DE60209300T2 - Construction of a modular hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of fabricating a modular hearing aid (500) as well as the resultant hearing aid is provided. The provided hearing aid comprises a shell (507) and a faceplate assembly (501,503). The shell may be formed of a soft, flexible material or a rigid or semi-rigid material. The faceplate assembly comprises at least a pair of pieces, preferably an upper faceplate piece (501) and a lower faceplate piece (503), and can be fabricated from a variety of different materials. During assembly, a portion (505) of the shell is captured within the faceplate assembly, for example between the upper and lower faceplate pieces. The individual faceplate pieces can be attached to one another using any of a variety of techniques, including miniature screws, interlocking and complementary members, fastening clips or other means. The faceplate assembly can also be coupled together using a permanent or semi-permanent means, although the use of a permanent means limits the ease with which the device can be disassembled. <IMAGE>

Description

hearing aids use a variety of different forms of training that are not just mirror the hearing errors, for which they are conceived, but equally equally the Requirements that a user has in terms of fashion appearance, of comfort and cost. For example, a behind ear hearing aid (BTE), although inexpensive be produced and thus relatively inexpensively acquirable, however could Some users may not be willing to use this type of hearing aid as they do this as for one longer Feel uncomfortable or find the design too conspicuous. In an attempt a less conspicuous form of hearing aids To create, numerous manufacturers have to carry in the ear (ITE) Forms developed either partially or completely in the ear canal of the user. Due to their size and position throw in use ITE hearing aids particular problems with miniaturization, manufacturing and the seat.

conventional ITE hearing aids consist of a rigid mounting plate, commonly called cover is designated, and a contoured housing, which in the auditory canal of the User is suitably trained. Usually that is to the hearing aid belonging Electronics including the input transducer or microphone, the signal processor, the Output transducer or speaker and the battery compartment comprises, attached to the cover. The cover may further include a programming port, a Volume control, an on / off switch and / or other desired ones Have features. In the production of a conventional ITE hearing aid is usually first the electronics on an oversized cover attached and then becomes the case connected to the cover. After curing, the adhesive becomes excess cover material cut off and removed by sandblasting.

conventional ITE hearing aids have several disadvantages. First, the manufacturing process is very labor-intensive, which leads to high production costs. Second, the housings are often individually sized and shaped, reducing the manufacturing cost further increased become. Third, the low flexibility of the case causes A user, especially after prolonged wear a feeling of discomfort. Fourth, maintenance of the housing after manufacture requires there the case connected to the cover, a whipping or machine opening the hearing aid causing the for repairs required time and the cost of the same. Fifth, the lead Speaking or other movements of a user's jaw muscles resulting changes in the shape of the ear canal the user to change the Seal between the ear canal and the outside of the conventional housing, which leads to sound leaks, which is a source of signal feedback are.

compliant or "soft" ITE hearing aids can if not all that with conventional ITE hearing aids overcome the associated disadvantages. These hearing aids are conventional ITE hearing aids often similar in design, with the exception that the case has a flexible material, which makes a much more pleasant Seat in the ear canal the user is effected. However, the use of a housing entails a material used by that for making the cover Material is different, and in particular a housing with a silicone or other soft material, special manufacturing problems with yourself. In particular, the attachment of the soft housing is on the cover after the conventional Approach difficult, since most adhesives, especially fast-curing or "superglue", no good bonding with numerous soft case materials (eg silicones). In some cases, the adhesive may have an initial firm bond form, however, weakens then the bond strength after contact with moisture from. Will be a slower curing Glue used to achieve better bond strength, more complex holding devices are required to the components while of the curing cycle to hold in position. Slower curing adhesives thus increase the complexity the manufacturing and the costs while doing the manufacturing process slow it down. Once the case moreover, it is extremely difficult to the housing to release from the cover, for example, a routine maintenance to enable without the housing material to tear or otherwise damage the device.

It Therefore, in this area an ITE hearing aid is needed that is easy to manufacture is and the solving of the housing from the cover without damage one or both parts possible. The present invention provides such an ITE hearing aid.

The present invention provides a method of making a modular hearing aid and the resulting hearing aid. The hearing aid according to the invention comprises a housing and a cover assembly. The housing may be formed of a soft, flexible material or a rigid or semi-rigid material. The cover assembly has at least two parts, preferably an upper cover part and a lower cover part. During the production is part of the Housing held in the cover assembly, for example, between the upper and the lower cover part. The top and bottom cover members may be joined together using a variety of different techniques, including miniature screws, mating and complementary members, fastening clips, or other means. Preferably, the upper and lower cover parts are detachably connected to each other, whereby a simple disassembly of the device for maintenance or internal calibration is possible. The upper and lower parts may also be interconnected by means of a permanent or semi-permanent means, although the use of permanent means limits the ease of disassembly of the device.

The Type and advantages of the present invention can be under Reference to the remaining parts of the description and the Understand drawings better.

1 is an illustration of a conventional ITE hearing aid;

2 is a plan view of a cover;

3 shows where the case is at the in 2 to be displayed cover;

4 is a sectional view of the ITE hearing aid from 1 before removing excess cover material;

5 is a sectional view of an ITE hearing aid produced according to the invention;

6 is a perspective view of an ITE hearing aid similar to that of 5 ;

7 shows a method for holding a "T" region of a housing between an upper cover part and a lower cover part;

8th shows an alternative to the holding technique of 7 in which only a single lip is held between the cover plates;

9 shows another alternative to the holding technique of 7 in which the housing is merely clamped between the upper and lower cover parts and in which no lip is used to hold the housing;

10 shows another alternative housing retention technique in which a spherical portion of the housing is completely caught by the cover assembly;

11 shows another alternative Gehäusehaltchnik in which the gripping surfaces of the upper and lower cover part are processed;

12 shows a further alternative housing holding technique in which the surfaces of the housing gripped by the upper and lower cover members are machined;

13 shows a method for holding a part of a housing between the inner and the outer side surface of the upper and the lower cover part;

14 shows another alternative technique for holding a part of the housing between the inner and outer side surfaces of the upper and lower cover parts, respectively;

15 shows an alternative technique for holding a part of the housing between a first and a second cover part, the method using an additional sealing element;

16 shows an alternative method of holding a housing through a cover assembly, the method using an intermediate member disposed between the cover assembly and the housing;

17 shows two interlocking parts that can be used in the present invention for holding together the upper and lower cover parts;

18 shows a single locking member and a complementary locking portion that can be used in the present invention for holding the upper and lower cover members together; and

19 shows an embodiment in which the locking parts use complementary grooves and ridges to hold the upper and lower cover parts together.

The 2 - 4 show some of the basic steps needed to make the in 1 illustrated hearing aid 100 required are. 2 is a top view of a cover 201 on which several components are shown attached, including a battery compartment 203 , a microphone 205 and a volume control 207 , There are several additional components not shown on the cover 201 but also the electronics associated with the hearing aid, including the amplifier 209 and the speaker chers 211 , include.

3 is a second illustration of the cover 201 in dotted lines 301 the intended location of attachment of the housing shows. As further shown in the sectional view of 4 shown, the housing becomes 401 at a junction 403 on the cover 201 appropriate. Usually, the fastening of the housing takes place 401 on the cover 201 by means of a fast-curing bonding agent. After the bonding agent has cured sufficiently, becomes a part of the cover 201 by cutting along the line 303 away. The remaining part of the cover 201 That's about the case 401 is then removed, usually by manually lapping and polishing the edge of the cover 201 until the edge is smooth and with the edge of the case 401 (ie the cover edge 405 ) flees.

According to the present invention and as in the sectional view of 5 and the perspective sectional view of 6 As shown, the cover assembly of the hearing aid has at least two parts, such as a first (for example upper) cover part 501 and a second (for example lower) cover part 503 which are interconnected between themselves a border or end area 505 a housing 507 hold. In the preferred embodiments, the housing is 507 a compliant or soft housing made of any flexible material such as elastomer, silicone, latex, polyurethane, polyvinyl or polymer. If the case 507 a compliant or soft material, it may be prepared in a number of different ways known to those skilled in the art of manufacturing and described, for example, in U.S. Patent 6,393,130 or U.S. Patent Applications US2001 / 0008560 or US2002 / 0025055 Disclosures for any purpose whatsoever are hereby incorporated by reference herein or by any other means known to those skilled in the art. The individual parts which form the cover arrangement are preferably made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, for example metal, plastic or ceramic. It should be noted that the individual parts which form the cover assembly can be made of different materials, for example, the lower cover part may be made of metal, while the upper cover part may be formed of plastic.

At the cover assembly, the various elements are attached, which the hearing aid 500 preferably in a design layout that is acoustically stable when the hearing aid is assembled. The 5 and 6 show a battery compartment 509 (with a shown battery 511 ), a microphone 513 and a processor / amplifier 515 , 5 further shows one with the end portion of the housing 507 over a sound pipe 519 connected speakers 517 , The 5 and 6 also show a microphone port 521 and a battery door 523 at the top cover area 501 are attached. It can be seen that the in 5 and partly in 6 shown components are for illustrative purposes only and the present invention is not limited to hearing aids or other devices having the same set of components. For example, the system may also include an on / off pressure switch (not shown), a volume control (not shown), a programming switch (not shown), a telecoil (not shown), and / or a vent tube (not shown). It will also be appreciated that the configuration shown in these figures is for illustrative purposes only, and that the invention is equally applicable to other configurations. For example, all of the electronic components that make up the hearing device may be attached to the top cover part and guided through an open area of the bottom cover part during assembly.

at a preferred embodiment of Invention cover assembly are made in advance, the Positions of the various components are independent of the housing, the after all adapted to a particular cover assembly. If desired, the Cover arrangements with different combinations of components (eg with / without on / off switch, with / without volume control, etc.), whereby a stock of probable Configurations can be accumulated. Furthermore, the Cover assemblies are prefabricated in more than one size, whereby the Fitters greater flexibility when adjusting a housing with a certain size to the Cover arrangement is given. Finally, due to the modular Designs a few bottom cover assemblies along with one Variety of different cosmetically different top covers and housing for producing any of a variety of different individually trained hearing aids be used from a relatively small inventory.

The 7 - 16 show a variety of different techniques that can be used to hold a housing through a cover assembly. Preferably and as in the 7 - 14 is shown, a portion of the hous ses between two cover parts, that is, a first and a second cover part held where at the two cover parts form the cover assembly. However, it will be appreciated that the cover assembly may have more than two parts (for example, in the configuration of FIG 15 ), or that the cover assembly can be attached to an intermediate part, which in turn is then attached to the housing (for example in the configuration of FIG 16 ).

7 is a close up of the holding technique of 5 and 6 , As shown, is a "T" shaped retaining member 701 of the housing 703 trapped in the cavity of the cover assembly, which by the assembly of the cover parts 705 and 707 is formed. It will be appreciated that, although a retaining member may be used as the sole retaining mechanism, retaining the housing by engaging or compressing the skirt portion 709 between complementary cover surfaces 711 and 713 can be amplified, wherein the size of the holding force proportional to that by the complementary surfaces 711 and 713 applied force and thus depends on the means used to connect the cover assembly means. To ensure a secure attachment of the housing, both the pressing of the edge, and a retaining member are preferably used.

It can be seen that, although that in 7 shown retaining member "T" shape, the invention may also use other forms (for example, spherical, irregular, etc.). For example, the housing 703 a single lip 801 ("L" shape), as in 8th shown. As previously mentioned, the housing is preferably not only by the catching retaining member 801 held in the cover assembly, but also by clamping or pressing an edge portion of the housing between the two cover parts.

In another preferred embodiment, the housing 703 no retaining part and depends solely on the fact that the clamping by the cover assembly holds the housing in position. As in 9 shown is the case edge area 709 by pressing the edge region between complementary cover surfaces 711 and 713 held.

10 shows an alternative Gehäusehaltchnik, in which a molded area 1001 of the housing 1003 completely between adjacent and complementary surfaces 1005 and 1007 of the first cover part 1009 or the second cover part 1011 is caught. Although the area 1001 in the illustrated embodiment is spherical, it will be understood that other shapes may also be used (eg, T-shape, L-shape, irregular shape, etc.). In this embodiment, the holding mechanism may be exclusive of the molded portion 1001 suspended in a similarly shaped cavity formed by a combination of the surfaces 1005 and 1007 is formed. Alternatively, the retention mechanism can be applied to both the molded area 1001 which fits in the complementary cavity formed by the cover assembly, as well as on the surfaces 1005 and 1007 on the shaped area 1001 and based on any other housing material held by the complementary cover surfaces, applied compressive forces,

The 11 and 12 show another alternative Gehäusehaltchnik. In this embodiment, one or more of the complementary surfaces of the cover members and the housing are textured, machined or molded to enhance the ability of the cover assembly to grip and retain the housing. The surface treatment may be either after the manufacture of the component (eg, by coating a fabricated surface, roughening a surface, etc.) or during fabrication (eg, by forming a roughened surface on the complementary surfaces of the cover members, etc.). Like in 11 represented are the areas 1101 the top cover 1103 and the lower cover 1105 toothed, making them the surfaces 1107 of the housing area 1109 can better grip. Alternatively, as in 12 represented the areas 1205 of the housing area 1203 processed (for example, toothed), while the surfaces chen 1205 the top cover 1207 and the lower cover 1209 are unprocessed. It can be seen that the mating surfaces of the housing and the cover parts can both be machined. It will also be appreciated that the surface treatment may include serrations or other forms of surface roughening or texturing, surface coatings (eg, applying an elastomeric material to the gripping surfaces), adhesives, or any other type of surface treatment that enhances the retention characteristics of the cover assembly. It will also be appreciated that the surface treatments disclosed above may be used in any of the disclosed housing retention techniques (e.g. 7 - 10 and the 13 - 14 techniques), thereby improving the ability of the cover surfaces to grip the housing.

As previously disclosed, the present invention is not limited to cover assemblies consisting only of pairs of covers, nor is the invention limited to holding techniques utilizing horizontal cover surfaces. at For example, the show 13 - 14 Embodiments in which a part of the housing is held between an outer side surface of a cover and an inner side surface of a second cover. In 13 is a part 1302 of the housing 1301 after assembly between the page 1303 the first cover 1305 and the page 1307 the second cover 1309 arranged. Preferably, a part of the housing 1301 For example, the end area 1311 shaped to enhance the ability of the separate parts of the cover to trap and retain the housing. It will be appreciated that any one of a variety of different shapes may be used (for example, the range 1401 of the 14 ), and that one or more of the surfaces as previously disclosed may be processed to enhance the ability of the surfaces to grip the housing.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover assembly has more than two cover parts. Additional cover members may be used to enhance housing retention and / or housing-panel sealing, reduce manufacturing and assembly complexity, or simply provide cosmetic enhancements (eg, differently colored outer cover caps). 15 shows such a cover assembly 1500 , As previously shown cover assemblies, the arrangement 1500 a first cover part 1501 and a second cover part 1503 on which to hold a part of a housing 1506 be used. This arrangement also has a third cover part 1507 on that between an area of the housing 1505 and the first cover part 1501 is arranged. It can be seen that the part 1507 as well between the case 1505 and the second cover part 1503 can be arranged, or that two parts 1507 can be used, one of which between a first side of the housing 1505 and the cover part 1501 and the second between a second side of the housing 1505 and the cover part 1503 is arranged. Preferably, the part has 1505 a material suitable for sealingly attaching the housing to the cover assembly (eg, elastomers, silicones, latex, polyurethanes, or polyvinyls). In a preferred embodiment, the housing 1501 a rigid or semi-rigid housing and the part 1505 is shaped so that it fits snugly on the edge of the cover part 1501 (or alternatively the cover part 1503 ), usually incorporating attachment surfaces 1509 and 1511 in addition to the sealing surface 1513 ,

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover assembly engages an intermediate part, which in turn is connected to the housing. For example, as in 16 shown, two cover parts 1601 and 1603 an intermediate part 1605 , Any of the previously disclosed holding techniques may be used, including the use of molded restraints, press techniques, etc. on the intermediate section 1605 is preferably, after it has been connected to the cover assembly, the housing 1607 appropriate. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 1607 a flexible material (for example elastomers, silicones, latex, polyurethanes, polyvinyls or polymers) and is with the part 1605 preferably along a connecting line 1609 bonded.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the means by which the first and second cover plate members (e.g., upper and lower members) are joined together, thereby holding the housing or intermediate member. For example, in the sectional view of 5 the upper and lower cover parts by one or more screws 525 held together. In the perspective sectional view of 6 The upper and lower cover parts are one or more complementary interlocking parts 601 held together. When such interlocking parts are used, the upper and lower cover parts are preferably aligned and compressed during assembly, whereby the complementary parts engage to hold the housing as previously disclosed. The 17 - 19 each show three pairs of interlocking parts. The 17 shows an embodiment, the interlocking hooks 1701 and 1703 used 18 shows an embodiment that has a hook 1801 on one of the cover parts with an engageable part 1803 used on the opposite cover part; and 19 shows an embodiment, the complementary grooves 1901 and footbridges 1903 used. It will be understood that these figures are only illustrative of a few types of intermeshing members which may be used in the present invention. Other types of interlocks known to those skilled in the art may also be used in the present invention. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the top and bottom cover portions may also be joined by means of adhesives, welding techniques (eg ultrasonic welding), heat sealing, embossing techniques (eg hot stamping) or rivets.

Although many of the embodiments described above have a soft or compliant housing, the invention may also be used for the manufacture of hearing aids, as previously mentioned used, whose housing are rigid or semi-rigid. In this case, one of the advantages of the modular approach of the present invention over conventional mounting techniques is the ability to easily disassemble a device for repair, adjustment or modernization of components.

As for the One skilled in the art can easily see the present Invention can be formed in other specific forms, without to deviate from the spirit or the essential characteristics thereof. For example, the invention may be for either a wired or a wireless Earpiece for use in a telephone or other audio device. Therefore, the disclosures and descriptions provided herein are as the scope defined in the following claims Illustrating, but not limiting, the invention understand.

Claims (13)

Modular hearing aid comprising: a first cover ( 501 ; 705 ); one with the first cover ( 501 ) connectable second cover ( 503 ; 707 ); a housing ( 507 ; 703 ) having an open end forming a housing edge region ( 505 ) having; and facilities ( 525 ; 601 ) for connecting the first and the second cover, characterized in that the housing edge region ( 505 ) extends between a first cover surface of the first cover and an opposite cover surface of the second cover. Modular hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the housing edge region further comprising a molded portion. Modular hearing aid according to claim 2, wherein the shaped region is selected from the group consisting of T-shapes ( 701 ), L-forms ( 801 ), spherical shapes and irregular shapes. Modular hearing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a cover assembly cavity by formed the first cover connected to the second cover is at least one area of the formed area in the cover assembly cavity is located. Modular hearing device according to one of the claims 1-4, at the case edge area between the first cover surface and the second, opposite coverage area pressed together is. Modular hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the first cover surface and / or the second, opposite coverage area and / or the housing edge area to improve retention of the housing edge is edited. Modular hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the first cover surface and / or the second, opposite coverage area and / or the housing edge area to improve retention of the housing edge roughened. Modular hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the first cover surface and / or the second, opposite coverage area and / or the housing edge area to improve retention of the housing edge is coated. Modular hearing aid according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the connecting device comprises at least one pair of complementary, lockable elements, wherein a first lockable element ( 1701 ; 1801 ; 1901 ) of the at least one pair of complementary, lockable elements is connected to the first cover, and a second lockable element ( 1703 ; 1803 ; 1903 ) of the at least one pair of complementary lockable elements is connected to the second cover. Modular hearing device according to one of the claims 1-9, at the housing made of a flexible material. Modular hearing device according to claim 10, wherein the flexible material is selected from the group of Materials chosen is the elastomers, silicones, latex, polyurethanes, polyvinyls and Comprising polymers. Modular hearing device according to one of the claims 1-11, further comprising a third cover member connected to the first cover is connectable. Modular hearing device according to one of the claims 1-12, further comprising a third cover member interposed between the first Cover and the casing edge area is arranged.