Abstract
A hearing device includes a sound path component having: a chamber at a first end of the hearing device; a vent channel extending from the chamber to a second end of the hearing device, the vent channel having a first vent end at the chamber and a second vent end; an output transducer opening configured to couple to an output transducer; a first opening at the chamber and being configured to face towards an ear canal of the user; and a second opening at the second end of the hearing device and being configured to face towards a surrounding, the second opening being at the second vent end of the vent channel; and an input transducer opening configured to couple to a first input transducer; the vent channel, the input transducer opening, the output transducer opening, the first opening and the second opening being in fluid connection with each another.
Claims
1. A hearing device configured to be arranged in an ear of a user, the hearing device comprising a sound path component, the sound path component comprising: a chamber at a first end of the hearing device; a vent channel extending from the chamber to a second end of the hearing device, the vent channel having a first vent end at the chamber and a second vent end at the second end of the hearing device; an output transducer opening at the chamber, the output transducer opening configured to couple to an output transducer; a first opening at the chamber and being configured to face towards an ear canal of the user, when the user is wearing the hearing device in an intended position; and a second opening at the second end of the hearing device and being configured to face towards a surrounding of the user, when the user is wearing the hearing device in the intended position, the second opening being at the second vent end of the vent channel; and an input transducer opening at the chamber and being configured to couple to a first input transducer; wherein the vent channel, the input transducer opening, the output transducer opening, the first opening and the second opening are in fluid connection with each another.
2. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the output transducer opening is at a first side of the chamber
3. The hearing device according to claim 2, wherein the input transducer opening is at a second side of the chamber.
4. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the output transducer opening and the input transducer opening are at a first side of the chamber.
5. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the sound path component is a one-part component.
6. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the sound path component is replacable in the hearing device.
7. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the sound path component is made of a flexible material.
8. The hearing device according to claim 1, further comprising a first sealing unit configured to seal the output transducer opening.
9. The hearing device according to claim 8, further comprising a second sealing unit configured to seal the input transducer opening.
10. The hearing device according to claim 1, further comprising a dome at the first opening.
11. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein a first dimension of the chamber along a first direction is anywhere between 2-10 mm.
12. The hearing device according to claim 11, wherein a second dimension of the chamber along a second direction is anywhere between 2-10 mm.
13. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the input transducer opening, the output transducer opening, and the first opening are in fluid connection with each other via the chamber.
14. The hearing device according to claim 13, wherein the vent channel is in fluid connection with the input transducer opening, the output transducer opening, and the first opening, via the chamber.
15. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the vent channel is configured to vent the hearing device.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] 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:
[0052] FIG. 1a schematically illustrates a perspective view of an example of a hearing device;
[0053] FIG. 1b schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a hearing device;
[0054] FIG. 2a schematically illustrates a top view of a part of a hearing device comprising a sound path component;
[0055] FIG. 2b, schematically illustrates a perspective longitudinal side view of the part of the hearing device comprising the sound path component, shown in FIG. 2a;
[0056] FIG. 2c schematically illustrates a magnified perspective transversal side view of the part of the hearing device comprising the sound path component, shown in FIG. 2a; and
[0057] FIGS. 3-7 each schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a cut through of a part of an exemplary hearing device comprising a sound path component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] 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.
[0059] FIG. 1 a schematically illustrates a perspective view of an example of a hearing device 100. The hearing device 100 is configured to be arranged in an ear of a user. FIG. 1a shows that the hearing device 100 comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 may comprise a push button 4 for controlling one or more functionalities of the hearing device 100. The push button 4, shown in FIG. 1a is shown in its designed position, neutral position or starting position, which is the position when the push button 4 is not activated, e.g. by a user. When the push button is pushed by the user, the user can push the push button all the way down to its depressed position. The push button 4 may be arranged on or in the housing 2.
[0060] The push button 4 may be provided on a first surface 12 of the housing 2. The first surface 12 is configured to point towards the surroundings when the hearing device 100 is arranged at the user's ear in its intended position. The first surface 12 may be on the exterior of the housing 2.
[0061] FIG. 1a also shows that an air gap 6 is provided between the push button 4 and the housing 2 in the first surface 12 of the housing 2. The air gap 6 may at least partly be defined by an opening in the housing 2, where the push button 4 is arranged. The air gap 6 may have a shape which at least partly corresponds to the shape of the push button 4. The push button 4 may be circular, and the air gap 6 may be ring-shaped, e.g. around the shape of the push button 4.
[0062] FIG. 1a also shows that the hearing device 100 comprises a dome 8. The dome 8 may be attached to the housing 2 for providing the sound in the ear canal of the user.
[0063] FIG. 1b schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a hearing device 100. FIG. 1b also shows the a cross-sectional view of the housing 2, the push button 4, the air gap 6 and the dome 8. The housing 2 of the hearing device 100 may at least partly be a closed entity comprising one or more electronic components of the hearing device 100. FIG. 1b shows that the housing 2 comprises an exterior surface 14, which may be in contact with the user's skin. The housing 2 may comprise an interior space 16 where the electronic components are arranged therein. FIG. 1b also shows that the hearing device 100 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 150, and an electrical contact 18 is arranged on the printed circuit board 150 for providing an electrical connection to the push button 4 for controlling the one or more functionalities of the hearing device 100. The electrical contact 18 may be arranged on the printed circuit board 150 for providing the electrical connection to the push button 4 for controlling the one or more functionalities of the hearing device 100, when the push button 4 is activated by pushing it down into its depressed position. A protrusion on the push button 4 may be provided to touch the electrical contact 18.
[0064] FIG. 2a schematically illustrates a top view of a part of a hearing device 100. FIG. 2a shows a first end of the hearing device 10 and a second end of the hearing device 20. In FIG. 2a, a direction L shows a first direction. FIG. 2a shows that the direction L extends from the first end 10 of the hearing device 100 to the second end 20 of the hearing device 100. FIG. 2a shows that the first direction extends along a longitudinal direction of the hearing device 100. In FIG. 2a, a direction T shows a second direction. FIG. 2a shows that the second direction extends opposite to the first direction. FIG. 2a shows that the second direction extends along a transversal direction of the hearing device 100.
[0065] FIG. 2a also shows that the hearing device 100 comprises a sound path component 30. The sound path component 30 comprises a chamber 40. The chamber 40 is arranged at a first end of the hearing device 10. The chamber 40 may have a number of sides. A dimension of the chamber 40 along a first direction i.e. the direction L may be in the range of 2-10 mm. A dimension of the chamber 40 along a second direction i.e. the direction T may be in the range of 2-10 mm.
[0066] FIG. 2a also shows that the sound path component 30 comprises a vent channel 50. The vent channel 50 is configured to vent the hearing device 100. The vent channel 50 extends from the chamber 40 to a second end of the hearing device 20. The vent channel 50 has a first vent end at the chamber 40. The vent channel 50 has a second vent end at the second end of the hearing device 20. A length of the vent channel 50 along the first direction, such as substantially along the first direction, i.e. the direction L may be 2 mm. A diameter of the vent channel 50 may be 0.8 mm. For instance, a diameter of the vent channel 50 along the direction T may be 0.8 mm.
[0067] In addition, FIG. 2a shows that the sound path component 30 comprises an output transducer opening 60. The output transducer opening 60 is configured to be connected to an output transducer 120. The output transducer opening 60 is arranged at the chamber 40. The output transducer opening 60 may have a circular shape. The output transducer opening 60 may have a diameter of e.g. 1.4 mm. The output transducer opening 60 may have any other shapes. FIG. 2a shows that the sound path component 30 comprises a first opening 80. The first opening 80 is arranged at the chamber 40. The first opening 80 is configured to point towards an ear canal of the user, when the user is wearing the hearing device 100 in its intended position in the ear. The first opening 80 may have a circular shape. The first opening 80 may have a diameter of e.g. 3 mm. The first opening 80 may have any other shapes. Furthermore, FIG. 2a shows that the sound path component 30 comprises a second opening 90. The second opening 90 is arranged at the second end of the hearing device 20. The second opening 90 is configured to point towards surrounding of the user, when the user is wearing the hearing device 100 in its intended position in the ear. The second opening 90 is at the second vent end of the vent channel 50. The second opening 90 may have a circular shape. The second opening 90 may have a diameter of e.g. 0.8 mm. The second opening 90 may have any other shapes.
[0068] FIG. 2a shows that the chamber 40, the vent channel 50, the output transducer opening 60, the first opening 80 and the second opening 90 are in fluid connection with one another.
[0069] In addition, FIG. 2a shows that the sound path component 30 comprises an input transducer opening 70. The input transducer opening 70 may be configured to be connected to a first input transducer 110. The input transducer opening 70 may be arranged at the chamber 40. The input transducer opening 70 may be in fluid connection with the chamber 40, the vent channel 50, the output transducer opening 60, the first opening 80 and the second opening 90. The input transducer opening 70 may have a circular shape. The input transducer opening 70 may have a diameter of e.g. 1.4 mm or larger. The input transducer opening 70 may have any other shapes.
[0070] FIG. 2b schematically illustrates a perspective longitudinal side view of the part of the hearing device 100 comprising the sound path component 30, shown in FIG. 2a. The reference signs shown in FIG. 2b at least partly correspond to those as shown in FIG. 2a and described above in connection with FIG. 2a. At least a portion of the sound path component 30 may be made of a flexible material e.g. a soft material. For instance, the vent channel 50 may be made of a flexible material. FIG. 2b shows that the vent channel 50 is bend to be fitted into the hearing device 100. For example, the vent channel 50 may be made of silicon or Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). In addition, the sound path component 30 may be a one-part component. The sound path component 30 may be made of one part. The sound path component 30 may be replacable in the hearing device 100.
[0071] FIG. 2c schematically illustrates a magnified perspective transversal side view of the part of the hearing device comprising the sound path component, shown in FIG. 2a. The reference signs shown in FIG. 2c at least partly correspond to those as shown in FIG. 2a and described above in connection with FIG. 2a. FIG. 2c shows that the hearing device 100 comprises a first sealing unit 130 for the output transducer opening 60. FIG. 2c also shows that the hearing device 100 comprises a second sealing unit 140 for the input transducer opening 70. The first sealing unit 130 and the second sealing unit 140 may be configured to respectively seal the output transducer opening 60 and the input transducer opening 70.
[0072] FIGS. 3-7 each schematically illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a cut through of a part of an exemplary hearing device 100 comprising a sound path component 30. In FIGS. 3-7, the part of the hearing device 100 comprising the sound path component 30 may be cut in a direction perpendicular to the directions L and T shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c. FIG. 3 shows a part of an exemplary hearing device 100 comprising a sound path component 30. FIG. 3 also shows a printed circuit board (PCB) 150 arranged under the sound path component 30. FIG. 3 also shows an output transducer 120. The output transducer 120, shown in FIG. 3, is arranged on the PCB 150 through a hole on the PCB 150. FIG. 3 also shows an input transducer 110. The input transducer 110, shown in FIG. 3, is not a part of the PCB 150. FIG. 3 shows that the input transducer 110 is arranged on an allocated position/area on the PCB 150 of the hearing device 100. FIG. 3 also shows an output transducer opening 60 connected to the output transducer 120 and input transducer opening 70 connected to the input transducer 110. FIG. 3 also shows that the sound path component 30 comprises a chamber 40 and a vent channel 50. The chamber 40 of the sound path component 30 may have a number of sides. FIG. 3 shows that the output transducer opening 60 and the input transducer opening 70 are arranged at a first side of the chamber 40 i.e. at the same side of the chamber 40. In FIG. 3, the dotted line shows a path of sound going out from the output transducer 120. In FIG. 3, the dashed line shows a path of sound going into the input transducer 110. In FIG. 3, the solid line shows a path of sound travelling through the vent channel 50. FIG. 3 also shows a part of a shell 160 arranged around a first opening 80 of the sound path component 30. The shell 160 may be a part of the hearing device 100 where the dome 8 is mounted thereon. For instance, the shell 160 may be a portion or a part of the housing 2 of the hearing device 100. The dome 8 may be mounted onto the shell 160 of the hearing device 100. FIG. 3 also shows a nozzle insert 170 arranged inside the shell 160. The nozzle insert 170 may be used to make the connection from the sound path component 30 to the ear of the user. The nozzle insert 170 may facilitate using a radial first sealing unit 130 and/or a radial second sealing unit 140. The nozzle insert 170 may facilitate cleaning of the hearing device 100. The nozzle insert 170 may collect e.g. the ear wax and may have an exchangeable filter part to be exchanged when desired. The nozzle insert 170 may have different configurations.
[0073] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of a cut through of a part of another exemplary hearing device 100 comprising a sound path component 30. The reference signs shown in FIG. 4 at least partly correspond to those as shown in FIG. 3 and described above in connection with FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, both the input transducer 110 and the output transducer 120 are arranged on the PCB 150 through two respective holes on the PCB 150. FIG. 4 also shows a sound path component 30 made of dark and light parts. In FIG. 4, the darker parts of the sound path component 30 are made of a flexible e.g. a soft material. Examples of the flexible material e.g. the soft material may comprise silicon or Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). In FIG. 4, the darker parts of the sound path component 30 around the output transducer opening 60 and the input transducer opening 70 may act respectively as the first sealing unit 130 and the second sealing unit 140. In FIG. 4, the first sealing unit 130 and the second sealing unit 140 are radial sealing units.
[0074] In FIG. 4, the lighter parts of the sound path component 30 are made of a non-flexible e.g. a hard material. Examples of the non-flexible material e.g. the hard material may comprise hard plastics such as ABS. FIG. 4 also shows that a nozzle insert 170 has a different configuration, compared to the nozzle insert 170 of FIG. 3.
[0075] FIGS. 5 and 6 show cross-sectional side views of a cut through of a part of two other exemplary hearing device 100 comprising a sound path component 30. The reference signs shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 at least partly correspond to those as shown in FIG. 3 and described above in connection with FIG. 3. The chamber 40 of the sound path component 30 may have a number of sides. FIG. 5 shows that an output transducer opening 60 is arranged at a first side of the chamber 40. FIG. 5 shows that an output transducer opening 60 is arranged at a lower side of the chamber 40. FIG. 5 shows that an input transducer opening 70 is arranged at a second side of the chamber 40. In FIG. 5, the input transducer opening 70 at a left side of the chamber 40.
[0076] FIG. 6 shows that an output transducer opening 60 is arranged at a first side of the chamber 40. FIG. 6 shows that an output transducer opening 60 is arranged at a lower side of the chamber 40. FIG. 6 shows that an input transducer opening 70 is arranged at a second side of the chamber 40. In FIG. 6, the input transducer opening 70 is arranged at an upper side of the chamber 40, which is opposite to the first side. FIG. 6 shows that the input transducer opening 70 is arranged in a pocket at the upper side of the chamber 40.
[0077] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of a cut through of a part of yet another exemplary hearing device 100 comprising a sound path component 30. The reference signs shown in FIG. 7 at least partly correspond to those as shown in FIG. 3 and described above in connection with FIG. 3. In FIG. 7, the output transducer opening 60 and the input transducer opening 70 are arranged at a first side of the chamber 40 i.e. at the same side of the chamber 40. In FIG. 7, the sound path component is made of a flexible material. In FIG. 7 portions of the sound path component 30 around the output transducer opening 60 and the input transducer opening 70 act respectively as the first sealing unit 130 and the second sealing unit 140. In FIG. 7, the first sealing unit 130 and the second sealing unit 140 act as axial sealing units. In FIG. 7 half circular bumps arranged around the input transducer opening 70 and in between the sound path component 30, the PCB 150 and the shell 160 provide axial sealing units.
[0078] 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.
[0079] Items:
1. A hearing device (100) configured to be arranged in an ear of a user, the hearing device (100) comprising a sound path component (30), the sound path component (30) comprising: [0080] a chamber (40) arranged at a first end of the hearing device (10), [0081] a vent channel (50) configured to vent the hearing device (100), the vent channel (50) extending from the chamber (40) to a second end of the hearing device (20), the vent channel (50) having a first vent end at the chamber and a second vent end at the second end of the hearing device (20), [0082] an output transducer opening (60) configured to be connected to an output transducer (120), the output transducer opening (60) being arranged at the chamber (40), [0083] a first opening (80) arranged at the chamber (40) and being configured to point towards an ear canal of the user, when the user is wearing the hearing device (100) in its intended position in the ear, and [0084] a second opening (90) arranged at the second end of the hearing device (20) and being configured to point towards surrounding of the user, when the user is wearing the hearing device (100) in its intended position in the ear, the second opening (90) being at the second vent end of the vent channel (50),
wherein the chamber (40), the vent channel (50), the output transducer opening (60), the first opening (80) and the second opening (90) are in fluid connection with one another.
2. The hearing device (100) according to item 1, wherein the sound path component (30) further comprises an input transducer opening (70) configured to be connected to a first input transducer (110), the input transducer opening (70) being arranged at the chamber (40), and wherein the input transducer opening (70) is in fluid connection with the chamber (40), the vent channel (50), the output transducer opening (60), the first opening (80) and the second opening (90).
3. The hearing device (100) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the chamber (40) has a number of sides, and wherein the output transducer opening (60) is arranged at a first side of the chamber (40), and wherein the input transducer opening (70) is arranged at a second side of the chamber (40).
4. The hearing device (100) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the chamber (40) has a number of sides, and wherein the output transducer opening (60) and the input transducer opening (70) are arranged at a first side of the chamber (40).
5. The hearing device (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the sound path component (30) is a one-part component.
6. The hearing device (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the sound path component (30) is replacable in the hearing device (100).
7. The hearing device (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least a portion of the sound path component (30) is made of a flexible material.
8. The hearing device (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hearing device (100) comprises a first sealing unit (130) for the output transducer opening (60) and a second sealing unit (140) for the input transducer opening (70), and wherein the first sealing unit (130) and the second sealing unit (140) are configured to respectively seal the output transducer opening (60) and the input transducer opening (70).
9. The hearing device (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hearing device (100) comprises a dome at the first opening (80).
10. The hearing device (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein a dimension of the chamber (40) along a first direction is in the range of 2-10 mm and wherein a dimension of the chamber (40) along a second direction is in the range of 2-10 mm.
LIST OF REFERENCES
[0085] 100 Hearing device [0086] 2 Housing [0087] 4 Push button [0088] 6 Air gap [0089] 8 Dome [0090] 10 First end of the hearing device [0091] 12 First surface [0092] 14 Exterior surface [0093] 16 Interior surface [0094] 18 Electrical contact [0095] 20 Second end of the hearing device 30 Sound path component [0096] 40 Chamber [0097] 50 Vent channel [0098] 60 Output transducer opening [0099] 70 Input transducer opening [0100] 80 First opening [0101] 90 Second opening [0102] 110 Input transducer [0103] 120 Output transducer [0104] 130 First sealing unit [0105] 140 Second sealing unit [0106] 150 Printed circuit board [0107] 160 Shell [0108] 170 Nozzle insert
