JP5715707B2 - Hearing device suspension, hearing device manufacturing method, and hearing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present description relates to a suspension for a receiver of a hearing device and a method of manufacturing a hearing aid comprising such a suspension. The present description further relates to a hearing device comprising such a suspension.

  The hearing device includes a microphone that receives an acoustic signal. The received acoustic signal is processed, which may include data amplification. The processed signal is sent to the hearing device receiver. The receiver converts the processed signal into another acoustic signal, for example an acoustic signal having a greater amplitude for a particular frequency. The receiver broadcasts the other acoustic signal toward the eardrum of the user of the hearing device.

  The broadcast of that other acoustic signal can cause the receiver and hearing device to vibrate. The vibrations are sent back to the microphone, creating an unwanted feedback loop that places a limit on the amplification that the hearing device provides to the user.

  Therefore, it is considered advantageous to suppress the vibration generated by the receiver from being transmitted to other parts of the hearing device.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a suspension for a hearing device receiver with improved vibration reduction. These and other objects are achieved by a suspension for a hearing device receiver as follows. The suspension is disposed between the first part, the second part, and between the first part and the second part, and the vibration is mechanically coupled to the first part and the second part. Has an insulator. The first portion is configured to at least partially surround the receiver. The second portion is configured to at least partially surround the audio outlet of the hearing device. The vibration isolator includes an acoustic path and a damping portion surrounding the acoustic path. The acoustic passage provides an acoustic passage between the first portion and the second portion. The damping portion of the vibration isolator is asymmetric along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator. The vibration isolator is freely suspended between the first part and the second part.

  This provides a part (vibration isolator) that can move freely between the receiver and the audio outlet, thus distributing vibration energy away from the housing, ie in one or more freely moving directions. A suspension that can be made is realized. Thereby, vibration energy is reduced from the receiver toward the housing.

  In one embodiment, the damping portion material thickness varies along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator to provide damping portion asymmetry.

  Thereby, the asymmetry of the vibration isolator is constructed by changing the thickness of the damping part. Thereby, the part of the vibration isolator having a relatively thick wall can be made harder than the part having a relatively thin wall.

  In one embodiment, the damping portion further comprises a flexible portion and a substantially rigid portion disposed substantially midway between the first portion and the second portion. The soft part is softer than the substantially rigid part.

  Thereby, the suspension is configured to change the vibration pattern of the suspension and the receiver such that vibration from the receiver is reduced toward the housing and / or the audio outlet.

  In one embodiment, the flexible portion is disposed between the second portion and the substantially rigid portion.

  Thereby, the vibration is distributed in the substantially rigid damping part, and the soft part suppresses further vibrations.

  In one embodiment, the first portion, the second portion, and the vibration isolator are integrally molded.

  This provides a substantially optimum mechanical coupling between the first part, the second part and the vibration isolator, and eliminates acoustic leakage between those parts. it can.

  In one embodiment, the first portion, the second portion, and the vibration isolator are formed of an elastic material.

  As a result, the suspension material can absorb vibration energy in addition to the dispersion of vibration energy caused by the free movement of the vibration insulator.

  In one embodiment, the attenuation portion is asymmetric in at least two planes.

  As a result, the suspension can disperse vibration energy in an asymmetric plane.

  In one embodiment, the attenuation portion is asymmetric in the two planes and symmetric in the third plane.

  As a result, the suspension can disperse vibration energy in an asymmetric plane.

  In one embodiment, the asymmetric planes are the XZ plane and the YZ plane, and the symmetric plane is the XY plane.

  Thereby, the suspension can disperse vibration energy in an asymmetric plane.

  In one embodiment, the flexible portion comprises a lateral material thickness that is less than the substantially rigid portion.

  Thereby, the softness of the soft part can be obtained by reducing the wall thickness with respect to the wall thickness of the substantially rigid part.

  In one embodiment, the material thickness of the damping portion varies asymmetrically along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator.

  Thereby, the suspension can disperse vibration energy in an asymmetric plane.

  In one embodiment, the material thickness of the flexible portion is small compared to the material thickness of the substantially rigid portion.

  Thereby, the suspension can disperse vibration energy in an asymmetric plane.

  In one embodiment, the acoustic passage is hollow and substantially tubular, and the acoustic passage is laterally adjacent to the first portion such that the acoustic passage ensures sufficient contact between the suspension and the receiver. Is smaller than the lateral dimension of the acoustic path at a location proximate to the second portion.

  This configures the acoustic path to fit tightly around the snout of the receiver, thereby reducing the risk of leakage through the acoustic path from the receiver.

  The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a hearing device comprising a receiver, an audio outlet and a suspension. The suspension is disposed between the first portion, the second portion, the first portion and the second portion, and is a vibration isolation mechanically coupled to the first portion and the second portion. Equipped with a bowl. The vibration isolator includes a damping portion that surrounds the acoustic path. The method mechanically couples the first part and the receiver and mechanically couples the second part and the audio outlet such that the suspension provides an acoustic path between the receiver and the audio outlet. Providing a damping part of the vibration attenuator that is asymmetrical along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration attenuator, and freely disposing the vibration attenuator between the first part and the second part It has a suspension step.

  The above method and its embodiments have the same advantages as the above suspension for similar reasons.

  The invention further relates to a hearing device comprising a receiver, an audio outlet, and a suspension according to an embodiment of the above suspension. The receiver is mechanically coupled to the first portion of the suspension and the audio outlet is mechanically coupled to the second portion of the suspension.

  The hearing device and its embodiments have the same advantages as the suspension described above for similar reasons.

Fig. 2 shows a part of a hearing device comprising a suspension for a hearing device receiver. An enlarged view of a vibration isolator is shown. An enlarged view of the first part is shown. An enlarged view of the second part is shown. FIG. 2 shows a view of the suspension focusing on the first part.

  In the above and below, the hearing device can be selected from the group consisting of hearing aids, artificial hearing organs and the like. Examples of hearing devices can include ear-hung (BTE) hearing aids and ear-to-ear (ITE) hearing aids.

  FIG. 1 shows a part of the hearing device 100. The hearing device 100 includes a suspension 110 for the receiver 120 of the hearing device 100. The hearing device further includes an audio outlet 160. The receiver 120 and / or the suspension 110 and / or the audio outlet 160 may be contained within the housing 170 of the hearing device 100. In one embodiment, receiver 120, suspension and audio outlet 160 are housed within housing 170.

  The suspension includes a first portion 130, a second portion 140, and a vibration isolator 150 disposed between the first portion 130 and the second portion 140. The vibration isolator 150 may be mechanically coupled to the first portion 130 and the second portion 140.

  In one embodiment, the mechanical coupling between the vibration isolator 150, the first portion 130, and the second portion 140 is a vibration isolator 150, the first portion 130, and the second portion 140. Is provided by integrally molding.

  In one embodiment, the mechanical coupling between vibration isolator 150, first portion 130, and second portion 140 may be selected from the group consisting of vulcanization molding, cast molding, and injection molding. Good.

  In one embodiment, the mechanical bond between the vibration isolator 150, the first portion 130, and the second portion 140 may be made by a molding technique such as heat sealing.

  In one embodiment, the first portion 130, the second portion 140, and the vibration isolator 150 may be molded from the same type of material. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the suspension is molded from an elastic material. In one embodiment, the elastic material is molded from an elastomer, such as a neoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, silicone rubber or ethylene propylene diene monomer rubbery material, or any thermoplastic rubbery material.

  In one embodiment, the elastic material of the suspension is doped with a dopant (doping agent) selected from the group consisting of tungsten (Wolfram), barium sulfate, and any material having a higher density than the elastic material. May be.

  The advantage of the dopant is to increase the effect of vibrations in the suspension, i.e. to better reduce vibrations in the suspension. Further, the addition of the dopant to the elastic material can provide a reduction in the size of the suspension.

  In one embodiment, the first portion 130, the second portion 140, and the vibration isolator 150 may be molded from different materials. In one embodiment, the vibration isolator 150 may be formed of a first material having a first elasticity, and the first portion 130 and the second portion 140 may have a second elasticity. It may be formed of two materials. In one embodiment, the second elasticity is less than the first elasticity.

  FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the vibration isolator 150. The vibration isolator 150 includes an acoustic passage 151 and an attenuation portion 152 that surrounds the acoustic passage 151.

  The acoustic passage 151 provides an acoustic passage between the first portion 130 and the second portion 140. In one embodiment, the acoustic passageway 151 is hollow and substantially tubular so that sound can propagate from the first portion 130 to the second portion 140, for example. The acoustic passage in another embodiment may have a shape that is not substantially tubular, for example, a cylindrical shape with a rectangular cross section. In one embodiment, the acoustic passage 151 may have a cylindrical shape.

  In one embodiment, the lateral dimension of the acoustic passage 151 at a location proximate to the first portion 130 is smaller than the lateral dimension of the acoustic passage 151 at a location proximate to the second portion 140. For example, the diameter of the cylindrical acoustic passage at a location close to the first portion 130 may be smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical acoustic passage at a location close to the second portion 140.

  In one embodiment, the lateral dimension of the tubular or substantially tubular acoustic passage 151 at a location proximate to the first portion 130 is smaller than the outer diameter of the snout of the tubular or substantially tubular receiver 120. . This ensures that the tubular or substantially tubular acoustic passage 151 fits tightly around the snout of the receiver 120, thereby ensuring sufficient contact between the suspension 110 and the receiver 120.

  In one embodiment, the lateral dimension of the tubular or substantially tubular acoustic passageway 151 in the vicinity of the second portion 140 is equal to or substantially equal to the inner diameter of the audio outlet 160 (eg, within 5%). Is).

  The damping portion 152 of the vibration isolator 150 is asymmetric along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator 150. Reference numeral 153 indicates the wall thickness of the vibration isolator 150.

  In one embodiment, the wall thickness 153 of the damping portion 152 varies along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator 150, thereby providing asymmetry of the damping portion 152. Yes. Accordingly, the material thickness of the damping portion 152 varies along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator 150.

  In one embodiment, a Cartesian coordinate system is used to define several planes in the drawing, such as the XY, XZ, and YZ planes.

  In one embodiment, the wall thickness 153 of the attenuation portion 152 is asymmetric in the XZ and YZ planes of FIG.

  In a further embodiment, the wall thickness 153 of the attenuation portion 152 is symmetric in the XY plane of FIG.

  In one embodiment, the damping portion 152 further comprises a flexible portion 154 and a substantially rigid portion 155. The substantially rigid portion is disposed substantially intermediate between the first portion 130 and the second portion 140. The flexible portion 154 is disposed between the second portion 140 and the substantially rigid portion 155.

  In one embodiment, the flexible portion 154 is more flexible than the substantially rigid portion 155. That is, the flexible portion 154 has higher elasticity than the substantially rigid portion 155. This can be achieved by molding the flexible portion 154 with a material that is more elastic than the substantially rigid portion 155. Alternatively or additionally, the above may shape the flexible portion 154 to have a wall thickness 153 that is less than the wall thickness 153 of the substantially rigid portion 155, ie, the flexible This can be achieved by making the material thickness of the portion 154 smaller than the material thickness of the substantially rigid portion 155.

  In one embodiment, the wall thickness of the substantially rigid portion 155 is at least three times thicker than the minimum wall thickness of the flexible portion 154.

  The vibration pattern of the suspension is such that the flexible portion 154 and the substantially rigid portion 155 cause vibrations generated by the receiver 120 to move away from the audio outlet 160 and substantially toward one or more directions. Is guaranteed to change. Thereby, the vibration from the receiver 120 is attenuated and does not propagate beyond the vibration isolator in the hearing device 100.

  The vibration isolator 150 is freely suspended between the first portion 130 and the second portion 140 of the suspension 110. That is, vibration isolator 150 is mechanically coupled to hearing device 100 by first portion 130 mechanically coupled to receiver 120 and second portion 140 mechanically coupled to audio outlet 160. ing. As a result, the vibration isolator 150 can freely move / vibrate in the three planes shown in FIG. 1, that is, the XY plane, the XZ plane, and the YZ plane.

  The substantially rigid portion 155 of the dampening portion 152 is, in one embodiment, directly the first to ensure a rigid connection between the substantially rigid portion 155 and the first portion 130. Mechanically coupled to portion 130.

  In one embodiment, vibration isolator 150 is aperiodic (irregular). That is, the vibration isolator 150 does not have a periodic structure. In a further embodiment, the vibration isolator is aperiodic along its longitudinal axis, ie along the longitudinal direction of the acoustic path 151.

  FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the first portion 130. The first portion 130 is configured to surround at least a part of the receiver 120. The first portion 130 may include a rectangular portion 210 that is configured to surround at least a portion of the receiver body 220.

  In one embodiment, the inner cross-sectional shape of the rectangular portion 210 is equal to or substantially equal to the outer cross-sectional shape of the enclosed portion of the receiver body 220 (eg, the outer cross-section of the enclosed portion of the receiver body 220). 5% smaller than shape or 2% smaller). This is to ensure sufficient physical contact between the rectangular portion 210 and the receiver body 220. Thereby, the gripping force between the first portion 130 and the receiver 120 realizes that the receiver is in physical contact with the first portion 130.

  In additional or alternative embodiments, the inner cross-sectional shape of the acoustic passage 151 surrounding at least a portion of the snout 222 of the receiver 120 is equal to or substantially equal to the outer cross-sectional shape of the enclosed portion of the snout 222. Equal (eg, 5% smaller or 2% smaller than the outer cross-sectional shape of the enclosed portion of the snout 222). This is to ensure sufficient physical contact between the acoustic passage 151 and the enclosed portion of the snout 222. Thereby, the snout 222 is physically brought into contact with the acoustic passage 151 by the grip force between the snout 222 and the acoustic passage 151.

  FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the second portion 140. The second portion 140 is configured to surround at least a part of the audio outlet 160. The second part may comprise a tubular part 141, for example a cylindrical part, and a rectangular part 142, for example a square part. The rectangular portion 142 ensures a sufficient abutment between the rectangular portion 142 and the housing 170. The tubular portion 141 and the square portion 142 have an inner cross-sectional shape that matches or substantially matches the outer cross-sectional shape of the audio outlet 160 (eg, 5% smaller than the outer cross-sectional shape of the audio outlet 160). This is to ensure sufficient physical contact between the tubular portion 141 and square portion 142 and the audio outlet 160. In one embodiment, the audio outlet 160 has a cylindrical outer cross-sectional shape, and the inner cross-sectional shapes of the tubular portion 141 and the rectangular portion 142 are cylindrical, thereby allowing the audio outlet 160 to be received. .

  The tubular portion 141 and the rectangular portion 142 may be integrally formed, or may be formed as two parts and mechanically coupled to each other, for example, by welding.

  The first part 130 and the second part 140 ensure a secure attachment of the suspension 110 to the housing 170 of the hearing device 100 via the receiver 120 and the audio outlet 160.

  FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the suspension 110. In this embodiment, vibration isolator 150 includes one or more structures 156, 157 configured to accept a special form of receiver 120, thereby receiving receiver 120 relative to vibration isolator 150. Realizes accurate placement. As a result, the receiver 120 including the suspension 110 can be assembled practically and easily. In one embodiment, the structures 156, 157 may be formed as recesses in the vibration isolator 150 that are configured to receive substantially the same shaped protrusions of the receiver 120.

  The present invention further includes some embodiments according to the following items.

(Item 1)
A suspension (110) for a receiver (120) of a hearing device, comprising:
The first part (130), the second part (140), the first part (130), and the second part (140) are disposed between the first part (130) and the first part (130). And a vibration isolator (150) mechanically coupled to the second part (140),
The first portion (130) is configured to at least partially surround the receiver (120);
The second portion (140) is configured to at least partially surround an audio outlet (160) of the hearing device (100);
The vibration isolator (150) includes an acoustic path (151) and a damping portion (152) surrounding the acoustic path (151);
The acoustic passage (151) provides an acoustic passage between the first portion (130) and the second portion (140);
The damping portion (152) of the vibration isolator (150) is asymmetric along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator (150);
A suspension wherein the vibration isolator (150) is freely suspended between the first part and the second part.

(Item 2)
The material thickness (153) of the damping portion (152) varies along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator (150), thereby causing the asymmetry of the damping portion (152). Item 1 suspension.

(Item 3)
The attenuating portion (152) further includes a flexible portion (154) and a substantially rigid disposed substantially midway between the first portion (130) and the second portion (140). Item 1 or 2 suspension comprising a portion (155), wherein the flexible portion (154) is softer than the substantially rigid portion (155).

(Item 4)
Item 3. The suspension of item 3, wherein the flexible portion (154) is disposed between the second portion (140) and the substantially rigid portion (155).

(Item 5)
The suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first portion (130), the second portion (140), and the vibration isolator (150) are integrally formed.

(Item 6)
The suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first portion (130), the second portion (140), and the vibration isolator (150) are formed of an elastic material.

(Item 7)
Suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the damping part is asymmetric in at least two planes.

(Item 8)
Suspension according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the damping part is asymmetric in two planes and symmetric in a third plane.

(Item 9)
Item 9. The suspension according to item 8, wherein the asymmetric plane is an XZ plane and a YZ plane, and the symmetric plane is an XY plane.

(Item 10)
Item 3. The suspension of item 3 or 4, wherein said flexible portion (154) comprises a lateral material thickness that is less than said substantially rigid portion (155).

(Item 11)
The material thickness of any of the above items, wherein the thickness of the material of the damping part (152) varies asymmetrically along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator (150) suspension.

(Item 12)
Item 3. The suspension of item 3 or 4, wherein the thickness of the material of the flexible part (154) is smaller than the material thickness of the substantially rigid part (155).

(Item 13)
The acoustic passage (151) is hollow and substantially tubular, and the acoustic passage (151) ensures sufficient contact between the suspension (110) and the receiver (120). Any of the above, wherein the lateral dimension of the acoustic path at a location proximate to the first part (130) is smaller than the lateral dimension of the acoustic path at a location proximate to the second part (140). Suspension of item or item.

(Item 14)
Suspension according to any of the preceding items, wherein the damping part (152) of the vibration isolator (150) is aperiodic.

(Item 15)
Item 14. The suspension of item 14, wherein the damping portion (152) of the vibration isolator (150) is aperiodic along the longitudinal axis of the acoustic path (151).

(Item 16)
Any of the preceding items, wherein the damping portion (152) of the vibration isolator (150) is aperiodic along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the acoustic path (151). suspension.

(Item 17)
A method for manufacturing a hearing device (100) comprising a receiver (120), an audio outlet (160), and a suspension (110),
The suspension (110) is disposed between a first part (130), a second part (140), the first part (130) and the second part (140), A vibration isolator (150) mechanically coupled to the first part (130) and the second part (140);
The vibration isolator (150) includes a damping portion (152) surrounding the acoustic path (151),
The method
Such that the suspension (110) provides an acoustic path between the receiver (120) and the audio outlet (160);
Mechanically coupling the first portion (130) and the receiver (120);
Mechanically coupling the second portion (140) and the audio outlet (160);
Providing the damping portion (152) of the vibration attenuator (150) asymmetrical along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration attenuator (150);
A method comprising freely suspending the vibration attenuator (150) between the first part (130) and the second part (140).

(Item 18)
The asymmetry of the damping portion (152) is provided by a change in the thickness of the material of the damping portion (152) along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator (150). Item 17's method.

(Item 19)
The damping portion (152) further comprises a flexible portion (154) and a substantially rigid portion (155), wherein the flexible portion (154) is the substantially rigid portion (155). The method of item 17 or 18, which is softer than.

(Item 20)
20. The method of any of items 17-19, further comprising integrally molding the first portion (130), the second portion (140), and the vibration isolator (150). .

(Item 21)
21. The method of any one of items 17 to 20, further comprising the step of positioning the first portion (130) at an angle that is not parallel to the second portion (140).

(Item 22)
A hearing device (100) comprising a receiver (120), an audio outlet (160), and the suspension (110) of any one of items 1 to 16,
The receiver (120) is mechanically coupled to the first portion (130) of the suspension (110);
A hearing device, wherein the audio outlet (160) is mechanically coupled to the second portion (140) of the suspension (110).

Claims (14)

A suspension (110) for a receiver (120) of a hearing device, comprising:
The first part (130), the second part (140), the first part (130), and the second part (140) are disposed between the first part (130) and the first part (130). And a vibration isolator (150) mechanically coupled to the second part (140),
The first portion (130) is configured to at least partially surround the receiver (120);
The second portion (140) is configured to at least partially surround an audio outlet (160) of the hearing device (100);
The vibration isolator (150) includes an acoustic path (151) and a damping portion (152) surrounding the acoustic path (151);
The acoustic passage (151) provides an acoustic passage between the first portion (130) and the second portion (140);
The damping portion (152) of the vibration isolator (150) is asymmetric along the longitudinal axis of the acoustic path (151) ;
A suspension wherein the vibration isolator (150) is freely suspended between the first part and the second part.   The material thickness (153) of the damping portion (152) varies along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator (150), thereby causing the asymmetry of the damping portion (152). The suspension of claim 1, wherein   The attenuating portion (152) further includes a flexible portion (154) and a substantially rigid disposed substantially midway between the first portion (130) and the second portion (140). Suspension according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a portion (155), wherein the flexible portion (154) is softer than the substantially rigid portion (155).   The suspension of claim 3, wherein the flexible portion (154) is disposed between the second portion (140) and the substantially rigid portion (155).   The suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping part is asymmetric in at least two planes. Suspension according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the lateral material thickness of the flexible part (154) is less than the lateral thickness of the substantially rigid part (155). The material thickness of the damping part (152) varies asymmetrically along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator (150). Term suspension. Suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping part (152) of the vibration isolator (150) is aperiodic along the longitudinal axis of the acoustic path (151). A method for manufacturing a hearing device (100) comprising a receiver (120), an audio outlet (160), and a suspension (110),
The suspension (110) is disposed between a first part (130), a second part (140), the first part (130) and the second part (140), A vibration isolator (150) mechanically coupled to the first part (130) and the second part (140);
The vibration isolator (150) includes a damping portion (152) surrounding the acoustic path (151),
The method
Such that the suspension (110) provides an acoustic path between the receiver (120) and the audio outlet (160);
Mechanically coupling the first portion (130) and the receiver (120);
Mechanically coupling the second portion (140) and the audio outlet (160);
Providing the damping portion (152) of the vibration attenuator (150) asymmetrical along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration attenuator (150);
A method comprising freely suspending the vibration dampener (150) between the first part (130) and the second part (140). The asymmetry of the damping portion (152) is provided by a change in the thickness of the material of the damping portion (152) along the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vibration isolator (150). The method of claim 9. The damping portion (152) further comprises a flexible portion (154) and a substantially rigid portion (155), wherein the flexible portion (154) is the substantially rigid portion (155). 11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the method is softer than. 12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising a step of integrally forming the first part (130), the second part (140), and the vibration isolator (150). Method. The method of any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising the step of positioning the first portion (130) at an angle that is not parallel to the second portion (140). A hearing device (100) comprising a receiver (120), an audio outlet (160), and a suspension (110) according to any one of claims 1-8,
The receiver (120) is mechanically coupled to the first portion (130) of the suspension (110);
A hearing device, wherein the audio outlet (160) is mechanically coupled to the second portion (140) of the suspension (110).

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