SOCKET CONNECTOR FOR A HEARING DEVICE

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a socket connector for a hearing device. The hearing device comprises a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) unit and a Receiver-In-the-Ear (RIE) unit, the BTE unit comprising a frame, wherein the frame comprises electronic components of the BTE unit, the RIE unit comprising a plug connector configured for providing an electrical connection between the RIE unit and the BTE unit. The socket connector is connectable to the frame of the BTE unit and is configured for detachably connecting the plug connector to the frame.

Claims

1. A receiver-in-the-ear (RIE) unit for coupling with a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit, comprising: an earpiece; a plug connector; and a tube coupled between the earpiece and the plug connector; wherein the plug connector comprises a first end and a second end opposite from the first end, wherein the tube has a tube end that is closer to the second end than to the first end of the plug connector; and wherein the plug connector further comprises a locking element with an anchor located closer to the second end than to the first end of the plug connector.

2. The RIE unit of claim 1, wherein the plug connector is sized for insertion into a hole of a socket connector accommodated in a housing of the BTE unit.

3. The RIE unit of claim 2, wherein the locking element is configured to lock the plug connector with respect to the socket connector.

4. The RIE unit of claim 1, wherein the plug connector is configured to detachably connect with the BTE unit, and wherein the plug connector comprises a release knob operable by a user to release the plug connector of the RIE unit from the BTE unit.

5. The RIE unit of claim 4, further comprising a convex exterior surface configured to guide a finger of a user to reach the release knob.

6. The RIE unit of claim 4, wherein the release knob is moveable in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the plug connector.

7. The RIE unit of claim 1, wherein the locking element is configured to lock the plug connector with respect to the BTE unit.

8. The RIE unit of claim 7, wherein the locking element comprises a deadbolt.

9. The RIE unit of claim 8, wherein the anchor is at the deadbolt.

10. The RIE unit of claim 1, wherein the plug connector has a main body configured for insertion into a hole of a housing of the BTE unit, and a wall part above the main body, wherein a surface of the wall part is along a longitudinal side of the BTE unit when the plug connector is coupled to the BTE unit.

11. The RIE unit of claim 1, wherein the plug connector has a major surface that is exposed when the plug connector is detachably coupled with the BTE unit.

12. The RIE unit of claim 1, wherein the plug connector is configured for placement into a hole located between opposite ends of the BTE unit.

13. The RIE unit of claim 1, wherein the plug connector has a portion configured for placement in an undercut at a socket connector in the BTE unit, wherein the portion of the plug connector is located closer to the first end than to the second end of the plug connector.

14. The RIE unit of claim 1, further comprising a wire located inside the tube.

15. The RIE unit of claim 1, wherein the plug connector is configured to provide electrical connection between the BTE unit and a component in the earpiece.

16. A hearing device comprising the RIE unit of claim 1 and the BTE unit, wherein the plug connector is configured to detachably couple to the BTE unit.

17. The hearing device of claim 16, wherein the BTE unit has a housing accommodating a socket connector, the socket connector located between opposite ends of the BTE unit, and wherein the plug connector is configured for placement in a hole at the socket connector.

18. The hearing device of claim 16, wherein the BTE unit comprises a frame accommodated in the housing, wherein the socket connector is coupled to the frame.

19. A plug connector for a receiver-in-the-ear (RIE) unit, comprising: a main body configured for placement in a hole of a housing of a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit; a wall part above the main body, wherein a surface of the wall part is along a longitudinal side of the BTE unit when the plug connector is coupled to the BTE unit; and a release knob above the wall part, wherein the release knob is operable to release the plug connector from the BTE unit.

20. The plug connector of claim 19, wherein the plug connector comprises a first end, a second end, and a tube extending from the second end; and wherein the plug connector further comprises a locking element located closer to the second end than to the first end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0050] FIGS. 1a and 1b schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device having a socket connector in respectively an assembled and an exploded view,

[0051] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate different perspective views of an exemplary socket connector,

[0052] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the socket connector attached to a frame of a BTE unit,

[0053] FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c schematically illustrates a socket connector, plug connector, and a locking element, and

[0054] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary hearing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0056] FIGS. 1a and 1b schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device 4 having a socket connector 2 according to some embodiments. The hearing device 4 comprises a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) unit 6 and a Receiver-In-the-Ear (RIE) unit 8. The BTE unit 6 comprises a frame 25, wherein the frame 25 comprises electronic components 11 of the BTE unit 6. The RIE unit 8 comprises a plug connector 12. The plug connector 12 is configured for providing an electrical connection between the RIE unit 8 and the BTE unit 6. The plug connector 12 also provides a mechanical connection between the RIE unit 8 and BTE unit 6, i.e. via the socket connector 2. The socket connector 2 is connectable to the frame 25 of the BTE unit 6 and is configured for detachably connecting/attaching the plug connector 12 to the frame 25.

[0057] Furthermore the hearing device 4 comprises a housing 10 forming an outer shell of the BTE unit 6 around the frame 25. The housing 10 comprises a hole 9 configured for receiving the socket connector 2. The housing 10 comprise a bottom part 34 comprising a bottom surface and a top part 35 comprising a top surface opposite the bottom part 34. The housing defines a front part 36 comprising a front surface and a rear part 37 comprising a rear surface opposite the front part 36. The hole 9 is in the bottom part 34 of the housing 10.

[0058] The BTE unit 6 may as in the illustrated embodiment comprise a battery compartment 7 accessible via/through a battery door (not shown). The hearing device 4 may be a rechargeable hearing device with or without a battery door.

[0059] The RIE unit 8 may as in the illustrated embodiment further comprise an electrical wire/tube 41 and an earpiece 40. The electrical wire/tube 41 is configured for electrically connecting electronic components, such as a receiver as shown in FIG. 5, in the earpiece 40 with the plug connector 12. The earpiece 40 may comprise an open or closed dome 40a.

[0060] The exploded view in FIG. 1b particular illustrates how the housing 10 may be comprised of a bottom housing 10a and a top housing 10b, how the frame 25 may comprise a first frame unit 25a and a second frame unit 25b and how the electronic components 11 of the BTE unit 6 may comprise a printed circuit board 11a and a second electrical connection interface 11b. The plug connector 12 comprises a corresponding first electrical connection interface (not shown). During assembly of the hearing device 4 at the manufacturing site a frame 25 and electronic components 11 are selected according to predefined specifications of the particular hearing device and the socket connector 2 is interconnected/fixed to the frame 25 during assembly of the frame, i.e. when first frame unit 25a is mounted/interconnected/fixed to the second frame unit 25b. Hereafter, at the manufacturing site or at a hearing care professional, a housing 10 compatible with/suitable for the frame 25 is attached to/around the assembled frame, i.e. the top housing 10b and bottom housing 10a is mounted/interconnected/fixed to each other and/or the frame 25, such that the socket connector 2 is accessible through the hole 9 in the bottom housing 10a. Finally, the plug connector 12 of a RIE unit 8 may be detachable attached in the socket connector 2 by a hearing care professional or a user wherein the first and second electrical connection interface is aligned and electrical connected.

[0061] Such configuration provides a modularity where the different hearing device parts, i.e. different RIE units 8, different frames 25 and different housings 10, may be used crosswise. Further, the socket connector 2 may be used for different types, brands, generations of hearing devices.

[0062] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate different perspective views of an exemplary socket connector 2. The socket connector 2 may comprise a base element 14, a first sealing element 16, and a second sealing element 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the first sealing element 16 is configured for providing sealing between the housing 10 of the BTE unit 6 and the base element 14 of the socket connector 2 and the second sealing element 18 is configured for providing sealing between the plug connector 12 and the base element 14 of the socket connector 2. The first and second sealing elements 16 and 18 may each form a sealing lip, such as an circumferential sealing lip, extending from a surface or wall of the base element 14. The first and second sealing elements 16 and 18 may form an integral part and/or may be made of a flexible material, e.g. a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The base element 14 may be made of a material which is harder than the sealing elements. It may be a plastic material such as fiber reinforced thermos-plastics. All three parts 14, 16, 18 may be moulded together by 2 K moulding. Alternatively, the first sealing element 16 and the second sealing element 18 may be adhesively and/or mechanically fixed to the base element 14. The base element 14 forms inside walls 20 and outside walls 22. The inside walls 20 of the base element 14 form a hole 24 in the socket connector 2. The first sealing element 16 is arranged on one of the outside walls 22 of the base element 14. The second sealing element 18 is arranged on one of the inside walls 20 of the base element 14. The hole 24 in the socket connector 2 is configured for receiving a plug connector, such as the plug connector 12 shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 3 and 4.

[0063] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a section of a cross-section of a hearing device assembly 4 where the socket connector 2 is attached to a frame of a BTE unit. The BTE unit comprises a frame 25 which serves for arrangement of electronic components of the BTE unit (not shown). The socket connector 2 may be interconnected/fixed to the frame 25. The socket connector 2 comprises a number of attachment points for connection to the frame 25, e.g. a first hook 27 and a second hook 27a formed by the base element 14. The first and second hook 27 and 27a may be placed in undercuts 29 and 29a formed in the frame 25 during assembly of the frame 25. The attachment points improve the strength of the attachment and also improve design tolerances of both the socket connector 2 and the frame 25.

[0064] FIG. 3 also illustrates how the first sealing element 16 is compressed between a wall/surface of the socket connect 2, i.e. the base element 14 of the socket connector 2, and a wall/surface of the housing 10, i.e. an wall/surface of the hole 9 in the housing 10, when the socket connector 2 is received in the hole 9 of the housing 10. As well as how the second sealing element 18 is compressed between a wall/surface of the socket connect 2, i.e. the base element 14 of the socket connector 2, and a wall/surface of the plug connector when the plug connector 12 is received in the socket connector 2. The wall/surface of respectively the housing 10 and the plug connector 12 may be a substantially flat/planner wall/surface. The first and/or second sealing element 16 and 18 may be configured for being compressed 5 to 30%, such as 10 to 25%, such as about 20%.

[0065] FIGS. 4a and 4b schematically illustrates a socket connector 2, plug connector 12, and a locking element 26, i.e. a socket and plug connector according to some embodiments. FIG. 4c schematically illustrates a hearing device assembly comprising the socket connector 2, plug connector 12, and the locking element 26. FIG. 4a illustrates a top view of the socket connector 2 and the plug connector 12 detachable attached/locked in the socket connector 2 by the locking element 26. The socket connector 2 comprises a first end 2a and a second end 2b. The socket connector 2 /base element 14 may have a longitudinal shape in a direction parallel with an axis extending between the first and the second end 2a and 2b of the socket connector 2. The plug connector 12 comprises a first end 12a being a free end, and a second end 12b being connected to the electrical wire/tube 41. The plug connector 12 comprises a main body 31 extending between the first and the second end 12a and 12b of the plug connector 12. The main body 31 may have a longitudinal shape in a direction parallel with an axis extending between the first and the second end 12a and 12b of the plug connector 12. The plug connector 12 may comprise the locking element 26. The locking element 26 is configured for detachable attaching/locking the plug connector 12 to or in the socket connector 2, when at least a part of the plug connector 12 is arranged in the socket connector 2. As also shown in FIG. 4c the plug connector 12 has an upper free surface 13 being flush with an outer surface of the socket connector 2 (and an outer surface of the housing 10 of the BTE unit) and has a convex surface area 15 allowing a user to release the plug connector 12 from the socket connector 2 just by sliding e.g. a nail along the convex surface area 15 and against a release knob 26a having an upper surface being flush with the upper free surface 13 of the plug connector 12. FIG. 4b shows a cross-section of the socket and plug connector 2 and 12 where the illustrated locking element 26 further comprises a deadbolt 26b movable within a slot 32 in the main body 31 of the plug connector 12 into an undercut 17 in the socket connector 2, such as a undercut 17 in the inside walls 20 of base element 14 provided in the second end 2b of the socket connector 2. A surface 28 of the undercut 17 between the locking element 26, i.e. the deadbolt 26b, and the socket connector 2 is angled. This angled surface 28 helps in cases when the plug connector 12 is, e.g., pulled allowing the locking element 26 to release from the socket connector 2 before the socket connector 2 gets possibly broken or impaired. The angled surface is dimensioned such that it does not allow an easy release of the plug connector 12 from the socket connector 2. FIGS. 4a, 4b and 4c shows that a direction of insertion of the plug connector 12 into the socket connector 2 may be in an angle between 5 - 80 degrees relative to a longitudinal direction of the socket connector 2 (or the housing 10). The direction of insertion is due to placement of the plug connector 12 in an undercut 33 in the first end 2a of the socket connector 2. Correct insertion/placement of the plug connector 12 into the socket connector 2 is facilitated by a guide 30 defined in the socket connector 2, such as the second end 2b of the socket connector 2, and optionally the housing 10, such as the bottom housing 10a. The guide 30 is configured for receiving the electrical wire/tube 41 extending from the second end 12b of the plug connector 12. The plug connector 12 is secured to the socket connector 2 by the locking element 26.

[0066] A first electrical connection interface (not shown) may be provided on/at a bottom surface 19 of the plug connector 12.The bottom surface 19 being opposite the upper free surface 13 of the plug connector 12

[0067] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary hearing device 4. The hearing device 4 comprises a BTE unit 6 and a RIE unit 8.

[0068] The BTE unit 6 comprises a housing 10. The BTE unit 6 may comprise a first transducer, e.g. a microphone 42, to generate one or more microphone output signals based on a received audio signal. The one or more microphone output signals may be provided to a signal processor 44 for processing the one or more microphone output signals. The BTE unit 6 may furthermore comprise a wireless communication unit 48, such as a wireless communication circuit, for wireless data communication interconnected with an antenna 50, such as an radio frequency (RF) antenna or a magnetic induction antenna, for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field. The wireless communication unit 48, including a radio or a transceiver, may connect to the hearing device signal processor 44 and the antenna 50, for communicating with one or more external devices, such as one or more external electronic devices, including at least one smart phone, at least one tablet, at least one hearing accessory device, including at least one spouse microphone, remote control, audio testing device, etc., or, in some embodiments, with another hearing device, such as another hearing device located at another ear, typically in a binaural hearing device system.

[0069] The RIE unit 8 comprises a plug connector 12, an electrical wire/tube 41 and an earpiece 40. The plug connector 12 and electrical wire/tube 41 is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the earpiece 40 to the BTE unit 6. The earpiece 40 may comprise a receiver or speaker 46 for supplying a receiver output signal to the ear canal of the user. The receiver or speaker 46 may be connected to an output of the signal processor 44, wherein the output signal of the signal processor may be modified to compensate for a user’s hearing impairment, and the signal processor 44 may provide the modified signal to the speaker 46. This connection may be established through the plug connector 12.

[0070] Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

ITEMS

[0071] 1. A socket connector for a hearing device, the hearing device comprising a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) unit and a Receiver-In-the-Ear (RIE) unit, the BTE unit comprising a frame, wherein the frame comprises electronic components of the BTE unit, the RIE unit comprising a plug connector, the plug connector being configured for providing an electrical connection between the RIE unit and the BTE unit, wherein the socket connector is connectable to the frame of the BTE unit and wherein the socket connector is configured for detachably connecting the plug connector to the frame.

[0072] 2. The socket connector according to item 1, wherein the socket connector is configured to fit with a plurality of different RIE units comprising the plug connector.

[0073] 3. The socket connector according to item 1 or 2, wherein the plug connector comprises a locking element and the socket connector is configured for interacting with the locking element, and wherein the locking element is configured for locking the plug connector to or in the socket connector, when at least a part of the plug connector is arranged in the socket connector.

[0074] 4. The socket connector according to any of the preceding items, wherein the socket connector is configured to fit with a plurality of different frames.

[0075] 5. The socket connector according to any of the preceding items, wherein the socket connector comprises one or more attachment points for connection/interconnection/attachment/fixation to the frame.

[0076] 6. The socket connector according to item 1, wherein the BTE unit comprises a housing and the socket connector is configured to fit with a plurality of different housings.

[0077] 7. The socket connector according to any of the preceding items, wherein the socket connector is configured to be removably arranged in a hole in the housing.

[0078] 8. The socket connector according to any of the preceding items, wherein the socket connector is configured for sealing against moisture and dirt, for protecting electronic components of the BTE unit and plug connector against corrosion.

[0079] 9. The socket connector according to any of the preceding items, wherein the socket connector comprises a base element and at least one of a first sealing element or a second sealing element.

[0080] 10. The socket connector according to item 9, wherein the first sealing element is configured for providing sealing between the housing and the socket connector and the second sealing element is configured for providing sealing between the plug connector and the socket connector.

[0081] 11. The socket connector according to item 9 or 10, wherein the first sealing element and the second sealing element are integrated in one sealing part proving sealing between the housing and the sealing socket and between the plug connector and the socket connector.

[0082] 12. The socket connector according to items 9 to 11, wherein the first sealing element and/or the second sealing element is/are adhesively and/or mechanically connected to the base element.

[0083] 13. The socket connector according to items 9 to 11, wherein the first sealing element and/or the second sealing element is/are moulded to the base element.

[0084] 14. The socket connector according to items 9 to 13, wherein the base element of the socket connector comprises inside walls and outside walls.

[0085] 15. The socket connector according to item 14, wherein the inside walls of the base element form a hole in the socket connector and wherein the inside walls are pointing inwards towards the plug connector, when the plug connector is arranged in the hole of the socket connector, and wherein the outside walls of the base element are pointing towards the housing, when the socket connector is arranged in the hole in the housing.

[0086] 16. The socket connector according to item 14 or 15, wherein the first sealing element and/or the second sealing element of the socket connector is/are arranged to at least partly or completely surround respectively the inside walls and the outside walls of the base element.

[0087] 17. The socket connector according to item 14 to 16, wherein the first sealing element and/or the second sealing element of the socket connector is/are configured for providing a circumferential sealing respectively along the inside and outside walls of the base element of the socket connector.

[0088] 18. The socket connector according to items 14 to 17, wherein sealing between the plug connector and the inside walls of the base element of the socket connector is provided by the second sealing element, and wherein sealing between the housing and the outside walls of the base element of the socket connector is provided by the first sealing element.

[0089] 19. The socket connector according to items 9 to 18, wherein the base element and respectively the first sealing element and/or the second sealing element of the socket connector are made of different materials.

[0090] 20. The socket connector according to items 9 to 19, wherein the first sealing element and/or the second sealing element is made of an elastomer, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, such as silicone.

[0091] 21. The socket connector according to items 9 to 20, wherein the base element is made of plastic, such as fiber reinforced thermo-plastics.

[0092] 22. A hearing device comprising: [0093] a socket connector, [0094] a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) unit, the BTE unit comprising a frame, wherein the frame comprises electronic components of the BTE unit, and [0095] a Receiver-In-the-Ear (RIE) unit, the RIE unit comprising a plug connector, where the plug connector is configured for providing an electrical connection between the RIE unit and the BTE unit, wherein the socket connector is connectable to the frame of the BTE unit and wherein the socket connector is configured for detachably connecting the plug connector to the frame.

[0096] 23. A hearing device according to item 22, wherein the socket connector is a socket connector according to any of the items 1 to 21.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0097] TABLE-US-00001 2 socket connector 2a first end of socket connector 2b second end of socket connector 4 hearing device 6 Behind-The-Ear (BTE) unit 7 battery compartment 8 Receiver-In-the-Ear (RIE) unit 9 hole in housing 10 housing 10a bottom housing 10b top housing 11 electronic components of BTE unit 11a printed circuit board 11b second electrical connection interface 12 plug connector 12a first end of plug connector 12b second end of plug connector 13 upper free surface 14 base element 15 convex surface area 16 first sealing element 17 undercut in second end of socket connector 18 second sealing element 19 bottom surface of plug connector 20 inside walls of base element 22 outside walls of base element 24 hole in socket connector 25 frame 25a first frame unit 25b second frame unit 26 locking element 26a release knob 26b deadbolt 27, 27a hook of base element 28 surface between locking element and socket connector 29, 29a undercut in frame 30 guide 31 main body of plug connector 32 slot 33 undercut in first end of socket connector 34 bottom part of housing 35 top part of housing 36 front part of housing 37 rear part of housing 40 earpiece 40a dome 41 electrical wire/tube 42 microphone 44 signal processor 46 speaker 48 wireless communication unit 50 antenna