EP3643077B1 - In ear earpiece - Google Patents

In ear earpiece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3643077B1
EP3643077B1 EP18732022.1A EP18732022A EP3643077B1 EP 3643077 B1 EP3643077 B1 EP 3643077B1 EP 18732022 A EP18732022 A EP 18732022A EP 3643077 B1 EP3643077 B1 EP 3643077B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ear
housing
volume
sound transducer
receiver
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.)
Active
Application number
EP18732022.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3643077A1 (en
Inventor
Andrea Rusconi Clerici Beltrami
Ferruccio Bottoni
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.)
USound GmbH
Original Assignee
USound GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP3643077A1 publication Critical patent/EP3643077A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3643077B1 publication Critical patent/EP3643077B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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    • 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
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1016—Earpieces of the intra-aural type
    • 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
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1058—Manufacture or assembly
    • 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
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only 
    • H04R1/28—Transducer mountings or enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
    • H04R1/2807—Enclosures comprising vibrating or resonating arrangements
    • 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
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only 
    • H04R1/28—Transducer mountings or enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
    • H04R1/2807—Enclosures comprising vibrating or resonating arrangements
    • H04R1/2811—Enclosures comprising vibrating or resonating arrangements for loudspeaker transducers
    • 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
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only 
    • H04R1/28—Transducer mountings or enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
    • H04R1/2869—Reduction of undesired resonances, i.e. standing waves within enclosure, or of undesired vibrations, i.e. of the enclosure itself
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    • 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
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only 
    • H04R1/28—Transducer mountings or enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
    • H04R1/2869—Reduction of undesired resonances, i.e. standing waves within enclosure, or of undesired vibrations, i.e. of the enclosure itself
    • H04R1/2876—Reduction of undesired resonances, i.e. standing waves within enclosure, or of undesired vibrations, i.e. of the enclosure itself by means of damping material, e.g. as cladding
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    • H04R11/00—Transducers of moving-armature or moving-core type
    • H04R11/14—Resonant transducers, i.e. adapted to produce maximum output at a predetermined frequency
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    • H04R15/00—Magnetostrictive transducers
    • H04R15/02—Resonant transducers, i.e. adapted to produce maximum output at a predetermined frequency
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    • H04R17/00—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers
    • H04R17/10—Resonant transducers, i.e. adapted to produce maximum output at a predetermined frequency
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    • 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
    • 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
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    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R9/00—Transducers of moving-coil, moving-strip, or moving-wire type
    • H04R9/18—Resonant transducers, i.e. adapted to produce maximum output at a predetermined frequency
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    • 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
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1058—Manufacture or assembly
    • H04R1/1075—Mountings of transducers in earphones or headphones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R19/00—Electrostatic transducers
    • H04R19/005—Electrostatic transducers using semiconductor materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R19/00—Electrostatic transducers
    • H04R19/02—Loudspeakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2201/003—Mems transducers or their use
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2201/02—Details casings, cabinets or mounting therein for transducers covered by H04R1/02 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2201/029—Manufacturing aspects of enclosures transducers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2201/10—Details of earpieces, attachments therefor, earphones or monophonic headphones covered by H04R1/10 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2201/105—Manufacture of mono- or stereophonic headphone components
    • 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
    • H04R2225/77—Design aspects, e.g. CAD, of hearing aid tips, moulds or housings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2420/00—Details of connection covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2420/07—Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
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    • H04R2440/00—Bending wave transducers covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2440/03—Resonant bending wave transducer used as a microphone
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    • H04R2440/00—Bending wave transducers covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2440/05—Aspects relating to the positioning and way or means of mounting of exciters to resonant bending wave panels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
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    • H04R2440/00—Bending wave transducers covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2440/07—Loudspeakers using bending wave resonance and pistonic motion to generate sound
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
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    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an in-ear earphone, in particular headphones and/or a hearing aid, with a housing which has at least one ear canal section which, when the in-ear earphone is used as intended, is inserted into an ear canal of a wearer and at least in one section has an has an outer contour adapted to the auditory canal, a sound transducer arranged in the housing and at least one resonance chamber which is formed in the housing and is divided into a front volume and a rear volume by the sound transducer.
  • an earphone with a housing in which a resonance chamber is formed is known.
  • a sound transducer of the earphone divides the resonance space into a front volume and a rear volume.
  • the earphone has an ear canal section that is inserted into an ear canal of a wearer when the earphone is used as intended.
  • the disadvantage of this earphone is that the shape of the sound transducer predetermines the geometry of the resonance space and can only be changed to a very limited extent.
  • US2012/243717 A1 shows a hearing aid with replaceable insertion cover.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to create an in-ear earphone by means of which the disadvantages of the prior art are eliminated.
  • the in-ear headphones can be headphones, for example, which can be coupled to a music player or a communication device, for example a smartphone, in order to be able to hear music or speech. Additionally or alternatively the in-ear phone can also be a hearing aid to amplify tones and noises in the case of a hearing impairment.
  • the housing has an ear canal section which is inserted into an auditory canal of a wearer when the in-ear phone is used as intended. Because the ear canal section is arranged in the auditory canal, sounds, music or speech can be introduced directly into the ear. In this way, on the one hand, the performance of the in-ear receiver can be reduced, since the tones, the music or the language are routed directly to the ear. On the other hand, fewer tones, music or speech penetrate to the outside, so that a disruptive effect for other people is reduced.
  • the housing also has, at least in one section, an outer contour that is adapted to the auditory canal. This improves wearing comfort of the in-ear phone. Furthermore, the entire available internal volume of the auditory canal can thereby be used to design the housing.
  • the outer contour preferably has a free-form geometry and/or an organic shape of the auditory canal.
  • the free-form geometry preferably corresponds to the individual shape of the particular user's auditory canal, in particular the outer auditory canal. This is measured and/or produced using a 3D printing process.
  • the in-ear phone includes a sound transducer arranged in the housing.
  • the sound converter can be operated as a loudspeaker so that the tones, the music or the speech can be output with it.
  • a resonance space is formed in the housing, which is divided by the sound transducer into a front volume and a rear volume.
  • the sound waves generated by the sound transducer can be amplified and/or their spectrum can be modified.
  • the transducer is a MEMS transducer.
  • MEMS stands for microelectromechanical systems.
  • the MEMS sound transducer can be designed in more complex forms than, for example, an electrodynamic or a balanced-armature sound transducer, so that there are almost no limits to the shape of the resonance space or the front and/or rear volume with the MEMS sound transducer.
  • the shape of the front volume and/or the rear volume can be adapted in such a way that an optimal resonance effect or amplification and frequency modification can be achieved.
  • the front volume has an inner contour adapted to the auditory canal and/or a corresponding outer contour.
  • the rear volume also has an inner contour adapted to the auditory canal and/or a corresponding outer contour. Due to the adapted inner contour, the resonance space is designed as large as possible in the corresponding volumes in order to amplify the sound waves generated by the sound transducer as well as possible.
  • the front volume can be adapted to the inner contour of the auditory canal partially, in particular in one or more sections, or completely, i.e. in particular over its entire length.
  • the rear volume can be adapted to the inner contour of the auditory canal partially, in particular in one or more sections, or completely, in particular over its entire length.
  • the inner contour of the front volume and/or the inner contour of the rear volume preferably has a free-form geometry. It is also advantageous that the outer contour of the housing in the area of the front volume and/or the rear volume has a free-form geometry that corresponds to the inner contour.
  • only the inner contour of the front volume and the outer contour corresponding thereto can have a shape adapted to the auditory canal, in particular a free-form geometry exhibit.
  • the rear volume and the outer contour of the housing corresponding thereto is not adapted to the shape of the auditory canal and/or is arranged outside the auditory canal, in particular in the area of the auricle, when used as intended.
  • the housing at least in the area of the front volume, is made of a material that can be deformed by body heat, so that after insertion into an auditory canal it automatically adapts to its organic free-form geometry within a time window.
  • the front and/or rear volume advantageously have resonance properties similar to those of the auditory canal.
  • a natural sound image i.e. as if there were no in-ear headphones in the ear
  • a simplified outer ear transfer function can thus be used, in particular one that only takes into account the auricle shape and not the ear canal shape, since essentially the actual shape of the ear canal is reproduced by the inner contour of the anterior volume and/or posterior volume.
  • the inner contour is essentially a negative form of the outer contour. This means that for areas of the outer contour that have a concave shape, for example, the associated areas of the inner contour are convex. Areas of the outer contour which, on the other hand, have a convex shape have corresponding areas of the inner contour which are concave. This allows the inner contour to be adapted to the ear canal in a simple manner.
  • the housing is produced using a 3D printing process.
  • the housing can be formed quickly using the 3D printing process.
  • the housing can be adapted to the different shapes of the ear canals of different wearers.
  • the housing can also be produced in an injection molding process. A large number of items can be produced inexpensively using the injection molding process.
  • the ear canal section is produced using the 3D printing process, since only this part of the housing is arranged in the ear canal.
  • the part of the housing that is located outside the ear canal can be formed using the injection molding process.
  • the ear canal section can be adjusted according to the anatomy of the wearer's ear canal, while the remaining part of the housing can be formed inexpensively.
  • the housing is rigid. It is also possible for only the ear canal section to be rigid. The rigid housing thus retains its shape so that the outer contour adapted to the auditory canal is retained.
  • the housing and/or the ear canal section can be produced, for example, from a plastic such as a thermoplastic and/or a duroplastic. Additionally or alternatively, the housing and/or the ear canal section can also be made of an elastomer.
  • a housing wall delimiting the front volume has a uniform thickness.
  • the housing wall delimiting the rear volume can also have a uniform thickness.
  • the front and/or the rear volume can be made as large as possible in a simple manner in order to improve the amplifying effect of the corresponding resonance chambers.
  • the front volume is arranged in the ear canal section.
  • the rear volume can also be arranged in the ear canal section.
  • the MEMS sound transducer can also be arranged in the ear canal section in addition or as an alternative.
  • the MEMS sound transducer is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the housing. As a result, the sound waves generated by the sound transducer can be radiated directly into the front volume and/or the rear volume.
  • the housing wall in the front volume has thickenings and/or thinnings at least in some areas. Additionally or alternatively, the housing wall can also have thickenings and/or thinnings at least in regions in the rear volume. As a result, the resonance chamber can be enlarged and/or reduced at least in some areas in the front and/or in the rear volume. This allows the resonance properties of the front and/or the rear volume to be adjusted.
  • the resonance element is arranged in the housing.
  • the resonance properties of the resonance space can also be adjusted with the aid of the resonance elements.
  • the resonance element can be arranged, for example, in the front volume. Additionally or alternatively, the resonance element can also be arranged in the rear volume.
  • the resonance element and the housing are preferably made of different materials from one another. Preferably, the resonance element is made of a porous material. This allows the surface to be increased.
  • an edge area of the MEMS sound transducer is at least partially enclosed in the housing wall. As a result, the MEMS sound transducer is firmly connected to the housing.
  • the ear canal section has a sound exit opening in the region of a first end arranged in the auditory canal.
  • the sound outlet opening faces the wearer's eardrum.
  • the sound waves generated by the sound transducer can be conducted directly to the eardrum.
  • the in-ear phone has operating means for operating the in-ear phone in the region of a second end opposite the first end.
  • the equipment can be, for example, an energy unit for supplying energy to the in-ear earphone, a storage unit for storing tones and/or music, a control unit for playing the tones and/or music and/or a data transmission unit for data transmission of data between an external unit and the In-Ear earphones include.
  • the data transmission unit can include a Bluetooth and/or a W-LAN interface, for example. Thanks to the equipment on the in-ear earphone, it can be operated independently.
  • an interface for the equipment of the in-ear earphone is arranged in the area of the second end.
  • the interface can be a jack socket, a W-LAN interface and/or a Bluetooth interface, for example.
  • the equipment for the in-ear receiver can be arranged, for example, in a unit that can be worn behind the ear, in particular the auricle.
  • An audio signal, which includes the music, the tones and/or the speech, and/or the energy for operating the in-ear earphone can be routed to the sound converter via the interface.
  • Interface can also be connected to a smartphone, so that the music etc. can be played. As a result, the in-ear phone can be made more compact.
  • an audio line running between the interface, the equipment and/or the MEMS sound transducer is embedded in the housing wall.
  • the audio line can also be embedded in the housing.
  • the audio line can advantageously be printed as part of the injection molding process and/or the 3D printing process. As a result, the audio line is neither located in the resonance chamber, where it would negatively affect the resonance properties, nor outside the housing, where it would make it less comfortable to wear.
  • figure 1 shows a sectional view of an in-ear phone 1 with a housing 2.
  • the arranged in an ear canal 10 in-ear phone 1 is in figure 2 shown.
  • the essential features of the in-ear phone 1 are the same in the two figures 1 and 2, so that the description of the features and their functions on both figures 1 and 2 is referred to.
  • the in-ear phone 1 can be a hearing aid, for example, which is used for hearing assistance. However, the in-ear phone 1 can also be headphones, so that music can be heard with it, for example. In-ear headphones 1 can also be used for communication, for example to direct speech into the ear when making a call.
  • the housing 2 has at least one ear canal section 3, which is inserted into the ear canal 10 of a wearer when the in-ear phone 1 is used as intended.
  • the housing 2 also includes an outer contour 4, which is adapted to the auditory canal 10 for a high level of wearing comfort.
  • the in-ear phone 1 has a sound converter 5 in the housing 2 .
  • the sound transducer 5 for example, the tones, music and/or speech can be generated.
  • a resonance chamber 6 is arranged in the housing 2 .
  • the sound transducer 5 also divides the resonance space 6 into a front volume 7 and a rear volume 8.
  • the sound waves generated by the sound transducer 5 can be amplified by means of the resonance space 6.
  • the sound waves can also be modified with the aid of the resonance space 6 .
  • the amplification and/or the modification can depend on the shape and/or the geometry of the resonance space 6 .
  • the sound converter 5 is a MEMS sound converter.
  • the MEMS transducer has an advantage that it is simple is constructed.
  • the MEMS sound transducer is not dependent on a special form factor, ie shape of the sound transducer 5 or geometry. Rather, it can be formed relatively easily in various forms. For example, it can be designed with a round, oval, elliptical and/or angular cross section.
  • the housing 2 and also the resonance space 6 must be adapted to the given shape of the sound converter 5 .
  • the resonance space 6 can first be adapted in such a way that its resonance properties are optimized.
  • the MEMS sound transducer 5 can then be designed according to the geometric specifications of the resonance space 6 or the housing 2 .
  • the front volume 7 has an inner contour 9 adapted to the auditory canal 10 .
  • the inner contour 9 of the rear volume 8 can also be adapted to the auditory canal 10 .
  • the resonance properties of the front volume 7 and/or the rear volume 8 are adapted to those of the auditory canal 10 .
  • This conveys a sound image that is essentially similar to that of the auditory canal 10 without the in-ear phone 1 .
  • the tones, music and/or speech are amplified, modified and/or forwarded in such a way as if no in-ear headphones 1 were arranged in the auditory canal 10 .
  • the inner contour 9 of the front and/or rear volume 7, 8 adapted to the auditory canal 10 thus leads to an essentially unchanged and natural sound.
  • the housing 2 also has an outlet opening 12 at a first end 11 arranged in the auditory canal 10, which, when the in-ear earphone 1 is used as intended, according to FIG figure 2 facing an eardrum 13 of the wearer.
  • the sound waves emerging from the outlet opening 12 can reach the eardrum 13 directly.
  • the sound transducer 5 can be arranged essentially parallel to the cross section of the housing 2 and/or to the cross section of the ear canal section 3 . As a result, the sound transducer 5 divides the resonance chamber 6 into the front volume 7 and the rear volume 8. In addition, the sound waves generated by the sound transducer 5 are radiated in the direction of the outlet opening 12 as a result.
  • the inner contour 9 can, for example, be a negative form of the outer contour 4, as shown in the present exemplary embodiment. This means, for example, that in areas in which the outer contour 4 is convex, for example in the area of the first end 11, the inner contour 9 is concave. If, on the other hand, the outer contour 4 is concave, the associated area of the inner contour 9 is convex. As a result, the inner contour 9 can be adapted to the auditory canal 10 in a simple manner.
  • a housing wall 15 of the housing 2 has a uniform thickness.
  • the inner contour 9 can likewise be adapted to the auditory canal 10 in a simple manner.
  • operating means 16a-c are arranged, as shown in the present exemplary embodiment.
  • the operating means 16a - c are only shown as an example in the exemplary embodiment shown here.
  • the in-ear phone 1 can also have more than three operating means 16a-c.
  • the operating means 16a-c can also be arranged in a single unit.
  • the operating resources 16a - c can, for example, be an energy storage unit for supplying energy to the in-ear earphone 1, a storage unit for storing music, tones and/or sounds, a control unit for controlling the in-ear earphone 1 and/or a data transmission unit for data transmission between a external unit and the in-ear earpiece 1 include.
  • the data transmission unit can include a Bluetooth interface and/or a W-LAN interface, for example. As a result, the in-ear phone 1 can be operated independently.
  • an interface can also be arranged at the second end 14 .
  • the interface can be a jack socket, for example, by means of which an audio signal can be routed to the in-ear headphones 1 .
  • the in-ear phone 1 can be operated, for example, by an external unit worn behind the ear.
  • the in-ear phone 1 can be made more compact.
  • a connection between a smartphone and the in-ear receiver 1 can also be established by means of the interface.
  • the interface can also be the Bluetooth interface.
  • the section of the in-ear phone 1 in the area of the second end 14 is larger than the section of the in-ear phone 1 in the area of the first end 11 or in the area of the ear canal section 3 .
  • the section in the area of the second end 14 is adapted to an inner contour of the auricle, so that the in-ear phone 1 can be worn comfortably.
  • the enlarged or thickened section of the in-ear phone 1 in the area of the second end 14 can at least partially cover an auditory input 19 . This can reduce intrusion of noise from outside the ear.
  • the sound waves generated by the sound transducer 5 can be limited to the auditory canal 10 . As a result, fewer sound waves penetrate to the outside, so that disruption to the environment can be reduced.
  • the housing 2 is produced using a 3D printing process. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 2 can also be produced in an injection molding process.
  • the 3D printing method has the advantage, among other things, that the housing 2 can be produced quickly with it.
  • the ear canal section 3 can be individually adapted to the ear canals 10 of different wearers.
  • the front volume 7 and/or the rear volume 8 can be adapted to special resonance properties with the aid of the 3D printing process.
  • the housing 2 can be produced inexpensively in large numbers by means of the injection molding process.
  • the ear canal section 3 is produced using the 3D printing process and the rest of the housing 2, in particular the area at the second end 14 in which the operating means 16a - c and/or the interface are arranged, is produced using the injection molding process.
  • the ear canal section 3 can be adapted to the individual auditory canal 10 of each wearer, while the rest of the housing 2 is inexpensive to produce.
  • FIG 3 shows a sectional view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an in-ear earphone 1 with at least one thickening 17a, 17b arranged in the resonance chamber 6.
  • two thickenings 17a, 17b are arranged.
  • the thickenings 17a, 17b are also arranged in the rear volume 8.
  • the thickenings 17a, 17b thicken the housing wall 15 in their areas.
  • the thickenings 17a, 17b can also be arranged in the front volume 7.
  • at least one thinning can be arranged in the resonance chamber 6 , in particular in the front volume 7 and/or in the rear volume 8 . The thinning thins the housing wall 15 in the area in which it is formed.
  • the resonance properties of the resonance space 6 and in particular of the front volume 7 and/or the rear volume 8 can be adjusted with the aid of the thickenings 17a, 17b and/or the thinnings not shown here.
  • FIG 4 shows another alternative embodiment of an in-ear phone 1.
  • a resonance element 18 is arranged in the resonance space 6.
  • the resonance element 18 is arranged in the rear volume 8 here. Additionally or alternatively, the resonance element 18 can also be arranged in the front volume 7 .
  • the resonance properties of the resonance space 6, in particular of the front volume 7 and/or the rear volume 8, can likewise be adjusted with the aid of the resonance element 18.
  • figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of an in-ear earphone 1 in a sectional view, with the sound transducer 5 being arranged in the area of the second end 14 .
  • the sound transducer 5 is arranged at the end of the ear canal section 3 opposite the sound exit opening 12 or first end 11 .
  • the ear canal section 3 thus starts at the sound transducer 5 and extends to the sound exit opening 12 or to the first end 11.
  • the ear canal section 3 extends between the sound transducer 5 and the first end 11 or the sound exit opening 12.
  • the sound transducer 5 is arranged in the area of the auditory entrance 19 and/or the auricle.
  • the sound transducer 5 can be made larger, which has advantages in the manufacture of the in-ear phone 1.
  • the sound transducer 5 separates the resonance chamber 6 into the rear volume 8 and the front volume 7. Due to the enlarged section of the in-ear phone 1 in the area of the second end 14, the rear volume 8 and/or a loudspeaker-side end section of the front volume 7 is also enlarged. This allows good acoustics to be achieved.
  • resonance elements 18 (not shown here) can be arranged in the rear volume 8 and/or in the front volume 7 .
  • the housing wall 15, according to figure 5 extends only in the area of the ear canal section 3 can additionally or alternatively also extend in the section of the in-ear phone 1 in the area of the second end 14 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, the housing wall 15 can also extend in the area of the rear volume 8 .
  • the inner contour 9 of the front volume 7 has a free-form geometry and/or organic auditory canal geometry adapted to the inner contour of the auditory canal. This applies to the in figure 1 , 2 and 4 illustrated embodiments also towards the inner contour 9 of the rear volume 8 . Only at the in figure 3 and 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner contour 9 of the rear volume is not adapted to the inner contour of the auditory canal or to the outer contour of the housing, at least in some areas. In all cases, the free-form geometry is based on the organic form of the outer ear canal.

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  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
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  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
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Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen In-Ohr Hörer, insbesondere Kopfhörer und/oder Hörgerät, mit einem Gehäuse, das zumindest einen Ohrkanalabschnitt aufweist, der im bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauch des In-Ohr Hörers in einen Gehörgang eines Trägers eingeführt ist und zumindest in einem Abschnitt eine an den Gehörgang angepasste Außenkontur aufweist, einem im Gehäuse angeordneten Schallwandler und zumindest einem im Gehäuse ausgebildeten Resonanzraum, der durch den Schallwandler in ein Vordervolumen und ein Hintervolumen geteilt ist.The present invention relates to an in-ear earphone, in particular headphones and/or a hearing aid, with a housing which has at least one ear canal section which, when the in-ear earphone is used as intended, is inserted into an ear canal of a wearer and at least in one section has an has an outer contour adapted to the auditory canal, a sound transducer arranged in the housing and at least one resonance chamber which is formed in the housing and is divided into a front volume and a rear volume by the sound transducer.

Aus der US 2016/0066081 A1 ist ein Ohrhörer mit einem Gehäuse bekannt, in dem ein Resonanzraum ausgebildet ist. Ein Schallwandler des Ohrhörers unterteilt den Resonanzraum in ein Vordervolumen und ein Hintervolumen. Außerdem weist der Ohrhörer einen Ohrkanalabschnitt auf, der bei bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauch des Ohrhörers in einen Gehörgang eines Trägers eingeführt ist. Nachteilig bei diesem Ohrhörer ist es, dass durch die Form des Schallwandlers eine Geometrie des Resonanzraums vorgegeben und lediglich sehr eingeschränkt veränderbar ist.From the US 2016/0066081 A1 an earphone with a housing in which a resonance chamber is formed is known. A sound transducer of the earphone divides the resonance space into a front volume and a rear volume. In addition, the earphone has an ear canal section that is inserted into an ear canal of a wearer when the earphone is used as intended. The disadvantage of this earphone is that the shape of the sound transducer predetermines the geometry of the resonance space and can only be changed to a very limited extent.

US2012/243717 A1 zeigt ein Hörgerät mit ersetzbarer Einführungsabdeckung. US2012/243717 A1 shows a hearing aid with replaceable insertion cover.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es somit, einen In-Ohr Hörer zu schaffen, mittels dem die Nachteile des Stands der Technik behoben werden.The object of the present invention is therefore to create an in-ear earphone by means of which the disadvantages of the prior art are eliminated.

Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch einen In-Ohr Hörer mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Patentanspruchs 1.The problem is solved by an in-ear earphone with the features of independent patent claim 1.

Vorgeschlagen wird ein In-Ohr Hörer mit einem Gehäuse. Der In-Ohr Hörer kann beispielsweise ein Kopfhörer sein, der mit einem Musikabspielgerät oder einem Kommunikationsgerät, beispielsweise einem Smartphone, koppelbar ist, um Musik oder Sprache hören zu können. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann der In-Ohr Hörer auch ein Hörgerät sein, um bei einer Hörbeeinträchtigung Töne und Geräusche zu verstärken.An in-ear receiver with a housing is proposed. The in-ear headphones can be headphones, for example, which can be coupled to a music player or a communication device, for example a smartphone, in order to be able to hear music or speech. Additionally or alternatively the in-ear phone can also be a hearing aid to amplify tones and noises in the case of a hearing impairment.

Das Gehäuse weist einen Ohrkanalabschnitt auf, der im bestimmungsgemä-ßen Gebrauch des In-Ohr Hörers in einen Gehörgang eines Trägers eingeführt ist. Dadurch, dass der Ohrkanalabschnitt im Gehörgang angeordnet ist, können die Töne, die Musik oder die Sprache direkt ins Ohr eingeleitet werden. Auf diese Weise kann auf der einen Seite die Leistung des In-Ohr Hörers verringert werden, da die Töne, die Musik oder die Sprache ohne Umwege zum Ohr geführt werden. Auf der anderen Seite dringen weniger Töne, Musik oder Sprache nach außen, so dass ein Störeffekt für andere Personen verringert ist.The housing has an ear canal section which is inserted into an auditory canal of a wearer when the in-ear phone is used as intended. Because the ear canal section is arranged in the auditory canal, sounds, music or speech can be introduced directly into the ear. In this way, on the one hand, the performance of the in-ear receiver can be reduced, since the tones, the music or the language are routed directly to the ear. On the other hand, fewer tones, music or speech penetrate to the outside, so that a disruptive effect for other people is reduced.

Das Gehäuse weist ferner zumindest in einem Abschnitt eine an den Gehörgang angepasste Außenkontur auf. Dadurch ist ein Tragekomfort des In-Ohr Hörers verbessert. Ferner kann hierdurch das gesamte zur Verfügung stehende Innenvolumen des Gehörgangs zur Ausgestaltung des Gehäuses genutzt werden. Die Außenkontur weist vorzugsweise eine Freiformgeometrie und/oder organische Gehörgangform auf. Die Freiformgeometrie entspricht vorzugsweise der individuellen Form des, insbesondere äußeren, Gehörgangs des jeweiligen Benutzers. Diese wird vermessen und/oder mittels eines 3D-Druckverfahrens hergestellt.The housing also has, at least in one section, an outer contour that is adapted to the auditory canal. This improves wearing comfort of the in-ear phone. Furthermore, the entire available internal volume of the auditory canal can thereby be used to design the housing. The outer contour preferably has a free-form geometry and/or an organic shape of the auditory canal. The free-form geometry preferably corresponds to the individual shape of the particular user's auditory canal, in particular the outer auditory canal. This is measured and/or produced using a 3D printing process.

Des Weiteren umfasst der In-Ohr Hörer einen im Gehäuse angeordneten Schallwandler. Der Schallwandler kann als Lautsprecher betrieben werden, so dass mit diesem die Töne, die Musik oder die Sprache ausgegeben werden können.Furthermore, the in-ear phone includes a sound transducer arranged in the housing. The sound converter can be operated as a loudspeaker so that the tones, the music or the speech can be output with it.

Außerdem ist im Gehäuse ein Resonanzraum ausgebildet, der durch den Schallwandler in ein Vordervolumen und ein Hintervolumen geteilt ist. Mit Hilfe des Resonanzraums können die vom Schallwandler erzeugten Schallwellen verstärkt und/oder in ihrem Spektrum modifiziert werden.In addition, a resonance space is formed in the housing, which is divided by the sound transducer into a front volume and a rear volume. With the help of the resonance space, the sound waves generated by the sound transducer can be amplified and/or their spectrum can be modified.

Der Schallwandler ist ein MEMS-Schallwandler. Die Bezeichnung MEMS steht für mikroelektromechanische Systeme. Der MEMS-Schallwandler kann in komplexeren Formen als beispielsweise ein elektrodynamischer oder ein balanced-armature-Schallwandler ausgebildet werden, so dass durch den MEMS-Schallwandler einer Formgebung des Resonanzraums bzw. des Vorder- und/oder des Hintervolumens nahezu keine Grenzen gesetzt sind. Dadurch kann die Form des Vordervolumens und/oder des Hintervolumens derart angepasst werden, dass eine optimale Resonanzwirkung bzw. Verstärkung und Frequenzmodifikation erreichbar ist.The transducer is a MEMS transducer. The term MEMS stands for microelectromechanical systems. The MEMS sound transducer can be designed in more complex forms than, for example, an electrodynamic or a balanced-armature sound transducer, so that there are almost no limits to the shape of the resonance space or the front and/or rear volume with the MEMS sound transducer. As a result, the shape of the front volume and/or the rear volume can be adapted in such a way that an optimal resonance effect or amplification and frequency modification can be achieved.

Des Weiteren weist zumindest das Vordervolumen eine an den Gehörgang und/oder korrespondierende Außenkontur angepasste Innenkontur auf. Zusätzlich oder alternativ weist auch das Hintervolumen eine an den Gehörgang und/oder korrespondierende Außenkontur angepasste Innenkontur auf. Durch die angepasste Innenkontur wird der Resonanzraum in den entsprechenden Volumina so groß wie möglich ausgebildet, um die von dem Schallwandler erzeugten Schallwellen so gut wie möglich zu verstärken. Das Vordervolumen kann teilweise, insbesondere in einem oder mehreren Abschnitten, oder vollständig, d.h. insbesondere über seine gesamte Länge, an die Innenkontur des Gehörgangs angepasst sein. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann das Hintervolumen teilweise, insbesondere in einem oder mehreren Abschnitten, oder vollständig, insbesondere über seine gesamte Länge, an die Innenkontur des Gehörgangs angepasst sein. Die Innenkontur des Vordervolumens und/oder die Innenkontur des Hintervolumens weist vorzugsweise eine Freiformgeometrie auf. Auch ist es vorteilhaft, dass die Außenkontur des Gehäuses im Bereich des Vordervolumens und/oder des Hintervolumens eine mit der Innenkontur korrespondierende Freiformgeometrie aufweist.Furthermore, at least the front volume has an inner contour adapted to the auditory canal and/or a corresponding outer contour. Additionally or alternatively, the rear volume also has an inner contour adapted to the auditory canal and/or a corresponding outer contour. Due to the adapted inner contour, the resonance space is designed as large as possible in the corresponding volumes in order to amplify the sound waves generated by the sound transducer as well as possible. The front volume can be adapted to the inner contour of the auditory canal partially, in particular in one or more sections, or completely, i.e. in particular over its entire length. Alternatively or additionally, the rear volume can be adapted to the inner contour of the auditory canal partially, in particular in one or more sections, or completely, in particular over its entire length. The inner contour of the front volume and/or the inner contour of the rear volume preferably has a free-form geometry. It is also advantageous that the outer contour of the housing in the area of the front volume and/or the rear volume has a free-form geometry that corresponds to the inner contour.

In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann nur die Innenkontur des Vordervolumens und die damit korrespondierende Außenkontur eine an den Gehörgang angepasste Form, insbesondere eine Freiformgeometrie aufweisen. Das Hintervolumen und die mit diesem korrespondierende Außenkontur des Gehäuses ist nicht an die Form des Gehörgangs angepasst und/oder im bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauch außerhalb des Gehörgangs, insbesondere im Bereich der Ohrmuschel angeordnet.In an advantageous development of the invention, only the inner contour of the front volume and the outer contour corresponding thereto can have a shape adapted to the auditory canal, in particular a free-form geometry exhibit. The rear volume and the outer contour of the housing corresponding thereto is not adapted to the shape of the auditory canal and/or is arranged outside the auditory canal, in particular in the area of the auricle, when used as intended.

Vorteilhaft ist es, wenn das Gehäuse zumindest im Bereich des Vordervolumens aus einem sich bei Körperwärme verformbaren Material ausgebildet ist, so dass sich dieses nach dem Einführen in einen Gehörgang innerhalb eines Zeitfensters an dessen organische Freiformgeometrie selbstständig anpasst.It is advantageous if the housing, at least in the area of the front volume, is made of a material that can be deformed by body heat, so that after insertion into an auditory canal it automatically adapts to its organic free-form geometry within a time window.

Durch die Anpassung des Vorder- und/oder Hintervolumens an den Gehörgang weisen vorteilhafterweise das Vorder- und/oder das Hintervolumen ähnliche Resonanzeigenschaften wie der Gehörgang auf. Auf diese Weise kann, unter Zuhilfenahme des Schallwandlers und des Resonanzraums, ein natürliches Klangbild (d.h. wie wenn kein In-Ohr Hörer im Ohr wäre) erzeugt werden. Insbesondere bei 3D-Audioanwendungen kann somit eine vereinfachte Außenohr-Übertragungsfunktion verwendet werden, insbesondere eine, die lediglich die Ohrmuschelform und nicht die Ohrkanalform berücksichtigt, da im Wesentlichen die tatsächliche Form des Ohrkanals durch die Innenkontur des Vordervolumens und/oder Hintervolumens reproduziert ist.Due to the adaptation of the front and/or rear volume to the auditory canal, the front and/or rear volume advantageously have resonance properties similar to those of the auditory canal. In this way, with the help of the sound transducer and the resonance chamber, a natural sound image (i.e. as if there were no in-ear headphones in the ear) can be generated. In particular in 3D audio applications, a simplified outer ear transfer function can thus be used, in particular one that only takes into account the auricle shape and not the ear canal shape, since essentially the actual shape of the ear canal is reproduced by the inner contour of the anterior volume and/or posterior volume.

In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist die Innenkontur im Wesentlichen eine Negativform der Außenkontur. Das heißt, dass zu Bereichen der Außenkontur, die beispielsweise eine konkave Form aufweisen, die dazugehörigen Bereiche der Innenkontur konvex ausgebildet sind. Bereiche der Außenkontur, die dagegen eine konvexe Form aufweisen, weisen korrespondierende Bereiche der Innenkontur auf, die konkav ausgebildet sind. Dadurch kann auf einfache Weise die Innenkontur an den Gehörgang angepasst werden.In an advantageous development of the invention, the inner contour is essentially a negative form of the outer contour. This means that for areas of the outer contour that have a concave shape, for example, the associated areas of the inner contour are convex. Areas of the outer contour which, on the other hand, have a convex shape have corresponding areas of the inner contour which are concave. This allows the inner contour to be adapted to the ear canal in a simple manner.

Vorteilhaft ist es auch, wenn das Gehäuse in einem 3D-Druckverfahren hergestellt ist. Mittels des 3D-Druckverfahrens kann das Gehäuse schnell ausgebildet werden. Außerdem kann das Gehäuse an die verschiedenen Formen der Gehörgänge von verschiedenen Trägern angepasst werden. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann das Gehäuse auch in einem Spritzgussverfahren hergestellt sein. Mittels des Spritzgussverfahrens kann eine hohe Stückzahl kostengünstig hergestellt werden.It is also advantageous if the housing is produced using a 3D printing process. The housing can be formed quickly using the 3D printing process. In addition, the housing can be adapted to the different shapes of the ear canals of different wearers. Additionally or alternatively, the housing can also be produced in an injection molding process. A large number of items can be produced inexpensively using the injection molding process.

Ferner ist der Ohrkanalabschnitt mit Hilfe des 3D-Druckverfahrens hergestellt, da lediglich dieser Teil des Gehäuses im Gehörgang angeordnet ist. Der Teil des Gehäuses, der außerhalb des Gehörgangs angeordnet ist, kann mit Hilfe des Spritzgussverfahrens ausgebildet sein. Dadurch kann der Ohrkanalabschnitt gemäß der Anatomie des Gehörgangs des Trägers angepasst werden, wohingegen der restliche Teil des Gehäuses kostengünstig ausgebildet werden kann.Furthermore, the ear canal section is produced using the 3D printing process, since only this part of the housing is arranged in the ear canal. The part of the housing that is located outside the ear canal can be formed using the injection molding process. As a result, the ear canal section can be adjusted according to the anatomy of the wearer's ear canal, while the remaining part of the housing can be formed inexpensively.

Des Weiteren ist es von Vorteil, wenn das Gehäuse starr ausgebildet ist. Dabei kann auch lediglich der Ohrkanalabschnitt starr ausgebildet sein. Das starre Gehäuse erhält damit seine Form bei, so dass die an den Gehörgang angepasste Außenkontur erhalten bleibt.Furthermore, it is advantageous if the housing is rigid. It is also possible for only the ear canal section to be rigid. The rigid housing thus retains its shape so that the outer contour adapted to the auditory canal is retained.

Das Gehäuse und/oder der Ohrkanalabschnitt kann dazu beispielsweise aus einem Kunststoff, wie beispielsweise einem Thermoplast und/oder einem Duroplast, hergestellt sein. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann das Gehäuse und/oder der Ohrkanalabschnitt auch aus einem Elastomer ausgebildet sein.For this purpose, the housing and/or the ear canal section can be produced, for example, from a plastic such as a thermoplastic and/or a duroplastic. Additionally or alternatively, the housing and/or the ear canal section can also be made of an elastomer.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn eine das Vordervolumen begrenzende Gehäusewandung eine gleichmäßige Dicke aufweist. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann auch die das Hintervolumen begrenzende Gehäusewandung eine gleichmäßige Dicke aufweisen. Dadurch kann auf einfache Weise das Vorder- und/oder das Hintervolumen so groß wie möglich ausgebildet werden, um die verstärkende Wirkung der entsprechenden Resonanzräume zu verbessern.It is advantageous if a housing wall delimiting the front volume has a uniform thickness. Additionally or alternatively, the housing wall delimiting the rear volume can also have a uniform thickness. As a result, the front and/or the rear volume can be made as large as possible in a simple manner in order to improve the amplifying effect of the corresponding resonance chambers.

Des Weiteren ist es von Vorteil, wenn das Vordervolumen im Ohrkanalabschnitt angeordnet ist. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann auch das Hintervolumen im Ohrkanalabschnitt angeordnet sein. Weiterhin kann zusätzlich oder alternativ auch der MEMS-Schallwandler im Ohrkanalabschnitt angeordnet sein. Dadurch kann der Ton, die Musik und/oder die Sprache unmittelbar im Gehörgang erzeugt werden, so dass beispielsweise auch eine Geräuschbelästigung für Personen in der Umgebung verringert wird.Furthermore, it is advantageous if the front volume is arranged in the ear canal section. In addition or as an alternative, the rear volume can also be arranged in the ear canal section. Furthermore, the MEMS sound transducer can also be arranged in the ear canal section in addition or as an alternative. As a result, the tone, the music and/or the speech can be generated directly in the auditory canal, so that, for example, noise pollution for people in the vicinity is also reduced.

Vorteilhaft ist es auch, wenn der MEMS-Schallwandler senkrecht zu einer Längsrichtung des Gehäuses angeordnet ist. Dadurch können die vom Schallwandler erzeugten Schallwellen direkt in das Vordervolumen und/oder das Hintervolumen abgestrahlt werden.It is also advantageous if the MEMS sound transducer is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the housing. As a result, the sound waves generated by the sound transducer can be radiated directly into the front volume and/or the rear volume.

Ebenfalls von Vorteil ist es, wenn die Gehäusewandung im Vordervolumen zumindest bereichsweise Verdickungen und/oder Verdünnungen aufweist. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann die Gehäusewandung auch im Hintervolumen zumindest bereichsweise Verdickungen und/oder Verdünnungen aufweisen. Dadurch kann im Vorder- und/oder im Hintervolumen der Resonanzraum zumindest bereichsweise vergrößert und/oder verkleinert werden. Dadurch können die Resonanzeigenschaften des Vorder- und/oder des Hintervolumens angepasst werden.It is also advantageous if the housing wall in the front volume has thickenings and/or thinnings at least in some areas. Additionally or alternatively, the housing wall can also have thickenings and/or thinnings at least in regions in the rear volume. As a result, the resonance chamber can be enlarged and/or reduced at least in some areas in the front and/or in the rear volume. This allows the resonance properties of the front and/or the rear volume to be adjusted.

Vorteilhaft ist es auch, wenn im Gehäuse zumindest ein Resonanzelement angeordnet ist. Auch mit Hilfe der Resonanzelemente können die Resonanzeigenschaften des Resonanzraums angepasst werden. Das Resonanzelement kann dazu beispielsweise im Vordervolumen angeordnet sein. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann das Resonanzelement auch im Hintervolumen angeordnet sein. Vorzugsweise sind das Resonanzelement und das Gehäuse aus zueinander unterschiedlichen Materialien ausgebildet. Vorzugsweise ist das Resonanzelement aus einem porösem Material. Hierdurch kann die Oberfläche vergrößert werden.It is also advantageous if at least one resonance element is arranged in the housing. The resonance properties of the resonance space can also be adjusted with the aid of the resonance elements. For this purpose, the resonance element can be arranged, for example, in the front volume. Additionally or alternatively, the resonance element can also be arranged in the rear volume. The resonance element and the housing are preferably made of different materials from one another. Preferably, the resonance element is made of a porous material. This allows the surface to be increased.

Des Weiteren ist es von Vorteil, wenn ein Randbereich des MEMS-Schallwandlers zumindest teilweise in die Gehäusewandung eingefasst ist. Dadurch ist der MEMS-Schallwandler fest mit dem Gehäuse verbunden.Furthermore, it is advantageous if an edge area of the MEMS sound transducer is at least partially enclosed in the housing wall. As a result, the MEMS sound transducer is firmly connected to the housing.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn der Ohrkanalabschnitt im Bereich eines im Gehörgang angeordneten ersten Endes eine Schallaustrittsöffnung aufweist. Die Schallaustrittsöffnung ist bei bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauch des In-Ohr Hörers dem Trommelfell des Trägers zugewandt. Dadurch können die von dem Schallwandler erzeugten Schallwellen direkt zum Trommelfell geleitet werden.It is advantageous if the ear canal section has a sound exit opening in the region of a first end arranged in the auditory canal. When the in-ear headphones are used as intended, the sound outlet opening faces the wearer's eardrum. As a result, the sound waves generated by the sound transducer can be conducted directly to the eardrum.

Vorteilhaft ist es, wenn der In-Ohr Hörer im Bereich eines dem ersten Ende gegenüberliegenden zweiten Endes Betriebsmittel zum Betreiben des In-Ohr Hörers aufweist. Die Betriebsmittel können beispielsweise eine Energieeinheit zur Energieversorgung des In-Ohr Hörers, eine Speichereinheit zur Speicherung von Tönen und/oder Musik, eine Steuereinheit zum Abspielen der Töne und/oder Musik und/oder eine Datenübertragungseinheit zur Datenübertragung von Daten zwischen einer externen Einheit und dem In-Ohr Hörer umfassen. Die Datenübertragungseinheit kann beispielsweise eine Bluetooth- und/oder eine W-LAN-Schnittstelle umfassen. Durch die Betriebsmittel am In-Ohr Hörer kann dieser autark betrieben werden.It is advantageous if the in-ear phone has operating means for operating the in-ear phone in the region of a second end opposite the first end. The equipment can be, for example, an energy unit for supplying energy to the in-ear earphone, a storage unit for storing tones and/or music, a control unit for playing the tones and/or music and/or a data transmission unit for data transmission of data between an external unit and the In-Ear earphones include. The data transmission unit can include a Bluetooth and/or a W-LAN interface, for example. Thanks to the equipment on the in-ear earphone, it can be operated independently.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn im Bereich des zweiten Endes eine Schnittstelle für die Betriebsmittel des In-Ohr Hörers angeordnet ist. Die Schnittstelle kann beispielsweise eine Clinkenbuchse, eine W-LAN-Schnittstelle und/oder eine Bluetooth-Schnittstelle sein. Mit Hilfe der Schnittstelle können die Betriebsmittel für den In-Ohr Hörer beispielsweise in einer Einheit angeordnet sein, die hinter dem Ohr, insbesondere der Ohrmuschel, getragen werden kann. Über die Schnittstelle kann ein Audiosignal, das die Musik, die Töne und/oder die Sprache umfasst, und/oder die Energie zum Betreiben des In-Ohr Hörers zum Schallwandler geführt werden. Außerdem kann mittels der Schnittstelle auch eine Verbindung zu einem Smartphone ausgebildet werden, so dass davon die Musik usw. abgespielt werden kann. Dadurch kann der In-Ohr Hörer kompakter ausgebildet werden.It is advantageous if an interface for the equipment of the in-ear earphone is arranged in the area of the second end. The interface can be a jack socket, a W-LAN interface and/or a Bluetooth interface, for example. With the help of the interface, the equipment for the in-ear receiver can be arranged, for example, in a unit that can be worn behind the ear, in particular the auricle. An audio signal, which includes the music, the tones and/or the speech, and/or the energy for operating the in-ear earphone can be routed to the sound converter via the interface. In addition, by means of Interface can also be connected to a smartphone, so that the music etc. can be played. As a result, the in-ear phone can be made more compact.

Außerdem ist es von Vorteil, wenn eine zwischen der Schnittstelle, den Betriebsmitteln und/oder dem MEMS-Schallwandler verlaufende Audioleitung in die Gehäusewandung eingebettet ist. Die Audioleitung kann auch in das Gehäuse eingebettet sein. Die Audioleitung kann vorteilhafterweise im Rahmen des Spritzgussverfahrens und/oder des 3D-Druckverfahrens eingedruckt werden. Dadurch ist die Audioleitung weder im Resonanzraum, wo sie die Resonanzeigenschaften negativ beeinflussen würde, noch außerhalb des Gehäuses, wo sie den Tragekomfort verschlechtern würde, angeordnet.It is also advantageous if an audio line running between the interface, the equipment and/or the MEMS sound transducer is embedded in the housing wall. The audio line can also be embedded in the housing. The audio line can advantageously be printed as part of the injection molding process and/or the 3D printing process. As a result, the audio line is neither located in the resonance chamber, where it would negatively affect the resonance properties, nor outside the housing, where it would make it less comfortable to wear.

Weitere Vorteile der Erfindung sind in den nachfolgenden Ausführungsbeispielen beschrieben. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
eine Schnittansicht eines In-Ohr Hörers mit einem Gehäuse und einen darin angeordneten Schallwandler,
Figur 2
eine Schnittansicht des In-Ohr Hörers gemäß Figur 1, wobei ein Ohrkanalabschnitt im Gehörgang eines Trägers angeordnet ist,
Figur 3
eine Schnittansicht eines In-Ohr Hörers mit im Resonanzraum angeordneten Verdickungen der Gehäusewandung,
Figur 4
eine Schnittansicht eines In-Ohr Hörers mit einem im Resonanzraum angeordneten Resonanzelement und
Figur 5
eine Schnittansicht eines In-Ohr Hörers mit einem Schallwandler im Bereich eines zweiten Endes des In-Ohr Hörers.
Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. Show it:
figure 1
a sectional view of an in-ear earphone with a housing and a sound transducer arranged therein,
figure 2
a sectional view of the in-ear phone according to FIG figure 1 wherein an ear canal portion is disposed in a wearer's ear canal,
figure 3
a sectional view of an in-ear earphone with thickenings of the housing wall arranged in the resonance space,
figure 4
a sectional view of an in-ear earphone with a resonance element arranged in the resonance chamber and
figure 5
a sectional view of an in-ear phone with a sound transducer in the area of a second end of the in-ear phone.

Figur 1 zeigt eine Schnittansicht eines In-Ohr Hörers 1 mit einem Gehäuse 2. Der in einem Gehörgang 10 angeordnete In-Ohr Hörer 1 ist in Figur 2 gezeigt. Die wesentlichen Merkmale des In-Ohr Hörers 1 sind in den beiden Figuren 1 und 2 dieselben, so dass zur Beschreibung der Merkmale und deren Funktionen auf beide Figuren 1 und 2 Bezug genommen wird. figure 1 shows a sectional view of an in-ear phone 1 with a housing 2. The arranged in an ear canal 10 in-ear phone 1 is in figure 2 shown. The essential features of the in-ear phone 1 are the same in the two figures 1 and 2, so that the description of the features and their functions on both figures 1 and 2 is referred to.

Der In-Ohr Hörer 1 kann beispielsweise ein Hörgerät sein, das zur Hörunterstützung dient. Der In-Ohr Hörer 1 kann aber auch ein Kopfhörer sein, so dass mit ihm beispielsweise Musik gehört werden kann. In-Ohr Hörer 1 kann aber auch zur Kommunikation genutzt werden, um beispielsweise beim Telefonieren Sprache direkt ins Ohr zu leiten.The in-ear phone 1 can be a hearing aid, for example, which is used for hearing assistance. However, the in-ear phone 1 can also be headphones, so that music can be heard with it, for example. In-ear headphones 1 can also be used for communication, for example to direct speech into the ear when making a call.

Das Gehäuse 2 weist zumindest einen Ohrkanalabschnitt 3 auf, der im bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauch des In-Ohr Hörers 1 in den Gehörgang 10 eines Trägers eingeführt ist. Das Gehäuse 2 umfasst des Weiteren eine Außenkontur 4, die für einen hohen Tragekomfort an den Gehörgang 10 angepasst ist.The housing 2 has at least one ear canal section 3, which is inserted into the ear canal 10 of a wearer when the in-ear phone 1 is used as intended. The housing 2 also includes an outer contour 4, which is adapted to the auditory canal 10 for a high level of wearing comfort.

Zur Erzeugung von Schallwellen weist der In-Ohr Hörer 1 im Gehäuse 2 einen Schallwandler 5 auf. Mit Hilfe des Schallwandlers 5 können beispielsweise die Töne, Musik und/oder Sprache erzeugt werden.In order to generate sound waves, the in-ear phone 1 has a sound converter 5 in the housing 2 . With the help of the sound transducer 5, for example, the tones, music and/or speech can be generated.

Im Gehäuse 2 ist des Weiteren ein Resonanzraum 6 angeordnet. Der Schallwandler 5 teilt außerdem den Resonanzraum 6 in ein Vordervolumen 7 und ein Hintervolumen 8. Mittels des Resonanzraums 6 können die vom Schallwandler 5 erzeugten Schallwellen verstärkt werden. Zusätzlich oder alternativ können mit Hilfe des Resonanzraums 6 die Schallwellen auch modifiziert werden. Die Verstärkung und/oder die Modifikation kann dabei von der Form und/oder der Geometrie des Resonanzraums 6 abhängen.Furthermore, a resonance chamber 6 is arranged in the housing 2 . The sound transducer 5 also divides the resonance space 6 into a front volume 7 and a rear volume 8. The sound waves generated by the sound transducer 5 can be amplified by means of the resonance space 6. In addition or as an alternative, the sound waves can also be modified with the aid of the resonance space 6 . The amplification and/or the modification can depend on the shape and/or the geometry of the resonance space 6 .

Erfindungsgemäß ist der Schallwandler 5 ein MEMS-Schallwandler. Der MEMS-Schallwandler weist einen Vorteil auf, nämlich dass dieser einfach aufgebaut ist. Der MEMS-Schallwandler ist außerdem nicht auf einen speziellen Formfaktor, d.h. Form des Schallwandlers 5 oder Geometrie, angewiesen. Er kann vielmehr relativ einfach in verschiedenen Formen ausgebildet werden. So kann er beispielsweise mit einem runden, ovalen, elliptischen und/oder eckigen Querschnitt ausgebildet sein. Bei den im Stand der Technik bekannten Schallwandlern muss nämlich das Gehäuse 2 und auch der Resonanzraum 6 an die vorgegebene Form des Schallwandlers 5 angepasst werden. Mit Hilfe des MEMS-Schallwandlers 5 kann zuerst der Resonanzraum 6 derart angepasst werden, dass dessen Resonanzeigenschaften optimiert sind. Daraufhin kann der MEMS-Schallwandler 5 gemäß den geometrischen Vorgaben des Resonanzraums 6 bzw. des Gehäuses 2 ausgebildet werden.According to the invention, the sound converter 5 is a MEMS sound converter. The MEMS transducer has an advantage that it is simple is constructed. In addition, the MEMS sound transducer is not dependent on a special form factor, ie shape of the sound transducer 5 or geometry. Rather, it can be formed relatively easily in various forms. For example, it can be designed with a round, oval, elliptical and/or angular cross section. In the case of the sound converters known in the prior art, the housing 2 and also the resonance space 6 must be adapted to the given shape of the sound converter 5 . With the help of the MEMS sound transducer 5, the resonance space 6 can first be adapted in such a way that its resonance properties are optimized. The MEMS sound transducer 5 can then be designed according to the geometric specifications of the resonance space 6 or the housing 2 .

Zusätzlich weist das Vordervolumen 7 erfindungsgemäß eine an den Gehörgang 10 angepasste Innenkontur 9 auf. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann auch die Innenkontur 9 des Hintervolumens 8 an den Gehörgang 10 angepasst sein. Dadurch sind beispielsweise die Resonanzeigenschaften des Vordervolumens 7 und/oder Hintervolumens 8 an die des Gehörgangs 10 angepasst. Dadurch wird ein Klangbild vermittelt, das dem des Gehörgangs 10 ohne den In-Ohr Hörer 1 im Wesentlichen ähnlich ist. Die Töne, Musik und/oder Sprache werden derart verstärkt, modifiziert und/oder weitergeleitet, wie wenn kein In-Ohr Hörer 1 im Gehörgang 10 angeordnet wäre. Die an den Gehörgang 10 angepasste Innenkontur 9 des Vorder- und/oder Hintervolumens 7, 8 führt somit zu einem im Wesentlichen unveränderten und natürlichen Klang.In addition, the front volume 7 according to the invention has an inner contour 9 adapted to the auditory canal 10 . In addition or as an alternative, the inner contour 9 of the rear volume 8 can also be adapted to the auditory canal 10 . As a result, for example, the resonance properties of the front volume 7 and/or the rear volume 8 are adapted to those of the auditory canal 10 . This conveys a sound image that is essentially similar to that of the auditory canal 10 without the in-ear phone 1 . The tones, music and/or speech are amplified, modified and/or forwarded in such a way as if no in-ear headphones 1 were arranged in the auditory canal 10 . The inner contour 9 of the front and/or rear volume 7, 8 adapted to the auditory canal 10 thus leads to an essentially unchanged and natural sound.

Das Gehäuse 2 weist im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel ferner an einem im Gehörgang 10 angeordneten ersten Ende 11 eine Austrittsöffnung 12 auf, welche beim bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauch des In-Ohr Hörers 1 gemäß Figur 2 einem Trommelfell 13 des Trägers zugewandt ist. Dadurch können die aus der Austrittsöffnung 12 austretenden Schallwellen direkt zum Trommelfell 13 gelangen.In the present exemplary embodiment, the housing 2 also has an outlet opening 12 at a first end 11 arranged in the auditory canal 10, which, when the in-ear earphone 1 is used as intended, according to FIG figure 2 facing an eardrum 13 of the wearer. As a result, the sound waves emerging from the outlet opening 12 can reach the eardrum 13 directly.

Wie im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel gezeigt ist, kann der Schallwandler 5 im Wesentlichen parallel zum Querschnitt des Gehäuses 2 und/oder zum Querschnitt des Ohrkanalabschnitts 3 angeordnet sein. Dadurch teilt der Schallwandler 5 den Resonanzraum 6 in das Vordervolumen 7 und in das Hintervolumen 8. Außerdem werden dadurch die von dem Schallwandler 5 erzeugten Schallwellen in Richtung der Austrittsöffnung 12 abgestrahlt.As shown in the present exemplary embodiment, the sound transducer 5 can be arranged essentially parallel to the cross section of the housing 2 and/or to the cross section of the ear canal section 3 . As a result, the sound transducer 5 divides the resonance chamber 6 into the front volume 7 and the rear volume 8. In addition, the sound waves generated by the sound transducer 5 are radiated in the direction of the outlet opening 12 as a result.

Die Innenkontur 9 kann des Weiteren beispielsweise, wie im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel gezeigt ist, eine Negativform der Außenkontur 4 sein. Das heißt beispielsweise, dass in Bereichen, in denen die Außenkontur 4, wie beispielsweise im Bereich des ersten Endes 11, konvex ausgebildet ist, die Innenkontur 9 konkav ausgebildet ist. Wenn dagegen die Außenkontur 4 konkav ausgebildet ist, ist der dazugehörige Bereich der Innenkontur 9 konvex ausgebildet. Dadurch kann die Innenkontur 9 auf einfache Weise an den Gehörgang 10 angepasst werden.Furthermore, the inner contour 9 can, for example, be a negative form of the outer contour 4, as shown in the present exemplary embodiment. This means, for example, that in areas in which the outer contour 4 is convex, for example in the area of the first end 11, the inner contour 9 is concave. If, on the other hand, the outer contour 4 is concave, the associated area of the inner contour 9 is convex. As a result, the inner contour 9 can be adapted to the auditory canal 10 in a simple manner.

Des Weiteren ist es von Vorteil, wenn eine Gehäusewandung 15 des Gehäuses 2 eine gleichmäßige Dicke aufweist. Dadurch kann ebenfalls auf einfache Weise die Innenkontur 9 an den Gehörgang 10 angepasst werden.Furthermore, it is advantageous if a housing wall 15 of the housing 2 has a uniform thickness. As a result, the inner contour 9 can likewise be adapted to the auditory canal 10 in a simple manner.

An einem zum ersten Ende 11 gegenüberliegenden zweiten Ende 14 des Gehäuses 2 sind, wie im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel gezeigt, Betriebsmittel 16a - c angeordnet. Die Betriebsmittel 16a - c sind im hier gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel lediglich beispielhaft dargestellt. Der In-Ohr Hörer 1 kann auch mehr als drei Betriebsmittel 16a - c aufweisen. Alternativ können die Betriebsmittel 16a - c auch in einer einzigen Einheit angeordnet sein. Die Betriebsmittel 16a - c können beispielsweise eine Energiespeichereinheit zur Energieversorgung des In-Ohr Hörers 1, eine Speichereinheit zur Speicherung von Musik, Tönen und/oder Klängen, eine Steuereinheit zur Steuerung des In-Ohr Hörers 1 und/oder eine Datenübertragungseinheit zur Datenübertragung zwischen einer externen Einheit und dem In-Ohr Hörer 1 umfassen. Die Datenübertragungseinheit kann beispielsweise eine Bluetoothschnittstelle und/oder eine W-LAN-Schnittstelle umfassen. Dadurch kann der In-Ohr Hörer 1 autark betrieben werden.At a second end 14 of the housing 2 opposite the first end 11, operating means 16a-c are arranged, as shown in the present exemplary embodiment. The operating means 16a - c are only shown as an example in the exemplary embodiment shown here. The in-ear phone 1 can also have more than three operating means 16a-c. Alternatively, the operating means 16a-c can also be arranged in a single unit. The operating resources 16a - c can, for example, be an energy storage unit for supplying energy to the in-ear earphone 1, a storage unit for storing music, tones and/or sounds, a control unit for controlling the in-ear earphone 1 and/or a data transmission unit for data transmission between a external unit and the in-ear earpiece 1 include. The data transmission unit can include a Bluetooth interface and/or a W-LAN interface, for example. As a result, the in-ear phone 1 can be operated independently.

Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann am zweiten Ende 14 auch eine hier nicht gezeigte Schnittstelle angeordnet sein. Die Schnittstelle kann beispielsweise eine Clinkenbuchse sein, mittels der ein Audiosignal zum In-Ohr Hörer 1 geleitet werden kann. Dadurch kann der In-Ohr Hörer 1 beispielsweise von einer hinter dem Ohr getragenen externen Einheit betrieben werden. Der In-Ohr Hörer 1 kann dadurch kompakter ausgebildet sein. Mittels der Schnittstelle kann aber auch eine Verbindung zwischen einem Smartphone und dem In-Ohr Hörer 1 hergestellt werden. Die Schnittstelle kann aber auch die Bluetooth-Schnittstelle sein.Additionally or alternatively, an interface, not shown here, can also be arranged at the second end 14 . The interface can be a jack socket, for example, by means of which an audio signal can be routed to the in-ear headphones 1 . As a result, the in-ear phone 1 can be operated, for example, by an external unit worn behind the ear. As a result, the in-ear phone 1 can be made more compact. However, a connection between a smartphone and the in-ear receiver 1 can also be established by means of the interface. However, the interface can also be the Bluetooth interface.

Der Abschnitt des In-Ohr Hörers 1 im Bereich des zweiten Endes 14 ist im Vergleich zum Abschnitt des In-Ohr Hörers 1 im Bereich des ersten Endes 11 bzw. im Bereich des Ohrkanalabschnitts 3 vergrößert ausgebildet. Insbesondere ist der Abschnitt im Bereich des zweiten Endes 14 an eine Innenkontur der Ohrmuschel angepasst, so dass der In-Ohr Hörer 1 bequem getragen werden kann. Der vergrößerte bzw. verdickte Abschnitt des In-Ohr Hörers 1 im Bereich des zweiten Endes 14 kann einen Gehöreingang 19 zumindest teilweise abdecken. Dadurch kann ein Eindringen von Störgeräuschen von außerhalb des Ohres vermindert werden. Zusätzlich oder alternativ können die vom Schallwandler 5 erzeugten Schallwellen auf den Gehörgang 10 begrenzt werden. Dadurch dringen weniger Schallwellen nach au-ßen, so dass eine Störung der Umgebung vermindert werden kann.The section of the in-ear phone 1 in the area of the second end 14 is larger than the section of the in-ear phone 1 in the area of the first end 11 or in the area of the ear canal section 3 . In particular, the section in the area of the second end 14 is adapted to an inner contour of the auricle, so that the in-ear phone 1 can be worn comfortably. The enlarged or thickened section of the in-ear phone 1 in the area of the second end 14 can at least partially cover an auditory input 19 . This can reduce intrusion of noise from outside the ear. Additionally or alternatively, the sound waves generated by the sound transducer 5 can be limited to the auditory canal 10 . As a result, fewer sound waves penetrate to the outside, so that disruption to the environment can be reduced.

Vorteilhaft für die Erfindung ist es, wenn das Gehäuse 2 in einem 3D-Druckverfahren hergestellt ist. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann das Gehäuse 2 auch in einem Spritzgussverfahren hergestellt sein. Das 3D-Druckverfahren weist unter anderem den Vorteil auf, dass damit das Gehäuse 2 schnell hergestellt werden kann. Außerdem kann damit insbesondere der Ohrkanalabschnitt 3 an die Gehörgänge 10 von verschiedenen Trägern individuell angepasst werden. Außerdem kann mit Hilfe des 3D-Druckverfahrens das Vordervolumen 7 und/oder das Hintervolumen 8 an spezielle Resonanzeigenschaften angepasst werden.It is advantageous for the invention if the housing 2 is produced using a 3D printing process. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 2 can also be produced in an injection molding process. The 3D printing method has the advantage, among other things, that the housing 2 can be produced quickly with it. In addition, in particular the ear canal section 3 can be individually adapted to the ear canals 10 of different wearers. In addition, the front volume 7 and/or the rear volume 8 can be adapted to special resonance properties with the aid of the 3D printing process.

Mittels des Spritzgussverfahrens können die Gehäuse 2 dagegen in hoher Stückzahl kostengünstig hergestellt werden.By contrast, the housing 2 can be produced inexpensively in large numbers by means of the injection molding process.

Vorteilhaft ist es auch, wenn beispielsweise der Ohrkanalabschnitt 3 mittels des 3D-Druckverfahrens und das restliche Gehäuse 2, insbesondere der Bereich am zweiten Ende 14 in dem die Betriebsmittel 16a - c und/oder die Schnittstelle angeordnet sind, mittels des Spritzgussverfahrens hergestellt ist. Dadurch kann der Ohrkanalabschnitt 3 an den individuellen Gehörgang 10 eines jeden Trägers angepasst werden, wohingegen das restliche Gehäuse 2 kostengünstig hergestellt ist.It is also advantageous if, for example, the ear canal section 3 is produced using the 3D printing process and the rest of the housing 2, in particular the area at the second end 14 in which the operating means 16a - c and/or the interface are arranged, is produced using the injection molding process. As a result, the ear canal section 3 can be adapted to the individual auditory canal 10 of each wearer, while the rest of the housing 2 is inexpensive to produce.

Figur 3 zeigt in einer Schnittansicht ein alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel eines In-Ohr Hörers 1 mit zumindest einer im Resonanzraum 6 angeordneten Verdickung 17a, 17b. In diesem Ausführungsbeispiel sind zwei Verdickungen 17a, 17b angeordnet. Im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel sind ferner die Verdickungen 17a, 17b im Hintervolumen 8 angeordnet. Die Verdickungen 17a, 17b verdicken in deren Bereichen die Gehäusewandung 15. Zusätzlich oder alternativ können die Verdickungen 17a, 17b auch im Vordervolumen 7 angeordnet sein. Weiterhin zusätzlich oder alternativ kann im Resonanzraum 6, insbesondere im Vordervolumen 7 und/oder im Hintervolumen 8, wenigstens eine Verdünnung angeordnet sein. Die Verdünnung verdünnt die Gehäusewandung 15 in dem Bereich, in welchem diese ausgebildet ist. figure 3 shows a sectional view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an in-ear earphone 1 with at least one thickening 17a, 17b arranged in the resonance chamber 6. In this embodiment, two thickenings 17a, 17b are arranged. In the present exemplary embodiment, the thickenings 17a, 17b are also arranged in the rear volume 8. The thickenings 17a, 17b thicken the housing wall 15 in their areas. Additionally or alternatively, the thickenings 17a, 17b can also be arranged in the front volume 7. Furthermore, in addition or as an alternative, at least one thinning can be arranged in the resonance chamber 6 , in particular in the front volume 7 and/or in the rear volume 8 . The thinning thins the housing wall 15 in the area in which it is formed.

Mit Hilfe der Verdickungen 17a, 17b und/oder der hier nicht gezeigten Verdünnungen können die Resonanzeigenschaften des Resonanzraums 6 und insbesondere des Vordervolumens 7 und/oder des Hintervolumens 8 angepasst werden.The resonance properties of the resonance space 6 and in particular of the front volume 7 and/or the rear volume 8 can be adjusted with the aid of the thickenings 17a, 17b and/or the thinnings not shown here.

Figur 4 zeigt ein weiteres alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel eines In-Ohr Hörers 1. Im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel ist im Resonanzraum 6 ein Resonanzelement 18 angeordnet. Das Resonanzelement 18 ist hier im Hintervolumen 8 angeordnet. Zusätzlich oder alternativ kann das Resonanzelement 18 auch im Vordervolumen 7 angeordnet sein. Mit Hilfe des Resonanzelements 18 können ebenfalls die Resonanzeigenschaften des Resonanzraums 6, insbesondere des Vordervolumens 7 und/oder des Hintervolumens 8, angepasst werden. figure 4 shows another alternative embodiment of an in-ear phone 1. In the present embodiment, a resonance element 18 is arranged in the resonance space 6. The resonance element 18 is arranged in the rear volume 8 here. Additionally or alternatively, the resonance element 18 can also be arranged in the front volume 7 . The resonance properties of the resonance space 6, in particular of the front volume 7 and/or the rear volume 8, can likewise be adjusted with the aid of the resonance element 18.

Figur 5 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines In-Ohr Hörers 1 in einer Schnittansicht, wobei der Schallwandler 5 im Bereich des zweiten Endes 14 angeordnet ist. Der Schallwandler 5 ist an dem zur Schallaustrittsöffnung 12 bzw. ersten Ende 11 gegenüberliegenden Ende des Ohrkanalabschnitts 3 angeordnet. Der Ohrkanalabschnitt 3 beginnt somit am Schallwandler 5 und erstreckt sich bis zur Schallaustrittsöffnung 12 bzw. zum ersten Ende 11. Der Ohrkanalabschnitt 3 erstreckt sich zwischen dem Schallwandler 5 und dem ersten Ende 11 bzw. der Schallaustrittsöffnung 12. Bei bestimmungsgemä-ßen Gebrauch des In-Ohr Hörers 1 ist der Schallwandler 5 im Bereich des Gehöreingangs 19 und/oder der Ohrmuschel angeordnet. Da der Abschnitt des In-Ohr Hörers 1 im Bereich des zweiten Endes 14 vergrößert ist, kann der Schallwandler 5 größer ausgebildet werden, was Vorteile bei der Fertigung des In-Ohr Hörers 1 mit sich bringt. Gemäß dem vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel trennt der Schallwandler 5 den Resonanzraum 6 in das Hintervolumen 8 und das Vordervolumen 7. Durch den vergrößerten Abschnitt des In-Ohr Hörers 1 im Bereich des zweiten Endes 14 ist auch das Hintervolumen 8 und/oder ein lautsprecherseitiger Endabschnitt des Vordervolumen 7 vergrößert. Dadurch kann eine gute Akustik erzielt werden. Zusätzlich oder alternativ können im Hintervolumen 8 und/oder im Vordervolumen 7 hier nicht gezeigte Resonanzelemente 18 angeordnet sein. figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of an in-ear earphone 1 in a sectional view, with the sound transducer 5 being arranged in the area of the second end 14 . The sound transducer 5 is arranged at the end of the ear canal section 3 opposite the sound exit opening 12 or first end 11 . The ear canal section 3 thus starts at the sound transducer 5 and extends to the sound exit opening 12 or to the first end 11. The ear canal section 3 extends between the sound transducer 5 and the first end 11 or the sound exit opening 12. In the ear of the listener 1, the sound transducer 5 is arranged in the area of the auditory entrance 19 and/or the auricle. Since the section of the in-ear phone 1 is enlarged in the area of the second end 14, the sound transducer 5 can be made larger, which has advantages in the manufacture of the in-ear phone 1. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the sound transducer 5 separates the resonance chamber 6 into the rear volume 8 and the front volume 7. Due to the enlarged section of the in-ear phone 1 in the area of the second end 14, the rear volume 8 and/or a loudspeaker-side end section of the front volume 7 is also enlarged. This allows good acoustics to be achieved. Additionally or alternatively, resonance elements 18 (not shown here) can be arranged in the rear volume 8 and/or in the front volume 7 .

Die Gehäusewandung 15, die sich gemäß Figur 5 lediglich im Bereich des Ohrkanalabschnitts 3 erstreckt, kann sich zusätzlich oder alternativ auch in dem Abschnitt des In-Ohr Hörers 1 im Bereich des zweiten Endes 14 erstrecken. Gemäß dem vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel kann sich die Gehäusewandung 15 auch im Bereich des Hintervolumens 8 erstrecken.The housing wall 15, according to figure 5 extends only in the area of the ear canal section 3 can additionally or alternatively also extend in the section of the in-ear phone 1 in the area of the second end 14 . According to the present exemplary embodiment, the housing wall 15 can also extend in the area of the rear volume 8 .

Bei den in Figur 1, 2, 3, 4 und 5 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen weist die Innenkontur 9 des Vordervolumens 7 eine Freiformgeometrie und/oder an die Gehörganginnenkontur angepasste organische Gehörganggeometrie auf. Dies trifft bei den in Figur 1, 2 und 4 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen auch auf die Innenkontur 9 des Hintervolumens 8 zu. Nur bei dem in Figur 3 und 5 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Innenkontur 9 des Hintervolumens zumindest bereichsweise nicht an die Innenkontur des Gehörgangs bzw. an die Außenkontur des Gehäuses angepasst. Die Freiformgeometrie ist in allen Fällen der organischen Form des äußeren Ohrkanals nachempfunden.At the in figure 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 In the exemplary embodiments illustrated, the inner contour 9 of the front volume 7 has a free-form geometry and/or organic auditory canal geometry adapted to the inner contour of the auditory canal. This applies to the in figure 1 , 2 and 4 illustrated embodiments also towards the inner contour 9 of the rear volume 8 . Only at the in figure 3 and 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner contour 9 of the rear volume is not adapted to the inner contour of the auditory canal or to the outer contour of the housing, at least in some areas. In all cases, the free-form geometry is based on the organic form of the outer ear canal.

Bezugszeichenlistereference list

11
In-Ohr Hörerin-ear headphones
22
GehäuseHousing
33
Ohrkanalabschnittear canal section
44
Außenkonturouter contour
55
Schallwandlersound transducer
66
Resonanzraumresonance chamber
77
Vordervolumenfront volume
88th
Hintervolumenposterior volume
99
Innenkonturinner contour
1010
Gehörgangear canal
1111
erstes Endefirst end
1212
Austrittsöffnungexit port
1313
Trommelfelleardrum
1414
zweites Endesecond end
1515
Gehäusewandunghousing wall
1616
Betriebsmitteloperating resources
1717
Verdickungenthickenings
1818
Resonanzelementresonance element
1919
Gehöreingangauditory input

Claims (13)

  1. An in-ear receiver (1), in particular a headset or hearing aid, comprising a housing (2),
    which includes at least one ear canal section (3), which is inserted into an ear canal (10) of a wearer when the in-ear receiver is used as intended, and at least one outer contour (4) adapted at least in one section to the ear canal (10) and therefore having a freeform geometry,
    a sound transducer (5) arranged in the housing (2), and
    at least one resonant cavity (6), which is formed in the housing (2) and is divided by the sound transducer (5) into a front volume (7) and a rear volume (8),
    characterized in that
    the sound transducer (5) is a MEMS sound transducer,
    the front volume (7) and/or the rear volume (8) have/has an inner contour (9) adapted to the ear canal (10), so that this has a freeform geometry, that the outer contour (4) of the housing (2) in the area of the front volume (7) and/or the rear volume (8) has a freeform geometry corresponding to the inner contour (9) and that the ear canal section (3) is produced in a 3D printing process after the auditory canal (10) of the respective user is measured.
  2. The in-ear receiver as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the inner contour (9) is essentially a negative shape of the outer contour (4).
  3. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) is produced in a 3D printing process and/or an injection molding process.
  4. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2), in particular the ear canal section (3), is rigidly designed.
  5. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing wall (15) delimiting the front volume (7) and/or the rear volume (8) has a uniform thickness.
  6. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front volume (7), the rear volume (8), and/or the MEMS sound transducer are/is arranged in the ear canal section (3).
  7. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing wall (15) comprises thickened portions (17a, 17b) and/or thinned portions in the front volume (7) and/or rear volume (8), at least in some areas.
  8. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one resonant element (18) is arranged in the housing (2), which is preferably made of a different material as compared to the housing.
  9. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an edge area of the MEMS sound transducer is at least partially set into the housing wall (15).
  10. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ear canal section (3) comprises a sound outlet (12) in the area of a first end (11) arranged in the ear canal (10).
  11. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the in-ear receiver (1) comprises operating means (16a - c) for operating the in-ear receiver (1) in the area of a second end (14) positioned opposite the first end (11).
  12. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an interface for operating means of the in-ear receiver (1) is arranged in the area of the second end (14).
  13. The in-ear receiver as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an audio line extending between the interface, the operating means (16a - c), and/or the MEMS sound transducer is embedded into the housing wall (15) and/or the housing (2), in particular being injected within the scope of the injection molding process and/or overprinted within the scope of the 3D printing process.
EP18732022.1A 2017-06-23 2018-06-14 In ear earpiece Active EP3643077B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102017114008.5A DE102017114008A1 (en) 2017-06-23 2017-06-23 In-ear listener
PCT/EP2018/065749 WO2018234132A1 (en) 2017-06-23 2018-06-14 In-ear receiver

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3643077A1 EP3643077A1 (en) 2020-04-29
EP3643077B1 true EP3643077B1 (en) 2023-08-16

Family

ID=62636198

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18732022.1A Active EP3643077B1 (en) 2017-06-23 2018-06-14 In ear earpiece

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US11178497B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3643077B1 (en)
KR (1) KR20200024850A (en)
CN (1) CN110915229B (en)
AU (1) AU2018286816A1 (en)
CA (1) CA3067533A1 (en)
DE (1) DE102017114008A1 (en)
SG (1) SG11201912477TA (en)
TW (1) TW201906420A (en)
WO (1) WO2018234132A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020016778A2 (en) 2018-07-19 2020-01-23 Cochlear Limited Contaminant-proof microphone assembly
EP3739904A1 (en) 2019-05-14 2020-11-18 FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Acoustic bending converter system and acoustic device

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3643077A1 (en) 2020-04-29
US11178497B2 (en) 2021-11-16
AU2018286816A1 (en) 2020-01-30
US20200221238A1 (en) 2020-07-09
SG11201912477TA (en) 2020-01-30
TW201906420A (en) 2019-02-01
CN110915229A (en) 2020-03-24
DE102017114008A1 (en) 2018-12-27
CN110915229B (en) 2022-03-11
KR20200024850A (en) 2020-03-09
WO2018234132A1 (en) 2018-12-27
CA3067533A1 (en) 2018-12-27

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