EP1643800A2 - Universal earpiece - Google Patents

Abstract

The earpiece consists of a spring and an auditory canal grommet made of rubber, that are aligned at 60-100[deg], so as to facilitate anti-clockwise/clockwise rotational movement for accommodating in conch (D) of right/left ear of user, respectively. An independent claim is also included for acoustic device.

Description

The invention relates to a universal ear piece for attaching an acoustic device to a human ear and a communication device with such an ear piece.

The applications of ear pieces are many. For example, an ear piece may be part of a headset and may house an electro-acoustic transducer for delivering an acoustic signal to an auditory canal of a user. In particular, the ear piece can be designed as a headset for a mobile phone. Furthermore, the earpiece may also be the housing of a hearing aid which, in addition to an electro-acoustic transducer, additionally comprises at least one input transducer, e.g. a microphone, and a signal processing processor. In addition, the ear piece may also be formed as part of a wearable on the ear communication device. The ear piece then serves at least predominantly only for holding the communication device to the ear. The communication device is, for example, a headset for a mobile telephone, in which a wireless signal transmission is provided between the headset and the mobile telephone.

Especially with ear pieces for holding acoustic devices on the ear is often the problem that the attachment is insufficiently effective and, for example, rapid head movements cause the acoustic device from the ear triggers. One way to avoid this is the use of individually adapted to the respective earpiece support ear pieces, which protrude in particular deep into the ear canal of the wearer and thus provide a good fastening effect. However, custom-made ear pieces are expensive to produce and therefore expensive.

From EP 1 377 113 A2 a headset for fixing a functional device is known. This is provided for attachment of an acoustic device to an ear of a user with an insert body for insertion into the concha. On the insert body of the earpiece is a flexible, rigid strap attached to the concha.

From WO 02/052890 A1 a universally fitting ear piece is known, which is partially inserted in the worn state in the ear canal of a user. At the ear piece a resilient element is attached, which is pushed when creating the ear piece with your fingers in the concha of the ear in question. However, the correct application of the known ear piece usually succeeds only with practice and a lot of tact.

Object of the present invention is to provide a universally fitting ear piece, which provides a good support on the ear and is easy and quick to create. It is another object of the invention to improve the attachment and fixation of an acoustic device to the ear.

This object is achieved by a universal ear piece for attaching an acoustic device to an ear of a user with a main body, a projecting at the earpiece into the auditory canal of the user ear canal and a resilient element, wherein the main body, the ear canal pin and the resilient member so sized and aligned with each other, that the ear piece is at least substantially positionable in the concha (D, G) of the user's ear and fixable solely by a rotational movement of the earpiece in the concha. Furthermore, the object is achieved by an acoustic device with such an ear piece.

The special design of the ear piece, despite the small size, a good grip and a good fit for the ears of most people achieved, although this clearly different from each other in size and shape. For attachment, it is not necessary to bend a spring into the ear with the fingers or to perform a complex movement with more than two steps in order to fix the ear piece in the ear, as is the case with known ear pieces.

FIG 1

ein rechtes menschliches Ohr,

FIG 2

ein Ohrstück gemäß der Erfindung in der Draufsicht,

FIG 3

die Rückseite des Ohrstücks gemäß Figur 1,

FIG 4 + 5

weitere Ansichten des Ohrstücks gemäß Figur 1,

FIG 6A+6B

das Einsetzen eines Ohrstücks gemäß den Figuren 1 bis 5 in ein rechtes menschliches Ohr,

FIG 7

das in ein rechtes menschliches Ohr eingesetzte Ohrstück gemäß der Erfindung in perspektivischer Ansicht,

FIG 8

ein Hörhilfegerät mit einem Ohrstück gemäß der Erfindung,

FIG 9

ein Ohrstück gemäß der Erfindung mit einem Aufnehmer für ein akustisches Gerät in der Draufsicht,

FIG 10

die Rückseite des Ohrstücks gemäß Figur 9,

FIG 11

ein akustisches Gerät mit einem Ohrstück gemäß der Erfindung.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. Show it:

FIG. 1

a right human ear,

FIG. 2

an ear piece according to the invention in plan view,

FIG. 3

the back of the earpiece according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 + 5

further views of the earpiece according to FIG. 1,

FIGS. 6A and 6B

the insertion of an earpiece according to FIGS. 1 to 5 into a right human ear,

FIG. 7

the earpiece inserted into a right human ear according to the invention in perspective view,

FIG. 8

a hearing aid with an earpiece according to the invention,

FIG. 9

an earpiece according to the invention with a pickup for an acoustic device in plan view,

FIG. 10

the back of the earpiece according to FIG. 9,

FIG. 11

an acoustic device with an ear piece according to the invention.

A

Helix

B

Crura anthelicis

C

Fossa triangularis

D

Cymba conchae

E

incisura anterior auris

F

Crus helicis

G

Concha auriculae

H

Tragus

I

Antitragus

J

Lobulus auriculae

K

Fissura antitragohelicina

L

Anthelix

M

Helix

N

Scapha

O

Tuberculum auriculae

In Figure 1, a human right outer ear is shown whose distinctive parts are designated as follows:

A

helix

B

Crura anthelica

C

Fossa triangularis

D

Cymbal conchae

e

incisura anterior auris

F

Crus helicis

G

Concha auriculae

H

tragus

I

antitragus

J

Lobulus auriculae

K

Fissura antitragohelicina

L

anthelix

M

helix

N

scapha

O

Tuberculum auriculae

FIG. 2 shows the distal side of a earpiece 1 that can be worn in the right ear when the ear piece 1 is worn according to the invention. The earpiece 1 comprises a bulbous main body 2, which merges into an ear canal pin 3. When the ear piece 1 is worn, the ear canal pin 3 projects partially into the auditory canal of the right ear of the wearer. The auditory canal pin 3 is slightly tapered relative to the bulbous main body 2, wherein the underside of the bulbous main body 2 passes straight into the auditory canal pin 3. On its left side, the bulbous main body 2 merges into a resilient element 4, which is designed as an elongated, slender, substantially pin-shaped extension of the main body 2. The resilient element 4 and the auditory canal pin 3 are aligned at an angle to each other, which is between 60 ° and 100 °, preferably at about 80 °. The transition between the resilient member 4, the main body 2 and the ear canal pin 3 is flowing on the left and lower sides of the earpiece 1, respectively. Furthermore, the main body 2 is arc-shaped in its transition region 5 between the resilient element 4 and the auditory canal pin 3. In particular, this smooth, curved course of the earpiece 1 allows a rotational movement an ear piece 1 inserted into the concha of a respective ear. By such a rotational movement, the ear piece 1 can be fixed in the auricle of the wearer. The fixation takes place essentially by three areas in which the earpiece 1 rests against the user's ear. These are the area B, which projects into the auditory canal and rests against the upper side of the mouth region of the auditory canal. Furthermore, the ear piece 1 is in the region of the arc 5 of the main body 2 and in the region A of the resilient member 4 along the anthelix L of the right ear. The special alignment and dimensioning of the components of the earpiece 1 allows easy, fast and secure fixation of the earpiece 1 in almost all human ears. In particular, the diameter of the ear canal pin 3 is relatively small, preferably in the range between 5 and 8 mm. Since the auditory canal entrance usually has a larger diameter (eg 10 mm), the ear canal pin 3 can be rotated in the region of the auditory canal entrance and does not necessarily have to point exactly in the direction of the auditory canal. The longitudinal extent of the main body 2 and the resilient element 4 is together about 20 mm to 30 mm, preferably about 25 mm, the longitudinal extent of the main body 2 and the auditory canal pin 3 together about 16 mm to 26 mm, preferably 21 mm.

The ear piece 1 is preferably at least partially made of a soft rubber material, whereby the wearing comfort is increased. The soft rubber material advantageously has a Shore hardness between 40 shore and 90 shore, preferably about 50 shore. In addition to improving wearing comfort, the soft rubber material also helps to avoid acoustic feedback. Furthermore, the ear piece 1 can thus be produced with an acoustic channel in its interior in only one operation. Interfaces between several parts are thereby avoided.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show further views of the earpiece according to FIG. 2. Thus, in FIG. 3, the proximal side of the earpiece is shown 1 shown in FIG 2. This side is facing the head of the wearer with the earpiece 1 supported, thus it is the proximal side of the earpiece 1. In addition to the already mentioned shape components, main body 2, ear canal 3 and resilient element 4 of the earpiece 1, this view to take a sound outlet opening 6. This opening can be seen in the view according to FIG. 3, but not in the view according to FIG. 2, since the auditory canal pin 3 as a whole extends in the view according to FIG. 3 out of the plane of the drawing or in the view according to FIG. 2 into the plane of the drawing , This curved course is particularly clear from the side view of Figure 4. Furthermore, from FIG. 4, the smooth, curved course of the side lying in the concha of the relevant ear of a worn earpiece becomes clear. This also makes the earpiece 1 easy to insert into the ear and fixable and comfortable and comfortable, without causing painful bruises.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows a view of the earpiece 1 according to FIG. 2 from above, that is to say in the direction of the resilient element 4. Also from this view, the smooth, curved course of the earpiece 1 as well as the auditory canal pin 3 protruding into the auditory canal of a respective ear can be seen.

The insertion of an ear piece 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7. The figures show a right human ear, wherein essentially only the relevant in connection with the invention regions of the ear are drawn. In a first step, the ear piece 1 is guided in the concha D, G of the right ear, the ear canal pin 3 is already pushed a little into the ear canal 9 into it. It then takes a rotational movement in the direction of the arrow shown until the ear piece 1 is finally in the position shown in Figure 6B, in which a slight further rotation of the earpiece 1 in the direction shown is no longer possible. In this state, the ear canal pin lies 3 in a front region B at the auditory canal entrance of the right ear and in the arcuate region 5 of the main body 2 and with the resilient element 4 and in particular in its front region A along the anthelix L of the right ear. Furthermore, in this position, the main body 2 is partially hidden by the tragus H and the antitragus I of the right ear. As a result, the earpiece 1 undergoes a relatively secure hold in the right ear. Different ear anatomy is particularly taken into account that in one ear only a relatively small rotational movement in the direction shown is possible, while in another ear, the earpiece 1 can be rotated relatively far until a noticeable resistance is achieved. In particular, the length of the resilient element 4 is selected so that it completely inserts as a result of the rotational movement in the concha D, G and rests along the Anthelix L. An additional positioning of the resilient element 4 with the fingers is not required in the dimensioning and alignment of the resilient element 4 according to the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the end position of the earpiece 1 according to FIG. 6B from a different perspective. In this view, in particular the curvature of the auditory canal 3 in the auditory canal and the position of the area B, in which the auditory canal pin 3 rests against the auditory canal entrance, are recognizable.

The invention has the advantage that the fixation of the earpiece 1 in the ear after insertion into the concha D, G is effected solely by a simple and very quickly learnable rotational movement. Furthermore, the invention offers the advantage that by means of a relatively simple shaping of the earpiece 1 a secure fixation of the earpiece 1 can be achieved in almost all human ears. In particular, the fixation is so secure that the earpiece as a carrier an acoustic device can be used, which can reach a multiple of the size of the ear piece and yet securely held on the ear.

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of an earpiece 10 according to the invention, which is simultaneously formed as a housing of a hearing aid that is portable in the ear. The earpiece 10 thus comprises, in addition to an ear canal pin 13, a resilient element 14 and a bulbous main body 12 also an input transducer, which is preferably designed as a microphone 15, a signal processing unit 16 for processing and frequency-dependent amplification of an acoustic input signal received by the microphone 15 and a handset 17, which provides an acoustic output signal and outputs via a sound channel 18 in the ear canal of a user. The hearing aid device designed in this way in the ear can be used universally with regard to its fit and can therefore be produced correspondingly inexpensively. The special shape according to the invention gives it a comfortable and secure fit in the ear.

A further exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In this case, an earpiece 20 according to the invention is illustrated in two different views, which is equipped with a fastening device for fastening an acoustic device (not shown). Apart from the fastening device 15, the earpiece 20 according to the invention has a similar shape with respect to the preceding embodiments. Also, the earpiece 20 thus comprises a bulbous main body 22, an auditory canal pin 23 and a resilient element 24. The earpiece 20 can thus be brought into the ear of a user just as in the previous embodiment and fixed there alone by a simple rotational movement. In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiment, the earpiece 20 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 9 and 10 additionally serves as a carrier for an acoustic device. In this Acoustic device is preferably a communication device or a hearing aid.

The fastening device 22 for fastening the acoustic device (not shown) to the earpiece 20 is located on the distal side of the earpiece 20 when the earpiece 20 is worn. In the exemplary embodiment, it has a disc-shaped surface which cooperates with a likewise disk-shaped fastening device of the acoustic device. so that the acoustic device can be rotated relative to the earpiece 20 about an axis. In the middle of the fastening device 25 is an opening 27 which is connected to the sound outlet 26 via a sound channel 28. About the openings 26 and 27 and the sound channel 28 acoustic signals are directed from the acoustic device into the ear canal of a user.

The connection of the acoustic device to the earpiece 20 by means of the fastening device 25 is not limited to a particular fastening. It can be provided both detachable connections (snap-in connection, snap connection, screw connection, clamping connection, etc.) and non-detachable connections (gluing, fusing, etc.). In addition, it is also possible that the earpiece 20 and the housing of the associated with this acoustic device is integrally formed.

FIG. 11 illustrates acoustic device 31 with an earpiece 30 according to the invention. The acoustic device is, for example, a hearing aid device or a communication device, in particular a headset, in which wireless signal transmission with a mobile phone is possible. For this purpose, the acoustic device 31 comprises a transmitting and receiving unit 311 for wireless signal transmission between the acoustic device 31 and the mobile telephone. Furthermore, the acoustic device 31 comprises a signal processing and control unit 313 for controlling the signal transmission and processing of received signals. Furthermore The acoustic device 31 comprises a receiver 312, which converts received and further processed signals into acoustic signals and supplies them via a sound channel 38 and a sound outlet opening 36 to the ear of a user.

The housing of the acoustic device 31 is divided into a housing part 310 and an ear piece 30. As well as the preceding embodiments, the earpiece 30 comprises a bulbous main body 32, an ear canal 33 and a resilient element 34. As a special feature over the preceding embodiments, the earpiece 30 in the embodiment of FIG 11 fastening means 39 for releasably securing the resilient member 34 to the Main body 32 on. This makes it possible in a simple manner, e.g. to provide resilient elements 34 different length or spring stiffness. Furthermore, the fastening means 39 between the main body 32 and the resilient member 34 on a notch, so that in particular this area undergoes a relatively strong bend in the occurrence of an external force on the resilient member 34.

The housing part 310 may be firmly connected to the earpiece 30, in particular also in one piece. In the embodiment, however, a releasable connection is made by means of a fastening device 35 between the housing part 310 and the earpiece 30. In this case, the housing part 310 can be rotated relative to the earpiece 30 in the state connected to the earpiece 30. Thus, a certain orientation of the housing part 310 can be achieved with the ear piece 30 inserted and fixed in the ear of a user. This is particularly advantageous if the acoustic device 31 also includes a microphone (not shown) which receives voice signals of the user. The microphone can thereby be easily aligned in the direction of the user's mouth.

The releasable connection between the housing part 310 and the earpiece 30 is preferably such that the orientation the housing part 310 is set to the ear piece 30 once for a particular user and then maintained. For this purpose, the fastening means 35 include, for example, an adjusting screw (not shown) with which a once alignment of the housing part 310 relative to the earpiece 30 can be fixed, so that the alignment is maintained even when applying or removing the acoustic device 31.

The invention makes it possible to quickly and easily attach the acoustic device to the ear, without requiring much practice or tact. In particular, the acoustic device 31 can be taken on the housing part 310 with one hand and be guided into the concha of the respective ear, the ear canal 33 is already pushed something into the ear canal. The fixation is then carried out solely by a rotational movement, which is carried out at the portable in the right ear acoustic device 31 according to the embodiment in the counterclockwise direction.

The embodiments shown for a right human ear can of course also be produced in a mirror-image design and provided for wearing on the left ear. An earpiece guided in the concha of the left ear is fixed in the ear by a clockwise rotation. Of course, a two-sided (binaural) supply with two appropriately designed devices is possible.

Claims (16)

Universal earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) for attaching an acoustic device (31) to an ear of a user with a main body (2, 12, 22, 32), an ear canal spigot (3) protruding into the auditory canal of the user when the earpiece is worn , 13, 23, 33) and a resilient element (4, 14, 24, 34), characterized in that the main body (2, 12, 22, 32), the ear canal pin (3, 13, 23, 33) and the resilient element (4, 14, 24, 34) are dimensioned and aligned with each other such that the earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) can be largely positioned in the concha (D, G) of the user's ear and solely by a rotational movement of the Earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) is fixable in the concha. Earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) according to claim 1, which is fixable in the concha (D, G) by a counter-clockwise rotational movement when worn in the user's right ear. Earpiece according to claim 1, which is fixable in the concha (D, G) when worn in the left ear of the user by a clockwise rotation. Earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the resilient element (4, 14, 24, 34) and the ear canal pin (3, 13, 23, 33) at an angle between 60 ° and 100 ° are aligned with each other. Earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the main body (2, 12, 22, 32) between the resilient element (4, 14, 24, 34) and the auditory canal pin ( 3, 13, 23, 33) is arc-shaped in an outer region (5) resting against the concha (D, G) when the earpiece (1) is worn. Earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least the main body (2, 12, 22, 32) and the ear canal pin (3, 13, 23, 33) is integrally formed. Earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the auditory canal pin (3, 13, 23, 33) relative to the main body (2, 12, 22, 32) and the resilient element ( 4, 14, 24, 34) is curved in such a way that it projects into an ear canal (9) of the user when the ear piece (1, 10, 20, 30) is worn. Earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the concha (D, G) fixed earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) in the arcuate outer region (5) the main body (2, 12, 22, 32) and in a region (A) of the resilient element (4, 14, 24, 34) in the concha (D, G) of the user's ear and in an area (B) of the ear canal pin (3, 13, 23, 33) rests in the ear canal (9) of the user. Earpiece (1, 10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the earpiece (1, 10) forms the housing of the acoustic device. Ear piece (1, 10, 20, 30) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least the main body (2, 12, 22, 32) and the ear canal pin (3, 13, 23, 33) made of a soft rubber material are made. Earpiece (1, 10, 20, 30) according to claim 10, characterized in that the rubber material has a Shore hardness between 40 and 90, preferably about 50 Shore. An earpiece (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the resilient member (34) is releasably secured to the main body (32). Earpiece (30) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the resilient element (34) in a transition region to the main body (32) has a notch. Acoustic device (31) with an earpiece (20, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a housing part (310) located at least partially directly in front of the auricle. Acoustic device (31) according to claim 14, characterized in that the housing part (310) and the earpiece (30) are integrally formed. Acoustic device (31) according to claim 14, characterized in that the housing part (310) is releasably connected to the earpiece (30).

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