EP1414272B1 - Hearing aid with an external electronic component - Google Patents

Hearing aid with an external electronic component Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1414272B1
EP1414272B1 EP03020882A EP03020882A EP1414272B1 EP 1414272 B1 EP1414272 B1 EP 1414272B1 EP 03020882 A EP03020882 A EP 03020882A EP 03020882 A EP03020882 A EP 03020882A EP 1414272 B1 EP1414272 B1 EP 1414272B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
connection
insulation
aid according
connection cable
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03020882A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1414272A1 (en
Inventor
Tom Weidner
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Sivantos GmbH
Original Assignee
Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1414272A1 publication Critical patent/EP1414272A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/556—External connectors, e.g. plugs or modules
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2404—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having teeth, prongs, pins or needles penetrating the insulation
    • H01R4/2412—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having teeth, prongs, pins or needles penetrating the insulation actuated by insulated cams or wedges
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/26—Connections in which at least one of the connecting parts has projections which bite into or engage the other connecting part in order to improve the contact
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/50—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a cam, wedge, cone or ball also combined with a screw
    • H01R4/5033—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a cam, wedge, cone or ball also combined with a screw using wedge or pin penetrating into the end of a wire in axial direction of the wire
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2404—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having teeth, prongs, pins or needles penetrating the insulation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing aid having a housing for accommodating internal electronic components, an external electronic component arranged outside the housing, and a connecting device for mechanically and electrically connecting the housing and at least one of the internal electronic components to the external electronic component.
  • hearing aids with external handset are known in which the connection between the hearing aid and earpiece by the acoustician is not solvable.
  • the reason for this is that the electrical supply lines for the listener are soldered to the hearing aid.
  • the electrical connection lines are guided in a known variant by a carrying hook and further through a flexible molding tube. A certain individual length adjustment is possible because the molding tube is displaceable in the carrying hook. In the case of mechanical stress, however, the molded hose can come loose from the carrying hook, so that the set length changes.
  • the external handset is connected to the hearing aid by means of a connector. Because the electric Connecting cables are assembled, an individual length adjustment is not possible here.
  • a programmable hearing aid which can be supplied with data from an external programming device.
  • a programming adapter For a temporary wired signal transmission from or to the programming device is a programming adapter whose traces are contactable on the one hand with the contacts of the hearing aid programming port and the other part is connected via a cable connection, a multi-conductor track and a female connector to the programmer.
  • a hearing aid which is associated with a mobile transmitting and receiving module.
  • the mobile transmitting and receiving module has contact elements and can be coupled with corresponding mating contacts of the hearing aid.
  • the mobile transceiver module can be connected to the hearing aid via a wiring.
  • the patent US 5,788,539 describes a surface mountable electrical connector. This has insulation displacement terminals and can be used to contact microphones, cellular telephones or miniaturized electronic components.
  • the patent discloses US 5 548 644 a handset for a telephone station. There are cutting clamps for listeners used.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide an easily manageable electrical and mechanical connection from the hearing aid to an external electronic component.
  • a hearing aid having a housing for accommodating internal electronic components, an external electronic component arranged outside the housing, and a connecting device for mechanically and electrically connecting the housing and at least one of the internal electronic components to the external electronic component, wherein the connecting device is a cutting terminal , which is arranged on the housing, or at least two insulation displacement terminals, one of which is arranged on the housing and a second on the external electronic component, and a Connecting cable, which is clamped in the one insulation displacement terminal or the at least two insulation displacement terminals to produce an electrical and mechanical connection has.
  • connection technique the acoustician can adjust the length of the connection individually for each patient during the adaptation z. B. simply set with a pair of scissors.
  • the connecting lines or cables used can be designed as a plastic full profile or plastic hose with integrated electrical conductors, which themselves have no special fasteners.
  • the connection cables can be produced by the meter and can be adapted individually in length without further ado.
  • the connection in insulation displacement technology is also solvable, so that a shortening of the connection cable can be realized by cutting and lengthening by inserting a longer connection cable.
  • the insulation displacement technique ensures a stable, easily adaptable, even multi-core connection between the hearing aid and the external electronic component, in particular the handset.
  • the electronic component comprises a receiver device, a radio receiver, an external microphone or a microphone array.
  • the electronic component can also be a second hearing aid, to which a cross-connection is made.
  • connection cable may be fixedly connected to a cutting terminal on one side and fixed to the respective component on the other side or via a connector.
  • the connecting cable or its plastic as a carrier material should be conveniently transparent.
  • the hearing aid can be attached slightly conspicuous to the ear.
  • connection cable 1 consists of a substantially transparent carrier material 2.
  • carrier material 2 two electrical conductors 3 are cast.
  • a groove 4 is provided, which serves as a mechanical key for VerpolĂȘt.
  • the connection cable also has an outer shell 5 made of a biocompatible Material that is hypoallergenic for the hearing aid wearer.
  • connection cable 1 can be plastically deformable and dimensionally stable or fully flexible.
  • the electrical conductors 3 may be made of metal or a conductive plastic.
  • connection cable Since the connection cable has the same cross-section over the entire length - it is available, for example, by the meter - cut-to-length pieces can be produced and the connection between the hearing device and the external electronic component can be set individually.
  • connection cable 1, not shown, electrical components such as switches, buttons, ICs, etc. included.
  • connection cable 1 has an elongate cross section, the two conductors being arranged near the ends of the cross-sectional longitudinal shape.
  • an outwardly projecting groove or nose 5 is selected.
  • a biocompatible outer shell is not shown here, but it may still be present. However, it is not necessary if the carrier material is already biocompatible.
  • FIG. 3 a multicore variant of a connection cable 1 according to the invention is shown.
  • the structure corresponds in principle to that of the connection cable of FIG. 1.
  • a total of six conductors 3 are arranged isolated from one another by the carrier material 2.
  • Five of the conductors 3 are arranged on the outer circumference of the carrier 2 and formed ring-segment-shaped. Of course, the five conductors 3 may also have a circular cross-section.
  • a sixth conductor 3 with circular cross-section is arranged in the center of the connection cable 1.
  • Such multicore cables are particularly suitable for cross-connections of hearing aids.
  • FIG 4 a usable in a Hormix invention cutting clamp is shown in cross section.
  • the cutting clamp has a cylindrical base body 10, on the outer circumference of a plurality of cutting edges 11 are attached.
  • the cutting edges project obliquely outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 10. They consist of a flexible arm 12, which is fixedly attached to the outer periphery of the cylinder body 10 at the proximal end, and a knife blade 13, which is arranged at the distal end of the arm 12 to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder body 10 inwardly projecting.
  • the arms 12 may be rigid and pivotally mounted to the cylinder body 10.
  • a mandrel 14 is provided which serves to make contact with a core arranged centrally in the connecting cable 1. Both the mandrel 14 and the arms 12 of the cutting edges 11 are contacted by electrical connections 15.
  • a clamping ring 16 is arranged, which is displaceable along the rotational symmetry of the cylinder body 10 and which serves for pressing and clamping the blades 11 in the connecting cable 1.
  • FIG. 5 A plan view of the usable in a hearing aid according to the invention insulation displacement terminal is shown in FIG 5.
  • the clamping ring 16 is not shown in FIG.
  • a nose 17 can be seen, which serves as reverse polarity protection and engages in the groove 4 of a connecting cable 1.
  • the nose 17 protrudes from the surface of the cylinder body 10 in the direction of the rotational symmetry axis of the cylinder body 10.
  • the connecting line 1 is pressed with its end face on the end face of the cylinder body 10. As a result, if appropriate, the contact between the mandrel 14 and a conductor 3 arranged centrally in the connecting cable 1 is produced. Subsequently, the clamping ring 16 is pushed in FIG 4 upwards (arrow A). As a result, the cutting edges 11 are pressed inward, whereby the knife blades 13 penetrate through the outer shell 5 of the connection cable 1 in the corresponding conductor 3 and make electrical connection. The cutting 11 make this the direction indicated by the arrows B inward movement.
  • the clamping ring 16 is slightly pushed with its upper edge over the distal end of the arms 12 of the cutting 11 and snaps into this position, the blades 11 are pressed into the connecting cable 1. In this state, the cutting edges 11 not only provide electrical contact to the conductors 3 but also fix the connection cable 1 in its longitudinal direction on the cylinder body 10, which in turn is attached to the hearing aid or the external electronic component.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

The hearing aid has a housing containing internal electronic components, mechanically and electrically connected to external electronic components, e.g. a microphone array, using a coupling with at least 2 blade clamps (10-16), respectively associated with the housing and the external components and a coupling cable (1) cooperating with the latter, e.g. a transparent cable with one or more electrical conductors.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein HörgerĂ€t mit einem GehĂ€use zur Aufnahme von internen Elektronikkomponenten, einer außerhalb des GehĂ€uses angeordneten externen Elektronikkomponente und einer Verbindungseinrichtung zum mechanischen und elektrischen Verbinden des GehĂ€uses und mindestens einer der internen Elektronikkomponenten mit der externen Elektronikkomponente.The present invention relates to a hearing aid having a housing for accommodating internal electronic components, an external electronic component arranged outside the housing, and a connecting device for mechanically and electrically connecting the housing and at least one of the internal electronic components to the external electronic component.

Es besteht der Bedarf, an ein HörgerĂ€t externe Elektronikkomponenten anzuschließen. Beispiele fĂŒr diese externen Elektronikkomponenten sind Hörer, externe Mikrofone oder Mikrofonarrays, Kabel fĂŒr Crossverbinder zu einem zweiten HörgerĂ€t, FunkempfĂ€nger und dergleichen. Der bislang hĂ€ufigste Anwendungsfall ist die Verbindung des HörgerĂ€ts mit einem externen Hörer. Aus GrĂŒnden der RĂŒckkopplung oder des Platzbedarfs kann es notwendig sein, einen externen Hörer fĂŒr das HörgerĂ€t vorzusehen.There is a need to connect external electronics components to a hearing aid. Examples of these external electronic components are earphones, external microphones or microphone arrays, cables for cross connectors to a second hearing device, radio receivers and the like. The most common application so far is the connection of the hearing aid to an external handset. For reasons of feedback or space requirements, it may be necessary to provide an external handset for the hearing aid.

Bislang sind HörgerĂ€te mit externem Hörer bekannt, bei denen die Verbindung zwischen HörgerĂ€t und Hörer vom Akustiker nicht lösbar ist. Der Grund hierfĂŒr liegt darin, dass die elektrischen Versorgungsleitungen fĂŒr den Hörer an das HörgerĂ€t angelötet sind. Die elektrischen Verbindungsleitungen werden bei einer bekannten Variante durch einen Tragehaken und weiter durch einen biegsamen Formschlauch gefĂŒhrt. Eine gewisse individuelle LĂ€ngenanpassung ist dadurch möglich, dass der Formschlauch in dem Tragehaken verschiebbar ist. Bei mechanischer Beanspruchung kann sich jedoch der Formschlauch aus dem Tragehaken lösen, so dass sich die eingestellte LĂ€nge verĂ€ndert.So far, hearing aids with external handset are known in which the connection between the hearing aid and earpiece by the acoustician is not solvable. The reason for this is that the electrical supply lines for the listener are soldered to the hearing aid. The electrical connection lines are guided in a known variant by a carrying hook and further through a flexible molding tube. A certain individual length adjustment is possible because the molding tube is displaceable in the carrying hook. In the case of mechanical stress, however, the molded hose can come loose from the carrying hook, so that the set length changes.

Bei anderen HörgerÀten wird der externe Hörer mittels eines Steckverbinders an das HörgerÀt angeschlossen. Da die elektrischen Verbindungsleitungen konfektioniert sind, ist hier eine individuelle LÀngenanpassung nicht möglich.In other hearing aids, the external handset is connected to the hearing aid by means of a connector. Because the electric Connecting cables are assembled, an individual length adjustment is not possible here.

FĂŒr die Verbesserung von HörgerĂ€ten sind stets die Gewohnheiten der HörgerĂ€tetrĂ€ger zu berĂŒcksichtigen. So ist es hinsichtlich der mechanischen Verbindung zwischen externem Hörer und HörgerĂ€t notwendig zu beachten, dass der HörgerĂ€tetrĂ€ger ein OhrpassstĂŒck (Otoplastik) am Schlauch aus dem Ohr zieht. Daher muss die mechanische Verbindung zwischen dem Schlauch beziehungsweise Kabel und dem OhrpassstĂŒck aber auch die Verbindung zwischen dem Kabel und dem HörgerĂ€t fĂŒr eine entsprechende mechanische Beanspruchung ausgelegt sein.For the improvement of hearing aids, the habits of the hearing aid users must always be taken into account. So it is necessary to note with regard to the mechanical connection between external handset and hearing aid that the hearing aid wearer pulls an earmold (earmold) on the hose from the ear. Therefore, the mechanical connection between the hose or cable and the earmold but also the connection between the cable and the hearing aid must be designed for a corresponding mechanical stress.

In diesem Zusammenhang ist aus der Druckschrift CH 669296 A ein elektroakustisches HörhilfegerĂ€t mit einer Steckbuchse zum Einsetzen des elektrischen Steckers fĂŒr den temporĂ€ren Anschluss eines externen elektrischen GerĂ€ts bekannt. Das Kabel ist an den Stecker mit ĂŒblicher Technik angebracht.In this context, from the document CH 669296 A an electro-acoustic hearing aid with a socket for inserting the electrical connector for the temporary connection of an external electrical device known. The cable is attached to the connector using standard technology.

Aus der Druckschrift DE 299 15 874 U1 ist ferner eine programmierbare Hörhilfe bekannt, die von einem externen ProgrammiergerĂ€t mit Daten versorgbar ist. FĂŒr eine temporĂ€re drahtgebundene SignalĂŒbertragung von oder zu dem ProgrammiergerĂ€t dient ein Programmieradapter, dessen Leiterbahnen einerseits mit den Kontakten des HörgerĂ€te-Programmieranschlusses kontaktierbar sind und der andererseits ĂŒber eine Kabelverbindung, eine Mehrfachleiterbahn und eine Steckerbuchse an das ProgrammiergerĂ€t angeschlossen wird.From the publication DE 299 15 874 U1 Furthermore, a programmable hearing aid is known, which can be supplied with data from an external programming device. For a temporary wired signal transmission from or to the programming device is a programming adapter whose traces are contactable on the one hand with the contacts of the hearing aid programming port and the other part is connected via a cable connection, a multi-conductor track and a female connector to the programmer.

Ferner ist aus der Druckschrift DE 195 41 648 A1 ein HörhilfegerĂ€t bekannt, dem ein mobiles Sende- und Empfangsmodul zugeordnet ist. Das mobile Sende- und Empfangsmodul weist Kontaktelemente auf und ist mit entsprechenden Gegenkontakten des HörhilfegerĂ€ts koppelbar. GemĂ€ĂŸ einer weiteren Ausgestaltung ist das mobile Sende- und Empfangsmodul ĂŒber eine Verdrahtung an das HörhilfegerĂ€t anschließbar.Furthermore, from the document DE 195 41 648 A1 a hearing aid known, which is associated with a mobile transmitting and receiving module. The mobile transmitting and receiving module has contact elements and can be coupled with corresponding mating contacts of the hearing aid. According to a further embodiment, the mobile transceiver module can be connected to the hearing aid via a wiring.

Die Patentschrift US 5 788 539 beschreibt ein oberflĂ€chenmontierbares, elektrisches Verbindungselement. Dieses besitzt Schneidklemmen und kann zum Kontaktieren von Mikrofonen, zellularen Telefonen oder miniaturisierten, elektronischen Komponenten benutzt werden. DarĂŒber hinaus offenbart die Patentschrift US 5 548 644 einen Handapparat fĂŒr eine Telefonstation. Dort werden Schneidklemmen fĂŒr Hörer verwendet.The patent US 5,788,539 describes a surface mountable electrical connector. This has insulation displacement terminals and can be used to contact microphones, cellular telephones or miniaturized electronic components. In addition, the patent discloses US 5 548 644 a handset for a telephone station. There are cutting clamps for listeners used.

Schließlich beschreibt die Druckschrift US 2 769 154 einen Schneidklemmverbinder fĂŒr elektrische Kabel.Finally, the document describes US 2,769,154 an insulation displacement connector for electrical cables.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, eine leicht handhabbare elektrische und mechanische Verbindung vom HörgerÀt zu einer externen Elektronikkomponente bereitzustellen.The object of the present invention is to provide an easily manageable electrical and mechanical connection from the hearing aid to an external electronic component.

ErfindungsgemĂ€ĂŸ wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein HörgerĂ€t mit einem GehĂ€use zur Aufnahme von internen Elektronikkomponenten, einer außerhalb des GehĂ€uses angeordneten externen Elektronikkomponente und einer Verbindungseinrichtung zum mechanischen und elektrischen Verbinden des GehĂ€uses und zumindest einer der internen Elektronikkomponenten mit der externen Elektronikkomponente, wobei die Verbindungseinrichtung eine Schneidklemme, die an dem GehĂ€use angeordnet ist, oder mindestens zwei Schneidklemmen, von denen eine an dem GehĂ€use und eine zweite an der externen Elektronikkomponente angeordnet sind, und ein Verbindungskabel, das in die eine Schneidklemme oder die mindestens zwei Schneidklemmen unter Herstellung einer elektrischen und mechanischen Verbindung einklemmbar ist, aufweist.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a hearing aid having a housing for accommodating internal electronic components, an external electronic component arranged outside the housing, and a connecting device for mechanically and electrically connecting the housing and at least one of the internal electronic components to the external electronic component, wherein the connecting device is a cutting terminal , which is arranged on the housing, or at least two insulation displacement terminals, one of which is arranged on the housing and a second on the external electronic component, and a Connecting cable, which is clamped in the one insulation displacement terminal or the at least two insulation displacement terminals to produce an electrical and mechanical connection has.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann durch diese Verbindungstechnik der Akustiker die LĂ€nge der Verbindung individuell fĂŒr jeden Patienten wĂ€hrend der Anpassung z. B. mit einer Schere einfach einstellen. Die verwendeten Verbindungsleitungen beziehungsweise -kabel können als Kunststoffvollprofil oder Kunststoffschlauch mit integrierten elektrischen Leitern ausgefĂŒhrt sein, die selbst keine speziellen Verbindungselemente besitzen. Damit lassen sich die Verbindungskabel als Meterware herstellen und können ohne weiteres individuell in der LĂ€nge angepasst werden. Die Verbindung in Schneid-Klemm-Technik ist darĂŒber hinaus lösbar, so dass sich ein KĂŒrzen des Verbindungskabels durch Abschneiden und ein VerlĂ€ngern durch Einsetzen eines lĂ€ngeren Verbindungskabels realisieren lĂ€sst. Durch die Schneid-Klemm-Technik ist eine stabile, leicht anpassbare, auch mehradrige Verbindung zwischen HörgerĂ€t und externer Elektronikkomponente, insbesondere Hörer, gewĂ€hrleistet.Advantageously, by this connection technique, the acoustician can adjust the length of the connection individually for each patient during the adaptation z. B. simply set with a pair of scissors. The connecting lines or cables used can be designed as a plastic full profile or plastic hose with integrated electrical conductors, which themselves have no special fasteners. Thus, the connection cables can be produced by the meter and can be adapted individually in length without further ado. The connection in insulation displacement technology is also solvable, so that a shortening of the connection cable can be realized by cutting and lengthening by inserting a longer connection cable. The insulation displacement technique ensures a stable, easily adaptable, even multi-core connection between the hearing aid and the external electronic component, in particular the handset.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung umfasst die Elektronikkomponente eine Hörereinrichtung, einen FunkempfÀnger, ein externes Mikrofon oder ein Mikrofonarray. Die Elektronikkomponente kann aber auch ein zweites HörgerÀt sein, zu dem eine Crossverbindung hergestellt ist.In an advantageous embodiment, the electronic component comprises a receiver device, a radio receiver, an external microphone or a microphone array. The electronic component can also be a second hearing aid, to which a cross-connection is made.

Das Verbindungskabel kann an einer Seite mit einer Schneidklemme und an der anderen Seite fest oder ĂŒber einen Stecker mit der jeweiligen Komponente verbunden sein. Damit sind beliebige Kombinationen der Verbindungstechnik zwischen dem HörgerĂ€t, dem Verbindungskabel und der externen Elektronikkomponente ausfĂŒhrbar.The connection cable may be fixedly connected to a cutting terminal on one side and fixed to the respective component on the other side or via a connector. Thus, any combination of the connection technology between the hearing aid, the connection cable and the external electronic component executable.

Das Verbindungskabel beziehungsweise dessen Kunststoff als TrĂ€germaterial sollte gĂŒnstigerweise transparent sein. Damit kann das HörgerĂ€t wenig auffĂ€llig am Ohr angebracht werden.The connecting cable or its plastic as a carrier material should be conveniently transparent. Thus, the hearing aid can be attached slightly conspicuous to the ear.

Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen ergeben sich aus den UnteransprĂŒchen.Further advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims.

Die vorliegende Erfindung wird nun anhand der beigefĂŒgten Zeichnungen nĂ€her erlĂ€utert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
einen Querschnitt durch ein bei einem erfindungsgemĂ€ĂŸen HörgerĂ€t verwendbares zweiadriges Verbindungskabel;
FIG 2
einen Querschnitt durch ein alternatives zweiadriges Verbindungskabel;
FIG 3
einen Querschnitt durch ein bei einem erfindungsgemĂ€ĂŸen HörgerĂ€t verwendbares, mehradriges Verbindungskabel;
FIG 4
eine Querschnittsansicht einer bei einem erfindungsgemĂ€ĂŸen HörgerĂ€t verwendbaren Schneidklemme; und
FIG 5
eine Draufsicht auf eine bei einem erfindungsgemĂ€ĂŸen HörgerĂ€t verwendbare Schneidklemme.
The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
a cross section through a usable in a hearing aid according to the invention two-wire connection cable;
FIG. 2
a cross section through an alternative two-core connection cable;
FIG. 3
a cross section through a usable in a hearing aid according to the invention, multi-core connection cable;
FIG. 4
a cross-sectional view of a usable in a hearing aid according to the invention insulation displacement terminal; and
FIG. 5
a plan view of a usable in a hearing aid according to the invention insulation displacement terminal.

Die nachfolgend beschriebenen AusfĂŒhrungsbeispiele stellen bevorzugte AusfĂŒhrungsformen der Erfindung dar.The embodiments described below represent preferred embodiments of the invention.

In FIG 1 ist schematisch der Querschnitt durch ein bei einem erfindungsgemĂ€ĂŸen HörgerĂ€t verwendbares zweiadriges Verbindungskabel zwischen einem HörgerĂ€t und einer externen Elektronikkomponente dargestellt. Das Verbindungskabel 1 besteht aus einem im Wesentlichen transparenten TrĂ€germaterial 2. In das TrĂ€germaterial 2 sind zwei elektrische Leiter 3 eingegossen. In LĂ€ngsrichtung des Verbindungskabels 1 ist eine Nut 4 vorgesehen, die als mechanischer SchlĂŒssel zur Verpolsicherung dient. Das Verbindungskabel besitzt ferner eine AußenhĂŒlle 5 aus einem biokompatiblen Material, das fĂŒr den HörgerĂ€tetrĂ€ger hautvertrĂ€glich ist.In FIG. 1, the cross section through a two-wire connection cable which can be used in a hearing device according to the invention is shown schematically between a hearing device and an external electronic component. The connection cable 1 consists of a substantially transparent carrier material 2. In the carrier material 2, two electrical conductors 3 are cast. In the longitudinal direction of the connecting cable 1, a groove 4 is provided, which serves as a mechanical key for Verpolsicherung. The connection cable also has an outer shell 5 made of a biocompatible Material that is hypoallergenic for the hearing aid wearer.

In AbhĂ€ngigkeit von der Materialwahl des TrĂ€gers 2 und der AußenhĂŒlle 5 kann das Verbindungskabel 1 plastisch verformbar und formstabil oder vollflexibel sein. Die elektrischen Leiter 3 können aus Metall oder einem leitenden Kunststoff bestehen.Depending on the choice of material of the carrier 2 and the outer shell 5, the connection cable 1 can be plastically deformable and dimensionally stable or fully flexible. The electrical conductors 3 may be made of metal or a conductive plastic.

Da das Verbindungskabel ĂŒber die gesamte LĂ€nge den gleichen Querschnitt aufweist - es liegt beispielsweise als Meterware vor -, können durch Abschneiden beliebig lange StĂŒcke hergestellt und die Verbindung zwischen HörgerĂ€t und externer Elektronikkomponente individuell eingestellt werden. DarĂŒber hinaus kann das Verbindungskabel 1 nicht dargestellte, elektrische Bauelemente wie beispielsweise Schalter, Taster, ICs etc. enthalten.Since the connection cable has the same cross-section over the entire length - it is available, for example, by the meter - cut-to-length pieces can be produced and the connection between the hearing device and the external electronic component can be set individually. In addition, the connection cable 1, not shown, electrical components such as switches, buttons, ICs, etc. included.

Eine abgewandelte AusfĂŒhrungsform eines bei einem erfindungsgemĂ€ĂŸen Hörgerat Verwendbaren Verbindungskabels ist in FIG 2 dargestellt. In diesem Fall besitzt das Verbindungskabel 1 einen lĂ€nglichen Querschnitt, wobei die beiden Leiter in der NĂ€he der Enden der QuerschnittslĂ€ngsform angeordnet sind. Als mechanischer SchlĂŒssel zur Verpolsicherung ist hier eine nach außen ragende Rille beziehungsweise Nase 5 gewĂ€hlt. Eine biokompatible AußenhĂŒlle ist hier nicht eingezeichnet, sie kann aber dennoch vorhanden sein. Sie ist jedoch nicht notwendig, wenn das TrĂ€germaterial bereits biokompatibel ist.A modified embodiment of a connecting cable used in a hearing aid according to the invention is shown in FIG. In this case, the connection cable 1 has an elongate cross section, the two conductors being arranged near the ends of the cross-sectional longitudinal shape. As a mechanical key to reverse polarity here an outwardly projecting groove or nose 5 is selected. A biocompatible outer shell is not shown here, but it may still be present. However, it is not necessary if the carrier material is already biocompatible.

In FIG 3 ist eine mehradrige Variante eines erfindungsgemĂ€ĂŸen Verbindungskabels 1 dargestellt. Der Aufbau entspricht grundsĂ€tzlich dem des Verbindungskabels von FIG 1. In dem Kabel sind jedoch insgesamt sechs Leiter 3 gegeneinander durch das TrĂ€germaterial 2 isoliert angeordnet. FĂŒnf der Leiter 3 sind am Außenumfang des TrĂ€gers 2 angeordnet und ringsegmentförmig ausgebildet. SelbstverstĂ€ndlich können die fĂŒnf Leiter 3 auch kreisförmigen Querschnitt besitzen. Ein sechster Leiter 3 mit kreisförmigem Querschnitt ist im Zentrum des Verbindungskabels 1 angeordnet. Derartige mehradrige Kabel eignen sich insbesondere fĂŒr Crossverbindungen von HörgerĂ€ten.In FIG. 3, a multicore variant of a connection cable 1 according to the invention is shown. The structure corresponds in principle to that of the connection cable of FIG. 1. In the cable, however, a total of six conductors 3 are arranged isolated from one another by the carrier material 2. Five of the conductors 3 are arranged on the outer circumference of the carrier 2 and formed ring-segment-shaped. Of course, the five conductors 3 may also have a circular cross-section. A sixth conductor 3 with circular cross-section is arranged in the center of the connection cable 1. Such multicore cables are particularly suitable for cross-connections of hearing aids.

In FIG 4 ist eine bei einem erfindungsgemĂ€ĂŸen HorgerĂ€t verwendbare Schneidklemme im Querschnitt dargestellt. Die Schneidklemme besitzt einen zylinderförmigen Grundkörper 10, an dessen Außenumfang mehrere Schneiden 11 angebracht sind. Die Schneiden ragen bezogen auf die LĂ€ngsachse des Zylinders 10 schrĂ€g nach außen. Sie bestehen aus einem flexiblen Arm 12, der am proximalen Ende fest am Außenumfang des Zylinderkörpers 10 angebracht ist, und aus einer Messerklinge 13, die am distalen Ende des Arms 12 zur LĂ€ngsachse des Zylinderkörpers 10 nach innen ragend angeordnet ist. Alternativ können die Arme 12 auch starr ausgefĂŒhrt und schwenkbar an dem Zylinderkörper 10 befestigt sein.In FIG 4, a usable in a HorgerĂ€t invention cutting clamp is shown in cross section. The cutting clamp has a cylindrical base body 10, on the outer circumference of a plurality of cutting edges 11 are attached. The cutting edges project obliquely outward relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 10. They consist of a flexible arm 12, which is fixedly attached to the outer periphery of the cylinder body 10 at the proximal end, and a knife blade 13, which is arranged at the distal end of the arm 12 to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder body 10 inwardly projecting. Alternatively, the arms 12 may be rigid and pivotally mounted to the cylinder body 10.

Im Zentrum des Zylinderkörpers 10 ist ein Dorn 14 vorgesehen, der zur Kontaktierung einer zentral in dem Verbindungskabel 1 angeordneten Ader dient. Sowohl der Dorn 14 als auch die Arme 12 der Schneiden 11 sind durch elektrische AnschlĂŒsse 15 kontaktiert. Um den Zylinderkörper 10 ist ein Klemmring 16 angeordnet, der lĂ€ngs der Rotationssymmetrie des Zylinderkörpers 10 verschiebbar ist und der zum EindrĂŒcken und Festklemmen der Schneiden 11 in das Verbindungskabel 1 dient.In the center of the cylinder body 10, a mandrel 14 is provided which serves to make contact with a core arranged centrally in the connecting cable 1. Both the mandrel 14 and the arms 12 of the cutting edges 11 are contacted by electrical connections 15. To the cylinder body 10, a clamping ring 16 is arranged, which is displaceable along the rotational symmetry of the cylinder body 10 and which serves for pressing and clamping the blades 11 in the connecting cable 1.

Eine Draufsicht auf die bei einem erfindungsgemĂ€ĂŸen HörgerĂ€t verwendbare Schneidklemme ist in FIG 5 wiedergegeben. Bei diesem AusfĂŒhrungsbeispiel sind sechs Schneiden 11, jeweils bestehend aus einem Arm 12 und einer Messerklinge 13, gleichmĂ€ĂŸig am Außenumfang des Zylinderkörpers 10 schrĂ€g nach außen ragend angeordnet. Der Klemmring 16 ist in FIG 5 nicht dargestellt. In der Draufsicht ist jedoch eine Nase 17 zu erkennen, die als Verpolschutz dient und in die Nut 4 eines Verbindungskabels 1 eingreift. Die Nase 17 ragt aus der OberflĂ€che des Zylinderkörpers 10 in Richtung der Rotationssymmetrieachse des Zylinderkörpers 10.A plan view of the usable in a hearing aid according to the invention insulation displacement terminal is shown in FIG 5. In this embodiment, six blades 11, each consisting of an arm 12 and a knife blade 13, evenly arranged on the outer circumference of the cylinder body 10 projecting obliquely outwards. The clamping ring 16 is not shown in FIG. In the plan view, however, a nose 17 can be seen, which serves as reverse polarity protection and engages in the groove 4 of a connecting cable 1. The nose 17 protrudes from the surface of the cylinder body 10 in the direction of the rotational symmetry axis of the cylinder body 10.

Bei der Herstellung der Schneid-Klemm-Verbindung wird die Verbindungsleitung 1 mit ihrer Stirnseite auf die Stirnseite des Zylinderkörpers 10 gedrĂŒckt. Hierdurch wird gegebenenfalls der Kontakt zwischen dem Dorn 14 und einem zentral in dem Verbindungskabel 1 angeordneten Leiter 3 hergestellt. Anschließend wird der Klemmring 16 in FIG 4 nach oben (Pfeilrichtung A) geschoben. Hierdurch werden die Schneiden 11 nach innen gedrĂŒckt, wodurch die Messerklingen 13 durch die AußenhĂŒlle 5 des Verbindungskabels 1 in die entsprechenden Leiter 3 eindringen und elektrische Verbindung herstellen. Die Schneiden 11 vollziehen hierbei die mit den Pfeilen B angedeutete nach innen gerichtete Bewegung. Der Klemmring 16 wird mit seiner Oberkante geringfĂŒgig ĂŒber das distale Ende der Arme 12 der Schneiden 11 geschoben und rastet in dieser Stellung ein, wobei die Schneiden 11 in das Verbindungskabel 1 gedrĂŒckt sind. In diesem Zustand sorgen die Schneiden 11 nicht nur fĂŒr einen elektrischen Kontakt zu den Leitern 3 sondern fixieren das Verbindungskabel 1 auch in seiner LĂ€ngsrichtung auf dem Zylinderkörper 10, der seinerseits an dem HörgerĂ€t oder der externen Elektronikkomponente befestigt ist.In the manufacture of the insulation displacement connection, the connecting line 1 is pressed with its end face on the end face of the cylinder body 10. As a result, if appropriate, the contact between the mandrel 14 and a conductor 3 arranged centrally in the connecting cable 1 is produced. Subsequently, the clamping ring 16 is pushed in FIG 4 upwards (arrow A). As a result, the cutting edges 11 are pressed inward, whereby the knife blades 13 penetrate through the outer shell 5 of the connection cable 1 in the corresponding conductor 3 and make electrical connection. The cutting 11 make this the direction indicated by the arrows B inward movement. The clamping ring 16 is slightly pushed with its upper edge over the distal end of the arms 12 of the cutting 11 and snaps into this position, the blades 11 are pressed into the connecting cable 1. In this state, the cutting edges 11 not only provide electrical contact to the conductors 3 but also fix the connection cable 1 in its longitudinal direction on the cylinder body 10, which in turn is attached to the hearing aid or the external electronic component.

Die dargestellte Schneid-Klemm-Verbindung kann in Kombination mit anderen Verbindungstechniken beliebig eingesetzt werden. So können beispielsweise folgende Verbindungskombinationen praktikabel sein:

  1. a) Schneid-Klemm-Verbindung sowohl am HörgerÀt als auch an der externen Elektronikkomponente
  2. b) Steckverbinder an der externen Elektronikkomponente und Schneid-Klemm-Verbindung am HörgerÀt und
  3. c) feste Verbindung an der externen Elektronikkomponente und Schneid-Klemm-Verbindung am HörgerÀt.
The illustrated insulation displacement connection can be used arbitrarily in combination with other connection techniques. For example, the following compound combinations may be practicable:
  1. a) insulation displacement connection on both the hearing aid and on the external electronic component
  2. b) Connectors on the external electronic component and insulation displacement connection on the hearing aid and
  3. c) fixed connection to the external electronic component and insulation displacement connection on the hearing aid.

Claims (10)

  1. Hearing aid having
    a housing for holding internal electronic components,
    an external electronic component which is arranged outside the housing, and
    a connection device for mechanical and electrical connection of the housing and at least one of the internal electronic components to the external electronic component,
    characterized in that
    the connection device has an insulation-displacement terminal (10 to 16) which is arranged on the housing, or at least two insulation-displacement terminals (10 to 16), one of which is arranged on the housing and a second of which is arranged on the external electronic component, and a connection cable (1) which can be clamped in the one insulation-displacement terminal or in the at least two insulation-displacement terminals, producing an electrical and mechanical connection.
  2. Hearing aid according to Claim 1, wherein the external electronic component comprises a listening device, a radio receiver device or an external microphone device.
  3. Hearing aid according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection cable (1) is connected on one side to the one or to one of the insulation-displacement terminals (10 to 16), and on the other side, fixed or via a plug, to the respective component.
  4. Hearing aid according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection cable (1) is composed of an essentially transparent carrier material (2).
  5. Hearing aid according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the connection cable (1) has one or more electrical conductors (3).
  6. Hearing aid according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the connection cable is in the form of a coaxial cable.
  7. Hearing aid according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the connection cable (1) has a longitudinal slot (5) or groove (4) as polarity-reversal protection and/or to provide mechanical robustness.
  8. Hearing aid according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the or at least one of the insulation-displacement terminals (10 to 16) has or have a plurality of opposite blades (11).
  9. Hearing aid according to Claim 8, wherein the opposite blades (11) are arranged in an annular shape.
  10. Hearing aid according to Claim 9, wherein the blades (11) can be moved from a first open position, in which the connection cable (1) can be inserted in the insulation-displacement terminal (10 to 16), to a second, cutting position, in which they cut through the insulation on the connection cable (1), make electrical contact with a conductor (3) and in which they can be fixed by a holding ring (16).
EP03020882A 2002-09-26 2003-09-15 Hearing aid with an external electronic component Expired - Lifetime EP1414272B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10244962A DE10244962B3 (en) 2002-09-26 2002-09-26 Hearing aid with an external electronic component
DE10244962 2002-09-26

Publications (2)

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EP1414272A1 EP1414272A1 (en) 2004-04-28
EP1414272B1 true EP1414272B1 (en) 2007-12-12

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AT (1) ATE381238T1 (en)
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202004012151U1 (en) * 2004-08-04 2005-12-22 WeidmĂŒller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Connection and connection device
DE102009060307B4 (en) * 2009-12-23 2012-11-22 Yamaichi Electronics Deutschland Gmbh Connector socket and plug connection for a hearing aid
CN110034424B (en) * 2019-03-26 2021-06-15 歊汉èˆč甹æœșæą°æœ‰é™èŽŁä»»ć…Źćž Cable connection assembly and cable connection assembly using method

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE381238T1 (en) 2007-12-15
DE10244962B3 (en) 2004-06-24
DK1414272T3 (en) 2008-04-21
DE50308774D1 (en) 2008-01-24
EP1414272A1 (en) 2004-04-28

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