JP2002305796A - Manufacturing method for shell for hearing aid or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for manufacturing a shell for a hearing aid or the like that can form a smooth outward shape. SOLUTION: A seal material is used to copy the shape of ear, a three- dimensional shape measurement device measures the copied ear shape, and optical forming device directly manufactures the shell for the hearing aid or the like on the basis of numerical information of the ear obtained from the three-dimensional shape measurement device in this manufacturing method. The method includes a step G of extracting the hearing aid shell formed by the optical forming device after the end of optical forming and leaving the shell for a prescribed time, and a step I of curing a optical curing resin not yet cured by using an ultraviolet ray.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a hearing aid shell,
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like for manufacturing ear-shaped earplugs, ear molds, and the like by an optical molding method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell, a hearing aid shell for producing ear-shaped earplugs, ear molds, or the like by a stereolithography method, as described in Japanese Patent No. 2837642, an impression material is used. An ear shape is sampled using the ear shape, and the collected ear shape is measured by a three-dimensional shape measuring device. Based on the numerical information of the ear shape obtained by the three-dimensional shape measuring device, a shell for a hearing aid or the like is directly formed by an optical shaping device. What manufactures is known.

[0003]

However, in the conventional manufacturing method, there is an inconvenience that a step is formed on the surface of the manufactured hearing aid shell or the like. This is because the optical molding method cures the photocurable resin for each layer having a predetermined thickness. Such a step not only impairs the appearance, but also causes a poor wearing feeling when the hearing aid shell is attached to the ear hole. Therefore, post-processing is required to smooth the surface of the hearing aid shell or the like.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like capable of forming a smooth external shape. It is intended to provide.

[0005]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an ear shape is collected using an impression material, and the collected ear shape is measured by a three-dimensional shape measuring device. 3
In a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like for directly manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like with an optical molding device based on numerical information of an ear shape obtained by the three-dimensional shape measuring device, after the optical molding is completed, the optical molding is performed from the optical molding device. A step of taking out the hearing aid shell or the like and leaving it to stand, and a step of curing the uncured photocurable resin by ultraviolet light or heat.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an ear shape is collected using an impression material, and the collected ear shape is measured by a three-dimensional shape measuring device, and the ear shape obtained by the three-dimensional shape measuring device is obtained. In a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like in which a hearing aid shell or the like is directly manufactured by an optical molding apparatus based on numerical information, after the optical molding is completed, the optically molded hearing aid shell or the like is taken out of the optical molding apparatus, and vibration and rotation are performed. A step of removing a predetermined amount of the uncured photocurable resin and a step of curing the uncured photocurable resin by ultraviolet light or heat.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an ear shape is collected by using an impression material, and the collected ear shape is measured by a three-dimensional shape measuring device, and the ear shape obtained by the three-dimensional shape measuring device is obtained. In a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like that directly manufactures a hearing aid shell or the like with an optical molding apparatus based on numerical information, after the optical molding is completed, the hearing aid shell or the like is removed from the optical molding apparatus and the uncured resin is removed by washing. Performing a step of coating the colored light-cured resin on the shell for a hearing aid, a step of vibrating and rotating the shell for a hearing aid, and removing a predetermined amount of the coated colored light-cured resin; A step of curing the colored photocurable resin coated with a shell or the like is provided.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for carrying out a method of manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a process explanatory view showing an embodiment of the first invention,
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the external shape of the shell for a hearing aid, FIG. 4 is a process explanatory view showing an embodiment of the second invention, and FIG.
It is a process explanatory view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a device for implementing a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like according to the present invention includes a three-dimensional shape measuring device 2, a three-dimensional CAD device 3, an optical shaping device 4, a coating device, and the like. A hearing aid shell 7 as a finished product is manufactured from the collected ear shape 1, which comprises a post-cure device 5 and a post-cure device 6.

The three-dimensional shape measuring device 2 measures the shape of the collected ear shape 1. The three-dimensional CAD device 3 creates processing data from the three-dimensional numerical data of the ear shape 1 obtained by the three-dimensional shape measuring device 2 and the like. Stereolithography device 4
Using the processing data created by the three-dimensional CAD device 3, a shell for a hearing aid is manufactured by an optical molding method.

The coating device 5 cleans the uncured resin covering the surface of the hearing aid shell made by the optical shaping device 4 with a washing tank, or cleans the surface of the hearing aid shell made by the optical shaping device 4 to a predetermined size. It is coated with a light-curing resin, and the hearing aid shell is vibrated and rotated to remove a predetermined amount of the uncured light-curing resin. The post cure device 6 finishes the surface by curing the photocurable resin coated by the coating device 5 with ultraviolet light or heat.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first embodiment of a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like according to the present invention is as follows. First, the manufactured hearing aid shell is an individual ear canal, or an ear canal and an ear canal. An impression material (viscoplastic liquid or putty-like resin) is injected into the ear canal and solidified in the ear canal to collect the ear shape 1 (step A). The place where the ear shape 1 is collected is a hospital, a hearing aid store, or the like.

Next, the shape of the collected ear shape 1 is measured by the three-dimensional shape measuring device 2 to obtain numerical data of the three-dimensional shape (step B). The place where the three-dimensional shape measuring device 2 is installed may be the same as that of the manufacturer of the hearing aid shell,
It may be a hospital or a hearing aid retailer that collects the blood.

Next, the three-dimensional numerical data of the ear shape 1 is 3
The size and shape of the hearing aid shell that is input to the three-dimensional CAD device 3 and incorporated into the hearing aid shell, such as a microphone and an earphone, are automatically processed by the three-dimensional CAD device 3, and are automatically manufactured. Is determined (Step C).

The determined three-dimensional numerical data of the hearing aid shell is converted into processing data and stored in the memory of the three-dimensional CAD device 3 as a database (step D). Next, the processing data of the hearing aid shell is input to the optical shaping device 4 (step E). Then, a hearing aid shell is automatically produced by stereolithography (step F).

At the hardened portion of the surface of the shell for hearing aid obtained in the step F, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), a step-like step 8 formed by stacking thin plates is formed. this is,
This is caused by the fact that the optical molding method is an additive manufacturing method.

Next, when the optically shaped hearing aid shell is taken out of the optical modeling device 4, as shown in FIG.
The uncured photocurable resin 9 is in a state where the cured portion on the surface of the hearing aid shell is coated.

However, due to the viscosity of the uncured photocurable resin 9, the uncured photocurable resin 9 adheres to the surface of the hearing aid shell more than necessary. Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, the uncured photocurable resin 9 fills the step 8,
The shell of the hearing aid is allowed to stand until it has a smooth curved surface (step G).

In step G, an extra uncured light-curing resin 9 covering the surface of the hearing aid shell is dropped by gravity to fill the steps and form a smooth curved surface. Here, when the viscosity of the uncured resin 9 is high, the standing time becomes longer, but by setting the ambient temperature to an appropriate temperature, the standing time can be shortened.

Next, ultraviolet rays are applied to the hearing aid shell whose surface has been smoothed by the uncured light-curing resin 9 to completely cure the uncured light-curing resin 9 filling the steps. Shell 7 is completed (step I). In the step I, the uncured photocurable resin 9 filling the step can be completely cured by applying a predetermined heat instead of the ultraviolet rays.

The surface of the hearing aid shell 7 thus manufactured has a smooth curved surface as shown in FIG. 3 (c), so that post-processing such as surface finishing is not required.

Next, a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Steps A to F are the same as those in the embodiment of the first invention shown in FIG.

In step F, when the hearing aid shell is automatically produced by the optical molding method, the optically molded hearing aid shell is taken out of the optical molding device 4. And FIG.
As shown in (c), the uncured light-cured resin 9 fills the step 8 and the hearing aid shell is vibrated and rotated so that the surface becomes a smooth curved surface. A predetermined amount is removed (step H).

Further, ultraviolet rays are applied to the hearing aid shell having a smooth curved surface by the uncured light curing resin 9 to completely cure the uncured light curing resin 9 filling the steps. Shell 7 is completed (step I). In the step I, the uncured photocurable resin 9 filling the step can be completely cured by applying a predetermined heat instead of the ultraviolet rays.

The surface of the hearing aid shell 7 thus produced has a smooth curved surface as shown in FIG. 3 (c), so that post-processing such as surface finishing is not required.

Next, a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Steps A to F are the same as those in the embodiment of the first invention shown in FIG.

In the step F, when the hearing aid shell is automatically produced by the optical molding method, the optically shaped hearing aid shell is taken out of the optical molding device 4 and is carried into the coating device 5 to cover the surface. The cured resin is removed by washing in a washing tank (Step J).

Next, in order to coat the surface of the washed hearing aid shell with the colored photocurable resin, the hearing aid shell is immersed in a colored photocurable resin bath for a predetermined time (step K). In step K, a colored photocurable resin may be applied to the surface of the hearing aid shell.

Next, when the hearing aid shell is taken out of the colored photocurable resin tank, as shown in FIG. 3B, the colored light curable resin 10 is in a state of coating the surface of the hearing aid shell. . In step K,
The same applies to the case where a colored photocurable resin is applied to the surface of the hearing aid shell.

However, due to the viscosity of the colored photo-curable resin 10, the colored photo-curable resin 10 adheres to the surface of the hearing aid shell more than necessary. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in (c), the colored photocurable resin 10 is
, And the hearing aid shell is vibrated and rotated so that the surface becomes a smooth curved surface.
Is removed (step L). Steps J to L are performed in the coating apparatus 5.

Further, ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the hearing aid shell having a smooth curved surface with the uncured colored photocurable resin 10 to completely cure the uncured colored photocurable resin 10 filling the steps. Then, the hearing aid shell 7 is completed (step I). In step I, the uncured colored photocurable resin 10 filling the step can be completely cured by applying a predetermined heat instead of the ultraviolet light.

The surface of the hearing aid shell 7 thus manufactured has a smooth curved surface as shown in FIG. 3C, so that post-processing such as surface finishing is not required. In addition, the surface of the hearing aid shell 7 can be colored with a desired color.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the case of manufacturing the hearing aid shell 7 has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the manufacture of a hearing aid earplug or an ear mold. Has the effect of

[0034]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a hearing aid shell or the like having a smooth surface can be obtained.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a hearing aid shell or the like having a smooth surface can be obtained.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a hearing aid shell or the like having a smooth surface and a desired color.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for implementing a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a process explanatory view showing the embodiment of the first invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a state of an external shape of a hearing aid shell;
(A) is a side view of a cured portion of the hearing aid shell, (b) is a side view showing an uncured light-cured resin adhered state, and (c) is a side view of the completed hearing aid shell.

FIG. 4 is a process explanatory view showing the embodiment of the second invention.

FIG. 5 is a process explanatory view showing an embodiment of the third invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ear shape, 2 ... 3D shape measuring device, 3 ... 3D CAD
Apparatus, 4 ... Stereolithography apparatus, 5 ... Coating apparatus, 6 ... Post cure apparatus, 7 ... Hearing aid shell, 8 ... Step, 9 ...
Photocurable resin, 10 ... Colored photocurable resin.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An ear shape is collected using an impression material, and the collected ear shape is measured by a three-dimensional shape measuring device, and stereolithography is performed based on numerical information of the ear shape obtained by the three-dimensional shape measuring device. In a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like for directly manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like in the device, after stereolithography is completed, a step of taking out the stereolithographically shaped hearing aid shell or the like from the stereolithography device and leaving it to stand, by ultraviolet light or heat A method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like, comprising a step of curing an uncured photocurable resin. 2. An ear shape is collected using an impression material, and the collected ear shape is measured by a three-dimensional shape measuring device, and stereolithography is performed based on numerical information of the ear shape obtained by the three-dimensional shape measuring device. In a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like in which a hearing aid shell or the like is directly manufactured by the device, after the stereolithography is completed, the stereolithographically formed hearing aid shell or the like is taken out of the stereolithography device, and vibration /
A method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like, comprising a step of rotating to remove a predetermined amount of an uncured photocurable resin and a step of curing the uncured photocurable resin by ultraviolet light or heat. 3. An ear shape is collected by using an impression material, and the collected ear shape is measured by a three-dimensional shape measuring device, and stereolithography is performed based on numerical information of the ear shape obtained by the three-dimensional shape measuring device. In a method for manufacturing a hearing aid shell or the like in which a hearing aid shell or the like is directly manufactured by an apparatus, after stereolithography is completed, removing the stereolithographically shaped hearing aid shell or the like from the stereolithography apparatus and removing uncured resin by washing. And a step of coating the colored light-curable resin on the hearing aid shell or the like, a step of vibrating or rotating the hearing aid shell or the like to remove a predetermined amount of the colored light-cured resin, and a step of coating the hearing aid shell or the like with ultraviolet light or heat. A method for curing a colored light-curable resin coated with a resin.