EP2782363B1 - Binaural hearing instrument and earpiece - Google Patents
Binaural hearing instrument and earpiece Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2782363B1 EP2782363B1 EP14155314.9A EP14155314A EP2782363B1 EP 2782363 B1 EP2782363 B1 EP 2782363B1 EP 14155314 A EP14155314 A EP 14155314A EP 2782363 B1 EP2782363 B1 EP 2782363B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- antenna
- hearing instrument
- hearing
- auditory canal
- proximal
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 24
- 210000003454 tympanic membrane Anatomy 0.000 claims description 12
- 229910000859 α-Fe Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000000613 ear canal Anatomy 0.000 description 50
- 208000009205 Tinnitus Diseases 0.000 description 5
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 5
- 231100000886 tinnitus Toxicity 0.000 description 5
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000016354 hearing loss disease Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008447 perception Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 208000032041 Hearing impaired Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003321 amplification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001162 elastic cartilage Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003199 nucleic acid amplification method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003582 temporal bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
- H01Q1/273—Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals
-
- 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
- H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
- H04R25/552—Binaural
-
- 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
- H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
- H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
-
- 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
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
-
- 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
- H04R2225/023—Completely in the canal [CIC] hearing aids
-
- 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
- H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
-
- 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
- H04R2225/51—Aspects of antennas or their circuitry in or for hearing aids
-
- 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
- H04R2225/57—Aspects of electrical interconnection between hearing aid parts
-
- 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
- H04R25/02—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception adapted to be supported entirely by ear
-
- 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
Definitions
- the invention relates to a binaural hearing instrument and an earpiece for a binaural hearing instrument which enables broadband wireless data transmission to another binaural hearing instrument.
- Hearing instruments can be designed as hearing aids, for example.
- a hearing aid is used to supply a hearing-impaired person with acoustic ambient signals that are processed and amplified to compensate or treat the respective hearing impairment. It basically consists of one or more input transducers, a signal processing device, an amplification device, and an output transducer.
- the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, e.g. a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, e.g. an induction coil.
- the output transducer is usually an electroacoustic transducer, e.g. B. miniature speakers, or as an electromechanical converter, e.g. B. bone conduction receiver realized. It is also known as a listener or receiver.
- the output transducer generates output signals which are passed to the hearing of the patient and are intended to generate an auditory perception in the patient.
- the amplifier is usually integrated into the signal processing device.
- the hearing aid is powered by a battery integrated in the hearing aid housing.
- the essential components of a hearing aid are usually arranged on or connected to a printed circuit board as a circuit carrier.
- Tinnitus maskers are used to treat tinnitus patients. They generate from the respective hearing impairment and depending on the principle of action Also, acoustic output signals that are dependent on ambient noise and that can contribute to reducing the perception of annoying tinnitus or other noises in the ear.
- Hearing instruments can also be designed as telephones, cell phones, headsets, headphones, MP3 players or other telecommunications or entertainment electronics systems.
- hearing instrument should be understood to mean hearing aids as well as tinnitus maskers, comparable devices of this type, as well as telecommunication and entertainment electronics systems.
- Hearing instruments particularly hearing aids, are known in various basic types.
- ITE hearing aids in-the-ear, also IDO or in-the-ear
- CIC hearing aids are similar to ITE hearing aids, but are worn entirely in the ear canal.
- a housing with components such as a battery and signal processing device is worn behind the ear and a flexible sound tube, also known as a tube, conducts the acoustic output signals of a receiver from the housing to the ear canal, where an ear piece is often provided on the tube for reliable positioning of the tube end in the ear canal.
- RIC-BTE hearing aids (Receiver-in-Canal Behind-the-Ear) are similar to BTE hearing aids, but the receiver is worn in the ear canal and instead of a sound tube, a flexible receiver tube conducts electrical signals instead of acoustic signals to the receiver, which is located on the front of the receiver tube is attached, usually in one of the reliable positioning in the ear canal serving earpiece.
- RIC-BTE hearing aids are often used as so-called open-fit devices, where for Reduction of the annoying occlusion effect of the ear canal for the passage of sound and air remains open.
- Deep-Fit hearing aids are similar to CIC hearing aids. While CIC hearing aids are generally worn in a section of the external auditory canal that is further out (distal), deep-fit hearing aids are pushed further towards the eardrum (proximally) and are worn at least partially in the internal section of the external auditory canal.
- the outer section of the ear canal is a skin-lined canal and connects the auricle to the eardrum.
- this canal is made of elastic cartilage.
- the canal is formed by the temporal bone and thus consists of bone.
- the course of the auditory canal between the cartilaginous and bony sections is usually angled in a (second) kink and includes an angle that varies from person to person.
- the bony section of the ear canal is relatively sensitive to pressure and contact.
- Deep-Fit hearing aids are worn at least partially in the sensitive bony section of the ear canal.
- small diameters and tortuous shapes of the ear canal can make advancement even more difficult.
- All hearing aid types have in common that the smallest possible housing or structural shape is sought in order to increase wearing comfort, possibly to improve implantability and, if necessary, to reduce the visibility of the hearing aid for cosmetic reasons. Miniaturization is evidently of particular importance, especially in the case of CIC and Deep Fit hearing instruments.
- Modern binaural hearing instruments exchange control data between the right and left hearing instruments via an inductive radio system.
- the required data rates increase sharply if acoustic signals or audiological algorithms (e.g. for beamforming, side-look etc ...) are to be exchanged.
- a higher data rate requires a larger bandwidth.
- the bandwidth is one of the main influencing variables with regard to the sensitivity of the antenna or the transmission to interference signals.
- the internal interference signal sources are the main problem, which is compounded when the bandwidth is increased. To put it simply, increasing the bandwidth with the same antenna and the same energy requirement would shorten the distance that can be bridged. Although the antenna could be made more efficient, this can normally only be achieved by undesirably increasing the antenna volume.
- the antenna is typically located in the immediate vicinity of the printed circuit board and the receiver.
- the printed circuit board with its electronic components arranged on it and the receiver emit magnetic and electrical fields that can severely impair wireless transmission.
- the circuit board is typically encased in a shield box.
- the listener is typically wrapped in a screen film or designed to be magnetically tight in some other way.
- the orientation of the antenna to the receiver and to the circuit board is one of the decisive factors for the performance of the transmission system.
- the antenna is usually attached to or in the faceplate.
- the alignment of the antenna can be used for different faceplates of such hearing instruments be different and is determined statistically from many ear geometries.
- the actual installation position and alignment of the antenna and deviations from the calculated optimal alignment result in large losses compared to the theoretically possible data transmission.
- an IDO hearing instrument in which an improvement in the wireless binaural data transmission is achieved through favorable positioning of the antenna.
- the antenna is attached to the faceplate by means of a correspondingly designed holding arm.
- the holding arm enables a favorable installation position and orientation of the antenna.
- FIG. 1 a CIC hearing instrument according to the prior art is shown schematically as an example.
- the hearing instrument 1 is used in a human ear canal.
- the relevant outer auditory canal is shown with an outer section 10 and an inner section 11.
- the proximal section 10 of the outer auditory canal is the further inner section adjoining the eardrum 12.
- the course of the external auditory canal has a first kink 13 and a narrower second kink 14.
- the hearing instrument 1 is advanced to the second bend 14. It comprises a housing 2 in the distal section of which a signal processing device 3 and an antenna 4 are arranged.
- the antenna 4 is used for wireless binaural data transmission to a hearing instrument arranged in the other auditory canal of the hearing instrument wearer (not shown in the figure).
- the antenna 4 is oriented approximately in the direction of the other hearing instrument, not shown.
- a receiver 5 and a sound channel 6 for conducting the output signals of the receiver 5 are arranged in the housing 2.
- Other components are for clarity omitted for the sake of example, a power supply, electrical connections and shields to protect the antenna 4 from electromagnetic interference signals from the signal processing device 3 and the earpiece 5.
- the housing 2 schematically has a distal section and a proximal section which merge into one another. This is indicated by a dashed line and the letters d (distal) and p (proximal).
- Hearing instruments of a smaller design e.g. IDO, CIC, Deep Fit
- IDO, CIC, Deep Fit have so far not normally been set up for wireless broadband binaural data exchange, since the energy requirement for data transmission would be disproportionately high in view of the interference signal problems.
- an antenna arrangement for a hearing aid in which a coil antenna is wound onto a core, which can be made of ferrite or plastic.
- the core has an axially continuous sound channel.
- the antenna arrangement is arranged axially in a part of the hearing aid that is to be positioned in the auditory canal.
- EP 1 768 450 A3 describes a hearing aid with a housing shell and a fastening means integrally connected therewith.
- the fastening means are used to place and fasten an antenna or coil in the housing shell.
- the object on which the invention is based is to provide a hearing instrument and an earpiece for a hearing instrument that provide wireless broadband binaural data transmission with a high bandwidth and low resource requirements and small size, which can be produced inexpensively and inexpensively.
- the invention solves this problem with a hearing instrument and an earpiece with the features of the independent claims.
- a basic concept of the invention consists in a hearing instrument comprising a housing, a signal processing device, an earpiece and an antenna for binaural data transmission.
- the housing is designed such that it can be worn at least partially in an ear canal. It has a distal section in which the signal processing device and earpiece are arranged, and a proximal section which is spatially separated therefrom and which is closest to the eardrum and in which the antenna is arranged.
- the antenna is located between the receiver and the sound outlet, therefore as far as possible proximally in the ear canal. This reduces the distance between the antennas of the two binaural hearing instruments by at least 1-2 cm compared to conventional placement. With a high data rate (large bandwidth), even the smallest shortening of the distance (e.g. 1-2 cm) results in a strong improvement in the BER (Bit Error Rate). A shortening of the distance can in turn allow a reduction in the efficiency or the volume of the antenna. It is obvious that the influences of the distance and efficiency of the antennas with regard to the possible transmission bandwidth are mutually dependent.
- the invention advantageously ensures a defined minimum distance between the antenna and the listener and the hybrid, as a result of which electromagnetic interference on the antenna is reduced to a minimum from the outset.
- the interference is extremely stable and therefore calculable.
- it remains largely independent of different signal processing algorithms on the circuit board (every configuration or configuration).
- the antenna has a bushing with a distal and a proximal opening, which is designed as a sound channel, and that the distal opening is connected to an output of the receiver.
- the antenna has a continuous opening that serves as a sound channel.
- the opening is advantageously located in the middle of the antenna for the purposes of a simple construction. If the antenna encloses a ferrite core or a ferrite sleeve or ferrite material in the usual design, the opening can be surrounded by ferrite in a structurally simple manner.
- the combination of antenna and sound channel enables a particularly uncomplicated and space-saving arrangement. It is particularly advantageous that the antenna, ferrite and opening are designed to be integrated with a particularly small overall size. It has been shown in practice that the opening through the ferrite material results in only minimal losses or performance losses. This arrangement of antenna, ferrite and opening thus allows a particularly small overall size with, at the same time, particularly high performance.
- a further advantageous development of the basic idea consists in the fact that the distal and proximal sections together form an IDO housing to be worn in the auditory canal.
- a further advantageous development of the basic concept consists in that the distal and proximal sections are designed separately and are connected to one another by an electrical and an acoustic conductor.
- proximal section is flexible Dome or an expansible element, by means of which the proximal section can be positioned in the ear canal.
- the diameter and the contour of the proximal section are designed in such a way that the proximal section can be positioned in the region of the second kink or deeper (further proximally) in a human auditory canal.
- the type of antenna and its placement make it possible to binaurally couple hearing instruments of smaller designs to be worn in the ear canal, in particular ITE, Deep Fit and CIC, with a high audio bandwidth. At the same time, a low energy requirement, lower costs and a high and stable transmission system quality are guaranteed.
- the antenna is designed in such a way that it uses a volume in the hearing instrument that would otherwise lie idle.
- the antenna is arranged in a volume in the hearing instrument that cannot be used for other components, for example the earpiece, specifically deep in the ear canal.
- the volume at and after the 2nd bend of the ear canal usually remains unused because, for example, a receiver is too long to pass through the 2nd bend or to be accommodated in it.
- the antenna can be made shorter. Therefore, it is possible to place them in the area of the second kink or deeper in the ear canal to take advantage of this volume.
- the increased antenna volume of a more efficiently designed antenna can be at least partially compensated for.
- the shape of the proximal section and the arrangement of the antenna in the proximal section are adapted to the auditory canal in such a way that the antenna of the hearing instrument inserted into the auditory canal is aligned with the respective other auditory canal of a wearer of the hearing instrument.
- the orientation (alignment) of the antennas has a major influence on the possible transmission bandwidth between binaurally coupled hearing instruments.
- the antenna is aligned in the direction of the bony area and, when the hearing instrument is properly inserted into the ear canal, is located at the 2nd bend or deeper in the ear canal, so that part or all of the antenna volume is in the bony area of the ear canal.
- the placement of the antenna depends on the shape and / or the available volume at the 2nd bend of the ear canal.
- the placement is determined in the Rapid Shell Manufacturing software in such a way that the hearing instrument wearer can easily insert and remove the hearing instrument. This is made possible by a deep impression of the ear canal, which includes the spatial information of the direction of the bony area.
- the shape of the 2nd kink and the bony section of the auditory canal thus ensure a stable alignment of the antenna.
- the alignment of the two binaural antennas to one another achieved in this way is almost optimal due to the shape of the human ear canal. Therefore, the transmission system can be calculated with very low angle losses and there are hardly any fluctuations due to individually different ear geometries.
- an earpiece for a hearing instrument which comprises a flexible dome or an expandable element, by means of which it can be positioned in the auditory canal.
- an antenna for binaural data transmission is arranged, which has a bushing with a distal and a proximal opening, which is designed as a sound channel. The distal opening is designed to be connected to an output of a receiver.
- the antenna is located between the receiver and the sound outlet, i.e. as deep as possible proximally in the ear canal. This reduces the distance between the antennas of the two binaural hearing instruments by at least 1-2 cm compared to conventional placement. With a high data rate (large bandwidth), even the smallest shortening of the distance (e.g. 1-2 cm) results in a strong improvement in the BER (Bit Error Rate). A shortening of the distance can in turn allow a reduction in the efficiency or the volume of the antenna. It is obvious that the influences of the distance and efficiency of the antennas with regard to the possible transmission bandwidth are mutually dependent.
- the antenna core has a through hole that serves as a sound channel.
- the hole is advantageously located in the middle of the ferrite core for the purposes of a simple construction, but it can also deviate from it.
- the combination of antenna and sound channel enables a particularly uncomplicated and space-saving arrangement.
- the invention advantageously ensures a defined minimum distance between the antenna and the listener and the hybrid, as a result of which electromagnetic interference on the antenna is reduced to a minimum from the outset.
- the interference is extremely stable and therefore calculable.
- it remains largely independent of different signal processing algorithms on the circuit board (each configuration or firmware has different interference potential and interference characteristics). No shielding foils or shielding boxes have to be installed either.
- the diameter and the contour of the earpiece are designed in such a way that it can be positioned in the area of the second kink or deeper in a human ear canal.
- the type of antenna and its placement make it possible to binaurally couple hearing instruments of smaller designs to be worn in the ear canal, in particular ITE, Deep Fit and CIC, with a high audio bandwidth. At the same time, a low energy requirement, lower costs and a high and stable transmission system quality are guaranteed.
- the antenna is designed in such a way that it uses a volume in the hearing instrument that would otherwise lie idle.
- the antenna is arranged in a volume in the hearing instrument that cannot be used for other components, for example the earpiece, specifically deep in the ear canal.
- the volume at and proximal to the second bend of the auditory canal usually remains unused because, for example, a receiver is too long to pass through the second bend or to be accommodated in it.
- the antenna can be made shorter. It is therefore possible to place them in the area of the 2nd kink or deeper in the ear canal in order to use this volume.
- the increased antenna volume of a more efficiently designed antenna can be at least partially compensated for.
- the shape of the earpiece and the arrangement of the antenna in the earpiece are adapted to the auditory canal in such a way that the antenna of the earpiece inserted into the auditory canal is aligned with the respective other auditory canal of a wearer of the earpiece.
- the orientation (alignment) of the antennas has a major influence on the possible transmission bandwidth between binaurally coupled hearing instruments.
- the antenna is aligned according to the direction of the bony area and, when the hearing instrument is properly inserted into the ear canal, is located in the area of the second bend or deeper in the ear canal, so that part or all of the antenna volume is in the bony area of the Ear canal is located.
- the placement of the antenna depends on the shape and / or the available volume at the 2nd bend of the ear canal and proximally from it. The placement is determined in the Rapid Shell Manufacturing software in such a way that the hearing instrument wearer can easily insert and remove the hearing instrument. This is made possible by a deep impression of the ear canal, which includes the spatial information of the direction of the bony area.
- the shape of the 2nd kink and the bony section of the auditory canal thus ensure a stable alignment of the antenna.
- the alignment of the two binaural antennas to one another achieved in this way is almost optimal due to the shape of the human ear canal. Therefore, the transmission system can be calculated with very low angle losses and there are hardly any fluctuations due to individually different ear geometries.
- the invention enables a cost-saving design, since no or fewer shielding measures are necessary, no special, magnetically tight headphones are required, and since a simpler production of the hearing instrument is made possible because no special influences have to be taken into account when positioning the antenna and no special knowledge for whose assembly is required.
- FIG 2 a CIC hearing instrument with a proximal antenna according to the invention is shown schematically.
- the hearing instrument 21 is used in a human ear canal.
- the relevant external auditory canal is shown with a distal section 10 and a proximal section 11.
- the course of the external auditory canal has a first kink 13 and a narrower second kink 14.
- the hearing instrument 21 is advanced into the area of the second bend 14 of the auditory canal. It comprises a housing 22, in the distal section of which a signal processing device 23 and a receiver 25 are arranged.
- the receiver 25 is connected on the output side to a sound channel 26.
- the sound channel 26 conducts the output signals of the earphone 25 in the direction of the eardrum 12. Further components, for example a power supply and electrical lines, have been omitted for the sake of clarity.
- An antenna 24 is arranged proximally to the receiver 25.
- the placement of the antenna 24 in the housing distal to the receiver 25 is thus omitted, so that there is more flexibility for the arrangement of the signal processing device 23, receiver 25 and other components (not shown).
- the housing can be made smaller distal from the earphone 25, which can be seen in the figure that it has a smaller distal extension compared to the prior art presented above, ie it extends less far to the ear.
- the antenna 24 is used for the binaural data transmission to a hearing instrument inserted into the other auditory canal of the hearing instrument wearer (not shown in the figure).
- the antenna 24 has a distal opening 30, from which a feedthrough leads to a proximal opening 29.
- the passage from the distal 30 to the proximal opening 29 forms a sound channel.
- the leadthrough is thus part of the sound channel 26 and is used to guide output signals from the receiver 25 through the antenna 24.
- the antenna 24 is arranged in the region of the second bend 14 or proximally thereof in the external auditory canal. It is shown schematically that the shape of the housing 22 in this area is adapted to the shape of the auditory canal or the course of the second kink 14 of the auditory canal. It can be seen that, due to the relatively narrow second bend 14, no elongated and large components can be arranged in this area, since they cannot pass through the second bend 14. The antenna 24, however, can be made sufficiently short to find space here.
- the exact adaptation of the housing 22 to the area of the second bend 14 results in a spatially stable positioning and orientation of the housing 22 with respect to the second bend 14 or the bony part of the auditory canal. This also results in a stable positioning and orientation of the antenna 24 arranged in the housing 22.
- the antenna 24 is either mounted on the housing 22 or on the hearing tube forming the sound channel 26.
- the assembly on the hearing tube allows a simpler installation in the housing 22 because only the hearing tube preassembled with the antenna 24 needs to be pushed into the housing 22.
- both the antenna 24 and the hearing tube would have to be installed in the housing 22 instead, which is comparatively more complex in view of the limited space available.
- the antenna 24 could for example by one in the figure Proximal opening (not shown) can be inserted into the housing 22.
- the antenna 24 is placed closer than any other element of the hearing instrument 21 to the eardrum 12 and thus to the opposite ear or hearing instrument (not shown). This results in a smaller distance from the eardrum 12 compared to the conventional placement of an antenna, wherein the reduction in the distance can be on the order of one to two centimeters. This reduction in the distance to the opposite ear or hearing instrument significantly benefits the quality of the binaural data transmission, in particular the bandwidth.
- the antenna 24 is spatially separated in the housing 22 from the components further arranged therein, the spatial separation being in the area of the dashed line.
- a minimum distance can be ensured between the antenna 24 and the further electrical components, which reduces the electrical and magnetic interference of the components on the antenna 24.
- This placement of the antenna 24 also improves the quality of the binaural transmission system. In addition, this makes it possible to dispense with additional shielding measures for shielding the antenna 24 from interfering influences of the further electrical components or to reduce them.
- FIG 3 a variant of a hearing instrument with a two-part housing and proximal antenna 14 is shown schematically.
- the hearing instrument 31 has a distal housing section 38 in which a signal processing device 33 and an earpiece 35 are arranged.
- a signal processing device 33 and an earpiece 35 are arranged.
- further components are not shown for the sake of clarity.
- the distal housing section 38 is connected to a proximal housing section 37 by an electrical and acoustic line 41.
- an electrical and acoustic line 41 In the area of the proximal housing section 14, in other words in the area of the second bend 14 of the external auditory canal, there is considerably less space available. Therefore, only a minimum of electrical components of the hearing instrument 31 are arranged in the proximal housing section 37 positioned here.
- the antenna 34 has a feedthrough with a distal opening 40 and a proximal opening 39, through which a sound channel 36 runs.
- the sound channel 36 together with the line 41, serves to guide output signals from the listener 35 through the antenna 34 to the eardrum 12.
- the two-part housing variant shown serves to considerably increase the distance between antenna 34 and the further electrical components which are essentially arranged in the distal housing section 38. As a result, electrical and magnetic interference from the other components on the antenna 34 are reduced to a minimum.
- the antenna 34 is arranged as close as possible to the eardrum 12 and thus also to the opposite hearing instrument of a binaural hearing system (not shown in the figure).
- the shortening of the distance between the two hearing instruments of the binaural hearing system benefits the bandwidth of the binaural transmission system.
- an earpiece with balloon and proximal antenna is shown schematically.
- An electrical line 51 is used to control a receiver 45 arranged in the earpiece 47 and the antenna 44 arranged in the earpiece 47.
- the antenna 44 is placed proximal to the receiver 45 in the area of the second bend 14 or deeper in the external auditory canal. It is arranged in the earpiece 47 with a spatial separation from the receiver 45.
- Output signals of the handset 45 are through a Sound channel 47 passed through antenna 44 to eardrum 12.
- the antenna 44 has a feedthrough with a distal opening 50 and a proximal opening 49, to which the receiver 45 is connected through the sound channel 46.
- a balloon 52 is expandable as needed to position the eartip 47 in the ear canal.
- the balloon 52 can be compressed or deflated.
- a pump mechanism which is not shown in the figure for the sake of clarity, is responsible for this.
- the illustrated ear piece 47 can for example be used in a two-part housing as explained above or in a BTE hearing instrument.
- an earpiece 57 is shown schematically.
- An electrical and acoustic line 61 is used to supply acoustic signals generated by a receiver, not shown, as well as the supply of control signals for an antenna 54.
- Acoustic signals are passed through a distal opening 60 and a feedthrough through the antenna to its proximal opening Opening 59 guided, and thus reach the eardrum of an auditory canal (not shown) into which the earpiece 57 can be inserted.
- the earpiece 57 has a flexible dome 62 by means of which it can be positioned in an auditory canal. In this way, the antenna 54 can be placed at a considerable distance from other electrical components of a hearing instrument, for example a BTE hearing instrument, and as proximally as possible in the auditory canal.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Neurosurgery (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein binaurales Hörinstrument sowie ein Ohrstück für ein binaurales Hörinstrument, das eine breitbandige kabellose Datenübertragung zu einem weiteren binauralen Hörinstrument ermöglicht.The invention relates to a binaural hearing instrument and an earpiece for a binaural hearing instrument which enables broadband wireless data transmission to another binaural hearing instrument.
Hörinstrumente können beispielsweise als Hörgeräte ausgeführt sein. Ein Hörgerät dient der Versorgung einer hörgeschädigten Person mit akustischen Umgebungssignalen, die zur Kompensation bzw. Therapie der jeweiligen Hörschädigung verarbeitet und verstärkt sind. Es besteht prinzipiell aus einem oder mehreren Eingangswandlern, aus einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung, einer Verstärkungseinrichtung, und aus einem 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 in der Regel als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Er wird auch als Hörer oder Receiver bezeichnet. Der Ausgangswandler erzeugt Ausgangssignale, die zum Gehör des Patienten geleitet werden und beim Patienten eine Hörwahrnehmung erzeugen sollen. Der Verstärker ist in der Regel in die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung integriert. Die Stromversorgung des Hörgeräts erfolgt durch eine ins Hörgerätegehäuse integrierte Batterie. Die wesentlichen Komponenten eines Hörgeräts sind in der Regel auf einer gedruckten Leiterplatine als Schaltungsträger angeordnet bzw. damit verbunden.Hearing instruments can be designed as hearing aids, for example. A hearing aid is used to supply a hearing-impaired person with acoustic ambient signals that are processed and amplified to compensate or treat the respective hearing impairment. It basically consists of one or more input transducers, a signal processing device, an amplification device, and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, e.g. a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, e.g. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually an electroacoustic transducer, e.g. B. miniature speakers, or as an electromechanical converter, e.g. B. bone conduction receiver realized. It is also known as a listener or receiver. The output transducer generates output signals which are passed to the hearing of the patient and are intended to generate an auditory perception in the patient. The amplifier is usually integrated into the signal processing device. The hearing aid is powered by a battery integrated in the hearing aid housing. The essential components of a hearing aid are usually arranged on or connected to a printed circuit board as a circuit carrier.
Hörinstrumente können außer als Hörgeräte auch als sogenannte Tinnitus-Masker ausgeführt sein. Tinnitus-Masker werden zu Therapie von Tinnitus-Patienten eingesetzt. Sie erzeugen von der jeweiligen Hörbeeinträchtigung und je nach Wirkprinzip auch von Umgebungsgeräuschen abhängige akustische Ausgangssignale, die zur Verringerung der Wahrnehmung störender Tinnitus- oder sonstiger Ohrgeräusche beitragen können.Besides hearing aids, hearing instruments can also be designed as so-called tinnitus maskers. Tinnitus maskers are used to treat tinnitus patients. They generate from the respective hearing impairment and depending on the principle of action Also, acoustic output signals that are dependent on ambient noise and that can contribute to reducing the perception of annoying tinnitus or other noises in the ear.
Hörinstrumente können weiter auch als Telefone, Handys, Headsets, Kopfhörer, MP3-Player oder sonstige Telekommunikations- oder Unterhaltungselektronik-Systeme ausgeführt sein.Hearing instruments can also be designed as telephones, cell phones, headsets, headphones, MP3 players or other telecommunications or entertainment electronics systems.
Im Folgenden sollen unter dem Begriff Hörinstrument sowohl Hörgeräte, als auch Tinnitus-Masker, vergleichbare derartige Geräte, sowie Telekommunikations- und Unterhaltungselektronik-Systeme verstanden werden.In the following, the term hearing instrument should be understood to mean hearing aids as well as tinnitus maskers, comparable devices of this type, as well as telecommunication and entertainment electronics systems.
Hörinstrumente, insbesondere Hörgeräte, sind in verschiedenen grundlegenden Typen bekannt. Bei ITE-Hörgeräten (In-the-Ear, auch IDO bzw. In-dem-Ohr) wird ein Gehäuse, das sämtliche funktionalen Komponenten einschließlich Mikrophon und Receiver enthält, mindestens teilweise im Gehörgang getragen. CIC-Hörgeräte (Completely-in-Canal) sind den ITE-Hörgeräten ähnlich, werden jedoch vollständig im Gehörgang getragen. Bei BTE-Hörgeräten (Behind-the-Ear, auch Hinter-dem-Ohr bzw. IDO) wird ein Gehäuse mit Komponenten wie Batterie und Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung hinter dem Ohr getragen und ein flexibler Schallschlauch, auch als Tube bezeichnet, leitet die akustischen Ausgangssignale eines Receivers vom Gehäuse zum Gehörgang, wo häufig ein Ohrstück am Tube zur zuverlässigen Positionierung des Tube-Endes im Gehörgang vorgesehen ist. RIC-BTE-Hörgeräte (Receiver-in-Canal Behind-the-Ear) gleichen den BTE-Hörgeräten, jedoch wird der Receiver im Gehörgang getragen und statt eines Schallschlauchs leitet ein flexibler Hörerschlauch elektrische Signale anstelle akustischer Signale zum Receiver, welcher vorne am Hörerschlauch angebracht ist, meist in einem der zuverlässigen Positionierung im Gehörgang dienenden Ohrstück. RIC-BTE-Hörgeräte werden häufig als sogenannte Open-Fit Geräte eingesetzt, bei denen zur Reduzierung des störenden Okklusions-Effekts der Gehörgang für den Durchtritt von Schall und Luft offen bleibt.Hearing instruments, particularly hearing aids, are known in various basic types. In ITE hearing aids (in-the-ear, also IDO or in-the-ear), a housing that contains all functional components including the microphone and receiver is worn at least partially in the ear canal. CIC hearing aids (Completely-in-Canal) are similar to ITE hearing aids, but are worn entirely in the ear canal. With BTE hearing aids (behind-the-ear, also behind-the-ear or IDO), a housing with components such as a battery and signal processing device is worn behind the ear and a flexible sound tube, also known as a tube, conducts the acoustic output signals of a receiver from the housing to the ear canal, where an ear piece is often provided on the tube for reliable positioning of the tube end in the ear canal. RIC-BTE hearing aids (Receiver-in-Canal Behind-the-Ear) are similar to BTE hearing aids, but the receiver is worn in the ear canal and instead of a sound tube, a flexible receiver tube conducts electrical signals instead of acoustic signals to the receiver, which is located on the front of the receiver tube is attached, usually in one of the reliable positioning in the ear canal serving earpiece. RIC-BTE hearing aids are often used as so-called open-fit devices, where for Reduction of the annoying occlusion effect of the ear canal for the passage of sound and air remains open.
Deep-Fit-Hörgeräte (Tief-Gehörgang-Hörgeräte) gleichen den CIC-Hörgeräten. Während CIC-Hörgeräte jedoch in der Regel in einem weiter außen (distal) liegenden Abschnitt des äußeren Gehörgangs getragen werden, werden Deep-Fit-Hörgeräte weiter zum Trommelfell hin (proximal) vorgeschoben und mindestens teilweise im innenliegenden Abschnitt des äußeren Gehörgangs getragen. Der außenliegende Abschnitt des Gehörgangs ist ein mit Haut ausgekleideter Kanal und verbindet die Ohrmuschel mit dem Trommelfell. Im außenliegenden Abschnitt des äußeren Gehörgangs, der sich direkt an die Ohrmuschel anschließt, ist dieser Kanal aus elastischem Knorpel gebildet. Im innenliegenden Abschnitt des äußeren Gehörgangs wird der Kanal vom Schläfenbein gebildet und besteht somit aus Knochen. Der Verlauf des Gehörgangs zwischen knorpeligem und knöchernem Abschnitt ist in der Regel in einem (zweiten) Knick abgewinkelt und schließt einen von Person zu Person unterschiedlichen Winkel ein. Insbesondere der knöcherne Abschnitt des Gehörgangs ist verhältnismäßig empfindlich gegen Druck und Berührungen. Deep-Fit-Hörgeräte werden zumindest teilweise im empfindlichen knöchernen Abschnitt des Gehörgangs getragen. Beim Vorschieben in den knöchernen Abschnitt des Gehörgangs müssen sie außerdem den erwähnten zweiten Knick passieren, was je nach Winkel schwierig sein kann. Zudem können kleine Durchmesser und gewundene Formen des Gehörgangs das Vorschieben weiter erschweren.Deep-Fit hearing aids (deep ear canal hearing aids) are similar to CIC hearing aids. While CIC hearing aids are generally worn in a section of the external auditory canal that is further out (distal), deep-fit hearing aids are pushed further towards the eardrum (proximally) and are worn at least partially in the internal section of the external auditory canal. The outer section of the ear canal is a skin-lined canal and connects the auricle to the eardrum. In the outer section of the external auditory canal, which is directly connected to the auricle, this canal is made of elastic cartilage. In the inner section of the external auditory canal, the canal is formed by the temporal bone and thus consists of bone. The course of the auditory canal between the cartilaginous and bony sections is usually angled in a (second) kink and includes an angle that varies from person to person. In particular, the bony section of the ear canal is relatively sensitive to pressure and contact. Deep-Fit hearing aids are worn at least partially in the sensitive bony section of the ear canal. When advancing into the bony section of the ear canal, they also have to pass the mentioned second kink, which can be difficult depending on the angle. In addition, small diameters and tortuous shapes of the ear canal can make advancement even more difficult.
Allen Hörgerät-Typen ist gemein, dass möglichst kleine Gehäuse bzw. Bauformen angestrebt werden, um den Tragekomfort zu erhöhen, gegebenenfalls die Implantierbarkeit zu verbessern und gegebenenfalls die Sichtbarkeit des Hörgeräts aus kosmetischen Gründen zu reduzieren. Die Miniaturisierung ist offensichtlich insbesondere bei CIC und Deep Fit Hörinstrumenten von besonderer Bedeutung.All hearing aid types have in common that the smallest possible housing or structural shape is sought in order to increase wearing comfort, possibly to improve implantability and, if necessary, to reduce the visibility of the hearing aid for cosmetic reasons. Miniaturization is evidently of particular importance, especially in the case of CIC and Deep Fit hearing instruments.
Moderne binaurale Hörinstrumente tauschen zwischen rechtem und linkem Hörinstrument Steuerdaten über ein induktives Funksystem aus. Die benötigten Datenraten steigen stark an, wenn auch akustische Signale oder audiologische Algorithmen (z.B. für Beamforming, Sidelook etc...) ausgetauscht werden sollen. Eine höhere Datenrate erfordert eine größere Bandbreite. Die Bandbreite ist jedoch eine der Haupteinflussgrößen in Bezug auf die Empfindlichkeit der Antenne bzw. der Übertragung gegenüber Störsignalen. Angesichts der hohen Packungsdichte in Hörinstrumenten sind die internen Störsignalquellen das Hauptproblem, das sich bei Vergrößerung der Bandbreite demnach noch zusätzlich verstärkt. Vereinfacht dargestellt würde sich durch Erhöhung der Bandbreite bei gleicher Antenne und gleichem Energiebedarf die überbrückbare Distanz verkürzen. Zwar könnte die Antenne effizienter gestaltet werden, das ist jedoch normalerweise nur durch eine unerwünschte Vergrößerung des Antennenvolumens zu erreichen.Modern binaural hearing instruments exchange control data between the right and left hearing instruments via an inductive radio system. The required data rates increase sharply if acoustic signals or audiological algorithms (e.g. for beamforming, side-look etc ...) are to be exchanged. A higher data rate requires a larger bandwidth. However, the bandwidth is one of the main influencing variables with regard to the sensitivity of the antenna or the transmission to interference signals. In view of the high packing density in hearing instruments, the internal interference signal sources are the main problem, which is compounded when the bandwidth is increased. To put it simply, increasing the bandwidth with the same antenna and the same energy requirement would shorten the distance that can be bridged. Although the antenna could be made more efficient, this can normally only be achieved by undesirably increasing the antenna volume.
Die Antenne befindet sich typischerweise in unmittelbarer Nachbarschaft zur Leiterplatine und zum Hörer. Die Leiterplatine mit ihren darauf angeordneten elektronischer Komponenten und der Hörer emittieren magnetische und elektrische Felder, die die kabellose Übertragung stark beeinträchtigen können. Angesichts der hohen Packungsdichte und individuellen Platzierung von Leiterplatine, Hörer und weiteren Komponenten im Hörinstrument ist daher eine Schirmung der Komponenten üblich. Die Leiterplatine wird dazu typischerweise mit einer Schirmbox umhüllt. Der Hörer wird typischerweise mit einer Schirmfolie umhüllt oder in anderer Weise magnetisch dicht konzipiert.The antenna is typically located in the immediate vicinity of the printed circuit board and the receiver. The printed circuit board with its electronic components arranged on it and the receiver emit magnetic and electrical fields that can severely impair wireless transmission. In view of the high packing density and individual placement of the printed circuit board, receiver and other components in the hearing instrument, it is therefore common to shield the components. For this purpose, the circuit board is typically encased in a shield box. The listener is typically wrapped in a screen film or designed to be magnetically tight in some other way.
Die Orientierung der Antenne zum Hörer und zur Leiterplatine ist mit entscheidend für die Performanz des Übertragungssystems. Bei Hörinstrumenten kleinerer Bauform (z.B. IDO, CIC, Deep Fit) ist die Antenne üblicherweise am oder im Faceplate befestigt. Die Ausrichtung der Antenne kann für unterschiedliche Faceplates solcher Hörinstrumente unterschiedlich sein und wird statistisch aus vielen Ohrgeometrien ermittelt. Die tatsächliche Einbaulage und Ausrichtung der Antenne und Abweichungen gegenüber der kalkulierten optimalen Ausrichtung (Normalverteilungsmaxima) bringen große Verluste im Vergleich zur theoretisch möglichen Datenübertragung mit sich.The orientation of the antenna to the receiver and to the circuit board is one of the decisive factors for the performance of the transmission system. In the case of hearing instruments with a smaller design (eg IDO, CIC, Deep Fit), the antenna is usually attached to or in the faceplate. The alignment of the antenna can be used for different faceplates of such hearing instruments be different and is determined statistically from many ear geometries. The actual installation position and alignment of the antenna and deviations from the calculated optimal alignment (normal distribution maxima) result in large losses compared to the theoretically possible data transmission.
Aus der Druckschrift
In
Das Hörinstrument 1 ist bis zum zweiten Knick 14 vorgeschoben. Es umfasst ein Gehäuse 2 in dessen distalem Abschnitt eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 sowie eine Antenne 4 angeordnet sind. Die Antenne 4 dient der kabellosen binauralen Datenübertragung zu einem im anderen Gehörgang des Hörinstrument-Trägers angeordneten Hörinstrument (in der Abbildung nicht dargestellt). Die Antenne 4 ist ungefähr in Richtung des anderen, nicht dargestellten Hörinstruments ausgerichtet.The hearing instrument 1 is advanced to the
Weiter sind in dem Gehäuse 2 ein Hörer 5 sowie ein Schallkanal 6 zum Leiten der Ausgangssignale des Hörers 5 angeordnet. Weitere Komponenten sind der Übersichtlichkeit halber weggelassen, beispielsweise eine Energieversorgung, elektrische Verbindungen sowie Abschirmungen zum Schutz der Antenne 4 vor elektromagnetischen Störsignalen der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 und des Hörers 5.Furthermore, a receiver 5 and a
Das Gehäuse 2 weist schematisch einen distalen Abschnitt und einen proximalen Abschnitt auf, die ineinander übergehen. Dies ist durch eine strichlierte Linie sowie die Buchstaben d (distal) und p (proximal)angedeutet.The housing 2 schematically has a distal section and a proximal section which merge into one another. This is indicated by a dashed line and the letters d (distal) and p (proximal).
Hörinstrumente kleinerer Bauform (z.B. IDO, CIC, Deep Fit) sind bislang normalerweise nicht für kabellosen breitbandigen binauralen Datenaustausch eingerichtet, da der Energiebedarf der Datenübertragung angesichts der Störsignalprobleme unverhältnismäßig hoch wäre.Hearing instruments of a smaller design (e.g. IDO, CIC, Deep Fit) have so far not normally been set up for wireless broadband binaural data exchange, since the energy requirement for data transmission would be disproportionately high in view of the interference signal problems.
Aus der nachveröffentlichten Druckschrift
In der
Die der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Aufgabe besteht darin, ein Hörinstrument sowie ein Ohrstück für ein Hörinstrument anzugeben, die eine kabellose breitbandige binaurale Datenübertragung mit hoher Bandbreite und geringem Ressourcenbedarf sowie kleiner Baugröße anzugeben, die unaufwändig und kostengünstig herstellbar sind.The object on which the invention is based is to provide a hearing instrument and an earpiece for a hearing instrument that provide wireless broadband binaural data transmission with a high bandwidth and low resource requirements and small size, which can be produced inexpensively and inexpensively.
Die Erfindung löst diese Aufgabe durch ein Hörinstrument sowie ein Ohrstück mit den Merkmalen der unabhängigen Patentansprüche.The invention solves this problem with a hearing instrument and an earpiece with the features of the independent claims.
Ein Grundgedanke der Erfindung besteht in einem Hörinstrument umfassend ein Gehäuse, eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung, einen Hörer und eine Antenne zur binauralen Datenübertragung.A basic concept of the invention consists in a hearing instrument comprising a housing, a signal processing device, an earpiece and an antenna for binaural data transmission.
Das Gehäuse ist derart gestaltet, dass es mindestens teilweise in einem Gehörgang getragen werden kann. Es weist einen distalen Abschnitt auf, in dem Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung und Hörer angeordnet sind, und einen davon räumlich getrennten proximalen, dem Trommelfell am nächsten gelegenen Abschnitt, in dem die Antenne angeordnet ist.The housing is designed such that it can be worn at least partially in an ear canal. It has a distal section in which the signal processing device and earpiece are arranged, and a proximal section which is spatially separated therefrom and which is closest to the eardrum and in which the antenna is arranged.
Die Antenne befindet sich zwischen dem Hörer und dem Schallauslass, mithin so weit wie möglich proximal im Gehörgang. Dadurch wird die Distanz zwischen den Antennen der beiden binauralen Hörinstrumente gegenüber herkömmlicher Platzierung um mindestens 1-2cm reduziert. Bei hoher Datenrate (großer Bandbreite) hat jede noch so kleine Verkürzung der Distanz (beispielsweise 1-2 cm) eine starke Verbesserung der BER (Bit Error Rate) zur Folge. Eine Verkürzung der Distanz kann wiederum eine Reduzierung der Effizienz bzw. des Volumens der Antenne gestatten. Es liegt auf der Hand, dass die Einflüsse von Distanz und Effizienz der Antennen in Bezug auf die mögliche Übertragungs-Bandbreite wechselseitig abhängig sind.The antenna is located between the receiver and the sound outlet, therefore as far as possible proximally in the ear canal. This reduces the distance between the antennas of the two binaural hearing instruments by at least 1-2 cm compared to conventional placement. With a high data rate (large bandwidth), even the smallest shortening of the distance (e.g. 1-2 cm) results in a strong improvement in the BER (Bit Error Rate). A shortening of the distance can in turn allow a reduction in the efficiency or the volume of the antenna. It is obvious that the influences of the distance and efficiency of the antennas with regard to the possible transmission bandwidth are mutually dependent.
Vorteilhafterweise gewährleistet die Erfindung einen definierten Mindest-Abstand der Antenne zum Hörer und zum Hybrid, wodurch elektromagnetische Störeinflüsse auf die Antenne von vorneherein auf ein Mindestmaß reduziert sind. Darüber hinaus ist die Störbeeinflussung dadurch äußerst stabil und somit kalkulierbar. Zudem bleibt sie weitestgehend unabhängig von unterschiedlichen Signalverarbeitungs-Algorithmen auf der Leiterplatine (jede Konfiguration bzw.The invention advantageously ensures a defined minimum distance between the antenna and the listener and the hybrid, as a result of which electromagnetic interference on the antenna is reduced to a minimum from the outset. In addition, the interference is extremely stable and therefore calculable. In addition, it remains largely independent of different signal processing algorithms on the circuit board (every configuration or configuration).
Firmware hat unterschiedliches Störpotential und Störcharakteristika). Auch müssen keine Schirmfolien oder Schirmboxen verbaut werden.Firmware has different interference potential and interference characteristics). No shielding foils or shielding boxes have to be installed either.
Die Antenne weist eine Durchführung mit einer distalen und einer proximalen Öffnung auf, die als Schallkanal ausgebildet ist, und dass die distale Öffnung mit einem Ausgang des Hörers verbunden ist.The antenna has a bushing with a distal and a proximal opening, which is designed as a sound channel, and that the distal opening is connected to an output of the receiver.
Die Antenne hat eine durchgehende Öffnung, die als Schallkanal dient. Die Öffnung befindet sich im Sinne einer einfachen Konstruktion vorteilhaft in der Mitte der Antenne. Falls die Antenne in üblicher Ausführung einen Ferritkernes oder eine Ferrithülse oder Ferritmaterial umschließt, kann die Öffnung in konstruktiv einfacher Weise vom Ferrit umgeben sein. Die Kombination von Antenne und Schallkanal ermöglicht eine besonders unaufwändige und platzsparende Anordnung. Von besonderem Vorteil ist dabei, dass Antenne, Ferrit und Öffnung integriert mit besonders kleiner Baugröße ausgeführt sind. Dabei hat sich in der Praxis gezeigt, dass die Öffnung durch das Ferritmaterial hindurch nur minimale Verluste bzw. Performance-Einbußen mit sich bringt. Damit erlaubt diese Anordnung von Antenne, Ferrit und Öffnung eine besonders geringe Baugröße bei gleichzeitig besonders hoher Performance.The antenna has a continuous opening that serves as a sound channel. The opening is advantageously located in the middle of the antenna for the purposes of a simple construction. If the antenna encloses a ferrite core or a ferrite sleeve or ferrite material in the usual design, the opening can be surrounded by ferrite in a structurally simple manner. The combination of antenna and sound channel enables a particularly uncomplicated and space-saving arrangement. It is particularly advantageous that the antenna, ferrite and opening are designed to be integrated with a particularly small overall size. It has been shown in practice that the opening through the ferrite material results in only minimal losses or performance losses. This arrangement of antenna, ferrite and opening thus allows a particularly small overall size with, at the same time, particularly high performance.
Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung des Grundgedankens besteht darin, dass der distale und proximale Abschnitt gemeinsam ein im Gehörgang zu tragendes IDO-Gehäuse bilden.A further advantageous development of the basic idea consists in the fact that the distal and proximal sections together form an IDO housing to be worn in the auditory canal.
Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung des Grundgedankens besteht darin, dass der distale und proximale Abschnitt getrennt ausgebildet und durch einen elektrischen und einen akustischen Leiter miteinander verbunden sind.A further advantageous development of the basic concept consists in that the distal and proximal sections are designed separately and are connected to one another by an electrical and an acoustic conductor.
Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung des Grundgedankens besteht darin, dass der proximale Abschnitt einen flexiblen Dome oder ein expansibles Element umfasst, mittels dessen der proximale Abschnitt im Gehörgang positioniert werden kann.A further advantageous development of the basic concept consists in the fact that the proximal section is flexible Dome or an expansible element, by means of which the proximal section can be positioned in the ear canal.
Der Durchmesser und die Kontur des proximalen Abschnitts sind derart gestaltet, dass der proximale Abschnitt im Bereich des zweiten Knicks oder tiefer (weiter proximal) in einem menschlichen Gehörgang positioniert werden kann.The diameter and the contour of the proximal section are designed in such a way that the proximal section can be positioned in the region of the second kink or deeper (further proximally) in a human auditory canal.
Die Art der Antenne und ihre Platzierung ermöglicht es, im Gehörgang zu tragende Hörinstrumente kleinerer Bauformen, insbesondere ITE, Deep Fit und CIC, binaural mit hoher Audiobandbreite zu koppeln. Dabei werden gleichzeitig ein geringer Energiebedarf, geringere Kosten und eine hohe und stabile Übertragungssystems-Qualität gewährleistet.The type of antenna and its placement make it possible to binaurally couple hearing instruments of smaller designs to be worn in the ear canal, in particular ITE, Deep Fit and CIC, with a high audio bandwidth. At the same time, a low energy requirement, lower costs and a high and stable transmission system quality are guaranteed.
Um eine eventuelle Vergrößerung des Antennenvolumens zu kompensieren, ist die Antenne so gestaltet, dass sie ein Volumen im Hörinstrument verwendet, dass ansonsten ungenutzt brach liegen würde. Dazu ist die Antenne in einem Volumen im Hörinstrument angeordnet, das für andere Komponenten, beispielsweise den Hörer, nicht nutzbar ist, und zwar tief im Gehörgang. Das Volumen am und nach dem 2. Knick des Gehörgangs bleibt normalerweise ungenutzt, da beispielsweise ein Hörer zu lang ist, um den 2. Knick zu passieren oder darin unterzukommen. Die Antenne jedoch kann kürzer ausgeführt werden. Daher ist es möglich, sie im Bereich des zweiten Knicks oder tiefer im Gehörgang zu platzieren, um dieses Volumen zu nutzen. Durch Nutzung eines ansonsten nicht nutzbaren Volumens kann das vergrößerte Antennenvolumen einer effizienter gestalteten Antenne mindestens teilweise kompensiert werden.In order to compensate for a possible increase in the antenna volume, the antenna is designed in such a way that it uses a volume in the hearing instrument that would otherwise lie idle. For this purpose, the antenna is arranged in a volume in the hearing instrument that cannot be used for other components, for example the earpiece, specifically deep in the ear canal. The volume at and after the 2nd bend of the ear canal usually remains unused because, for example, a receiver is too long to pass through the 2nd bend or to be accommodated in it. However, the antenna can be made shorter. Therefore, it is possible to place them in the area of the second kink or deeper in the ear canal to take advantage of this volume. By using an otherwise unusable volume, the increased antenna volume of a more efficiently designed antenna can be at least partially compensated for.
Die Form des proximalen Abschnitts und die Anordnung der Antenne im proximalen Abschnitt sind derart an den Gehörgang angepasst, dass die Antenne des in den Gehörgang eingesetzten Hörinstruments auf den jeweils anderen Gehörgang eines Trägers des Hörinstruments ausgerichtet ist.The shape of the proximal section and the arrangement of the antenna in the proximal section are adapted to the auditory canal in such a way that the antenna of the hearing instrument inserted into the auditory canal is aligned with the respective other auditory canal of a wearer of the hearing instrument.
Die Orientierung (Ausrichtung) der Antennen ist von großem Einfluss auf die mögliche Übertragungs-Bandbreite zwischen binaural gekoppelten Hörinstrumenten. Die Antenne wird in Richtung des knöchernen Bereiches ausgerichtet und befindet sich bei bestimmungsgemäß in den Gehörgang eingesetztem Hörinstrument am 2. Knick oder tiefer im Gehörgang, so dass sich ein Teil oder das komplette Antennenvolumen im knöchernen Bereich des Gehörgangs befindet. Die Platzierung der Antenne hängt von der Form und/oder dem zur Verfügung stehenden Volumen am 2. Knick des Gehörgangs ab. Die Platzierung wird in der Rapid-Shell-Manufacturing Software so festgelegt, dass dem Hörinstrumentträger ein einfaches Einsetzen und Herausnehmen des Hörinstruments ermöglicht wird. Dies wird durch einen tiefen Abdruck des Gehörgangs, der die räumliche Information der Richtung des knöchernen Bereiches umfasst, ermöglicht.The orientation (alignment) of the antennas has a major influence on the possible transmission bandwidth between binaurally coupled hearing instruments. The antenna is aligned in the direction of the bony area and, when the hearing instrument is properly inserted into the ear canal, is located at the 2nd bend or deeper in the ear canal, so that part or all of the antenna volume is in the bony area of the ear canal. The placement of the antenna depends on the shape and / or the available volume at the 2nd bend of the ear canal. The placement is determined in the Rapid Shell Manufacturing software in such a way that the hearing instrument wearer can easily insert and remove the hearing instrument. This is made possible by a deep impression of the ear canal, which includes the spatial information of the direction of the bony area.
Letztlich gewährleistet somit die Gestalt des 2. Knicks und des knöchernen Abschnitts des Gehörgangs eine stabile Ausrichtung der Antenne. Die dadurch erreichte Ausrichtung der beiden binauralen Antennen zueinander ist aufgrund der Gestalt des menschlichen Gehörgangs nahezu optimal. Daher kann das Übertragungs-System mit sehr geringen Winkelverlusten kalkuliert werden und es entstehen kaum Schwankungen durch individuell unterschiedliche Ohrgeometrien.Ultimately, the shape of the 2nd kink and the bony section of the auditory canal thus ensure a stable alignment of the antenna. The alignment of the two binaural antennas to one another achieved in this way is almost optimal due to the shape of the human ear canal. Therefore, the transmission system can be calculated with very low angle losses and there are hardly any fluctuations due to individually different ear geometries.
Ein weiterer Grundgedanke der Erfindung besteht in einem Ohrstück für ein Hörinstrument, das einen flexiblen Dome oder ein expansibles Element umfasst, mittels dessen es im Gehörgang positioniert werden kann. In dem Ohrstück ist eine Antenne zur binauralen Datenübertragung angeordnet, die eine Durchführung mit einer distalen und einer proximalen Öffnung aufweist, die als Schallkanal ausgebildet ist. Die distale Öffnung ist dazu ausgebildet, mit einem Ausgang eines Hörers verbunden zu werden.Another basic concept of the invention consists in an earpiece for a hearing instrument which comprises a flexible dome or an expandable element, by means of which it can be positioned in the auditory canal. In the earpiece, an antenna for binaural data transmission is arranged, which has a bushing with a distal and a proximal opening, which is designed as a sound channel. The distal opening is designed to be connected to an output of a receiver.
Die Antenne befindet sich zwischen dem Hörer und dem Schallauslass, mithin so tief wie möglich proximal im Gehörgang. Dadurch wird die Distanz zwischen den Antennen der beiden binauralen Hörinstrumente gegenüber herkömmlicher Platzierung um mindestens 1-2 cm reduziert. Bei hoher Datenrate (großer Bandbreite) hat jede noch so kleine Verkürzung der Distanz (beispielsweise 1-2 cm) eine starke Verbesserung der BER (Bit Error Rate) zur Folge. Eine Verkürzung der Distanz kann wiederum eine Reduzierung der Effizienz bzw. des Volumens der Antenne gestatten. Es liegt auf der Hand, dass die Einflüsse von Distanz und Effizienz der Antennen in Bezug auf die mögliche Übertragungs-Bandbreite wechselseitig abhängig sind.The antenna is located between the receiver and the sound outlet, i.e. as deep as possible proximally in the ear canal. This reduces the distance between the antennas of the two binaural hearing instruments by at least 1-2 cm compared to conventional placement. With a high data rate (large bandwidth), even the smallest shortening of the distance (e.g. 1-2 cm) results in a strong improvement in the BER (Bit Error Rate). A shortening of the distance can in turn allow a reduction in the efficiency or the volume of the antenna. It is obvious that the influences of the distance and efficiency of the antennas with regard to the possible transmission bandwidth are mutually dependent.
Der Antennenkern hat ein durchgehendes Loch, das als Schallkanal dient. Das Loch befindet sich im Sinne einer einfachen Konstruktion vorteilhaft in der Mitte des Ferritkernes, kann aber auch davon abweichen. Die Kombination von Antenne und Schallkanal ermöglicht eine besonders unaufwändige und platzsparende Anordnung.The antenna core has a through hole that serves as a sound channel. The hole is advantageously located in the middle of the ferrite core for the purposes of a simple construction, but it can also deviate from it. The combination of antenna and sound channel enables a particularly uncomplicated and space-saving arrangement.
Vorteilhafterweise gewährleistet die Erfindung einen definierten Mindest-Abstand der Antenne zum Hörer und zum Hybrid, wodurch elektromagnetische Störeinflüsse auf die Antenne von vorneherein auf ein Mindestmaß reduziert sind. Darüber hinaus ist die Störbeeinflussung dadurch äußerst stabil und somit kalkulierbar. Zudem bleibt sie weitestgehend unabhängig von unterschiedlichen Signalverarbeitungs-Algorithmen auf der Leiterplatine (jede Konfiguration bzw. Firmware hat unterschiedliches Störpotential und Störcharakteristika). Auch müssen keine Schirmfolien oder Schirmboxen verbaut werden.The invention advantageously ensures a defined minimum distance between the antenna and the listener and the hybrid, as a result of which electromagnetic interference on the antenna is reduced to a minimum from the outset. In addition, the interference is extremely stable and therefore calculable. In addition, it remains largely independent of different signal processing algorithms on the circuit board (each configuration or firmware has different interference potential and interference characteristics). No shielding foils or shielding boxes have to be installed either.
Der Durchmesser und die Kontur des Ohrstücks sind derart gestaltet, dass es im Bereich des zweiten Knicks oder tiefer in einem menschlichen Gehörgang positioniert werden kann.The diameter and the contour of the earpiece are designed in such a way that it can be positioned in the area of the second kink or deeper in a human ear canal.
Die Art der Antenne und ihre Platzierung ermöglicht es, im Gehörgang zu tragende Hörinstrumente kleinerer Bauformen, insbesondere ITE, Deep Fit und CIC, binaural mit hoher Audiobandbreite zu koppeln. Dabei werden gleichzeitig ein geringer Energiebedarf, geringeren Kosten und eine hohe und stabile Übertragungssystems-Qualität gewährleistet.The type of antenna and its placement make it possible to binaurally couple hearing instruments of smaller designs to be worn in the ear canal, in particular ITE, Deep Fit and CIC, with a high audio bandwidth. At the same time, a low energy requirement, lower costs and a high and stable transmission system quality are guaranteed.
Um eine eventuelle Vergrößerung des Antennenvolumens zu kompensieren, ist die Antenne so gestaltet, dass sie ein Volumen im Hörinstrument verwendet, dass ansonsten ungenutzt brach liegen würde. Dazu ist die Antenne in einem Volumen im Hörinstrument angeordnet, das für andere Komponenten, beispielsweise den Hörer, nicht nutzbar ist, und zwar tief im Gehörgang. Das Volumen am und proximal vom 2. Knick des Gehörgangs bleibt normalerweise ungenutzt, da beispielsweise ein Hörer zu lang ist, um den 2. Knick zu passieren oder darin unterzukommen. Die Antenne jedoch kann kürzer ausgeführt werden. Daher ist es möglich, sie im Bereich des 2. Knicks oder tiefer im Gehörgang zu platzieren, um dieses Volumen zu nutzen. Durch Nutzung eines ansonsten nicht nutzbaren Volumens kann das vergrößerte Antennenvolumen einer effizienter gestalteten Antenne mindestens teilweise kompensiert werden.In order to compensate for a possible increase in the antenna volume, the antenna is designed in such a way that it uses a volume in the hearing instrument that would otherwise lie idle. For this purpose, the antenna is arranged in a volume in the hearing instrument that cannot be used for other components, for example the earpiece, specifically deep in the ear canal. The volume at and proximal to the second bend of the auditory canal usually remains unused because, for example, a receiver is too long to pass through the second bend or to be accommodated in it. However, the antenna can be made shorter. It is therefore possible to place them in the area of the 2nd kink or deeper in the ear canal in order to use this volume. By using an otherwise unusable volume, the increased antenna volume of a more efficiently designed antenna can be at least partially compensated for.
Die Form des Ohrstücks und die Anordnung der Antenne im Ohrstück sind derart an den Gehörgang angepasst, dass die Antenne des in den Gehörgang eingesetzten Ohrstücks auf den jeweils anderen Gehörgang eines Trägers des Ohrstücks ausgerichtet ist.The shape of the earpiece and the arrangement of the antenna in the earpiece are adapted to the auditory canal in such a way that the antenna of the earpiece inserted into the auditory canal is aligned with the respective other auditory canal of a wearer of the earpiece.
Die Orientierung (Ausrichtung) der Antennen ist von großem Einfluss auf die mögliche Übertragungs-Bandbreite zwischen binaural gekoppelten Hörinstrumenten. Die Antenne wird entsprechend der Richtung des knöchernen Bereiches ausgerichtet und befindet sich bei bestimmungsgemäß in den Gehörgang eingesetztem Hörinstrument im Bereich des zweiten Knicks oder tiefer im Gehörgang, so dass sich ein Teil oder das komplette Antennenvolumen im knöchernen Bereich des Gehörgangs befindet. Die Platzierung der Antenne hängt von der Form und/oder dem zur Verfügung stehenden Volumen am 2. Knick des Gehörgangs und proximal davon ab. Die Platzierung wird in der Rapid-Shell-Manufacturing Software so festgelegt, dass dem Hörinstrumentträger ein einfaches Einsetzen und Herausnehmen des Hörinstruments ermöglicht wird. Dies wird durch einen tiefen Abdruck des Gehörgangs, der die räumliche Information der Richtung des knöchernen Bereiches umfasst, ermöglicht.The orientation (alignment) of the antennas has a major influence on the possible transmission bandwidth between binaurally coupled hearing instruments. The antenna is aligned according to the direction of the bony area and, when the hearing instrument is properly inserted into the ear canal, is located in the area of the second bend or deeper in the ear canal, so that part or all of the antenna volume is in the bony area of the Ear canal is located. The placement of the antenna depends on the shape and / or the available volume at the 2nd bend of the ear canal and proximally from it. The placement is determined in the Rapid Shell Manufacturing software in such a way that the hearing instrument wearer can easily insert and remove the hearing instrument. This is made possible by a deep impression of the ear canal, which includes the spatial information of the direction of the bony area.
Letztlich gewährleistet somit die Gestalt des 2. Knicks und des knöchernen Abschnitts des Gehörgangs eine stabile Ausrichtung der Antenne. Die dadurch erreichte Ausrichtung der beiden binauralen Antennen zueinander ist aufgrund der Gestalt des menschlichen Gehörgangs nahezu optimal. Daher kann das Übertragungs-System mit sehr geringen Winkelverlusten kalkuliert werden und es entstehen kaum Schwankungen durch individuell unterschiedliche Ohrgeometrien.Ultimately, the shape of the 2nd kink and the bony section of the auditory canal thus ensure a stable alignment of the antenna. The alignment of the two binaural antennas to one another achieved in this way is almost optimal due to the shape of the human ear canal. Therefore, the transmission system can be calculated with very low angle losses and there are hardly any fluctuations due to individually different ear geometries.
Die Erfindung ermöglicht eine kostensparende Bauweise, da keine oder weniger Schirmmaßnahmen notwendig sind, keine speziellen, magnetisch dichten Hörer benötigt werden, und da eine einfachere Produktion des Hörinstruments ermöglicht ist, weil keine speziellen Einflüsse bei der Positionierung der Antenne zu berücksichtigen sind und keine Spezialkenntnisse für deren Montage erforderlich sind.The invention enables a cost-saving design, since no or fewer shielding measures are necessary, no special, magnetically tight headphones are required, and since a simpler production of the hearing instrument is made possible because no special influences have to be taken into account when positioning the antenna and no special knowledge for whose assembly is required.
Zudem ist es wesentlich leichter, zwei "eckige" Komponenten (Leiterplatine und Hörer) individuell in die individuell vorgegebene Form eines Hörinstruments zu platzieren als drei "eckige" Komponenten (Leiterplatine, Hörer und Antenne), insbesondere da bei drei Komponenten zwangsläufig größere nicht nutzbare Volumina entstehen.In addition, it is much easier to place two "square" components (printed circuit board and receiver) individually in the individually specified shape of a hearing instrument than three "square" components (printed circuit board, receiver and antenna), especially since with three components inevitably larger unusable volumes arise.
Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Vorteile ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen anhand von Figuren. Die nachfolgenden Figuren zeigen:
- Fig 2
- CIC-Hörinstrument mit proximaler Antenne
- Fig 3
- Zweiteiliges Hörinstrument mit proximaler Antenne
- Fig 4
- Ohrstück mit Ballon
- Fig 5
- Ohrstück mit Dome
- Fig 2
- CIC hearing instrument with proximal antenna
- Fig 3
- Two-part hearing instrument with proximal antenna
- Fig 4
- Earpiece with balloon
- Fig 5
- Ear piece with dome
In
Das Hörinstrument 21 ist bis in den Bereich des zweiten Knicks 14 des Gehörgangs vorgeschoben. Es umfasst ein Gehäuse 22, in dessen distalem Abschnitt eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 23 sowie ein Hörer 25 angeordnet sind. Der Hörer 25 ist ausgangsseitig mit einem Schallkanal 26 verbunden. Der Schallkanal 26 leitet die Ausgangssignale des Hörers 25 in Richtung des Trommelfells 12. Weitere Komponenten, beispielsweise eine Energieversorgung und elektrische Leitungen, sind der Übersichtlichkeit halber weggelassen.The
Proximal zum Hörer 25 ist eine Antenne 24 angeordnet. Die Platzierung der Antenne 24 im Gehäuse distal zum Hörer 25 entfällt somit, so dass mehr Flexibilität für die Anordnung von Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 23, Hörer 25 und weiterer nicht dargestellter Komponenten besteht. Zusätzlich kann das Gehäuse distal vom Hörer 25 kleiner ausgeführt werden, was in der Abbildung daran ersichtlich wird, dass es im Vergleich zum vorangehend dargestellten Stand der Technik eine geringere distale Erstreckung aufweist, d.h. weniger weit zum Ohr hin reicht.An
Die Antenne 24 dient der binauralen Datenübertragung zu einem in den anderen Gehörgang des Hörinstrument-Trägers eingesetzten Hörinstruments (in der Abbildung nicht dargestellt). Die Antenne 24 weist eine distale Öffnung 30 auf, von der eine Durchführung zu einer proximalen Öffnung 29 führt. Die Durchführung von der distalen 30 zur proximalen Öffnung 29 bildet einen Schallkanal. Die Durchführung ist somit Bestandteil des Schallkanals 26 und dient dazu, Ausgangssignale des Hörers 25 durch die Antenne 24 hindurch zu leiten.The
Die Antenne 24 ist im Bereich des zweiten Knicks 14 bzw. proximal davon im äußeren Gehörgang angeordnet. Es ist schematisch dargestellt, dass die Form des Gehäuses 22 in diesem Bereich der Form des Gehörgangs bzw. dem Verlauf des zweiten Knicks 14 des Gehörgangs angepasst ist. Es ist ersichtlich, dass aufgrund des verhältnismäßig engen zweiten Knicks 14 in diesem Bereich keine länglichen und großen Komponenten angeordnet werden können, da diese den zweiten Knick 14 nicht passieren können. Die Antenne 24 jedoch kann ausreichend kurz gestaltet werden, um hier Platz zu finden.The
Durch die exakte Anpassung des Gehäuses 22 an den Bereich des zweiten Knicks 14 ergibt sich eine räumlich stabile Positionierung und Orientierung des Gehäuses 22 mit Bezug auf den zweiten Knick 14 bzw. den knöchernen Teil des Gehörgangs. In Folge ergibt sich auch eine stabile Positionierung und Orientierung der im Gehäuse 22 angeordneten Antenne 24. Die Antenne 24 ist dabei entweder am Gehäuse 22 oder aber an dem den Schallkanal 26 bildenden Hörschlauch montiert. Die Montage am Hörschlauch erlaubt dabei eine einfachere Installation im Gehäuse 22, weil lediglich der mit Antenne 24 vormontierte Hörschlauch in das Gehäuse 22 eingeschoben zu werden brauch. Bei Montage der Antenne 24 am Gehäuse 22 müsste stattdessen sowohl die Antenne 24 als auch der Hörschlauch im Gehäuse 22 montiert werden, was angesichts der engen Platzverhältnisse vergleichsweise aufwendiger ist. Die Antenne 24 könnte beispielsweise durch eine in der Abbildung nicht dargestellte proximale Öffnung in das Gehäuse 22 eingesetzt werden.The exact adaptation of the
Es ist ersichtlich, dass die Antenne 24 näher als jedes andere Element des Hörinstruments 21 am Trommelfell 12 und somit am gegenüberliegenden Ohr bzw. Hörinstrument (nicht dargestellt) platziert ist. Damit ergibt sich ein im Vergleich zur herkömmlichen Platzierung einer Antenne geringerer Abstand zum Trommelfell 12, wobei die Reduzierung der Distanz in einer Größenordnung von ein bis zwei Zentimetern liegen kann. Diese Reduzierung der Distanz zum gegenüberliegenden Ohr bzw. Hörinstrument kommt der Qualität der binauralen Datenübertragung, insbesondere der Bandbreite, erheblich zugute.It can be seen that the
Hinzu kommt, dass die Antenne 24 im Gehäuse 22 räumlich getrennt von den weiter darin angeordneten Komponenten platziert ist, wobei die räumliche Trennung im Bereich der strichlierten Linie liegt. Durch diese Anordnung kann ein Mindestabstand zwischen der Antenne 24 und den weiteren elektrischen Komponenten gewährleistet werden, der eine Reduzierung von elektrischen und magnetischen Störeinflüssen der Komponenten auf die Antenne 24 bewirkt. Diese Platzierung der Antenne 24 bewirkt ebenfalls eine Verbesserung der Qualität des binauralen Übertragungs-Systems. Zudem wird es dadurch möglich, auf zusätzliche Abschirmmaßnahmen zur Abschirmung der Antenne 24 von Störeinflüssen der weiteren elektrischen Komponenten zu verzichten bzw. diese zu reduzieren.In addition, the
In
Der distale Gehäuseabschnitt 38 ist mit einem proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 37 durch eine elektrische und akustische Leitung 41 verbunden. Im Bereich des proximalen Gehäuseabschnitts 14, mit anderen Worten im Bereich des zweiten Knicks 14 des äußeren Gehörgangs, steht erheblich weniger Raum zur Verfügung. Daher ist im hier positionierten proximalen Gehäuseabschnitt 37 lediglich ein Minimum an elektrischen Komponenten des Hörinstruments 31 angeordnet. Dies ist im Wesentlichen nur die Antenne 34 samt elektrischer Zuleitung zum Ansteuern der Antenne 34. Die Antenne 34 weist eine Durchführung mit distaler Öffnung 40 und proximaler Öffnung 39 auf, durch die hindurch ein Schallkanal 36 verläuft. Der Schallkanal 36 dient gemeinsam mit der Leitung 41 dazu, Ausgangssignale des Hörers 35 durch die Antenne 34 hindurch zum Trommelfell 12 hin zu leiten.The
Die dargestellte zweiteilige Gehäusevariante dient einer erheblichen Vergrößerung des Abstands zwischen Antenne 34 und den weiteren elektrischen Komponenten, die im Wesentlichen im distalen Gehäuseabschnitt 38 angeordnet sind. Dadurch werden elektrische und magnetische Störeinflüsse der weiteren Komponenten auf die Antenne 34 auf ein Minimum reduziert.The two-part housing variant shown serves to considerably increase the distance between
Weiter ist die Antenne 34 so nah wie möglich am Trommelfell 12 und damit auch am gegenüberliegenden Hörinstrument eines binauralen Hörsystems (in der Abbildung nicht dargestellt) angeordnet. Die Verkürzung der Distanz zwischen den beiden Hörinstrumenten des binauralen Hörsystems kommt der Bandbreite des binauralen Übertragungs-Systems zugute.Furthermore, the
In
Ein Ballon 52 ist nach Bedarf expandierbar, um das Ohrstück 47 im Gehörgang zu positionieren. Beim Einsetzen oder Entnehmen des Ohrstücks 47 in den Gehörgang kann der Ballon 52 dagegen komprimiert bzw. deflatiert werden. Hierfür ist ein in der Abbildung der Übersichtlichkeit halber nicht dargestellter Pumpmechanismus zuständig. Das dargestellte Ohrstück 47 kann beispielsweise in einem zweiteiligen Gehäuse wie vorangehend erläutert oder in einem BTE-Hörinstrument eingesetzt werden.A balloon 52 is expandable as needed to position the
In
Claims (5)
- Hearing instrument (21, 31) comprising a housing (22, 37, 38), a signal processing device (23, 33), a receiver (25, 35, 45) and an antenna (24, 34, 44) for binaural data transmission, wherein the housing (22, 37, 38) is configured such that it can be worn at least partially in an auditory canal,- wherein the housing (22, 37, 38) has a distal section in which the signal processing device (23, 33) and the receiver (25, 35, 45) are arranged, and a proximal section spatially separated therefrom and positioned closest to the eardrum (12), in which the antenna (24, 34, 44) is arranged,- wherein the diameter and contour of the proximal section are configured such that the proximal section can be positioned in the region of the second bend (14) or deeper in a human auditory canal,- wherein the shape of the proximal section and the arrangement of the antenna (24, 24, 44) in the proximal section are adapted to the auditory canal such that the antenna of the hearing instrument (21, 31) inserted in the auditory canal is aligned with the respective other auditory canal of a wearer of the hearing instrument (21, 31), and- wherein the antenna (24, 34, 44) has a feedthrough with a distal (30, 40, 50) and a proximal (29, 39, 49) opening, which is embodied as a sound channel, while the distal opening (30, 40, 50) is connected to an output of the receiver (25, 35, 45).
- Hearing instrument (21, 31) according to claim 1,
characterized in
that the antenna (24, 34, 44) encloses a ferrite core or sleeve or ferrite material, the distal and proximal openings (29, 39, 49) being surrounded by the ferrite. - Hearing instrument (21, 31) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in
that the distal and proximal sections together form an ITE housing (22) to be worn in the auditory canal. - Hearing instrument (21, 31) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in
that the distal (38) and proximal sections (37) are formed separately and are connected to one another by an electrical conductor (41) for actuating the antenna (34). - Hearing instrument (21, 31) according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in
that the proximal section comprises a flexible dome or an expandable element, by means of which the proximal section can be positioned in the auditory canal.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102013204681.2A DE102013204681B4 (en) | 2013-03-18 | 2013-03-18 | Binaural hearing instrument and earpiece |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2782363A1 EP2782363A1 (en) | 2014-09-24 |
EP2782363B1 true EP2782363B1 (en) | 2021-03-31 |
Family
ID=50101801
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14155314.9A Active EP2782363B1 (en) | 2013-03-18 | 2014-02-17 | Binaural hearing instrument and earpiece |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9516436B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2782363B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104066042B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102013204681B4 (en) |
DK (1) | DK2782363T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102014200524A1 (en) | 2014-01-14 | 2015-07-16 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Antenna device for hearing instruments |
DE102015201945A1 (en) | 2015-02-04 | 2016-08-04 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | Hearing device for binaural supply and method of operation |
DK3269155T3 (en) | 2015-03-13 | 2019-04-15 | Sivantos Pte Ltd | Binaural hearing aid system |
EP3116238B1 (en) * | 2015-07-08 | 2020-01-29 | Oticon A/s | Spacer and hearing device comprising it |
US10122421B2 (en) | 2015-08-29 | 2018-11-06 | Bragi GmbH | Multimodal communication system using induction and radio and method |
US10104464B2 (en) | 2016-08-25 | 2018-10-16 | Bragi GmbH | Wireless earpiece and smart glasses system and method |
US10200780B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2019-02-05 | Bragi GmbH | Method and apparatus for conveying battery life of wireless earpiece |
US11490858B2 (en) | 2016-08-31 | 2022-11-08 | Bragi GmbH | Disposable sensor array wearable device sleeve system and method |
EP3334179B1 (en) * | 2016-12-12 | 2021-10-13 | Oticon A/s | Hearing aid with an extended dome |
DK3343954T3 (en) * | 2016-12-29 | 2023-07-03 | Oticon As | HEARING DEVICE INCLUDING AN EXTERNAL ANTENNA PART AND AN INTERNAL ANTENNA PART |
EP3454574A1 (en) | 2017-09-07 | 2019-03-13 | Widex A/S | A head-worn device having electrostatic discharge protection |
US11418865B2 (en) * | 2018-12-07 | 2022-08-16 | Gn Hearing A/S | Configurable hearing devices |
US11570561B2 (en) * | 2018-12-07 | 2023-01-31 | Falcom A/S | Hearing devices and methods of making the same |
US11743626B2 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2023-08-29 | Sony Group Corporation | Sound device and sound system |
CN109905798A (en) * | 2019-04-08 | 2019-06-18 | 成都必盛科技有限公司 | Wireless headset |
EP3739905A1 (en) * | 2019-05-13 | 2020-11-18 | Sonova AG | Earpiece for the ear canal with off-axis electronic package and receiver |
US11818528B1 (en) * | 2020-09-21 | 2023-11-14 | Apple Inc. | Earbuds |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1768450A2 (en) * | 2005-09-27 | 2007-03-28 | Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH | Hearing-aid device with antenna |
US20160360594A1 (en) * | 2013-10-10 | 2016-12-08 | Digital Lumens, Inc. | Methods, systems, and apparatus for intelligent lighting |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7454027B2 (en) * | 2001-10-12 | 2008-11-18 | Oticon A/S | Hearing aid, headset or similar device for delivering a sound signal at the vicinity of the tympanic membrane |
US7443991B2 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2008-10-28 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | ITE hearing aid for binaural hearing assistance |
DE112007001275T5 (en) * | 2006-05-30 | 2009-04-23 | Knowles Electronics, LLC, Itasca | personal listening |
US8150542B2 (en) * | 2006-06-14 | 2012-04-03 | Phonak Ag | Positioning and orienting a unit of a hearing device relative to individual's head |
US8753257B2 (en) * | 2010-02-19 | 2014-06-17 | Audiodontics, Llc | Method and apparatus for aligning antennas of low-powered intra- and extra-oral electronic wireless devices |
WO2013135307A1 (en) * | 2012-03-16 | 2013-09-19 | Phonak Ag | Antenna for hearing device, ear tip and hearing device provided with such an antenna |
-
2013
- 2013-03-18 DE DE102013204681.2A patent/DE102013204681B4/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-02-17 DK DK14155314.9T patent/DK2782363T3/en active
- 2014-02-17 EP EP14155314.9A patent/EP2782363B1/en active Active
- 2014-03-18 CN CN201410099569.8A patent/CN104066042B/en active Active
- 2014-03-18 US US14/218,066 patent/US9516436B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1768450A2 (en) * | 2005-09-27 | 2007-03-28 | Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH | Hearing-aid device with antenna |
US20160360594A1 (en) * | 2013-10-10 | 2016-12-08 | Digital Lumens, Inc. | Methods, systems, and apparatus for intelligent lighting |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20140270191A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
CN104066042A (en) | 2014-09-24 |
US9516436B2 (en) | 2016-12-06 |
EP2782363A1 (en) | 2014-09-24 |
DE102013204681A1 (en) | 2014-10-02 |
DE102013204681B4 (en) | 2019-10-02 |
CN104066042B (en) | 2018-09-11 |
DK2782363T3 (en) | 2021-06-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2782363B1 (en) | Binaural hearing instrument and earpiece | |
EP2811761B1 (en) | Antenna device for hearing instruments | |
EP2894880B1 (en) | Antenna device for hearing instruments | |
EP1583395B1 (en) | All-in-the-ear hearing-aid for binaural treatment of a patient | |
EP3413587B1 (en) | Hearing aid, in particular behind the ear hearing aid | |
EP1909536B1 (en) | Behind-the-ear hearing aid with external, optical microphone | |
EP2701404B1 (en) | Hearing instrument and earpiece with receiver | |
EP2680611B1 (en) | Hybrid hearing aid connector | |
EP2389015A2 (en) | Hearing aid with passive unit deep in the ear canal | |
DE202013000547U1 (en) | Hearing instrument housing with plug connection | |
EP1903835A2 (en) | Hearing device with supplementary screening device | |
DE102010041695A1 (en) | In-the-ear (ITE) hearing instrument e.g. low ear channel hearing instrument of ear piece, has recordable receiver manufactured by deep-drawing that is provided with collar | |
EP2654322B1 (en) | Hearing instrument with acoustic tube plug connection | |
EP2645744B1 (en) | Hearing instrument with flexible earpiece tube connection | |
EP3209032B1 (en) | Loudspeaker module for a hearing aid and hearing aid | |
EP2375784B1 (en) | Hearing aid with amorphous speaker shielding | |
DE102010007609A1 (en) | Handset hose with strain relief and hearing aid | |
EP3567672B1 (en) | Hearing aid with integrated antenna and electronics frame | |
EP3836565A1 (en) | Circuit board for a hearing device | |
EP2393310A2 (en) | Deep ear canal hearing aid | |
DE102006049469B4 (en) | Hearing aid with live metal strap | |
EP2866473B1 (en) | Otoplastic, hearing system and method for mounting a hearing system | |
EP3188511A1 (en) | Hearing aid | |
EP4054208A1 (en) | Hearing aid, anntena for a hearing aid and method for producing a hearing aid | |
EP2852182A1 (en) | Hearing instrument with battery compartment switch |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20140217 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
R17P | Request for examination filed (corrected) |
Effective date: 20150320 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: SIVANTOS PTE. LTD. |
|
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: SIVANTOS PTE. LTD. |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20180921 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20201028 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 502014015417 Country of ref document: DE Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1378319 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20210415 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: NV Representative=s name: E. BLUM AND CO. AG PATENT- UND MARKENANWAELTE V, CH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DK Ref legal event code: T3 Effective date: 20210624 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210630 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210630 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20210331 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210731 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210802 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 502014015417 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20220104 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20220217 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210731 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20220228 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220217 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220217 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220228 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MM01 Ref document number: 1378319 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20220217 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20220217 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20230217 Year of fee payment: 10 Ref country code: DK Payment date: 20230220 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 502014015417 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20230901 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20140217 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20210331 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20240301 Year of fee payment: 11 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20240222 Year of fee payment: 11 |