JP2000341797A - Earwax intrusion preventing barrier for hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively prevent the entrance of earwax into an earplug part of a hearing aid and to surely protect equipment such as an acoustic element by forming an acoustic passage penetrated from an acoustic reproducing element to both the sides of a cover part by a notched part passing in the horizontal direction along the inside of the cover part. SOLUTION: A notched part 24 penetrated from the base of a plate-like leg part 22 to both the sides of the cover part 21 is formed in the cover part 21 and a notched part 25 is formed on the side face of the leg part 22. Both the notched parts 24, 25 of the cover part 21 and the leg part 22 are utilized for forming the acoustic passage penetrated from the acoustic reproducing element 14 to the side of the cover part 21. Thus the cover part 21 can be positioned and fixed in a state putting the cover part 21 on an aperture part of an acoustic discharge port 15 by inserting and engaging the leg part 22 with the discharge port 15. In the positioned and fixed state, the cover part 21 can surely suppress the entrance of earwax from an ear passage inserting direction into the acoustic discharge port 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technology effectively applied to prevent earwax intrusion into a hearing aid earplug portion in which a device such as a sound reproducing element is housed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a technology effective when an acoustic reproduction element such as a speaker is used together with a microphone and an amplifier in an ear-hole type hearing aid housed in an earplug.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An earplug portion of a hearing aid in which a sound reproducing element is housed is provided with a sound emission port for guiding a sound radiated from the sound reproducing element into an ear canal. This sound emission port is usually open in the direction of insertion into the ear canal, but as the earphone is used repeatedly, earwax invades the earplug from the opening and destroys the function of the sound reproducing element. Sometimes.

Therefore, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, barrier projections 82,
The provision of the 83 provides an earwax invasion prevention barrier 80 for a hearing aid that secures an acoustic passage and prevents the earwax invading the acoustic emission opening 81 from moving to the back (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 9-208572). 8-255598).

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, by providing a cover 92 which protrudes in an arch shape in the direction of insertion into the ear canal in front of the sound emission port 91 of the earplug 9,
There is also provided an earwax intrusion prevention barrier 90 for a hearing aid that prevents invasion of earwax from the front of the sound emission port 91 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 10-276499).

[0005]

However, it has been clarified by the present inventors that the above-described technology has the following problems.

That is, in the barrier 8 shown in FIG. 2, since the sound emission port 81 is opened in the direction of insertion into the ear canal, the effect of preventing earwax from entering the sound emission port 81 is sufficient. Rather, the effect could only be expected to simply delay the movement of the invading earwax toward the back.

[0007] For this reason, the function as a barrier has not been sufficient in preventing the functional destruction of the sound reproducing element due to the penetration of earwax. Furthermore, this barrier has a shape in which barrier projections 82 and 83 are provided on the inner wall surface of the sound emission port 81, but this shape is very complicated and difficult to process. For this reason, there arises a problem that productivity is poor.

On the other hand, the barrier 90 shown in FIG. 3 has an effect of reducing invasion of earwax from the front of the sound emission port 91, but the cover 92 which protrudes greatly in an arch shape in the direction of insertion into the ear canal is not provided. In addition, there is a problem that the size of the hearing aid is hindered, particularly, the size of the earplug portion is prevented. When the entire size of the earplug 9 is the same as the conventional one, a large part of the size is occupied by the cover, and the space for housing the sound reproducing element, the microphone, the amplifier, the battery, and the like is greatly increased. There is a problem that the size is reduced.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simple shape that is easy to process and to prevent earwax from penetrating into the hearing aid earplug while maintaining the performance of the hearing aid without obstructing the miniaturization of the earplug. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique of effectively preventing a device such as an acoustic element from being protected effectively.

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a first means is an earwax invasion preventing barrier for a hearing aid which prevents the ingress of earwax into the sound reproducing element from a sound emission port of the earplug part of the hearing aid. A lid for closing the sound emission opening from above the opening, and a leg for projecting perpendicularly from the inner surface of the lid and fitting into the sound emission opening to position and fix the lid. And are integrally formed,
A notch communicating vertically along the side of the leg, and a notch communicating horizontally along the inside of the lid, an acoustic passage passing from the sound reproducing element to the side of the lid. (First invention).

The second means is that, in the first means, the legs are formed in the shape of a plate having a rectangular cross section, and both width ends of the plate-like legs are fitted into the sound emission opening to position the lid. In addition to the fixing, an acoustic passage is formed along both surfaces of the plate-like leg portion (second invention).

A third means is that, in the first means, the leg is formed in a column shape with a semicircular cross section, and the semicircular cross section is fitted into the sound emission opening to position and fix the lid. (Third invention).

A fourth means is that, in the first means, the leg portion is formed in a columnar shape having a circular cross section, and an acoustic path is formed by replacing a part of the circular cross section with a cutout having a rectangular cross section. (4th invention).

A fifth means is that, in any one of the first to fourth means, the leg portion is formed in a column shape having a semicircular cross section to form an acoustic passage having a semicircular cross section, and the leg is formed in the middle of the acoustic passage. In this case, a barrier for capturing earwax is interposed (see the fifth invention).

A sixth means is that, in the first or fifth means, the leg portion is formed in a column shape with a cross-shaped cross section (a sixth invention).

According to the above-described means, the lid can be positioned and fixed in a state of being placed on the opening of the sound emission opening by pushing the leg of the barrier into the sound emission opening and fitting it. In this positioning and fixed state, the lid can reliably prevent earwax from entering the acoustic emission opening from the ear canal insertion direction.

Further, the barrier does not require complicated or fine processing, and can be formed at once by a single resin molding step.

Further, the portion protruding outside the earplug can be made only the thickness of the lid.

[0019] This makes it possible to construct the hearing aid in a simple shape that is easy to process, effectively prevent the earwax from penetrating into the hearing aid earplug while maintaining the performance of the hearing aid without obstructing the miniaturization of the earplug. Thus, the object of reliably protecting devices such as acoustic elements is achieved.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, (A) shows a cross-sectional structure of an ear-hole type hearing aid, in which a device such as a microphone 12, an amplifier 13, and a sound reproducing element 14 is provided in a casing 11 which is an outer shell of the earplug 1. Is housed. (B) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the earwax intrusion prevention barrier 2 attached to the sound emission port 15 of the hearing aid. The barrier 2 is formed integrally with the lid 21 and the leg 22 by resin molding. Have been. (C) is an upper side view of the lid 21, (D) is an AA 'sectional view of (C), and (E) is a BB' sectional view of the same.

The sound reproducing element 14 is a micro speaker, and reproduces sound of a sound signal collected by the microphone 12 and amplified by the amplifier 13, and radiates the sound. The sound radiated from the sound reproducing element 14 is led out of the casing through a sound emission port 15 formed of a rubber cylindrical portion 16.

The sound emission port 15 opens in the direction of insertion into the ear canal. The amplified sound emitted from the opening is emitted into the ear canal and vibrates the eardrum.

The lid 21 has a circular flange shape having an outer diameter slightly larger than the opening diameter of the sound emission port 15 and covers the sound emission port 15 from above the opening.

The leg 22 projects vertically downward from the inner surface of the lid 21 and fits into the sound emission opening 15 to position and fix the lid 21.

The leg portion 22 has a rectangular cross-section plate shape, and the both ends of the plate shape are fitted into the sound emission opening 15 to position and fix the lid portion 21. Further, a jaw 23 projecting from both width ends is formed at a lower portion of the plate-like leg portion 22, and the jaw 23 is attached to the sound emission port 1.
5 is press-inserted while elastically deforming the inner wall surface, whereby the leg portion 22 is securely fixed and prevented from falling off.

Both width ends of the plate-like leg portion 22 are in close contact with the inner wall surface of the sound emission port 15, and both sides in the thickness direction are constant with respect to the inner wall surface of the sound emission port 15. The gap is kept. That is, on the side surface of the leg portion 22,
Notch 25 receding from the inner wall surface of the sound emission port 15
Are formed. At the same time, a cutout portion 24 is formed inside the lid portion 21 so as to pass from the base of the plate-like leg portion 22 to both sides of the lid portion 21.

Notch 2 of both leg 22 and lid 21
Reference numerals 4 and 25 form an acoustic passage extending from the sound reproducing element 14 to the side of the lid 21 in a state where the lid 21 is positioned and fixed.

Next, the operation will be described. The earwax intrusion prevention barrier 2 for a hearing aid configured as described above includes a leg 22.
Is pushed into the sound emission opening 15 and fitted therein, whereby the lid 21 can be positioned and fixed in a state of being placed on the opening of the sound emission opening 15. In this positioning and fixed state, the lid portion 21 can reliably prevent invasion of earwax into the acoustic emission port 15 from the ear canal insertion direction.

The sound radiated from the sound reproducing element 14 is emitted into the ear canal through an acoustic passage formed by the cutout portions 24 and 25 of the leg portion 22 and the lid portion 21 to vibrate the eardrum. In this case, the acoustic characteristics of the hearing aid, in particular, the frequency response characteristics and the acoustic level are affected by the above-mentioned acoustic passage bent at a right angle between the leg portion 22 and the lid portion 21. However, it is clear from the measurement results shown in FIG. Thus, the effect is within a range that does not cause a practical problem.

FIG. 4 shows a change in acoustic characteristics of the hearing aid when the barrier of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is mounted. In the figure, (A) shows the acoustic characteristics (frequency response characteristics) when no barrier is mounted, and (B) shows the acoustic characteristics (frequency response characteristics) when the barrier is mounted.

The characteristic diagrams (A) and (B) are obtained by examining two conditions of the maximum sound level of 50 dB (thin line graph) and 90 dB (thick line graph), respectively. The characteristics were almost changed, and the change (attenuation) of the sound level was also small, which proved that there was no problem in practical use.

Further, the above-described barrier 2 includes a lid 21 for closing the sound emission port 15 from above the opening,
1 and projecting vertically downward from the inner surface of the
5 has a leg 12 for positioning and fixing the lid 21 by being fitted therein, and a cutout for forming an acoustic passage from the sound reproducing element 14 to the side of the lid 21. Although having the parts 24 and 25, such a shape does not require complicated or fine processing, and can be formed all at once by a single resin molding step, for example.

The lid 21 is positioned and fixed in a state of being abutted and engaged with the opening of the sound emission port 15, and projects only in the thickness of the lid 21 in the insertion direction in the ear canal. . Thereby, the barrier 2 can be attached to the earplug part 1 without increasing the size of the hearing aid earplug part 1 almost. Therefore, there is no problem such as an increase in the size of the earplug 1 due to the mounting of the barrier 2 or a reduction in the device storage space in the earplug 1.

Since the leg portion 22 is formed in a plate shape, it is possible to secure an acoustic passage having a large cross-sectional area on both sides of the plate shape, thereby preventing a change in the response frequency characteristic of the hearing aid due to the mounting of the barrier. Can be minimized.

As described above, the earwax invasion prevention barrier for a hearing aid of the present invention described above can be configured with a simple shape that is easy to process, and can maintain the performance as a hearing aid without obstructing downsizing of the earplug. Meanwhile, it is possible to effectively prevent earwax from penetrating into the earplug portion of the hearing aid, and to reliably protect devices such as acoustic elements.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of an earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to the present invention.

In the figure, (A) is a top view of the barrier,
(B) is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in (A), and (C) is a sectional view of B in FIG.
B ′ sectional views are shown.

The difference from the first embodiment will be described. In the barrier 2 according to the second embodiment, the leg 22 connected to the lid 21 is formed in a columnar shape with a semicircular cross section. The cover 21 is positioned and fixed by fitting and press-fitting the semicircular cross section into the sound emission port 15.

On the other hand, an acoustic passage extending from the sound reproducing element 14 to the side of the lid 21 has a notch 24 having a semicircular cross-sectional shape formed on one side surface of the leg 22 and the notch 2.
Notch 2 provided inside lid 21 so as to be connected to 4
5 form only one (one route).

In the second embodiment, the positioning and fixing of the barrier 2 are performed by fitting and inserting approximately half of the cross-sectional area of the leg portion 22 into the sound emission port 15 in the case of the first embodiment. It is possible to perform the operation more reliably and more stably.

In this case, although the above-described acoustic path has only one route, it is confirmed that the change in the frequency response characteristic of the emitted sound due to this is practically no problem as in the case of the first embodiment. Was.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of an earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to the present invention.

In the figure, (A) is a top view of the barrier,
(B) is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in (A), and (C) is a sectional view of B in FIG.
B ′ sectional views are shown.

In the barrier 2 shown in the figure, the leg portion 22 is formed in a columnar shape having a circular cross section, and a part of the circular cross section is replaced with a cutout portion 25 having a rectangular cross section. This notch 2
Numeral 5 is connected to a notch 24 provided inside the lid 21 to form one acoustic passage.

In the third embodiment, a large fitting contact area between the leg portion 22 and the sound emission port 15 is ensured.
The positioning and fixing of the barrier 2 can be performed more reliably and stably.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of an earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to the present invention.

In the figure, (A) is a top view of the barrier,
(B) is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in (A), and (C) is a sectional view of B in FIG.
B ′ sectional views are shown.

In the barrier 2 shown in the figure, the leg portion 22 is formed into a column shape with a semicircular cross section to form a cutout portion 25 having a semicircular cross section, and the cutout portion 25 and the cutout portion 24 inside the lid 21 are formed. This forms an acoustic passage. At the same time, the notches 24 in the leg 22 are provided with barriers 31 and 3 for capturing earwax.
2 are arranged at intervals.

The two barriers 31 and 32 are formed so that their horizontal cross-sectional shape is substantially fan-shaped, and that the two barriers 31 and 32 stand in the acoustic path in a positional relationship such that they are shifted from each other and partially overlap. Even if earwax invades the acoustic path, it acts to prevent the invaded earwax from moving further.

Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent earwax from invading the sound reproducing element. Therefore, functional destruction of the sound reproducing element due to earwax is more reliably prevented.

On the other hand, in the acoustic passage, two barriers 31 and 32 are located in the middle of the passage.
Since the reference numerals 32 are arranged at an interval and are shifted from each other, there is no particular problem in securing a path for the sound radiated from the sound reproducing element.

FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to the present invention.

In the figure, (A) is a top view of the barrier,
(B) is a sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in (A), and (C) is a sectional view of B in FIG.
B ′ sectional views are shown.

In the barrier 2 shown in the figure, the leg portion 22 is formed in a pillar shape having a cross-shaped cross section, and an acoustic passage divided into four by four cutout portions 25 formed between the cross shapes is formed. I have. Each of the divided acoustic passages passes through four cutouts 24 provided radially inside the lid 21 so as to pass to the side of the lid 21.

In the fifth embodiment, since the leg 22 is formed in a cross-shaped cross section, the positioning and fixing of the barrier 2 by the fitting of the leg 22 can be reliably performed from four directions. . That is, the positioning and fixing of the barrier can be further ensured.

As described above, the first invention of the present invention is an earwax invasion prevention barrier for a hearing aid which prevents ingress of earwax from the sound emission port of the hearing aid earplug into the sound reproducing element. A lid for closing the outlet from above the opening,
A leg for positioning and fixing the lid is formed integrally by projecting vertically from the inner surface of the lid and fitting into the sound emission opening, and is vertically formed along the side of the leg. A notch communicating in a direction, and a notch communicating in a horizontal direction along the inside of the lid, thereby forming an acoustic passage extending from the sound reproducing element to the side of the lid. Thus, while being able to be configured with a simple shape that is easy to process, and without hindering the miniaturization of the earplug, while effectively maintaining the performance as a hearing aid, it effectively prevents earwax intrusion into the hearing aid earplug. Devices such as acoustic elements can be reliably protected.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the legs are formed in a plate shape having a rectangular cross section, and both width ends of the plate-like legs are fitted into the sound emission opening. In addition to positioning and fixing the portion, it is characterized by forming an acoustic passage along both sides of the plate-like leg portion, thereby ensuring a large cross-sectional area of the acoustic passage, the hearing aid by the barrier mounted Changes in response frequency characteristics can be minimized.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the legs are formed in a column shape having a semicircular cross section, and the semicircular cross section is fitted into the sound emission opening to position and fix the lid. Is characterized by the fact that,
The positioning and fixing of the barrier can be performed more reliably and stably.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the leg is formed in a columnar shape having a circular cross section, and a part of the circular cross section is replaced with a cutout having a rectangular cross section to form an acoustic passage. Is characterized in that
Thereby, the positioning and fixing of the barrier can be performed more reliably and stably.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects, the leg portion is formed in a column shape with a semi-circular cross section to form a semi-circular acoustic path, and the leg is formed in the middle of the acoustic path. The present invention is characterized in that an earwax trapping barrier is interposed therebetween, whereby the earwax can be more effectively prevented from invading the sound reproducing element.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or fifth aspect, the legs are formed in a columnar shape having a cross-shaped cross section. The positioning and fixing of the barrier can be reliably performed from four directions.

As described above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof. Needless to say.

In the above description, mainly the case where the invention made by the present inventor is applied to the earwax-type hearing aid barrier for preventing earwax invasion of the earphone type hearing aid, which is the background of the application, is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an earwax intrusion prevention barrier of an earplug type earphone such as a portable audio device or a telephone.

[0065]

As described above in detail, the present invention relates to an earwax invasion preventing barrier for a hearing aid for preventing invasion of earwax from a sound emission port of a hearing aid earplug into a sound reproducing element. A lid for closing from above the opening, and a leg for projecting vertically from the inner surface of the lid and fitting and fixing the lid by fitting into the sound emission opening are integrally formed. An acoustic passage extending laterally from the sound reproducing element to the side of the lid by a notch communicating vertically along the side of the leg and a notch communicating horizontally along the inside of the lid. This makes it possible to construct a simple shape that is easy to process, and without impairing the miniaturization of the earplug, while maintaining the performance as a hearing aid, Enables earwax to enter Sealed and to obtain a hearing aid earwax intrusion prevention barrier can reliably protect the equipment such as an acoustic element.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a first embodiment of an earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a first example of a conventional earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second example of a conventional earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing changes in frequency response characteristics of a hearing aid when the barrier of the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a second embodiment of the earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a third embodiment of an earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a fourth embodiment of an earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a fifth embodiment of an earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Ear plug part 11 Casing forming outer shell 12 Microphone 13 Amplifier 14 Sound reproduction element 15 Sound emission port 16 Cylindrical part 2 Barrier (the present invention) 21 Cover part 22 Leg part 23 Jaw part 24 Notch part (lid part) 25 notch part ( Legs) 31, 32 Barrier 80 Earwax Intrusion Prevention Barrier (Conventional) 81 Sound Emission Port 82, 83 Barrier Protrusion 9 Ear Plug Portion 90 Earwax Intrusion Prevention Barrier (Conventional) 91 Sound Emission Port 92 Cover

Claims (6)

[Claims] An earwax invasion prevention barrier for a hearing aid for preventing invasion of earwax from a sound emission opening of a hearing aid earplug into an acoustic reproducing element, and a lid for closing the sound emission opening from above the opening. A leg for positioning and fixing the lid is formed integrally by projecting vertically from the inner surface of the lid and fitting into the sound emission opening, and is vertically formed along the side of the leg. An earwax for a hearing aid characterized in that an acoustic passage extending from the sound reproducing element to the side of the lid is formed by a notch communicating in a direction and a notch communicating in a horizontal direction along the inside of the lid. Intrusion prevention barrier. 2. The leg portion is formed in a plate shape having a rectangular cross-section, and both width ends of the plate-like leg portion are fitted into an acoustic emission opening to position and fix the lid portion. The earwax invasion barrier for a hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein an acoustic passage is formed along both surfaces. 3. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the leg is formed in a column shape having a semicircular cross section, and the semicircular cross section is fitted into the sound emission opening to position and fix the lid. Earwax intrusion prevention barrier. 4. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the leg is formed in a column shape having a circular cross section, and an acoustic path is formed by replacing a part of the circular cross section with a cutout having a rectangular cross section. Earwax intrusion prevention barrier. 5. An acoustic passage having a semicircular cross section by forming the leg portion into a columnar shape having a semicircular cross section, and a barrier for capturing earwax is interposed in the middle of the acoustic passage. Item 5. An earwax intrusion prevention barrier for a hearing aid according to any one of Items 1 to 4. 6. The barrier for preventing earwax invasion for a hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the leg is formed in a columnar shape having a cross-shaped cross section.