EP3481084A1 - Hearing aid - Google Patents
Hearing aid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3481084A1 EP3481084A1 EP18199446.8A EP18199446A EP3481084A1 EP 3481084 A1 EP3481084 A1 EP 3481084A1 EP 18199446 A EP18199446 A EP 18199446A EP 3481084 A1 EP3481084 A1 EP 3481084A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- protective element
- sound channel
- hearing aid
- sound
- microphone
- 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
Links
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 101
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 4
- 210000004209 hair Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000004761 scalp Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 210000004243 sweat Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 208000032041 Hearing impaired Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000005871 repellent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006735 deficit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000613 ear canal Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002940 repellent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003454 tympanic membrane Anatomy 0.000 description 1
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
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/08—Mouthpieces; Microphones; Attachments therefor
- H04R1/083—Special constructions of mouthpieces
- H04R1/086—Protective screens, e.g. all weather or wind screens
-
- 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
- H04R25/02—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception adapted to be supported entirely by ear
-
- 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
- H04R25/40—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic
- H04R25/402—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic using contructional means
-
- 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
-
- 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
- H04R25/654—Ear wax retarders
-
- 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
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2460/17—Hearing device specific tools used for storing or handling hearing devices or parts thereof, e.g. placement in the ear, replacement of cerumen barriers, repair, cleaning hearing devices
-
- 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
Definitions
- the invention relates to a hearing aid, in particular an in-the-ear hearing aid (ITE hearing aid) having the features of the preamble of claim 1.
- ITE hearing aid in-the-ear hearing aid
- Hearing aids are portable hearing devices that are generally designed to output sound.
- sound is generally understood to mean an acoustic signal, for example music and / or speech.
- a hearing device is generally understood to mean any device which can be worn in or on the ear and produces a sound stimulus, for example a headset, headphones and the like.
- Hearing aids are specially designed as hearing aids.
- a hearing aid is understood to be a device for the care of a hearing-impaired or hearing-impaired person who, in particular, wears the hearing aid device continuously or most of the time in order to compensate for a hearing deficit.
- Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
- the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
- the output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized.
- the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in Fig. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed.
- a signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and reinforce it.
- the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal.
- the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier.
- the power supply of the hearing device and in particular the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
- Sound to be amplified for example a voice of a conversation partner of the hearing device wearer, usually passes through one or more sound openings in the hearing aid housing to the microphone.
- unwanted foreign bodies and / or liquids such as water and / or sweat can enter the interior of the hearing device and in particular the microphone through such sound openings. This can result from damage to the microphone to failure of the hearing aid.
- a device for closing openings on hearing aids is disclosed.
- the openings are closed, for example by means of caps, which have a sound-permeable and moisture-repellent membrane.
- the caps are screwed, for example, on the opening.
- the object of the invention is to specify a hearing device in which the openings, in particular the microphone opening, are reliably protected.
- the hearing aid has a normally closable housing with a wall.
- the housing is in particular not in one piece, that is monolithic, but at least two (housing) parts, wherein the housing, for example, to a battery change and / or can be opened to replace defective components.
- the wall bounds an interior, in which preferably the individual components of the hearing aid mentioned above are arranged.
- the hearing aid has a microphone, which is arranged in the interior and a microphone opening in the wall.
- the hearing aid has a protective element.
- impurities often pass through the microphone opening into the interior.
- impurities in particular are foreign bodies, e.g. Hair and / or moistures, such as water and / or sweat understood.
- the housing also has a sound channel with at least one sound inlet opening.
- the sound channel leads from the outside to the microphone, thus forming a sound connection to the microphone opening.
- the protective element is positioned to protect the microphone in the sound channel.
- the protective element preferably fills the sound channel.
- the protective element is for this purpose particularly flexible and specially designed elastic. It sits in particular clamping in the sound channel.
- the protective element therefore has a cross-sectional area which is matched to that of the sound channel.
- the protective element has an outer dimension, in the case of a circular Ausgesetlgung so a diameter which is equal to or slightly larger than an inner dimension, in particular an (inner) diameter of the sound channel.
- the protective element is further protected by direct contact, such as contaminated fingers and contamination. For example, upon penetration of a foreign body or moisture, this or these are retained and / or absorbed by the protective element and thus the microphone is protected, which prolongs the functionality of the hearing aid.
- a height of the hearing device is at the same time reduced as a significant advantage, since an existing "space", ie the sound channel, is used for positioning the protective element. In other words, it can be dispensed with a separate "space” for the protective element in the interior of the housing, whereby the height of the housing and thus the entire hearing aid is reduced.
- the protective element is reversibly interchangeable.
- the protective element is not glued or held by mechanical fasteners.
- the protective element is preferably without further means directly in the sound channel and, for example - as already mentioned - clamped in the sound channel through this.
- a renewal of a soiled protective element is realized in a simple manner.
- the protective element can thus be produced as a cost-effective service part, and in particular long-lived and expensive materials can be dispensed with.
- the sound channel is formed as a sound channel through the housing. Throughout is specifically understood herein that extends the sound channel from one side to the other side of the housing, for example in the manner of a bore through the housing. At each end, the sound channel in this case has a sound inlet opening, wherein the sound channel is limited by the wall. Through the sound inlet openings and the sound channel sound comes to the microphone. For this purpose, the microphone is connected via the microphone opening with the sound channel.
- the microphone opening is oriented transversely to the sound channel, so that the protective element is positioned in the inserted state within the sound channel "in front of" the microphone opening.
- the protective element has a length which corresponds to one third of the length of the sound channel.
- the sound inlet openings are preferably arranged on opposite side walls of the housing, wherein one of the side walls in the worn state oriented to the head. That is, in the worn state, the sound channel is oriented substantially perpendicular to the scalp. As a result, an ingress of impurities, such as hair is at least reduced.
- the protective element in the sound channel is spaced from the two sound inlet openings, so that a contact protection, for example, by the user's finger is ensured. That the protective element is preferably arranged in a middle third of the sound channel, so that the protective element is positioned in the inserted state, for example, one third of the length of the sound channel away from the sound inlet openings in the sound channel. In this way, contamination by touching the protective element, for example by the user's fingers, is furthermore prevented in particular.
- the protective element for easy replacement, the protective element according to a preferred embodiment by the sound channel feasible. This replacement can thus be done easily and quickly by the user by this example pushes the protective element at a sound inlet opening of the sound channel by inserting a new protective element through the other sound inlet opening.
- the housing is preferably formed as a closable housing.
- the protective element is positionable in the closed housing by one of the sound inlet openings in the sound channel, in particular insertable.
- the protective element for exchange by means of a tool in and out of the sound channel or executable.
- the protective element is pushed out, for example, by means of the tool from the sound channel and then inserted a new protective element by means of the tool in the sound channel and positioned in front of the microphone opening.
- the protective element is designed as a particular sound-permeable membrane.
- the protective element consists of the membrane.
- the protective element is formed as a grid.
- the protective element has in particular a shape in the manner of a cuboid or alternatively in the manner of a cylinder. As a result, it is very well adapted to an inner contour of the sound channel.
- the protective element preferably has a same cross-sectional area as the sound channel.
- the protective element preferably has a slightly larger outer dimension, especially a diameter, than the inner dimension of the sound channel.
- a slightly larger outer dimension is understood in particular to mean that the outer dimension is greater by 10% to 20% or, for example, by a value in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm than the inner dimension of the sound channel.
- the protective element is preferably self-clamping due to its elastic property. Specifically, no further means are provided by means of which the jamming of the protective element is ensured in the sound channel.
- the protective element has a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material.
- the protective element is formed of such a material.
- the protective element is water and / or oil repellent and successfully prevents the penetration of moisture and / or sweat into the housing.
- the wall has an inner wall area and an outer wall area, between which the sound channel is formed. That the sound channel is limited by the inner wall area and the outer wall area.
- the inner wall separates the part of the inner space in which the components of the hearing aid and in particular the microphone are arranged from the sound channel.
- the outer wall forms the "second boundary" of the sound channel.
- the inner wall also has a hole in the manner of a bore, which forms the microphone opening.
- a sealing element is preferably arranged between the inner wall and the microphone. The sealing element preferably serves a further sealing of the microphone against sound from the interior.
- the sealing element is preferably free of the protective element. That is, the sealing element and the protective element are two separate components of the hearing aid and thus can be dispensed with an expensive and complicated sealing element, in which, for example, the protective element is integrated. Furthermore, as a result, the overall height of the housing is further reduced because a sealing element with integrated protective element has a greater height than the present sealing element without an integrated protective element.
- the hearing aid has a tool as an accessory.
- the tool has a handle part and at least one tool tip.
- the handle serves to hold the tool by the user when replacing the protective element.
- the tool tip serves to guide the protective element during Positioning in and within the sound channel.
- the at least one tool tip is formed pin-shaped and inserted into the sound channel, in particular for positioning of the protective element.
- the term "pin-shaped" is understood to mean that the tool tip preferably has a smaller diameter by a factor of 10 than the grip part.
- the tool tip on a production-related and minor tolerances same diameter as the sound channel. As a result, the tool, in particular the tool tip is simply inserted into the sound channel.
- the tool has two tool tips, each with different lengths.
- This development is based on the idea that the protective element can be pushed out of the sound channel by means of the first - longer - tool tip and a new protective element can be inserted into the sound channel by means of the second - shorter - tool tip.
- An essential aspect here is to be seen in that the first - longer - tool tip preferably has at least one length which corresponds to two-thirds of the length of the sound channel. This ensures that the protective element is pushed out of a sound outlet opening when the user inserts the first tool tip into the other sound inlet opening.
- the second - shorter - tool tip preferably has a maximum length which has one third of the length of the sound channel.
- the hearing aid is designed as a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.
- BTE behind-the-ear
- the hearing aid 6 shown has all components necessary for functionality 1,2,3,4,5 according to the in Fig. 1 shown hearing aid 6.
- the hearing aid according to Fig. 2 is designed as a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.
- the hearing aid housing 1, called housing 1 for short has a sound channel 8, which extends in the exemplary embodiment through the housing 1 and has a sound inlet opening 12 at both ends.
- the sound channel 8 is bounded by an outer wall region 12 and an inner wall region 14 of the housing 1.
- the sound channel 8 is arranged such that it extends in the worn state of the hearing aid 6 substantially perpendicular to the scalp 15 of the user oriented through the housing 1.
- a sound inlet opening 10 is arranged laterally on the housing 1. In this way, it is prevented, in particular, that hairs of a user simply enter the sound channel 8 and thus impair the functionality of the hearing device 6.
- the hearing aid 6, in particular the housing 1, has an interior 16 (cf. Fig. 3 ), in which in the exemplary embodiment, the components of the hearing aid 2,3,4,5 are arranged and which is bounded by a wall 11.
- the inner space 16 is delimited from the sound channel 8 by the inner wall area 14.
- a microphone 2 is arranged in the interior 16 in such a way that it passes through a microphone opening 18 (cf. Fig. 3 ) (preferably in the manner of a bore) in the inner wall region 14, is connected to the sound channel 8 for receiving sound.
- the microphone 2 is arranged and oriented in the inner space 16 such that sound passes through the sound channel 8 and the microphone opening 18 to the microphone 2.
- Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the sectional plane AA shown.
- a protective element 20 is positioned in the sound channel 8.
- the protective element 20 serves to protect the microphone 2 from foreign bodies and contaminants, such as moisture.
- the protective element 20 is in the inserted state (see. Fig. 3 ) positioned in the sound channel 8, that it closes the microphone opening 18 and thus prevents penetration of already mentioned foreign bodies or impurities.
- the protective element 20 is formed as a membrane or alternatively as a grid, which comprises a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material or consists of such a material.
- the protective element 20 as a grid is based on the idea that the protective element 20 thus has a strength which is "solid” enough to push the protective element 20 in and out of the sound channel 8, but “soft” enough and thus permeable is enough to let sound through to microphone 2.
- the protective element 20 is adapted to the inner contour of the sound channel 8 and has the same cross-sectional contour, on the one hand to have a high accuracy of fit in the sound channel 8 and on the other hand have a simple shape to produce, which favors a production insbesonder as a service part.
- the protective element 20 is, for example, cylindrical or cuboidal. It preferably has a length in the direction of the sound channel 8 which is greater than the microphone opening, for example by at least the factor 2 or at least the factor 3.
- the longitudinal direction of the sound channel 8 and thus that of the protective element 20 is preferably oriented perpendicular to a surface normal of the microphone opening 18.
- the protective element 20 is oriented generally transversely to the microphone opening 18.
- the protective element 20 except for a few tolerances, for example production-related tolerances, has the same diameter D as the sound channel 8.
- a sealing element 22 is arranged between the inner wall region 14, specifically between the microphone opening 18 and the microphone 2.
- the sealing element 22 serves for an additional sealing of the microphone opening 18 against sound from the interior 16.
- Fig. 4 1 shows a tool 24 introduced into the sound channel 8, in particular a first tool tip 26 of the tool 24 introduced into the sound channel 8.
- the tool 24 serves to replace the protective element 20 from the sound channel 8.
- the first pin-shaped tool tip 26 is inserted through a sound entry opening 10 introduced into the sound channel 8 so that it "pushes" the protective element 20 through the opposite sound inlet opening 10 of the continuous sound channel 8.
- the protective element 20 can be completely removed, for example, by hand from the sound channel 8 and disposed of.
- this has in addition to the first tool tip 26 in addition to a handle portion 28.
- this has at least one length which corresponds to two-thirds of the length L of the sound channel 8.
- the tool 24 additionally has a second pencil-shaped tool tip 30 in the exemplary embodiment, as in FIG Fig. 5 is shown.
- the tool tips 26, 30 are arranged, for example, in each case on an (end) side of the grip part 28, so that the user only has to turn the tool depending on whether a protective element 20 is to be pushed out or inserted.
- the user For insertion into the sound channel 8, the user holds the protective element 20, for example, in front of one of the sound inlet openings 10 and then "pushes" it into the sound channel 8 by means of the second tool tip 30.
- the design of the tool 24 by means of two tool tips 26,30 has proved to be suitable because the second tool tip 30, for example, has a length which corresponds to one third of the length L of the sound channel 8. This ensures in a simple manner that the protective element 20 is always positioned in front of the microphone opening 18 in the inserted / inserted state. In other words, the user pushes the protective element 20 by means of the tool 24 into the sound channel 8 until, for example, the grip part 28 rests against the housing 1. Due to the advantageously selected length of the second tool tip 30, the protective element 20 is then positioned in front of the microphone opening 18 without the user being able to push the protective element 20 too far into the sound channel 8.
- the tool 24 has only one tool tip.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Neurosurgery (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
- Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
Abstract
Es wird ein Hörgerät (6) angegeben, welches ein verschließbares Gehäuse (1) mit einer Wandung (11), die einen Innenraum (16) begrenzt aufweist. Zudem weist das Hörgerät (6) ein Mikrofon (2), das im Innenraum (16) angeordnet ist und eine Mikrofonöffnung (18) in der Wandung (11) sowie ein Schutzelement (20) zum Schutz des Mikrofons (2) auf. Das Gehäuse (1) weist einen Schallkanal (8) mit zumindest einer Schalleintrittsöffnung (10) auf, wobei das Schutzelement (20) in dem Schallkanal (8) positioniert ist.The invention relates to a hearing aid (6) which has a closable housing (1) with a wall (11) delimiting an interior space (16). In addition, the hearing aid (6) has a microphone (2) which is arranged in the interior (16) and a microphone opening (18) in the wall (11) and a protective element (20) for protecting the microphone (2). The housing (1) has a sound channel (8) with at least one sound inlet opening (10), wherein the protective element (20) is positioned in the sound channel (8).
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörgerät, insbesondere ein In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät (IdO-Hörgerät) mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a hearing aid, in particular an in-the-ear hearing aid (ITE hearing aid) having the features of the preamble of
Hörgeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, welche allgemein zur Ausgabe von Schall ausgebildet sind. Hierbei wird unter Schall allgemein ein akustisches Signal, beispielsweise Musik und / oder Sprache verstanden.Hearing aids are portable hearing devices that are generally designed to output sound. Here, sound is generally understood to mean an acoustic signal, for example music and / or speech.
Unter einer Hörvorrichtung wird allgemein jedes im oder am Ohr tragbare, einen Schallreiz produzierende Gerät, beispielweise ein Headset, Kopfhörer und dergleichen verstanden. Hörgeräte sind speziell auch als Hörhilfegeräte ausgebildet. Unter Hörhilfegerät wird ein Gerät zur Versorgung einer hörgeschädigten oder hörbeeinträchtigten Person verstanden, welche das Hörhilfegerät insbesondere durchgängig oder die meiste Zeit trägt, um ein Hördefizit auszugleichen.A hearing device is generally understood to mean any device which can be worn in or on the ear and produces a sound stimulus, for example a headset, headphones and the like. Hearing aids are specially designed as hearing aids. A hearing aid is understood to be a device for the care of a hearing-impaired or hearing-impaired person who, in particular, wears the hearing aid device continuously or most of the time in order to compensate for a hearing deficit.
Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Dieser prinzipielle Aufbau ist in
Zu verstärkender Schall, beispielsweise eine Stimme eines Gesprächspartners des Hörgeräteträgers gelangt üblicherweise durch eine oder mehrere Schallöffnungen im Hörgerätegehäuse zum Mikrofon. Durch derartige Schallöffnungen können jedoch auch unerwünschte Fremdkörper und/oder Flüssigkeiten wie beispielswiese Wasser und/oder Schweiß in das Innere des Hörgerätes und insbesondere zu dem Mikrofon eintreten. Dies kann von einer Beschädigung des Mikrofons bis hin zu einem Ausfall des Hörgerätes führen.Sound to be amplified, for example a voice of a conversation partner of the hearing device wearer, usually passes through one or more sound openings in the hearing aid housing to the microphone. However, unwanted foreign bodies and / or liquids such as water and / or sweat can enter the interior of the hearing device and in particular the microphone through such sound openings. This can result from damage to the microphone to failure of the hearing aid.
In der
Ausgehend hiervon liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde ein Hörgerät anzugeben, bei dem die Öffnungen, insbesondere die Mikrofonöffnung zuverlässig geschützt ist.Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to specify a hearing device in which the openings, in particular the microphone opening, are reliably protected.
Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch ein Hörgerät mit den Merkmalen das Anspruchs 1. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen, Weiterbildungen und Varianten sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.The object is achieved by a hearing aid with the features of
Das Hörgerät weist ein üblicherweise verschließbares Gehäuse mit einer Wandung auf. Unter verschließbar wird vorliegend verstanden, dass das Gehäuse insbesondere nicht einstückig, also monolith ausgebildet ist, sondern zumindest zwei (Gehäuse-)Teile aufweist, wobei das Gehäuse beispielsweise zu einem Batteriewechsel und/oder zum Wechsel defekter Bauteile geöffnet werden kann. Die Wandung begrenzt einen Innenraum, in dem bevorzugt die einzelnen eingangs genannten Komponenten des Hörgerätes angeordnet sind.The hearing aid has a normally closable housing with a wall. Under lockable is understood in the present case that the housing is in particular not in one piece, that is monolithic, but at least two (housing) parts, wherein the housing, for example, to a battery change and / or can be opened to replace defective components. The wall bounds an interior, in which preferably the individual components of the hearing aid mentioned above are arranged.
Somit weist das Hörgerät ein Mikrofon auf, welches im Innenraum angeordnet ist sowie eine Mikrofonöffnung in der Wandung. Zum Schutz des Mikrofons, insbesondere vor Verunreinigungen weist das Hörgerät ein Schutzelement auf. Derartige Verunreinigungen gelangen häufig über die Mikrofonöffnung in den Innenraum. Unter Verunreinigungen werden vorliegend speziell Fremdkörper, z.B. Haare und/oder Feuchtigkeiten, wie beispielsweise Wasser und/oder Schweiß verstanden.Thus, the hearing aid has a microphone, which is arranged in the interior and a microphone opening in the wall. To protect the microphone, in particular against contamination, the hearing aid has a protective element. Such impurities often pass through the microphone opening into the interior. In the present case, impurities in particular are foreign bodies, e.g. Hair and / or moistures, such as water and / or sweat understood.
Das Gehäuse weist zudem einen Schallkanal mit zumindest einer Schalleintrittsöffnung auf. Der Schallkanal führt von außen zum Mikrofon, bildet also eine Schallverbindung zur Mikrofonöffnung. Das Schutzelement ist zum Schutz des Mikrofons in dem Schallkanal positioniert.The housing also has a sound channel with at least one sound inlet opening. The sound channel leads from the outside to the microphone, thus forming a sound connection to the microphone opening. The protective element is positioned to protect the microphone in the sound channel.
Hierzu füllt das Schutzelement den Schallkanal vorzugsweise aus. Das Schutzelement ist hierzu insbsondere flexibel und speziell elastisch ausgebildet. Es sitzt insbesondere klemmend in dem Schallkanal ein. Das Schutzelement weist daher eine Querschnittsfläche auf, die der des Schallkanals angepasst ist. Das Schutzelement weist eine Außenabmessung auf, bei einer kreisrunden Ausgesatlgung also einen Durchmesser, welche gleich oder etwas größer als eine Innenabmessung, insbesondere ein (Innen-) Durchmesser des Schallkanals ist.For this purpose, the protective element preferably fills the sound channel. The protective element is for this purpose particularly flexible and specially designed elastic. It sits in particular clamping in the sound channel. The protective element therefore has a cross-sectional area which is matched to that of the sound channel. The protective element has an outer dimension, in the case of a circular Ausgesetlgung so a diameter which is equal to or slightly larger than an inner dimension, in particular an (inner) diameter of the sound channel.
Hierdurch ist ein zuverlässiger und einfacher Schutz des Mikrofons vor Verunreinigungen erreicht. Zudem ist das Schutzelement weiterhin durch ein direktes Berühren, beispielsweise verunreinigter Finger und vor einer damit einhergehenden Verunreinigung geschützt. Beispielsweise wird bei einem Eindringen eines Fremdkörpers oder von Feuchtigkeit dieser beziehungsweise diese von dem Schutzelement zurückgehalten und/oder aufgenommen und somit das Mikrofon geschützt, was die Funktionsfähigkeit des Hörgerätes verlängert.As a result, a reliable and easy protection of the microphone from contamination is achieved. In addition, the protective element is further protected by direct contact, such as contaminated fingers and contamination. For example, upon penetration of a foreign body or moisture, this or these are retained and / or absorbed by the protective element and thus the microphone is protected, which prolongs the functionality of the hearing aid.
Durch die Positionierung des Schutzelements in dem Schallkanal ist zugleich als wesentlicher Vorteil eine Bauhöhe des Hörgerätes reduziert, da zur Positionierung des Schutzelements ein vorhandener "Raum", also der Schallkanal, herangezogen wird. Mit anderen Worten: Es kann auf einen gesonderten "Platz" für das Schutzelement im Innenraum des Gehäuses verzichtet werden, wodurch die Bauhöhe des Gehäuses und somit des gesamten Hörgerätes reduziert ist.As a result of the positioning of the protective element in the sound channel, a height of the hearing device is at the same time reduced as a significant advantage, since an existing "space", ie the sound channel, is used for positioning the protective element. In other words, it can be dispensed with a separate "space" for the protective element in the interior of the housing, whereby the height of the housing and thus the entire hearing aid is reduced.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung ist das Schutzelement reversibel austauschbar. Insbesondere ist das Schutzelement nicht eingeklebt oder durch mechanische Befestigungsmittel gehalten. Das Schutzelement liegt vorzugsweise ohne weitere Mittel unmittelbar im Schallkanal ein und wird beispielsweise - wie bereits erwähnt - im Schallkanal durch diesen verklemmt. Hierdurch ist zum Einen eine Erneuerung bei einem verschmutzten Schutzelement auf eine einfache Weise realisiert. Zum Anderen ist das Schutzelement somit als ein kostengünstiges Serviceteil herstellbar und es kann insbesondere auf langlebige und teure Materialien verzichtet werden.According to a preferred embodiment, the protective element is reversibly interchangeable. In particular, the protective element is not glued or held by mechanical fasteners. The protective element is preferably without further means directly in the sound channel and, for example - as already mentioned - clamped in the sound channel through this. As a result, on the one hand, a renewal of a soiled protective element is realized in a simple manner. On the other hand, the protective element can thus be produced as a cost-effective service part, and in particular long-lived and expensive materials can be dispensed with.
Zweckdienlicherweise ist der Schallkanal als ein durch das Gehäuse durchgehender Schallkanal ausgebildet. Unter durchgehend wird vorliegend speziell verstanden, dass sich der Schallkanal von einer Seite zur anderen Seite des Gehäuses beispielsweise nach Art einer Bohrung durch das Gehäuse erstreckt. Jeweils endseitig weist der Schallkanal hierbei eine Schalleintrittsöffnung auf, wobei der Schallkanal durch die Wandung begrenzt ist. Durch die Schalleintrittsöffnungen und den Schallkanal gelangt Schall zum Mikrofon. Hierzu ist das Mikrofon über die Mikrofonöffnung mit dem Schallkanal verbunden.Conveniently, the sound channel is formed as a sound channel through the housing. Throughout is specifically understood herein that extends the sound channel from one side to the other side of the housing, for example in the manner of a bore through the housing. At each end, the sound channel in this case has a sound inlet opening, wherein the sound channel is limited by the wall. Through the sound inlet openings and the sound channel sound comes to the microphone. For this purpose, the microphone is connected via the microphone opening with the sound channel.
Vorzugsweise ist die Mikrofonöffnung quer zum Schallkanal orientiert, sodass das Schutzelement im eingesetzten Zustand innerhalb des Schallkanals "vor" der Mikrofonöffnung positioniert ist. Bevorzugt weist das Schutzelement eine Länge auf, die einem Drittel der Länge des Schallkanals entspricht.Preferably, the microphone opening is oriented transversely to the sound channel, so that the protective element is positioned in the inserted state within the sound channel "in front of" the microphone opening. Preferably, the protective element has a length which corresponds to one third of the length of the sound channel.
Die Schalleintrittsöffnungen sind bevorzugt an gegenüberliegenden Seitenwänden des Gehäuses angeordnet, wobei eine der Seitenwände im getragenen Zustand zum Kopf orientiert ist. D.h. im getragenen Zustand ist der Schallkanal im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Kopfhaut orientiert. Hierdurch ist ein Eindringen von Verunreinigungen, z.B. Haaren zumindest reduziert.The sound inlet openings are preferably arranged on opposite side walls of the housing, wherein one of the side walls in the worn state oriented to the head. That is, in the worn state, the sound channel is oriented substantially perpendicular to the scalp. As a result, an ingress of impurities, such as hair is at least reduced.
Durch die jeweils endseitigen Schalleintrittsöffnungen ist somit einerseits ein einfacher Austausch des Schutzelements gewährleistet. Andererseits ist mittels der Schalleintrittsöffnungen eine ausreichende "Schallaufnahme" des Mikrofons sichergestellt.On the one hand, a simple replacement of the protective element is thus ensured on the one hand by the respective end-side sound inlet openings. On the other hand, a sufficient "sound pickup" of the microphone is ensured by means of the sound inlet openings.
Zweckdienlicherweise ist das Schutzelement im Schallkanal beabstandet von den beiden Schalleintrittsöffnungen angeordnet, sodass ein Berührungsschutz, beispielsweise durch Finger des Nutzers gewährleistet ist. D.h. das Schutzelement ist bevorzugt in einem mittleren Drittel des Schallkanals angeordnet, sodass das Schutzelement im eingesetzten Zustand beispielsweise um ein Drittel der Länge des Schallkanals von den Schalleintrittsöffnungen entfernt im Schallkanal positioniert ist. Hierdurch wird weiterhin insbesondere eine Verschmutzung durch ein Berühren des Schutzelements beispielsweise durch die Finger des Nutzers verhindert.Conveniently, the protective element in the sound channel is spaced from the two sound inlet openings, so that a contact protection, for example, by the user's finger is ensured. That the protective element is preferably arranged in a middle third of the sound channel, so that the protective element is positioned in the inserted state, for example, one third of the length of the sound channel away from the sound inlet openings in the sound channel. In this way, contamination by touching the protective element, for example by the user's fingers, is furthermore prevented in particular.
Zum einfachen Austausch ist das Schutzelement gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausbildung durch den Schallkanal durchführbar. Dieser Austausch kann somit einfach und schnell durch den Nutzer erfolgen, indem dieser beispielsweise das Schutzelement an einer Schalleintrittsöffnung des Schallkanals herausdrückt indem er ein neues Schutzelement durch die jeweils andere Schalleintrittsöffnung einschiebt.For easy replacement, the protective element according to a preferred embodiment by the sound channel feasible. This replacement can thus be done easily and quickly by the user by this example pushes the protective element at a sound inlet opening of the sound channel by inserting a new protective element through the other sound inlet opening.
Das Gehäuse ist vorzugsweise als ein verschließbares Gehäuse ausgebildet. Gemäß einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung ist das Schutzelement bei geschlossenem Gehäuse durch eine der Schalleintrittsöffnungen in dem Schallkanal positionierbar, insbesondere einschiebbar. Der Vorteil dieser Weiterbildung ist in der Nutzerfreundlichkeit zu sehen. D.h. zum Einen ist aufgrund des geschlossenen Gehäuses verhindert, dass Komponenten des Hörgerätes beim Austausch des Schutzelements beschädigt werden und/oder verloren gehen. Zum Anderen ist somit kein Fachpersonal, beispielsweise kein Akustiker erforderlich, um das Schutzelement zu tauschen.The housing is preferably formed as a closable housing. According to a preferred embodiment, the protective element is positionable in the closed housing by one of the sound inlet openings in the sound channel, in particular insertable. The advantage of this development is to be seen in the user-friendliness. That is, on the one hand prevents due to the closed housing that components of the hearing aid are damaged when replacing the protective element and / or lost. On the other hand Thus, no specialist, for example, no acoustician is required to replace the protective element.
Bevorzugt ist das Schutzelement zum Austausch mittels eines Werkzeugs in und aus dem Schallkanal ein- beziehungsweise ausführbar. Hierzu wird das Schutzelement beispielsweise mittels des Werkzeuges aus dem Schallkanal ausgeschoben und anschließend ein neues Schutzelement mittels des Werkzeugs in den Schallkanal eingeschoben und vor der Mikrofonöffnung positioniert.Preferably, the protective element for exchange by means of a tool in and out of the sound channel or executable. For this purpose, the protective element is pushed out, for example, by means of the tool from the sound channel and then inserted a new protective element by means of the tool in the sound channel and positioned in front of the microphone opening.
Zur Ausbildung einer Schalldurchlässigkeit ist das Schutzelement als eine insbesondere schalldurchlässige Membran ausgebildet. Insbesondere besteht das Schutzelement aus der Membran. Hierdurch ist einerseits eine ausreichende Schutzwirkung gegenüber Fremdkörper und/oder Feuchtigkeit ausgebildet und andererseits die bereits erwähnte Schalldurchlässigkeit ausgebildet, um die Funktionsweise des Hörgeräts nicht zu beeinflussen. Alternativ ist das Schutzelement als ein Gitter ausgebildet.To form a sound transmission, the protective element is designed as a particular sound-permeable membrane. In particular, the protective element consists of the membrane. In this way, on the one hand, a sufficient protective effect against foreign bodies and / or moisture is formed and, on the other hand, the already mentioned sound permeability is formed in order not to influence the functioning of the hearing device. Alternatively, the protective element is formed as a grid.
Allgemein weist das Schutzelement insbesondere eine Form nach Art eines Quaders oder alternativ nach Art eines Zylinders auf. Hierdurch ist es sehr gut an eine Innenkontur des Schallkanals angepasst. Allgemein weist das Schutzelement vorzugsweise eine gleiche Querschnittsfläche auf wie der Schallkanal.In general, the protective element has in particular a shape in the manner of a cuboid or alternatively in the manner of a cylinder. As a result, it is very well adapted to an inner contour of the sound channel. In general, the protective element preferably has a same cross-sectional area as the sound channel.
Um die bereits beschrieben Verklemmung des Schutzelements im Schallkanal zu gewährleisten, weist das Schutzelement vorzugsweise einen geringfügig größere Außenabmessung auf, speziell ein Durchmesser, als die Innenabmessung des Schallkanals. Unter einer geringfügig größeren Außenabmessung wird hierbei insbesondere verstanden, dass die Außenabmessung um 10% bis 20% oder beispielsweise um einen Wert im Bereich von 0,5mm bis 1,5mm größer ist als die Innenabmessung des Schallkanals.In order to ensure the already described jamming of the protective element in the sound channel, the protective element preferably has a slightly larger outer dimension, especially a diameter, than the inner dimension of the sound channel. In this case, a slightly larger outer dimension is understood in particular to mean that the outer dimension is greater by 10% to 20% or, for example, by a value in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm than the inner dimension of the sound channel.
Das Schutzelement ist vorzugsweise selbstklemmend aufgrund seiner elastischen Eigenschaft. Speziell sind keine weiteren Mittel vorgesehen, mittels denen die Verklemmung des Schutzelements im Schallkanal sichergestellt wird.The protective element is preferably self-clamping due to its elastic property. Specifically, no further means are provided by means of which the jamming of the protective element is ensured in the sound channel.
Gemäß einer zweckdienlichen Weiterbildung weist das Schutzelement ein hydrophobes und/oder oleophobes Material auf. Alternativ ist das Schutzelement aus einem derartigen Material gebildet. Hierdurch ist das Schutzelement wasser- und/oder ölabweisend ausgebildet und ein Eindringen von Feuchtigkeit und/oder Schweiß in das Gehäuse erfolgreich verhindert.According to an expedient development, the protective element has a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material. Alternatively, the protective element is formed of such a material. As a result, the protective element is water and / or oil repellent and successfully prevents the penetration of moisture and / or sweat into the housing.
Vorzugsweise weist die Wandung einen Innenwandbereich und einen Außenwandbereich auf, zwischen denen der Schallkanal ausgebildet ist. D.h. der Schallkanal wird durch den Innenwandbereich und den Außenwandbereich begrenzt. Mit anderen Worten: Die Innenwandung trennt den Teil des Innenraumes, in dem die Komponenten des Hörgerätes und insbesondere das Mikrofon angeordnet sind von dem Schallkanal. Die Außenwandung bildet hierbei die "zweite Begrenzung" des Schallkanals aus. Die Innenwandung weist weiterhin ein Loch nach Art einer Bohrung auf, welches die Mikrofonöffnung ausbildet. Zwischen der Innenwandung und dem Mikrofon ist bevorzugt ein Dichtelement angeordnet. Das Dichtelement dient vorzugsweise einer weiteren Abdichtung des Mikrofones gegenüber Schall aus dem Innenraum.Preferably, the wall has an inner wall area and an outer wall area, between which the sound channel is formed. That the sound channel is limited by the inner wall area and the outer wall area. In other words, the inner wall separates the part of the inner space in which the components of the hearing aid and in particular the microphone are arranged from the sound channel. The outer wall forms the "second boundary" of the sound channel. The inner wall also has a hole in the manner of a bore, which forms the microphone opening. Between the inner wall and the microphone, a sealing element is preferably arranged. The sealing element preferably serves a further sealing of the microphone against sound from the interior.
Ein wesentlicher Aspekt ist vorliegend auch darin zu sehen, dass das Dichtungselement bevorzugt frei von dem Schutzelement ist. D.h., dass das Dichtungselement und das Schutzelement zwei separate Komponenten des Hörgeräts sind und somit auf ein teures und kompliziertes Dichtungselement, in welches beispielsweise das Schutzelement integriert ist verzichtet werden kann. Weiterhin ist hierdurch die Bauhöhe des Gehäuses weiter reduziert, da ein Dichtelement mit integriertem Schutzelement eine größere Bauhöhe aufweist als das vorliegende Dichtelement ohne ein integriertes Schutzelement.An essential aspect in the present case is also to be seen in that the sealing element is preferably free of the protective element. That is, the sealing element and the protective element are two separate components of the hearing aid and thus can be dispensed with an expensive and complicated sealing element, in which, for example, the protective element is integrated. Furthermore, as a result, the overall height of the housing is further reduced because a sealing element with integrated protective element has a greater height than the present sealing element without an integrated protective element.
Zweckdienlicherweise weist das Hörgerät ein Werkzeug als Zubehörteil auf. Das Werkzeug weist ein Griffteil sowie zumindest eine Werkzeugspitze auf. Das Griffteil dient einem Halten des Werkzeugs durch den Nutzer beim Austausch des Schutzelements. Die Werkzeugspitze dient zur Führung des Schutzelements beim Positionieren in den und innerhalb des Schallkanals. Der Vorteil ist, dass hierdurch ein einfacher Austausch des Schutzelements ermöglicht ist.Conveniently, the hearing aid has a tool as an accessory. The tool has a handle part and at least one tool tip. The handle serves to hold the tool by the user when replacing the protective element. The tool tip serves to guide the protective element during Positioning in and within the sound channel. The advantage is that this allows a simple replacement of the protective element.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung ist die zumindest eine Werkzeugspitze stiftförmig ausgebildet und in den Schallkanal, insbesondere zur Positionierung des Schutzelements einschiebbar. Unter Stiftförmig wird vorliegend verstanden, dass die Werkzeugspitze vorzugsweise einen um den Faktor 10 kleineren Durchmesser aufweist als das Griffteil. Insbesondere weist die Werkzeugspitze einen bis auf fertigungsbedingte und geringfügige Toleranzen gleichen Durchmesser auf wie der Schallkanal. Hierdurch ist das Werkzeug, insbesondere die Werkzeugspitze einfach in den Schallkanal einschiebbar.According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one tool tip is formed pin-shaped and inserted into the sound channel, in particular for positioning of the protective element. In the present case, the term "pin-shaped" is understood to mean that the tool tip preferably has a smaller diameter by a factor of 10 than the grip part. In particular, the tool tip on a production-related and minor tolerances same diameter as the sound channel. As a result, the tool, in particular the tool tip is simply inserted into the sound channel.
Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Weiterbildung weist das Werkzeug zwei Werkzeugspitzen mit jeweils unterschiedlichen Längen auf. Dieser Weiterbildung liegt der Gedanke zugrunde, dass mittels der ersten - längeren - Werkzeugspitze das Schutzelement aus dem Schallkanal ausschiebbar ist und ein neues Schutzelement mittels der zweiten - kürzeren - Werkzeugspitze in den Schallkanal einschiebbar ist. Ein wesentlicher Aspekt ist hierbei darin zu sehen, dass die erste - längere - Werkzeugspitze vorzugsweise mindestens eine Länge aufweist, die Zweidrittel der Länge des Schallkanals entspricht. Somit ist gewährleistet, dass das Schutzelement aus einer Schallaustrittsöffnung heraus geschoben wird, wenn der Nutzer die erste Werkzeugspitze in die andere Schalleintrittsöffnung einführt. Analog hierzu ist ein wesentlicher Aspekt, dass die zweite - kürzere - Werkzeugspitze vorzugsweise maximal eine Länge aufweist, die einem Drittel der Länge des Schallkanals aufweist. Beim Einschieben des Schutzelements in den Schallkanal ist dieses somit - wenn die zweite Werkzeugspitze bis auf Anschlag in den Schallkanal eingeschoben ist - genau über der Mikrofonöffnung positioniert.According to a further preferred development, the tool has two tool tips, each with different lengths. This development is based on the idea that the protective element can be pushed out of the sound channel by means of the first - longer - tool tip and a new protective element can be inserted into the sound channel by means of the second - shorter - tool tip. An essential aspect here is to be seen in that the first - longer - tool tip preferably has at least one length which corresponds to two-thirds of the length of the sound channel. This ensures that the protective element is pushed out of a sound outlet opening when the user inserts the first tool tip into the other sound inlet opening. Analogous to this, an essential aspect is that the second - shorter - tool tip preferably has a maximum length which has one third of the length of the sound channel. When inserting the protective element in the sound channel this is thus - when the second tool tip is pushed into abutment in the sound channel - positioned exactly above the microphone opening.
Hierdurch sind ein einfacher Austausch und eine einfache Positionierung des Schutzelements im Schallkanal ermöglicht.As a result, a simple exchange and easy positioning of the protective element in the sound channel are possible.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung ist das Hörgerät als ein Hinter-dem-Ohr-(HdO-)Hörgerät ausgebildet.According to a preferred embodiment, the hearing aid is designed as a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.
Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Figuren näher erläutert. Diese zeigen teilweise in stark vereinfachten Darstellungen:
- Fig. 1
- ein Längsschnitt durch ein Hörgerät gemäß dem Stand der Technik,
- Fig. 2
- ein Längsschnitt durch ein Hörgerät mit einem Schallkanal zum zusätzlichen Einführen eines Schutzelements,
- Fig. 3
- ein Querschnitt durch die Schnittachse A-A des Hörgerätes mit im Schallkanal positioniertem Schutzelement,
- Fig. 4
- der Querschnitt durch die Schnittachse A-A des Hörgerätes mit in den Schallkanal zum Ausschieben des Schutzelements eingeführtem Werkzeug sowie
- Fig. 5
- der Querschnitt durch die Schnittachse A-A des Hörgerätes mit in den Schallkanal zum Einschieben des Schutzelements eingeführtem Werkzeug
- Fig. 1
- a longitudinal section through a hearing aid according to the prior art,
- Fig. 2
- a longitudinal section through a hearing aid with a sound channel for additional insertion of a protective element,
- Fig. 3
- a cross section through the section axis AA of the hearing aid with a protective element positioned in the sound channel,
- Fig. 4
- the cross section through the section axis AA of the hearing aid with inserted into the sound channel for pushing out the protective element tool and
- Fig. 5
- the cross section through the section axis AA of the hearing aid with inserted into the sound channel for insertion of the protective element tool
In den Figuren sind gleichwirkende Teile mit den gleichen Bezugszeichen dargestellt.In the figures, like-acting parts are represented by the same reference numerals.
Das in
Das Hörgerät 6, insbesondere das Gehäuse 1 weist einen Innenraum 16 (vgl.
In
Die Längsrichtung des Schallkanals 8 und damit die des Schutzelementes 20 ist vorzugsweise senkrecht zu einer Flächennormalen der Mikrofonöffnung 18 orientiert. Das Schutzelement 20 ist allgemein quer zur Mikrofonöffnung 18 orientiert.The longitudinal direction of the
Zu einer Erhöhung der Schutzwirkung weist das Schutzelement 20 bis auf wenige, beispielsweise fertigungsbedingte Toleranzen einen gleichen Durchmesser D auf, wie der Schallkanal 8.In order to increase the protective effect, the
Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist zwischen dem Innenwandbereich 14, speziell zwischen der Mikrofonöffnung 18 und dem Mikrofon 2 ein Dichtelement 22 angeordnet. Das Dichtelement 22 dient einer zusätzlichen Abdichtung der Mikrofonöffnung 18 gegenüber Schall aus dem Innenraum 16.In the exemplary embodiment, a sealing
Um ein ausreichendes "Ausschieben" des Schutzelements 20 mittels der ersten Werkzeugspitze 26 zu gewährleisten, weist diese mindestens eine Länge auf, die Zweidrittel der Länge L des Schallkanals 8 entspricht.In order to ensure a sufficient "pushing out" of the
Um ein neues Schutzelement 20 in den Schallkanal 8 "einzuschieben" weist das Werkzeug 24 im Ausführungsbeispiel ergänzend noch eine zweite stiftförmige Werkzeugspitze 30 auf, wie gemäß
Die Werkzeugspitzen 26,30 sind beispielsweise jeweils an einer (End-)Seite des Griffteils 28 angeordnet, sodass der Nutzer das Werkzeug je nachdem, ob ein Schutzelement 20 ausgeschoben oder eingeschoben werden soll lediglich drehen muss.The
Zum Einschieben in den Schallkanal 8 hält der Nutzer das Schutzelement 20 beispielsweise vor eine der Schalleintrittsöffnungen 10 und "schiebt" es anschließend mittels der zweiten Werkzeugspitze 30 in den Schallkanal 8 ein. Die Ausgestaltung des Werkzeuges 24 mittels zwei Werkzeugspitzen 26,30 hat sich als geeignet erwiesen, da die zweite Werkzeugspitze 30 beispielsweise eine Länge aufweist, die einem Drittel der Länge L des Schallkanals 8 entspricht. Somit ist auf einfache Weise sichergestellt, dass das Schutzelement 20 im eingesetzten/eingeschobenen Zustand immer vor der Mikrofonöffnung 18 positioniert ist. Mit anderen Worten: Der Nutzer schiebt das Schutzelement 20 mittels des Werkzeuges 24 so lange in den Schallkanal 8 ein, bis beispielsweise das Griffteil 28 am Gehäuse 1 anliegt. Aufgrund der vorteilhaft gewählten Länge der zweiten Werkzeugspitze 30 ist das Schutzelement 20 dann vor der Mikrofonöffnung 18 positioniert ohne, dass der Nutzer das Schutzelement 20 zu weit in den Schallkanal 8 einschieben kann. Alternativ weist das Werkzeug 24 lediglich eine Werkzeugspitze auf.For insertion into the
Die Erfindung ist nicht auf die vorstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele beschränkt. Vielmehr können auch andere Varianten der Erfindung von dem Fachmann hieraus abgeleitet werden, ohne den Gegenstand der Erfindung zu verlassen. Insbesondere sind ferner alle im Zusammenhang mit dem Ausführungsbeispiel / mit den Ausführungsbeispielen beschriebenen Einzelmerkmale auch auf andere Weise miteinander kombinierbar, ohne den Gegenstand der Erfindung zu verlassen.The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all the individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiment / with the exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways, without departing from the subject matter of the invention.
- 11
- Hörgerätegehäusehearing aid housing
- 22
- Mikrofonmicrophone
- 33
- SignalverarbeitungseinheitSignal processing unit
- 44
- Hörerreceiver
- 55
- Batteriebattery
- 66
- Hörgeräthearing Aid
- 88th
- Schallkanalsound channel
- 1010
- SchalleintrittsöffnungSound port
- 1111
- Wandungwall
- 1212
- AußenwandbereichExterior wall area
- 1414
- InnenwandbereichInner wall region
- 1515
- Kopfhaut des NutzersScalp of the user
- 1616
- Innenrauminner space
- 1818
- Mikrofonöffnungmicrophone opening
- 2020
- Schutzelementprotection element
- 2222
- Dichteelementtight element
- 2424
- WerkzeugTool
- 2626
- erste Werkzeugspitzefirst tool tip
- 2828
- Griffteilhandle part
- 3030
- zweite Werkzeugspitzesecond tool tip
- DD
- Durchmesser des SchallkanalsDiameter of the sound channel
- LL
- Länge des SchallkanalsLength of the sound channel
Claims (15)
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Schutzelement (20) reversibel austauschbar ist.Hearing aid (6) according to the preceding claim,
characterized,
that the protective element (20) is reversible interchangeable.
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass der Schallkanal (8) als ein durch das Gehäuse durchgehender Schallkanal (8) ausgebildet ist, welcher jeweils endseitig eine Schalleintrittsöffnung (10) aufweist, wobei der Schallkanal (8) durch die Wandung (11) begrenzt ist und über die Mikrofonöffnung (18) mit dem Mikrofon (2) verbunden ist.Hearing aid (6) according to the preceding claim,
characterized,
in that the sound channel (8) is designed as a sound channel (8) which extends through the housing and has a sound inlet opening (10) at each end, the sound channel (8) being delimited by the wall (11) and via the microphone opening (18). connected to the microphone (2).
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Schutzelement (20) elastisch ausgebildet und durch seine Elastizität klemmend im Schallkanal gehalten ist.Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the protective element (20) is elastic and held by its elasticity by clamping in the sound channel.
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Schutzelement (20) im Schallkanal (8) beabstandet von der zumindest einen Schalleintrittsöffnung (10) positioniert ist.Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
positioned that the protective element (20) in the sound channel (8) spaced from the at least one sound inlet opening (10).
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Schutzelement (20) durch den Schallkanal (8) durchführbar ist.Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the protective element (20) through the sound channel (8) is feasible.
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Gehäuse (1) als ein verschließbares Gehäuse (1) ausgebildet ist und dass das Schutzelement (20) bei geschlossenem Gehäuse (1) durch eine der Schalleintrittsöffnungen (10) in den Schallkanal (8) positionierbar ist.Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the housing (1) is designed as a closable housing (1) and in that the protective element (20) can be positioned in the sound channel (8) through one of the sound inlet openings (10) when the housing (1) is closed.
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Schutzelement (20) zum Austausch mittels eines Werkzeugs (24) in und aus dem Schallkanal (8) ein- beziehungsweise ausführbar ist.Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the protective element (20) can be inserted or removed for exchange by means of a tool (24) in and out of the sound channel (8).
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Schutzelement (20) als eine Membran ausgebildet ist.Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the protective element (20) is formed as a membrane.
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Schutzelement (20) ein hydrophobes und/oder oleophobes Material aufweist.Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the protective element (20) has a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material.
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass die Wandung (11) einen Innenwandbereich (14) und einen Außenwandbereich (12) aufweist, die den Schallkanal (8) begrenzen, wobei zwischen dem Mikrofon (2) und der Innenwandung (14) ein Dichtelement (22) angeordnet ist.Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the wall (11) has an inner wall region (14) and an outer wall region (12) which delimit the sound channel (8), between the microphone (2) and the inner wall (14) a sealing element (22) is arranged.
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Dichtelement (22) frei von dem Schutzelement (20) ist.Hearing aid (6) according to the preceding claim,
characterized,
that the sealing element (22) is free from the protective element (20).
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass die zumindest eine Werkzeugspitze (26) stiftförmig ist und in den Schallkanal (8) einschiebbar ist.Hearing aid (6) according to the preceding claim,
characterized,
that the at least one tool tip (26) is pin-shaped and in the sound channel (8) is insertable.
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass zwei Werkzeugspitzen (26,30) mit unterschiedlichen Längen vorgesehen sind.Hearing aid (6) according to one of the two preceding claims,
characterized,
that two tool tips (26,30) are provided with different lengths.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102017219470.7A DE102017219470A1 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2017-11-02 | hearing Aid |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3481084A1 true EP3481084A1 (en) | 2019-05-08 |
EP3481084B1 EP3481084B1 (en) | 2020-12-02 |
Family
ID=63832252
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18199446.8A Active EP3481084B1 (en) | 2017-11-02 | 2018-10-09 | Hearing aid |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10623873B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3481084B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2019088002A (en) |
CN (1) | CN109756833B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102017219470A1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK3481084T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11395058B2 (en) | 2018-07-19 | 2022-07-19 | Cochlear Limited | Contaminant-proof microphone assembly |
EP3817402A1 (en) * | 2019-10-30 | 2021-05-05 | GN Hearing A/S | Hearing device system and tool |
DE102021200726A1 (en) * | 2021-01-27 | 2022-07-28 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | hearing aid |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2334102A2 (en) * | 2009-12-03 | 2011-06-15 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing aid with a space-saving assembly of microphones and acoustic apertures |
EP2360948A2 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2011-08-24 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Tool for assembling and removing an earpiece of a hearing aid |
DE102015208846B3 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-08-11 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | hearing Aid |
Family Cites Families (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE8518681U1 (en) * | 1985-06-27 | 1986-06-12 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Hearing aid |
DE8713369U1 (en) | 1987-10-05 | 1989-02-09 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Device for closing openings on hearing aids or earpieces for hearing aids |
DE59409849D1 (en) * | 1993-06-11 | 2001-10-11 | Ascom Audiosys Ag Flamatt | Hearing aid to be worn in the ear and process for its manufacture |
DE59809366D1 (en) * | 1998-03-02 | 2003-10-02 | Phonak Ag Staefa | hearing Aid |
WO2005051040A1 (en) * | 2003-11-13 | 2005-06-02 | Rafferty Richard A | Hearing aid that facilitates removel of earwax and trapping of moisture |
DE102007037024A1 (en) * | 2007-08-06 | 2009-02-26 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing device with elastically mounted handset |
DE102008038213B8 (en) | 2008-08-18 | 2010-02-11 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing aid with a transformer protection device |
US8180083B2 (en) * | 2009-07-02 | 2012-05-15 | Magnatone Hearing Aid Corp. | Protective cover for behind-the-ear hearing aid device |
DE102010014954A1 (en) * | 2010-04-14 | 2011-10-20 | As Audio Service Gmbh | Filter unit for use as e.g. listener filter for in-ear hearing system, has aperture exhibiting body part and filter gauze inserted into sound-transmissive aperture, where filter gauze includes hydrophobic or hydrophobic coated material |
WO2012099756A1 (en) * | 2011-01-18 | 2012-07-26 | Advanced Bionics Ag | Moisture resistant headpieces and implantable cochlear stimulation systems including the same |
SG11201401483PA (en) * | 2011-10-14 | 2014-09-26 | Widex As | Method of manufacturing a soft custom ear mold and a soft custom ear mold |
JP5941423B2 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2016-06-29 | リオン株式会社 | hearing aid |
EP2819435A1 (en) * | 2013-06-26 | 2014-12-31 | Oticon A/s | Vented dome |
US9769578B2 (en) * | 2014-03-19 | 2017-09-19 | Cochlear Limited | Waterproof molded membrane for microphone |
BR112017002056B1 (en) * | 2014-07-31 | 2023-03-28 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | WATER-RESISTANT ACOUSTIC DOORS |
CN104519453A (en) * | 2014-12-09 | 2015-04-15 | 苏州立人听力器材有限公司 | Portable hearing-aid protection rope |
DE102015208845B3 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-08-11 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | hearing Aid |
CN206482593U (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2017-09-12 | 刘妙娥 | A kind of integral type stethoscope |
-
2017
- 2017-11-02 DE DE102017219470.7A patent/DE102017219470A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2018
- 2018-10-09 DK DK18199446.8T patent/DK3481084T3/en active
- 2018-10-09 EP EP18199446.8A patent/EP3481084B1/en active Active
- 2018-10-26 US US16/171,701 patent/US10623873B2/en active Active
- 2018-10-31 JP JP2018205247A patent/JP2019088002A/en active Pending
- 2018-10-31 CN CN201811284077.0A patent/CN109756833B/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2334102A2 (en) * | 2009-12-03 | 2011-06-15 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing aid with a space-saving assembly of microphones and acoustic apertures |
EP2360948A2 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2011-08-24 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Tool for assembling and removing an earpiece of a hearing aid |
DE102015208846B3 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-08-11 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | hearing Aid |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DK3481084T3 (en) | 2021-03-08 |
CN109756833B (en) | 2021-01-12 |
US10623873B2 (en) | 2020-04-14 |
DE102017219470A1 (en) | 2019-05-02 |
JP2019088002A (en) | 2019-06-06 |
EP3481084B1 (en) | 2020-12-02 |
CN109756833A (en) | 2019-05-14 |
US20190132690A1 (en) | 2019-05-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
DE102006008044B3 (en) | In-the-ear hearing aid, has ventilation channel with openings in first- and second-housing zones | |
EP2026605A1 (en) | Hearing aid with elastically supported earpiece | |
DE102008052681B3 (en) | Earpiece with bars | |
EP3481084B1 (en) | Hearing aid | |
DE60204241T2 (en) | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A HEARING DEVICE | |
DE102007045315B3 (en) | Tool for inserting a receiver of a hearing device into an auditory canal | |
EP2701404B1 (en) | Hearing instrument and earpiece with receiver | |
EP3068147B1 (en) | Hearing aid with a cerumen protection device and cerumen protection device | |
EP2200343A1 (en) | Hearing aid with directional microphone | |
DE102007025936B4 (en) | Hearing aid with connector attached to the housing frame | |
EP1562400B1 (en) | Replaceable protective membrane of listening device of hearing-aids | |
EP2023665A1 (en) | Hearing aid with adjustable sound emission device | |
DE102007023055A1 (en) | Earpiece for a hearing aid with bayonet lock | |
DE102011083209B3 (en) | IDO hearing instrument with programming socket | |
EP1718112A1 (en) | Hearing aid within an ear microphone | |
DE102008052683B3 (en) | Hearing device and hearing aid | |
DE102007037655B3 (en) | Battery compartment for a hearing device with multiple gripping arms and hearing aid equipped therewith | |
DE102007025446B3 (en) | Ear piece for a hearing device with retaining ring | |
EP3614697B1 (en) | Elastic damping element for a receiver of a hearing device and hearing device comprising such a damping element | |
DE3638747C1 (en) | Hearing aid | |
DE19943809A1 (en) | Hearing aid has plastic ear fitting matching outer ear canal, outlet opening on inner end on eardrum side; ear fitting is connected to protruding body with sound canal connected to outlet | |
EP3439329B1 (en) | In-the-ear hearing aid | |
DE102017210448B3 (en) | hearing Aid | |
DE102004056053B4 (en) | Headset consisting of one or two earplugs with earmold | |
DE202008009586U1 (en) | Otoplasty for BTE hearing aids |
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 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED |
|
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 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20191107 |
|
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 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20191218 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20200616 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
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: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1342264 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20201215 Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
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: 502018003171 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: NV Representative=s name: E. BLUM AND CO. AG PATENT- UND MARKENANWAELTE , CH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DK Ref legal event code: T3 Effective date: 20210301 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20201202 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: 20201202 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: 20210303 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: 20210302 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20201202 |
|
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: 20210302 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: 20201202 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: 20201202 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: 20201202 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20201202 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: 20201202 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20210405 Ref country code: RO 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: 20201202 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: 20201202 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: 20201202 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: 20201202 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: 20201202 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: 20201202 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 502018003171 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20210402 |
|
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: 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: 20201202 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: 20201202 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20210903 |
|
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: 20201202 |
|
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: 20201202 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20210402 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20211031 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20201202 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20211009 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20211031 |
|
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: 20211009 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20201202 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20181009 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20231025 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20231023 Year of fee payment: 6 Ref country code: DK Payment date: 20231025 Year of fee payment: 6 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20231018 Year of fee payment: 6 Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20231102 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: 20201202 |