaft aufgeführten Hörgeräte werden am Außenohr oder im Gehörgang getragen. Darüber hinaus stehen auf dem Markt aber auch Knochenleitungshörhilfen, implantierbare oder vibrotaktile Hörhilfen zur Verfügung. Dabei erfolgt die Stimulation des geschädigten Gehörs entweder mechanisch oder elektrisch.Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aid with external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), e.g. Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC). The hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.

Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Dieser prinzipielle Aufbau ist in FIG 1 am Beispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts dargestellt. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 1 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die Mikrofonsignale und verstärkt sie. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen. Die Energieversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5.Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed. A signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated into the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them she. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. The sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. The power supply of the hearing device and in particular the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Da bei gewissen Hörgeräten Verstärkungen von 80dB und mehr gefordert werden, ist die Körperschall- und Rückkopplungsunterdrückung an den Mikrofonen eines der Hauptprobleme bei der Erreichung dieser hohen Anforderungen. Es ist nämlich grundsätzlich zu vermeiden, dass Körperschall von einem in das Hörgerätegehäuse eingebauten Hörer direkt zu dem bzw. den ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse eingebauten Mikrofonen übertragen wird. Sind die Rückkopplungen zu hoch, so ist entweder die Verstärkung zu reduzieren oder es sind entsprechende Dämpfungsmaßnahmen vorzusehen.Since some 80 dB and higher amplifications are required for some hearing aids, one of the main problems in achieving these high demands is the structure-borne noise and feedback suppression on the microphones. It is in principle to be avoided that structure-borne noise is transmitted from a built-in hearing aid housing handset directly to the or also in the hearing aid housing built-in microphones. If the feedbacks are too high, then either the amplification is to be reduced or appropriate damping measures are to be provided.

Bislang bestehen Dämpfungsmaßnahmen meist nur darin, dass die Mikrofone in einer elastischen Hülle gelagert werden. Durch einen Presssitz werden die so gelagerten Mikrofone gegen das Gehäuse und/oder dessen interne Baugruppenträger (Rahmen) geklemmt. Durch eine derartige Lagerung der Mikrofone wird jedoch lediglich eine geringe Dämpfung des Körperschalls erreicht.So far, attenuation measures are usually only that the microphones are stored in an elastic shell. An interference fit clamps the microphones so mounted against the housing and / or its internal rack (frame). By such storage of the microphones, however, only a small attenuation of structure-borne noise is achieved.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, den Körperschall in Hörvorrichtungen mit hoher Verstärkung besser dämpfen zu können.The object of the present invention is thus to be able to better dampen the structure-borne noise in hearing aids with high amplification.

Erfindungsgemäß wird hierzu bereitgestellt ein Mikrofonmodul für eine Hörvorrichtung mit einem Modulgehäuse, das nicht Teil des Gehäuses der Hörvorrichtung ist, einem Mikrofon einschließlich Mikrofongehäuse, das in dem Modulgehäuse angeordnet ist, einem in dem Modulgehäuse angeordneten induktiven Empfänger, und einer Lagereinrichtung zum elastischen Lagern des Modulgehäuses in dem Gehäuse der Hörvorrichtung. Dadurch ergibt sich ein von dem Gehäuse der Hörvorrichtung entkoppeltes Empfangsmodul. Durch den zusätzlichen Empfänger kann beispielsweise auch die Masse des Moduls verändert werden, so dass sich die Kopplung zwischen Modul und Hörgerätegehäuse hierdurch variieren lässt.According to the invention, a microphone module for a hearing device is provided with a module housing which is not part of the housing of the hearing device, a microphone including a microphone housing which is arranged in the module housing, an inductive receiver arranged in the module housing, and a bearing device for elastic bearings the module housing in the housing of the hearing device. This results in a decoupled from the housing of the hearing device receiving module. By way of example, the additional receiver can also be used to change the mass of the module so that the coupling between the module and the hearing device housing can be varied as a result.

In vorteilhafter Weise wird durch das Modulgehäuse das Mikrofon zusätzlich von dem Gehäuse der Hörvorrichtung entkoppelt. Somit lassen sich hohe Verstärkungen mit geringerer Gefahr der Rückkopplung realisieren.Advantageously, the microphone is additionally decoupled from the housing of the hearing device by the module housing. Thus, high gains can be realized with less risk of feedback.

Vorzugsweise ist in dem Modulgehäuse ein weiteres Mikrofon mit eigenem Mikrofongehäuse untergebracht. Dadurch erfolgt für beide Mikrofone die gleiche hochqualitative Entkopplung.Preferably, a further microphone with its own microphone housing is housed in the module housing. This results in the same high quality decoupling for both microphones.

Weiterhin kann das Mikrofon mit einer flexiblen Leiterplatte kontaktiert sein, die aus dem Modulgehäuse herausgeführt ist. Dies entspräche einer Alternative zu einzeln herausgeführten Litzen und bringt Vorteile bei der Montage.Furthermore, the microphone can be contacted with a flexible printed circuit board, which is led out of the module housing. This would be an alternative to individually led stranded and brings advantages in the assembly.

Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform ist das Modulgehäuse abgesehen von je einer Schalleinlassöffnung für jedes Mikrofon hermetisch dicht. Dies ist insbesondere von Vorteil, wenn das Mikrofonmodul in ein Hörgerät bzw. eine andere Hörvorrichtung eingebaut ist und aufgrund der Dichtigkeit kein Schall auf ungewolltem Wege ins Innere des Modulgehäuses und zu den Mikrofonen dringt.According to a further embodiment, the module housing is hermetically sealed except for one sound inlet opening for each microphone. This is particularly advantageous when the microphone module is installed in a hearing aid or another hearing device and due to the tightness no sound penetrates undesirably into the interior of the module housing and to the microphones.

Entsprechend einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann das Mikrofongehäuse mit einer körperschalldämpfenden Mikrofontasche in dem Modulgehäuse gelagert sein. Eine derartige Mikrofontasche entkoppelt das Mikrofongehäuse bzw. das Mikrofon von dem Modulgehäuse im Hinblick auf die Übertragung von Körperschall.According to a further embodiment, the microphone housing may be mounted in the module housing with a body sound-damping microphone pocket. Such a microphone pocket decouples the microphone housing or the microphone from the module housing with regard to the transmission of structure-borne noise.

Insbesondere kann die Mikrofontasche einen Schallleitungsstutzen aufweisen, um Schall von einer Schalleinlassöffnung des Modulgehäuses zu einer Öffnung im Mikrofongehäuse zu leiten. Ein solcher Schallleitungsstutzen kann Vorteile bringen, wenn es darum geht, den Schall möglichst ungestört zum jeweiligen Mikrofon zu übertragen.In particular, the microphone pocket may have a sound conduit for guiding sound from a sound inlet opening of the module housing to an opening in the microphone housing. Such a sound pipe connection can bring benefits when it comes to transmitting the sound as undisturbed as possible to each microphone.

Des Weiteren kann die Lagereinrichtung mehrere Gumminoppen aufweisen, die in oder an das Gehäuse der Hörvorrichtung steckbar sind. Auf diese Weise lässt sich eine robuste und montagefreundliche Lagerung des Mikrofonmoduls realisieren.Furthermore, the bearing device can have a plurality of rubber studs which can be plugged into or onto the housing of the hearing device. In this way, a robust and easy to install storage of the microphone module can be realized.

In besonders vorteilhafter Weise lässt sich das geschilderte Mikrofonmodul in einer Hörvorrichtung einsetzen, die als Hörgerät ausgebildet ist. Die Rückkopplungsgefahr wird durch ein Mikrofonmodul dieser Bauart bei einem Hörgerät deutlich reduziert.In a particularly advantageous manner, the described microphone module can be used in a hearing device that is designed as a hearing aid. The risk of feedback is significantly reduced by a microphone module of this type in a hearing aid.

Die vorliegende Erfindung ist anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
den prinzipiellen Aufbau eines Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
FIG 2
einen Querschnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Mikrofonmodul;
FIG 3
eine Draufsicht auf das Mikrofonmodul von FIG 2;
FIG 4
eine Ansicht des Mikronfonmoduls von FIG 2 mit abgenommenen Deckel und angeschlossener Leiterplatte und
FIG 5
das Mikrofonmodul von FIG 2 im in ein Hörgerät eingebauten Zustand.
The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
the basic structure of a hearing aid according to the prior art;
FIG. 2
a cross section through a microphone module according to the invention;
FIG. 3
a plan view of the microphone module of FIG. 2 ;
FIG. 4
a view of the micronphone module of FIG. 2 with removed cover and connected circuit board and
FIG. 5
the microphone module of FIG. 2 in installed in a hearing aid state.

Die nachfolgend näher geschilderten Ausführungsbeispiele stellen bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiments described in more detail below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Das in FIG 2 wiedergegebene Mikrofonmodul stellt eine separate leicht in ein Hörgerätegehäuse einzubauende bzw. aus ihm leicht ausbaubare Einheit dar. Es besitzt ein Modulgehäuse 10, in dem hier zwei Mikrofone 11, 12 untergebracht sind. Die Mikrofone 11, 12 sind durch Mikrofontaschen 13, 14 in dem Modulgehäuse 10 gelagert. Die Modultaschen 13, 14 besitzen jeweils einen Schallleitungsstutzen 15, 16. Über diese Schallleitungsstutzen 15, 16 dringt der aufzunehmende Schall von außen zu den Mikrofonen 11, 12. Zur Dämpfung von Körperschall sind die Mikrofontaschen 13, 14 aus einem weichen Material wie beispielsweise Gummi oder Schaumgummi hergestellt. Die Gehäuse der Mikrofone 11, 12 berühren das Modulgehäuse 10 nicht direkt. Dadurch kann Körperschall nur über die Mikrofontaschen 13, 14 vom Modulgehäuse 10 zu den Mikrofongehäusen bzw. den Mikrofonen 11, 12 gelangen.This in FIG. 2 reproduced microphone module is a separate easily installed in a hearing aid housing or from him easily removable unit. It has a module housing 10, in which two microphones 11, 12 are housed here. The microphones 11, 12 are supported by microphone pockets 13, 14 in the module housing 10. The module pockets 13, 14 each have a sound conductor stub 15, 16. About this sound pipe stub 15, 16 penetrates the male sound from the outside to the microphones 11, 12. To dampen structure-borne noise, the micro pockets 13, 14 made of a soft material such as rubber or Foam made. The housings of the microphones 11, 12 do not directly contact the module housing 10. As a result, structure-borne noise can only reach the microphone housings or the microphones 11, 12 via the microphone pockets 13, 14 from the module housing 10.

Weiterhin ist in dem Modulgehäuse 10 ein induktiver Empfänger 17 hier zwischen den Mikrofonen 11 und 12 angeordnet. Er ist lediglich optional in dem Mikrofonmodul enthalten. Dies kann Vorteile hinsichtlich der Verkabelung bringen, denn der induktive Empfänger 17 stellt wie die Mikrofone 11, 12 einen Eingangswandler dar, deren Signale zu einem Verstärker zu übertragen sind.Furthermore, in the module housing 10, an inductive receiver 17 is arranged here between the microphones 11 and 12. It is only optional included in the microphone module. This can bring advantages in terms of wiring, because the inductive receiver 17 as the microphones 11, 12 is an input converter whose signals are to be transmitted to an amplifier.

Des Weiteren besitzt das Modulgehäuse 10 einen Fuß 18, auf den von außen ein Gummilagerelement 19 gesteckt ist. Dieses Gummilagerelement 19 ist in den FIG 3 und 4 besser zu erkennen. Es weist hier vier Noppen 20 auf, die paarweise zur Seite abstehen. Sie lassen sich in entsprechende Halterungen eines Hörgerätegehäuses (nicht dargestellt) einstecken.Furthermore, the module housing 10 has a foot 18, on the outside of a rubber bearing element 19 is inserted. This rubber bearing element 19 is in the 3 and 4 better to recognize. It has four nubs 20 here, which protrude in pairs to the side. They can be plugged into corresponding holders of a hearing aid housing (not shown).

An der Oberseite, d. h. derjenigen Seite, die im in das Hörgerät eingesetzten Zustand nach außen weist, ist gemäß FIG 2 ein Deckel 21 vorgesehen, welcher der Modulgehäuse 10 nach oben bzw. außen abschließt. Er dient hier gleichzeitig zur Fixierung des induktiven Empfängers 17.At the top, ie, the side facing outward in the state inserted in the hearing aid, is as shown in FIG FIG. 2 a lid 21 is provided, which closes the module housing 10 upwards or outwards. He serves here at the same time for fixing the inductive receiver 17th

In FIG 3 ist das Mikrofonmodul von seiner Oberseite, d. h. der nach außen weisenden Seite dargestellt. Neben dem bereits erwähnten Gummilagerelement 19 mit seinen seitlich abstehenden Noppen 20 ist die längliche Gestalt des Mikrofonmoduls zu erkennen, an dessen Enden jeweils die Mikrofoneinlässe mit den Schallleitungsstutzen 15, 16 angeordnet sind. Im Mittelbereich des Modulgehäuses 10 erstreckt sich der Deckel 21.In FIG. 3 the microphone module is shown from its top, ie the outward-facing side. In addition to the already mentioned rubber bearing element 19 with its laterally projecting nubs 20, the elongated shape of the microphone module can be seen, at the ends of each of the microphone inlets with the sound conduit 15, 16 are arranged. In the central region of the module housing 10, the lid 21 extends.

FIG 4 zeigt eine Schrägansicht des Mikrofonmoduls, wobei der Deckel 21 abgenommen ist. Neben den bereits im Zusammenhang mit den FIG 2 und 3 erläuterten Elementen ist in FIG 4 eine flexible Leiterplatte 22 zu erkennen, welche im Inneren des Mikrofonmoduls bis zu den Mikrofonen 11, 12 reicht und diese kontaktiert. FIG. 4 shows an oblique view of the microphone module, wherein the lid 21 is removed. In addition to those already associated with the FIG. 2 and 3 explained elements is in FIG. 4 to recognize a flexible circuit board 22, which extends in the interior of the microphone module to the microphones 11, 12 and contacts them.

In FIG 5 ist das Mikrofonmodul eingebaut in ein Hörgerät dargestellt. Die Figur zeigt einen Schnitt sowohl durch das Mikrofonmodul als auch durch den entsprechenden Teil des Hörgeräts. In dieser Darstellung sind nicht nur die bereits im Zusammenhang mit FIG 2 erwähnten Komponenten zu erkennen, sondern an der Oberseite auch eine Verkleidung 23. Außerdem zeigt FIG 5 die flexible Leiterplatte 22, die durch einen Spalt 24 in dem Modulgehäuse 10 geführt ist. Ein Teil der Leiterplatte 22 kontaktiert das linke Mikrofon 11 und ein weiterer Teil der flexiblen Leiterplatte 22 kontaktiert das rechte Mikrofon 12. Dadurch, dass die Leiterplatte 22 flexibel ist, kann praktisch kaum Körperschall von dem Hörgerätegehäuse oder einer darin befindlichen Komponente zu dem Mikrofonmodul bzw. zu den Mikrofonen 11, 12 übertragen werden.In FIG. 5 the microphone module is shown installed in a hearing aid. The figure shows a section through both the microphone module and the corresponding part of the hearing aid. In this illustration, not only are already related to FIG. 2 to recognize mentioned components, but also a cladding 23 at the top. Also shows FIG. 5 the flexible printed circuit board 22, which is guided through a gap 24 in the module housing 10. A part of the circuit board 22 contacts the left microphone 11 and another part of the flexible circuit board 22 contacts the right microphone 12. Because the circuit board 22 is flexible, virtually no structure-borne noise from the hearing aid housing or a component located therein to the microphone module or to the microphones 11, 12 are transmitted.

Das erfindungsgemäße Mikrofonmodul integriert in diesem Beispiel die beiden für eine Richtwirkung notwendigen Mikrofone 11, 12, sowie eine Hörspule in einer eigenständigen Einheit, die komplett vom Hörgerätegehäuse 25 getrennt ist und durch eine elastische Lagerung entkoppelt wird. Die Abdichtung der Mikrofone 11, 12 innerhalb dieses Moduls wird - wie oben erläutert wurde - konventionell durch Mikrofontaschen 13, 14 mit oder ohne entsprechenden Schallleitungsstutzen 15, 16 erreicht. Als besonderer Vorteil des erfindungsgemäßen Mikrofonmoduls ist nochmals die bessere Entkopplung der Mikrofone vom Hörgerätegehäuse oder dessen internen Baugruppenträger (Rahmen) zu erwähnen. Weiterhin kann eine hermetische Abdichtung gegenüber dem Hörgeräteinnenraum erreicht werden. Dies hat zur Folge, dass der Störschall vom Hörer besser unterdrückt werden kann.The microphone module according to the invention integrates in this example the two microphones 11, 12 necessary for a directivity, as well as a hearing coil in an independent unit which is completely separated from the hearing aid housing 25 and is decoupled by an elastic bearing. The sealing of the microphones 11, 12 within this module is - as was explained above - conventionally achieved by micro pockets 13, 14 with or without corresponding sound conduit 15, 16. A particular advantage of the microphone module according to the invention is again the better decoupling of the microphones from the hearing aid housing or its internal rack (frame) to mention. Furthermore, a hermetic seal against the hearing aid interior can be achieved. This has the consequence that the background noise can be better suppressed by the listener.

Claims (8)

Mikrofonmodul für eine Hörvorrichtung mit - einem Modulgehäuse (10), das nicht Teil des Gehäuses (25) der Hörvorrichtung ist, - einem Mikrofon (11, 12) einschließlich Mikrofongehäuse, das in dem Modulgehäuse (10) angeordnet ist, - einem in dem Modulgehäuse (10) angeordneten induktiven Empfänger (17), und - einer Lagereinrichtung (19) zum elastischen Lagern des Modulgehäuses (10) in dem Gehäuse (25) der Hörvorrichtung. Microphone module for a hearing device with a module housing (10) which is not part of the housing (25) of the hearing device, a microphone (11, 12) including microphone housing, which is arranged in the module housing (10), - One in the module housing (10) arranged inductive receiver (17), and - A bearing device (19) for elastically supporting the module housing (10) in the housing (25) of the hearing device. Mikrofonmodul nach Anspruch 1, wobei in dem Modulgehäuse (10) ein weiteres Mikrofon mit eigenem Mikrofongehäuse untergebracht ist.Microphone module according to claim 1, wherein in the module housing (10) a further microphone with its own microphone housing is housed. Mikrofonmodul nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Mikrofon (11, 12) mit einer flexiblen Leiterplatte (22) kontaktiert ist, die aus dem Modulgehäuse (10) herausgeführt ist.Microphone module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the microphone (11, 12) with a flexible printed circuit board (22) is contacted, which is led out of the module housing (10). Mikrofonmodul nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Modulgehäuse (10) abgesehen von je einer Schalleinlassöffnung für jedes Mikrofon hermetisch dicht ist.Microphone module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module housing (10) is hermetically sealed except for one sound inlet opening for each microphone. Mikrofonmodul nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Mikrongehäuse mit einer körperschalldämpfenden Mikrofontasche (13, 14) in dem Modulgehäuse (10) gelagert ist.Microphone module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the micron housing is mounted in the module housing (10) with a body sound-damping microphone pocket (13, 14). Mikrofonmodul nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Mikrofontasche (13, 14) einen Schallleitungsstutzen (15, 16) aufweist, um Schall von einer Schalleinlassöffnung des Modulgehäuses zu einer Öffnung im Mikrofongehäuse zu leiten.Microphone module according to claim 5, wherein the microphone pocket (13, 14) has a sound conduit connector (15, 16) to direct sound from a sound inlet opening of the module housing to an opening in the microphone housing. Mikrofonmodul nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Lagereinrichtung (19) mehrere Gumminoppen (20) aufweist, die in oder an das Gehäuse (25) der Hörvorrichtung steckbar sind.Microphone module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing device (19) has a plurality of rubber studs (20) which can be plugged into or onto the housing (25) of the hearing device. Hörvorrichtung mit einem Mikrofonmodul nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Hörvorrichtung als Hörgerät ausgebildet ist.Hearing device with a microphone module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing device is designed as a hearing aid.
EP10153249.7A 2009-02-17 2010-02-11 Microphone module for a hearing device Active EP2219392B1 (en)

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DK2219392T3 (en) 2018-08-27
EP2219392B1 (en) 2018-05-16
US20100208927A1 (en) 2010-08-19

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