EP4311271A1 - Hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hearing aid (2), in particular a hearing aid, with a support frame (26) which is surrounded by a housing (4). The housing (4) has an upper housing shell (20) and a lower housing shell (22), which are assembled at a circumferential edge (24) and overlap to form a labyrinth seal (40). The support frame (26) has an outwardly directed projection (44) which engages in the labyrinth seal (40).

Description

The invention relates to a hearing aid with a support frame which is surrounded by a housing which has an upper housing shell and a lower housing shell. The hearing aid is preferably a hearing aid device.

People who suffer from hearing loss usually use a hearing aid, which is a hearing aid. Here, ambient sound is usually converted into an electrical (audio/sound) signal using a microphone, i.e. an electromechanical sound transducer, so that the electrical signal is recorded. The detected electrical signals are processed using an amplifier circuit and introduced into the person's ear canal using another electromechanical transducer in the form of a receiver. The recorded sound signals are usually also processed, for which a signal processor in the amplifier circuit is usually used. The amplification is tailored to any hearing loss of the hearing aid wearer. The (sound) transducers and the amplifier circuit are usually arranged in a housing and are in this way at least partially protected from environmental influences.

For example, the housing is designed to be comparatively robust, and the individual components are attached to the inner walls of the housing and thus stabilized. However, in order to adapt to the respective person, for example minor changes in the person's anatomy and/or different skin colors, the housing is usually replaced. It is therefore necessary to dismantle the individual components and assemble them in the new housing.

So-called support frames are usually used, to which the individual components are attached, and by means of which the mechanical integrity of the hearing aid is achieved. The support frame itself is surrounded by a comparatively thin-walled housing. The housing usually has two housing shells. For assembly, the support frame is inserted into one of the housing shells and the remaining housing shell is placed on top so that the two housing shells rest against each other to form a circumferential edge.

To adapt to the person, it is only necessary to replace the housing, whereas all other components are available as a module due to the support frame. This can be inserted into the new housing without any changes. This makes it easier to adapt to individual people. In this way, the adjustment can also be made locally at a dealer without having to keep a large number of different complete hearing aid devices on hand. Rather, only appropriate housings are required.

When the hearing aid is in operation, it is exposed to environmental influences and also to sweat from the wearer, which enters, for example, through openings in the housing or between the housing halves and can lead to damage to the components arranged therein. To remedy this, it is known to glue the edge, i.e. to connect the two housing shells to one another in a materially bonded manner. However, a subsequent exchange is no longer possible. There are also high demands on the adhesive connection to ensure that no moisture penetrates. In an alternative embodiment, for example, a rubber seal is present between the two housing halves. However, this increases the installation space of the hearing aid device, so that it is comparatively visible. In a further development, a labyrinth seal is present between the two housing shells. However, due to the comparatively thin-walled housing shells, a distance of the labyrinth seal formed between them is limited, so that a tight seal cannot always be achieved.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable hearing aid, in particular reliability being increased and/or installation space being reduced, with manufacturing costs expediently being reduced.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further training and refinements are the subject of the subclaims.

For example, the hearing aid is a headphone or includes a headphone, and the hearing aid is, for example, a headset. However, the hearing aid is particularly preferably a hearing aid device. The hearing aid is used to support a person suffering from hearing loss. In other words, the hearing aid is a medical device that can be used, for example, to compensate for partial hearing loss. The hearing aid is, for example, a “receiver-in-the-canal” hearing aid (RIC; ex-receiver hearing aid), an in-the-ear hearing aid, such as an “in-the-ear” hearing aid, an “in-the -canal hearing aid device (ITC) or a complete-in-canal hearing aid device (CIC), hearing glasses, a pocket hearing aid device or a bone conduction hearing aid device. The hearing aid is preferably a behind-the-ear hearing aid that is worn behind an auricle.

The hearing aid is intended and designed to be worn on the human body. In other words, the hearing aid preferably comprises a holding device, by means of which attachment to the human body is possible. For example, the holding device is formed by means of a shape or outer contour of the hearing aid. If the hearing aid is a hearing aid device, the hearing aid is intended and set up to be arranged, for example, behind the ear or within an auditory canal. In particular, the hearing aid is wireless and intended and set up to be at least partially inserted into an ear canal.

The hearing aid includes, for example, a microphone that is used to capture sound. In particular, ambient sound, or at least part of it, is detected during operation using the microphone. The microphone is in particular an electromechanical sound transducer. The microphone has, for example, only a single microphone unit or several microphone units that interact with one another. Each of the microphone units expediently has a membrane which is caused to vibrate using sound waves, the vibrations being converted into an electrical signal by means of a corresponding recording device, such as a magnet which is moved in a coil. It is therefore possible to use the respective microphone unit to record an audio signal that is based on the sound striking the microphone unit. The microphone units are designed, in particular, to be omnidirectional.

The hearing aid expediently has a receiver for emitting an output signal. The output signal is in particular an electrical signal. The listener is expediently an electromechanical sound transducer, preferably a loudspeaker. Depending on the design of the hearing aid, in the intended state, the receiver is at least partially arranged within an ear canal of a wearer of the hearing aid, i.e. a person, or is at least acoustically connected to it. In particular, the hearing aid is mainly used to emit the output signal using the listener, whereby a corresponding sound is created. In other words, the main function of the hearing aid is preferably to output the output signal. The output signal is created in particular at least partially as a function of the sound detected by the microphone.

The hearing aid expediently comprises a signal processor, which suitably forms a signal processing unit or is at least a component thereof. However, at least the hearing aid expediently comprises a corresponding signal processing unit. The signal processor is, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) or implemented using analog components. In particular, the signal processor is used to adapt the (audio) signal created by any microphone, preferably depending on a any hearing loss suffered by a hearing aid wearer. An A/D converter is expediently arranged between the microphone and the signal processing unit, for example the signal processor, if the signal processor is designed as a digital signal processor. The signal processor is set in particular depending on a parameter set. Using the parameter set, an amplification is specified in different frequency ranges, so that the signal generated by the microphone is processed according to certain specifications, in particular depending on the hearing loss of the wearer of the hearing aid. Particularly preferably, the hearing aid additionally comprises an amplifier, or the amplifier is at least partially formed by means of the signal processor. For example, the amplifier is connected upstream or downstream of the signal processor in terms of signal technology.

The hearing aid has a support frame, which is also referred to as a carrier, electronics frame or “frame”. By means of the support frame, further parts/components of the hearing aid, in particular electronic components, are stabilized. Preferably, any microphone, signal processor, signal processing unit and/or any A/D converter is held on the support frame, and these are preferably mounted on the support frame. In particular, the support frame forms the mechanical stabilization of a module of the hearing aid, by means of which in particular all or at least a large part of the functionalities of the hearing aid are provided. The support frame is preferably made of a plastic.

In addition, the hearing aid has a housing, by means of which, in particular, the outer shell of the hearing aid is formed at least in sections. The housing is preferably made of a plastic, with a thickness of the housing expediently being comparatively small. For example, the thickness of the case is between 0.5mm and 3mm. The support frame is surrounded by the housing, so that the support frame is in particular not visible in the assembled state. The shape and/or color of the housing is expediently adapted to the respective user of the hearing aid, i.e. the respective person/wearer.

The housing has an upper housing shell and a lower housing shell, i.e. two housing shells. In particular, the housing is formed by means of the two housing shells. The upper housing shell expediently forms the top end of the hearing aid in the vertical direction when the hearing aid is worn by the person as intended. It is possible here for a part of the lower housing shell to also form the upper end of the housing in the vertical direction, although this area of the boundary is reduced in comparison to the area formed by the upper housing shell. The lower housing shell in turn preferably forms a larger area of the boundary of the housing in the vertical downward direction compared to the upper housing shell.

Preferably, however, the upper boundary of the housing in the vertical direction is formed entirely by means of the upper housing shell and the lower boundary of the housing in the vertical direction is formed entirely by means of the lower housing shell. Furthermore, it is possible for the upper housing shell and the lower housing shell to also form lateral boundaries of the hearing aid, in particular if the housing is designed to be curved.

The two housing shells are put together, with a surrounding edge being formed. The transition between the two housing shells is determined by means of the edge, in particular on the outside of the housing. The two housing shells overlap to form a labyrinth seal. In other words, the labyrinth seal is expediently formed in the area of the edge, and the two housing shells preferably engage with one another. The housing shells are suitably designed in such a way that they are aligned with one another on the outside. This prevents foreign particles from accumulating there. There is also no risk of injury for the wearer. For example, the overlap and thus also the labyrinth seal runs along the entire edge. Alternatively, the housing shells only overlap along part of the edge, and along the remaining part, for example, they lie butt against one another, in particular provided that no or only comparatively robust/insensitive further components of the hearing aid are arranged in this area.

Due to the labyrinth seal, an area along which the two housing shells rest against each other is enlarged, which is why a creepage distance for moisture/liquid penetrating between them is increased. In summary, due to the labyrinth seal, the two housing shells lie against each other with an enlarged surface and, for example, partially engage with one another. For this purpose, the cross section of the two housing halves is L-shaped in the area of the overlap.

The support frame has an outwardly directed projection which engages the labyrinth seal. In other words, the projection is directed towards the housing halves. In particular, the projection is elongated and preferably runs parallel to the edge. In other words, the projection has a course along the support frame. For example, the projection is circumferential, so that it expediently runs along the entire edge. Alternatively, the projection is recessed so that it is designed to be interrupted and has separate areas from one another.

In summary, the labyrinth seal has an area in which the two housing shells rest against each other. Furthermore, there is an area in which one housing shell rests on the projection. There is also another area in which the other housing shell rests on the projection. This means that the entire area in which two components come into contact in the area of the edge is increased, which is why the creepage distance is increased. It is therefore possible to choose the thickness of the housing shells, and thus also the size of the labyrinth seal, to be comparatively small, while still providing a comparatively large creepage distance. Thus, due to the projection, penetration of moisture/liquid is further reduced, which is why reliability is increased. Since the thickness of the housing shell can be reduced, the installation space is also reduced. In addition, no additional components are required to provide sealing, which is why On the one hand, material costs and, on the other hand, required assembly steps are reduced. Therefore, manufacturing costs are reduced.

One of the housing shells or both of the housing shells is expediently fastened to the support frame, preferably releasably. In particular, at least one of the housing shells is clipped to the support frame. Stability is thus increased. The labyrinth seal is particularly preferably designed all around, so that the housing shells always overlap in the area of the edge. The projection is preferably designed to be interrupted and, for example, only present at positions of comparatively sensitive other components. In this way, assembly is made easier. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a corresponding recess for the projection all around in the housing shells in the area of the labyrinth seal, so that the robustness of the housing shells is not excessively reduced. The housing shells expediently have an increased thickness in the area in which the projection is not present, and the labyrinth seal is correspondingly widened.

Due to the engagement of the projection in the labyrinth seal, a first gap is formed between the projection and the lower housing shell and a second gap is formed between the projection and the upper housing shell. These are particularly present so that the two housing shells can be joined together despite existing manufacturing tolerances. For example, the thickness of the two columns is the same as each other. However, the thickness of the first gap is particularly preferably increased. If moisture/liquid gets through the labyrinth seal to the projection, i.e. passes between the two housing shells in the area of the overlap, it is directed into the first gap and thus to the lower housing shell. This is also favored due to the weight force, since the lower housing shell and consequently also the first gap is located below the second gap in the vertical direction in the intended state. This means that moisture/liquid, if it passes through the labyrinth seal, is drained into the lower part of the housing, and the moisture/liquid does not reach the upper part of the housing, from where it would flow into the lower part of the housing due to the weight force. In the The moisture/liquid only enters the second gap due to capillary forces, although this is negligible in normal use.

Consequently, a size of the area within the housing that comes into contact with the moisture/liquid, if it enters at all, is reduced. Particularly preferably, electronics, such as any signal processor, of the hearing aid are arranged in an upper part of the support frame in the vertical direction, which is preferably located in the vertical direction above the second gap. At least, however, the electronics or other sensitive components of the hearing aid are assigned to the upper housing shell in the assembled state and are in particular surrounded by it. Due to the design of the gaps, the moisture is kept away from them.

Preferably, a first contact surface is formed between the projection and the lower housing shell and a second contact surface is formed between the projection and the upper housing shell. In particular, the first contact surface has a thickness that is determined by means of the first gap. The second contact surface has a thickness that is equal to the extent of the second gap. Due to the two contact surfaces, the creepage distance is formed, by means of which any penetrating moisture/liquid is retained. In other words, a possible labyrinth seal is preferably formed by means of the two contact surfaces.

Particularly preferably, the second contact surface has a plurality of lower surfaces which are separated from one another by means of a folding edge, which thus protrudes at least partially through the second contact surface. In other words, the folding edge is at least partially removed from an edge of the second contact surface. Due to the folding edge, an angle is formed between the two lower surfaces that are assigned to this folding edge. The angle is preferably greater than 90° or 110°. This reduces the space requirement and simplifies assembly. Suitably, the folding edge is straight, thus simplifying the design.

For example, the first contact surface also has such folding edges. However, the second contact surface has at least one folding edge, and thus one lower surface, more than the first contact surface. Particularly preferably, however, the first contact surface is flat, and the second contact surface has exactly one folded edge, so that the second contact surface is divided into exactly the two lower surfaces.

Due to the folded edge, on the one hand, the size of the area of the second contact surface is increased in comparison to the size of the area of the first contact surface. Consequently, the creepage distance there is also increased, which is why moisture/liquid is prevented from getting into the area surrounded by the upper housing shell. In addition, any moisture/liquid that may penetrate is forced to change direction at the folded edge, which is why resistance is further increased. In summary, due to the division into the lower surfaces, the effectiveness of the labyrinth seal in the area of the second contact surface is improved compared to the first contact surface. Thus, any moisture/liquid entering through the labyrinth seal between the two housing shells is guided along the first contact surface, which is why, due to this configuration, the moisture/liquid is removed from the upper regions of the hearing aid in the vertical direction or at least from the area surrounded by the upper housing shell of the hearing aid.

A number of capillary channels particularly preferably run between the upper housing shell and the support frame. By means of each capillary channel, the distance between the upper housing shell and the support frame is locally increased, so that any moisture/liquid that may penetrate is kept in the capillary channels. In other words, due to the capillary forces acting, liquid/moisture present in the housing is transported into the capillary channels, i.e. the locally increased distance between the upper housing shell and the support frame, and held there. In particular, a distance between the upper housing shell and the support frame in the area in which there are no capillary channels and no other specifications prevail is between 0.02 mm and 0.08 mm, preferably equal to 0.05 mm. The size of the hearing aid is therefore comparatively small.

The capillary channels are preferably arranged in the area of breakthroughs or openings in the cell housing. In particular, an opening is surrounded by at least one of the capillary channels. In particular, for example, an opening for a switch, such as a toggle switch, or a button, is surrounded by a corresponding capillary channel. Thus, when moisture penetrates into the housing, it is held in the respective capillary channel or the area delimited by the capillary channel, so that damage to other components within the housing is avoided.

For example, one or more such capillary channels are also present between the lower housing shell around the support frame. Alternatively, this area is free of such capillary channels, or in particular only any openings or openings in the lower housing shell are surrounded by these. Due to the absence of the capillary channels, any moisture/liquid present within the housing is not prevented from accumulating in the lower region of the housing, which can collect there due to the force of gravity. This avoids uncontrolled movement of the moisture/liquid and thus also an interaction with comparatively vulnerable components of the hearing aid, such as electronics, which is particularly preferably surrounded by the upper housing shell.

For example, the capillary channels are incorporated into the upper housing shell. However, the capillary channels are particularly preferably incorporated into the support frame, with these being open towards the upper housing shell. Due to the introduction of the capillary channels into the support frame, it is possible to manufacture the upper housing shell in a comparatively delicate manner, which reduces the size and weight. The mechanical integrity is not affected.

For example, the cross section of the capillary channels is different from one another and/or rectangular. However, the cross section of the capillary channels is particularly preferably semicircular. In this way, production is simplified. Absorption of moisture/liquid is also improved. In particular, the Capillary channels have a depth between 0.02 mm and 0.08 mm, expediently equal to 0.05 mm. On the one hand, the space requirement is not excessively increased. On the other hand, the capillary forces act comparatively effectively in this way, although comparatively high manufacturing tolerances can still be selected.

For example, the capillary channels have a closed contour and are therefore in particular circular, with the circles being round, for example, or having bulges and/or corners. In this embodiment, any penetrating moisture/liquid is kept within the area surrounded by the respective capillary channel. In such a configuration, a breakthrough/opening in the housing is preferably surrounded by the respective capillary channel. Alternatively, for example, one or all of the capillary channels are arranged parallel to the edge. Thus, any moisture/liquid penetrating through the labyrinth seal is collected by means of the capillary channel(s), so that a sealing effect is further increased.

However, the capillary channels particularly preferably open at the labyrinth seal. In this way, any penetrating liquid is directed to the labyrinth seal and can diffuse outwards again, for example if the hearing aid heats up or if it is no longer used in a humid environment. It is therefore not necessary to manually remove any moisture/liquid that has penetrated, but this is done during operation, which means that maintenance effort is reduced. For example, both ends of each capillary channel terminate at the labyrinth seal. Alternatively, the remaining end of one, some or all of the capillary channels opens into a further seal, by means of which a breakthrough/opening in the housing shell is surrounded. In particular, a switch is arranged within this, by means of which the hearing aid is operated. This means that liquid/moisture can also escape there, with no additional components being required. In particular, the seal is made of rubber and/or flexible. This means that the sealing effect is not impaired even when the switch is activated.

Preferably, the individual parts/components of the hearing aid are powered using a battery. For example, this is a secondary battery, so it is rechargeable. Alternatively, this is, for example, not designed to be rechargeable, which is why manufacturing costs are reduced. The hearing aid expediently has a battery holder by means of which the battery is held. In particular, the battery holder has a holder for this purpose, by means of which the battery is accommodated. The holder is, for example, pot-shaped.

The battery holder is mounted on the support frame, so that the battery is also moved by moving the battery holder with respect to the support frame. In particular, the housing has a chamber within which the battery holder and also the battery are arranged in the operating state. In particular, contacts are arranged in the chamber, which are then electrically contacted with the battery. By moving the battery holder relative to the support frame, the battery is moved out of the chamber of the housing so that it can be replaced, for example.

The battery holder is expediently made of the same material as the support frame, which is why production is simplified. For example, the battery holder is mounted on the support frame in a longitudinally displaceable manner. Particularly preferably, the battery holder is pivotally mounted on the support frame, so that the battery holder and consequently the battery held with it can be pivoted out of the chamber of the housing with respect to the support frame. Suitably, the chamber is formed by the lower housing shell, which is why the battery is consequently located in the area surrounded by the lower housing shell. In this way, a center of gravity of the hearing aid is comparatively low, which is why use is simplified.

Suitably, the battery holder at least partially forms an outer skin of the hearing aid when the battery is located within the chamber. In this way a construction is simplified. This area of the battery holder is expediently flush with other components of the housing, in particular the and lower housing shell when the battery is in the chamber. This prevents foreign particles from accumulating there and reduces the risk of injury.

A further capillary channel expediently runs between the battery holder and the housing, in particular between the battery holder and the lower housing shell. The further capillary channel has, for example, a semicircular cross section and/or a depth between 0.02mm and 0.08mm. The additional capillary channel is suitably incorporated into the battery holder so that the mechanical integrity of the housing is not reduced. For example, the battery holder is essentially cylindrical, with the capillary channel being curved and in particular being inserted into one of the two end faces. Preferably, such a further capillary channel is introduced into each of the end faces, and/or this is expediently offset from one in the center of the end face to an edge, so that a distance to the edge is reduced. In particular, the further capillary channel is located in the outer third of the respective end face.

Due to the further capillary channel, penetration of moisture/liquid between the housing and the battery holder into the housing further than the further capillary channel is prevented, with no additional seals having to be provided. This means that the battery holder can be moved with respect to the support frame without contact, which is why the effort required for this is comparatively low. This increases comfort. Wear is also reduced in this way.

Fig. 1

schematisch ein Hörgerät,

Fig. 2, 3

jeweils in einer teilweise durchsichtigen Seitenansicht das Hörgerät, das einen Tragrahmen und ein Gehäuse mit zwei Gehäuseschalen umfasst,

Fig. 4

ausschnittsweise einen Querschnitt des Hörgeräts, und

Fig. 5

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Fig 4, in dem eine Labyrinthdichtung zwischen den beiden Gehäuseschalen gezeigt ist, in welche ein Vorsprung des Tragrahmens eingreift,

Fig. 6

ausschnittsweise einen weiteren Querschnitt des Hörgeräts, und

Fig. 7

perspektivisch einen Batteriehalter.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Show in it:

Fig. 1

schematically a hearing aid,

Fig. 2, 3

each in a partially transparent side view of the hearing aid, which includes a support frame and a housing with two housing shells,

Fig. 4

a section of a cross section of the hearing aid, and

Fig. 5

an enlarged section of the Fig 4 , in which a labyrinth seal is shown between the two housing shells, into which a projection of the support frame engages,

Fig. 6

a section of another cross section of the hearing aid, and

Fig. 7

perspectively a battery holder.

Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numbers in all figures.

In Figure 1 a hearing aid 2 is shown schematically in the form of a hearing aid device, which is intended and set up to be worn behind an ear of a wearer (user, hearing aid wearer, user). In other words, it is a behind-the-ear hearing aid. The hearing aid 2 includes a housing 4 which is made of plastic. A microphone 6 with two microphone units 8, each in the form of an electromechanical sound transducer, which are designed to be omnidirectional, is arranged within the housing 4. By changing a time offset between the acoustic signals detected by the omnidirectional microphone units 8, it is possible to change a directional characteristic of the microphone 6, so that a directional microphone is realized.

The two microphone units 8 are coupled in terms of signal technology to a signal processing unit 10, which includes an amplifier circuit (not shown) and a signal processor. The signal processing unit 10 is further formed by circuit elements, such as electrical and/or electronic components. The signal processor is a digital signal processor (DSP) and is connected to the microphone units 8 via an A/D converter (not shown).

A receiver 12 is coupled to the signal processing unit 10 for signaling purposes. By means of the listener 12, which is an electromechanical sound transducer, an (electrical) signal provided by the signal processing unit 10 is activated during operation. Signal converted into an output sound, i.e. into sound waves. These are introduced into a sound tube 14, one end of which is attached to the housing 4. The other end of the sound tube 14 is enclosed by a dome 16, which in the intended state is arranged in an ear canal, not shown here, of the wearer of the hearing aid 2. The signal processing unit 10 is energized by means of a battery 18 arranged in the housing 4. Part of the electrical energy is conducted from the signal processing unit 10 to the microphone 6 and the receiver 12.

In the Figures 2 and 3 the hearing aid 2 is shown in different side views, with the housing 4 being shown transparently. The housing 4 has an upper housing shell 20 and a lower housing shell 22, which are made of the same material, namely plastic. Here, the shape of the housing 4 is determined by the shape of the two housing shells 20, 22, which are assembled on a circumferential edge 24. In other words, the two housing shells 20, 22 rest against each other on the edge 24. The edge 24 is visible from outside the housing 4. A support frame 26, which is made of plastic, is arranged within the housing 4. The signal processing unit 10, the receiver 12 and the microphone 6 as well as any other parts/components are captively secured to the support frame 26.

In the upper housing shell 20, which at least partially forms the upper and partially lateral end of the housing 4 in the vertical direction when the hearing aid 2 is worn as intended, an opening 28 is made, within which a switch 30 is positioned. Using the switch 30, a user input can be made, based on which the signal processing unit 10 is changed over. Consequently, the switch 30 serves to select the operating mode of the hearing aid 2. The switch 30 is mounted on the support frame 26 and fastened thereto. The switch 30 is designed as a toggle switch and is surrounded within the housing 4 by means of a seal 32 made of rubber.

In addition, a battery holder 32 is pivotally mounted on the support frame 26 by means of a hinge 34. The battery holder 32 is essentially cylindrical and has a receptacle for the battery 18, which lies within a chamber 36 when the battery holder 32 is folded, which is formed by the lower housing shell 22. In this state, part of the outer skin of the hearing aid 2 is formed by means of the battery holder 32, which in this case is flush with the lower housing shell 22. By pivoting the battery holder 32, it is possible to move the battery 18 out of the chamber 36 of the housing 4.

In summary, a module is created by means of the support frame 26 and the components secured captively thereto, which is enclosed by means of the two housing shells 20, 22 forming the housing 4. For assembly, the support frame 26 is inserted into the lower housing shell 22 and clipped to it. The upper housing shell 20 is then placed on top. so that they rest against each other on the lower housing shell 22 to form the edge 24, whereby the housing 4 is closed. The switch 30 is passed through the opening 28. The upper housing shell 20 is also clipped to the support frame 26 and, if necessary, to the lower housing shell 22.

In Figure 4 the hearing aid 2 is shown in detail in a sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 4. The switch 30 lies in the opening 28 to form a clearance fit, so that the switch 30 can be tilted with respect to the support frame 26 and thus also the housing 4. By means of the seal 32 resting on the inside of the upper housing shell 20, any moisture/liquid penetrating through the opening 28 is retained.

The seal 32 is supported on the support frame 26 or attached there. The signal processing unit 10 is arranged below the seal 32, namely a circuit board 38 of this, which is equipped with comparatively sensitive electrical and/or electronic components. This is how the seal is located 32 between the circuit board 38 and the switch 30. The circuit board 38 is received by the support frame 26.

The upper housing shell 20 and the lower housing shell 22 continuously overlap along the edge 24 so that a labyrinth seal 40 is formed. Here, the lower housing shell 22 has a step 42, along which the upper housing shell 20 rests, so that the cross section of the overlap is L-shaped. A projection 44 of the support frame 26, which is directed outwards, engages in the labyrinth seal 40.

The lead 44 is in Figure 5 shown enlarged. A first contact surface 46 is formed between the lower housing shell 22 and the projection 44. The first contact surface 46 is straight. A second contact surface 48 is formed between the upper housing shell 20 and the projection 44. The second contact surface 48 has a folding edge 50 running parallel to the edge 24, along which the second contact surface bearing surface 48 is divided into two lower surfaces 52, which are arranged at an angle to one another and merge into one another at the folding edge 50. The angle is 135°. The cross section of the projection 44 is therefore designed in the manner of a rectangular trapezoid. Thus, the second contact surface 48 has the folding edge 50, whereas the first contact surface 46 is flat and is therefore not divided into the lower surfaces 50.

A first gap 54 is defined by the first contact surface 46 and a second gap 56 is defined by the second contact surface 48. The thickness of the first gap 54 is increased in comparison to the thickness of the second gap 56. The first contact surface 46 thus has an increased thickness perpendicular to its direction of extension than the second contact surface 48.

The projection 44 engaging in the labyrinth seal 40 extends a creepage distance for moisture/liquid penetrating from the outside via the edge 24. If the moisture/liquid penetrates to the projection 44, this is done by means of the enlarged first gap 54 due to the prevailing gravity predominantly in the vertical direction downwards, i.e. into the lower housing shell 22. Entry into the upper gap 56, i.e. along the second contact surface 48, only occurs due to capillary effects. However, since the folding edge 50 is present, a change of direction is required during further penetration, which is why resistance is further increased. In addition, due to the increased area of the second contact surface 48, a distance there is increased, so that the penetrating moisture/liquid is prevented from penetrating the upper housing half 20.

The projection 44 runs parallel to the edge 24, although this is partially recessed to form gaps 58. In this area, the housing shells 20, 22 are designed to be thicker, so that the labyrinth seal 40 is also enlarged there.

Figure 6 the hearing aid 2 is shown in detail in a further sectional view perpendicular to the extent of the housing 4. Here too, the upper housing shell 22 is shown, which is placed on the lower housing shell 22 at the edge 24, with the labyrinth seal 40 being formed. In this cross section, however, one of the gaps 58 is present, so that the projection 44 is not visible. Between the upper housing shell 20 and the support frame 26 there are several capillary channels 60, one of which is in Figure 6 is shown. The capillary channel 60 shown is, like the remaining ones, introduced into the support frame 26, so that in the area of each capillary channel 60 there is a local increase in the distance between the support frame 26 and the upper housing shell 20. The distance between the support frame 26 and the upper housing shell 20 is essentially 0.05 mm in the areas in which no capillary channels 60 are present. The cross section of each capillary channel 60 is semicircular, with a depth of each capillary channel 60, i.e. its radius, being 0.05 mm, so that in the area of the capillary channels 60 the distance of the support frame 26 from the upper housing shell 20 is equal to 0.1 mm.

The capillary channels 60 run as shown in Figures 2 and 3 shown, between the labyrinth seal 40, i.e. up to the edges 24, and the seal 32, so that the Support frame 26 in the area of the upper housing shell 20 is divided into different areas by means of the capillary channels 60. In other words, the capillary channels 60 open at the labyrinth seal 40. The capillary channels 60 or part of the capillary channels 60 run perpendicular to the edge 24. Further openings or openings, not shown, in the upper housing shell 20 are surrounded by further capillary channels 60. These capillary channels 60 partially extend into the lower housing shell 22.

If moisture/liquid penetrates into the housing 4 via the labyrinth seal 40, the opening 28 and/or the other openings/breakthroughs (not shown), it is drawn into the capillary channels 60 due to the capillary forces. The moisture/liquid is thus kept in the area separated by the respective capillary channel 60, and uncontrolled spreading of the moisture/liquid is avoided. Consequently, the moisture/liquid is removed from the signal processing unit 10 and other sensitive components of the hearing aid 2. It is also possible to drain the moisture/liquid to the outside via the labyrinth seal 40.

In Figure 7 the battery holder 32 is shown in perspective, with the battery 18 omitted. On an outside 62 of the battery holder 32, which is also visible when the battery 18 is in the chamber 36, an outwardly projecting bead 64 is formed, which is the only component that is not flush with the housing 4 when the battery 18 is in the chamber 36 is arranged. The bead 64 makes it easier for a person to reach there, so that the battery holder 32 can be pivoted about the hinge 34. The outside 62 is perpendicular to the two end faces of the cylindrical battery holder 32, in which a further capillary channel 66 is introduced in the edge region, i.e. offset from the outside 62. In other words, each of the end faces has one of the further capillary channels 66. The other capillary channels 66 also have a semicircular cross section, with a depth of 0.05 m. If moisture/liquid penetrates into the chamber 36 between the battery holder 32 and the lower housing shell 22, it is retained by means of the further capillary channels 66, which run between the battery holder 32 and the housing 4.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived from this by the person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiment can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

Reference symbol list

2

hearing aid

4

Housing

6

microphone

8th

Microphone unit

10

Signal processing unit

12

listener

14

sound tube

16

Cathedral

18

battery

20

upper housing shell

22

under housing shell

24

Edge

26

Support frame

28

opening

30

Switch

32

Battery holder

34

hinge

36

chamber

38

Circuit board

40

Labyrinth seal

42

Level

44

head Start

46

first contact area

48

second contact area

50

crease edge

52

subsurface

54

first gap

56

second gap

58

gap

60

Capillary channel

62

Outside

64

bead

66

another capillary channel

Claims (8)

Hearing device (2), in particular hearing aid device, with a support frame (26) which is surrounded by a housing (4) which has an upper housing shell (20) and a lower housing shell (22) which are assembled on a circumferential edge (24). are and overlap to form a labyrinth seal (40), the support frame (26) having an outwardly directed projection (44) which engages in the labyrinth seal (40). Hearing aid (2) according to claim 1,
characterized,
that a first gap (54) is formed between the projection (44) and the lower housing shell (22) and a second gap (56) is formed between the projection (44) and the upper housing shell (20), the thickness of the first gap ( 54) is enlarged. Hearing aid (2) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
that a first contact surface (46) is formed between the projection (44) and the lower housing shell (22) and a second contact surface (48) is formed between the projection (44) and the upper housing shell (20), the second contact surface (48) is divided into subsurfaces (50) by means of at least one folding edge (50) more than the first contact surface (46). Hearing aid (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized,
that several capillary channels (60) run between the upper housing shell (20) and the support frame (26). Hearing aid (2) according to claim 4,
characterized,
that the capillary channels (60) are introduced into the support frame (26). Hearing aid (2) according to claim 4 or 5,
characterized,
that the capillary channels (60) have a depth between 0.02mm and 0.08mm. Hearing aid (2) according to one of claims 4 to 6,
characterized,
that the capillary channels (60) open at the labyrinth seal (40). Hearing aid (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized,
in that a battery holder (32) is mounted on the support frame (26) in such a way that a battery (18) held in the battery holder (32) can be moved out of a chamber (36) of the housing (4), with between the battery holder (32 ) and the housing (4) runs another capillary channel (66).

Images