AU769544B2

AU769544B2 - Electric/acoustic transducer module, intra-aural hearing-aid and method for producing an intra-aural hearing aid

Info

Publication number: AU769544B2
Application number: AU47401/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andi Vonlanthen
Original assignee: Phonak AG
Current assignee: Sonova Holding AG
Priority date: 1999-06-16
Filing date: 2000-06-06
Publication date: 2004-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 2020-06-06
Also published as: CA2375864A1; CN1196377C; WO2000079832A2; CN100382656C; DE59915249D1; JP2003502967A; EP1183907A1; AU4128299A; CA2340725A1; CA2375864C; AU761764B2; EP1104646A2; JP4246432B2; CN1367991A; WO2000079832A3; DK1183907T3; CN1520230A; NO20010769D0; JP2003502966A; EP1183907B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric/acoustic transducer module for a hearing-aid worn behind the ear or intra-aurally. Said transducer module has a loudspeaker, comprising a diaphragm (5), operated by an electromotive drive. The diaphragm (5) is situated in a loudspeaker housing (8) which is mounted in a capsule housing (13) in a spring-loaded manner. An intermediate gap (11) extends between the capsule housing (13) and the loudspeaker housing (8). A first chamber (R1) on one side of the diaphragm (5) in the loudspeaker housing (8) is linked to the acoustic outlet (AA) of the transducer assembly, whilst a second chamber (R2) on the other side of the diaphragm (5) in the loudspeaker housing (8) is linked (9) to the intermediate gap (11).

Description

-I-

Electric/acoustic transducer module, in-the-ear hearing aid and method for manufacturing an in-the-ear hearing aid The present invention relates to a transducer module for behind-the-ear or in-the-ear hearing aids, a hearing device and a manufacturing method for such an in-the-ear hearing aid.

In the case of hearing aids and, in particular, inthe-ear hearing aids, it is important that the loudspeaker housing is not connected to the auditory canal by a mechanically rigid bridge. This is important to prevent acoustic feedback from the loudspeaker to the input-side microphone as far as possible. Furthermore, where hearing aids are concerned, the space available is generally extremely limited and must be used optimally.

EP 0 548 580 discloses, for example, providing the electric/acoustic transducer arrangement on an in-the-ear hearing aid with a loudspeaker housing in which the motordriven loudspeaker diaphragm and the motor driver for it are mounted. The diaphragm or the motor drivers for it are mounted in relation to said loudspeaker housing in such a way that the signals induced acoustically by the diaphragm are transmitted directly to said housing. Said arrangement is fitted in an in-the-ear hearing-aid housing in such a way that the loudspeaker housing is as far away as possible from said hearing-aid housing, whereby only reduced acoustic transmission bridges are formed. As a i: result, however, assembly of the hitherto known hearing .aids demands meticulous care that such bridges are not H:\jolzik\keep\Speci\47401-OO.doc 23/10/03 ~.?i.'~1Y*~~311111~A 2 formed, i.e. a transducer arrangement must be inserted manually in the hearing-aid housing, as is also the customary practice, and meticulously aligned there.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-contained transducer module of a size enabling integration into a behind-the-ear hearing aid device and including: an enclosure with an opening; a loudspeaker housing resiliently mounted in said enclosure and defining an intermediate space between said loudspeaker housing and said enclosure; a diaphragm in said loudspeaker housing having a first side and a second side; a first chamber adjacent said first side of said diaphragm and communicating with said opening; a second chamber adjacent said second side of said diaphragm and communicating with said intermediate space; and a membrane sealing said opening to the outside of said enclosure, said membrane being of a material that will permit acoustic coupling of vibration from said diaphragm via said first chamber and said opening external of said transducer module.

25 According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided A hearing device including: a housing; an acoustical opening in said housing; a transducer module enclosure mounted to said 30 housing; a transducer comprising a loudspeaker housing resiliently mounted in said transducer module •\\melb_files\home$\Priyanka\Keep\speci\47401-OO.doc 19/11/03 E~n~~~~~i'ihri 3 enclosure, said loudspeaker housing defining an intermediate space between said loudspeaker housing and said transducer module enclosure; a diaphragm in said loudspeaker housing, said diaphragm having a first side and a second side; there being a first chamber adjacent said first side of said diaphragm and communicating with said acoustic opening; a second chamber adjacent said second side of said diaphragm and communicating with said intermediate space; and a membrane sealing said acoustical opening said membrane being of a material that will permit acoustic coupling of vibration from said diaphragm via said first chamber and said acoustic opening, external of said housing.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a hearing device.

The invention is explained below by way of example on the basis of figures, in which: figure 1 shows the diagram of a transducer module o according to an embodiment of the present invention; figure 2 shows in a diagrammatically simplifying form a longitudinal section through a transducer module according to an embodiment of the present invention; figure 2a shows a diagrammatic representation of a further preferred embodiment of the transducer module according to the invention; 30 figure 3 shows, again diagrammatically, the installation of a transducer module according to an S"embodiment of the present invention on an in-the-ear hearing aid; S\\melbfiles\home$\Priyanka\Keep\speci\47401- doc 19/11/03 \\melbfiles\homeS\Priyanka\Keep\speci\474-Odo 19/11/03 WIP-4 -4 f igure 4 shows in a representation analogous to that of figure 3 a further possible way of installing a transducer module according to an embodiment of the present invention on an in-the-ear hearing aid; \\ebflshm$Piak\epsei441O*o 19110 Pages 5 to 10 have been left intentionally blank.

0 \\melb_files\home$\Priyanka\Keep\speci\47401-OO.doc 19/11/03 WO 00/79832 PCT/CHOO/00311 11 figure 5 shows in a representation analogous to Figures 3 and 4a further preferred design variant of the element forming the acoustic hearing-aid output of an in-the-ear hearing aid, and figures 6(a) to 6(c) diagrammatically show the sequence of a manufacturing method for an in-the-ear hearing aid with regard to assembling the electric/acoustic transducer module and the hearing-aid housing.

Figure 1 diagrammatically shows a transducer module for explaining the acoustic coupling principles.

The transducer module 1 comprises a loudspeaker housing 3, in which the loudspeaker diaphragm 5 is mounted. The loudspeaker diaphragm 5 is excited by a motor drive 7, which is only diagrammatically represented. In the loudspeaker housing 3, a front chamber R i and a rear chamber R 2 are formed by the loudspeaker diaphragm 5. One of the two said chambers, for example the rear chamber R 2 is acoustically coupled by acoustic coupling apertures 9 to an intermediate space 11, formed between the loudspeaker housing 3 and an enclosure 13. The enclosure 13, and consequently the intermediate space 11, surround the loudspeaker housing 3 essentially entirely, apart from resilient bearing elements 15, by means of which the loudspeaker housing is kept at a distance, mounted essentially in a "floating" manner, within the enclosure 13. According WO 00/79832 PCT/CHOO/00311 12 to figure 1, the front chamber R, is connected to the acoustic output AA of the transducer module 1.

With the design shown, an acoustic decoupling of the effect of the loudspeaker on the enclosure 13 is achieved on account of the essentially floating mounting of the loudspeaker housing 3. Furthermore, by significantly enlarging the rear diaphragm chamber R 2 that is including the intermediate space 11, the acoustic behavior of the transducer module 1 is significantly improved as compared with that of the loudspeaker arrangement in the housing 3: the bass response of the transducer module is raised by several dB as compared with the bass response of the loudspeaker arrangement in the housing 3.

In a preferred embodiment of the transducer module 1, a membrane is provided at the acoustic output AA of this module itself, as diagrammatically represented by 17. Apart from being fixed at its edge, the membrane 17 vibrates freely. It preferably consists of a homogeneous material phase, preferably an elastomeric material, for example latex or silicone rubber, and, in a further preferred feature, has a constant thickness of about 100 rim, preferably at most 0.09 mm.

By matching the acoustic impedance of the intermediate space 11 with the chamber R 2 the chamber R, as far as the membrane 17, the membrane 17 and any WO 00/79832 PCT/CHOO/00311 13 acoustic conductor that might be provided to propagate toward the ambience U of the transducer module 1, the effect is achieved that the membrane 17 is practically acoustically transparent.

Figure 2 shows a cross section through an embodiment of the transducer module 1. The reference symbols already used in the diagrammatic representation of figure 1 are also used here. The loudspeaker housing 3 with the coupling apertures 9 is mounted on the enclosure 13 by means of elastomeric bearing blocks 19. The enclosure 13 is formed by a cup 20, which preferably acts at the same time as a magnetic shield and, for this purpose, preferably consists of t metal.

In any event, the cup 20 is preferably metallic. The cup 20 is closed by a cover part 22. The membrane 17, already presented in figure 1, may in this case be mounted directly on the cover part 22. At the same time, the cover part 22 and the membrane 17 may well be integrally formed, in which case however the material of the cover part 22 must meet the material requirements for the membrane, for instance with respect to elastomeric behavior. For example, the entire part 22 is then made of latex or silicone rubber. Otherwise, however, the membrane 17 is anchored as a separate part on the cover part 22. The membrane 17 may also be provided between the acoustic output A 3 in the loudspeaker housing 3 and the clear L~lr. ~""raai~.Nni~tp~i~z WO 00/79832 PCT/CHOO/00311 14 aperture in the part 22. Preferably, however, as represented in figure 2, the membrane 17 is provided flush with the clear aperture in the cover part 22, whereby the complete transducer module 1 appears as a self-contained, encapsulated unit and can be readily cleaned. This is especially significant if, as still to be shown, the output AA of the transducer module 1 lies directly at the acoustic output of a hearing aid.

The transducer module or its enclosure 13 may be cubic, cylindrical or designed in some other form of essentially any desired kind, provided that the required intermediate space 11, essentially enclosing the loudspeaker housing 3, is formed between the loudspeaker housing 3 and the enclosure 13. On the basis of the explanations relating to figure 2, figure 2a shows a further embodiment in a merely diagrammatic form. Here, an elastomeric hose 17a is pulled over the enclosure 13. Said hose 17 at the same time forms the cover part 22 and membrane 17.

Figure 3 diagrammatically shows the segment of an in-the-ear hearing aid 24 with the acoustic output aperture A 24 The transducer module 1, designed as shown in figures i, 2 and 2a, is installed within the hearing-aid housing 26, to be precise in that it is secured and positioned in the housing 26 of the hearing aid in a form-fitting or frictionally locking manner, as diagrammatically represented by the securing and n~i- nn~~3~~LIMM00~ WO 00/79832 PCT/CHOO/00311 15 positioning clips 28 in figure 3. This is made possible by the acoustic decoupling of the outer enclosure 13 with respect to the loudspeaker housing 3 provided on the transducer module explained with reference to figures 1, 2 and 2a.

Apart from this, the design of the in-the-ear hearing aid shown in figure 3 is essentially as already known, in that the acoustic output of the transducer module 1 is connected to the acoustic output aperture A24 of the hearing aid via an tubular stub The electronic components and the input-side acoustic/electric transducer arrangement on the in-theear hearing aid 24 with the housing 26 are not represented in figure 3 and the further figures because they are not essential for the invention.

As figure 3 further shows, the membrane 17 provided in the preferred embodiment is installed in the direct region of the acoustic output A 24 on the hearing-aid housing 26.

According to figure 4, the transducer module 1 is fitted in a form-fitting or frictionally locking manner directly in the region of the acoustic output A 24 of the hearing aid 24 or of the housing 26, as represented by the diagrammatically shown securing means 28a. In a preferred embodiment, the freely vibrating membrane 17 is provided at the end.

According to figure 5, the housing 26 of the I~ WO 00/79832 PCT/CHOO/00311 16 in-the-ear hearing aid 24 is formed on the one hand by a main housing part 24a, but at the end a cover part 24b is placed in a plate-like manner on the part 24a, glued or welded to the part 24a. A transducer module 1 as described in relation to figures 1 and 2, or directly the loudspeaker housing of a hitherto known loudspeaker arrangement, in figure 5 both denoted together by 30, is seated in the output aperture 32 of the cover part 24b and is secured there, such as by clamping, gluing etc. If the transducer module represented in a general manner by 30 in figure 5 is one with an enclosure, i.e. is designed in the manner of figures 1, 2 or 2a, positioning and fixing members may be provided for this transducer module 1 within the hearing-aid housing 26, as in turn diagrammatically indicated by 28.

The membrane of the type described above, or a preferably provided membrane, is also represented by 17 in figure 5, in a preferred position. As still to become evident, the design according to figure 5 has major advantages, whether for hearing aids with a transducer module according to figures 1, 2, 2a or for hearing aids with a hitherto known transducer arrangement, i.e. with a loudspeaker housing directly on the outside. Furthermore, the membrane 17 may be integrally formed with the part 24b, in particular because, with the part 24b separate from the rest of WO 00/79832 PCT/CHOO/00311 17 the housing 26, the choice of material for this part can be matched to the requirements of the membrane 17.

Figures 6(a) to 6(c) diagrammatically show the sequence of a preferred manufacturing method for inthe-ear hearing aids.

According to figure receiving apertures 36, preferably in the form of blind apertures, are provided in a support plate 34 and the transducer arrangements 30 to be provided on in-the-ear hearing aids are inserted in said apertures. If the transducer arrangements 30 are of a known type, i.e. with an external loudspeaker housing and without an enclosure according to figures 1, 2, 2a, the transducer arrangements 30 are preferably firmly anchored in the support plate 34, for instance are adhesively bonded to it. If, however, they are transducer arrangements with an external enclosure according to figures 1, 2, 2a, the arrangements 30 need not be firmly secured in the support plate 34, because they can, as has been shown, be secured in the corresponding hearing-aid housings 24a in a form-fitting or frictionally locking manner, as indicated with dashed lines by 28b. Of significance with regard to the technical aspects of the method is firstly that, due to relative movement of the plate 34 with the transducer arrangements 30 and a corresponding number of housing parts 24a, the transducer arrangements 30 are not pushed in the customary manner WO 00/79832 PCT/CHOO/00311 18 from above, but from below, into the elements of the housing parts 24a facing the acoustic output.

In the case in which the transducer arrangements 30 are designed with enclosures, once the transducer systems 30 have been pushed into the housings 26 in a securing manner, the support plate 34 can be. removed, the transducer arrangements or modules being secured and positioned in the housings 24a.

However, in the case concerning transducer arrangements without enclosures, the transducers 30 remain in the apertures 36 of the plate 34 provided for them. The plate 34 is connected, for example adhesively bonded or welded, to the housing 24a and, based on the position according to figure the plate 34 is subsequently trimmed to become flush with the outer housing contour (transition to figure 6(c)) This produces the in-the-ear hearing aid as represented in figure 5. However, this procedure is also used with preference for transducer modules designed according to figures 1, 2, 2a, i.e. with enclosures.

It is thus evident from viewing figure 6 that this procedure is extremely well-suited for installing the membrane 17, or a further membrane preferably to be provided, at the same time as a guard to protect the acoustic hearing-aid output from soiling and to ensure simple cleaning. For this purpose, the base plate 38 n li- r ri"x iii17wtw-y- irU i -l4'0j7 fil WO 00/79832 PCT/CHOO/00311 19 according to figure 6(a) of the preferred apertures 36, preferably formed as blind apertures, is formed directly as the membrane. This takes place by either the material of the support plate 34 being chosen to meet the requirements for the membrane material, and consequently the membrane being formed integrally with the plate 34, or, as represented by dashed lines in figure by the blind apertures 36 being formed by laminating the support plate 34, the apertures 36 still being open right through, with a sheet-like layer 34b which then forms the membrane 17 according to figure The production method represented makes it possible to fit both transducer modules according to figures 1, 2, 2a and conventional transducer arrangements, i.e. with an external loudspeaker housing, in the in-the-ear hearing-aid housing without meticulous positioning manipulations. This can be carried out from that side of the housing on which the acoustic output lies. Consequently, assembling of a kind which can be automated to the greatest extent is made possible. If, as preferred, the acoustic output of the hearing aid is to be designed such that it is protected against soiling from the ambience and allows good cleaning, this at the same time provides the possibility, as explained, of also installing a covering membrane 17.

20 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

e *o* H:\jolzik\keep\Speci\47401...odoc 23/10/03 -Bbfyi

Claims

1. A self-contained transducer module of a size enabling integration into a behind-the-ear hearing aid device and including: -an enclosure with an opening; -a loudspeaker housing resiliently mounted in said enclosure and defining an intermediate space between said loudspeaker housing and said enclosure; a diaphragm in said loudspeaker housing having a first side and a second side; a first chamber adjacent said first side of said diaphragm and communicating with said opening; -a second chamber adjacent said second side of said diaphragm and communicating with said intermediate space; and a membrane sealing said opening to the outside of said enclosure, said membrane being of a material that will permit acoustic coupling of vibration from said diaphragm via said first chamber and said opening external of said transducer module.

2. The module of claim 1 being an electrical/mechanical transducer module.

3. The module of claim 1, said enclosure forming a magnetic shield.

4. The module of claim 1, wherein said enclosure comprises p metal. *ooooo* \\melbfiles\homeS\Priyanka\Keep\speci\47401-OO-doc 19/11/03 F~Y~ 22 The module of claim comprises a cup secured to opening. 1, wherein said enclosure a closing member with said

6. The module of claim 5, wherein said membrane is provided substantially flush with said opening.

7. The module of claim 5, wherein said membrane is formed by said closing member.

8. The module of claim 1, wherein said membrane has a free part which is homogeneous in terms of its material.

9. The module of claim 1, wherein said membrane has a free part with a constant thickness of at most 0.09 mm. The module of claim 1, wherein said membrane forms an air-tight seal.

11. The module of claim 1, wherein said membrane has a free part consisting of elastomeric material.

12. The module of claim 1, wherein said enclosure 25 comprises a cup-shaped member removably linked to a closing member.

13. The module of claim 1, wherein said transducer housing is resiliently mounted in said enclosure by elastic mounting members.

14. The module housing and an of claim 1, wherein said transducer inner surface of said enclosure are \\melbfiles\home$\Priyanka\Keep\speci\47401-OO.doc 19/11/03 23 substantially cup-shaped, edges of said loudspeaker housing and of the inner surface of said enclosure being substantially parallel, the loudspeaker housing being mounted within said enclosure by resilient mounting blocks bridging said loudspeaker housing and said inner surface of said enclosure along at least parts of respective edge areas. The module of claim 1, further comprising electrical contacts.

16. The module of claim 1, wherein said intermediate space substantially surrounds said loudspeaker housing.

17. The module of claim 1, wherein said enclosure is sealed.

18. A hearing device including: a housing; an acoustical opening in said housing; a transducer module enclosure mounted to said housing; a transducer comprising a loudspeaker housing resiliently mounted in said transducer module enclosure, said loudspeaker housing defining an intermediate space between said loudspeaker housing and said transducer module enclosure; a diaphragm in said loudspeaker housing, said diaphragm having a first side and a second side; there being a first chamber adjacent said first side of said diaphragm and communicating with said acoustic opening; ooooo- \\melb-files\home$\Priyanka\Keep\speci\47401-OO.doc 19/11/03 fi 24 a second chamber adjacent said second side of said diaphragm and communicating with said intermediate space; and a membrane sealing said acoustical opening said membrane being of a material that will permit acoustic coupling of vibration from said diaphragm via said first chamber and said acoustic opening, external of said housing.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein said transducer module enclosure is a magnetic shield. The device of claim 18, wherein said transducer module enclosure comprises g metal.

21. The device of claim 18, wherein said transducer module enclosure is formed as a cup secured to a closing member, the closing member being mounted to said housing.

22. The device of claim 18, wherein said transducer module enclosure is mounted in said housing in a form- fitting and/or frictionally locking manner.

23. The device of claim 18, wherein said first chamber communicates with said acoustical opening via a tubular member.

24. The device of claim 18, wherein said membrane is mounted to vibrate freely and unhampered.

25. The device of claim 18, wherein said membrane forms an air-tight seal with said first chamber. \\melb~files\home$\Priyanka\Keep\speci\47401-OO.doc 19/11/03 _An; 25

26. The device of claim 18, wherein said membrane has a free part which is homogenous in terms of material.

27. The device of claim 18, wherein said membrane has a free part of constant thickness, preferably of at most 0.09 mm.

28. The device of claim 18, wherein said membrane has a free vibration part consisting of an elastomeric material.

29. The device of claim 18, wherein said membrane is mounted to said transducer module enclosure. The device of claim 18, wherein said membrane is mounted to the housing of said device.

31. The device of claim 18, wherein said membrane is mounted substantially flush with an outer surface of said housing.

32. The device of claim 18, wherein said transducer module enclosure is mounted adjacent said acoustical output in said housing.

33. The device of claim 18, wherein said housing comprises a plate-like member provided with said acoustical opening, said plate-like member being welded or adhesively bonded to a second member of said housing.

34. The device of claim 33, wherein said membrane is Sformed integrally with said plate-like member. V \\melbfiles\homeS\Priyanka\Keep\speci\47401-0 .doc 19/11/03 zcar~juu~vIlwi: 26 The device of claim 33, wherein said plate-like member consists of elastomeric material.

36. The device of claim 18, wherein said transducer module enclosure comprises a cup-shaped member removably linked to a closing member.

37. The device of claim 18, wherein said loudspeaker housing is resiliently mounted in said transducer module enclosure by elastic mounting members.

38. The device of claim 18, wherein said loudspeaker housing and an inner surface of said transducer module enclosure are substantially cube-shaped, edges of said loudspeaker housing and the inner surface of the transducer module enclosure are substantially parallel and the loudspeaker housing is mounted within the transducer module enclosure by resilient mounting blocks bridging the loudspeaker housing and the inner surface along respective edge areas.

39. The device of claim 18, wherein mounting of said 'transducer module enclosure establishes electrical contact r to said loudspeaker. The device of claim 18, wherein said intermediate space substantially surrounds said loudspeaker housing.

41. The device of claim 18, wherein said transducer 30 module enclosure is sealed in an airtight manner.

42. A method for manufacturing a hearing device, comprising the steps of: s \\melbfiles\home$\Priyanka\Keep\speci\47401-0O-doc 19/11/03 3 1* 9c4irlawv 27 providing a housing for said device; introducing a self-contained transducer module according to one of the claims 1 to 17 into said housing and fitting said module within said housing in a form-fitting or frictionally locking manner.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising performing said fitting in an automated manner.

44. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of introducing said module into said housing through an aperture in said housing defining an acoustical port. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of providing said enclosure of said module with a support plate and fitting said loudspeaker housing into a receiving aperture of said support plate, introducing said enclosure into said device housing through an open end of said device housing defining said acoustical port.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising mounting said support plate to said device housing and trimming the shape of said support plate according to the contour of said device housing.

47. The method of claim 45, further comprising tailoring said receiving aperture in said support plate as a blind **aperture. 30 48. The method of claim 47, wherein said membrane of said i module is integral to said support plate. o• \\melb files\home$\Priyanka\Keep\speci\47401-OO.doc 19/11/03 28

49. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of mounting said membrane of said module to said support plate.

50. A module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

51. A device as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 41, and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

52. A method as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 49, and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 19 th day of November 2003 PHONAK AG By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia ooo \\melbfiles\homeS\Priyanka\Keep\speci\4741-OO.doc 19/11/03