EP2701404A1 - Hearing instrument and earpiece with receiver - Google Patents

Hearing instrument and earpiece with receiver Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2701404A1
EP2701404A1 EP20130173032 EP13173032A EP2701404A1 EP 2701404 A1 EP2701404 A1 EP 2701404A1 EP 20130173032 EP20130173032 EP 20130173032 EP 13173032 A EP13173032 A EP 13173032A EP 2701404 A1 EP2701404 A1 EP 2701404A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
receiver
housing
compressed air
proximal
sound
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
EP20130173032
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2701404B1 (en
Inventor
Anton Gebert
Anand Ganapathy
Uli Gommel
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
Original Assignee
Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd filed Critical Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Publication of EP2701404A1 publication Critical patent/EP2701404A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2701404B1 publication Critical patent/EP2701404B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • 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
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H04R25/656—Non-customized, universal ear tips, i.e. ear tips which are not specifically adapted to the size or shape of the ear or ear canal
    • 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
    • H04R2225/0216—BTE hearing aids having a receiver in the ear mould
    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing instrument and an associated earpiece which can be inserted into an auditory canal with an expandable balloon and receiver for a hearing instrument.
  • Hearing instruments can be designed for example as hearing aids.
  • a hearing aid is used to supply a hearing-impaired person with acoustic ambient signals that are processed and amplified for compensation or therapy of the respective hearing impairment. It consists in principle of one or more input transducers, of a signal processing device, of an amplification device, and of an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is typically a sound receiver, e.g. a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, e.g. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z.
  • the output transducer generates output signals that are routed to the patient's ear and are intended to produce a hearing sensation in the patient.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in the signal processing device.
  • the hearing aid is powered by a battery integrated into the hearing aid housing.
  • the essential components of a hearing aid are usually arranged on a printed circuit board as a circuit carrier or connected thereto.
  • Hearing instruments can also be designed as hearing aids as so-called tinnitus maskers. Tinnitus maskers are used to treat tinnitus patients. They produce from the respective hearing impairment and depending on the operating principle of ambient noise dependent acoustic output signals that can contribute to reducing the perception of annoying tinnitus or other ear noises. Hearing instruments can also be designed as telephones, mobile phones, headsets, headphones, MP3 players or other telecommunications or consumer electronics systems.
  • hearing instrument is understood to mean both hearing aids and tinnitus maskers, comparable such devices, as well as telecommunications and consumer electronics systems.
  • Hearing instruments in particular hearing aids, are known in various basic types.
  • ITE hearing aids in-the-ear, also IDO or in-the-ear
  • a housing containing all functional components including microphone and receiver is at least partially carried in the ear canal.
  • CIC hearing aids are similar to ITE hearing aids, but are worn fully in the ear canal.
  • a housing with components such as battery and signal processing device is worn behind the ear and a flexible sound tube, also referred to as a tube, directs the acoustic output signals of a receiver from the housing to the ear canal, where often an ear piece is provided on the tube for reliable positioning of the tube end in the ear canal.
  • RIC-BTE hearing aids (receiver-in-canal behind-the-ear) are similar to BTE hearing aids, but the receiver is carried in the ear canal and instead of a sound tube, a flexible earpiece tube conducts electrical signals instead of acoustic signals to the receiver, which is at the front of the earpiece tube attached, usually in a reliable positioning in the ear canal serving ear piece.
  • RIC-BTE hearing aids are often used as so-called open-fit devices, in which the auditory canal remains open for the passage of sound and air to reduce the disturbing occlusion effect.
  • Deep-fit hearing aids are similar to CIC hearing aids. However, while CIC hearing aids are usually worn in the outer part of the external auditory canal, Deep-fit hearing aids are advanced further to the eardrum and at least partially carried in the inner part of the outer ear canal.
  • the external (distal) ear canal is a skin-lined canal connecting the pinna to the eardrum.
  • this channel is formed of elastic cartilage.
  • the inner (proximal) part of the channel is formed by the temporal bone and thus consists of bone.
  • the course of the ear canal between cartilaginous and bony part is usually angled and includes a different angle from person to person.
  • the bony part of the ear canal is relatively sensitive to pressure and contact.
  • Deep-fit hearing aids are at least partially worn in the delicate bony part of the ear canal.
  • they When advancing into the bony part of the ear canal, they must also pass the mentioned bend, which can be difficult depending on the angle.
  • small diameter and tortuous shapes of the ear canal can further complicate advancement.
  • an ear piece for a hearing instrument that has an expandable balloon is known.
  • the balloon is expanded as soon as the earpiece is inserted into an ear canal.
  • it improves the fit of the ear piece in the ear canal and possibly also the acoustic shielding against ambient noise.
  • a hearing instrument which has a behind the ear to be worn housing (BTE housing). It is connected via a tube (a so-called tube) with an earpiece to be worn in the ear canal.
  • the tube has a sound channel for transmitting acoustic signals to the earpiece. It also has electrical lines for transmitting electrical signals to a receiver arranged in the earpiece.
  • a similar arrangement is in the document EP 1 871 141 A2 disclosed.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a balloon earpiece for a hearing instrument, in which a receiver is arranged, and which allows additional connections for acoustic signals and compressed air, wherein the ear piece should be constructed from a small number of components and easy to assemble, and an associated hearing instrument.
  • the invention solves this problem by a hearing instrument and an ear piece with the features of the independent claims.
  • a basic idea of the invention consists in an earpiece for a hearing instrument which has a housing, a receiver, and a balloon, the housing comprising a proximal housing section and a distal housing section, and wherein the receiver is arranged between the two housing sections, the two being Housing sections mechanically fix the receiver and are tightly interconnected.
  • a sound channel and compressed air channel is formed, the wall of which is formed in each case by both the receiver and the housing.
  • a sound outlet opening is provided, which is connected to a receiver output opening of the receiver and to the sound channel.
  • the balloon is connected to the compressed air channel.
  • the small number of components reduces the assembly effort and helps to avoid sealing problems with respect to the sound channel and the compressed air channel.
  • the two housing sections can be tightly and stably connected to each other after insertion of the receiver from the outside, for example by laser welding, or by gluing, which is ensured with a few manufacturing steps an overall dense and stable construction.
  • Another basic idea of the invention is a hearing instrument with a tube for use with an earpiece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing instrument has a Hörinstrumentgephaseuse and arranged therein a receiver and a signal processing device.
  • the hearing instrument has a Hörinstrumentgetude and arranged therein a receiver and a signal processing device.
  • a sound line and electrical lines are performed in the tube.
  • the sound conduction is connected to the receiver arranged in the hearing instrument housing and to the sound channel of the earpiece.
  • the electrical lines are connected to the signal processing device and to the arranged in the earpiece receiver.
  • An advantageous embodiment consists in that the wall of the sound channel and the compressed air channel in each case comprises arranged on the inside of the housing sealing lips, which at the same time mechanically fix the receiver.
  • a further advantageous embodiment is that the proximal housing portion is releasably connected to the balloon by a ball joint.
  • the ball joint allows a nimble and easy replacement of the balloon, for example, for maintenance purposes or to adjust the balloon size.
  • a further advantageous embodiment consists in that in the proximal housing portion an insert is provided, through which the sound outlet opening is formed, and through the outside of which together with the proximal housing portion at the same time a separate from the sound outlet proximal portion of the compressed air channel is formed, the wall both is formed by the insert as well as by the proximal housing portion.
  • the insert fulfills the function of forming the sound outlet opening and separating it from the compressed air duct. It may for example be made of a harder material than the housing, for example made of metal. This allows a filigree and but stable shape.
  • the housing however, can be made of plastic, and the material combination metal / plastic allows for an unobtrusive assembly. On the other hand, it enables the integration of sealing surfaces at the respective interfaces between metal insert and plastic housing without additional sealing means or sealing devices.
  • a further advantageous embodiment is that the proximal portion of the compressed air channel is connected to a compressed air line, which in turn is connected to the interior of the balloon.
  • a further advantageous embodiment is that the insert has sealing surfaces, through which, together with corresponding sealing surfaces of the proximal housing portion, a sealed connection is formed, which separates the proximal portion of the compressed air channel from the sound outlet opening.
  • a further advantageous embodiment is that the insert has an external thread, with which it is screwed into the proximal housing portion, and the external thread together with the mating thread in the proximal housing portion forms a proximal boundary of the compressed air channel.
  • a further advantageous embodiment is that the external thread is self-tapping.
  • Self-tapping threads usually ensure a high density, so that in this way the number additionally required Sealant, such as seals, can be reduced.
  • FIG. 1 an earpiece with expandable balloon 1 is shown in perspective.
  • the ear piece comprises a housing shown on the left in the figure, which consists of a distal housing section 6 and a proximal housing section 5, which are firmly connected to one another.
  • a receiver is arranged in the housing, not shown in the figure.
  • the housing is surrounded by an expandable balloon 1, which is shown slightly translucent in the figure.
  • the balloon 1 is connected to the housing, wherein the connection between the balloon 1 and the housing is formed on the proximal housing portion 5.
  • the connection may be fixed, but is preferably reversibly detachable, so that replacement of the balloon 1, e.g. for maintenance or resizing.
  • Balloon 1 and proximal housing section 5 have a centrally arranged sound outlet opening 15, through which acoustic output signals for a carrier of the earpiece can be delivered.
  • FIG. 2 the earpiece with balloon 1 is shown in plan view from the proximal side.
  • the balloon 1 surrounds the earpiece, in the region of the proximal housing section 5, which can be seen through the proximal opening of the balloon.
  • the sound outlet opening 14 can be seen, behind which, not shown in the figure, a receiver is arranged.
  • FIG. 3 the earpiece with balloon 1 is shown as a sectional view.
  • a receiver 2 is arranged in the housing. This is located between the proximal housing portion 5 and the distal housing portion 6, which are connected by a seam 3 firmly together.
  • the housing is preferably made of a conventional plastic, for example LCP, PA or PBT.
  • the two housing sections are firmly connected in the region of the seam 3, preferably by laser welding. However, they can also be connected in other ways, for example by gluing or by a self-closing snap connection.
  • the housing has a distal supply opening 13 through which electrical lines, not shown, are guided for contacting the receiver 2. Next, a supply of compressed air for the balloon 1 and an acoustic line for transmitting output signals of another receiver, not shown, guided by the distal supply port 13.
  • the receiver 2 is held by longitudinal, ie distal to proximal, extending sealing lips 16, 26.
  • sealing lips 16, 26 There are 4 such sealing lips provided, which are parallel to each other and surround the receiver 2 mechanically stable.
  • the sealing lips 16, 26 are elastic and arranged such that between each 2 sealing lips 16, 26 each separate channels are formed. This is clarified again in the following description of the figures.
  • the channels formed by the sealing lips 16, 26 and separated from each other serve to direct compressed air for the balloon 1 as well as acoustic signals past the receiver 2. By the sealing lips 16, 26 so each separate compressed air channel 4 and sound channel 7 are formed.
  • the compressed air duct 4 extends from the distal housing section 6 to the proximal housing section 5 past the receiver 2, and is supplied with compressed air through the supply opening 13.
  • a compressed air line 17 which corresponds to a corresponding compressed air line of the balloon 1.
  • Through the compressed air line 17 passes compressed air from the compressed air channel 4 into the balloon 1 in and out of this.
  • the balloon 1 is expanded or deflated through the compressed air line 17 and the compressed air channel 4.
  • the balloon 1 is not integral and fixedly connected to the proximal housing portion 5. He is rather pushed on this or plugged.
  • the mechanical connection between the balloon 1 and the housing is formed by a ball joint coupling 11. About the ball joint coupling 11, the balloon 1 can be plugged reversible and locks when reaching the mounting position on the ball joint 11 a.
  • seals 9 are provided which seal the gap between the balloon 1 and the proximal housing portion 5.
  • the seals are designed as conventional ring or O-ring seals. They seal both the space between the balloon 1 and the housing and the proximal end of the compressed air channel 4 airtight.
  • the receiver 2 has a receiver output opening 15, are emitted by the acoustic output signals. These pass through the sound outlet opening 14 to the auditory canal of the wearer of the earpiece. Next acoustic signals are supplied through the distal supply port 13 and passed through the sound channel 7 on the receiver 2 also to the sound outlet opening 14. They arrive together with the output signals of the receiver 2 to the sound outlet opening 14th
  • the sound channel 7 or central sound outlet opening 14 and the compressed air channel 4 are guided separately from one another.
  • the separation of the two channels is accomplished by means of a tubular insert 12.
  • the tubular insert 12 is made of a material that is harder than the other housing material, e.g. made of metal. The harder material allows a filigree and more complex, yet stable shape.
  • FIG. 4 the proximal housing section 5 together with the receiver 2 is shown.
  • the receiver 2 is inserted in the proximal housing portion 5 to the final assembly position. It is held in the housing by sealing lips 16, 26.
  • the sealing lips 16, 26 are dimensioned and designed to be elastic, that they fix the receiver 2 non-positively against slipping out.
  • the sealing lips 16, 26 provided with an elastic and smooth surface to the receiver 2 out, and the receiver 2 is in turn provided with a smooth surface, so that between the receiver 2, sealing lips 16, 26 and outer wall the housing portion 5 separate channels are formed.
  • the compressed air channel 4 is formed between the sealing lips 16, the outer side of the receiver 2 shown in the figure above and the outer wall of the proximal housing section 5 shown above, and the sound channel 7 on the opposite underside.
  • the compressed-air channel 4 and the scarf channel 7 are formed with a minimum number of separate components and a minimal installation effort with a simultaneously less complex shape of the housing section 5 by simply inserting the receiver 2 into the housing section 5.
  • the distal housing section 6 is provided with corresponding distal sections of the sealing lips 16, 26, so that the sound channel 7 and the compressed air channel 4 are completed by simply inserting the receiver 2 and then plugging the distal housing section 6 onto the proximal housing section 5. It can be seen that consequently the entire ear piece is mounted by simply plugging together the two housing sections 5, 6 and at the same time the compressed air channel 4 and sound channel 7 are completed. Thus, the assembly effort and the number of separate components is minimized.
  • FIG. 5 a further embodiment of the ear piece described above is shown as a sectional view. It comprises a distal housing section 6, as explained above, with a distal supply opening 13 and distal sections of the sealing lips 36, 46.
  • the housing is formed by the distal housing section 6 and the modified housing section 25, which are firmly connected to each other at the interface 3.
  • the receiver is located in the housing of the earpiece. Sound from the receiver output opening 15, together with acoustic signals, passes from the sound channel 7 to the sound outlet opening 14.
  • a tubular insert 22 is inserted into the proximal housing section 25, through which the sound outlet opening 14 extends.
  • the compressed air channel 4 extends on the outside of the insert 22 and is separated from the sound channel.
  • a dense connection 28, as described above, at the transition from the insert 22 to the housing section 25 separates the sound channel 7 airtight from the compressed air channel 4.
  • the balloon 1 is attached to the proximal housing section 25 as explained above, where it is held by a ball joint 21.
  • the compressed air passes from the compressed air channel 4 through compressed air lines 37 into the balloon 1.
  • the insert 22 is provided with an external thread 38.
  • the external thread 38 is designed as a self-tapping thread. With the external thread 38 of the insert 22 is screwed into the proximal housing portion 25. In this case, the insert 22 is screwed in so far, so that the connection between the distal end of the insert 22 and the housing portion 25 in the region 28 is closed airtight.
  • the proximal end of the compressed air channel 4 is, unlike in the previous embodiment, formed by the thread 38 and the threaded connection formed by the thread 38 with the proximal housing portion 25.
  • FIG. 6 is a hearing aid with earpiece shown schematically.
  • the hearing instrument is designed as a BTE hearing instrument with hearing instrument housing 43 to be worn behind the ear.
  • the earpiece is, as previously explained, composed of a distal housing section 6 and a proximal housing section 5 with balloon 1.
  • the earpiece is a receiver 2.
  • the receiver 2 is powered by electrical lines 46 with input signals.
  • a signal processing device 47 is arranged, which supplies the receiver 2 via the electrical lines 46 with input signals.
  • a further receiver 42 is arranged in the hearing instrument housing 43, which is also supplied by the signal processing device 47.
  • the acoustic output signals of the receiver 42 are guided through a sound conductor 45 to the ear piece.
  • the sound conductor 45 and the electrical leads 46 are guided through a conventional tube 44, which connects the hearing instrument housing 43 with the ear piece.
  • a battery 48 for powering the hearing instrument is further arranged and a microphone assembly 49 for supplying the signal processing device 47 with input signals.
  • the signal processing device 47 is further connected to a pumping arrangement 50 for generating compressed air for the balloon 1.
  • the pump assembly 50 is connected via a pumping line 51, which is guided through the tube 44, and further via the previously described compressed air channel of the ear piece with the balloon 1 and supplies this with the required compressed air for expansion.
  • the required pressure conditions in the balloon 1 for adapting the ear piece or balloon 1 to the auditory canal of a user are produced by the pump arrangement 50. This can be set by the signal processing device 47 with constant or variably regulated pressure.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)

Abstract

The ear piece has receiver that is arranged between two casing sections (5,6). The sound channel and pressurized air channel are formed between receiver and casing section. The sound outlet (14) is connected with receiver output port of the receiver and sound channel. The balloon (1) is connected with pressurized air channel. The proximate portion of the pressurized air channel is connected with air supply line. An independent claim is included for hearing instrument.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörinstrument und ein zugehöriges in einen Gehörgang einsetzbares Ohrstück mit expandierbarem Ballon und Receiver für ein Hörinstrument.The invention relates to a hearing instrument and an associated earpiece which can be inserted into an auditory canal with an expandable balloon and receiver for a hearing instrument.

Hörinstrumente können beispielsweise als Hörgeräte ausgeführt sein. Ein Hörgerät dient der Versorgung einer hörgeschädigten Person mit akustischen Umgebungssignalen, die zur Kompensation bzw. Therapie der jeweiligen Hörschädigung verarbeitet und verstärkt sind. Es besteht prinzipiell aus einem oder mehreren Eingangswandlern, aus einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung, einer Verstärkungseinrichtung, und aus einem 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 in der Regel als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Er wird auch als Hörer oder Receiver bezeichnet. Der Ausgangswandler erzeugt Ausgangssignale, die zum Gehör des Patienten geleitet werden und beim Patienten eine Hörwahrnehmung erzeugen sollen. Der Verstärker ist in der Regel in die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung integriert. Die Stromversorgung des Hörgeräts erfolgt durch eine ins Hörgerätegehäuse integrierte Batterie. Die wesentlichen Komponenten eines Hörgeräts sind in der Regel auf einer gedruckten Leiterplatine als Schaltungsträger angeordnet bzw. damit verbunden.Hearing instruments can be designed for example as hearing aids. A hearing aid is used to supply a hearing-impaired person with acoustic ambient signals that are processed and amplified for compensation or therapy of the respective hearing impairment. It consists in principle of one or more input transducers, of a signal processing device, of an amplification device, and of an output transducer. The input transducer is typically a sound receiver, e.g. a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, e.g. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. He is also referred to as a handset or receiver. The output transducer generates output signals that are routed to the patient's ear and are intended to produce a hearing sensation in the patient. The amplifier is usually integrated in the signal processing device. The hearing aid is powered by a battery integrated into the hearing aid housing. The essential components of a hearing aid are usually arranged on a printed circuit board as a circuit carrier or connected thereto.

Hörinstrumente können außer als Hörgeräte auch als sogenannte Tinnitus-Masker ausgeführt sein. Tinnitus-Masker werden zu Therapie von Tinnitus-Patienten eingesetzt. Sie erzeugen von der jeweiligen Hörbeeinträchtigung und je nach Wirkprinzip auch von Umgebungsgeräuschen abhängige akustische Ausgangssignale, die zur Verringerung der Wahrnehmung störender Tinnitus- oder sonstiger Ohrgeräusche beitragen können. Hörinstrumente können weiter auch als Telefone, Handys, Headsets, Kopfhörer, MP3-Player oder sonstige Telekommunikations- oder Unterhaltungselektronik-Systeme ausgeführt sein.Hearing instruments can also be designed as hearing aids as so-called tinnitus maskers. Tinnitus maskers are used to treat tinnitus patients. They produce from the respective hearing impairment and depending on the operating principle of ambient noise dependent acoustic output signals that can contribute to reducing the perception of annoying tinnitus or other ear noises. Hearing instruments can also be designed as telephones, mobile phones, headsets, headphones, MP3 players or other telecommunications or consumer electronics systems.

Im Folgenden sollen unter dem Begriff Hörinstrument sowohl Hörgeräte, als auch Tinnitus-Masker, vergleichbare derartige Geräte, sowie Telekommunikations- und Unterhaltungselektronik-Systeme verstanden werden.Hereinafter, the term hearing instrument is understood to mean both hearing aids and tinnitus maskers, comparable such devices, as well as telecommunications and consumer electronics systems.

Hörinstrumente, insbesondere Hörgeräte, sind in verschiedenen grundlegenden Typen bekannt. Bei ITE-Hörgeräten (In-the-Ear, auch IDO bzw. In-dem-Ohr) wird ein Gehäuse, das sämtliche funktionalen Komponenten einschließlich Mikrophon und Receiver enthält, mindestens teilweise im Gehörgang getragen. CIC-Hörgeräte (Completely-in-Canal) sind den ITE-Hörgeräten ähnlich, werden jedoch vollständig im Gehörgang getragen. Bei BTE-Hörgeräten (Behind-the-Ear, auch Hinter-dem-Ohr bzw. IDO) wird ein Gehäuse mit Komponenten wie Batterie und Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung hinter dem Ohr getragen und ein flexibler Schallschlauch, auch als Tube bezeichnet, leitet die akustischen Ausgangssignale eines Receivers vom Gehäuse zum Gehörgang, wo häufig ein Ohrstück am Tube zur zuverlässigen Positionierung des Tube-Endes im Gehörgang vorgesehen ist. RIC-BTE-Hörgeräte (Receiver-in-Canal Behind-the-Ear) gleichen den BTE-Hörgeräten, jedoch wird der Receiver im Gehörgang getragen und statt eines Schallschlauchs leitet ein flexibler Hörerschlauch elektrische Signale anstelle akustischer Signale zum Receiver, welcher vorne am Hörerschlauch angebracht ist, meist in einem der zuverlässigen Positionierung im Gehörgang dienenden Ohrstück. RIC-BTE-Hörgeräte werden häufig als sogenannte Open-Fit Geräte eingesetzt, bei denen zur Reduzierung des störenden Okklusions-Effekts der Gehörgang für den Durchtritt von Schall und Luft offen bleibt.Hearing instruments, in particular hearing aids, are known in various basic types. In ITE hearing aids (in-the-ear, also IDO or in-the-ear), a housing containing all functional components including microphone and receiver is at least partially carried in the ear canal. Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are similar to ITE hearing aids, but are worn fully in the ear canal. In BTE hearing aids (behind-the-ear, or behind-the-ear or IDO), a housing with components such as battery and signal processing device is worn behind the ear and a flexible sound tube, also referred to as a tube, directs the acoustic output signals of a receiver from the housing to the ear canal, where often an ear piece is provided on the tube for reliable positioning of the tube end in the ear canal. RIC-BTE hearing aids (receiver-in-canal behind-the-ear) are similar to BTE hearing aids, but the receiver is carried in the ear canal and instead of a sound tube, a flexible earpiece tube conducts electrical signals instead of acoustic signals to the receiver, which is at the front of the earpiece tube attached, usually in a reliable positioning in the ear canal serving ear piece. RIC-BTE hearing aids are often used as so-called open-fit devices, in which the auditory canal remains open for the passage of sound and air to reduce the disturbing occlusion effect.

Deep-Fit-Hörgeräte (Tief-Ohrkanal-Hörgeräte) gleichen den CIC-Hörgeräten. Während CIC-Hörgeräte jedoch in der Regel im außenliegenden Teil des äußeren Gehörgangs getragen werden, werden Deep-Fit-Hörgeräte weiter zum Trommelfell hin vorgeschoben und mindestens teilweise im innenliegenden Teil des äußeren Gehörgangs getragen. Der äußere (distale) Gehörgang ist ein mit Haut ausgekleideter Kanal und verbindet die Ohrmuschel mit dem Trommelfell. Im äußeren Teil des Gehörgangs, der sich direkt an die Ohrmuschel anschließt, ist dieser Kanal aus elastischem Knorpel gebildet. Im inneren (proximalen) Teil wird der Kanal vom Schläfenbein gebildet und besteht somit aus Knochen. Der Verlauf des Gehörgangs zwischen knorpeligem und knöchernem Teil ist in der Regel abgewinkelt und schließt einen von Person zu Person unterschiedlichen Winkel ein. Insbesondere der knöcherne Teil des Gehörgangs ist verhältnismäßig empfindlich gegen Druck und Berührungen. Deep-Fit-Hörgeräte werden zumindest teilweise im empfindlichen knöchernen Teil des Gehörgangs getragen. Beim Vorschieben in den knöchernen Teil des Gehörgangs müssen sie außerdem die erwähnte Abwinkelung passieren, was je nach Winkel schwierig sein kann. Zudem können kleine Durchmesser und gewundene Formen des Gehörgangs das Vorschieben weiter erschweren.Deep-fit hearing aids (deep-ear canal hearing aids) are similar to CIC hearing aids. However, while CIC hearing aids are usually worn in the outer part of the external auditory canal, Deep-fit hearing aids are advanced further to the eardrum and at least partially carried in the inner part of the outer ear canal. The external (distal) ear canal is a skin-lined canal connecting the pinna to the eardrum. In the outer part of the ear canal, which connects directly to the auricle, this channel is formed of elastic cartilage. In the inner (proximal) part of the channel is formed by the temporal bone and thus consists of bone. The course of the ear canal between cartilaginous and bony part is usually angled and includes a different angle from person to person. In particular, the bony part of the ear canal is relatively sensitive to pressure and contact. Deep-fit hearing aids are at least partially worn in the delicate bony part of the ear canal. When advancing into the bony part of the ear canal, they must also pass the mentioned bend, which can be difficult depending on the angle. In addition, small diameter and tortuous shapes of the ear canal can further complicate advancement.

Aus der Druckschrift US 2009/0028356 A1 ist ein Ohrstück für ein Hörinstrument bekannt, dass einen expandierbaren Ballon aufweist. Der Ballon wird, sobald das Ohrstück in einen Gehörgang eingesetzt ist, expandiert. Dadurch verbessert er den Sitz des Ohrstücks im Gehörgang und gegebenenfalls auch die akustische Abschirmung gegenüber Umgebungsgeräuschen.From the publication US 2009/0028356 A1 For example, an ear piece for a hearing instrument that has an expandable balloon is known. The balloon is expanded as soon as the earpiece is inserted into an ear canal. As a result, it improves the fit of the ear piece in the ear canal and possibly also the acoustic shielding against ambient noise.

Aus der Druckschrift US 2006/0159198 A1 ist ein Hörinstrument bekannt, das ein hinter dem Ohr zu tragendes Gehäuse (BTE-Gehäuse) aufweist. Es ist über einen Schlauch (ein sogenanntes Tube) mit einem im Gehörgang zu tragenden Ohrstück verbunden. Der Schlauch weist einen Schallkanal zur Übertragung akustischer Signale zum Ohrstück auf. Er weist zudem elektrische Leitungen zur Übertragung elektrischer Signale zu einem im Ohrstück angeordneten Receiver auf. Eine ähnliche Anordnung ist in der Druckschrift EP 1 871 141 A2 offenbart.From the publication US 2006/0159198 A1 a hearing instrument is known which has a behind the ear to be worn housing (BTE housing). It is connected via a tube (a so-called tube) with an earpiece to be worn in the ear canal. The tube has a sound channel for transmitting acoustic signals to the earpiece. It also has electrical lines for transmitting electrical signals to a receiver arranged in the earpiece. A similar arrangement is in the document EP 1 871 141 A2 disclosed.

Die Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht darin, ein Ballon-Ohrstück für ein Hörinstrument anzugeben, in dem ein Receiver angeordnet ist, und das zusätzliche Verbindungen für akustische Signale und Druckluft ermöglicht, wobei das Ohrstück aus einer geringen Anzahl von Bauteilen aufgebaut und unaufwändig montierbar sein soll, sowie ein zugehöriges Hörinstrument.The object of the invention is to provide a balloon earpiece for a hearing instrument, in which a receiver is arranged, and which allows additional connections for acoustic signals and compressed air, wherein the ear piece should be constructed from a small number of components and easy to assemble, and an associated hearing instrument.

Die Erfindung löst diese Aufgabe durch ein Hörinstrument und ein Ohrstück mit den Merkmalen der unabhängigen Patentansprüche.The invention solves this problem by a hearing instrument and an ear piece with the features of the independent claims.

Ein Grundgedanke der Erfindung besteht in einem Ohrstück für ein Hörinstrument, das ein Gehäuse, einen Receiver, und einen Ballon aufweist, wobei das Gehäuse einen proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt und einen distalen Gehäuseabschnitt umfasst, und wobei der Receiver zwischen den beiden Gehäuseabschnitten angeordnet ist, wobei die beiden Gehäuseabschnitte den Receiver mechanisch fixieren und dicht miteinander verbunden sind. Zwischen Receiver und Gehäuse ist voneinander getrennt je ein Schallkanal und Druckluftkanal gebildet, deren Wandung jeweils sowohl von dem Receiver als auch von dem Gehäuse gebildet ist. Eine Schallaustrittsöffnung ist vorgesehen, die mit einer Receiverausgangsöffnung des Receivers sowie mit dem Schallkanal verbunden ist. Der Ballon ist mit dem Druckluftkanal verbunden. Dadurch, dass Receiver und Gehäuse gemeinsam voneinander getrennte Kanäle für Schall und Druckluft formen, ist ein einfacher Aufbau mit einer geringen Anzahl von Komponenten gegeben. Die geringe Anzahl von Komponenten reduziert den Montageaufwand und hilft, Dichtigkeitsprobleme in Bezug auf den Schallkanal und den Druckluftkanal zu vermeiden. Die beiden Gehäuseabschnitte können nach Einsetzen des Receivers von außen dicht und stabil miteinander verbunden werden, beispielsweise durch Laserschweißen, oder durch Kleben, wodurch mit wenigen Fertigungsschritten eine insgesamt dichte und stabile Konstruktion gewährleistet ist.A basic idea of the invention consists in an earpiece for a hearing instrument which has a housing, a receiver, and a balloon, the housing comprising a proximal housing section and a distal housing section, and wherein the receiver is arranged between the two housing sections, the two being Housing sections mechanically fix the receiver and are tightly interconnected. Separate between each receiver and housing a sound channel and compressed air channel is formed, the wall of which is formed in each case by both the receiver and the housing. A sound outlet opening is provided, which is connected to a receiver output opening of the receiver and to the sound channel. The balloon is connected to the compressed air channel. The fact that receiver and housing form mutually separate channels for sound and compressed air, a simple structure with a small number of components is given. The small number of components reduces the assembly effort and helps to avoid sealing problems with respect to the sound channel and the compressed air channel. The two housing sections can be tightly and stably connected to each other after insertion of the receiver from the outside, for example by laser welding, or by gluing, which is ensured with a few manufacturing steps an overall dense and stable construction.

Ein weiterer Grundgedanke der Erfindung besteht in einem Hörinstrument mit einem Tube zur Verwendung mit einem Ohrstück nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Hörinstrument ein Hörinstrumentgehäuse und darin angeordnet einen Receiver und eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung aufweist. In dem Tube sind eine Schallleitung und elektrische Leitungen geführt. Die Schallleitung ist mit dem in dem Hörinstrumentgehäuse angeordneten Receiver sowie mit dem Schallkanal des Ohrstücks verbunden ist. Die elektrischen Leitungen sind mit der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung sowie mit dem in dem Ohrstück angeordneten Receiver verbunden.Another basic idea of the invention is a hearing instrument with a tube for use with an earpiece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing instrument has a Hörinstrumentgehäuse and arranged therein a receiver and a signal processing device. In the tube, a sound line and electrical lines are performed. The sound conduction is connected to the receiver arranged in the hearing instrument housing and to the sound channel of the earpiece. The electrical lines are connected to the signal processing device and to the arranged in the earpiece receiver.

Eine vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung besteht darin, dass die Wandung des Schallkanals und des Druckluftkanals jeweils an der Innenseite des Gehäuses angeordnete Dichtlippen umfasst, die zugleich den Receiver mechanisch fixieren. Dadurch, dass die Funktion der mechanischen Fixierung und Abdichtung beide in die Dichtlippen integriert sind, wird eine geringe Anzahl von Komponenten erreicht, was sich vorteilhaft auf den Fertigungsaufwand auswirkt.An advantageous embodiment consists in that the wall of the sound channel and the compressed air channel in each case comprises arranged on the inside of the housing sealing lips, which at the same time mechanically fix the receiver. The fact that the function of the mechanical fixation and sealing are both integrated into the sealing lips, a small number of components is achieved, which has an advantageous effect on the manufacturing cost.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung besteht darin, dass der proximale Gehäuseabschnitt mit dem Ballon durch ein Kugelgelenk lösbar verbunden ist. Das Kugelgelenk ermöglicht ein unaufwändiges und einfaches Austauschen des Ballons beispielsweise zu Wartungszwecken oder zur Anpassung der Ballongröße.A further advantageous embodiment is that the proximal housing portion is releasably connected to the balloon by a ball joint. The ball joint allows a nimble and easy replacement of the balloon, for example, for maintenance purposes or to adjust the balloon size.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung besteht darin, dass in dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt ein Einsatz vorgesehen ist, durch den hindurch die Schallaustrittsöffnung gebildet ist, und durch dessen Außenseite gemeinsam mit dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt zugleich ein von der Schallaustrittsöffnung getrennter proximaler Abschnitt des Druckluftkanals gebildet ist, dessen Wandung sowohl von dem Einsatz als auch von dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt gebildet ist. Der Einsatz erfüllt die Funktion, die Schallaustrittsöffnung zu bilden und von dem Druckluftkanal zu trennen. Er kann beispielsweise aus einem härteren Werkstoff als das Gehäuse gefertigt sein, beispielsweise aus Metall. Dies ermöglicht eine filigrane und doch stabile Formgebung. Das Gehäuse kann hingegen aus Kunststoff gefertigt sein, und die Materialpaarung Metall/Kunststoff ermöglicht zu einem eine unaufwändige Montage. Zum anderen ermöglicht sie das Integrieren von Dichtflächen an den jeweiligen Schnittstellen zwischen Metalleinsatz und Kunststoffgehäuse ohne zusätzliche Dichtmittel oder Dichteinrichtungen.A further advantageous embodiment consists in that in the proximal housing portion an insert is provided, through which the sound outlet opening is formed, and through the outside of which together with the proximal housing portion at the same time a separate from the sound outlet proximal portion of the compressed air channel is formed, the wall both is formed by the insert as well as by the proximal housing portion. The insert fulfills the function of forming the sound outlet opening and separating it from the compressed air duct. It may for example be made of a harder material than the housing, for example made of metal. This allows a filigree and but stable shape. The housing, however, can be made of plastic, and the material combination metal / plastic allows for an unobtrusive assembly. On the other hand, it enables the integration of sealing surfaces at the respective interfaces between metal insert and plastic housing without additional sealing means or sealing devices.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung besteht darin, dass der proximale Abschnitt des Druckluftkanals mit einer Druckluftleitung verbunden ist, die ihrerseits mit dem Inneren des Ballons verbunden ist. Durch die Integration einer zum Ballon führenden Druckluftleitung in den proximalen Abschnitt des Gehäuses wird eine zuverlässige Versorgung des Ballons mit Druckluft gewährleistet.A further advantageous embodiment is that the proximal portion of the compressed air channel is connected to a compressed air line, which in turn is connected to the interior of the balloon. The integration of a balloon-carrying compressed air line into the proximal section of the housing ensures a reliable supply of compressed air to the balloon.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung besteht darin, dass der Einsatz Dichtflächen aufweist, durch die gemeinsam mit entsprechenden Dichtflächen des proximalen Gehäuseabschnitts eine dichte Verbindung gebildet ist, die den proximalen Abschnitt des Druckluftkanals von der Schallaustrittsöffnung trennt. Durch die Integration von Dichtflächen kann die Anzahl zusätzlich erforderlicher Dichteinrichtungen, beispielsweise Dichtringe, reduziert werden.A further advantageous embodiment is that the insert has sealing surfaces, through which, together with corresponding sealing surfaces of the proximal housing portion, a sealed connection is formed, which separates the proximal portion of the compressed air channel from the sound outlet opening. By integrating sealing surfaces, the number of additionally required sealing devices, such as sealing rings, can be reduced.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung besteht darin, dass der Einsatz ein Außengewinde aufweist, mit dem er in den proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt eingeschraubt ist, und das Außengewinde gemeinsam mit dem Gegengewinde in dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt eine proximale Begrenzung des Druckluftkanals bildet. Durch die Integration des Gewindes in die Druckkanal-Begrenzung kann die Komplexität des Gehäuses reduziert werden.A further advantageous embodiment is that the insert has an external thread, with which it is screwed into the proximal housing portion, and the external thread together with the mating thread in the proximal housing portion forms a proximal boundary of the compressed air channel. By integrating the thread into the pressure channel boundary, the complexity of the housing can be reduced.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung besteht darin, dass das Außengewinde selbstschneidend ausgeführt ist. Selbstschneidende Gewinde gewährleisten in der Regel eine hohe Dichtigkeit, so dass hierdurch die Anzahl zusätzlich erforderlicher Dichtmittel, beispielsweise Dichtringe, reduziert werden kann.A further advantageous embodiment is that the external thread is self-tapping. Self-tapping threads usually ensure a high density, so that in this way the number additionally required Sealant, such as seals, can be reduced.

Weitere Vorteile und Weiterbildungen ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Patentansprüchen und aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen und Figuren. Es zeigen:

  • Fig 1 Ohrstück mit Ballon perspektivisch
  • Fig 2 Ohrstück mit Ballon in Draufsicht
  • Fig 3 Schnittdarstellung Ohrstück mit Ballon
  • Fig 4 Proximaler Gehäuseabschnitt des Ohrstücks
  • Fig 5 Schnittdarstellung Ohrstück mit Ballon
  • Fig 6 Hörinstrument
Further advantages and developments emerge from the dependent claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments and figures. Show it:
  • Fig. 1 Earpiece with balloon in perspective
  • Fig. 2 Ear piece with balloon in top view
  • Fig. 3 Sectional view Earpiece with balloon
  • Fig. 4 Proximal housing section of the earpiece
  • Fig. 5 Sectional view Earpiece with balloon
  • Fig. 6 The hearing instrument

In Figur 1 ist ein Ohrstück mit expandierbarem Ballon 1 perspektivisch dargestellt. Das Ohrstück umfasst ein in der Abbildung links dargestelltes Gehäuse, das sich aus einem distalen Gehäuseabschnitt 6 und einem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 zusammensetzt, die fest miteinander verbunden sind. In dem Gehäuse ist, in der Abbildung nicht dargestellt, ein Receiver angeordnet.In FIG. 1 an earpiece with expandable balloon 1 is shown in perspective. The ear piece comprises a housing shown on the left in the figure, which consists of a distal housing section 6 and a proximal housing section 5, which are firmly connected to one another. In the housing, not shown in the figure, a receiver is arranged.

Das Gehäuse ist von einem expandierbarem Ballon 1 umgeben, der in der Abbildung schwach durchscheinend dargestellt ist. Der Ballon 1 ist mit dem Gehäuse verbunden, wobei die Verbindung zwischen dem Ballon 1 und dem Gehäuse am proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 gebildet ist. Die Verbindung kann fest sein, ist jedoch vorzugsweise reversibel lösbar, so dass ein Austauschen des Ballons 1, z.B. zur Wartung oder Größenanpassung, ermöglicht ist. Ballon 1 und proximaler Gehäuseabschnitt 5 weisen eine zentral angeordnete Schallaustrittsöffnung 15 auf, durch die hindurch akustische Ausgangssignale für einen Träger des Ohrstücks abgegeben werden können.The housing is surrounded by an expandable balloon 1, which is shown slightly translucent in the figure. The balloon 1 is connected to the housing, wherein the connection between the balloon 1 and the housing is formed on the proximal housing portion 5. The connection may be fixed, but is preferably reversibly detachable, so that replacement of the balloon 1, e.g. for maintenance or resizing. Balloon 1 and proximal housing section 5 have a centrally arranged sound outlet opening 15, through which acoustic output signals for a carrier of the earpiece can be delivered.

In Figur 2 ist das Ohrstück mit Ballon 1 in Draufsicht von proximaler Seite dargestellt. Der Ballon 1 umgibt das Ohrstück, im Bereich des proximalen Gehäuseabschnitts 5, welcher durch die proximale Öffnung des Ballons hindurch erkennbar ist. Zentral und konzentrisch zum Ballon 1 ist die Schallaustrittsöffnung 14 erkennbar, hinter der, in der Abbildung nicht dargestellt, ein Receiver angeordnet ist.In FIG. 2 the earpiece with balloon 1 is shown in plan view from the proximal side. The balloon 1 surrounds the earpiece, in the region of the proximal housing section 5, which can be seen through the proximal opening of the balloon. Centrally and concentrically to the balloon 1, the sound outlet opening 14 can be seen, behind which, not shown in the figure, a receiver is arranged.

In Figur 3 ist das Ohrstück mit Ballon 1 als Schnittbild dargestellt. In dem Gehäuse ist ein Receiver 2 angeordnet. Dieser befindet sich zwischen dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 und dem distalen Gehäuseabschnitt 6, die durch eine Naht 3 fest miteinander verbunden sind. Das Gehäuse ist vorzugsweise aus einem herkömmlichen Kunststoff hergestellt, beispielsweise LCP, PA oder PBT. Die beiden Gehäuseabschnitte sind im Bereich der Naht 3 fest verbunden, vorzugsweise durch Laserschweißen. Sie können jedoch auch auf andere Weise verbunden sein, beispielsweise durch Kleben oder durch eine selbst schließende Rastverbindung.In FIG. 3 the earpiece with balloon 1 is shown as a sectional view. In the housing, a receiver 2 is arranged. This is located between the proximal housing portion 5 and the distal housing portion 6, which are connected by a seam 3 firmly together. The housing is preferably made of a conventional plastic, for example LCP, PA or PBT. The two housing sections are firmly connected in the region of the seam 3, preferably by laser welding. However, they can also be connected in other ways, for example by gluing or by a self-closing snap connection.

Das Gehäuse weist eine distale Versorgungsöffnung 13 auf, durch die hindurch nicht dargestellte elektrische Leitungen zur Kontaktierung des Receivers 2 geführt sind. Weiter ist durch die distale Versorgungsöffnung 13 eine Versorgung mit Druckluft für den Ballon 1 sowie eine akustische Leitung zur Übertragung von Ausgangssignalen eines weiteren, nicht dargestellten Receivers geführt.The housing has a distal supply opening 13 through which electrical lines, not shown, are guided for contacting the receiver 2. Next, a supply of compressed air for the balloon 1 and an acoustic line for transmitting output signals of another receiver, not shown, guided by the distal supply port 13.

Der Receiver 2 wird von längs, d.h. distal nach proximal, verlaufenden Dichtlippen 16, 26 gehalten. Es sind 4 derartige Dichtlippen vorgesehen, die parallel zueinander verlaufen und den Receiver 2 mechanisch stabil einfassen. Die Dichtlippen 16, 26 sind elastische ausgeführt und derart angeordnet, dass zwischen jeweils 2 Dichtlippen 16, 26 jeweils voneinander getrennte Kanäle gebildet sind. Dies ist in der nachfolgenden Figurenbeschreibung nochmals verdeutlicht. Die durch die Dichtlippen 16, 26 gebildeten und voneinander getrennten Kanäle dienen der Leitung von Druckluft für den Ballon 1 sowie von akustischen Signalen am Receiver 2 vorbei. Durch die Dichtlippen 16, 26 sind also ein jeweils voneinander getrennter Druckluftkanal 4 und Schallkanal 7 gebildet.The receiver 2 is held by longitudinal, ie distal to proximal, extending sealing lips 16, 26. There are 4 such sealing lips provided, which are parallel to each other and surround the receiver 2 mechanically stable. The sealing lips 16, 26 are elastic and arranged such that between each 2 sealing lips 16, 26 each separate channels are formed. This is clarified again in the following description of the figures. The channels formed by the sealing lips 16, 26 and separated from each other serve to direct compressed air for the balloon 1 as well as acoustic signals past the receiver 2. By the sealing lips 16, 26 so each separate compressed air channel 4 and sound channel 7 are formed.

Der Druckluftkanal 4 verläuft vom distalen Gehäuseabschnitt 6 zum proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 am Receiver 2 vorbei, und wird durch die Versorgungsöffnung 13 hindurch mit Druckluft versorgt. Im proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 befindet sich eine Druckluftleitung 17, die mit einer entsprechenden Druckluftleitung des Ballons 1 korrespondiert. Durch die Druckluftleitung 17 hindurch gelangt Druckluft vom Druckluftkanal 4 in den Ballon 1 hinein bzw. aus diesem heraus. Somit wird der Ballon 1 durch die Druckluftleitung 17 und den Druckluftkanal 4 hindurch expandiert oder deflatiert.The compressed air duct 4 extends from the distal housing section 6 to the proximal housing section 5 past the receiver 2, and is supplied with compressed air through the supply opening 13. In the proximal housing section 5 there is a compressed air line 17, which corresponds to a corresponding compressed air line of the balloon 1. Through the compressed air line 17 passes compressed air from the compressed air channel 4 into the balloon 1 in and out of this. Thus, the balloon 1 is expanded or deflated through the compressed air line 17 and the compressed air channel 4.

Der Ballon 1 ist nicht integral und fest mit dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 verbunden. Er ist vielmehr auf diesen aufgeschoben bzw. aufgesteckt. Die mechanische Verbindung zwischen Ballon 1 und dem Gehäuse wird durch eine Kugelgelenk-Kupplung 11 gebildet. Über die Kugelgelenk-Kupplung 11 kann der Ballon 1 reversibel aufgesteckt werden und rastet bei Erreichen der Montageposition auf dem Kugelgelenk 11 ein. Um das Entweichen von Druckluft aus dem Ballon 1 bzw. dem Druckluftkanal 4 zu verhindern, sind Dichtungen 9 vorgesehen, die den Zwischenraum zwischen dem Ballon 1 und dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 abdichten. Die Dichtungen sind als herkömmliche Ring- bzw. O-Ring-Dichtungen ausgeführt. Sie dichten sowohl den Zwischenraum zwischen Ballon 1 und Gehäuse als auch das proximale Ende des Druckluftkanals 4 luftdicht ab.The balloon 1 is not integral and fixedly connected to the proximal housing portion 5. He is rather pushed on this or plugged. The mechanical connection between the balloon 1 and the housing is formed by a ball joint coupling 11. About the ball joint coupling 11, the balloon 1 can be plugged reversible and locks when reaching the mounting position on the ball joint 11 a. In order to prevent the escape of compressed air from the balloon 1 or the compressed air channel 4, seals 9 are provided which seal the gap between the balloon 1 and the proximal housing portion 5. The seals are designed as conventional ring or O-ring seals. They seal both the space between the balloon 1 and the housing and the proximal end of the compressed air channel 4 airtight.

Der Receiver 2 weist eine Receiver-Ausgangsöffnung 15 auf, durch die akustische Ausgangssignale abgegeben werden. Diese gelangen durch die Schallaustrittsöffnung 14 zum Gehörgang des Trägers des Ohrstücks. Weiter akustische Signale werden durch die distale Versorgungsöffnung 13 zugeführt und durch den Schallkanal 7 am Receiver 2 vorbei ebenfalls zur Schallaustrittsöffnung 14 geleitet. Sie gelangen gemeinsam mit den Ausgangssignalen des Receivers 2 zur Schallaustrittsöffnung 14.The receiver 2 has a receiver output opening 15, are emitted by the acoustic output signals. These pass through the sound outlet opening 14 to the auditory canal of the wearer of the earpiece. Next acoustic signals are supplied through the distal supply port 13 and passed through the sound channel 7 on the receiver 2 also to the sound outlet opening 14. They arrive together with the output signals of the receiver 2 to the sound outlet opening 14th

Im proximalen Bereich des proximalen Gehäuseabschnitts 5 sind der Schallkanal 7 bzw. zentrale Schallaustrittsöffnung 14 und der Druckluftkanal 4 voneinander getrennt geführt. Die Trennung der beiden Kanäle wird mit Hilfe eines rohrförmigen Einsatzes 12 bewerkstelligt. Der rohrförmige Einsatz 12 besteht aus einem Material, das härter ist, als das sonstige Gehäusematerial, z.B. aus Metall. Das härtere Material erlaubt eine filigranere und komplexere, gleichwohl stabile Formgebung.In the proximal region of the proximal housing section 5, the sound channel 7 or central sound outlet opening 14 and the compressed air channel 4 are guided separately from one another. The separation of the two channels is accomplished by means of a tubular insert 12. The tubular insert 12 is made of a material that is harder than the other housing material, e.g. made of metal. The harder material allows a filigree and more complex, yet stable shape.

Die Trennung des außenliegenden Druckluftkanals 4 vom innenliegenden Schallkanal 7, der zur Schallaustrittsöffnung 14 verläuft, erfolgt zum einen durch den rohrförmigen Einsatz 12 selbst. An der Schnittstelle des Einsatzes 12 zum proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 erfolgt sie durch eine dichtende Verbindung 8. Um Dichtigkeit zu gewährleisten ist das distale Ende des Einsatzes 12 mit Dichtflächen versehen, die an entsprechenden Dichtflächen des proximalen Gehäuseabschnitts 5 anliegen. Die Dichtigkeit wird dabei unter anderem dadurch gewährleistet und verbessert, dass vergleichsweise harte Oberflächen entsprechender Güte des Einsatzes 12 auf vergleichsweise elastische Oberflächen des Gehäuses gedrückt werden. Die Dichtflächen sind stufenförmig ausgebildet. Dadurch ist eine ausreichende Dichtigkeit gewährleistet, um den Druckluftkanal 4 vom Schallkanal 7 zu trennen.The separation of the external compressed air channel 4 from the internal sound channel 7, which extends to the sound outlet opening 14, on the one hand through the tubular insert 12 itself. At the interface of the insert 12 to the proximal housing section 5, it is carried out by a sealing connection 8. To ensure tightness the distal end of the insert 12 provided with sealing surfaces which abut against corresponding sealing surfaces of the proximal housing portion 5. The tightness is thereby ensured and improved, among other things, that comparatively hard surfaces of appropriate quality of the insert 12 are pressed onto comparatively elastic surfaces of the housing. The sealing surfaces are stepped. As a result, sufficient tightness is ensured in order to separate the compressed air channel 4 from the sound channel 7.

In Figur 4 ist der proximale Gehäuseabschnitt 5 samt Receiver 2 dargestellt. Der Receiver 2 ist in den proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 bis zur Montageendposition eingesteckt. Er wird im Gehäuse durch Dichtlippen 16, 26 gehalten. Zu diesem Zweck sind die Dichtlippen 16, 26 so dimensioniert und elastisch ausgeführt, dass sie den Receiver 2 kraftschlüssig gegen ein Herausgleiten fixieren.In FIG. 4 the proximal housing section 5 together with the receiver 2 is shown. The receiver 2 is inserted in the proximal housing portion 5 to the final assembly position. It is held in the housing by sealing lips 16, 26. For this purpose, the sealing lips 16, 26 are dimensioned and designed to be elastic, that they fix the receiver 2 non-positively against slipping out.

Weiter sind die Dichtlippen 16, 26 mit einer elastischen und glatten Oberfläche zum Receiver 2 hin versehen, und der Receiver 2 ist seinerseits mit einer glatten Oberfläche versehen, so dass zwischen Receiver 2, Dichtlippen 16, 26 und Außenwand des Gehäuseabschnitts 5 voneinander getrennte Kanäle gebildet sind. Auf diese Weise ist zwischen den Dichtlippen 16, der in der Abbildung oben dargestellten Außenseite des Receivers 2 und der oben dargestellten Außenwand des proximalen Gehäuseabschnitts 5 der Druckluftkanal 4 gebildet, und auf der gegenüberliegenden Unterseite der Schallkanal 7.Next, the sealing lips 16, 26 provided with an elastic and smooth surface to the receiver 2 out, and the receiver 2 is in turn provided with a smooth surface, so that between the receiver 2, sealing lips 16, 26 and outer wall the housing portion 5 separate channels are formed. In this way, the compressed air channel 4 is formed between the sealing lips 16, the outer side of the receiver 2 shown in the figure above and the outer wall of the proximal housing section 5 shown above, and the sound channel 7 on the opposite underside.

Es ist erkennbar, dass der Druckluftkanal 4 und Schalkanal 7 mit einer minimalen Anzahl von separaten Bauteilen und einem minimalen Montageaufwand bei gleichzeitig wenig komplexer Form des Gehäuseabschnitts 5 durch einfaches Einstecken des Receivers 2 in den Gehäuseabschnitt 5 gebildet werden. In gleicher Weise ist der distale Gehäuseabschnitt 6 mit entsprechenden distalen Abschnitten der Dichtlippen 16, 26, versehen, sodass der Schallkanal 7 und der Druckluftkanal 4 durch einfaches Einsetzen des Receivers 2 und sodann Aufstecken des distalen Gehäuseabschnitts 6 auf den proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 vervollständigt werden. Es ist erkennbar, dass mithin das gesamte Ohrstück durch einfaches Zusammenstecken der beiden Gehäuseabschnitte 5, 6 montiert und gleichzeitig der Druckluftkanal 4 und Schallkanal 7 vervollständigt werden. Somit ist der Montageaufwand und die Anzahl separater Bauelemente minimiert.It can be seen that the compressed-air channel 4 and the scarf channel 7 are formed with a minimum number of separate components and a minimal installation effort with a simultaneously less complex shape of the housing section 5 by simply inserting the receiver 2 into the housing section 5. In the same way, the distal housing section 6 is provided with corresponding distal sections of the sealing lips 16, 26, so that the sound channel 7 and the compressed air channel 4 are completed by simply inserting the receiver 2 and then plugging the distal housing section 6 onto the proximal housing section 5. It can be seen that consequently the entire ear piece is mounted by simply plugging together the two housing sections 5, 6 and at the same time the compressed air channel 4 and sound channel 7 are completed. Thus, the assembly effort and the number of separate components is minimized.

In Figur 5 ist eine weitere Ausführungsform des vorangehend erläuterten Ohrstücks als Schnittbild dargestellt. Es umfasst einen wie vorangehend erläutert ausgeführten distalen Gehäuseabschnitt 6, mit distaler Versorgungsöffnung 13 sowie distalen Abschnitten der Dichtlippen 36, 46. Das Gehäuse ist durch den distalen Gehäuseabschnitt 6 und den abgeänderten Gehäuseabschnitt 25 gebildet, die an der Nahtstelle 3 fest miteinander verbunden sind. Im Gehäuse des Ohrstücks befindet sich der Receiver 2. Schall von der Receiverausgangsöffnung 15 gelangt gemeinsam mit akustischen Signalen vom Schallkanal 7 zur Schallaustrittsöffnung 14.In FIG. 5 a further embodiment of the ear piece described above is shown as a sectional view. It comprises a distal housing section 6, as explained above, with a distal supply opening 13 and distal sections of the sealing lips 36, 46. The housing is formed by the distal housing section 6 and the modified housing section 25, which are firmly connected to each other at the interface 3. The receiver is located in the housing of the earpiece. Sound from the receiver output opening 15, together with acoustic signals, passes from the sound channel 7 to the sound outlet opening 14.

Im Bereich der Schallaustrittsöffnung 14 ist ein rohrförmiger Einsatz 22 in den proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 25 eingesetzt, durch den hindurch die Schallaustrittsöffnung 14 verläuft. Der Druckluftkanal 4 verläuft an der Außenseite des Einsatzes 22 und ist vom Schallkanal getrennt. Eine wie vorangehend ausgeführte dichte Verbindung 28 am Übergang vom Einsatz 22 zum Gehäuseabschnitt 25 trennt den Schallkanal 7 luftdicht vom Druckluftkanal 4.In the area of the sound outlet opening 14, a tubular insert 22 is inserted into the proximal housing section 25, through which the sound outlet opening 14 extends. The compressed air channel 4 extends on the outside of the insert 22 and is separated from the sound channel. A dense connection 28, as described above, at the transition from the insert 22 to the housing section 25 separates the sound channel 7 airtight from the compressed air channel 4.

Der Ballon 1 ist wie vorangehend erläutert auf den proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 25 aufgesteckt, wo er durch ein Kugelgelenk 21 gehalten ist. Die Druckluft gelangt vom Druckluftkanal 4 durch Druckluftleitungen 37 in den Ballon 1. Dichtungen 19, die als Ring- bzw. O-Ring-Dichtungen ausgeführt sind, dichten den Zwischenraum zwischen Ballon 1 und proximalem Gehäuseabschnitt 25 luftdicht.The balloon 1 is attached to the proximal housing section 25 as explained above, where it is held by a ball joint 21. The compressed air passes from the compressed air channel 4 through compressed air lines 37 into the balloon 1. Seals 19, which are designed as ring or O-ring seals, seal the gap between the balloon 1 and the proximal housing portion 25 airtight.

In Abwandlung von der in der vorangehend erläuterten Ausführungsform ist der Einsatz 22 mit einem Außengewinde 38 versehen. Das Außengewinde 38 ist als selbstschneidendes Gewinde ausgeführt. Mit dem Außengewinde 38 ist der Einsatz 22 in den proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 25 eingeschraubt. Dabei wird der Einsatz 22 soweit eingeschraubt, so dass die Verbindung zwischen distalen Ende des Einsatzes 22 und dem Gehäuseabschnitt 25 im Bereich 28 luftdicht geschlossen wird.In a modification of the embodiment explained above, the insert 22 is provided with an external thread 38. The external thread 38 is designed as a self-tapping thread. With the external thread 38 of the insert 22 is screwed into the proximal housing portion 25. In this case, the insert 22 is screwed in so far, so that the connection between the distal end of the insert 22 and the housing portion 25 in the region 28 is closed airtight.

Das proximale Ende des Druckluftkanals 4 ist, anders als in der vorangehenden Ausführungsform, durch das Gewinde 38 bzw. die vom Gewinde 38 gebildete Schraubverbindung mit dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 25 gebildet. Die Materialpaarung zwischen verhältnismäßig harten Einsatz 22, der beispielsweise aus Metall gefertigt sein kann, und dem im Vergleich weicheren Gehäuseabschnitt 25, das wie vorangehend erläutert aus Kunststoff gefertigt sein kann, bewirkt dabei die für den Durchtritt von Luft dichte Verbindung zwischen Einsatz 22 und Gehäuseabschnitt 25. Auf diese Weise ist ein separates Dichtmittel zum proximalen Begrenzen des Druckluftkanals 4 nicht erforderlich.The proximal end of the compressed air channel 4 is, unlike in the previous embodiment, formed by the thread 38 and the threaded connection formed by the thread 38 with the proximal housing portion 25. The combination of materials between relatively hard insert 22, which may be made of metal, for example, and the softer in comparison housing portion 25, which may be made of plastic as described above, thereby causing the passage of air dense connection between insert 22 and housing portion 25th In this way, a separate sealing means for proximal limiting of the compressed air channel 4 is not required.

In Figur 6 ist ein Hörinstrument samt Ohrstück schematisch dargestellt. Das Hörinstrument ist als BTE-Hörinstrument mit hinter dem Ohr zu tragenden Hörinstrument-Gehäuse 43 ausgeführt. Das Ohrstück ist, wie vorangehend erläutert, aus einem distalen Gehäuseabschnitt 6 und einem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 5 mit Ballon 1 zusammengesetzt. Im Ohrstück befindet sich ein Receiver 2. Der Receiver 2 wird durch elektrische Leitungen 46 mit Eingangssignalen versorgt.In FIG. 6 is a hearing aid with earpiece shown schematically. The hearing instrument is designed as a BTE hearing instrument with hearing instrument housing 43 to be worn behind the ear. The earpiece is, as previously explained, composed of a distal housing section 6 and a proximal housing section 5 with balloon 1. The earpiece is a receiver 2. The receiver 2 is powered by electrical lines 46 with input signals.

Im Hörinstrument-Gehäuse 43 ist eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 47 angeordnet, die den Receiver 2 über die elektrischen Leitungen 46 mit Eingangssignalen versorgt. Weiter ist im Hörinstrumentgehäuse 43 ein weiterer Receiver 42 angeordnet, der ebenfalls von der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 47 versorgt wird. Die akustischen Ausgangssignale des Receivers 42 werden durch eine Schalleitung 45 zum Ohrstück geführt. Die Schallleitung 45 und die elektrischen Leitungen 46 sind dabei durch ein herkömmliches Tube 44 geführt, das das Hörinstrumentgehäuse 43 mit dem Ohrstück verbindet. Im Hörinstrument-Gehäuse 43 ist weiter eine Batterie 48 zur Energieversorgung des Hörinstruments angeordnet sowie eine Mikrofonanordnung 49 zur Versorgung der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 47 mit Eingangssignalen.In the hearing aid housing 43, a signal processing device 47 is arranged, which supplies the receiver 2 via the electrical lines 46 with input signals. Further, a further receiver 42 is arranged in the hearing instrument housing 43, which is also supplied by the signal processing device 47. The acoustic output signals of the receiver 42 are guided through a sound conductor 45 to the ear piece. The sound conductor 45 and the electrical leads 46 are guided through a conventional tube 44, which connects the hearing instrument housing 43 with the ear piece. In the hearing aid housing 43, a battery 48 for powering the hearing instrument is further arranged and a microphone assembly 49 for supplying the signal processing device 47 with input signals.

Die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 47 ist weiter mit einer Pumpanordnung 50 zur Erzeugung von Druckluft für den Ballon 1 verbunden. Die Pumpanordnung 50 ist über eine Pumpleitung 51, die durch das Tube 44 geführt ist, und weiter über den vorangehend erläuterten Druckluftkanal des Ohrstücks mit dem Ballon 1 verbunden und versorgt diesen mit der zum Expandieren erforderlichen Druckluft. Die erforderlichen Druckverhältnisse im Ballon 1 zum Anpassen des Ohrstücks bzw. Ballons 1 an den Gehörgang eines Nutzers werden durch die Pumpanordnung 50 hergestellt. Diese kann von der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 47 mit konstantem oder variabel geregeltem Druck eingestellt werden.The signal processing device 47 is further connected to a pumping arrangement 50 for generating compressed air for the balloon 1. The pump assembly 50 is connected via a pumping line 51, which is guided through the tube 44, and further via the previously described compressed air channel of the ear piece with the balloon 1 and supplies this with the required compressed air for expansion. The required pressure conditions in the balloon 1 for adapting the ear piece or balloon 1 to the auditory canal of a user are produced by the pump arrangement 50. This can be set by the signal processing device 47 with constant or variably regulated pressure.

Claims (9)

Ohrstück für ein Hörinstrument, das ein Gehäuse (5,25,6), einen Receiver (2), und einen Ballon (1) aufweist, wobei das Gehäuse einen proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt (5,25) und einen distalen Gehäuseabschnitt (6) umfasst, und wobei der Receiver (2) zwischen den beiden Gehäuseabschnitten (5,25,6) angeordnet ist, wobei die beiden Gehäuseabschnitte (5,25,6) den Receiver (2) mechanisch fixieren und dicht miteinander verbunden sind,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen Receiver (2) und Gehäuse voneinander getrennt je ein Schallkanal (7) und Druckluftkanal (4) gebildet sind, deren Wandung jeweils sowohl von dem Receiver (2) als auch von dem Gehäuse gebildet ist, dass weiter eine Schallaustrittsöffnung (14) vorgesehen ist, die mit einer Receiverausgangsöffnung (15) des Receivers (2) sowie mit dem Schallkanal (7) verbunden ist, und dass der Ballon (1) mit dem Druckluftkanal (4) verbunden ist.An earpiece for a hearing instrument, comprising a housing (5, 25, 6), a receiver (2), and a balloon (1), the housing comprising a proximal housing section (5, 25) and a distal housing section (6), and wherein the receiver (2) is arranged between the two housing sections (5, 25, 6), the two housing sections (5, 25, 6) mechanically fixing the receiver (2) and being tightly connected to one another,
characterized in that between the receiver (2) and housing separated from each other a sound channel (7) and compressed air channel (4) are formed, the wall of each of both the receiver (2) and of the housing is formed, that further a sound outlet ( 14) is provided, which is connected to a receiver output opening (15) of the receiver (2) and to the sound channel (7), and that the balloon (1) is connected to the compressed air channel (4). Ohrstück nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Wandung des Schallkanals (7) und des Druckluftkanals (4) jeweils an der Innenseite des Gehäuses angeordnete Dichtlippen (16,26,36,46) umfasst, die zugleich den Receiver (2) mechanisch fixieren.Earpiece according to claim 1,
characterized in that the wall of the sound channel (7) and the compressed air channel (4) each arranged on the inside of the housing sealing lips (16,26,36,46), which at the same time mechanically fix the receiver (2). Ohrstück nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der proximale Gehäuseabschnitt (5,25) mit dem Ballon (1) durch ein Kugelgelenk (11,21) lösbar verbunden ist.Earpiece according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the proximal housing portion (5,25) with the balloon (1) by a ball joint (11,21) is detachably connected. Ohrstück nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt (5,25) ein Einsatz (12,22) vorgesehen ist, durch den hindurch die Schallaustrittsöffnung (14) gebildet ist, und durch dessen Außenseite gemeinsam mit dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt (5,25) zugleich ein von der Schallaustrittsöffnung (14) getrennter proximaler Abschnitt des Druckluftkanals (4) gebildet ist, dessen Wandung sowohl von dem Einsatz (12,22) als auch von dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt (5,25) gebildet ist.Earpiece according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that in the proximal housing portion (5,25) an insert (12,22) is provided, through which the sound outlet opening (14) is formed, and by the outside together with the proximal housing portion (5,25) at the same time of the Sound outlet opening (14) is formed separate proximal portion of the compressed air channel (4) whose wall is formed both by the insert (12,22) and by the proximal housing portion (5,25). Ohrstück nach Anspruch 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der proximale Abschnitt des Druckluftkanals (4) mit einer Druckluftleitung (17,37) verbunden ist, die ihrerseits mit dem Inneren des Ballons (1) verbunden ist.Earpiece according to claim 4,
characterized in that the proximal portion of the compressed air duct (4) is connected to a compressed air line (17, 37) which in turn is connected to the interior of the balloon (1). Ohrstück nach Anspruch 4 oder 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Einsatz (12,22) Dichtflächen aufweist, durch die gemeinsam mit entsprechenden Dichtflächen des proximalen Gehäuseabschnitts (5,25) eine dichte Verbindung (8,28) gebildet ist, die den proximalen Abschnitt des Druckluftkanals (4) von der Schallaustrittsöffnung (14) trennt.Earpiece according to claim 4 or 5,
characterized in that the insert (12,22) has sealing surfaces through which, together with corresponding sealing surfaces of the proximal housing portion (5,25) a sealed connection (8,28) is formed, the proximal portion of the compressed air channel (4) of the Sound outlet (14) separates. Ohrstück nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Einsatz (22) ein Außengewinde (38) aufweist, mit dem er in den proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt (25) eingeschraubt ist, und das Außengewinde (38) gemeinsam mit dem Gegengewinde in dem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt (25) eine proximale Begrenzung des Druckluftkanals (4) bildet.Earpiece according to one of claims 4 to 6,
characterized in that the insert (22) has an external thread (38), with which it is screwed into the proximal housing section (25), and the external thread (38) together with the mating thread in the proximal housing section (25) has a proximal boundary of the Compressed air channel (4) forms. Ohrstück nach Anspruch 7,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Außengewinde (38) selbstschneidend ausgeführt ist.Earpiece according to claim 7,
characterized in that the external thread (38) is self-tapping. Hörinstrument mit einem Tube (44) zur Verwendung mit einem Ohrstück nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Hörinstrument ein Hörinstrumentgehäuse (43) und darin angeordnet einen Receiver (42) und eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (47) aufweist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in dem Tube (44) eine Schallleitung (45) und elektrische Leitungen (46) geführt sind, dass die Schallleitung (45) mit dem in dem Hörinstrumentgehäuse (43) angeordneten Receiver (42) sowie mit dem Schallkanal (7) des Ohrstücks verbunden ist, und dass die elektrischen Leitungen (46) mit der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (47) sowie mit dem in dem Ohrstück angeordneten Receiver (2) verbunden sind.A hearing instrument comprising a tube (44) for use with an earpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing instrument comprises a hearing aid housing (43) and a receiver (42) and signal processing means (47) disposed therein;
characterized in that in the tube (44) has a sound duct (45) and electrical wiring (46) that the sound conductor (45) is connected to the receiver (42) arranged in the hearing instrument housing (43) and to the sound channel (7) of the ear piece, and that the electrical leads (46) are connected to the signal processing means (47 ) and to the receiver (2) arranged in the earpiece.
EP20130173032 2012-08-23 2013-06-20 Hearing instrument and earpiece with receiver Not-in-force EP2701404B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE201210214976 DE102012214976B3 (en) 2012-08-23 2012-08-23 Hearing instrument and earpiece with receiver

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2701404A1 true EP2701404A1 (en) 2014-02-26
EP2701404B1 EP2701404B1 (en) 2015-04-01

Family

ID=48672437

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20130173032 Not-in-force EP2701404B1 (en) 2012-08-23 2013-06-20 Hearing instrument and earpiece with receiver

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US9154892B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2701404B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103634729B (en)
DE (1) DE102012214976B3 (en)
DK (1) DK2701404T3 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104936103A (en) * 2015-05-15 2015-09-23 浙江大学 Inflatable transparent loudspeaker

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2594085B1 (en) * 2010-07-13 2018-10-10 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Inflatable ear piece with pressure relief valve
US20150201293A1 (en) * 2012-04-23 2015-07-16 Knowles Electronics, Llc Acoustic Apparatus With Vibration Dampening And Method Of Manufacturing The Same
EP2947898B1 (en) 2014-05-20 2019-02-27 Oticon A/s Hearing device
EP3280158B1 (en) * 2016-07-12 2022-05-11 Oticon A/s Hearing aid
DE102020200164A1 (en) 2020-01-09 2021-07-15 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Loudspeaker box and hearing aid
CN111491246B (en) * 2020-04-24 2021-07-27 朱海涛 Multifunctional hearing aid
CN113271528B (en) * 2021-07-19 2021-11-19 西安交通大学医学院第二附属医院 Medical audiphone suitable for otolaryngology branch of academic or vocational study
CN113271518B (en) * 2021-07-21 2021-09-28 深圳市青之鸟科技有限公司 Breathing type earphone

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010094034A1 (en) * 2009-02-13 2010-08-19 Personics Holdings Inc. Method and device for acoustic sealing and occulsion effect mitigation
WO2011130349A2 (en) * 2010-04-13 2011-10-20 Asius Technologies, Llc Inflatable bubble
WO2012007193A1 (en) * 2010-07-13 2012-01-19 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Inflatable ear mold with protected inflation air inlet

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1744449A4 (en) 2004-04-27 2009-03-18 Panasonic Corp Amplifier, information communication apparatus and amplifying method
US7844065B2 (en) * 2005-01-14 2010-11-30 Phonak Ag Hearing instrument
US8170249B2 (en) * 2006-06-19 2012-05-01 Sonion Nederland B.V. Hearing aid having two receivers each amplifying a different frequency range
US9578429B2 (en) * 2006-11-09 2017-02-21 Sonova Ag Support mount for electronic components
KR20100037151A (en) * 2007-07-23 2010-04-08 아시우스 테크놀로지스, 엘엘씨 Diaphonic acoustic transduction coupler and ear bud
US20120057734A1 (en) 2008-07-23 2012-03-08 Asius Technologies, Llc Hearing Device System and Method
JP5671929B2 (en) * 2010-10-12 2015-02-18 ソニー株式会社 Earphone, acoustic converter

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010094034A1 (en) * 2009-02-13 2010-08-19 Personics Holdings Inc. Method and device for acoustic sealing and occulsion effect mitigation
WO2011130349A2 (en) * 2010-04-13 2011-10-20 Asius Technologies, Llc Inflatable bubble
WO2012007193A1 (en) * 2010-07-13 2012-01-19 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Inflatable ear mold with protected inflation air inlet

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104936103A (en) * 2015-05-15 2015-09-23 浙江大学 Inflatable transparent loudspeaker

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20140056454A1 (en) 2014-02-27
CN103634729A (en) 2014-03-12
EP2701404B1 (en) 2015-04-01
DK2701404T3 (en) 2015-07-06
US9154892B2 (en) 2015-10-06
DE102012214976B3 (en) 2013-11-07
CN103634729B (en) 2016-09-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2701404B1 (en) Hearing instrument and earpiece with receiver
DE102013204681B4 (en) Binaural hearing instrument and earpiece
EP2680611B1 (en) Hybrid hearing aid connector
EP2654322B1 (en) Hearing instrument with acoustic tube plug connection
EP1915032B1 (en) Hearing-aid
EP1993324B1 (en) Ear piece with adapter seal
EP1061772B1 (en) Tubular body for sound transmission, in particular for hearing aids
EP2645744B1 (en) Hearing instrument with flexible earpiece tube connection
DE202013000547U1 (en) Hearing instrument housing with plug connection
EP2355549A1 (en) Guiding device for a hearing aid
DE102010041695A1 (en) In-the-ear (ITE) hearing instrument e.g. low ear channel hearing instrument of ear piece, has recordable receiver manufactured by deep-drawing that is provided with collar
EP2884771A1 (en) HdO hearing aid with housing and carrying hook
DE102014200605A1 (en) Dome with cerumen protection
EP2393310B1 (en) Deep ear canal hearing aid
DE102007025446B3 (en) Ear piece for a hearing device with retaining ring
DE102012204287A1 (en) Foam material ear piece for use in hearing instrument e.g. in-the-ear hearing device, has body made from foam material, and cover made from foil material and comprising ventilation opening for discharging and supplying ambient air into body
DE102010022324A1 (en) Hearing instrument i.e. deep-ear-canal hearing aid, for use by hearing-impaired person, has input transducer, signal processing device and generator that are arranged in housing, where housing and earpiece are connected to each other
EP2897377A1 (en) HdO hearing aid with housing and acoustic tube
EP2552129B1 (en) Hearing aid with special sound channel
DE102004050616B3 (en) Combined in-the-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aid, has implantable contactless coupling unit with receive and transmit coils linking implanted unit to separate digital receiver
EP2866473B1 (en) Otoplastic, hearing system and method for mounting a hearing system
DE102015226813A1 (en) hearing Aid
EP2852182A1 (en) Hearing instrument with battery compartment switch
DE102010042150A1 (en) Earpiece for hearing instrument, has partial earpiece portions having petal shaped sidewalls, that are overlapped with one another so as to form dome-like structure and maintained along circumference of wall of ear canal
DE102007046998A1 (en) Ear fitting with vent opening through the ear and appropriate ventilation method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20140305

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H04R 25/00 20060101AFI20140930BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20141103

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502013000506

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: FDST PATENTANWAELTE FREIER DOERR STAMMLER TSCH, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG, CH

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502013000506

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: FDST PATENTANWAELTE FREIER DOERR STAMMLER TSCH, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502013000506

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20150513

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 719712

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

Effective date: 20150703

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20150401

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502013000506

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: FDST PATENTANWAELTE FREIER DOERR STAMMLER TSCH, DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 502013000506

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: SIVANTOS PTE. LTD., SG

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD., SINGAPORE, SG

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150701

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150803

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: SIVANTOS PTE. LTD.

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150702

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150801

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502013000506

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150620

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150401

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20160105

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150620

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 4

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20130620

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150401

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20190624

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 719712

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180620

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20190626

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20190624

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20190624

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20190624

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180620

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502013000506

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

Effective date: 20200630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20200620

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200620

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200630