EP1183909A2 - Behind-the-ear hearing aid - Google Patents

Behind-the-ear hearing aid

Info

Publication number
EP1183909A2
EP1183909A2 EP99924639A EP99924639A EP1183909A2 EP 1183909 A2 EP1183909 A2 EP 1183909A2 EP 99924639 A EP99924639 A EP 99924639A EP 99924639 A EP99924639 A EP 99924639A EP 1183909 A2 EP1183909 A2 EP 1183909A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
ear hearing
housing part
housing
acoustic
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
EP99924639A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1183909B1 (en
Inventor
Andi Vonlanthen
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.)
Sonova Holding AG
Original Assignee
Phonak AG
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 Phonak AG filed Critical Phonak AG
Priority to DK04015647.3T priority Critical patent/DK1484943T3/en
Priority to EP04015647.3A priority patent/EP1484943B1/en
Publication of EP1183909A2 publication Critical patent/EP1183909A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1183909B1 publication Critical patent/EP1183909B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
    • H04R2225/0213—Constructional details of earhooks, e.g. shape, material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • 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
    • H04R25/602—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of batteries
    • 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
    • H04R25/603—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of mechanical or electronic switches or control elements
    • 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
    • H04R25/607—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of earhooks
    • 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
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a rear ear hearing aid according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the device body In hearing aids of this type, it is customary to construct the device body with a tubularly curved housing part, which is essentially divided along surface lines, in two shells.
  • the assembly is carried out by opening the shells, inserting the functional units belonging to the hearing aid and closing the shells, whether by gluing or screwing.
  • This requires well-trained personnel and precise work, both in terms of inserting the functional units mentioned, as well as their electrical contacting, often by soldering, and finally in terms of closing the shells.
  • there are connecting parts along the connected shells which are critical with regard to tightness.
  • the present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.
  • the hearing aid mentioned at the outset is distinguished by the characterizing part of claim 1.
  • the device body comprises a one-piece, at least partially tubular housing part.
  • This assembly method the basis of which is the one-piece, tubular, closed housing part provided according to the invention, is, in contrast to previously known assembly methods, extremely suitable for automation.
  • the housing part is completed in one section by means of a cover to form a tube which is essentially closed over its entire length.
  • the interior is preferably designed with receptacles for the stacked, guided insertion of structural units to be accommodated in the device.
  • An acoustic coupling preferably detachable, is arranged on one side of the housing part mentioned, the other end is closed by a cover, which can preferably be removed non-destructively, to form a receiving compartment with at least two electrical contacts.
  • Other organs provided on the mentioned device part such as the two mentioned covers, operating switches, coupling stubs etc. are preferably arranged sealingly on the device part.
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the hearing aid according to the invention
  • Fig. 3 in a perspective view, the preferred from ⁇ forming a battery compartment lid at erfindungsgemä- SEN hearing instrument;
  • FIG. 4 shows the top view of the lid according to FIG. 3 with parts for left / right ear coding; 5 on the one hand the perspective view of the basic housing of the device according to the invention, on the other hand a preferably provided or predictable additional module;
  • Fig. 8 schematically, the unit according to Fig. 6 to explain the acoustic couplings.
  • FIG. 1 the rear ear hearing aid according to the invention is shown as a whole in a partially simplified longitudinal sectional view, by means of which the individual functional blocks or functional parts are to be described for the time being.
  • the hearing aid 1 comprises a horn-shaped, tubular base body with a center axis A, which at the thinner, bent end, as an acoustic output, has a connecting piece 5 for a coupling tube leading into the ear.
  • the connecting piece 5 can be replaced or screwed onto a pipe socket 9 which is seated on a basic housing 3.
  • connection piece 5 continues through the pipe stub 9 in a transmission channel 11 in Grundgeophu ⁇ se 3.
  • the transmission channel 11, in turn, of the base housing 3 is coupled to an electric / acoustic transducer arrangement 15 in a compartment. 13
  • the transmission channel 11 extends along the inner curvature of the basic housing 3 in such a way that a microphone assembly 17 has space on the outer curvature side finds.
  • a cover 19 is formed on the basic housing 3 and locked in the area of the culmination point of the device by means of a plug-in axis 21.
  • the cover 19 extends along surface lines M of the device body, up to, FIG. 1, in the area of the electrical / acoustic transducer unit 15.
  • the microphone assembly 17 is when the hinged cover 19 is removed accessible and preferably only electrically contacted on a flexprint tab (not shown), folded over the transmission channel 11 and located on a sound entry slot 23.
  • the insert 25 is acoustically “transparent” and has a large number of passages between the surroundings U and a compensation volume V, the latter being left free between the (not shown) discrete microphone inlet openings and said insert.
  • the insert 25 is preferably made from a sintered material, such as, in particular, from sintered polyethylene and, more preferably, with a water-repellent coating. It also forms a lattice fineness between 10 ⁇ m and 200 ⁇ m with an open porosity, preferably of over 70%.
  • the microphone assembly 17 and insert 25 are arranged in the slot 23 on the hearing device 1 such that, when the hearing device is worn, they are not exposed to any air pressure to the environment U, as shown in FIG. 1, in the area of the dome of the device horn-shaped, tubular base body are positioned.
  • an acoustic / electrical transducer with directional characteristic is realized with the aid of the at least two spaced-apart microphones mentioned
  • the intended intermediate volume V in the sense of a “common mode” suppression, means that different acoustic signals that are coupled in differently tend to cancel each other out along the insert 25 due to the compensating effect of the volume V.
  • the insert 25 acts as protection against contamination and, thanks to its preferably water-repellent coating, is easy to clean.
  • actuation switch 31 is provided on the outside of the main unit housing, in the area between the battery compartment 29 and the electronics unit 27.
  • connection piece 5 basic housing 3, cover 19 with sound entry slot 23 and insert 25, furthermore the actuation switch 31 are clearly visible.
  • a cylindrical flat battery or a corresponding battery is inserted into the battery compartment 29, which is inserted into the base housing 3. accordingly shaped battery 33 inserted such that the axis of the battery cylinder, with its end faces 33 u and 33 0 , is at least substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis A of the base body.
  • a first resilient contact 35 is provided at the base 30 of the battery compartment 29, centered in the axis A, a second 37 makes resilient contact with the side surface of the battery 33.
  • the battery compartment 29 can be closed with a cover 39 which is transverse to the axis A in the closed position and which is pivotally or bayonet-mounted on the basic housing 3, at 41 or on the battery compartment 29.
  • This transverse arrangement of the battery 33 on the hearing device has significant advantages: the area closed by the cover 39 is relatively large, which - as will be explained below - can be used further. Because the battery compartment cover 39 is also located at the lowest point of the device and the cover joints to the base housing 3 lie transversely to the axis A, penetration of sweat into the battery compartment is hardly critical. Furthermore, with this battery compartment design, the contacts 37 and 35 are protected within the compartment, and the cover 39 has no electrical contacts. Because the essentially cylindrical interior of the base body 3 is further utilized, there is practically no unused, lost space.
  • FIG. 3 shows, in perspective, a preferred embodiment of the battery compartment cover 39, designed as a hinged cover.
  • the snap hinge part 43 With the snap hinge part 43, it can be easily disengaged from the pivot bearing 41 according to FIG. 1 or snapped into place.
  • it points further a locking lock 45, along with a resilient latch 46.
  • Fig. 4 the lid 39 is shown in FIG. 1 in an external view.
  • the locking lock 45 can only be operated from the outside with a tool, for example a screwdriver, and for this purpose has an engagement slot 49 on a rotary plate 47.
  • the circuit board 47 which is only installed when the locking lock 45 is installed on the hinged cover 39, is specifically colored, in two versions, e.g. red and blue, which also serves as an indication of whether the hearing aid in question is a device for the left or right ear.
  • the illustrated embodiment of the battery compartment 29, in particular the fact that the flat battery cylinder lies coaxially with the axis A of the hearing aid, has a further significant advantage.
  • the hearing aid shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a basic configuration.
  • Additional module 51 inserted, electrically contacted at the contact points 35a and 37a corresponding to the battery contacts.
  • compartment 29a with the battery 33 which now acts as the actual battery compartment, is now provided on the additional module 51 and, correspondingly, the cover 39, which is removed, for example, from the basic housing 3 and latched onto the additional module or latched like a bayonet.
  • the cover 39 which is removed, for example, from the basic housing 3 and latched onto the additional module or latched like a bayonet.
  • several such modules 51 can be stacked on the basic module of the hearing aid shown in FIG. 1.
  • the respective fixation of the additional modules 51 is preferably carried out with a snap-in part 43a provided on the modules 51, analogous to the hinge part 43 on the hinged cover 39, and a trained analogously to the snap part 46 on said hinged cover 39
  • Snap part 46a or, in the case of a bayonet lock, by appropriate insertion and rotary locking.
  • FIG. 6 the structure and the storage of the mentioned arrangement 15 on the basic housing 3 and in accordance with FIG. 1 is shown in simplified form.
  • the arrangement 15, encapsulated in a loudspeaker housing 53 comprises the loudspeaker arrangement (not shown) with a loudspeaker membrane.
  • the coupling waves shown schematically at 55 couple the sound waves excited by the loudspeaker membrane from the space on the rear side of the membrane in the loudspeaker housing 53 into the surrounding space U S3 of the loudspeaker housing 53.
  • the acoustic signals - as shown by the arrow S - are coupled from the front space of the membrane to the transmission channel 11 shown in FIG. 1.
  • the loudspeaker housing 53 is mounted on all sides in resilient, preferably in rubber-elastic bearings 57, essentially freely swinging.
  • the bearings 57 define the relatively large space U 53 between the loudspeaker housing outer wall and an encapsulation 59, which leads to a notable increase in the low tones.
  • the resonance space on the back of the membrane is enlarged many times by the space U S3 . So that the space U 53 is fully acoustically effective, the encapsulation 59 and its holder 61 are tightly connected.
  • the encapsulation 59 further preferably acts as a magnetic shielding housing and is preferably made of ⁇ -metal for this purpose. It is cup-shaped and is sealingly hooked onto the holder 61, designed as a plastic carrier part.
  • the aforementioned resilient, preferably rubber-elastic, bearings 57 are stretched between the encapsulation 59, the holder 61 and the loudspeaker housing 53.
  • the membrane 54 of the loudspeaker in the housing 53 defines a first space R x in the said housing, which is coupled to the acoustic output of the hearing device - as shown with S - and a second R 2 which via one or more openings 55 with the between encapsulation 59 and housing 53 formed space U 53 is coupled.
  • the Operating switch 31 comprises a toggle switch 63, which is tilted at 65 on one side.
  • the tilting bearing 65 is formed on a slide 67 which, as shown by the double arrow F, is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable with respect to the basic housing 3.
  • the device is switched on and off by pushing the slide back and forth via button 63.
  • a continuous groove 72 is machined in the slide 67, through which a housing 3-fixed contact pill 73 extends.
  • a resilient contact part 75 arranged on the slide 67, which is preferably made as a keyboard element from rubber-elastic, at least partially electrically conductive plastic, as is known, for example, from remote control keyboards.
  • the Bridging contact 70 with the contact part 75, and the contact pill 73 thus acts as an electrical output of the switching arrangement.
  • the actuation switch 31 thus acts both as an on / off slide switch and additionally, in the on position, as a toggle switch, with which the electronics unit 27 is acted on in steps in accordance with FIG. 1, for example for rapid individual gain setting.
  • the actuation switch 31 therefore combines two functions, slide switch and toggle switch, a functional fusion which is particularly advantageous for the rear ear device according to the invention.
  • the difference in operation ensures that there is no confusion of functions, which is much more critical for the two functions mentioned if two switches are provided.
  • the basic housing 3 is formed by a bent, appropriately shaped tubular part.
  • this part 3 is formed in one piece, preferably made of plastic, and is not separable into two shells, as is customary in the construction of such hearing aids, along the generatrices marked M in FIG. 5.
  • This also means that the individual units are assembled in the basic housing 3: they are simply inserted into the tube, which is much easier than assembling on open shells.
  • Another advantage of a tubular, one-piece embodiment is its much greater stability compared to a split housing. This makes it possible to reduce the wall thickness of the housing and thereby reduce it, or to increase the usable internal volume for a given external volume. Advantages of the overall configuration
  • the individual structural units in particular 11, 15, 27, 29 and / or 51, are assembled by axial, sequential insertion into the basic housing 3.
  • Shaping of the housing 3 with appropriate guides ensures rapid, exact positioning, the mutual electrical contact between the electrically operated units being solderless, using resilient contacts.
  • the units to be provided can thus be tested and measured beforehand and then assembled without fear of impairment. This assembly can easily be automated.
  • the entire housing with basic housing 3 and cover 19, optionally 39, can be easily sealed at the joints with appropriate seals.
  • the preferred embodiment of the electrical / acoustic transducer arrangement 15 ensures an optimal magnetic shielding of the loudspeakers and an optimal acoustic seal with respect to structure-borne noise.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
  • Electrostatic, Electromagnetic, Magneto- Strictive, And Variable-Resistance Transducers (AREA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
  • Reverberation, Karaoke And Other Acoustics (AREA)
  • Stereophonic Arrangements (AREA)

Abstract

The hearing aid has a hook-shaped equipment body with a curved longitudinal axis and containing acoustic/electrical converters, electrical/acoustic converters and electronic units. The equipment body has a one-piece, at least partially tubular closed housing part which has a removable cover to complete a tube. The interior has holders for stacked insertion of units. An independent claim is also included for a method of assembling a hearing aid.

Description

Hinterohr-HörgerätRear ear hearing aid
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Hinterohr-Hörgerät nach dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1.The present invention relates to a rear ear hearing aid according to the preamble of claim 1.
Bei derartigen Hörgeräten ist es üblich, den Gerätekörper mit einem rohrförmig gebogenen Gehäuseteil aufzubauen, welches im wesentlichen entlang Mantellinien geteilt ist, in zwei Schalen. Die Assemblierung erfolgt durch Öffnen der Schalen, Einlegen der dem Hörgerät zugehörigen Funktionseinheiten und Verschlie- ssen der Schalen, sei dies durch Verkleben oder Verschrauben. Dies erfordert gut ausgebildetes Personal und präzise Arbeit, sowohl was das Einlegen der erwähnten Funktionseinheiten anbelangt, wie auch deren elektrische Kontaktierung, oft durch Löten, und schliesslich, was das Verschliessen der Schalen anbelangt . Zudem ergeben sich entlang der verbundenen Schalen Ver- bindungssteilen, die bezüglich Dichtheit kritisch sind.In hearing aids of this type, it is customary to construct the device body with a tubularly curved housing part, which is essentially divided along surface lines, in two shells. The assembly is carried out by opening the shells, inserting the functional units belonging to the hearing aid and closing the shells, whether by gluing or screwing. This requires well-trained personnel and precise work, both in terms of inserting the functional units mentioned, as well as their electrical contacting, often by soldering, and finally in terms of closing the shells. In addition, there are connecting parts along the connected shells, which are critical with regard to tightness.
Die vorliegende Erfindung bezweckt, diese Nachteile zu beheben. Zu diesem Zweck zeichnet sich das eingangs genannte Hörgerät nach dem Kennzeichen von Anspruch 1 aus .The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks. For this purpose, the hearing aid mentioned at the outset is distinguished by the characterizing part of claim 1.
Demnach umfasst der Gerätekörper einen einteiligen, mindestens zum Teil rohrförmig geschlossenen Gehäuseteil. Damit entfallen die obgenannte Verbindungsstellen, und wie sich nun ohne weiteres ergibt, muss und kann das Assemblieren durch axiales Einschieben der Funktionseinheiten in den rohrförmigen Teil erfolgen, wobei bevorzugterweise eine durchwegs lötfreie elektrische Kontaktierung erfolgt. Dieses Assemblierungsverfahren, dessen Basis das erfindungsgemäss vorgesehene, einteilige, rohrförmig geschlossene Gehäuseteil ist, eignet sich im Unterschied zu vorbekannten Assemblierungsverfahren äusserst gut für eine Automatisierung . In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Hörgerätes wird der Gehäuseteil in einem Abschnitt mittels eines Deckels zu einem im wesentlichen über seine ganze Länge geschlossenen Rohr komplettiert. Bevorzugterweise wird dabei der Innenraum mit Auf- nahmen für das gestapelte, geführte Einlegen von im Gerät aufzunehmenden Baueinheiten ausgebildet.Accordingly, the device body comprises a one-piece, at least partially tubular housing part. This eliminates the abovementioned connection points, and as can now be readily seen, the assembly must and can be carried out by axially inserting the functional units into the tubular part, preferably a completely solderless electrical contact. This assembly method, the basis of which is the one-piece, tubular, closed housing part provided according to the invention, is, in contrast to previously known assembly methods, extremely suitable for automation. In a preferred embodiment of the hearing aid, the housing part is completed in one section by means of a cover to form a tube which is essentially closed over its entire length. The interior is preferably designed with receptacles for the stacked, guided insertion of structural units to be accommodated in the device.
Auf der einen Seite des erwähnten Gehäuseteils ist ein akustischer Auskopplungsstutzen, vorzugsweise lösbar, angeordnet, das andere Ende wird durch einen vorzugsweise zerstörungsfrei ent- fernbaren Deckel verschlossen, zu einem Aufnahmefach mit mindestens zwei elektrischen Kontakten. Weitere am erwähnten Geräteteil vorgesehene Organe, wie die beiden erwähnten Deckel, Bedienungsschalter, Auskopplungsstutzen etc. sind bevorzugt dichtend am Geräteteil angeordnet.An acoustic coupling, preferably detachable, is arranged on one side of the housing part mentioned, the other end is closed by a cover, which can preferably be removed non-destructively, to form a receiving compartment with at least two electrical contacts. Other organs provided on the mentioned device part, such as the two mentioned covers, operating switches, coupling stubs etc. are preferably arranged sealingly on the device part.
Das erfindungsgemässe Hinterohr-Hörgerät wird anschliessend beispielsweise anhand von Figuren erläutert, welche eine heute bevorzugte Ausführungsform dieses Gerätes zeigen. In den Figuren zeigen:The rear ear hearing aid according to the invention is subsequently explained, for example, with reference to figures which show a preferred embodiment of this device today. The figures show:
Fig. 1 vereinfacht, in Längsschnitt-Darstellung, ein erfin- dungsgemässes Hinterohr-Hörgerät;1 simplified, in longitudinal section, a rear ear hearing aid according to the invention;
Fig. 2 in perspektivischer Darstellung, das erfindungsgemässe Hörgerät ;2 shows a perspective view of the hearing aid according to the invention;
Fig. 3 in perspektivischer Darstellung, die bevorzugte Aus¬ bildung eines Batteriefachdeckels am erfindungsgemä- ssen Hörgerät;Fig. 3 in a perspective view, the preferred from ¬ forming a battery compartment lid at erfindungsgemä- SEN hearing instrument;
Fig. 4 die Aufsicht auf den Deckel gemass Fig. 3 mit Partien zur Links-/Rechts-Ohr-Codierung; Fig. 5 einerseits das Grundgehäuse des erfindungsgemässen Gerätes, anderseits ein bevorzugt vorgesehenes bzw. vorsehbares Zusatzmodul, in perspektivischer Darstellung;4 shows the top view of the lid according to FIG. 3 with parts for left / right ear coding; 5 on the one hand the perspective view of the basic housing of the device according to the invention, on the other hand a preferably provided or predictable additional module;
Fig. 6 in einer vergrösserten Darstellung, die elek- trisch/akustische Wandlerbaueinheit am erfindungsgemässen Hörgerät gemass Fig. 1;6 in an enlarged view, the electrical / acoustic transducer assembly on the hearing aid according to the invention according to FIG. 1;
Fig. 7 vereinfacht und schematisiert, ein bevorzugt am erfindungsgemässen Gerät vorgesehene Betätigungsorgan, und7 simplified and schematic, an actuating member preferably provided on the device according to the invention, and
Fig. 8 schematisch, die Einheit gemass Fig. 6 zur Erläuterung der akustischen Kopplungen.Fig. 8 schematically, the unit according to Fig. 6 to explain the acoustic couplings.
In Fig. 1 ist in teilweise vereinfachter Längsschnitt-Darstellung das erfindungsgemässe Hinterohr-Hörgerät als Ganzes dargestellt, woran vorerst die einzelnen Funktionsblöcke bzw. Funktionsteile beschrieben werden sollen. Das Hörgerät 1 um- fasst einen hornförmig gebogenen, rohrförmigen Grundkörper mit einer Zentrumsachse A, welcher am dünneren, umgebogenen Ende, als akustischer Ausgang, einen Anschlussstutzen 5 für ein ins Ohr führendes Kopplungsrohr aufweist. Der Anschlussstutzen 5 ist auswechselbar auf einem Rohrstutzen 9, der an einem Grund- gehäuse 3 sitzt, aufgesteckt oder aufgeschraubt.In Fig. 1, the rear ear hearing aid according to the invention is shown as a whole in a partially simplified longitudinal sectional view, by means of which the individual functional blocks or functional parts are to be described for the time being. The hearing aid 1 comprises a horn-shaped, tubular base body with a center axis A, which at the thinner, bent end, as an acoustic output, has a connecting piece 5 for a coupling tube leading into the ear. The connecting piece 5 can be replaced or screwed onto a pipe socket 9 which is seated on a basic housing 3.
Der Innenkanal 7 des Anschlussstutzens 5 setzt sich durch den Rohrstutzen 9 fort in einen Ubertragungskanal 11 im Grundgehäu¬ se 3. Der Ubertragungskanal 11 seinerseits ist an eine elektrisch/akustische Wandleranordnung 15 in einem Abteil 13 des Grundgehäuses 3 angekoppelt.The inner channel 7 of the connection piece 5 continues through the pipe stub 9 in a transmission channel 11 in Grundgehäu ¬ se 3. The transmission channel 11, in turn, of the base housing 3 is coupled to an electric / acoustic transducer arrangement 15 in a compartment. 13
Wie aus Fig. 1 ersichtlich, erstreckt sich der Übertragungskanal 11 entlang der Innenkrümmung des Grundgehäuses 3 derart, dass Aussenkrümmungs-seitig eine Mikrophonbaueinheit 17 Platz findet. Am Grundgehäuse 3 ist in diesem Bereich ein Deckel 19 eingeformt und im Bereiche des Kulminationspunktes des Gerätes mittels einer Steckachse 21 arretiert. Wie insbesondere in Fig. 2 ersichtlich, erstreckt sich der Deckel 19 entlang Mantellini- en M des Gerätekörpers, bis, Fig. 1, in den Bereich der elek- tro/akustischen Wandler-Einheit 15. Die Mikrophonbaueinheit 17 ist bei Entfernen des Klappdeckels 19 zugänglich und vorzugsweise lediglich an einer Flexprint-Lasche (nicht dargestellt) elektrisch kontaktiert, über den Übertragungskanal 11 geklappt und liegt an einem Schalleintrittsschlitz 23.As can be seen from FIG. 1, the transmission channel 11 extends along the inner curvature of the basic housing 3 in such a way that a microphone assembly 17 has space on the outer curvature side finds. In this area, a cover 19 is formed on the basic housing 3 and locked in the area of the culmination point of the device by means of a plug-in axis 21. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the cover 19 extends along surface lines M of the device body, up to, FIG. 1, in the area of the electrical / acoustic transducer unit 15. The microphone assembly 17 is when the hinged cover 19 is removed accessible and preferably only electrically contacted on a flexprint tab (not shown), folded over the transmission channel 11 and located on a sound entry slot 23.
Bei geschlossenem Deckel 19 liegen mindestens zwei vorgesehene Mikronphonöffnungen der Mikrophonbaueinheit 17 einer Einlage 25 in einem Schlitz 23 des Deckels 19 gegenüber. Die Einlage 25 ist akustisch "transparent" und weist eine Vielzahl Durchtritte zwischen der Umgebung U und einem Ausgleichsvolumen V auf, welch letzteres zwischen den (nicht dargestellten) diskreten Mikrophon-Eintrittsöffnungen und besagter Einlage freigelassen ist. Bevorzugterweise ist die Einlage 25 hierzu aus einem gesinterten Material gefertigt, wie insbesondere aus gesinter- tem Polyethylen und dabei weiter bevorzugt wasserabstossend beschichtet. Es bildet weiter eine Gitterfeinheit zwischen 10 μm und 200 μm mit einer Offenporigkeit bevorzugt von über 70 %. Im weiteren sind Mikrophonbaueinheit 17 und Einlage 25 im Schlitz 23 so am Hörgerät 1 angeordnet, dass sie, bei getragenem Hörge- rät, möglichst keinem Luftstaudruck der Umgebung U ausgesetzt sind, indem sie - wie aus Fig. 1 ersichtlich - im Bereich der Kuppe des hornförmig gebogenen, rohrförmigen Grundkörpers positioniert sind. Insbesondere bei Realisation eines akustisch/elektrischen Wandlers mit Richtcharakteristik mit Hilfe der erwähnten mindestens zwei beabstandeten Mikrophone wird durch das vorgesehene Zwischenvolumen V, im Sinne einer "common mode" -Unterdrückung, erreicht, dass sich entlang der Einlage 25 unterschiedlich eingekoppelte, gleiche akustische Signale aufgrund der Ausgleichswirkung des Volumens V tendenziell aufhe- ben.When the cover 19 is closed, at least two provided microphone openings of the microphone assembly 17 are opposite an insert 25 in a slot 23 of the cover 19. The insert 25 is acoustically "transparent" and has a large number of passages between the surroundings U and a compensation volume V, the latter being left free between the (not shown) discrete microphone inlet openings and said insert. For this purpose, the insert 25 is preferably made from a sintered material, such as, in particular, from sintered polyethylene and, more preferably, with a water-repellent coating. It also forms a lattice fineness between 10 μm and 200 μm with an open porosity, preferably of over 70%. Furthermore, the microphone assembly 17 and insert 25 are arranged in the slot 23 on the hearing device 1 such that, when the hearing device is worn, they are not exposed to any air pressure to the environment U, as shown in FIG. 1, in the area of the dome of the device horn-shaped, tubular base body are positioned. In particular when an acoustic / electrical transducer with directional characteristic is realized with the aid of the at least two spaced-apart microphones mentioned The intended intermediate volume V, in the sense of a “common mode” suppression, means that different acoustic signals that are coupled in differently tend to cancel each other out along the insert 25 due to the compensating effect of the volume V.
Im weiteren wirkt die Einlage 25 als Verschmutzungsschutz und ist dank ihrer bevorzugt wasserabstossenden Beschichtung leicht reinigbar.In addition, the insert 25 acts as protection against contamination and, thanks to its preferably water-repellent coating, is easy to clean.
Ein weiterer Vorteil der Einlage 25 mit ihrer Vielzahl von Durchtritten ist - eng gekoppelt an den Aspekt der oben erwähnten "common mode" -Unterdrückung - dass sich eine allfällige Verschmutzung auf beide Mikrophone gleich auswirkt und dadurch keine Verschlechterung der Richtwirkung (Richtcharakteristik) entsteht, was bei konventionellen Richtmikrophonen mit zwei und mehr diskreten Öffnungen ein zentrales Problem darstellt.Another advantage of the insert 25 with its large number of passages is - closely linked to the aspect of the "common mode" suppression mentioned above - that any contamination has the same effect on both microphones and therefore no deterioration in the directional effect (directional characteristic), which occurs is a central problem in conventional directional microphones with two or more discrete openings.
Bezüglich dieser Einlage 25 und ihrer Wirkungen wird auch auf die EP-A-0 847 227 derselben Anmelderin verwiesen.With regard to this insert 25 and its effects, reference is also made to EP-A-0 847 227 by the same applicant.
Anschliessend an die elektro/akustische Wandleranordnung 15 folgt im Grundgehäuse 3 eine Elektronikeinheit 27, dann ein Batteriefach 29. Auf der Aussenseite des Gerätegrundgehauses, im Bereich zwischen Batteriefach 29 und Elektronikeinheit 27, ist ein Betätigungsschalter 31 vorgesehen. In der perspektivischen Darstellung von Fig. 2 sind insbesondere Anschlussstutzen 5, Grundgehäuse 3, Deckel 19 mit Schalleintrittsschlitz 23 und Einlage 25, weiter der Betätigungsschalter 31 klar ersichtlich.Following the electro / acoustic transducer arrangement 15, there is an electronics unit 27 in the basic housing 3, then a battery compartment 29. An actuation switch 31 is provided on the outside of the main unit housing, in the area between the battery compartment 29 and the electronics unit 27. In the perspective view of FIG. 2, in particular connection piece 5, basic housing 3, cover 19 with sound entry slot 23 and insert 25, furthermore the actuation switch 31 are clearly visible.
BatteriefachBattery compartment
In das in das Grundgehäuse 3 endständig eingelegte Batteriefach 29 wird eine zylinderförmige Flachbatterie bzw. ein entspre- chend geformter Akku 33 eingelegt, derart, dass die Achse des Batterie-Zylinders, mit seinen Stirnflächen 33u und 330, mindestens im wesentlichen, koaxial zur Längsachse A des Grundkörpers liegt.A cylindrical flat battery or a corresponding battery is inserted into the battery compartment 29, which is inserted into the base housing 3. accordingly shaped battery 33 inserted such that the axis of the battery cylinder, with its end faces 33 u and 33 0 , is at least substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis A of the base body.
An der Basis 30 des Batteriefaches 29, zentriert in der Achse A, ist ein erster federnder Kontakt 35 vorgesehen, ein zweiter 37 tritt federnd mit der Seitenfläche der Batterie 33 in Kontakt. Das Batteriefach 29 ist mit einem in geschlossener Position zur Achse A querstehenden Deckel 39 verschliessbar, wel- eher am Grundgehäuse 3, bei 41, schwenk- oder bajonettgelagert ist oder am Batteriefach 29.At the base 30 of the battery compartment 29, centered in the axis A, a first resilient contact 35 is provided, a second 37 makes resilient contact with the side surface of the battery 33. The battery compartment 29 can be closed with a cover 39 which is transverse to the axis A in the closed position and which is pivotally or bayonet-mounted on the basic housing 3, at 41 or on the battery compartment 29.
Dieses querliegende Anordnen der Batterie 33 am Hörgerät weist wesentliche Vorteile auf: Die durch den Deckel 39 verschlossene Fläche ist relativ gross, was - wie noch auszuführen sein wird - weiter genutzt werden kann. Weil weiter der Batteriefach- Deckel 39 am tiefsten Ort des Gerätes angeordnet ist und die Deckelstossstellen zum Grundgehäuse 3 quer zur Achse A liegen, ist ein Eindringen von Schweiss in das Batteriefach kaum kritisch. Im weiteren sind bei dieser Batteriefach-Ausbildung die Kontakte 37 und 35 innerhalb des Faches geschützt, der Deckel 39 trägt keine elektrischen Kontakte. Weil weiter der im wesentlichen zylindrische Innenraum des Grundkörpers 3 ausgenützt wird, ergibt sich praktisch kein nicht genutzter, verlorener Raum.This transverse arrangement of the battery 33 on the hearing device has significant advantages: the area closed by the cover 39 is relatively large, which - as will be explained below - can be used further. Because the battery compartment cover 39 is also located at the lowest point of the device and the cover joints to the base housing 3 lie transversely to the axis A, penetration of sweat into the battery compartment is hardly critical. Furthermore, with this battery compartment design, the contacts 37 and 35 are protected within the compartment, and the cover 39 has no electrical contacts. Because the essentially cylindrical interior of the base body 3 is further utilized, there is practically no unused, lost space.
In Fig. 3 ist, perspektivisch, eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform des Batteriefach-Deckels 39 dargestellt, als Klappdeckel ausgebildet. Mit dem Schnappscharnierteil 43 ist er einfach vom Schwenklager 41 gemass Fig. 1 ausklinkbar bzw. daran einrast- bar. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform weist er im weiteren ein Verriegelungsschloss 45 auf, nebst einer federnden Rastklinke 46.3 shows, in perspective, a preferred embodiment of the battery compartment cover 39, designed as a hinged cover. With the snap hinge part 43, it can be easily disengaged from the pivot bearing 41 according to FIG. 1 or snapped into place. In a preferred embodiment, it points further a locking lock 45, along with a resilient latch 46.
In Fig. 4 ist der Deckel 39 gemass Fig. 1 in Aussenansicht dargestellt. Das Verriegelungsschloss 45 ist von aussen nur mit einem Werkzeug, beispielsweise einem Schraubenzieher, bedienbar und weist hierzu, auf einer Drehplatine 47, einen Eingriffsschlitz 49 auf. Die Platine 47, welche erst bei Montage des Verriegelungsschlosses 45 am Klappdeckel 39 eingebaut wird, ist spezifisch eingefärbt, in zwei Ausführungen, z.B. rot und blau, womit dieser Teil gleichzeitig als Anzeige dafür dient, ob das jeweils vorliegende Hörgerät ein Gerät für linkes oder rechtes Ohr ist .In Fig. 4 the lid 39 is shown in FIG. 1 in an external view. The locking lock 45 can only be operated from the outside with a tool, for example a screwdriver, and for this purpose has an engagement slot 49 on a rotary plate 47. The circuit board 47, which is only installed when the locking lock 45 is installed on the hinged cover 39, is specifically colored, in two versions, e.g. red and blue, which also serves as an indication of whether the hearing aid in question is a device for the left or right ear.
Wie erwähnt wurde, hat die dargestellte Ausführungsform des Batteriefachs 29, insbesondere die Tatsache, dass der Batterie- Flachzylinder koaxial zur Achse A des Hörgerätes liegt, einen weiteren, wesentlichen Vorteil. Das in Fig. 1 dargestellte Hörgerät entspricht nämlich einer Grundkonfiguration.As has been mentioned, the illustrated embodiment of the battery compartment 29, in particular the fact that the flat battery cylinder lies coaxially with the axis A of the hearing aid, has a further significant advantage. The hearing aid shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a basic configuration.
Es ist oft erwünscht, diese Grundkonfiguration mit Zusatzoptionen auszurüsten, beispielsweise mit einer Schnittstelleneinheit für drahtlose Signalübertragung, einer Programmiersteckereinheit, einem weiteren Audioeingang, einem grösseren Akkumulatorfach, einer mechanischen Betätigungseinheit etc. Hierzu wird das in Fig. 1 dargestellte Batteriefach, wie in Fig. 5 dargestellt, umfunktioniert. Die Batterie 33 wird dem Fach entnommen und an deren statt wird der Steckteil 34 eines entsprechendenIt is often desirable to equip this basic configuration with additional options, for example with an interface unit for wireless signal transmission, a programming connector unit, a further audio input, a larger battery compartment, a mechanical actuation unit, etc. For this purpose, the battery compartment shown in FIG. 1, as in FIG. 5 shown, repurposed. The battery 33 is removed from the compartment and instead the plug part 34 of a corresponding one
Zusatzmoduls 51 eingesteckt, elektrisch an den den Batteriekontakten entsprechenden Kontaktstellen 35a bzw. 37a kontaktiert.Additional module 51 inserted, electrically contacted at the contact points 35a and 37a corresponding to the battery contacts.
Im Hinblick auf den Einsatz solcher Zusatzmodule ist es durchaus möglich, im Fach 29 weitere Kontakte vorzusehen. Das nun als eigentliches Batteriefach wirkende Fach 29a mit Batterie 33 ist nun am Zusatzmodul 51 vorgesehen und, entsprechend, der Deckel 39, der z.B. vom Grundgehäuse 3 entfernt und am Zusatzmodul eingeklinkt oder bajonettartig eingerastet wird. Gegebenenfalls können mehrere derartige Module 51 am in Fig. 1 dargestellten Grundmodul des Hörgerätes gestapelt werden. Die jeweilige Fixation der Zusatzmodule 51 erfolgt vorzugsweise mit einer an den Modulen 51 vorgesehenen Einrastpartie 43a, analog zum Scharnierteil 43 am Klappdeckel 39, sowie einem analog zum Schnappteil 46 an besagtem Klappdeckel 39 ausgebildetenWith regard to the use of such additional modules, it is entirely possible to provide additional contacts in compartment 29. The compartment 29a with the battery 33, which now acts as the actual battery compartment, is now provided on the additional module 51 and, correspondingly, the cover 39, which is removed, for example, from the basic housing 3 and latched onto the additional module or latched like a bayonet. If necessary, several such modules 51 can be stacked on the basic module of the hearing aid shown in FIG. 1. The respective fixation of the additional modules 51 is preferably carried out with a snap-in part 43a provided on the modules 51, analogous to the hinge part 43 on the hinged cover 39, and a trained analogously to the snap part 46 on said hinged cover 39
Schnappteil 46a oder, bei Bajonettverriegelung, durch entsprechendes Einschieben und Drehverriegeln.Snap part 46a or, in the case of a bayonet lock, by appropriate insertion and rotary locking.
Damit ist es möglich, das Hörgerät auf höchst einfache Art und Weise modular den Wünschen entsprechend auszubauen, Batterie bzw. Akkumulator 33 bleiben immer ohne weiteres von aussen zugänglich.This makes it possible to expand the hearing aid in a very simple manner in a modular manner according to the wishes, the battery or accumulator 33 always remain easily accessible from the outside.
Elektrisch/akustische WandleranordnungElectrical / acoustic transducer arrangement
In Fig. 6 ist, vereinfacht, der Aufbau und die Lagerung der erwähnten Anordnung 15 am Grundgehäuse 3 und in Ansicht gemass Fig. 1 dargestellt. Die Anordnung 15 umfasst, in einem Laut- sprechergehäuse 53 gekapselt, die LautSprecheranordnung (nicht dargestellt) mit einer Lautsprechermembran. Durch schematisch bei 55 eingezeichnete Kopplungsδffnungen werden die durch die Lautsprechermembran angeregten Schallwellen vom membranrücksei- tigen Raum im Lautsprechergehäuse 53 in den Umgebungsraum US3 des Lautsprechergehäuses 53 gekoppelt. Vom Membran-vorderseitigen Raum werden die akustischen Signale - wie mit dem Pfeil S dargestellt - zu dem in Fig. 1 ersichtlichen Übertragungskanal 11 gekoppelt . Das Lautsprechergehäuse 53 ist allseits in federnden, vorzugsweise in gummielastischen Lagerungen 57, im wesentlichen frei schwingend gehaltert. Durch die Lagerungen 57 wird zwischen Lautsprechergehäuse-Aussenwand und einer Kapselung 59 der rela- tiv grosse Raum U53 definiert, welcher zu einer namhaften Anhebung der Tieftöne führt . Der membranrückseitige Resonanzraum wird durch den Raum US3 um ein Vielfaches vergrössert. Damit der Raum U53 akustisch vollumfänglich wirksam ist, sind die Kapselung 59 und ihre Halterung 61 dicht verbunden.In Fig. 6, the structure and the storage of the mentioned arrangement 15 on the basic housing 3 and in accordance with FIG. 1 is shown in simplified form. The arrangement 15, encapsulated in a loudspeaker housing 53, comprises the loudspeaker arrangement (not shown) with a loudspeaker membrane. The coupling waves shown schematically at 55 couple the sound waves excited by the loudspeaker membrane from the space on the rear side of the membrane in the loudspeaker housing 53 into the surrounding space U S3 of the loudspeaker housing 53. The acoustic signals - as shown by the arrow S - are coupled from the front space of the membrane to the transmission channel 11 shown in FIG. 1. The loudspeaker housing 53 is mounted on all sides in resilient, preferably in rubber-elastic bearings 57, essentially freely swinging. The bearings 57 define the relatively large space U 53 between the loudspeaker housing outer wall and an encapsulation 59, which leads to a notable increase in the low tones. The resonance space on the back of the membrane is enlarged many times by the space U S3 . So that the space U 53 is fully acoustically effective, the encapsulation 59 and its holder 61 are tightly connected.
Damit wird das Lagerungsvolumen für die Lautsprecheranordnung akustisch optimal genutzt. Die Kapselung 59 wirkt weiter bevorzugterweise als magnetisches Schirmungsgehäuse und ist hierzu bevorzugt aus μ-Metall gefertigt. Sie ist becherförmig ausgebildet und ist an der Halterung 61, als Kunststoffträgerteil ausgebildet, dichtend eingehakt. Zwischen Kapselung 59, Halterung 61 einerseits und Lautsprechergehäuse 53 sind die erwähnten federnden, vorzugsweise gummielastischen, Lagerungen 57 gespannt .In this way, the storage volume for the loudspeaker arrangement is used optimally acoustically. The encapsulation 59 further preferably acts as a magnetic shielding housing and is preferably made of μ-metal for this purpose. It is cup-shaped and is sealingly hooked onto the holder 61, designed as a plastic carrier part. The aforementioned resilient, preferably rubber-elastic, bearings 57 are stretched between the encapsulation 59, the holder 61 and the loudspeaker housing 53.
In Fig. 8 ist rein prinzipiell die erläuterte akustische Kopp- lung dargestellt. Die Membran 54 des Lautsprechers im Gehäuse 53 definiert im besagten Gehäuse einen ersten Raum Rx, welcher mit dem akustischen Ausgang des Hörgerätes - wie mit S dargestellt - gekoppelt ist sowie einen zweiten R2, der über eine oder mehrere Öffnungen 55 mit dem zwischen Kapselung 59 und Ge- häuse 53 gebildeten Raum U53 gekoppelt ist.8 explains the acoustic coupling explained in principle. The membrane 54 of the loudspeaker in the housing 53 defines a first space R x in the said housing, which is coupled to the acoustic output of the hearing device - as shown with S - and a second R 2 which via one or more openings 55 with the between encapsulation 59 and housing 53 formed space U 53 is coupled.
Betätigungsschalter 31Operating switch 31
In Fig. 7 ist eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform des Betätigungsschalters 31, vereinfacht und schematisiert, dargestellt. Der Betätigungsschalter 31 umfasst einen Kipptaster 63, der einseitig, bei 65, kippgelagert ist.A preferred embodiment of the actuation switch 31 is shown in simplified and schematic form in FIG. 7. The Operating switch 31 comprises a toggle switch 63, which is tilted at 65 on one side.
Das Kipplager 65 ist an einem Schlitten 67 angeformt, welcher - wie mit dem Doppelpfeil F dargestellt - bezüglich des Grundge- häuses 3 linear verschieblich gelagert ist. Wie schematisch mit dem Federkontakt 69, bezüglich des Grundgehäuses 3 fix, und dem Überbrückungskontakt 70 am Schlitten 67 dargestellt, wird durch hin und her Schieben des Schlittens über Taster 63 das Gerät ein- und ausgeschaltet .The tilting bearing 65 is formed on a slide 67 which, as shown by the double arrow F, is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable with respect to the basic housing 3. As shown schematically with the spring contact 69, fixed with respect to the basic housing 3, and the bridging contact 70 on the slide 67, the device is switched on and off by pushing the slide back and forth via button 63.
Im Schlitten 67 ist eine durchgehende Nut 72 eingearbeitet, durch welche eine Gehäuse-3-feste Kontaktpille 73 durchragt. Diese ist überdeckt durch eine am Schlitten 67 angeordnete federnde Kontaktpartie 75, welche bevorzugterweise als Tastaturelement aus gummielastischem, mindestens teilweise elektrisch leitendem Kunststoff gefertigt ist, wie bekannt beispielsweise von Fernbedienungstastaturen. Bei kippender Betätigung des Kipptasters 63 - wie mit dem Doppelpfeil K dargestellt - tritt die Kontaktpartie 75 mit der Kontaktpille 73 in Kontakt und erstellt zwischen diesen Elementen eine elektrische Verbindung. Obwohl sich für den Fachmann eine Vielzahl möglicher elektrischer Verbindungen unter Einschluss der Schaltstrecke S1( betätigt durch die Schlittenbewegung F, und der Schaltstrecke S-, betätigt durch die Kippbewegung K des Kipptasters 63, ergibt, ist bevorzugterweise - wie in Fig. 7 gestrichelt dargestellt - der Federkontakt 69 mit der Gerätebatterie 33 verbunden, derA continuous groove 72 is machined in the slide 67, through which a housing 3-fixed contact pill 73 extends. This is covered by a resilient contact part 75 arranged on the slide 67, which is preferably made as a keyboard element from rubber-elastic, at least partially electrically conductive plastic, as is known, for example, from remote control keyboards. When the rocker switch 63 is actuated tilting - as shown by the double arrow K - the contact part 75 comes into contact with the contact pill 73 and creates an electrical connection between these elements. Although a large number of possible electrical connections, including the switching path S 1 ( actuated by the carriage movement F, and the switching path S-, actuated by the tilting movement K of the toggle switch 63, result for the person skilled in the art, it is preferred - as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 7 - The spring contact 69 connected to the device battery 33, the
Überbrückungskontakt 70 mit der Kontaktpartie 75, und es wirkt damit die Kontaktpille 73 als elektrischer Ausgang der Schaltanordnung . Damit wirkt der Betätigungsschalter 31 sowohl als Ein-/Aus- Schiebeschalter und zusätzlich, in Ein-Position, als Toggelschalter, womit - beispielsweise zur raschen individuellen Verstärkungseinstellung - in Schritten auf die Elektronikeinheit 27 gemass Fig. 1 eingewirkt wird.Bridging contact 70 with the contact part 75, and the contact pill 73 thus acts as an electrical output of the switching arrangement. The actuation switch 31 thus acts both as an on / off slide switch and additionally, in the on position, as a toggle switch, with which the electronics unit 27 is acted on in steps in accordance with FIG. 1, for example for rapid individual gain setting.
Mit dem Betätigungsschalter 31 werden mithin zwei Funktionen kombiniert, Schiebeschalter und Toggelschalter, eine Funktions- verSchmelzung, die insbesondere für das erfindungsgemässe Hinterohrgerät höchst vorteilhaft ist . Die Bedienungsunterschied- lichkeit sichert, dass keine Funktionsverwechslung stattfindet, was bei Vorsehen zweier Schalter für die erwähnten beiden Funktionen wesentlich kritischer ist.The actuation switch 31 therefore combines two functions, slide switch and toggle switch, a functional fusion which is particularly advantageous for the rear ear device according to the invention. The difference in operation ensures that there is no confusion of functions, which is much more critical for the two functions mentioned if two switches are provided.
Aufbau des Gehäuses 3Structure of the housing 3
Wie sich insbesondere aus Fig. 5 ergibt, ist das Grundgehäuse 3 durch ein gebogenes, entsprechend geformtes Rohrteil gebildet. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird dieses Teil 3 einteilig ausgebildet, bevorzugt aus Kunststoff und ist nicht, wie sonst beim Aufbau derartiger Hörgeräte üblich, entlang von in Fig. 5 mit M eingetragenen Mantellinien, in zwei Schalen trenn- bar. Damit ist auch die Assemblierung der einzelnen Einheiten in das Grundgehäuse 3 gegeben: Sie werden einfach ins Rohr eingeführt, was wesentlich einfacher ist als eine Assemblierung an geöffneten Schalen. Ein weiterer Vorteil einer rohrförmigen, einteiligen Ausführungsform ist ihre viel grössere Stabilität gegenüber einem geteilten Gehäuse. Dadurch ist eine Reduktion der Gehäusewandstärke und dadurch eine Verkleinerung desselben möglich, bzw. bei gegebenem Aussenvolumen eine Erhöhung des nutzbaren Innenvolumens . Vorteile der Gesamtkonfiguration5, the basic housing 3 is formed by a bent, appropriately shaped tubular part. In a preferred embodiment, this part 3 is formed in one piece, preferably made of plastic, and is not separable into two shells, as is customary in the construction of such hearing aids, along the generatrices marked M in FIG. 5. This also means that the individual units are assembled in the basic housing 3: they are simply inserted into the tube, which is much easier than assembling on open shells. Another advantage of a tubular, one-piece embodiment is its much greater stability compared to a split housing. This makes it possible to reduce the wall thickness of the housing and thereby reduce it, or to increase the usable internal volume for a given external volume. Advantages of the overall configuration
Mit Blick auf Fig. 1 ist ersichtlich, insbesondere auch bei der bevorzugten einteiligen Ausbildung des Grundgehäuses 3, dass die einzelnen Baueinheiten, insbesondere 11, 15, 27, 29 und/oder 51, durch axiales, sequentielles Einschieben in das Grundgehäuse 3 assembliert werden. Formgebung des Gehäuses 3 mit entsprechenden Führungen sichert dabei eine rasche, exakte Positionierung, wobei die gegenseitige elektrische Kontaktierung zwischen den elektrisch betriebenen Einheiten lötfrei, mittels federnder Kontaktierungen erfolgt. Damit können die vorzusehenden Einheiten vorab ausgetestet und ausgemessen und ohne eine Beeinträchtigung befürchten zu müssen darnach assembliert werden. Diese Assemblierung kann ohne weiteres automatisiert werden. Das Gesamtgehäuse mit Grundgehäuse 3 und Deckel 19, gegebenenfalls 39, ist, an den Stossstellen mit entsprechenden Dichtungen versehen, einfach dichtbar.With reference to FIG. 1, it can be seen, in particular also in the preferred one-piece design of the basic housing 3, that the individual structural units, in particular 11, 15, 27, 29 and / or 51, are assembled by axial, sequential insertion into the basic housing 3. Shaping of the housing 3 with appropriate guides ensures rapid, exact positioning, the mutual electrical contact between the electrically operated units being solderless, using resilient contacts. The units to be provided can thus be tested and measured beforehand and then assembled without fear of impairment. This assembly can easily be automated. The entire housing with basic housing 3 and cover 19, optionally 39, can be easily sealed at the joints with appropriate seals.
Die bevorzugte Ausführung der elektrisch/akustischen Wandleranordnung 15 sichert eine optimale magnetische Abschirmung der Lautsprecher und eine optimale akustische Abdichtung bezüglich Körperschall. The preferred embodiment of the electrical / acoustic transducer arrangement 15 ensures an optimal magnetic shielding of the loudspeakers and an optimal acoustic seal with respect to structure-borne noise.

Claims

Patentansprüche : Claims:
1. Hinterohr-Hörgerät mit einem hakenförmig gebogenen Gerätekörper, im wesentlich entlang einer ebenso gebogenen Geräte- längsachse (A) , worin akustisch/elektrische Wandler (17) , elek- trisch/akustische Wandler (15) und Elektronikeinheiten (27) eingebaut sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Gerätekörper einen einteiligen, mindestens zum Teil rohrförmig geschlossenen Gehäuseteil (3) umfasst.1. behind-the-ear hearing device with a hook-shaped device body, essentially along an equally curved device longitudinal axis (A), in which acoustic / electrical transducers (17), electrical / acoustic transducers (15) and electronic units (27) are installed, characterized in that the device body comprises a one-piece, at least partially tubular closed housing part (3).
2. Hinterohr-Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeich- net, dass der Gehäuseteil (3) in einem Abschnitt mittels eines entfernbaren Deckels (19) zu einem im wesentlichen über seine ganze Länge geschlossenen Rohr komplettiert ist.2. Rear ear hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing part (3) is completed in one section by means of a removable cover (19) to form a tube which is essentially closed over its entire length.
3. Hinterohr-Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Innenraum des durch den Geräte- teil (3) definierten Rohres Aufnahmen für das gestapelte Einführen von im Gerät aufzunehmenden Baueinheiten aufweist.3. Rear ear hearing aid according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the interior of the tube defined by the device part (3) has receptacles for the stacked insertion of structural units to be accommodated in the device.
4. Hinterohr-Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein akustischer Auskopplungsstutzen4. rear ear hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an acoustic decoupling
(5) am einen Ende des Gehäuseteils (3) lösbar angeordnet ist und das andere Ende durch einen vorzugsweise zerstörungsfrei entfernbaren Deckel (39) zu einem Aufnahmefach mit mindestens zwei elektrischen Kontakten verschlossen ist.(5) is detachably arranged at one end of the housing part (3) and the other end is closed by a cover (39), which can preferably be removed non-destructively, to form a receiving compartment with at least two electrical contacts.
5. Hinterohr-Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, da¬ durch gekennzeichnet, dass im Bereich der grössten Krümmung der Gerätekörper-Längsachse (A) ein im wesentlichen wie die Längsachse (A) gekrümmter Deckel (19) vorgesehen ist.5. rear ear hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 4, ¬ characterized in that in the region of greatest curvature of the device body longitudinal axis (A) a substantially like the longitudinal axis (A) curved cover (19) is provided.
6. Verfahren zur Assemblierung eines Hinterohr-Hörgerätes, umfassend einen im wesentlichen rohrförmigen Gehäuseteil (3) sowie, darin, Hörgeräte-Funktionseinheiten, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass man den Gehäuseteil (3) als einteiliges, rohr- förmiges Teil ausbildet und die Einheiten durch axiales Einschieben in den rohrförmigen Teil (3) assembliert und lötfrei elektrisch kontaktiert.6. A method for assembling a rear ear hearing aid, comprising an essentially tubular housing part (3) and, therein, hearing aid functional units, characterized in that the housing part (3) is designed as a one-piece, tubular part and the units are assembled by axial insertion into the tubular part (3) and electrically contacted without soldering.
7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es automatisiert erfolgt. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that it is automated.
EP99924639A 1999-06-16 1999-06-16 Behind-the-ear hearing aid Expired - Lifetime EP1183909B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DK04015647.3T DK1484943T3 (en) 1999-06-16 1999-06-16 Behind-the-ear
EP04015647.3A EP1484943B1 (en) 1999-06-16 1999-06-16 Behind-the-ear hearing aid

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CH1999/000262 WO1999043194A2 (en) 1999-06-16 1999-06-16 Behind-the-ear hearing aid

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04015647.3A Division EP1484943B1 (en) 1999-06-16 1999-06-16 Behind-the-ear hearing aid
EP04015647.3 Division-Into 2004-07-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1183909A2 true EP1183909A2 (en) 2002-03-06
EP1183909B1 EP1183909B1 (en) 2011-02-23

Family

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EP04015647.3A Expired - Lifetime EP1484943B1 (en) 1999-06-16 1999-06-16 Behind-the-ear hearing aid
EP99924639A Expired - Lifetime EP1183909B1 (en) 1999-06-16 1999-06-16 Behind-the-ear hearing aid

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04015647.3A Expired - Lifetime EP1484943B1 (en) 1999-06-16 1999-06-16 Behind-the-ear hearing aid

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US6735319B1 (en)
EP (2) EP1484943B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2002537665A (en)
CN (1) CN1354966A (en)
AT (1) ATE499808T1 (en)
AU (1) AU774934B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2377449C (en)
DE (1) DE59915251D1 (en)
DK (2) DK1484943T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1999043194A2 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1999043194A2 (en) 1999-09-02
DE59915251D1 (en) 2011-04-07
EP1484943B1 (en) 2013-11-06
ATE499808T1 (en) 2011-03-15
AU774934B2 (en) 2004-07-15
US6735319B1 (en) 2004-05-11
CN1354966A (en) 2002-06-19
DK1484943T3 (en) 2014-02-10
AU4128499A (en) 1999-09-15
EP1484943A2 (en) 2004-12-08
CA2377449A1 (en) 1999-09-02
DK1183909T3 (en) 2011-06-14
JP2002537665A (en) 2002-11-05
EP1484943A3 (en) 2005-06-22
EP1183909B1 (en) 2011-02-23
WO1999043194A3 (en) 2000-06-29
CA2377449C (en) 2011-04-19

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