EP2007172A1 - Sound emitting pipes with 2 component design - Google Patents

Sound emitting pipes with 2 component design Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2007172A1
EP2007172A1 EP08104432A EP08104432A EP2007172A1 EP 2007172 A1 EP2007172 A1 EP 2007172A1 EP 08104432 A EP08104432 A EP 08104432A EP 08104432 A EP08104432 A EP 08104432A EP 2007172 A1 EP2007172 A1 EP 2007172A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plastic
sound
hearing aid
sound output
hearing
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
EP08104432A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2007172B1 (en
Inventor
Wai Kit David Ho
Wee Haw Koo
Wee Loong Ng
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.)
Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
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Publication of EP2007172A1 publication Critical patent/EP2007172A1/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
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/658—Manufacture of housing parts
    • 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
    • H04R25/45—Prevention of acoustic reaction, i.e. acoustic oscillatory feedback
    • H04R25/456—Prevention of acoustic reaction, i.e. acoustic oscillatory feedback mechanically
    • 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
    • H04R25/604—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers
    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sound output tube for direct connection to an output port of a listener of a hearing device, which is made as an injection molded part.
  • a hearing device is understood to mean, in particular, a device that can be worn on the ear, such as a hearing aid, a headset, a headset and the like.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired.
  • different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) and in-the-ear hearing aids (ITO), e.g. also Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (CIC), provided.
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • ITO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • CIC canal hearing aids
  • the hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal.
  • bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.
  • Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed.
  • a signal processing unit 3 which also in the Hearing aid housing 1 is integrated, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal.
  • the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier.
  • the power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • the handset 4 is connected with its output to a connector 6. This serves at the same time as a mechanical plug-in connection or attachment for a carrying hook 7 and for transmitting the amplified sound from the handset 4 in a sound channel 8 of the carrying hook 7. From the carrying hook 7, the sound is usually passed to the auditory canal via a sound tube, not shown.
  • a soft sound output tube and soft suspensions of the listener lead to better acoustic properties of the hearing device or the hearing device.
  • this also requires a larger installation space for the listener, since he must be able to move accordingly, in particular in case tests.
  • a compromise is sought that allows the smallest possible installation space, but at the same time the vibrations of the handset or the hearing aid housing are sufficiently absorbed. It is therefore necessary to balance between acoustic stability and mechanical design.
  • WO 2006/125434 A1 is a hook for a hearing aid known.
  • the hearing aid hook has damping means to dampen its mechanical vibrations.
  • a multi-part hook is proposed, the middle part consists of a damping material.
  • the hook can be produced in a multi-component injection molding process.
  • a damping material for example, silicone is suitable.
  • a hearing aid in which at least two of the to be assembled thereon Parts made of different materials in two- or multi-component injection molding are made.
  • a seal is sprayed onto a two-part or multi-part shell of a hearing aid in an edge region of a shell part.
  • the object of the present invention is to ensure a sufficiently stable against external influences in a listener of a hearing device, on the other hand, the vibrations of the listener to be sufficiently attenuated.
  • a sound outlet tube for direct connection to an outlet nozzle of a receiver of a hearing which is made as an injection molded part, comprising an outer sheath of a first plastic and an inner wall of a second plastic, which is more elastic than the first plastic, wherein the Outer jacket and the inner wall are made by 2-component injection molding.
  • the inventive 2-component sound output tube with its hard outer jacket fulfills the function of a stable suspension of the listener.
  • the soft, elastic inner wall also ensures the necessary absorption of the listener's vibrations.
  • the first plastic is a silicone material and the second plastic is a softer silicone material.
  • the first plastic is a silicone material and the second plastic is a softer silicone material.
  • the sound output tube may be formed as a pipe bend.
  • the spatial conditions in a hearing aid housing can be better taken into account.
  • the outer sheath does not extend over the entire length of the sound output tube. Thus, no vibrations from the listener to the housing of the hearing or vice versa transmitted by the relatively rigid outer sheath.
  • a BTE hearing aid with a receiver, a carrying hook, a connector for transmitting sound in the carrying hook and a sound outlet tube, as described above, which connects the output socket of the listener with the connecting piece acoustically provided.
  • the BTE hearing aid as it is generally required to be made even more compact, since the handset is on the one hand stable and on the other hand suspended vibration damping on the carrying hook or the hearing aid housing.
  • FIG. 2 illustrated handset 10 has a sound outlet nozzle 11. At this sound outlet nozzle 11 a sound output tube 12 is inserted.
  • This sound output tube 12 is designed arcuate and passes in its interior the sound of the handset 10 on to a connector 13.
  • the connector 13 is attached to the opposite end of the receiver 10 of the sound output tube 12.
  • the connecting piece 13 is substantially tubular and serves as an adapter. It has at one end a mounting part 131, with which it is fastened to the housing of the hearing device or the hearing aid housing. At its other end, the connecting piece 13 has a plug-in part 132, on which a carrying hook 7 is inserted.
  • the connector 13 may also be integrally connected to the respective housing of the hearing device and in particular be injected in one piece. In the case of an ITE hearing aid, the sound output tube 12 may also be directly connected to a sound output element of the hearing aid shell.
  • the sound output tube 12 is produced according to the invention in a 2-component injection molding process (over-mold technology). It consists essentially of two components: a hard outer shell 121 and a softer or more elastic inner wall 122. A longitudinal section through the sound exit tube 12 is in FIG. 3 shown. In the outer shell 121 so a soft inner wall 122 is injected or to the soft inner wall 122 is a harder outer shell 121 sprayed.
  • the sound output tube 112 On the inside of the sound output tube 112 has a sound channel 123. On the side of the earphone 10, this sound channel 123 is expanded to a cylindrical receptacle 124 so that the sound output tube 12 can be plugged onto the sound outlet nozzle 11 of the earphone 10.
  • the outer sheath 121 does not extend over the entire arc length of the inner wall 122 and the sound channel 123 including receptacle 124. Rather, both on the side of the listener 10 and on the side of the connector 13 is a tubular inner wall portion 125, 126 from the outer shell 121 forth.
  • the outer jacket 122 does not come into direct contact with the housing or sound outlet nozzle 11 of the receiver 10 or the connecting piece 13. This prevents as far as possible that vibrations are transmitted via the outer jacket 121.
  • the soft or elastic inner wall 122 dampens the vibrations in the desired manner.
  • the task of the outer shell 121 is merely to mechanically stabilize the inner wall 122 as much as possible. This can be prevented, for example, that the handset 10 strikes against a wall of a hearing aid housing when the hearing aid is dropped.
  • the protruding parts 125 and 126 are only necessary insofar as there is a risk that the rigid outer shell 121 comes into direct contact with one of the two connection components 10, 13. Finally, vibrations that the listener 10 itself generates are not transmitted to the outside of the hearing device housing or carrying hook. This ultimately leads to a reduction of feedback.
  • the inner wall 122 is made of a soft silicone and the outer wall 121 is made of a hard silicone.

Abstract

The tube (12) has an injection molded part including an end configured for direct connection to an output nozzle of an earpiece (10) of a hearing device. The injection molded part comprises an outer sheath (121) consisting of a plastic i.e. silicone material. The injection molded part comprises an inner wall (122) that consist of another plastic i.e. silicone material, where the latter plastic includes more elasticity than the former plastic. The outer sheath and the inner wall of the injection molded part are formed by 2-component injection molding, where the molded part forms a pipe bend. An independent claim is also included for a behind the ear hearing system comprising a hearing device.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Schallausgangsröhrchen zum unmittelbaren Anschluss an einen Ausgangsstutzen eines Hörers einer Hörvorrichtung, das als Spritzgussteil hergestellt ist. Unter einer Hörvorrichtung wird hier insbesondere ein am Ohr tragbares Gerät, wie ein Hörgerät, ein Headset, ein Kopfhörer und dergleichen verstanden.The present invention relates to a sound output tube for direct connection to an output port of a listener of a hearing device, which is made as an injection molded part. A hearing device is understood to mean, in particular, a device that can be worn on the ear, such as a hearing aid, a headset, a headset and the like.

Hörgeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, die zur Versorgung von Schwerhörenden dienen. Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörgeräten wie Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO) und In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO), z.B. auch Concha-Hörgeräte oder Kanal-Hörgeräte (CIC), bereitgestellt. Die beispielhaft aufgeführten Hörgeräte werden am Außenohr oder im Gehörgang getragen. Darüber hinaus stehen auf dem Markt aber auch Knochenleitungshörhilfen, implantierbare oder vibrotaktile Hörhilfen zur Verfügung. Dabei erfolgt die Stimulation des geschädigten Gehörs entweder mechanisch oder elektrisch.Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) and in-the-ear hearing aids (ITO), e.g. also Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (CIC), provided. The hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.

Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Dieser prinzipielle Aufbau ist in FIG 1 am Beispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts dargestellt. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 1 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die Mikrofonsignale und verstärkt sie. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen. Die Stromversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5.Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed. A signal processing unit 3, which also in the Hearing aid housing 1 is integrated, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. The sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. The power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Der Hörer 4 ist mit seinem Ausgang an ein Anschlussstück 6 angeschlossen. Dieses dient gleichzeitig als mechanische Steckverbindung bzw. Befestigungsmöglichkeit für einen Tragehaken 7 sowie zur Übertragung des verstärkten Schalls vom Hörer 4 in einen Schallkanal 8 des Tragehakens 7. Vom Tragehaken 7 wird der Schall über einen nicht dargestellten Schallschlauch üblicherweise zum Gehörgang geführt.The handset 4 is connected with its output to a connector 6. This serves at the same time as a mechanical plug-in connection or attachment for a carrying hook 7 and for transmitting the amplified sound from the handset 4 in a sound channel 8 of the carrying hook 7. From the carrying hook 7, the sound is usually passed to the auditory canal via a sound tube, not shown.

Bei einem derartigen Aufbau eines HdO-Hörgeräts besteht jedoch die Gefahr, dass der Hörer Vibrationen auf den Tragehaken bzw. das Hörgerätegehäuse überträgt. Dadurch verändern sich die akustischen Eigenschaften des Hörgeräts und insbesondere nehmen ungewollte Rückkopplungen stark zu. Dies bedeutet, dass die Übertragungsfunktion des Hörgeräts deutliche Spitzen aufweist.In such a construction of a BTE hearing aid, however, there is a risk that the listener transmits vibrations to the carrying hook or the hearing aid housing. As a result, the acoustic properties of the hearing aid change and, in particular, unwanted feedback greatly increases. This means that the transfer function of the hearing aid has clear peaks.

Eine Lösung dieses Problems besteht darin, das Anschlussstück aus einem weicheren Material zu gestalten. Alternativ wird auch zwischen den Hörer und das Anschlussstück ein kurzes Schallausgangsröhrchen eingefügt, das aus einem weichen Material besteht. Dies führt jedoch zu dem weiteren Problem, dass der Hörer nicht mehr fest genug im Hörgerätegehäuse gehalten ist. Folglich kann er bei Vibrationen an das Hörgerätegehäuse schlagen, wodurch wiederum die akustische Stabilität verringert wird. Umgekehrt können auch Schläge, die von außen auf das Hörgerät einwirken, auf einen wenig straff sitzenden Hörer übertragen werden. Dadurch besteht die Gefahr, dass der Hörer beschädigt oder zerstört wird. Insbesondere wird die Stabilität eines Hörgeräts durch Falltests geprüft, mit denen simuliert werden kann, wie robust sich das Hörgerät beim Fallenlassen verhält.One solution to this problem is to make the fitting of a softer material. Alternatively, a short sound output tube made of a soft material is also inserted between the receiver and the connector. However, this leads to the further problem that the handset is no longer held tight enough in the hearing aid housing. As a result, it can strike the hearing aid housing during vibration, which in turn reduces the acoustic stability. Conversely, blows that act on the hearing aid from outside can be transmitted to a less tight-fitting listener. This is the Danger of the handset being damaged or destroyed. In particular, the stability of a hearing aid is tested by drop tests, which can be simulated with how robust the hearing aid behaves when dropped.

Falltests und Hörervibrationen erfordern, eine gedämpfte Aufhängung des Hörers im Hörgerätegehäuse. Daher ist ein entsprechender Einbauraum im Hörgerätegehäuse vorzusehen, damit der Hörer in einem definierten Rahmen Bewegungen ausführen kann. Um in diesem Raum eine gedämpfte Aufhängung zu erreichen, werden vielfach entsprechende Haftmittel oder verstärkte Mikrofonaufhängungen benutzt. Darüber hinaus ist auch bekannt, den Hörer in eine Polyurethan-Form einzubetten oder mit einem weichen Silikonkleber das Hörgerätegehäuse anzukleben.Drop tests and auditory vibrations require a muted suspension of the handset in the hearing aid housing. Therefore, a corresponding installation space in the hearing aid housing is provided so that the listener can perform in a defined frame movements. In order to achieve a damped suspension in this room, often appropriate adhesive or reinforced microphone mounts are used. In addition, it is also known to embed the handset in a polyurethane mold or to stick the hearing aid housing with a soft silicone adhesive.

Ein weiches Schallausgangsröhrchen und weiche Aufhängungen des Hörers führen zu besseren akustischen Eigenschaften des Hörgeräts bzw. der Hörvorrichtung. Dies erfordert aber auch für den Hörer einen größeren Einbauraum, da dieser sich insbesondere bei Falltests entsprechend bewegen können muss. Es wird also ein Kompromiss gesucht, der einen möglichst geringen Einbauraum zulässt, wobei aber gleichzeitig die Vibrationen des Hörer bzw. des Hörgerätegehäuses hinreichend absorbiert werden. Es ist also zwischen akustischer Stabilität und mechanischem Design abzuwägen.A soft sound output tube and soft suspensions of the listener lead to better acoustic properties of the hearing device or the hearing device. However, this also requires a larger installation space for the listener, since he must be able to move accordingly, in particular in case tests. Thus, a compromise is sought that allows the smallest possible installation space, but at the same time the vibrations of the handset or the hearing aid housing are sufficiently absorbed. It is therefore necessary to balance between acoustic stability and mechanical design.

Aus der Druckschrift WO 2006/125434 A1 ist ein Haken für ein Hörgerät bekannt. Der Hörgerätehaken weist Dämpfungsmittel auf, um dessen mechanische Vibrationen zu dämpfen. Insbesondere ist ein mehrteiliger Haken vorgeschlagen, dessen Mittelteil aus einem dämpfenden Material besteht. Insgesamt kann der Haken in einem Mehrkomponenten-Spritzgussverfahren hergestellt werden. Als Dämpfungsmaterial eignet sich beispielsweise Silikon.From the publication WO 2006/125434 A1 is a hook for a hearing aid known. The hearing aid hook has damping means to dampen its mechanical vibrations. In particular, a multi-part hook is proposed, the middle part consists of a damping material. Overall, the hook can be produced in a multi-component injection molding process. As a damping material, for example, silicone is suitable.

Aus der Druckschrift EP 1 492 383 A1 ist ein Hörgerät bekannt, bei dem mindestens zwei der daran zu assemblierenden Teile aus unterschiedlichen Materialien in Zwei- oder Mehrkomponenten-Spritztechnik gefertigt sind. So wird beispielsweise an einer zwei- oder mehrteiligen Schale eines Hörgerätes, in einem Randbereich eines Schalenteils eine Dichtung mitgespritzt.From the publication EP 1 492 383 A1 a hearing aid is known in which at least two of the to be assembled thereon Parts made of different materials in two- or multi-component injection molding are made. Thus, for example, a seal is sprayed onto a two-part or multi-part shell of a hearing aid in an edge region of a shell part.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, bei einem Hörer einer Hörvorrichtung eine gegenüber äußeren Einflüssen hinreichend stabile Aufhängung zu gewährleisten, wobei andererseits die Vibrationen des Hörers in ausreichendem Maß gedämpft werden sollen.The object of the present invention is to ensure a sufficiently stable against external influences in a listener of a hearing device, on the other hand, the vibrations of the listener to be sufficiently attenuated.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Schallausgangsröhrchen zum unmittelbaren Anschluss an einen Ausgangsstutzen eines Hörers einer Hörvorrichtung, das als Spritzgussteil hergestellt ist, umfassend einen Außenmantel aus einem ersten Kunststoff und eine Innenwand aus einem zweiten Kunststoff, der elastischer ist als der erste Kunststoff, wobei der Außenmantel und die Innenwand durch 2-Komponenten-Spritzguss hergestellt sind.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a sound outlet tube for direct connection to an outlet nozzle of a receiver of a hearing, which is made as an injection molded part, comprising an outer sheath of a first plastic and an inner wall of a second plastic, which is more elastic than the first plastic, wherein the Outer jacket and the inner wall are made by 2-component injection molding.

In vorteilhafter Weise erfüllt das erfindungsgemäße 2-Komponenten-Schallausgangsröhrchen mit seinem harten Außenmantel die Funktion einer stabilen Aufhängung des Hörers. Die weiche, elastische Innenwand gewährleistet darüber hinaus die notwendige Absorption der Hörerschwingungen.Advantageously, the inventive 2-component sound output tube with its hard outer jacket fulfills the function of a stable suspension of the listener. The soft, elastic inner wall also ensures the necessary absorption of the listener's vibrations.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des Schallausgangsröhrchens ist der erste Kunststoff ein Silikonmaterial und der zweite Kunststoff ein weicheres Silikonmaterial. Damit ist nicht nur ein sehr zuverlässiges Material gewählt, sondern es lässt sich auch ein hochqualitatives 2-Komponenten-Spritzgussteil erzielen, da beide Komponenten auf Silikonbasis beruhen.In an advantageous embodiment of the sound output tube, the first plastic is a silicone material and the second plastic is a softer silicone material. Not only is a very reliable material chosen, but a high-quality 2-component injection-molded part can also be achieved, since both components are based on silicone.

Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann das Schallausgangsröhrchen als Rohrbogen gebildet sein. Damit kann den räumlichen Gegebenheiten in einem Hörgerätegehäuse besser Rechnung getragen werden.According to a further embodiment, the sound output tube may be formed as a pipe bend. In order to The spatial conditions in a hearing aid housing can be better taken into account.

Darüber hinaus kann es von Vorteil sein, wenn sich der Außenmantel nicht über die gesamte Länge des Schallausgangsröhrchens erstreckt. Somit werden auch durch den verhältnismäßig starren Außenmantel keine Vibrationen vom Hörer auf das Gehäuse der Hörvorrichtung oder umgekehrt übertragen.In addition, it may be advantageous if the outer sheath does not extend over the entire length of the sound output tube. Thus, no vibrations from the listener to the housing of the hearing or vice versa transmitted by the relatively rigid outer sheath.

In einer besonders bevorzugten Anwendung ist ein HdO-Hörgerät mit einem Hörer, einem Tragehaken, einem Anschlussstück zur Schallübertragung in den Tragehaken und einem Schallausgangsröhrchen, wie es oben beschrieben ist, das den Ausgangsstutzen des Hörers mit dem Anschlussstück akustisch verbindet, vorgesehen. Damit kann das HdO-Hörgerät, wie es allgemein gefordert wird, noch kompakter gestaltet werden, da der Hörer einerseits stabil und andererseits vibrationsdämpfend an dem Tragehaken bzw. dem Hörgerätegehäuse aufgehängt ist.In a particularly preferred application, a BTE hearing aid with a receiver, a carrying hook, a connector for transmitting sound in the carrying hook and a sound outlet tube, as described above, which connects the output socket of the listener with the connecting piece acoustically provided. Thus, the BTE hearing aid, as it is generally required to be made even more compact, since the handset is on the one hand stable and on the other hand suspended vibration damping on the carrying hook or the hearing aid housing.

Die vorliegende Erfindung ist anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
den prinzipiellen Aufbau eines Hörgeräts mit seinen wesentlichen Komponenten gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
FIG 2
eine 3-D-Darstellung eines mit Hilfe eines erfindungsgemäßen Schallausgangröhrchens an ein Anschlussstück angeschlossenen Hörers und
FIG 3
eine Längsschnittansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Schallausgangsröhrchens.
The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
the basic structure of a hearing aid with its essential components according to the prior art;
FIG. 2
a 3-D representation of a connected by means of a sound output tube according to the invention to a connector and handset
FIG. 3
a longitudinal sectional view of the sound output tube according to the invention.

Das nachfolgend näher geschilderte Ausführungsbeispiel stellt eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiment described in more detail below represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Ein in FIG 2 dargestellter Hörer 10 besitzt einen Schallausgangsstutzen 11. An diesen Schallausgangsstutzen 11 ist ein Schallausgangsröhrchen 12 gesteckt. Dieses Schallausgangsröhrchen 12 ist bogenförmig gestaltet und leitet in seinem Inneren den Schall des Hörers 10 weiter an ein Anschlussstück 13. Hierzu ist das Anschlussstück 13 an dem dem Hörer 10 gegenüberliegenden Ende des Schallausgangsröhrchens 12 aufgesteckt.An in FIG. 2 illustrated handset 10 has a sound outlet nozzle 11. At this sound outlet nozzle 11 a sound output tube 12 is inserted. This sound output tube 12 is designed arcuate and passes in its interior the sound of the handset 10 on to a connector 13. For this purpose, the connector 13 is attached to the opposite end of the receiver 10 of the sound output tube 12.

Das Anschlussstück 13 ist im Wesentlichen rohrförmig ausgebildet und dient als Adapter. Es besitzt an dem einen Ende ein Montageteil 131, mit dem es an dem Gehäuse der Hörvorrichtung bzw. dem Hörgerätegehäuse befestigt wird. An seinem anderen Ende besitzt das Anschlussstück 13 ein Steckteil 132, auf das ein Tragehaken 7 gesteckt wird. Das Anschlussstück 13 kann mit dem jeweiligen Gehäuse der Hörvorrichtung auch einteilig verbunden und insbesondere einteilig gespritzt sein. Im Falle eines IdO-Hörgeräts kann das Schallausgangsröhrchen 12 auch mit einem Schallausgangselement der Hörgeräteschale direkt verbunden sein.The connecting piece 13 is substantially tubular and serves as an adapter. It has at one end a mounting part 131, with which it is fastened to the housing of the hearing device or the hearing aid housing. At its other end, the connecting piece 13 has a plug-in part 132, on which a carrying hook 7 is inserted. The connector 13 may also be integrally connected to the respective housing of the hearing device and in particular be injected in one piece. In the case of an ITE hearing aid, the sound output tube 12 may also be directly connected to a sound output element of the hearing aid shell.

Das Schallausgangsröhrchen 12 ist erfindungsgemäß in einem 2-Komponentenspritzgussverfahren (Over-Mold-Technology) hergestellt. Es besteht im wesentlichen aus zwei Komponenten: einem harten Außenmantel 121 und einer weicheren bzw. elastischeren Innenwand 122. Ein Längsschnitt durch das Schallausgangsröhrchen 12 ist in FIG 3 dargestellt. In den Außenmantel 121 ist also eine weiche Innenwand 122 eingespritzt bzw. um die weiche Innenwand 122 ist ein härterer Außenmantel 121 gespritzt.The sound output tube 12 is produced according to the invention in a 2-component injection molding process (over-mold technology). It consists essentially of two components: a hard outer shell 121 and a softer or more elastic inner wall 122. A longitudinal section through the sound exit tube 12 is in FIG. 3 shown. In the outer shell 121 so a soft inner wall 122 is injected or to the soft inner wall 122 is a harder outer shell 121 sprayed.

Im Inneren besitzt das Schallausgangsröhrchen 112 einen Schallkanal 123. An der Seite des Hörers 10 ist dieser Schallkanal 123 ausgeweitet zu einer zylinderförmigen Aufnahme 124, so dass das Schallausgangsröhrchen 12 auf den Schallausgangsstutzen 11 des Hörers 10 gesteckt werden kann. Der Außenmantel 121 erstreckt sich nicht über die gesamte Bogenlänge der Innenwand 122 bzw. des Schallkanals 123 einschließlich Aufnahme 124. Vielmehr steht sowohl an der Seite zum Hörer 10 als auch an der Seite zu dem Anschlussstück 13 jeweils ein rohrförmiger Innenwandteil 125, 126 aus dem Außenmantel 121 hervor. Durch diese hervorstehenden Abschnitte 125 und 126 der Innenwand 122 ist gewährleistet, dass der Außenmantel 122 nicht mit dem Gehäuse bzw. Schallausgangsstutzen 11 des Hörers 10 oder dem Anschlussstück 13 unmittelbar in Kontakt gerät. Hierdurch wird so weit wie möglich verhindert, dass Vibrationen über den Außenmantel 121 übertragen werden. Die weiche bzw. elastische Innenwand 122 dämpft die Vibrationen in gewünschter Weise. Die Aufgabe des Außenmantels 121 liegt lediglich darin, die Innenwand 122 soweit wie möglich mechanisch zu stabilisieren. Hierdurch kann beispielsweise verhindert werden, dass der Hörer 10 gegen eine Wand eines Hörgerätegehäuses schlägt, wenn das Hörgerät fallengelassen wird.On the inside of the sound output tube 112 has a sound channel 123. On the side of the earphone 10, this sound channel 123 is expanded to a cylindrical receptacle 124 so that the sound output tube 12 can be plugged onto the sound outlet nozzle 11 of the earphone 10. The outer sheath 121 does not extend over the entire arc length of the inner wall 122 and the sound channel 123 including receptacle 124. Rather, both on the side of the listener 10 and on the side of the connector 13 is a tubular inner wall portion 125, 126 from the outer shell 121 forth. By these protruding portions 125 and 126 of the inner wall 122 it is ensured that the outer jacket 122 does not come into direct contact with the housing or sound outlet nozzle 11 of the receiver 10 or the connecting piece 13. This prevents as far as possible that vibrations are transmitted via the outer jacket 121. The soft or elastic inner wall 122 dampens the vibrations in the desired manner. The task of the outer shell 121 is merely to mechanically stabilize the inner wall 122 as much as possible. This can be prevented, for example, that the handset 10 strikes against a wall of a hearing aid housing when the hearing aid is dropped.

Die überstehenden Teile 125 und 126 sind nur insoweit notwendig, als die Gefahr besteht, dass der starre Außenmantel 121 mit einem der beiden Anschlusskomponenten 10, 13 in direkte Berührung gerät. Damit werden schließlich auch Vibrationen, die der Hörer 10 selbst erzeugt, nicht nach außen zum Hörgerätegehäuse bzw. Tragehaken übertragen. Dies führt letztendlich auch zu einer Reduktion von Rückkopplungen.The protruding parts 125 and 126 are only necessary insofar as there is a risk that the rigid outer shell 121 comes into direct contact with one of the two connection components 10, 13. Finally, vibrations that the listener 10 itself generates are not transmitted to the outside of the hearing device housing or carrying hook. This ultimately leads to a reduction of feedback.

In dem vorliegenden Beispiel besteht die Innenwand 122 aus einem weichen Silikon und die Außenwand 121 aus einem harten Silikon.In the present example, the inner wall 122 is made of a soft silicone and the outer wall 121 is made of a hard silicone.

Claims (5)

Schallausgangsröhrchen (12) zum unmittelbaren Anschluss an einen Ausgangsstutzen (11) eines Hörers (10) einer Hörvorrichtung, - das als Spritzgussteil hergestellt ist, gekennzeichnet durch - einen Außenmantel (121) aus einem ersten Kunststoff und - eine Innenwand (122) aus einem zweiten Kunststoff, der elastischer ist als der erste Kunststoff, wobei - der Außenmantel (121) und die Innenwand (122) durch 2-Komponenten-Spritzguss hergestellt sind. Sound output tube (12) for direct connection to an output socket (11) of a receiver (10) of a hearing device, - Is made as an injection molded part, characterized by - An outer jacket (121) made of a first plastic and - An inner wall (122) made of a second plastic, which is more elastic than the first plastic, wherein - The outer sheath (121) and the inner wall (122) are made by 2-component injection molding. Schallausgangsröhrchen nach Anspruch 1, wobei der erste Kunststoff ein Silikonmaterial und der zweite Kunststoff ein weicheres Silikonmaterial ist.The sound output tube of claim 1, wherein the first plastic is a silicone material and the second plastic is a softer silicone material. Schallausgangsröhrchen nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, das einen Rohrbogen bildet.Acoustic discharge tube according to claim 1 or 2, forming a pipe bend. Schallausgangsröhrchen nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Außenmantel (121) sich nicht über die gesamte Länge des Schallausgangsröhrchens erstreckt.A sound output tube according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer jacket (121) does not extend the entire length of the acoustic exit tube. Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät mit - einem Hörer (4, 10), - einem Tragehaken (7), - einem Anschlussstück (6, 13) zur Schallübertragung in den Tragehaken (4) und - einem Schallausgangsröhrchen (12) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüchen, das den Ausgangsstutzen (11) des Hörers (4, 10) mit dem Anschlussstück (6, 13) akustisch verbindet. Behind-the-ear hearing aid with a listener (4, 10), a carrying hook (7), - A connection piece (6, 13) for transmitting sound in the carrying hook (4) and - A sound output tube (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, which connects the output socket (11) of the listener (4, 10) with the connecting piece (6, 13) acoustically.
EP08104432A 2007-06-20 2008-06-17 Sound emitting pipes with 2 component design Not-in-force EP2007172B1 (en)

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DE102007028225A DE102007028225A1 (en) 2007-06-20 2007-06-20 Sound output tube with 2-component structure

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AT (1) ATE476833T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102007028225A1 (en)
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CN103037271B (en) * 2011-09-30 2016-08-17 苏州恒听电子有限公司 Voice tube device for Minitype speaker device
DE102013203169A1 (en) * 2013-02-26 2013-11-07 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing instrument e.g. behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid has connecting elements that are partially made of vibration-damping material such as rubber to damp transfer of vibrations between housing and attachment
US9247329B2 (en) * 2013-10-17 2016-01-26 Gn Resound A/S Suspension for a hearing device receiver
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DK2007172T3 (en) 2010-11-29
US20080317272A1 (en) 2008-12-25
DE502008001062D1 (en) 2010-09-16
ATE476833T1 (en) 2010-08-15
US8103031B2 (en) 2012-01-24
EP2007172B1 (en) 2010-08-04

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