EP3399775A1 - Module for installing in a hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a module (10) for installation in a housing (12) of a hearing aid (14), comprising a receiver (18) having a first sound opening (16) for emitting acoustic signals, and one aligned with the first sound opening (16) and in a longitudinal direction extending sound channel (20) for carrying sound. The sound channel (20) is enclosed by a cup-shaped holder (22), and the holder (22) has a second sound opening (24) aligned with the sound channel (20). The holder (22) carries a spout (26) with a mounting end (28) and with a connector (30) for connecting an ear tip (32). The spout (26) has in the longitudinal direction a channel (34) to the sound conductor, which is arranged in alignment with the second sound opening (24) of the holder (22).

Description

The invention relates to a module for installation in a housing of a hearing aid and a hearing aid with such a module.

Persons suffering from a reduction in hearing usually use a hearing aid. In this case, an ambient sound is usually detected by means of an electromechanical sound transducer. The detected electrical signals are processed by means of an amplifier circuit and introduced by means of another electromechanical transducer in the ear canal of the person. Different types of hearing aids are known. The so-called "behind-the-ear devices" are worn between the skull and the auricle. The introduction of the amplified sound signal into the ear canal takes place here by means of a sound tube. Another common embodiment of a hearing aid is an "in-ear device" in which the hearing aid itself is inserted into the ear canal. Consequently, the auditory canal is at least partially closed by means of this hearing aid, so that no sound - or only to a greatly reduced extent - sound can penetrate into the auditory canal, apart from the sound signals generated by the hearing aid.

From the DE 10 2014 200 524 A1 is an IDO hearing aid device with a receiver, a sound channel forming a coil core and arranged on the coil core antenna for installation in a housing of the hearing aid known. In this embodiment, it is necessary that during assembly of the other components of the hearing aid these are glued together with high assembly costs individually. This can easily lead to contamination by adhesive on the components. Due to the bonding of the components a service or repair to the hearing aid is impossible. It has also been shown that the antenna can be easily damaged.

In recognition of these circumstances, the present invention therefore has for its object to provide a particularly suitable module for a hearing aid and a particularly suitable hearing aid that overcomes in particular the disadvantages of the prior art, and is preferably used universally for different types of hearing aids.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with respect to the module by the features of claim 1 and with respect to the hearing aid by the features of claim 11. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the respective subclaims.

The first object is achieved by a module for installation in a housing of a hearing aid, comprising a receiver having a first sound opening for emitting acoustic signals, and a sound channel aligned with the first sound opening and extending in a longitudinal direction for sound conduction, wherein the sound channel of a cup-shaped The holder is enclosed, and wherein the holder has a second sound opening aligned with the sound channel, wherein the holder carries a spout with a mounting end and with a connector for connecting an earmold, wherein the spout has a longitudinal channel extending to the sound conductor, with the second sound opening of the holder is arranged in alignment.

In other words, the module for installation in the housing of the hearing aid on the receiver, the enclosed by the holder sound channel and the spout. Through a first sound opening in the receiver, acoustic signals can be emitted in the longitudinally extending sound channel. Preferably, the sound channel is rectilinear. On the side facing away from the receiver of the sound channel defines a bottom of the cup-shaped holder the sound channel in the longitudinal direction. The bottom of the cup-shaped holder is spaced from the receiver. In the bottom of the holder is the second sound opening. The holder carries the the second sound opening covering spout with the longitudinally oriented channel to the sound conduction. The first sound opening, the sound channel, the second sound opening and the channel to the sound conductor are arranged in alignment with each other.

For example, the spout is made of a metal, especially a steel such as stainless steel. The spout is preferably rotationally symmetrical, in particular to the course of the sound channel. At a mounting end of the spout this is conveniently attached to the holder. At a connector of the spout an earmold is suitably fastened. Preferably, a tubular part of the earmold is slidable over the connector. For example, the earmold is attached to the connector in the assembled state, in particular solvable.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting piece of the spout on a spherical thickening or is formed by means of this. The spout or fitting is in particular a so-called ball spout.

In a particularly expedient, the assembly cost reducing variant of the sound channel is formed by means of the holder.

Advantageously, the holder is made of a plastic. As a result, inexpensive production methods can be used, in particular production by injection molding. For example, when mounting the grommet is at least partially encapsulated by means of the plastic forming the holder. In other words, the holder is molded onto the nozzle.

For example, the hearing aid is a headphone or includes a headphone. However, the hearing aid is particularly preferably a hearing aid. The hearing aid is used to support a person suffering from a reduction in hearing. In other words, the hearing aid is a medical device by means of which, for example, a partial hearing loss is compensated. The hearing aid device is, for example, a "receiver-in-the-canal" hearing aid (RIC) device. an in-the-ear hearing aid such as an in-the-ear hearing aid, an in-the-canal hearing aid (ITC) or a complete-in-canal hearing aid (CIC), a pair of hearing glasses; a pocket hearing aid, a bone conduction hearing aid or an implant. Particularly preferably, the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear hearing aid ("behind the ear" hearing aid), which is worn behind an auricle. During operation, acoustically sensed signals are output by means of the receiver and directed by means of the sound channel into the ear of the person suffering from a reduction of the hearing. For example, in this case, the part of the housing receiving the receiver is at least partially arranged in a listening passage of the person. In this case, for example, in the intended condition, the spout is located deeper in the auditory canal than the receiver.

In an advantageous development of the sound channel is formed by means of a hollow cylindrical carrier. The hollow cylindrical carrier allows an effective conduction of the sound from the receiver to the nozzle. The carrier is suitably at least partially, in particular completely, arranged inside the cup-shaped holder. For example, the bottom of the cup-shaped holder has an annular projection which points in the direction of the receiver. Suitably, the carrier is placed on the projection, for example, form-fitting and / or non-positive. The projection is designed in particular bead-shaped

In a preferred embodiment, an acoustic seal is arranged between the holder and the carrier. The acoustic seal prevents coupling of disturbing ambient noise into the sound channel. The seal may be formed integrally with the holder. Alternatively, the seal is a separate component. The seal is suitably formed by means of the projection, if present.

In a further embodiment, the holder is permanently connected to the carrier, preferably glued. This ensures that holder and carrier remain connected to each other during assembly and use of the module in the hearing aid. Appropriately, if the seal is present, this means of Adhesive at least partially, in particular completely formed. Alternatively, by means of the projection, if it is present, the seal is at least partially formed. Suitably, penetration of the adhesive into the sound channel, in particular into the interior of the carrier, is prevented by means of the projection.

Conveniently, the mounting end of the spout is at least partially enclosed by the holder, wherein the mounting end of the spout is notched in particular. Due to the partial enclosure of the mounting end of the spout, a stable connection between the holder and spout is achieved. Also, an unwanted sound leakage is prevented. By means of the notch a position change of the spout relative to the holder is excluded.

In a further embodiment, the receiver is designed cuboid. For example, the receiver is arranged transversely to the sound channel. The receiver is also aligned transversely to the carrier, if it is present. The main extension of the receiver is perpendicular to the sound channel. Thus, the extension of the receiver across the sound channel is greater than the extension of the receiver in the sound channel direction. In summary, the receiver has a larger spatial extent transverse than parallel to the sound channel. The transverse orientation of the receiver results in a space-saving arrangement of receiver and sound channel whose overall length is reduced by the transverse arrangement of the receiver. In addition, there is a better space utilization in the tapered part of the housing. The first sound opening in the receiver is suitably arranged substantially centrally on the side facing the holder.

Advantageously, a carrier plate is connected to the carrier, in particular integrally formed, on which the receiver rests, and which is arranged perpendicular to the carrier. The support plate is predominantly flat and oriented transversely to the direction of the sound channel. The receiver is particularly easy to mount on the carrier plate. For example, the receiver is connected to the carrier, in particular fixed.

Carrier and carrier plate are designed, for example, in one piece or as two separate, interconnected components. The carrier plate preferably has a further sound opening which is aligned with the sound channel. In this case, the sound channel expediently extends through the carrier plate. In particular, the carrier plate serves to shield the receiver.

In a preferred development, an antenna carried by the carrier is arranged between the holder and the carrier. In particular, it is an induction antenna, preferably an antenna for data transmission between two binaural hearing aids. The antenna is made for example of a painted enameled wire, such as copper enameled wire.

In a particularly advantageous development, the carrier plate and / or the carrier are formed from a ferrite material. The carrier plate formed from a ferrite material shields the receiver from the antenna or the antenna from the receiver. The carrier formed of a ferrite material acts as a coil core for the antenna.

Advantageously, the holder has an external thread. The external thread allows easy and reversible mounting of the module in a housing of a hearing aid. Here, the housing expediently comprises an internal thread, which corresponds to the external thread. In an alternative, the module and the housing are locked.

The second object is achieved by a hearing aid, in particular CIC hearing aid, with a housing and a module described above.

The further developments and configurations mentioned in connection with the module are also to be transferred analogously to the hearing aid device and vice versa.

Fig. 1

einen Querschnitt durch ein Modul eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels,

Fig. 2

ein Modul eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels in Draufsicht,

Fig. 3, 4

einen Querschnitt durch ein Hörhilfegerät, und

Fig. 5, 6

die Montage des Hörhilfegeräts.

Several embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing and the description below. It shows:

Fig. 1

a cross section through a module of a first embodiment,

Fig. 2

a module of a second embodiment in plan view,

Fig. 3, 4

a cross section through a hearing aid, and

Fig. 5, 6

the installation of the hearing aid.

In the figures, matching components are given the same reference numerals.

A first embodiment is in Fig. 1 schematically shown in a cross section through a module 10. The module 10 has a receiver 18, a cup-shaped holder 22 and a spout 26.

In Fig. 1 the receiver 18 is shown spaced apart from the holder 22 for a better overview. In the assembled module 10 receiver 18 and holder 22 are connected together.

The receiver 18 has a first sound opening 16 through which it emits acoustic signals during operation. The first sound opening 16 is arranged substantially centrally on the side of the receiver 18 facing the holder 22. If necessary, the first sound opening 16 can also be arranged laterally offset.

The cup-shaped holder 22 encloses a sound channel 20, which is preferably cylindrical. The sound channel 20 is oriented in a longitudinal direction 21 and is closed by a bottom 46 of the cup-shaped holder 22 on its side facing away from the receiver 18. The bottom 46 of the holder 22 has a second Sound opening 24 on. Preferably, the sound channel 20 is rectilinear. The cup bottom 46 is arranged at a distance from the receiver 18.

Alternatively to the illustrated cylindrical shape, the holder 22 may be tapered or have another ergonomic shape.

The holder 22 is made of a plastic. The holder 22 can be produced particularly efficiently by injection molding.

The receiver 18 is oriented transversely to the sound channel 20. The extension of the receiver 18 in the transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 21, is greater than its extent in the longitudinal direction 21. Preferably, the main extent of the receiver 18 extends perpendicular to the course of the sound channel 20.

If required, the receiver 18 may also be arranged inclined to the course of the sound channel 20, for example at an angle of 5, 10, 15 or 20 degrees.

At a mounting end 28, the spout 26 is secured to the bottom 46 of the holder 22. The spout 26 is made of a metallic material or a plastic. In particular, the spout is a ball spout.

In the in Fig. 1 As shown, a notched mounting end 28 of the spout 26 is partially enclosed by the holder 22. The notch 50 of the mounting end 28 is U-shaped, alternatively the notch 50 may be V-shaped. The mounting end 28 is embedded in the holder 22 such that the sound channel 20 facing side of the mounting end 28 is exposed. All other sides of the mounting end 28 are covered by the material of the holder 22. In another embodiment, the mounting end 28 could be completely enclosed by the holder 22.

Preferably, the enclosing of the mounting end 28 takes place by injection molding. In another variant, the mounting end 28 of the grommet 28 is clicked into a recess of the holder 22.

Alternatively, the spout 26 is fixed on the side remote from the sound channel 20 of the holder 22 at this, for example by gluing.

In a variant, not shown, holder 22 and spout 26 are integrally formed.

The spout 26 further includes a fitting 30 to which an earmold 32 is attachable. This in Fig. 1 shown connector 30 has a spherical, outwardly projecting or bead-shaped thickening 48, which prevents slippage of the earmold 32. Alternatively, the connector 30 may be rectilinear, conical or wavy.

The grommet 26 is rotationally symmetrical, in particular to the course of the sound channel 20, and has a channel extending in the longitudinal direction 21 to the sound line 34.

The channel to the sound conduit 34, the second sound opening 24, the sound channel 20 and the first sound opening 16 are aligned with each other to allow a sound line from the receiver 18 to the earmold 32.

In Fig. 2 is a module 10 of a second embodiment in plan view and in Fig. 3 shown in a sectional view. In addition to the under Fig. 1 described components of the first embodiment, to which reference is made, the second embodiment, a support plate 40 and a carrier 36. The second embodiment may further include an antenna 42 (FIG. Fig. 3 ). It is also an antenna-free variant of the embodiment possible. A variant, not shown, has no antenna 42.

The carrier 36 is a hollow cylinder at least partially forming the hollow duct 20, which is predominantly enclosed by a cup wall 52 of the cup-shaped holder 22. The sound channel 20 thus extends in the carrier 36. Preferably the carrier 36 extends to the bottom 46 of the cup-shaped holder 22, in particular the carrier 36 abuts against the bottom 46.

Between the holder 22 and carrier 36, an acoustic seal 38 is arranged, which shields the sound channel 20 against disturbing noises.

The carrier plate 40 is shaped flat and oriented transversely to the direction of the sound channel 20. With the sound channel 20, a, located in the support plate 40, further sound opening 54 is aligned.

Carrier 36 and carrier plate 40 are designed in one piece. Alternatively, carrier 36 and carrier plate 40 may be divided into two. The carrier plate 40 is oriented perpendicular to the carrier 36.

If necessary, the carrier plate 40 may also be arranged inclined to the course of the carrier 36, for example at an angle of 5, 10, 15 or 20 degrees.

On the support plate 40, the receiver 18 is attached. In this case, receiver 18 and carrier plate 40 are arranged so that the first sound opening 16 of the receiver 18 and the further sound opening 54 of the support plate 40 to each other and the sound channel 20 are aligned to allow a sound line up to the earmold 32.

The antenna 42 is a coil extending in the longitudinal direction 21 and thus aligned transversely to the receiver 18. The antenna 42 is mounted on the lateral surface of the carrier 36, so that the antenna 42 is located between the holder 22 and the carrier 36. In this case, the cup wall 52 of the holder 22 encloses the antenna 42 for the most part. The holder 22 protects the antenna 42 from damage.

The carrier plate 40 separates the receiver 18 from the antenna 42 and shields it from the antenna 42. If the carrier plate 40 is made of a ferrite material, the shield is particularly effective. The carrier plate 40 is transverse to the antenna 42 and arranged at a small distance from the coil core. The carrier 36 made of a ferrite material acts as a coil core for the antenna 42, the transmission and reception performance of which is thereby improved.

The holder 22 is a separate, injection-molded plastic part. Alternatively, holder 22 and carrier 36 are a composite part in which holder 22 has been made by overmolding carrier 36. Holder 22 and carrier 36 are then connected to each other inseparably. Optionally, the seal 38 is integrated into the composite part. Alternatively, holder 22 and carrier 36 are bonded together by gluing.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show a cross section through a hearing aid 14 with the module 10 mounted therein according to Fig. 2 ,

The holder 22 has an external thread 44. The external thread 44 permits a simple, detachable fastening of the module 10 in a housing 12 of the hearing aid device 14.

The transverse orientation of the receiver 18 causes a space-saving arrangement of the receiver 18 and the antenna 42, so that the total length of the module 10 is reduced in the longitudinal direction 21. In addition, the transverse arrangement of the receiver 18 gives better space utilization in the tapered portion of the housing 12. The space available in the tapered tip of the housing 12 is thus better utilized than would be the case with a longitudinally-disposed receiver 18. In the event that the sound output of the housing 12 is not in a straight line with the sound channel 20 in the antenna 42, a bent preformed sound tube of an ear tip 32 can be connected to the connector 30 of the spout 26.

In Fig. 5 the assembly of the hearing aid 14 is shown. For this purpose, the module 10 is inserted through a first opening 58 in a first housing part 56, which is designed to be substantially conical. The module 10 is moved through the first housing part 56 until the spout 26 and a part of the holder 22 through a second opening 60 protrude. In this case, a passage through the first housing part 56 due to a stop of the first housing part 56 is prevented, on which the holder 22 is applied in the intended condition in the assembled state. The first opening 58 is closed by means of the holder 22. Following this, a second housing part 62 is placed on the second opening 60 and there bolted or locked with the external thread of the holder 22. As a result, the module 10 is fixed between the two housing parts 56, 62. Following this, the first opening by means of a in Fig. 6 closed lid 64 shown having an operating element for adjusting the hearing aid 14.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all the individual features described in connection with the individual embodiments are also combinable with one another in other ways, without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

module

12

casing

14

hearing aid

16

first sound opening

18

receiver

20

sound channel

21

longitudinal direction

22

holder

24

second sound opening

26

spout

28

mounting end

30

connector

32

Eartip

34

Channel for sound conduction

36

carrier

38

poetry

40

support plate

42

antenna

44

external thread

46

ground

48

spherical thickening

50

notch

52

cup wall

54

further sound opening

56

first housing part

58

first opening

60

second opening

62

second housing part

Claims (11)

Module (10) for installation in a housing (12) of a hearing aid (14), in particular a hearing aid (14), comprising a first sound opening (16) having receivers (18) for emitting acoustic signals, and one with the first sound opening ( 16) aligned and extending in a longitudinal direction sound channel (20) for carrying sound, - Wherein the sound channel (20) of a cup-shaped holder (22) is enclosed, - wherein the holder (22) has a second sound opening (24) aligned with the sound channel (20), - wherein the holder (22) carries a spout (26) having a mounting end (28) and with a connecting piece (30) for connecting an earmold (32), and - Wherein the spout (26) has a longitudinally extending channel (34) to the sound conductor, which is arranged in alignment with the second sound opening (24) of the holder (22). Module (10) according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that the sound channel (20) is formed by means of a hollow-cylindrical carrier (36). Module (10) according to claim 2,
characterized,
in that an acoustic seal (38) is arranged between the holder (22) and the carrier (36). Module (10) according to claim 2 or 3,
characterized,
that the holder (22) is permanently connected to the carrier (36), preferably glued. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the mounting end (28) of the spout (26) is at least partially enclosed by the holder (22), wherein the mounting end (28) of the spout (26) is in particular notched. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the receiver (18) is arranged transversely to the sound channel (20). Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that a carrier plate (40) is connected to the carrier (36), in particular formed, on which the receiver (18) rests, and which is arranged perpendicular to the carrier (36). Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that an antenna (42) carried by the carrier (36) is arranged between the holder (22) and the carrier (36). Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the carrier plate (40) and / or the carrier (36) are formed of a ferrite material. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the holder (22) has an external thread (44). Hearing aid (14), in particular CIC hearing aid, comprising a housing (12) and a module (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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