EP1287721B1 - Hearing aid placed in the ear and method for producing same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hearing aid placed in the ear comprising an electric/acoustic transformer arrangement (1). The output opening of said arrangement (1) is separated from the surroundings of the apparatus by means of a membrane (17) which is arranged in a self-oscillating manner.

Description

The present invention relates to an in-the-ear hearing aid with a electrical / acoustic transducer assembly according to the preamble of claim 1. In addition, the invention relates to a Method for producing an in-ear hearing aid after the The preamble of claim 9.

At in-the-ear hearing aids is the pollution problem, in particular the eardrum facing acoustic output of the device, known. This pollution leads to impairment the hearing aid and makes it necessary to the hearing aid periodically clean. This usually leads provided opening in the hearing aid housing, as an acoustic output coupled with the output of the electrical / acoustic transducer, to well-known cleaning problems.

From EP 0 548 580 it is known on an in-ear hearing aid to provide a housing closing the membrane, which is similar the actual speaker diaphragm, with the motor Loudspeaker drive is coupled. This will be the structure of the Hearing aid relatively complicated and in particular the measures, which are to be taken, the mentioned membrane to the speaker drive and ensure that at the Cleaning this membrane is not affected.

It is an object of the present invention, the disadvantages mentioned to fix the previously known solution and thereby an in-ear hearing aid to suggest that structurally simple the cleaning needs takes full account of.

This is achieved by the fact that the acoustic output of electrical / acoustic transducer assembly on in-the-ear hearing aid means a membrane which is mounted free - swinging, from the Device environment is disconnected and that the diaphragm from a rubber-elastic material.

It was recognized that by appropriate interpretation of acoustically effective spaces on the hearing aid and the membrane characteristics, in terms of acoustic impedance matching achieved can be that such a free-swinging membrane on the acoustic transmission behavior of the hearing aid output side of the mentioned transducer practically does not affect that is, the mentioned membrane becomes acoustically transparent.

If desired, with such a membrane also a desired Damping be realized.

In a far preferred embodiment of the inventive In-ear hearing aid is at least the free-swinging Part of the membrane made of a single material, e.g. made of latex or silicone rubber. Next, in a preferred embodiment according to the invention provided membrane at least on said Batch of constant thickness.

Thus, the structural design for the hearing aid by providing the mentioned membrane only increased negligibly. The preferred used membrane material, e.g. Latex or Silicone, is highly cost effective and comes with uniform, lower Made of thick, durable and respectful Behavior in contact with living tissue harmless.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mentioned Membrane mounted in the immediate area of the device outlet, with cleaning problematic indentations and indentations at the device at least in the range of its acoustic Output be corrected. Furthermore, while the acoustic Output of the transducer assembly by means of a hose nozzle with connected to the acoustic output opening of the hearing aid housing be, but in a preferred embodiment, the acoustic Output of the electrical / acoustic transducer assembly directly arranged in the region of the outlet opening of the hearing aid housing is.

In another, especially with regard to the hearing aid production most advantageous embodiment, the outlet opening of the hearing aid by a plate-shaped with the rest Hearing device housing connected, such as welded or bonded graduation, formed. In doing so, more preferably, will close the outlet opening of the device Membrane integrally formed with the mentioned lot or on the mentioned batch provided as a separate part. The membrane Optionally, it may also be sock-like over the hearing aid housing be placed.

If the mentioned part is formed integrally with the membrane, then the material specific requirements for the membrane also apply to the lot. Preferably then this lot of rubber-elastic material, while e.g. out Latex or silicone, made.

The inventive manufacturing method for the aforementioned in-ear hearing aid is further characterized by the wording of Claim 9. In this case, the transducer assembly is in a blind opening a support plate positioned, the bottom part is formed by a membrane. By relative movement of the support plate and the hearing aid housing then becomes the transducer assembly from the acoustic output of the hearing aid housing forming End introduced into the hearing aid housing. Then it will be the support plate connected to the hearing aid housing, for example glued or welded, and then the carrier plate molded along the hearing aid housing contour.

This procedure is extremely well suited for automation the assembly of in-ear hearing aid housing and electrical / acoustic transducer assembly and membrane.

In a preferred embodiment of the inventive manufacturing method the membrane is made in one piece with the carrier plate formed, while the carrier plate preferably from a rubber elastic material, e.g. made of latex or silicone, or it is the membrane as a film-like element on the support plate, initially with through holes, applied as glued, whereby only the blind openings are formed.

To date, it is common to assemble in-the-ear hearing aid housings and electrical / acoustic transducer assembly make manually. This is because it must be avoided that is between speakers in the electric / acoustic Transducer assembly and device housing an acoustically effective bridge forms, which feed back the acoustic signals directly or over the surrounding ear tissue on the device input side acoustic / electrical transducer leads. That's why it's common as mentioned manually, the transducer assembly in the hearing aid housing spaced from the latter and introduce there to position.

The present invention now aims in a further aspect, the necessary manufacturing costs significantly to reduce. This is in principle according to the wording of claim 12 achieved by automating the transducer assembly into the hearing aid housing. In contrast to conventional procedure, according to which the transducer assembly of "above" through the hearing aid housing to the acoustic output part is pushed, is according to much more preferred Embodiment of the mentioned manufacturing method, the transducer assembly through a the acoustic output of the hearing aid housing forming opening introduced into the mentioned housing. In In a much preferred embodiment, this is done by that the transducer assembly in a receiving opening a Positioned carrier plate, then by relative movement of the carrier plate with respect to the hearing aid housing, the transducer assembly from the acoustic output of the hearing aid housing forming End introduces into the mentioned housing. Especially in the Another preferred embodiment, after which then the carrier plate is connected to the hearing aid housing, such as glued or welded, and then the carrier plate is molded along the Hörgeräteaussenkontur, is achieved that the transducer assembly in the mentioned carrier plate positioned and held remains and thus the Positioning of the transducer assembly in the device housing nurmehr a question of the exact feeding movement of device housing and Carrier plate is. This procedure presents itself, as mentioned was ideal for automated assembly.

Fig. 1

das Schema einer Wandleranordnung, die als Modul ausgebildet ist;

Fig. 2

schematisch vereinfachend, einen Längsschnitt durch die Wandleranordnung in einer Realisationsform;

Fig. 2a

eine weitere Ausführungsform des Wandlers nach Fig. 2, schematisiert, mit erfindungsgemässer Membran;

Fig. 3

weiterhin schematisch, den Einbau einer Wandleranordnung an einem erfindungsgemässen Im-Ohr-Hörgerät mit erfindungsgemäss vorgesehener Membran;

Fig. 4

in Darstellung analog zu derjenigen von Fig. 3, eine weitere Einbaumöglichkeit einer Wandleranordnung mit der erfindungsgemässen Membran an einem erfindungsgemässen Im-Ohr-Hörgerät;

Fig. 5

in Darstellung analog zu den Fig. 3 bzw. 4, eine weitere bevorzugte Ausbildungsvariante der den akustischen Geräteausgang bildenden Partie eines erfindungsgemässen Im-Ohr-Hörgerätes, und

Fig. 6(a) bis 6(c)

schematisch, den Ablauf eines erfindungsgemässen Herstellungsverfahrens für ein Im-Ohr-Hörgerät, was die Assemblierung der elektrisch/akustischen Wandleranordnung und des Gerätegehäuses anbelangt.

The invention will be explained below with reference to figures. These show:

Fig. 1

the scheme of a transducer assembly, which is designed as a module;

Fig. 2

schematically simplified, a longitudinal section through the transducer assembly in a realization form;

Fig. 2a

a further embodiment of the transducer of Figure 2, schematically, with membrane according to the invention.

Fig. 3

Furthermore, schematically, the installation of a transducer assembly on an inventive in-ear hearing aid with inventively provided membrane;

Fig. 4

in representation analogous to that of Figure 3, a further installation possibility of a transducer assembly with the inventive membrane on an inventive in-ear hearing aid.

Fig. 5

in a representation analogous to FIGS. 3 and 4, a further preferred embodiment variant of the acoustic device output forming part of an inventive in-ear hearing aid, and

Figs. 6 (a) to 6 (c)

schematically, the sequence of an inventive manufacturing method for an in-ear hearing aid, as regards the assembly of the electrical / acoustic transducer assembly and the device housing.

In Fig. 1, a converter module is shown schematically for the basic explanation of the acoustic coupling ratios. The converter module 1 comprises a loudspeaker housing 3, in which the loudspeaker diaphragm 5 is mounted. The loudspeaker diaphragm 5 is excited by a motor drive 7 shown only schematically. In the speaker housing 3, a front-side space R ₁ and a rear-side R _{2 are} formed by the speaker diaphragm 5. About acoustic coupling openings 9 of one of the two mentioned spaces, for example, the rear side R ₂ , acoustically coupled with a gap 11 formed between the speaker housing 3 and a Kapselungsgehäuse 13. The encapsulating housing 13 and thus the gap 11 surround the speaker housing 3 substantially completely , except for resilient bearing parts 15, by means of which the speaker housing is spaced apart within the encapsulating housing 13, is mounted substantially "floating". According to FIG. 1, the front-side space R _{1 is} connected to the acoustic output A _{A of} the converter module 1.

Due to the essentially free-floating mounting of the loudspeaker housing 3 in the encapsulating housing 13, an acoustic decoupling of the loudspeaker effect on the encapsulating housing 13 is achieved with the construction shown. Furthermore, by considerable enlargement of the rear membrane space R ₂ , namely now including the gap 11, the acoustic behavior of the transducer module 1, compared with that of the speaker assembly in the housing 3, notably improved: The low-frequency response of the transducer module is raised by several dB, compared with that of the speaker assembly in the housing 3rd

In a preferred embodiment of the transducer module 1, a membrane at the acoustic output A _{A is} provided on it itself, as shown schematically at 17. The membrane 17 is free-swinging apart from its marginal clamping. Preferably, it consists of a homogeneous material phase, preferably of a rubber-elastic material, for example of latex or silicone rubber, and, more preferably, has a constant thickness of about 100 .mu.m, preferably of at most 0.09 mm.

By tuning the acoustic impedance of gap 11 with space R ₂ , the space R ₁ to the membrane 17 back, the membrane 17 and against the environment U of the transducer module 1 further propagating optionally provided acoustic conductor is achieved that the membrane 17 is practically acoustic looks transparent.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section through an embodiment of the converter module 1. The reference numbers already used in the schematic representation according to FIG. 1 are used further. The speaker housing 3 with the coupling openings 9 is mounted on the encapsulating housing 13 by means of rubber-elastic bearing blocks 19. The encapsulating housing 13 is formed by a cup 20, which preferably simultaneously acts as a magnetic shield and for this purpose preferably consists of μ-metal. In any case, the cup 20 is preferably metallic. The cup 20 is closed by a termination part 22. The membrane 17 already presented in FIG. 1 can be mounted directly on the end part 22. In this case, the end part 22 and the membrane 17 can certainly be formed in one piece, but then the material of the end part 22 has to meet the material requirements of the membrane, for example with respect to rubber elasticity. For example, then the whole part 22 of latex or silicone rubber. Otherwise, however, the membrane 17 is anchored as a separate part on the end part 22. The membrane 17 may also be provided between the acoustic output A ₃ in the speaker housing 3 and the clear opening in the part 22. Preferably, however, as shown in Fig. 2, the membrane 17 is provided flush with the clear opening in the end portion 22, whereby the entire transducer module 1 appears as a self-contained, encapsulated unit and can be easily cleaned. This is particularly important if, as will be shown, the output A _{A of} the converter module 1 is located directly at the acoustic output of a hearing aid.

The converter module or its encapsulating housing 13 can be cube-shaped, cylindrical or in another, essentially arbitrary Form be formed, provided it is between Loudspeaker housing 3 and encapsulating housing 13 the required, essentially the speaker housing 3 enclosing space 11 spanned. In Fig. 2a, starting from the explanations to Fig. 2, only schematized, another embodiment shown. Here is a rubbery stocking 17a pulled over the encapsulating housing 13. He forms at the same time End part 22 and membrane 17.

In Fig. 3, the portion of an in-ear hearing aid 24 is shown schematically with the acoustic output port A _24th Inside the device housing 26, the converter module 1 constructed according to FIGS. 1, 2 or 2a is installed, namely by holding and positioning it in the housing 26 of the hearing device in a form-fitting or force-locking manner, as schematized with the mounting and positioning tabs 28 in FIG is. This is made possible by the acoustic decoupling of the outer coupling housing 13 with respect to the loudspeaker housing 3, which is realized on the transducer module explained with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 2a.

Apart from this, according to FIG. 3, the structure of the in-ear hearing aid is essentially as previously known, in that the acoustic output of the converter module 1 is connected via a pipe socket 30 to the acoustic output opening A _{24 of} the device.

The electronic components and the input side acoustic / electrical Transducer assembly on the in-ear hearing aid 24 to the housing 26 are not shown in FIG. 3 and in the further figures, as erfindungsunessential.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the membrane 17 provided in a preferred embodiment is installed in the immediate vicinity of the acoustic output A ₂₄ on the hearing aid housing 26.

According to FIG. 4, the converter module 1 is mounted positively or non-positively directly in the region of the acoustic output A _{24 of} the hearing device 24 or of the housing 26, as shown by the holders 28 a shown schematically. In a preferred embodiment, the free-swinging membrane 17 is provided at the terminal end.

According to FIG. 5, the housing 26 of the in-ear hearing device 24 is on the one hand formed by a main body portion 24a, terminal but is, plate-like, attached to the part 24a a final part 24b, glued or welded with the part 24a. A like with reference to Figures 1 and 2 described converter module 1 or directly the loudspeaker enclosure of a prior art loudspeaker arrangement, in Fig. 5 both comprehensively designated 30, sitting in the exit port 32 of the end portion 24b and is there held, as braced, glued etc. Is it the case in Fig. 5 generally with 30 illustrated converter module to one with Enclosure housing, i. constructed as with reference to Figures 1, 2 or 2a, so can within the device housing 26, as again schematized with 28, positioning and Fixing organs for this converter module 1 may be provided.

With 17 is also in Fig. 5, or preferably provided Membrane of the type described above shown in preferred Position. As will become apparent, the structure has 5, this is for hearing aids with a converter module 1, 2, 2a, or be it for hearing aids with previously known Transducer arrangements, i. with directly outside Speaker housing, significant advantages. In addition, the Membrane 17 may be integrally formed with the part 24b, in particular therefore, because with the separated from the rest of the housing 26 Part 24b the choice of material of this part matched to the Requirements of the membrane 17 can be made.

In Fig. 6 (a) to 6 (c) is schematically the flow of a preferred Manufacturing method for in-the-ear hearing aids shown.

According to FIG. 6 (a), receiving openings are formed in a carrier plate 34 36, preferably in the form of blind openings provided and therein the transducer assemblies to be provided on in-the-ear hearing aids 30 inserted. Is it the transducer arrangements 30 of such known type, i. with outboard Speaker housing and without encapsulating according to FIGS. 1, 2, 2a, then preferably the transducer assemblies 30th firmly anchored in the support plate 34, such as so bonded. But is it about transducer assemblies with outboard Encapsulation housing according to FIGS. 1, 2, 2a, see FIG need the arrangements 30 in the support plate 34 is not fixed be held, because they can, as has been shown in the corresponding device housings 24a, as indicated by dashed lines at 28b, be held positively or non-positively. process engineering It is essential for the time being that by relative movement the plate 34 with the transducer assemblies 30 and a corresponding number of housing parts 24a, the transducer assemblies 30 not as usual from above o, but from below into the the acoustic output facing parts of the housing parts 24a are inserted.

In the case that the transducer assemblies 30 with encapsulating are formed, after halterndem insertion of the transducer assemblies 30 in the housing 26, the support plate 34 is removed be, the transducer assemblies or modules are in the housings 24a held and positioned. In the case of that though remain to transducer assemblies without encapsulating, remain the transducers 30 in the openings provided 36 of the Plate 34. The plate 34 is connected to the housing 24a, e.g. glued or welded, and starting from the position According to Fig. 6 (b) is then (transition to Fig. 6 (c)) the Plate 34 finished flush with the outer housing contour.

It then arises the in-ear hearing aid, as shown in Fig. 5. However, this procedure is also preferably used for converter modules, constructed according to FIGS. 1, 2, 2a, i.e. with encapsulating housing.

Now it can be seen from consideration of Fig. 6 that this Very well suited for this, at the same time the or another preferably to be provided membrane 17th installed, as pollution protection of the acoustic device output and to ensure easy cleaning. For this For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the bottom plate 38 is preferably formed as a blind opening openings 36 directly as a membrane educated. This, by either the material of the carrier plate 34 selected according to the requirements of the membrane material is and thus the membrane in one piece with the plate 34th is formed, or, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 6 (a), by the bag openings 36 first by laminating the Support plate 34, with then still continuous openings 36 formed be, with a foil-like layer 34b, which then the membrane 17 according to FIG. 5 forms.

With the illustrated manufacturing method, it becomes possible without meticulous positioning actions according to both converter modules 1, 2, 2a as well as conventional transducer assemblies, i.e. with external speaker housing in the in-ear hearing aid housing to assemble. This from the side of the case at which the acoustic output is located. This will be a largely automated assembly possible. Should, as preferred, the acoustic hearing aid output over the Environment protected against pollution and easy to clean be educated, at the same time the possibility is created also a covering membrane 17, as explained, to install.

Claims (16)

1. In-the-ear hearing device with an electric/acoustic transducer arrangement, the acoustic output of the transducer arrangement being acoustically coupled to an output aperture in the hearing device housing, and the acoustic output of the transducer being separated from the surroundings of the device by means of a diaphragm (17) which is arranged in a freely oscillating manner, characterized in that the diaphragm (17) consists of a material with rubber-like elasticity.
2. Hearing device according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least the freely oscillating section of the diaphragm consists of a single material and further preferably has a constant thickness, preferably of at most 0.09 mm.
3. Hearing device according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the diaphragm is arranged in the direct region of the device output.
4. Hearing device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the acoustic output of the transducer arrangement is connected to the acoustic output aperture of the device housing by means of a hose stub.
5. Hearing device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the acoustic output of the transducer arrangement is arranged directly in the region of the output aperture.
6. Hearing device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the output aperture of the hearing device is formed by a plate-shaped section, preferably made of a rubber, which is connected to the remaining hearing device housing, such as welded or adhesively bonded.
7. Hearing device according to Claim 6, characterized in that a diaphragm which closes the output aperture is integrally formed with the section or is provided at the section, or is drawn in a hose-like manner over at least part of the hearing device.
8. Hearing device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the section consists of a material with rubber-like elasticity.
9. Hearing device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the diaphragm forms an airtight sea.
10. Method for producing an in-the-ear hearing device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transducer arrangement is positioned in a blind aperture of a support plate, the bottom section of which is formed by a diaphragm, and, by relative movement of the support plate and the hearing device housing, the transducer arrangement is introduced from the end forming the acoustic output of the hearing device housing into the hearing device housing, the support plate is connected to the hearing device housing, preferably adhesively bonded or welded, and the support plate is detached along the contour of the hearing device housing.
11. Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that the diaphragm is integrally formed with the support plate and the support plate is preferably made of a material with rubber-like elasticity, or that the diaphragm is applied, such as adhesively, as a film-like element to the support plate with through-openings, and thereby forms the blind apertures.
12. Method according to either of Claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the device housing and transducer are assembled in an automated manner.
13. Method for manufacturing an in-the-ear hearing device with an electric/acoustic transducer arrangement, characterized in that the transducer arrangement is introduced into the hearing device housing in an automated manner.
14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that the transducer arrangement is introduced into the hearing device housing through an aperture forming the acoustic output of the hearing device housing.
15. Method according to either of Claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the transducer arrangement is positioned in a receiving aperture of a support plate and, by relative movement of the support plate and the hearing device housing, the transducer arrangement is introduced from the end forming the acoustic output of the hearing device housing into the hearing device housing.
16. Method according to Claim 15, characterized in that the support plate is connected to the hearing device housing, preferably adhesively bonded or welded, and after that the support plate is detached along the contour of the hearing device housing.

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