Title:
IN EAR HEARING APPARATUS
United States Patent 3852540
Abstract:
A hearing apparatus equipped with an output transducer, a voltage source, an amplifier, an input transducer capable of magnetic or electrical reception and a gain control. There is provided an elongate bipartite housing constructed to be inserted into the auditory or hearing channel. In the lengthwise direction of the housing there are arranged adjacent to one another the output transducer, the voltage source, the amplifier, the input transducer and the gain control. The output transducer is arranged in a first part of the housing, the amplifier, the input transducer and the gain control are arranged in a second part of the housing which is detachably connected with the first part of the housing. The voltage source is arranged between the output transducer and the amplifier at the region of the connection location of the housing parts.
US Patent References:
Insert earphone and operative subassembly therefor
Rutter et al. - May 1952 - 2595489
Electronic sound transmitting device
Mitchell et al. - August 1960 - 2950357
Hearing aid
Ladd - November 1960 - 2959645
Ear insert hearing aid
Busse - February 1961 - 2971065
Hearing aid
Sidlo - September 1962 - 3055990
Insert earphone and operative subassembly therefor
Rutter et al. - May 1952 - 2595489
Electronic sound transmitting device
Mitchell et al. - August 1960 - 2950357
Hearing aid
Ladd - November 1960 - 2959645
Ear insert hearing aid
Busse - February 1961 - 2971065
Hearing aid
Sidlo - September 1962 - 3055990
Application Number:
05/314902
Publication Date:
12/03/1974
Filing Date:
12/13/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
381/328
International Classes:
H04R25/02; H04R25/02
Field of Search:
179/17E
US Patent References:
| 3265819 | Ear insert hearing aid | August 1966 | Herrmann |
Primary Examiner:
Claffy, Kathleen H.
Assistant Examiner:
Saffian, Mitchell
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. A hearing apparatus arranged to be inserted into the auditory channel of the user, said apparatus including:
2. The hearing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the second housing part is provided with ridge means, the ends of said contact elements being constructed as protruding extended portions which engage in a bayonet-closure like fashion behind the ridge means of the second housing part and contact the contacts of the amplifier.
3. The hearing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the retaining device is provided with threading and the first housing part is connected by means of the threading of the retaining device with the second housing part.
4. The hearing apparatus as set forth in claim 1, and;
1. A hearing apparatus arranged to be inserted into the auditory channel of the user, said apparatus including:
2. The hearing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the second housing part is provided with ridge means, the ends of said contact elements being constructed as protruding extended portions which engage in a bayonet-closure like fashion behind the ridge means of the second housing part and contact the contacts of the amplifier.
3. The hearing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the retaining device is provided with threading and the first housing part is connected by means of the threading of the retaining device with the second housing part.
4. The hearing apparatus as set forth in claim 1, and;
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and improved construction of hearing apparatus with a sound receiver or listening device, a voltage source, an amplifier, a signal receiver, and a gain control.
The known hearing devices which can be worn in the ear of the user typically possess a first component which can be inserted into the auditory or hearing channel and a second component which is situated externally of the auditory channel in the ear. Such type hearing apparatuses therefore can be considered to be known as such to the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved construction of hearing apparatus which essentially can be inserted as a unit in the hearing or auditory channel, so that it is practically invisible from the outside.
Another object of the present invention relates to a new and improved construction of hearing apparatus which can be comfortably worn by the user and is designed such that it can be essentially inserted into the auditory channel of the wearer without discomfort, and rendering same practically non-visible to a casual observer.
Now in order to implement these and still further objects of the invention, which will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds, the hearing apparatus of this development is manifested by the features that there is provided a bipartite or two-part housing of substantially elongate configuration which is designed to be inserted into the auditory or hearing channel. In the lengthwise direction of the housing, there are juxtapositioned the output transducer, the voltage source, the amplifier, the input transducer and the gain control. The output transducer is arranged in a first housing part, and the amplifier, the signal receiver and the gain control are arranged in a second housing part releasably connected with the first housing part. The voltage source is arranged between the sound receiver and the amplifier at the connection location of both housing part with one another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a hearing apparatus which can be inserted in the auditory or hearing channel of the user;
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the hearing apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 showing the components thereof in an exploded condition; and
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view through that end of the hearing apparatus of FIG. 1 which possesses the sound outlet opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Describing now the drawings, in FIG. 1 there is depicted in side view the shape of the housing H of the hearing apparatus or device 100. This elongate extending housing H is designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to its lengthwise axis and will be understood to encompass a first housing part or component 1 and a second housing part or component 2 which can be detachably connected with the first housing part 1 in a manner fully to be described hereinafter. The housing part 2 is closed by a cover member 2a or other suitable closure device. At the end of the housing facing away from the second housing part 2 the first housing part 1 carries a protective cap 3 which protects the sound outlet opening 1a.
At the cover 2a of the second housing part or component 2 there is mounted at the outside thereof an accessible gain control 4, preferably incorporating a conventional potentiometer which can be actuated by a knob 4a, so that when the hearing apparatus 100 is inserted into the auditory channel of the user it is accessible from the outside for the purpose of controlling the sound intensity.
The cross-section of the housing H conically tapers in the direction of its lengthwise axis towards the end of the first housing part 1 which carries the protective cap 3.
FIG. 2 shows a sectional view along the lengthwise axis of the hearing apparatus and wherein the individual components thereof have been portrayed in an exploded view to facilitate the showing thereof and to more readily explain the underlying concepts of the instant development.
Continuing, it will be seen that a output transducer 5 is arranged in the first housing part 1, the output transducer 5 possessing a sound departure tube 6 which piercingly extends through the opening 1a provided at the end of the housing part 1. The protective cap 3 is inserted into this opening 1a in order to protect the outlet opening 6a of the tube 6 against contamination by dirt or other foreign particles.
A hollow cylindrical holding or retaining element 7 is fixedly seated in the end of the first housing part 1 which is opposite the sound outlet opening 1a. This retaining element 7 serves to receive a substantially cylindrically constructed voltage source 8. The retaining element 7 protrudes in the direction of the lengthwise axis of the housing part 1 past such, as will be clearly seen from FIG. 2.
Two contact elements 9 and 10 are accommodated at the wall 7a of the retaining or holding element 7. These contact elements 9 and 10 are flexed at their ends 9a and 10a respectively and protrude from the retaining or holding element 7.
Both of the contact elements 9 and 10 are electrically coupled via the conductors or lines 11 and 12 with the respective input terminals 5a and 5b of the output transducer 5. The contact element 10 possesses a contact tongue 10b which, when the voltage source 8 is inserted into the retaining or holding element 7, comes into contact therewith by means of one pole 8a thereof.
The second housing part 2, closed by means of the cover 2a, and which carries the gain control 4, is internally provided with a carrier or support plate 13 constructed as a printed circuit and supported upon projections or protuberances, and on this support plate 13 there are accommodated the electrical components 14 of the amplifier. The components 14 are arranged at the outer edge of the substantially circular-shaped support plate 13 along the periphery thereof, so that space is provided at the center thereof for installing thereat an input signal receiver 15, which can be considered to constitute a microphone or an induction coil for inductive signal reception serving as the listening or hearing coil, and generally indicated by reference character 15a.
Contact springs or blades 16 and 17 are mounted at the underface of the support plate 13 and which, when the hearing apparatus is assembled together come into contact with the ends 9a and 10a respectively of the contact elements 9 and 10 respectively.
Upon assembly of both housing parts 1 and 2 the protruding portion of the retaining or holding element 7 accommodating the voltage source 8 is introduced into the hollow compartment or space 18 provided in the housing part 2. As a result, the contact element ends 9a and 10a are guided through slots 19 and 20 at the floor of the housing part 2 and following rotation of the first housing part 1 such contact element ends travel upon run-on surfaces of ridges or rims 21 provided at the housing part 2, only one of which is visible in the drawing, so that there is provided a bayonet-type releasable closure connection between the housing parts 1 and 2. The ends 9a and 10a of the contact elements 9 and 10 respectively, thus serve both for the electrical as well as mechanical connection of both housing parts 1 and 2.
Instead of using the aforedescribed bayonet connection it would be also possible to use other types of connections, such as a threaded connection, in which case the retaining element 7 and the base of the housing part 2 each would be provided with suitable threading.
With the hearing apparatus 100 assembled together the second pole 8b of the voltage source 8 which extends into the hollow compartment 18 comes into contact with a contact provided at the underside of the support or carrier plate 13.
In FIG. 3 there is shown in sectional view the end of the first housing part 1 which carries the protective cap 3 and with the sound receiver or listening device 5 mounted therein. The protective cap 3 is introduced into the slightly conically tapering opening 1a where it is fixedly clamped or seated.
The protective cap 3 possesses a cylindrical hollow compartment or space 22 which is closed at one side, as indicated as 22a, and the lengthwise axis of which is in alignment with that of the sound outlet tube 6. Throughpassage openings 23, only two of which are visible, are arranged at the protective cap around the hollow compartment 22. The lengthwise axes of such throughpassage openings 23 are essentially parallel to the lengthwise axis of the hollow compartment 22.
The sound waves generated by the sound receiver 5 depart from the sound outlet tube 6 into the hollow compartment 22, from which location such sound waves arrive at the compartment 24 between the sound receiver or listening device 5 and the protective cap 3. From the location of the compartment 24 the sound waves can escape through the throughpassage openings 23 out of the hearing apparatus.
By means of the protective cap 3 there is prevented penetration of dirt particles which might be located in the auditory channel of the user through the opening 6a of the sound outlet tube 6 into the output transducer 5.
In order to be able to clean the protective cap 3 and the possibly clogged throughpassage openings 23 it is readily possible to remove such protective cap from the housing part 1.
Owing to the chosen arrangement of the individual components essentially along one axis it is possible to impart to the hearing apparatus an essentially elongate configuration which is accommodated to the shape of the auditory channel and to maintain small the dimensional size of the hearing apparatus.
Removal or exchange of the voltage source 8 can occur quickly and without effort by merely separating both housing parts from one another in the described manner.
While there is shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.
The present invention relates to a new and improved construction of hearing apparatus with a sound receiver or listening device, a voltage source, an amplifier, a signal receiver, and a gain control.
The known hearing devices which can be worn in the ear of the user typically possess a first component which can be inserted into the auditory or hearing channel and a second component which is situated externally of the auditory channel in the ear. Such type hearing apparatuses therefore can be considered to be known as such to the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved construction of hearing apparatus which essentially can be inserted as a unit in the hearing or auditory channel, so that it is practically invisible from the outside.
Another object of the present invention relates to a new and improved construction of hearing apparatus which can be comfortably worn by the user and is designed such that it can be essentially inserted into the auditory channel of the wearer without discomfort, and rendering same practically non-visible to a casual observer.
Now in order to implement these and still further objects of the invention, which will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds, the hearing apparatus of this development is manifested by the features that there is provided a bipartite or two-part housing of substantially elongate configuration which is designed to be inserted into the auditory or hearing channel. In the lengthwise direction of the housing, there are juxtapositioned the output transducer, the voltage source, the amplifier, the input transducer and the gain control. The output transducer is arranged in a first housing part, and the amplifier, the signal receiver and the gain control are arranged in a second housing part releasably connected with the first housing part. The voltage source is arranged between the sound receiver and the amplifier at the connection location of both housing part with one another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a hearing apparatus which can be inserted in the auditory or hearing channel of the user;
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the hearing apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 showing the components thereof in an exploded condition; and
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view through that end of the hearing apparatus of FIG. 1 which possesses the sound outlet opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Describing now the drawings, in FIG. 1 there is depicted in side view the shape of the housing H of the hearing apparatus or device 100. This elongate extending housing H is designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to its lengthwise axis and will be understood to encompass a first housing part or component 1 and a second housing part or component 2 which can be detachably connected with the first housing part 1 in a manner fully to be described hereinafter. The housing part 2 is closed by a cover member 2a or other suitable closure device. At the end of the housing facing away from the second housing part 2 the first housing part 1 carries a protective cap 3 which protects the sound outlet opening 1a.
At the cover 2a of the second housing part or component 2 there is mounted at the outside thereof an accessible gain control 4, preferably incorporating a conventional potentiometer which can be actuated by a knob 4a, so that when the hearing apparatus 100 is inserted into the auditory channel of the user it is accessible from the outside for the purpose of controlling the sound intensity.
The cross-section of the housing H conically tapers in the direction of its lengthwise axis towards the end of the first housing part 1 which carries the protective cap 3.
FIG. 2 shows a sectional view along the lengthwise axis of the hearing apparatus and wherein the individual components thereof have been portrayed in an exploded view to facilitate the showing thereof and to more readily explain the underlying concepts of the instant development.
Continuing, it will be seen that a output transducer 5 is arranged in the first housing part 1, the output transducer 5 possessing a sound departure tube 6 which piercingly extends through the opening 1a provided at the end of the housing part 1. The protective cap 3 is inserted into this opening 1a in order to protect the outlet opening 6a of the tube 6 against contamination by dirt or other foreign particles.
A hollow cylindrical holding or retaining element 7 is fixedly seated in the end of the first housing part 1 which is opposite the sound outlet opening 1a. This retaining element 7 serves to receive a substantially cylindrically constructed voltage source 8. The retaining element 7 protrudes in the direction of the lengthwise axis of the housing part 1 past such, as will be clearly seen from FIG. 2.
Two contact elements 9 and 10 are accommodated at the wall 7a of the retaining or holding element 7. These contact elements 9 and 10 are flexed at their ends 9a and 10a respectively and protrude from the retaining or holding element 7.
Both of the contact elements 9 and 10 are electrically coupled via the conductors or lines 11 and 12 with the respective input terminals 5a and 5b of the output transducer 5. The contact element 10 possesses a contact tongue 10b which, when the voltage source 8 is inserted into the retaining or holding element 7, comes into contact therewith by means of one pole 8a thereof.
The second housing part 2, closed by means of the cover 2a, and which carries the gain control 4, is internally provided with a carrier or support plate 13 constructed as a printed circuit and supported upon projections or protuberances, and on this support plate 13 there are accommodated the electrical components 14 of the amplifier. The components 14 are arranged at the outer edge of the substantially circular-shaped support plate 13 along the periphery thereof, so that space is provided at the center thereof for installing thereat an input signal receiver 15, which can be considered to constitute a microphone or an induction coil for inductive signal reception serving as the listening or hearing coil, and generally indicated by reference character 15a.
Contact springs or blades 16 and 17 are mounted at the underface of the support plate 13 and which, when the hearing apparatus is assembled together come into contact with the ends 9a and 10a respectively of the contact elements 9 and 10 respectively.
Upon assembly of both housing parts 1 and 2 the protruding portion of the retaining or holding element 7 accommodating the voltage source 8 is introduced into the hollow compartment or space 18 provided in the housing part 2. As a result, the contact element ends 9a and 10a are guided through slots 19 and 20 at the floor of the housing part 2 and following rotation of the first housing part 1 such contact element ends travel upon run-on surfaces of ridges or rims 21 provided at the housing part 2, only one of which is visible in the drawing, so that there is provided a bayonet-type releasable closure connection between the housing parts 1 and 2. The ends 9a and 10a of the contact elements 9 and 10 respectively, thus serve both for the electrical as well as mechanical connection of both housing parts 1 and 2.
Instead of using the aforedescribed bayonet connection it would be also possible to use other types of connections, such as a threaded connection, in which case the retaining element 7 and the base of the housing part 2 each would be provided with suitable threading.
With the hearing apparatus 100 assembled together the second pole 8b of the voltage source 8 which extends into the hollow compartment 18 comes into contact with a contact provided at the underside of the support or carrier plate 13.
In FIG. 3 there is shown in sectional view the end of the first housing part 1 which carries the protective cap 3 and with the sound receiver or listening device 5 mounted therein. The protective cap 3 is introduced into the slightly conically tapering opening 1a where it is fixedly clamped or seated.
The protective cap 3 possesses a cylindrical hollow compartment or space 22 which is closed at one side, as indicated as 22a, and the lengthwise axis of which is in alignment with that of the sound outlet tube 6. Throughpassage openings 23, only two of which are visible, are arranged at the protective cap around the hollow compartment 22. The lengthwise axes of such throughpassage openings 23 are essentially parallel to the lengthwise axis of the hollow compartment 22.
The sound waves generated by the sound receiver 5 depart from the sound outlet tube 6 into the hollow compartment 22, from which location such sound waves arrive at the compartment 24 between the sound receiver or listening device 5 and the protective cap 3. From the location of the compartment 24 the sound waves can escape through the throughpassage openings 23 out of the hearing apparatus.
By means of the protective cap 3 there is prevented penetration of dirt particles which might be located in the auditory channel of the user through the opening 6a of the sound outlet tube 6 into the output transducer 5.
In order to be able to clean the protective cap 3 and the possibly clogged throughpassage openings 23 it is readily possible to remove such protective cap from the housing part 1.
Owing to the chosen arrangement of the individual components essentially along one axis it is possible to impart to the hearing apparatus an essentially elongate configuration which is accommodated to the shape of the auditory channel and to maintain small the dimensional size of the hearing apparatus.
Removal or exchange of the voltage source 8 can occur quickly and without effort by merely separating both housing parts from one another in the described manner.
While there is shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.