EP1973376A1 - Hearing device with removable volume regulator module - Google Patents

Hearing device with removable volume regulator module Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1973376A1
EP1973376A1 EP08102260A EP08102260A EP1973376A1 EP 1973376 A1 EP1973376 A1 EP 1973376A1 EP 08102260 A EP08102260 A EP 08102260A EP 08102260 A EP08102260 A EP 08102260A EP 1973376 A1 EP1973376 A1 EP 1973376A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
volume control
housing
control module
hearing
circuit board
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP08102260A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1973376B1 (en
Inventor
Beng Hai Tan
Wai Kit David Ho
Wee Haw Koo
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Sivantos GmbH
Original Assignee
Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1973376A1 publication Critical patent/EP1973376A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/603—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of mechanical or electronic switches or control elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/609—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of circuitry
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1041—Mechanical or electronic switches, or control elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing aid having a housing having at least one GeHouseaussparung, and a volume control module including a circuit board and a volume control, which is mounted on the circuit board, wherein the volume control module is removably inserted into the housing.
  • a hearing device is here in particular a wearable device on the ear, z.
  • a headset, headphones and the like understood.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired.
  • different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) and in-the-ear hearing aids (ITO), e.g. also Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (CIC), provided.
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • ITO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • CIC canal hearing aids
  • the hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal.
  • bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.
  • Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear are one or more microphones 2 to Built-in sound recording from the environment.
  • a signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal.
  • the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier.
  • the power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • volume control must be replaced.
  • a mechanic must open the housing of the hearing aid and unsolder the volume control.
  • the new volume control is to be soldered in and the housing closed accordingly. This is a time consuming procedure.
  • the so-called "faceplate" of the hearing aid has an opening for receiving the volume control module. This can be removably mounted on the faceplate and protrudes through said opening. The attachment of the volume control on the faceplate can be done by a snap ring arrangement. Cables of the volume control module are to be soldered to corresponding contact pads of a printed circuit board. However, under certain circumstances, the snap connection can not withstand the stresses and, furthermore, costly soldering steps are still necessary for the replacement of the volume control module.
  • the object of the present invention is thus to provide a hearing device which has a stably built-in yet easily replaceable volume control.
  • a hearing device with a housing having at least one GeHouseaussparung, and a volume control module including a mounting member and a volume control, which is mounted on the mounting member, wherein the volume control module is removably inserted into the housing, wherein the mounting member at least one Has fixing recess and a pin member is positively and removably inserted into the housing recess and the Fixieraussparung, so that the volume control module can be removed from the housing only after removal of the pin member from the Fixieraussparung.
  • a manufacturer or a service center the volume control simply exchange that the pin element from the housing or the hearing and then the volume control are removed from the housing.
  • a volume control with a different color can be used in a hearing aid, without it being necessary to open the hearing aid housing.
  • the volume control module is guided during insertion and removal from the housing by means of the mounting member in a guide in the housing.
  • a stable seat in the hearing device and, on the other hand, a defined insertion movement are predetermined.
  • two pin elements can hold the volume control module in the inserted state in the housing, printed conductors extending between the two pin elements on the mounting element.
  • an anti-rotation is realized at the same time, which is particularly advantageous for the conductors and their contacting.
  • the volume control module can be introduced into the housing in an insertion direction, it is furthermore advantageous to when the two pin elements associated Fixieraussparept are arranged on a connecting line transverse to the insertion direction. It is thereby sufficient that the recesses are formed, for example, only semicircular, and the volume control module even then can not be removed by a rotational movement between the pin elements.
  • the mounting element runs a printed circuit board and the longitudinal axis of the at least one pin element in the inserted state perpendicular to the circuit board.
  • At least one spring contact of an electronic device of the hearing device can touch a conductor track of the printed circuit board in the inserted state of the volume control module.
  • spring contacts can be dispensed with solder joints.
  • the at least one spring contact protrudes in the inserted state of the volume control module between the two pin elements. In this way, a secure contacting of the conductor tracks can be realized because the circuit board of the volume control module has virtually no play between the pin elements.
  • FIG. 2 shows a volume control module 10 with a thumbwheel 11, in which there is a non-visible potentiometer.
  • the thumbwheel 11 or the potentiometer is rotatably mounted on a serving as a mounting and conductor element, small circuit board 12.
  • the potentiometer has three electrical contacts 13, 14 and 15, which are electrically connected to corresponding conductor tracks 16, 17 and 18 which extend on the printed circuit board 12.
  • the volume control module 10 consists in this example of the circuit board 12 and the potentiometer with thumbwheel 11. Alternatively, the volume control module but also with linear actuators or switches can be realized.
  • FIG. 2 shows the volume control module 10 in a state inserted into a housing, wherein the housing itself is not visible. Rather, only two cylindrical fixing pins 19, 20 are shown, which engage in a semi-circular recesses 21, 22 in the printed circuit board 12 in a form-fitting manner.
  • the two mounting pins 19 and 20 are perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board 12. Between them run the tracks 16, 17 and 18.
  • These are spring contacts 23, 24, 25 contacted, which are formed as forked curved contact tongues.
  • the mounting pins 19, 20 are held in the hearing aid housing in corresponding fitting holes. They can be pushed out of these fitting bores along their longitudinal axis without the hearing aid housing having to be opened. Since, however, as in FIG. 2 is shown in the inserted state with the circuit board 12 positively engage, the circuit board 12 and the entire volume control module 10 can not move in the plane of the circuit board 12. The volume control module 10 is thus removably mounted in the hearing aid housing.
  • FIG. 3 shows the same volume control module 10 as shown in FIG. 2 is shown. According to the arrow 26, however, the two fixing pins 19, 20 are removed from the housing or from the recesses 21, 22 according to the arrow 26. The volume control module 10 is now movable along the printed circuit board 12. In FIG. 4 is indicated by the arrow 27 that the volume control module 10 is removed from the housing.
  • the volume control module 10 is now replaced by a volume control module 10 'and according to FIG. 5 pushed back into the hearing aid housing, as symbolized by the arrow 28.
  • the spring contact tongues 23, 24 and 25 of the hearing device electronics contact the conductor tracks of the volume control module 10 '.
  • the last assembly step will now be accordingly FIG. 6 the mounting pins 19 and 20 back into the hearing aid housing, ie its fitted holes inserted, as indicated by arrow 29. They engage in the recesses 21 ', 22' of the circuit board 12 'of the newly inserted volume control module 10'.
  • the newly inserted volume control module 10 ' is attached again in the hearing aid housing.
  • the replacement of the volume control module thus takes place without soldering and also in particular without a special tool.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mounting Components In General For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Abstract

The device has a volume control module (10) with an adjusting wheel (11), which is mounted on a printed circuit board (12). The module is detachably inserted into a housing, which has a housing opening, and the board has fixing openings (21, 22). Fastening pins (19, 20) are detachably plugged into the housing opening and the fixing openings in a form-fitted manner, such that the module is removed from the housing after removing the pins from the fixing openings. The module is guided in a guide in the housing by the circuit board during insertion and removal of the module into/from the housing.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Hörvorrichtung mit einem Gehäuse, das mindestens eine Gehäuseaussparung besitzt, und einem Lautstärkestellermodul einschließlich einer Leiterplatte und eines Lautstärkestellers, der auf die Leiterplatte montiert ist, wobei das Lautstärkestellermodul entnehmbar in das Gehäuse eingefügt ist. Unter einer Hörvorrichtung wird hier insbesondere ein am Ohr tragbares Gerät, z. B. ein Hörgerät, ein Headset, einer Kopfhörer und dergleichen verstanden.The present invention relates to a hearing aid having a housing having at least one Gehäuseaussparung, and a volume control module including a circuit board and a volume control, which is mounted on the circuit board, wherein the volume control module is removably inserted into the housing. Under a hearing device is here in particular a wearable device on the ear, z. As a hearing aid, a headset, headphones and the like understood.

Hörgeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, die zur Versorgung von Schwerhörenden dienen. Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörgeräten wie Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO) und In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO), z.B. auch Concha-Hörgeräte oder Kanal-Hörgeräte (CIC), bereitgestellt. Die beispielhaft aufgeführten Hörgeräte werden am Außenohr oder im Gehörgang getragen. Darüber hinaus stehen auf dem Markt aber auch Knochenleitungshörhilfen, implantierbare oder vibrotaktile Hörhilfen zur Verfügung. Dabei erfolgt die Stimulation des geschädigten Gehörs entweder mechanisch oder elektrisch.Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) and in-the-ear hearing aids (ITO), e.g. also Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (CIC), provided. The hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.

Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Dieser prinzipielle Aufbau ist in FIG 1 am Beispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts dargestellt. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 1 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die Mikrofonsignale und verstärkt sie. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen. Die Stromversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5.Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear are one or more microphones 2 to Built-in sound recording from the environment. A signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. The sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. The power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Speziell bei Hörgeräten kommt es häufig vor, dass der Lautstärkesteller ausgetauscht werden muss. Hierfür muss ein Mechaniker das Gehäuse des Hörgeräts öffnen und den Lautstärkesteller ablöten. Anschließend ist der neue Lautstärkesteller einzulöten und das Gehäuse entsprechend zu verschließen. Dies stellt eine zeitaufwändige Prozedur dar.Especially with hearing aids, it often happens that the volume control must be replaced. For this, a mechanic must open the housing of the hearing aid and unsolder the volume control. Then the new volume control is to be soldered in and the housing closed accordingly. This is a time consuming procedure.

Zur Lösung dieser Problematik ist aus der US-Patentschrift 5 001 762 ein modularer Miniaturlautstärkesteller für ein Hörgerät bekannt. Das so genannte "Faceplate" des Hörgeräts besitzt eine Öffnung zur Aufnahme des Lautstärkestellermoduls. Dieses kann entnehmbar an das Faceplate montiert werden und ragt durch die genannte Öffnung. Die Befestigung des Lautstärkestellers an dem Faceplate kann durch eine Schnappringanordnung erfolgen. Kabel des Lautstärkestellermoduls sind an korrespondierende Kontaktfelder einer Leiterplatte anzulöten. Die Schnappverbindung kann aber unter Umständen den Belastungen nicht standhalten und außerdem sind für den Austausch des Lautstärkestellermoduls nach wie vor aufwändige Lötschritte notwendig.To solve this problem is from the U.S. Patent 5,001,762 a modular miniature volume control for a hearing aid known. The so-called "faceplate" of the hearing aid has an opening for receiving the volume control module. This can be removably mounted on the faceplate and protrudes through said opening. The attachment of the volume control on the faceplate can be done by a snap ring arrangement. Cables of the volume control module are to be soldered to corresponding contact pads of a printed circuit board. However, under certain circumstances, the snap connection can not withstand the stresses and, furthermore, costly soldering steps are still necessary for the replacement of the volume control module.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, eine Hörvorrichtung bereitzustellen, die einen stabil eingebauten und dennoch leicht austauschbaren Lautstärkesteller besitzt.The object of the present invention is thus to provide a hearing device which has a stably built-in yet easily replaceable volume control.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch eine Hörvorrichtung mit einem Gehäuse, das mindestens eine Gehäuseaussparung besitzt, und einem Lautstärkestellermodul einschließlich eines Montageelements und eines Lautstärkestellers, der auf das Montagelement montiert ist, wobei das Lautstärkestellermodul entnehmbar in das Gehäuse eingefügt ist, wobei das Montageelement mindestens eine Fixieraussparung aufweist und ein Stiftelement formschlüssig und entnehmbar in die Gehäuseaussparung und die Fixieraussparung gesteckt ist, so dass das Lautstärkestellermodul nur nach Entnahme des Stiftelements aus der Fixieraussparung aus dem Gehäuse entnommen werden kann.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a hearing device with a housing having at least one Gehäuseaussparung, and a volume control module including a mounting member and a volume control, which is mounted on the mounting member, wherein the volume control module is removably inserted into the housing, wherein the mounting member at least one Has fixing recess and a pin member is positively and removably inserted into the housing recess and the Fixieraussparung, so that the volume control module can be removed from the housing only after removal of the pin member from the Fixieraussparung.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann somit ein Hersteller oder ein Servicecenter den Lautstärkesteller einfach dadurch austauschen, dass das Stiftelement aus dem Gehäuse bzw. der Hörvorrichtung und anschließend der Lautstärkesteller aus dem Gehäuse entnommen werden. Dadurch kann beispielsweise in ein Hörgerät ein Lautstärkesteller mit einer anderen Farbe eingesetzt werden, ohne dass es nötig wäre, das Hörgerätegehäuse zu öffnen.Advantageously, thus, a manufacturer or a service center the volume control simply exchange that the pin element from the housing or the hearing and then the volume control are removed from the housing. As a result, for example, a volume control with a different color can be used in a hearing aid, without it being necessary to open the hearing aid housing.

Vorzugsweise wird das Lautstärkestellermodul beim Einfügen und Entnehmen aus dem Gehäuse mithilfe des Montageelements in einer Führung in dem Gehäuse geführt. Dadurch wird zum einen ein stabiler Sitz in der Hörvorrichtung und zum anderen eine definierte Einführbewegung vorgegeben.Preferably, the volume control module is guided during insertion and removal from the housing by means of the mounting member in a guide in the housing. As a result, on the one hand, a stable seat in the hearing device and, on the other hand, a defined insertion movement are predetermined.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Hörvorrichtung können zwei Stiftelemente das Lautstärkestellermodul im eingesetzten Zustand in dem Gehäuse halten, wobei Leiterbahnen zwischen den beiden Stiftelementen auf dem Montageelement verlaufen. Durch die zwei Stiftelemente ist gleichzeitig eine Verdrehsicherung realisiert, was insbesondere für die Leiterbahnen und deren Kontaktierung von Vorteil ist.In the case of the hearing device according to the invention, two pin elements can hold the volume control module in the inserted state in the housing, printed conductors extending between the two pin elements on the mounting element. By the two pin elements an anti-rotation is realized at the same time, which is particularly advantageous for the conductors and their contacting.

Wenn das Lautstärkestellermodul in einer Einschubrichtung in das Gehäuse einbringbar ist, ist es weiterhin von Vorteil, wenn die den beiden Stiftelementen zugeordneten Fixieraussparungen auf einer Verbindungslinie quer zu der Einschubrichtung angeordnet sind. Dadurch genügt es, dass die Aussparungen beispielsweise lediglich halbkreisförmig ausgebildet sind, und das Lautstärkestellermodul auch dann nicht durch eine Drehbewegung zwischen den Stiftelementen entnommen werden kann.If the volume control module can be introduced into the housing in an insertion direction, it is furthermore advantageous to when the two pin elements associated Fixieraussparungen are arranged on a connecting line transverse to the insertion direction. It is thereby sufficient that the recesses are formed, for example, only semicircular, and the volume control module even then can not be removed by a rotational movement between the pin elements.

Darüber hinaus ist es von Vorteil, wenn das Montageelement eine Leiterplatte und die Längsachse des mindestens einen Stiftelements im eingesetzten Zustand senkrecht zu der Leiterplatte verläuft. Damit ist ein optimaler Halt der Leiterplatte gewährleistet, wenn das Lautstärkestellermodul in der Ebene der Leiterplatte in das Gehäuse eingeschoben wird.Moreover, it is advantageous if the mounting element runs a printed circuit board and the longitudinal axis of the at least one pin element in the inserted state perpendicular to the circuit board. Thus, an optimal hold of the circuit board is ensured when the volume control module is inserted in the plane of the circuit board in the housing.

Zur elektrischen Kontaktierung des Lautstärkestellermoduls kann mindestens ein Federkontakt einer Elektronikeinrichtung der Hörvorrichtung eine Leiterbahn der Leiterplatte im eingesetzten Zustand des Lautstärkestellermoduls berühren. Durch derartige Federkontakte kann auf Lötverbindungen verzichtet werden.For electrical contacting of the volume control module, at least one spring contact of an electronic device of the hearing device can touch a conductor track of the printed circuit board in the inserted state of the volume control module. By such spring contacts can be dispensed with solder joints.

Es ist ferner vorteilhaft, wenn der mindestens eine Federkontakt im eingesetzten Zustand des Lautstärkestellermoduls zwischen die beiden Stiftelemente ragt. Auf diese Weise kann eine sichere Kontaktierung der Leiterbahnen realisiert werden, da die Leiterplatte des Lautstärkestellermoduls zwischen den Stiftelementen praktisch kein Spiel hat.It is also advantageous if the at least one spring contact protrudes in the inserted state of the volume control module between the two pin elements. In this way, a secure contacting of the conductor tracks can be realized because the circuit board of the volume control module has virtually no play between the pin elements.

Die vorliegende Erfindung wird nun anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
den prinzipiellen Aufbau eines Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
FIG 2
eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Lautstärkestellermoduls;
FIG 3
das Lautstärkestellermodul von FIG 2 mit entnommenen Stiften;
FIG 4
das Lautstärkestellermodul von FIG 3 in einem entnommenen Zustand;
FIG 5
ein ausgetauschtes Lautstärkestellermodul für den Einbau und
FIG 6
das ausgetauschte Lautstärkestellermodul im eingesetzten Zustand vor dem Eindrücken der Stifte.
The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
the basic structure of a hearing aid according to the prior art;
FIG. 2
a perspective view of a volume control module according to the invention;
FIG. 3
the volume control module of FIG. 2 with removed pins;
FIG. 4
the volume control module of FIG. 3 in a removed state;
FIG. 5
an exchanged volume control module for installation and
FIG. 6
The replaced volume control module in the inserted state before pressing the pins.

Das nachfolgend näher geschilderte Ausführungsbeispiel stellt eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiment described in more detail below represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG 2 zeigt ein Lautstärkestellermodul 10 mit einem Stellrad 11, in dem sich ein nicht sichtbares Potentiometer befindet. Das Stellrad 11 bzw. das Potentiometer ist an einer als Montage- und Leiterelement dienenden, kleinen Leiterplatte 12 drehbar gelagert. Das Potentiometer besitzt drei elektrische Kontakte 13, 14 und 15, die elektrisch mit korrespondierenden Leiterbahnen 16, 17 und 18 verbunden sind, welche auf der Leiterplatte 12 verlaufen. FIG. 2 shows a volume control module 10 with a thumbwheel 11, in which there is a non-visible potentiometer. The thumbwheel 11 or the potentiometer is rotatably mounted on a serving as a mounting and conductor element, small circuit board 12. The potentiometer has three electrical contacts 13, 14 and 15, which are electrically connected to corresponding conductor tracks 16, 17 and 18 which extend on the printed circuit board 12.

Das Lautstärkestellermodul 10 besteht in diesem Beispiel aus der Leiterplatte 12 und dem Potentiometer mit Stellrad 11. Alternativ kann das Lautstärkestellermodul aber auch mit linearen Stellern oder Schaltern realisiert werden.The volume control module 10 consists in this example of the circuit board 12 and the potentiometer with thumbwheel 11. Alternatively, the volume control module but also with linear actuators or switches can be realized.

FIG 2 zeigt das Lautstärkestellermodul 10 in einem in ein Gehäuse eingesetzten Zustand, wobei das Gehäuse selbst nicht sichtbar ist. Vielmehr sind lediglich zwei zylindrische Befestigungsstifte 19, 20 dargestellt, die in halbkreisförmige Aussparungen 21, 22 in der Leiterplatte 12 formschlüssig eingreifen. Die beiden Befestigungsstifte 19 und 20 stehen senkrecht zu der Ebene der Leiterplatte 12. Zwischen ihnen verlaufen die Leiterbahnen 16, 17 und 18. Diese werden von Federkontakten 23, 24, 25 kontaktiert, welche als gabelförmig gebogene Kontaktzungen ausgebildet sind. FIG. 2 shows the volume control module 10 in a state inserted into a housing, wherein the housing itself is not visible. Rather, only two cylindrical fixing pins 19, 20 are shown, which engage in a semi-circular recesses 21, 22 in the printed circuit board 12 in a form-fitting manner. The two mounting pins 19 and 20 are perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board 12. Between them run the tracks 16, 17 and 18. These are spring contacts 23, 24, 25 contacted, which are formed as forked curved contact tongues.

Die Befestigungsstifte 19, 20 werden in dem Hörgerätegehäuse in entsprechenden Passbohrungen gehalten. Sie lassen sich entlang ihrer Längsachse aus diesen Passbohrungen herausschieben, ohne dass das Hörgerätegehäuse geöffnet werden müsste. Da sie jedoch, wie in FIG 2 gezeigt ist, im eingesetzten Zustand mit der Leiterplatte 12 formschlüssig in Eingriff stehen, lässt sich die Leiterplatte 12 bzw. das gesamte Lautstärkestellermodul 10 nicht in der Ebene der Leiterplatte 12 bewegen. Das Lautstärkestellermodul 10 ist somit in dem Hörgerätegehäuse herausnehmbar befestigt.The mounting pins 19, 20 are held in the hearing aid housing in corresponding fitting holes. They can be pushed out of these fitting bores along their longitudinal axis without the hearing aid housing having to be opened. Since, however, as in FIG. 2 is shown in the inserted state with the circuit board 12 positively engage, the circuit board 12 and the entire volume control module 10 can not move in the plane of the circuit board 12. The volume control module 10 is thus removably mounted in the hearing aid housing.

In den FIG 3 bis 6 ist dargestellt, wie ein erfindungsgemäßes Lautstärkestellermodul ausgetauscht werden kann. FIG 3 zeigt das gleiche Lautstärkestellermodul 10, wie es in FIG 2 dargestellt ist. Entsprechend dem Pfeil 26 sind jedoch die beiden Befestigungsstifte 19, 20 aus dem Gehäuse bzw. aus den Aussparungen 21, 22 entsprechend dem Pfeil 26 entnommen. Das Lautstärkestellermodul 10 ist nun entlang der Leiterplatte 12 beweglich. In FIG 4 ist mit dem Pfeil 27 angedeutet, dass das Lautstärkestellermodul 10 aus dem Gehäuse entnommen ist.In the FIGS. 3 to 6 It is shown how an inventive volume control module can be replaced. FIG. 3 shows the same volume control module 10 as shown in FIG FIG. 2 is shown. According to the arrow 26, however, the two fixing pins 19, 20 are removed from the housing or from the recesses 21, 22 according to the arrow 26. The volume control module 10 is now movable along the printed circuit board 12. In FIG. 4 is indicated by the arrow 27 that the volume control module 10 is removed from the housing.

Das Lautstärkestellermodul 10 wird nun durch ein Lautstärkestellermodul 10' ersetzt und gemäß FIG 5 wieder in das Hörgerätegehäuse eingeschoben, wie dies durch den Pfeil 28 symbolisiert ist. Im eingesetzten Zustand kontaktieren die Federkontaktzungen 23, 24 und 25 der Hörgeräteelektronik die Leiterbahnen des Lautstärkestellermoduls 10'. Als letzter Montageschritt werden nun entsprechend FIG 6 die Befestigungsstifte 19 und 20 wieder in das Hörgerätegehäuse, d. h. seine Passbohrungen gesteckt, wie dies mit Pfeil 29 angedeutet ist. Dabei greifen sie in die Aussparungen 21', 22' der Leiterplatte 12' des neu eingesetzten Lautstärkestellermoduls 10'. Damit ist das neu eingesetzte Lautstärkestellermodul 10' in dem Hörgerätegehäuse wieder befestigt. Der Austausch des Lautstärkestellermoduls erfolgt also ohne Löten und auch insbesondere ohne ein spezielles Werkzeug. Es sind lediglich die Befestigungsstifte für das Lautstärkestellermodul kurzfristig zu entnehmen und wieder einzusetzen.The volume control module 10 is now replaced by a volume control module 10 'and according to FIG. 5 pushed back into the hearing aid housing, as symbolized by the arrow 28. In the inserted state, the spring contact tongues 23, 24 and 25 of the hearing device electronics contact the conductor tracks of the volume control module 10 '. The last assembly step will now be accordingly FIG. 6 the mounting pins 19 and 20 back into the hearing aid housing, ie its fitted holes inserted, as indicated by arrow 29. They engage in the recesses 21 ', 22' of the circuit board 12 'of the newly inserted volume control module 10'. Thus, the newly inserted volume control module 10 'is attached again in the hearing aid housing. The replacement of the volume control module thus takes place without soldering and also in particular without a special tool. There are only the mounting pins for the volume control module to remove and reinsert shortly.

Claims (7)

Hörvorrichtung mit - einem Gehäuse, das mindestens eine Gehäuseaussparung besitzt, und - einem Lautstärkestellermodul (10) einschließlich eines Montageelements (12) und eines Lautstärkestellers (11), der auf das Montagelement (12) montiert ist, wobei das Lautstärkestellermodul (10) entnehmbar in das Gehäuse eingefügt ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass - das Montageelement (12) mindestens eine Fixieraussparung (21, 22) aufweist und - ein Stiftelement (19, 20) formschlüssig und entnehmbar in die Gehäuseaussparung und die Fixieraussparung (21, 22) gesteckt ist, so dass das Lautstärkestellermodul (10) nur nach Entnahme des Stiftelements (19, 20) aus der Fixieraussparung (21, 22) aus dem Gehäuse entnommen werden kann. Hearing device with - A housing having at least one Gehäuseaussparung, and a volume control module (10) including a mounting member (12) and a volume control (11) mounted on the mounting member (12), the volume control module (10) being removably inserted in the housing,
characterized in that - The mounting element (12) has at least one fixing recess (21, 22) and - A pin member (19, 20) positively and removably in the housing recess and the Fixieraussparung (21, 22) is inserted, so that the volume control module (10) only after removal of the pin member (19, 20) from the Fixieraussparung (21, 22) can be removed from the housing. Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Lautstärkestellermodul (10) beim Einfügen und Entnehmen aus dem Gehäuse mithilfe des Montageelements (12) in einer Führung in dem Gehäuse geführt wird.Hearing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the volume control module (10) during insertion and removal from the housing by means of the mounting member (12) is guided in a guide in the housing. Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei zwei Stiftelemente (19, 20) das Lautstärkestellermodul (10) im eingesetzten Zustand in dem Gehäuse halten und Leiterbahnen (16, 17, 18) zwischen den beiden Stiftelementen (19, 20) verlaufen.Hearing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein two pin elements (19, 20) hold the volume control module (10) in the inserted state in the housing and conductor tracks (16, 17, 18) extend between the two pin elements (19, 20). Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Lautstärkestellermodul (10) in einer Einschubrichtung in das Gehäuse einbringbar ist und die den beiden Stiftelementen zugeordneten Fixieraussparungen (21, 22) auf einer Verbindungslinie quer zu der Einschubrichtung angeordnet sind.Hearing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the volume control module (10) in an insertion direction into the housing can be introduced and the two pin elements associated Fixieraussparungen (21, 22) are arranged on a connecting line transverse to the insertion direction. Hörvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Montageelement eine Leiterplatte ist und die Längsachse des mindestens einen Stiftelements (19, 20) im eingesetzten Zustand senkrecht zu dem Montageelement (12) verläuft.Hearing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting element is a printed circuit board and the longitudinal axis of the at least one pin element (19, 20) runs in the inserted state perpendicular to the mounting element (12). Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei mindestens ein Federkontakt (23, 24, 25) einer Elektronikeinrichtung der Hörvorrichtung eine Leiterbahn (16, 17, 18) des Montageelements (12) im eingesetzten Zustand des Lautstärkestellermoduls (10) berührt.Hearing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least one spring contact (23, 24, 25) of an electronic device of the hearing device contacts a conductor track (16, 17, 18) of the mounting element (12) in the inserted state of the volume control module (10). Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 3 und 6, wobei der mindestens eine Federkontakt (23, 24, 25) im eingesetzten Zustand des Lautstärkestellermoduls (10) zwischen die beiden Stiftelemente (19, 20) ragt.Hearing device according to claim 3 and 6, wherein the at least one spring contact (23, 24, 25) in the inserted state of the volume control module (10) projects between the two pin elements (19, 20).
EP08102260A 2007-03-20 2008-03-04 Hearing device with removable volume regulator module Not-in-force EP1973376B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102007013419A DE102007013419B3 (en) 2007-03-20 2007-03-20 Hearing device e.g. in-the-ear-hearing device, has fastening pins detachably plugged into housing and fixing openings in form-fitted manner, such that volume control module is removed from housing after removing pins from fixing openings

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EP1973376A1 true EP1973376A1 (en) 2008-09-24
EP1973376B1 EP1973376B1 (en) 2010-05-12

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EP08102260A Not-in-force EP1973376B1 (en) 2007-03-20 2008-03-04 Hearing device with removable volume regulator module

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US (1) US20080232626A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1973376B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE467988T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102007013419B3 (en)
DK (1) DK1973376T3 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106878896B (en) * 2015-09-21 2021-03-02 奥迪康有限公司 Hearing device
WO2019070229A1 (en) * 2017-10-03 2019-04-11 Honeywell International Inc. Device and method for sound intensity regulation in earmuffs using a potentiometer within a hollow wheel

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US2983797A (en) 1959-04-14 1961-05-09 E A Myers & Son Inc Hearing aid
US5001762A (en) 1989-03-31 1991-03-19 Resistance Technology, Inc. Miniature modular volume control and integrated circuit assembly for use with a hearing air
EP0521329A1 (en) * 1991-06-27 1993-01-07 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH In-the-ear hearing aid and production method
US5967837A (en) * 1996-10-01 1999-10-19 Alps Automotive, Inc. Assembly for connecting an electric/electronic device to a printed circuit board

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US5201008A (en) * 1987-01-27 1993-04-06 Unitron Industries Ltd. Modular hearing aid with lid hinged to faceplate
US7394911B2 (en) * 2003-07-08 2008-07-01 Sonian Roskilde A/S Control panel with activation zone
US20070081686A1 (en) * 2005-10-11 2007-04-12 Hansaton Akustik Gmbh Hearing aid

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2983797A (en) 1959-04-14 1961-05-09 E A Myers & Son Inc Hearing aid
US5001762A (en) 1989-03-31 1991-03-19 Resistance Technology, Inc. Miniature modular volume control and integrated circuit assembly for use with a hearing air
EP0521329A1 (en) * 1991-06-27 1993-01-07 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH In-the-ear hearing aid and production method
US5967837A (en) * 1996-10-01 1999-10-19 Alps Automotive, Inc. Assembly for connecting an electric/electronic device to a printed circuit board

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080232626A1 (en) 2008-09-25
DK1973376T3 (en) 2010-09-13
ATE467988T1 (en) 2010-05-15
DE502008000630D1 (en) 2010-06-24
EP1973376B1 (en) 2010-05-12
DE102007013419B3 (en) 2008-07-10

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