EP3902288B1 - Hearing aid with a microphone unit, a loudspeaker unit and a connector, and use of a connector for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit of a hearing aid - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a hearing aid with a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit, a connector and the use of a connector for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit of a hearing aid.

The hearing aid of this type is used in particular to help people with hearing impairments improve their hearing. In known hearing aids, the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit are usually connected to one another by means of a locking pin that runs in the radial direction of the components to be connected and penetrates several components or by means of a bayonet lock. This requires an increased level of manufacturing precision in order to securely connect the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit.

EP 2 456 235 B1 discloses a hearing aid for wearing behind the ear with a housing that is to be attached behind the ear during use, and a cable for connecting the housing to an otoplastic to be inserted into the ear canal, the cable being releasably connected to the housing via a connector, wherein the housing has a front wall that is directed forward when worn, which in the position of use is directed towards or rests against a back of the ear, and preferably has a top wall that is directed substantially upwards and / or forwards, and wherein the connector is positioned on the front wall .

EP 2 339 700 B1 discloses a connector, in particular for a hearing aid, with: a tubular housing; at least one contact disposed in an interior of the tubular housing; and a rotatable sleeve disposed on an outer periphery of the tubular housing and rotatable relative to the tubular housing through at least a predetermined angle, and Engaging means for engaging a complementary connector socket. The invention further relates to a connector socket, in particular for arrangement in a housing of a hearing aid, wherein the connector socket has the following: a projection; at least one contact element disposed on an outer periphery of the projection; and an engagement means for engaging a complementary connector, and a connector including a connector and a socket.

DE 10 2013 225429 A1 discloses a hearing instrument for wearing behind the ear (BTE) with a plug-in connection between the housing and the carrying hook, as well as a housing and a carrying hook of such a hearing instrument. The carrying hook and the housing are connected to one another by a plug connection, with a clip being provided to fix the plug connection. Grooves are provided on each of the carrying hooks and in the housing, which are designed to accommodate the clip, the respective grooves being oriented non-parallel to the insertion direction of the plug-in connection and being arranged in such a way that they are aligned with one another when the carrying hook and housing are completely inserted into one another, and the Clip is inserted into the respective grooves at the same time.

US 2012/0014549A1 discloses methods and devices for hearing aids, including, but not limited to, connectors for receiver-in-canal hearing aids. A hearing aid includes a hearing aid component adapted to rest on or behind the ear and hearing assist electronics disposed in the component. A first connection section is arranged in the component, wherein the first connection section is electrically connected to the hearing aid electronics. A second connector part is designed to conform to a portion of the component and electrically and physically connect a cable to the first connector part. At least one of the two parts, the first and the second plug part, has scratch plates or pins attached as contacts.

EP 2 119 312 B1 discloses a hearing aid and in particular a receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) type hearing aid system comprising a RITE component, the RITE component comprising a receiver and a receiver housing, as well as a connector which has coupling means for Pairing the RITE component with a behind-the-ear housing component (BTE) of the hearing aid, wherein the connector comprises an electrically conductive means.

In order to avoid the above-mentioned disadvantage, the present invention has the task of providing an improved hearing aid with a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit, an improved connector and the use of an improved connector for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit of a hearing aid, in particular a secure one Connection of the microphone unit and the speaker unit is realized with reduced manufacturing effort.

The task is solved by the subject matter of the respective independent patent claim. The respective dependent claims relate to preferred developments of the subject matter of the present invention.

A hearing aid described here for wearing on the ear comprises a microphone unit, a loudspeaker unit and a connecting element, the microphone unit being a

Has a housing with at least one microphone and the housing is worn on the ear during use. The loudspeaker unit has a cable and a loudspeaker connected to a first end of the cable, which is inserted into an ear canal during use. The cable is releasably connected to the housing by means of a connector, the connector being arranged at a second end of the cable opposite the loudspeaker. In this case, a groove for engaging with the connecting element is formed on the connector and extends at least partially in the circumferential direction of the connector, wherein the connecting element engages with the groove in a mounting position, that is, in a mounted connection, of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit is to secure the connector to the housing of the microphone unit.

An advantage of such a hearing aid is a simplified production of the hearing aid while ensuring a secure connection of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit of the hearing aid, in particular secured by means of the connecting element against a relative movement in the axial direction of the connector between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in its mounting position. In particular, the groove formed on the connector is easy to produce and, together with the connecting element of the hearing aid, ensures the secure connection of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit.

Another advantage of this hearing aid is a quick and easy connection/disconnection of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit by inserting/removing the connecting element.

A connector for detachably connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit can be used in particular for mechanical and/or electrical connection. The connector can thus have components for mechanical connection, components for electrical connection and/or components for combined mechanical and electrical connection. An external shape of the connector can be adapted to a respective requirement and/or geometry of the units to be connected. The connector has a cylindrical external shape.

A speaker unit cable usually runs over the ear when the hearing aid is worn. In order to support the wearing of the hearing aid on the ear, the cable can be designed to be stiff or rigid, in particular pre-shaped to fit an ear. Alternatively, the cable can be designed to be flexible.

An axial direction or axial direction may be a direction along an extent of a length of a component. In the cylindrical connector, the axial direction is aligned approximately parallel to a surface line or the longitudinal axis of the connector.

A radial direction or radial direction may be oriented perpendicular to the axial direction. In the cylindrical connector, the radial direction is aligned to coincide with the radius of the cylindrical connector.

A secant direction may be oriented perpendicular to the axial direction in the direction of a secant. In the case of the cylindrical connector, which has a circular cross-sectional area when cut transversely to the axial direction, the respective secant direction runs in the direction of a circular chord.

Accordingly, a circumferential direction may be a direction in an extension of the circumference of the cylindrical connector.

The terms “outside” or “inside” and the like used here mean, in the sense of the present invention, that a center point, particularly an idealized or imagined one, is an innermost point. A point or area that is designated as being further out than another point or area is therefore further away from the center in the radial direction than the other, more inward, point or area. A point or area that is designated as being further inward than another point or area is therefore closer to the center in the radial direction than the other, further outward point or area. For example, an external one Surface of the described connector is arranged in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the speaker unit within the housing of the microphone unit. The interior of the housing is bounded by an outer wall of the housing, with everything that is further away in the radial direction outwards than the outer wall of the housing being outside the housing.

The terms “above” or “above” and the like used below mean, in the sense of the present invention, a direction and/or a position of an element in relation to another element counter to the direction of gravity, i.e. in the positive z direction. The terms “below” or “below” and the like used below mean, within the meaning of the present invention, a direction and/or a position of an element in relation to another element in the direction of gravity.

The connector has four cylindrical holders formed on the outside of the connector. In other words, the four brackets are arranged on an outer surface - that is, on an external surface - of the connector.

The connector is releasably locked to the housing of the microphone unit by means of the brackets in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit.

Advantageously, the holders on the connector with the above configuration are easily accessible for simple and effective locking of the speaker unit, in particular the connector, to the housing of the microphone unit.

One aspect relates to a hearing aid for wearing on the ear, as set out in claim 2.

The cable is releasably connected to the housing by means of a connector, the connector being arranged at a second end of the cable opposite the loudspeaker. In this case, the connector is releasably locked to the housing of the microphone unit in a mounting position, that is, in a mounted connection, of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit by means of four brackets which are formed on the outside of the connector, wherein in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit an end section of the at least one contacting element is locked in a corresponding receiving section with the housing of the microphone unit.

To put it in other words, the four brackets are arranged on an outer surface - that is, on an external surface - of the connector, particularly in an unconnected state of the microphone unit and the speaker unit. The outer surface of the connector is arranged in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit within the housing of the microphone unit.

An advantage of the present invention is a simplified production of the hearing aid while ensuring a secure, releasable locking of the connector with the housing of the microphone unit in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit. In particular, the holders formed on the connector are easy to manufacture and, together with the housing of the microphone unit, ensure the secure, releasable locking of the connector to the housing.

The holder can extend at least partially in the radial direction of the connector. In other words, the four brackets can be formed to project outwardly from an outer surface - that is, from an outer surface - of the connector in the radial direction of the connector.

The above configuration further contributes to the holder on the connector being easily accessible for simple and effective locking of the speaker unit, in particular the connector, to the housing of the microphone unit.

Advantageously, the hearing aid can have a connecting element, with a groove being formed on the connector for engaging with the connecting element can be and can extend at least partially in the circumferential direction of the connector. The connecting element can be in engagement with the groove in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in order to secure the connector to the housing of the microphone unit.

By means of the connecting element, a positive and/or frictional connection can be formed between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in their mounting position.

In particular, in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, a positive and/or frictional connection can be formed between the housing of the microphone unit and the groove of the connector by means of the connecting element.

To effect the positive connection, the connecting element can reach behind the connector.

Advantageously, with the above configuration, precise and uncomplicated connection/disconnection of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit can be ensured quickly and easily by inserting/removing the connecting element.

Advantageously, the connecting element can be designed to be elastically deformable.

A simple and effective engagement of the connecting element with the groove can thus be ensured.

For example, the connecting element can be designed as a spring ring - such as a locking ring, a circlip or a grooved ring - or as a spring clip - such as a spring clip or a permanent split pin - in particular made of metal or plastic.

Advantageously, the above configuration, in particular by means of easy-to-obtain, inexpensive and standardized standard parts, can further contribute to a quick and simple connection/disconnection of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit by inserting/removing the connecting element.

The connecting element can be designed separately and/or captively arranged on the housing of the microphone unit. For captive fastening, the connecting element can be attached to the housing, for example by means of a cord, a wire or a chain, with the freedom of movement required for handling the connecting element being taken into account in the length of the respective fastening means.

Alternatively, the connecting element can be formed in one piece with the housing of the microphone unit. For example, the connecting element can be designed as a spring clip section cast onto a plastic housing or can be produced by injection molding during the production of the housing. Alternatively, the connecting element - regardless of the respective material - can be glued to the housing, cast with it or designed to be non-detachably connected to it in some other way.

A corresponding opening can be formed on the housing of the microphone unit, through which the connecting element can engage in the groove of the connector in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, whereby a positive connection between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit can thus be produced, which in particular accidental separation of the microphone unit from the speaker unit is prevented.

In particular, the groove can be formed on the outside of the connector. In other words, the groove may be arranged on an outer surface - that is, on an external surface - of the connector.

Thus, the groove on the connector is easily accessible for easy and effective engagement of the connecting element with the groove.

For example, a groove can be formed on each side of the connector that is opposite one another in the radial direction of the connector. In other words, a total of two separate grooves can be formed on sides of the connector that are opposite one another in the radial direction of the connector.

The groove can be designed to be at least partially circumferential in the circumferential direction of the connector.

Alternatively or additionally, the groove can be formed at least partially in the secant direction of the connector.

Furthermore, the groove can at least partially have a constant depth, i.e. a constant extent in the radial direction of the connector.

Alternatively or additionally, the groove can at least partially have a variable depth as viewed over its extent in the circumferential or secant direction of the connector, with the maximum depth of the groove occurring approximately in the middle of its extent in the circumferential or secant direction of the connector.

Advantageously, two of the four holders are formed on opposite sides of the connector in the radial direction of the connector.

This means that the housing of the microphone unit can be locked evenly and securely with the connector. Furthermore, with the above configuration, simple and effective guidance of the housing on the holders can be achieved, in particular by means of the housing recordings described below. Also A secure electrical contact, described in more detail below, can be achieved with the above configuration by simply plugging the loudspeaker unit into the microphone unit.

The holders are cylindrical.

A longitudinal axis of the holder can be at least partially aligned in the radial direction of the connector. In other words, the holder can be designed to project outwards from the connector in the radial direction of the connector.

The holder on the connector is therefore easily accessible for simple and effective locking of the loudspeaker unit, in particular the connector, with the housing of the microphone unit.

The holders can be formed on a base plate, which can be arranged on a first end section of the connector, in particular on a contacting section described below. The base plate can be designed with mutually parallel guide surfaces, wherein the guide surfaces can be aligned in the axial direction of the connector. At an end section of the base plate, which faces the housing of the microphone unit in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, the guide surfaces can run towards one another. For example, the guide surfaces can enclose an angle of approximately 90° at one end section.

With the above configuration, for the effective and simple locking of the housing of the microphone unit on the holder, a guide for the recordings described below can be effected on the housing in order to securely position the recordings and the holders relative to one another.

For example, the connector of the loudspeaker unit and the housing of the microphone unit can be brought together in such a way that the receptacles are positioned for locking on the holders and by means of a pivoting movement of the The connector can be locked to the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the housing can be locked to the connector by means of a pivoting movement of the housing.

Advantageously, the holder can cooperate with the connecting element in order to ensure both a releasable locking of the housing of the microphone unit on the connector and a securing of the connector on the housing of the microphone unit in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit.

In particular, by means of a positive connection between the housing and the holder, a releasable locking of the housing of the microphone unit on the connector can be effected, which has at most one degree of freedom, namely a rotational degree of freedom of the housing around the holder. In this case, by means of the connecting element, which also acts in a form-fitting manner between the housing and the connector, not only can a relative movement in the axial direction of the connector between the housing and the connector be prevented, but the housing of the microphone unit can also be releasably locked to the housing together with the holder Connectors are effected, which no longer has any degree of freedom.

To effect the positive connection, the connecting element can reach behind the connector. Furthermore, the respective receptacle can engage behind the assigned holder to effect the positive connection.

Depending on the design of the holder, the housing of the microphone unit can also be locked to the connector without any degree of freedom. In this case, the connecting element can be used to additionally secure the locking of the housing of the microphone unit to the connector.

For example, with two cylindrical holders, one holder on opposite sides in the radial direction of the connector of the connector is formed, the aforementioned locking of the housing of the microphone unit on the connector can be effected with exactly one rotational degree of freedom around the holders. For this purpose, the housing can be designed with receptacles assigned to and adapted to the respective holders, for example hollow cylindrical bushings.

For this purpose, the housing can be designed to be elastically deformable in such a way that, in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, it can be expanded in the radial direction of the connector to such an extent that the respective receptacle can be placed over the associated holder. After the expansion has ended, the housing can then return to its original shape and the respective holder can therefore be accommodated in the associated receptacle. In other words, the respective holder can be enclosed by the associated receptacle at least in the circumferential direction of the holder, in particular without play.

For example, with the four cylindrical holders, two of which are formed on opposite sides of the connector in the radial direction of the connector, the aforementioned locking of the housing of the microphone unit on the connector can be effected without a degree of freedom. The respective holders on one side of the connector can be designed to be spaced apart from one another in the radial direction of the holders or in the axial direction of the connector.

In particular, when locking the housing of the microphone unit on the connector, each individual holder can be accommodated in the respective assigned receptacle.

Alternatively or additionally, several holders can be accommodated in a common assigned receptacle on the same side of the connector as seen in the radial direction of the connector.

Alternatively or additionally, holders formed on opposite sides of the connector in the radial direction of the connector can be accommodated in a common assigned receptacle.

For example, holders formed on opposite sides of the connector in the radial direction of the connector can be accommodated in pairs or crosswise in a common assigned receptacle.

Advantageously, with the above configuration, effective guidance of the housing on the brackets for positioning the housing on the connector for simple and effective locking of the loudspeaker unit and the microphone unit in their mounting position can be achieved by means of two or four cylindrical holders. This guide can have a lower tendency to jam and/or tilt compared to a guide on long guide surfaces. A secure electrical contact, described in more detail below, can also be supported with the above configuration for simple and effective locking of the loudspeaker unit and the microphone unit in their mounting position.

In particular, the two holders can have different diameters from one another on the same side of the connector as seen in the radial direction of the connector. Furthermore, the holders opposite each other in the radial direction of the connector can have the same diameter.

For example, a diameter/length ratio of the holder may be in the range of about 0.75 to about 1.25 or in the range of about 0.85 to about 1.15 or about equal to 1. A holder that is relatively short in relation to its diameter can thus be achieved, which can enable effective locking with the housing of the microphone unit.

For this purpose, the housing can also have receptacles assigned to the respective holders and adapted to the respective holders, for example hollow cylindrical bushings. Alternatively or additionally, the housing of the microphone unit can be designed with spring clips assigned to the respective holders, for example spring clips or permanent split pins.

Similar to the connecting element described above, at least one of the receptacles can be arranged captively on the housing of the microphone unit.

Alternatively, at least one of the recordings can be formed in one piece with the housing of the microphone unit. For example, the respective receptacle can be designed as a receptacle section cast onto a plastic housing or can be produced by injection molding during the production of the housing. Alternatively, the connecting element - regardless of the respective material - can be glued to the housing, cast with it or designed to be non-detachably connected to it in some other way.

A guide device can be formed on the housing of the microphone unit, which corresponds to the previously described guide surfaces of the base plate for the holders, in order to ensure secure positioning of the respective receptacle on the associated holder. For example, the guide device can have mutually parallel guide surfaces within which the guide surfaces of the base plate can be accommodated. Advantageously, the guide surfaces of the guide device as well as the guide surfaces of the base plate can be aligned in the axial direction of the connector.

Advantageously, at least one contacting element can be formed on the connector for establishing electrical contact between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit.

The at least one contacting element can be designed as an electrical contact element such as a spring contact, in particular a spring tongue, a - in particular spring-loaded - contact pin or the like.

Thus, in addition to the previously described mechanical locking and securing of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, an electrical connection between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in their mounting position can also be ensured by means of the connector.

At least one contacting element is also suitable for the mechanical connection between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in their mounting position. In the assembly position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, an end section of the at least one contacting element is received or locked with it in a corresponding receiving section on the housing of the microphone unit, in particular in a form-fitting manner.

The at least one contacting element can thus contribute to the secure mechanical connection between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in its mounting position.

For example, the at least one contacting element can be designed as a contact spring that projects beyond the connector, particularly in the axial direction of the connector.

In particular, the at least one contacting element can be arranged in a contacting section at a first end section of the connector. The at least one contacting element can be designed as a contact spring that projects beyond the contacting section in the axial direction of the contacting section. For example, the contacting elements can be designed to protrude beyond the contacting section in both axial directions of the contacting section.

The contact spring can be designed to be elastically deformable and, for example, made of an electrically conductive metal or an electrically conductive metal alloy.

Furthermore, the previously described holders of the connector can be arranged on the contacting section.

A sealing element for sealing between the connector and the housing of the microphone unit can advantageously be arranged on the connector. In other words, in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, a gap between the connector and the housing of the microphone unit can be sealed by means of a sealing element.

In particular, the sealing element can be arranged between the groove and a second end section of the connector, viewed in the axial direction of the connector, with the cable emerging from the second end section of the connector. In other words, when viewed in the axial direction of the connector, in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, the sealing element can be arranged further outward in relation to the housing than the groove and/or the at least one contacting element.

Thus, in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, the housing interior of the microphone unit can be effectively protected from environmental influences such as moisture and/or dust from the direction of the loudspeaker unit by means of the sealing element.

For example, the sealing element can be designed as an O-ring, which can be accommodated or accommodated in a groove running around the circumference of the connector.

Advantageously, the sealing element designed as an O-ring can be easily replaced in the event of wear and/or weakening of the sealing effect.

Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element can be designed to be molded onto the connector, in particular circumferentially in the circumferential direction of the connector, and in particular contain an elastomer.

Advantageously, the sealing element formed in one piece with the connector can be precisely adapted to a gap existing between the housing and the connector in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, and thus an improved sealing effect can be achieved in comparison to a separately formed O-ring.

In particular, a stop for the housing of the microphone unit can be formed on the second end section of the connector and projects in the radial direction of the connector.

The stop can be designed to be at least partially circumferential in the circumferential direction of the connector.

By means of the stop, the connector can be inserted into the housing to an appropriate extent in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in order to effectively lock the housing with the holder and effectively secure the connector to the housing.

Furthermore, a connector is described for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit of a hearing aid, wherein a groove for engaging with a connecting element is formed on the connector and extends at least partially in the circumferential direction of the connector and wherein the connecting element is in a mounting position, that is, in an assembled connection, the microphone unit and the speaker unit is engageable with the groove to secure the connector to a housing of the microphone unit.

The advantages of the connector for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit of a hearing aid result from the above described hearing aid with the features mentioned and their advantages.

A further advantage of the present invention is a simplified production of the groove formed on the connector, which, together with the connecting element that can be brought into engagement therein, ensures the secure connection of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, in particular against a relative movement in the axial direction of the connector between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit their mounting position.

The connecting element can be designed as a spring ring - such as a locking ring, a circlip or a grooved ring - or as a spring clip - such as a spring clip or a permanent split pin - in particular made of metal or plastic.

In particular, the groove can be formed on the outside of the connector. In other words, the groove may be arranged on an outer surface - that is, on an external surface - of the connector.

Thus, the groove on the connector is easily accessible for easy and effective engagement of the connecting element with the groove.

For example, a groove can be formed on each side of the connector that is opposite one another in the radial direction of the connector. In other words, a total of two separate grooves can be formed on sides of the connector that are opposite one another in the radial direction of the connector.

The groove can be designed to be at least partially circumferential in the circumferential direction of the connector.

Alternatively or additionally, the groove can be formed at least partially in the secant direction of the connector.

Furthermore, the groove can at least partially have a constant depth, i.e. a constant extent in the radial direction of the connector.

Alternatively or additionally, the groove can at least partially have a variable depth as viewed over its extent in the circumferential or secant direction of the connector, with the maximum depth of the groove occurring approximately in the middle of its extent in the circumferential or secant direction of the connector.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a connector for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit of a hearing aid, as set out in claim 1.

The advantages of the connector for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit of a hearing aid result analogously from the features mentioned above for the hearing aid with the connector described above and their advantages.

A further advantage of the present invention is a simplified production of the holders formed on the connector, which, together with the housing of the microphone unit which can be releasably locked therewith, ensures the secure connection of the connector to the microphone unit in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit.

Advantageously, at least one holder is formed on each side of the connector that is opposite one another in the radial direction of the connector.

This means that the housing of the microphone unit can be locked evenly and securely with the connector.

The holders are cylindrical.

A longitudinal axis of the holder can be at least partially aligned in the radial direction of the connector. In other words, the holder can be designed to project outwards from the connector in the radial direction of the connector.

The holder on the connector is therefore easily accessible for simple and effective locking of the loudspeaker unit, in particular the connector, with the housing of the microphone unit.

The holders can be formed on a base plate, which can be arranged on a first end section of the connector, in particular on a contacting section described below. The base plate can be designed with mutually parallel guide surfaces, wherein the guide surfaces can be aligned in the axial direction of the connector. At an end section of the base plate, which faces the housing of the microphone unit in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, the guide surfaces can run towards one another. For example, the guide surfaces can enclose an angle of approximately 90° at one end section.

With the above configuration, for the effective and simple locking of the housing of the microphone unit on the holder, a guide for the recordings described below can be effected on the housing in order to position the recordings securely on the holder.

Advantageously, the holder can cooperate with the connecting element in order to ensure both a releasable locking of the housing of the microphone unit on the connector and a securing of the connector on the housing of the microphone unit in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit.

A total of four cylindrical holders are formed on the connector, with two each being formed on sides of the connector that are opposite one another in the radial direction of the connector. The holders on one side of the connector can be designed to be spaced apart from one another in the radial direction of the holders or in the axial direction of the connector.

Advantageously, with the above configuration, effective guidance of the housing on the brackets for positioning the housing on the connector for simple and effective locking of the speaker unit and the microphone unit in their mounting position can be achieved by means of four cylindrical brackets. This guide can have a lower tendency to jam and/or tilt compared to a guide on long guide surfaces. A secure electrical contact, described in more detail below, can also be supported with the above configuration for simple and effective locking of the loudspeaker unit and the microphone unit in their mounting position.

In particular, the two holders can have different diameters from one another on the same side of the connector as seen in the radial direction of the connector. Furthermore, the holders opposite each other in the radial direction of the connector can have the same diameter.

For example, a diameter/length ratio of the holder may be in the range of about 0.75 to about 1.25 or in the range of about 0.85 to about 1.15 or about equal to 1. A holder that is relatively short in relation to its diameter can thus be achieved, which can enable effective locking with the housing of the microphone unit.

At least one contacting element is formed on the connector for establishing electrical contact between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit.

Thus, in addition to mechanically locking and securing the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, an electrical connection between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in their mounting position can also be ensured by means of the connector.

At least one contacting element is also suitable for the mechanical connection between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in their mounting position. In the assembly position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, an end section of the at least one contacting element is received in a corresponding receiving section on the housing of the microphone unit, in particular in a form-fitting manner, or is locked therewith.

The at least one contacting element can thus contribute to the secure mechanical connection between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in its mounting position.

For example, the at least one contacting element can be designed as a contact spring that projects beyond the connector, particularly in the axial direction of the connector.

In particular, the at least one contacting element can be arranged in a contacting section at a first end section of the connector. The at least one contacting element can be designed as a contact spring that projects beyond the contacting section in the axial direction of the contacting section. For example, the contacting elements can be designed to protrude beyond the contacting section in both axial directions of the contacting section.

The contact spring can be designed to be elastically deformable and, for example, made of an electrically conductive metal or an electrically conductive metal alloy.

Furthermore, the previously described holders of the connector can be arranged on the contacting section.

A sealing element for sealing between the connector and the housing of the microphone unit can advantageously be arranged on the connector.

In particular, the sealing element can be arranged between the groove and a second end section of the connector, viewed in the axial direction of the connector, with the cable emerging from the second end section of the connector. In other words, when viewed in the axial direction of the connector, in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, the sealing element can be arranged further outward in relation to the housing than the groove and/or the at least one contacting element.

Thus, in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, the housing interior of the microphone unit can be effectively protected from environmental influences such as moisture and/or dust from the direction of the loudspeaker unit by means of the sealing element.

For example, the sealing element can be designed as an O-ring, which can be accommodated or accommodated in a groove running around the circumference of the connector.

Advantageously, the sealing element designed as an O-ring can be easily replaced in the event of wear and/or weakening of the sealing effect.

Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element can be designed to be molded onto the connector, in particular circumferentially in the circumferential direction of the connector, and in particular contain an elastomer.

Advantageously, the sealing element formed in one piece with the connector can be precisely adapted to a gap existing between the housing and the connector in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit, and thus an improved sealing effect can be achieved in comparison to a separately formed O-ring.

In particular, a stop for the housing of the microphone unit can be formed on the second end section of the connector and projects in the radial direction of the connector.

The stop can be designed to be at least partially circumferential in the circumferential direction of the connector.

By means of the stop, the connector can be inserted into the housing to an appropriate extent in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit in order to effectively lock the housing with the holder and effectively secure the connector to the housing.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a use of a previously described connector for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit of a previously described hearing aid.

The advantages of using the connector result analogously from the features mentioned for the hearing aid described above and their advantages.

• einem Gehäuse der Mikrofoneinheit mit mindestens einem Mikrofon, wobei das Gehäuse im Gebrauch am Ohr getragen ist,
• einem Kabel, an dessen erstem Ende ein Lautsprecher der Lautsprechereinheit verbindbar ist und
• einem Verbinder, der zum lösbaren Verbinden des Kabels mit dem Gehäuse an einem dem Lautsprecher entgegengesetzten zweiten Ende des Kabels angeordnet ist, wobei das Verbindungselement separat ausgebildet ist und/oder unverlierbar an dem Gehäuse der Mikrofoneinheit angeordnet ist.

Also disclosed is a system for connecting a microphone unit and a speaker unit of a hearing aid to be worn on the ear, with:

• a housing of the microphone unit with at least one microphone, the housing being worn on the ear during use,
• a cable, at the first end of which a loudspeaker of the loudspeaker unit can be connected and
• a connector which is arranged for releasably connecting the cable to the housing at a second end of the cable opposite the loudspeaker, the connecting element being designed separately and/or being captively arranged on the housing of the microphone unit.

The advantages of the system for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit of a hearing aid result analogously from the features mentioned for the hearing aid described above and their advantages.

Exemplary embodiments of the connector according to the invention for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit of a hearing aid are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described below, and that individual features thereof can be combined to form further exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 1

eine räumliche Ansicht eines Verbinders des erfindungsgemäßen Hörgeräts gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine Vorderansicht des Verbinders gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf den Verbinder gemäß Fig. 1; und

Fig. 4

eine vergrößerte Ansicht einer Schnittdarstellung des Verbinders gemäß Fig. 1 entlang eines in Fig. 2 gezeigten Schnittverlaufs A-A.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a spatial view of a connector of the hearing aid according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

a front view of the connector according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a top view of the connector according to Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 4

an enlarged view of a sectional view of the connector Fig. 1 along an in Fig. 2 shown section AA.

The axial direction Ax, the circumferential direction Um and the radial direction Ra of the connector 2 are shown in the figures by means of directional arrows, in particular in the manner of a coordinate system. Although the directional arrows only point in one direction, the direction information also contains an opposite direction. Two radial directions Ra are given as examples; This is simply intended to give an impression of the many possible radial directions Ra.

In the figures, reference is made to a connecting element of the microphone unit and to a housing of the microphone unit, the microphone unit, its connecting element and its housing not being shown in the figures.

The spatial view in Fig. 1 shows a loudspeaker unit 1 of the hearing aid according to the invention according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention diagonally from the front above, the associated loudspeaker not being shown.

As shown in this exemplary embodiment, a connector 2 of the speaker unit 1 can be cylindrical. On an outer surface of the connector 2, a groove 4 can be formed on each side of the connector 2 that is opposite one another in the radial direction Ra of the connector 2. Furthermore, a sealing element 6 in the form of an O-ring can be formed on the connector 2. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element 6 can be designed to be molded onto the connector 2, in particular in the circumferential direction surrounding the connector 2.

Furthermore, four cylindrical holders 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d are formed on the outside of the connector 2, two of which are formed on opposite sides of the connector 2 in the radial direction Ra of the connector 2. The respective holders 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d can be on one side of the connector 2 in Radial direction of the brackets 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d or in the axial direction Ax of the connector 2 can be designed to be spaced apart from one another.

In other words, brackets 8a, 8b on one side of the connector 2 can be designed to be spaced apart from one another in the radial direction of the brackets 8a, 8b or in the axial direction Ax of the connector 2, and brackets 8c, 8d on another side of the connector 2 in the radial direction of the brackets 8c, 8d or in the axial direction Ax of the connector 2 can be designed to be spaced apart from one another.

As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the holders 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d of the connector 2 can be arranged on a contacting section 12 formed on the first end section 10 of the connector 2, in particular on a base plate 14. The base plate 14 can be in a (not shown ) Groove of the (not shown) housing of the (not shown) microphone unit can be guided in order to securely position (not shown) receptacles of the housing and the holders 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d relative to one another.

As further shown, the contacting section 12 can be formed with a total of six contacting elements 16. Due to the perspective representation, in Fig. 1 only three of the six contacting elements 16 are visible. The other three contacting elements 16 are in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 shown. Alternatively, other numbers of contacting elements 16 are possible, for example 2, 4, 8, 10 or 12 contacting elements 16.

The contacting elements 16 can be designed as contact springs, which can, for example, be designed to be elastically deformable and made of an electrically conductive metal or an electrically conductive metal alloy.

A cable 18, which is electrically connected to respective contacting elements 16, can emerge from the connector 2 at a second end section 20 of the connector 2. A loudspeaker connected to one of the second end portion 20 of the connector 2 a (not shown) first end section of the cable 18 is arranged, is, as already mentioned above, not shown.

In the in Fig. 2 shown front view of the connector 2 according to Fig. 1 Of the six contacting elements 16, only the frontmost of the three contacting elements 16 lying one behind the other are visible. The contacting elements 16 can, as shown in this exemplary embodiment, be designed to protrude beyond the contacting section 12 in both axial directions Ax of the contacting section 12, specifically on a lower side of the contacting section 12 and/or the connector 2. As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the contacting elements 16 may additionally be designed to protrude beyond the underside of the contacting section 12 and/or the connector 2.

Furthermore, a stop 22 projecting in the radial direction Ra of the connector 2 for a housing of a microphone unit (neither shown) can be formed on the second end section 20 of the connector 2. As shown, the stop 22 can be formed on an upper side of the connector 2 and partially circumferentially around the connector 2. Alternatively, the stop 22 can be designed to run completely around the circumferential direction of the connector 2.

The function of the stop 22 can also be taken over by at least one of the holders 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, in particular by holders 8a, 8d which are opposite one another in the radial direction Ra of the connector 2 and/or by each one opposite each other in the radial direction Ra of the connector 2 Brackets 8b, 8c.

The two holders 8a, 8b and/or holders 8c, 8d formed on the same side of the connector 2 as seen in the radial direction Ra of the connector 2 can, as shown in this exemplary embodiment, have different diameters from one another and/or the same extent in their axial direction Ax.

As in the top view in Fig. 3 on connector 2 according to Fig. 1 shown, the brackets 8a, 8d that are opposite one another in the radial direction Ra of the connector 2 and/or the brackets 8b, 8c that are opposite one another in the radial direction Ra of the connector 2 can have the same diameter and/or the same extent in their axial direction Ax.

In Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the connector according to Fig. 1 in a sectional view along an in Fig. 2 shown section AA.

The grooves 4 according to this exemplary embodiment can be formed in the secant direction of the connector 2 as shown, wherein a depth 24 of the respective groove 4 can be constant.

Of the total of six contacting elements 16, which are formed in the contacting section 12 in this exemplary embodiment, in Fig. 4 three contacting elements 16 formed on the underside of the contacting section 12 and/or the connector 2 are visible.

A function of individual elements of the connector 2 is described below using the above figures:
In order to connect the loudspeaker unit 1 to the microphone unit (not shown), the connector 2 can be connected to the contacting section 12 and the first end section 110 up to its stop 22 and/or up to the stop on the holders 8a, 8d and/or the holders 8b , 8c can be inserted into the housing (not shown) of the microphone unit.

The electrical contacts can be made between the contacting elements 16 and corresponding counterparts in the housing in order to electrically connect a microphone (not shown) of the microphone unit to the loudspeaker (not shown) of the loudspeaker unit 1.

To securely maintain the electrical and mechanical connection of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit 1, the housing can be locked with the holders 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, in particular by means of receptacles formed thereon for the holders 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d.

The contacting elements 16, which are designed, for example, as elastically deformable contact springs, are also used for the mechanical connection of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit 1. For this purpose, in the assembly position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit 1, an end section of at least one contacting element 16 is received or locked in a corresponding receiving section on the housing of the microphone unit, in particular in a form-fitting manner.

To secure the connection of the microphone unit (not shown) and the loudspeaker unit 1 in their assembly position, in particular against a relative movement between the connector 2 and the microphone unit, a connecting element (not shown) of the microphone unit can be connected to the housing (not shown) of the microphone unit and the groove 4 of the connector 2 can be brought into engagement.

The mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit 1 is thus achieved in a simple and effective manner, which serves for easy mounting of the hearing aid and in particular ensures an electrical and mechanical connection of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit 1.

To easily dismantle the hearing aid, the connecting element can be disengaged from the groove 4, the housing of the microphone unit can be unlocked on the holder 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and the loudspeaker unit 1 can be pulled out of the microphone unit.

Reference symbol list

1

Speaker unit

2

Interconnects

4

Nut

6

Sealing element

8a, 8b, 8c, 8d

bracket

10

first end section of the connector

12

Contact section

14

base plate

16

Contacting element

18

Cable

20

second end section of the connector

22

attack

24

depth of the groove

Ax

Axial direction

Ra

Radial direction

Around

Circumferential direction

Claims (10)

1. Connector (2) for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit (1) of a hearing aid, wherein the connector (2) has a cylindrical external shape,
   characterised in that

   four cylindrical retainers (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), of which in each case two are formed, on the outside of the connector (2), on sides of the connector (2) opposite one another in the radial direction (Ra) of the connector (2), for detachable locking of the connector (2) to a housing of the microphone unit, and extend at least in part in the radial direction (Ra) of the connector (2), wherein

   at least one contacting element (16) for establishing electrical contact between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit (11) is formed on the connector (2), and an end portion of the at least one contacting element (16) can be latched to the housing of the microphone unit, in a receiving portion corresponding thereto.
2. Hearing aid for wearing on the ear, comprising:

   - a microphone unit and

   - a loudspeaker unit (1), wherein

   - the microphone unit comprises a housing having at least one microphone, and the housing is worn on the ear, during use,

   - the loudspeaker unit (1) comprises a cable (18) and a loudspeaker which is connected to a first end of the cable (18) and which is inserted into an auditory canal, and

   - the cable (18) is detachably connected to the housing by means of a connector (2) according to claim 1, wherein

   - the connector (2) is arranged on a second end of the cable (18) opposite the loudspeaker, wherein the hearing aid is characterised in that

   - the connector (2) is detachably locked to the housing, by means of four cylindrical retainers (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), of which in each case two are formed on the outside on the connector (2), on sides of the connector (2) facing one another in the radial direction (Ra) of the connector (2), is detachably latched to the housing of the microphone unit in a mounting position, i.e. in a mounted connection, of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit (1), wherein in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit an end portion of the at least one contacting element (16) is latched to the housing of the microphone unit in a receiving portion corresponding thereto.
3. Hearing aid according to claim 2, wherein the retainer (8) extends in the radial direction (Ra) of the connector (2), at least in part, in such a way that the retainer (8) is formed so as to protrude outwards from an outer surface of the connector (2), in the radial direction (Ra) of the connector (2).
4. Hearing aid according to either claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the hearing aid comprises a connecting element, a groove (4) is formed for coming into engagement with the connecting element, on the connector (2), and extends in the peripheral direction (Um) of the connector, at least in part, and wherein the connecting element is in engagement with the groove (4) in the mounting position of the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit (1), in order to secure the connector (2) on the housing of the microphone unit.
5. Hearing aid according to claim 4, wherein a form-fitting and/or frictional connection is established between the microphone unit and the loudspeaker unit (1) in their mounting position.
6. Hearing aid according to either claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the connecting element is configured so as to be elastically deformable.
7. Hearing aid according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the groove (4) is formed on the outside, on the connector (2), wherein optionally the groove (4) is formed once, in each case, on sides of the connector (2) that are opposite one another in the radial direction (Ra) of the connector (2).
8. Hearing aid according to any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the retainers (8) are configured to be cylindrical in shape, and a longitudinal axis of each retainer (8) is oriented in the radial direction (Ra) of the connector (2), at least in part.
9. Hearing aid according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein a sealing element (6) for sealing between the connector (2) and the housing of the microphone unit is arranged on the connector (2).
10. Use of a connector (2) according to claim 1 for connecting a microphone unit and a loudspeaker unit (1) of a hearing aid according to any of claims 2 to 9.

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