Vibration module for placement on the eardrum

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vibration module for placement on a tympanic membrane, the vibration module having a flat sound transducer and a tympanic membrane contact mold for contacting the tympanic membrane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration module for placement on a tympanic membrane, the vibration module having a flat sound transducer and a tympanic membrane contact mold for contacting the tympanic membrane. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional hearing aids transmit amplified sound to the eardrum via a sound transducer, also known as a speaker or receiver. This transducer is placed in the ear canal or behind the ear canal, and sound is introduced into the ear canal through a sound tube. The ear canal is typically acoustically closed behind the sound outlet to avoid feedback and achieve more efficient transmission. If the ear canal is open, transmission efficiency is low, especially in the low-frequency range, but it is more comfortable to wear because the so-called occlusion effect does not occur. Due to resonance within the ear canal volume, the location of the sound outlet opening and the acoustic transmission of sound to the eardrum further cause transmission behavior that varies greatly across frequencies.

[0003] This overcomes the shortcomings of conventional hearing aids, where the sound transducer stimulates the tympanic membrane and strikes its ossicles in the middle ear through direct mechanical contact. Since sound transmission through the air is no longer involved, the vibrations are transmitted to the ear very efficiently with a flat frequency response. The amount of sound propagating into the ear canal is significantly reduced, meaning the ear canal can be opened without feedback problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vibration module that is placed directly on the tympanic membrane and applies force to the tympanic membrane and ossicles through a flat electromechanical actuator, which causes the tympanic membrane and ossicles to vibrate within the audible frequency range, thereby creating an auditory impression.

[0005] The use of a flat sound transducer allows for a lower weight of the resonator module and shifts its center of gravity closer to the eardrum. Therefore, it can be reliably secured using only adhesive forces without requiring support in the ear canal. This provides a high level of comfort and eliminates the need for an ear canal impression. The piezoelectric layer, advantageously fabricated using thin-layer technology, can optionally achieve sufficient force and flexure within a smaller installation space to achieve 120 dB SPL and higher equivalent sound pressure levels at up to 4 V. Low moving mass enables frequency-dependent transmission behavior throughout the audible range.

[0006] This objective is achieved by the vibration module for placement on the tympanic membrane according to claim 1 and the method for manufacturing such a vibration module according to claim 19. The dependent claims indicate advantageous further improvements to the vibration module according to the invention.

[0007] According to the invention, a vibrating module suitable for placement on the tympanic membrane is specified. Advantageously, the vibrating module can be placed on the tympanic membrane such that it does not contact or only slightly contacts the ear canal wall. Therefore, suitability for placement on the tympanic membrane is an issue related to the size of the vibrating module, which may be, for example, that the vibrating module can be placed on the tympanic membrane of ordinary adults or ordinary people in a given age group who are the target group for the vibrating module.

[0008] A unit of interconnected components (the components being designed such that when placed on the tympanic membrane, the components are supported by and / or only in contact with the tympanic membrane) can here be considered a vibration module. However, preferably, this exclusivity should be understood to allow for contact with other components, such as control components, for the transmission of electrical energy and / or signals.

[0009] The vibration module according to the invention comprises a flat acoustic transducer and a diaphragm contact mold. The flat acoustic transducer can thus be understood as an acoustic transducer extending further in a surface (preferably a plane) than in a thickness direction perpendicular to that surface. Advantageously, the maximum extension in the planar direction can be greater than or equal to 5 times, preferably 7 times, preferably 10 times, or preferably 20 times, the maximum extension in the thickness direction. Preferably, the surface of the acoustic transducer (in which the acoustic transducer extends flatly) extends over the entire extent of the diaphragm contact mold, except for those areas used to hold the flat acoustic transducer and / or connect the flat acoustic transducer to the diaphragm contact mold. The extent of the diaphragm contact mold can be understood as the projection of the surface of the diaphragm contact mold onto the plane of the flat extension of the acoustic transducer. Alternatively or supplementarily, the flat acoustic transducer can also be understood as an acoustic transducer that performs vibration in a normal direction on the surface of the acoustic transducer. In this case, the direction of the maximum amplitude of the vibration of the vibratory or vibrating component is preferably perpendicular to the flat extension surface of the acoustic transducer.

[0010] A sound transducer can be understood here as a component that converts an electrical or optical input signal into a mechanical vibration and / or converts a mechanical vibration into an electrical or optical signal.

[0011] The vibration module according to the invention also includes a tympanic membrane contact mold for contacting the tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane contact mold is designed such that it can contact the tympanic membrane directly or via at least one intermediate layer. If one or more intermediate layers are provided between the tympanic membrane contact mold and the tympanic membrane, the intermediate layers may optionally be considered part of the tympanic membrane contact mold. The tympanic membrane contact mold preferably has a surface that, when intended for use, faces the tympanic membrane and is shaped such that the surface at least partially conforms to the shape of the tympanic membrane.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vibration module can be designed such that the flat acoustic transducer and the tympanic membrane contact mold enclose an internal volume. The fact that the flat acoustic transducer and the tympanic membrane contact mold enclose the internal volume means that they enclose or surround the internal volume on all sides. Alternatively, the flat acoustic transducer and the tympanic membrane contact mold can also define the internal volume, preferably defining the internal volume in all three spatial directions. Therefore, surfaces can be arranged from the internal volume in all spatial directions, defining the internal volume in those directions, wherein the definition can be complete but not necessarily complete. Although the flat acoustic transducer and the tympanic membrane contact mold can thus enclose the internal volume so that they completely surround it, it is advantageous to provide one or more openings or channels through the flat acoustic transducer and / or the tympanic membrane contact mold. This should also preferably be considered as encapsulation, enclosure, or surrounding. The internal volume can be empty or filled with air, or the internal volume can contain, for example, elements and / or other materials for transmitting vibrations.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flat acoustic transducer may have a membrane structure on or as a portion of its surface. The membrane structure may have at least one carrier layer and at least one piezoelectric layer disposed on the carrier layer and having at least one piezoelectric material. The membrane structure may be designed such that the acoustic transducer can be excited to vibrate at least partially by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric layer.

[0014] The membrane structure can be separated on its surface by at least one cutting line, which divides all layers of the membrane structure into at least one segment, two segments or more segments, such that the membrane structure is mechanically separated at the cutting line.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sound transducer may have a membrane structure having at least one carrier layer and at least one piezoelectric layer disposed on the carrier layer having at least one piezoelectric material. The at least one carrier layer and the at least one piezoelectric layer thus form a layer system in which the carrier layer and the piezoelectric layer are stacked parallel to each other. In this embodiment, vibration of the membrane structure can be generated by applying a voltage (particularly an alternating current voltage) to the piezoelectric layer. This utilizes the fact that the piezoelectric layer deforms when a voltage is applied, wherein the direction of deformation depends on the sign of the applied voltage. The membrane structure can be understood herein as a substantially flat-extending structure having a significantly greater elongation in two dimensions than in the dimension perpendicular to those two dimensions. The two dimensions in which the membrane structure primarily extends thus span the membrane surface and the surface of the sound transducer.

[0016] The membrane structure of a sound transducer can be divided into at least one, two, or more segments by at least one dicing line in its flat extension. Separating the membrane surface means that the entire membrane, and thus both the carrier layer and the piezoelectric layer, as well as the electrode layer if necessary, are separated by dicing lines, such that the membrane is mechanically separated at the dicing lines. This means that the two regions of the membrane structure separated by the dicing lines can move independently of each other. Therefore, the separation or segmentation of the membrane surface means the corresponding segment of the carrier layer, the corresponding segment of the piezoelectric layer if necessary, and the corresponding segment of the electrode layer if necessary.

[0017] Segmentation enables high-amplitude vibrations with very small installation dimensions without making the force too small due to these measures.

[0018] In the context of this application, sound vibration is understood to be vibration with a frequency perceptible to the human ear, i.e., vibration between approximately 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Sound vibration also applies to the excitation of sound waves in a medium (particularly air or perilymph).

[0019] The membrane structure advantageously comprises at least one carrier layer and at least one piezoelectric layer, the piezoelectric layer having at least one piezoelectric material and disposed on the carrier layer. The carrier layer and the piezoelectric layer thus form a double piezoelectric wafer structure and are therefore advantageously arranged and designed such that the membrane structure can be oscillated by applying a voltage (especially an alternating voltage) to the piezoelectric layer, and / or the voltage in the piezoelectric layer generated by the membrane vibration is detectable. The carrier layer and the piezoelectric layer may be stacked or disposed on each other with parallel layer planes and should be directly or indirectly connected to each other. The aforementioned dicing lines preferably divide all the layers of the membrane structure.

[0020] To ensure good audiological quality, the diaphragm structure is advantageously designed to achieve a maximum deflection of 0.01 to 5 μm, preferably 5 μm, when the vibrating module is positioned as intended on the tympanic membrane convexity. This preferably overcomes the mechanical stiffness of approximately 1200 N / m at the tympanic membrane convexity (effective up to approximately 1 kHz). In this case, the force required for 5 μm is approximately 6 mN. At higher frequencies, stiffness increases, but simultaneously, hearing becomes more sensitive, thus reducing the required deflection.

[0021] The segments can be configured to achieve optimal impedance, particularly with respect to the length of the segments.

[0022] Particularly preferred is the realization of the membrane structure using thin-layer technology. Thin layers are advantageous because a high field is required to generate high energy density; however, due to the biological environment, the applied voltage should be as low as possible. The necessary energy density can be achieved in thin-layer membranes.

[0023] In particular, this allows for the fabrication of the piezoelectric layer according to the present invention using thin-layer technology. To fabricate the piezoelectric layer of the film structure, a piezoelectric material is applied to the thickness of the piezoelectric layer. Deposition techniques such as physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and sol-gel processes can be used for this application.

[0024] The piezoelectric layer preferably has a thickness of ≤20 μm, preferably ≤10 μm, particularly preferably ≤5 μm and / or ≥0.2 μm, preferably ≥1 μm, preferably ≥1.5 μm, and particularly preferably =2 μm. The electrode layer advantageously has a thickness of ≤0.5 μm, advantageously ≤0.2 μm, particularly preferably ≤0.1 μm and / or ≥0.02 μm, advantageously ≥0.05 μm, and particularly preferably ≥0.08 μm.

[0025] The thin layers of the sound transducer—both a silicon beam structure and a piezoelectric layer—ensure that only a small amount of mass moves due to the deflection of the beam. The resonant frequency of the vibration system of the described actuator variant is within the upper limit of the human hearing frequency bandwidth. Therefore, when the vibration module is placed on the tympanic membrane as intended, the circular window can be uniformly excited across the entire human frequency range.

[0026] The mechanical vibration of the sound transducer according to the present invention is thus generated based on the principle of elastic deformation of a bending beam, wherein the membrane or segments of the membrane can be considered as bending beams. By applying a voltage and the resulting electric field, the piezoelectric layer can be shortened or lengthened. This generates mechanical stress in the material composite made of the carrier layer and the piezoelectric layer, which causes the beam or membrane structure to bend upward in a shortened piezoelectric layer and causes a corresponding downward movement in the case of an elongated piezoelectric layer. Whether the piezoelectric layer lengthens or shortens depends on the polarization direction of the piezoelectric layer and the direction of the applied voltage or applied electric field.

[0027] In the case of a single-layer acoustic transducer, the carrier layer can support a single layer of piezoelectric material. Additionally, other components of the electrode layer structure are formed. Thus, the lower electrode can be applied directly to the silicon substrate or via a barrier layer, while conversely, the upper electrode can be placed on top of the piezoelectric layer. The polarization direction of the piezoelectric material is preferably perpendicular to the surface of the silicon structure. If a voltage is now applied between the upper and lower electrodes, creating an electric field, the piezoelectric material shortens or elongates in the longitudinal direction of the beam (depending on the sign of the voltage) due to the transverse piezoelectric effect, generating mechanical stress in the layer composite, and causing the beam structure to bend.

[0028] Preferably, the membrane structure has a circular or elliptical periphery. In particular, it is advantageous that the periphery of the membrane structure corresponds to the periphery of the tympanic membrane of the ear, such that the periphery line of the membrane structure travels approximately parallel to the periphery of the tympanic membrane when the sound transducer is placed. The membrane structure may have an n-angle periphery, wherein n is preferably ≥ 6.

[0029] Especially in the case of a circular perimeter, however, for other shapes of membrane structures, it is further preferred that the segmented cutting lines dividing the membrane surface extend radially from the edge of the membrane structure towards the center point. The cutting lines do not necessarily start directly from the edge, nor do they necessarily reach the center point; it is sufficient if the cutting lines travel from near the edge to near the center point. However, if the cutting lines do not reach the center point, the free area where the cutting lines end should exist at the center point, thus ensuring mechanical separation of the segments at the end facing the center point.

[0030] The segments can thus be configured to be disc-wedge shaped; therefore, they have two edges as side edges traveling at an angle to each other and an outer edge traveling parallel to the periphery of the membrane structure. At the opposite end of the side edges to the outer edge, these segments can travel together to a point or be cut, thereby forming a free region around the center point. At the edges, these segments can then be permanently arranged on the edge of the membrane structure and are independent of each other at the side edges, and if necessary, independent of each other at the edge facing the center point, so that they can vibrate freely around the outer edge. Maximum deflection therefore typically occurs at the edge of the segment facing the center point. The number of segments is preferably ≥6, particularly preferably ≥8.

[0031] The cutting line can travel radially straight, giving the segments straight radial edges.

[0032] However, radially extending cutting lines can also extend in a curved form, thus producing segments without straight radially extending edges. In particular, segments extending in the radial direction in an arched, wavy, or zigzag pattern can thus be formed. Many other geometries are also conceivable.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the membrane structure may be constituted by at least one helical cut line. The at least one cut line thus travels to create at least one helical segment, which preferably coils around the center point of the membrane structure. Multiple cut lines may also be provided, dividing the membrane structure to create two or more helical segments, which advantageously coil around the center point of the membrane structure and particularly preferably travel into each other.

[0034] To enable membrane structure oscillation and / or to tap voltage on the piezoelectric layer, at least one first electrode layer and at least one second electrode layer are arranged on the membrane structure, wherein the at least one piezoelectric layer is arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The electrode layer preferably covers the piezoelectric layer and is arranged on the piezoelectric layer or on top of the piezoelectric layer with parallel layer planes. The first or second electrode layer is preferably arranged between the carrier layer and the piezoelectric layer, such that the piezoelectric layer is arranged on top of an electrode layer on top of the carrier layer. The piezoelectric layer and the electrode layer are particularly preferably completely covering each other.

[0035] Compared to unstructured membranes, the use of segmented structures enables greater deflection because the beam elements can deform freely where they are separated by cut lines (e.g., at the center of the disk), and thus bend constantly in only one direction. In contrast, the deformation of a continuous membrane is characterized by a change in the direction of curvature, which results in less deflection.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the membrane structure has multiple piezoelectric layers stacked on top of each other with parallel surfaces, wherein an electrode layer is disposed between every two adjacent piezoelectric layers. The electrode layers and piezoelectric layers are thus alternately disposed on the carrier layer. The electrode layers and piezoelectric layers can be directly stacked on top of each other, connected to each other, or stacked on top of each other via one or more intermediate layers. This embodiment allows for the generation of vibrations with particularly large forces or power and enables the detection of vibrations with particularly high precision.

[0037] In this transducer modification, electrodes with different potentials alternate with piezoelectric layers in the layer structure. After the silicon structure, there is first a lower electrode, then a first piezoelectric layer, an electrode with the opposite potential, a second piezoelectric layer, an electrode with the lower electrode potential, and so on.

[0038] The polarization direction of each piezoelectric layer can be perpendicular to the surface of the film structure, as is the case in a monolayer transducer; however, for alternating piezoelectric layers, they face opposite directions. The electric field established between electrodes with opposite potentials and the alternating polarization directions of the piezoelectric layers ensure the mutual variation in the length of the entire layer structure, which in turn causes the silicon structure to bend.

[0039] The electrode layers are advantageously configured or in contact such that charges of different polarities can be applied to every two adjacent electrode layers. In this way, an electric field can be generated in the piezoelectric layer, extending from one electrode layer to the adjacent electrode layer in each case. In this manner, the electric field can penetrate the piezoelectric layer particularly uniformly. In the case of vibration detection, the voltages of different signs generated at the piezoelectric layer can preferably be tapped by adjacent electrode layers in each case.

[0040] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two strip-shaped, therefore elongated electrodes forming the electrode pair are arranged on the surface of the at least one piezoelectric layer or on the surface of a carrier layer, such that they extend parallel to the corresponding surfaces and preferably also parallel to each other. Charges of different polarities can be applied to the two electrodes of the electrode pair respectively, thereby forming an electric field between the electrodes of the electrode pair and this electric field at least partially penetrating the piezoelectric layer. If multiple electrode pairs are provided, an electrode field can also be formed between the electrodes of different polarities of adjacent electrode pairs, and this electrode field can penetrate the piezoelectric layer. In the case of vibration detection, the electrode pairs can tap or detect voltage.

[0041] The strip conductor structure of the strip electrode can preferably have a rectangular cross-section.

[0042] Particularly advantageously, multiple electrode pairs (each comprising two electrodes capable of being applied with different polarities) are arranged such that the electrodes of the multiple electrode pairs extend parallel to each other. The electrode pairs should therefore be further arranged such that charges of different polarities can be applied to two adjacent extending electrodes. In this way, an electric field penetrating the piezoelectric layer is formed between every two adjacent electrodes. With the arrangement of multiple electrode pairs as described herein, multiple electrodes exist on one surface of the piezoelectric layer or carrier layer and can extend parallel to each other and can be arranged adjacent to each other with alternating polarities.

[0043] In this case, the polarity of the piezoelectric material is non-uniformly distributed throughout the piezoelectric layer; conversely, the polarization direction extends from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, forming a linear field. During the operation of the transducer, when an AC potential is applied to the comb-shaped electrodes, an electric field is formed along the polarization direction of the piezoelectric material, causing the piezoelectric material to extend or shorten along this electric field. In this way, the entire piezoelectric layer elongates or shortens in the longitudinal direction of the beam, causing the silicon structure to bend upwards or downwards.

[0044] In this case, it is particularly advantageous that the electrodes extend additionally parallel to the edge of the membrane structure. If the membrane structure is circular, the electrodes are preferably arranged in concentric circles around the center point of the membrane structure. Correspondingly, in the case of an elliptical membrane structure, the electrodes are also preferably configured to be elliptical. The electrodes may each extend along the entire perimeter parallel to the perimeter of the membrane structure, or extend only along a portion of the perimeter, such that they have, for example, a circular arc cross-section shape.

[0045] Strip electrodes can be advantageously contacted via mutual conductors, wherein multiple electrodes can be contacted through a single mutual conductor. Therefore,

[0046] Multiple electrodes of one polarity can be connected to at least one first conductor, while an electrode of another polarity can be connected to at least one second conductor. To allow electrodes of different polarities to be arranged alternately, electrodes of different polarities assigned to different conductors can be comb-shaped and interlocked with each other. Thus, the conductors can be disconnected from their corresponding electrodes and extended, preferably radially, for example, in the case of circular electrodes.

[0047] In the case of the strip-shaped electrode implementation, the film structure can also be designed as multilayered. Multiple piezoelectric layers can also be stacked on top of each other, wherein the strip electrode can then extend between two adjacent piezoelectric layers. The arrangement of the electrodes thus corresponds to the arrangement on the surface of the piezoelectric layers described above. However, the film structure can also have at least one piezoelectric layer penetrated in one or more planes by the strip electrode or electrode pair. In this case, the electrodes of the electrode pair extend inside the corresponding piezoelectric layer. These different possibilities of arrangement also correspond to the possibilities of the arrangement described above on the surface of the piezoelectric layers.

[0048] This variant of the sound transducer features a thicker piezoelectric layer that, compared to previous solutions, can be penetrated by multiple comb-shaped electrodes. Polarization in the piezoelectric material travels again from the negative strip conductor electrode to the positive strip conductor electrode, forming a linear field. When a voltage is applied, an electric field is generated along the polarization direction, causing the piezoelectric material to extend or shorten along the field lines, and causing the beam structure to bend downwards or upwards.

[0049] In the case of helical segmentation, the strip electrodes can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the segment. In this case, a pair of electrodes is preferred.

[0050] The effectiveness and linearity of a piezoelectric transducer can be increased by applying a DC voltage to the actuator electrodes, while an AC voltage, which is an important factor in acoustic vibration, is superimposed on the actuator electrodes. This increases the polarization of the piezoelectric material, so a small change in voltage will cause a large change in force or deflection.

[0051] Because the acoustic transducer is used in potentially humid biological environments, it is advantageous that the voltage (especially DC voltage) applied to the electrodes is less than 5 volts, preferably less than 4.3 volts, and particularly preferably less than 1.3 volts. Alternatively or additionally, the electrodes may be encapsulated in a liquid-tight and / or electrically insulating manner, so that the electrodes do not come into contact with the optional fluid surrounding the acoustic transducer, or the transducer may be replaced periodically if it fails due to corrosion.

[0052] Because the piezoelectric effect in the relevant region is proportional to the strength of the electric field penetrating the material, a high field (calculated as the quotient of the applied voltage and the distance to the electrode in the homogeneous case) can be generated by using a very thin piezoelectric layer at a very small distance from the electrode, such that when the vibrating module is placed on the tympanic membrane as intended, the piezoelectric effect is sufficient to achieve the vibrational flexure and force required to excite the tympanic membrane.

[0053] The carrier layer may have or include silicon. Suitable piezoelectric materials, among others, include...

[0054] PbZrxTi1-xO3, where preferably 0.45 < x < 0.59, and particularly preferably having dopants such as La, Mg, Nb, Ta, Sr, etc., preferably with a concentration between 0.1 and 10%. Other solid solutions, including PbTiO3, such as Pb(Mg1 / 3,Nb2 / 3)O3, Pb(Sn1 / 3Nb2 / 3)O3, are also suitable. Possible materials also include: lead-free materials including KNbO3, NaNbO3; having dopants such as Li, Ta, etc.; containing bilayer piezoelectric layers; including aurivilius phases containing Ti, Ta, Nb; and in addition, perovskite phases such as BiFe3. Conventional thin-film materials such as AlN and ZnO are also possible.

[0055] Silicon as a carrier material for the piezoelectric layer enables the preparation of disk-shaped structures and pie-wedge-shaped bending beams using the structuring techniques of microsystem technology. Known and proven coating and etching methods can be used to prepare the beams, electrodes, and piezoelectric layers, such as sol-gel technology, sputtering methods, chemical etching, ion etching, etc. In addition, the methods of microsystem technology allow for parallelization in the manufacturing process: through one manufacturing process, multiple sound transducers can be prepared from one silicon wafer. This makes the preparation cost-effective.

[0056] The at least one piezoelectric layer advantageously has a thickness of ≤20 μm, advantageously ≤10 μm, particularly preferably ≤5 μm and / or ≥0.2 μm, advantageously ≥1 μm, preferably ≥1.5 μm, particularly preferably = 2 μm. Each electrode layer advantageously has a thickness of ≤0.5 μm, advantageously ≤0.2 μm, particularly preferably ≤0.1 μm and / or ≥0.02 μm, advantageously ≥0.05 μm, particularly preferably ≥0.08 μm. The diameter of the membrane structure is advantageously ≤4 mm, preferably ≤3 mm, particularly preferably ≤2 mm and / or ≥0.2 mm, advantageously ≥0.5 mm, preferably ≥1 mm, particularly preferably = 1.5 mm. A layer thickness of 0.7 μm has also proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0057] According to the invention, the sound transducer may also have multiple membrane structures as described above. These membrane structures are thus constructed identically and arranged on top of each other and parallel to each other, such that identical segments of the structure or the cutting lines of the membrane structure lie on top of each other. Identical segments can then be connected to each other, such that the deflection and / or force application of one segment is transmitted to adjacent segments. The membrane structures can thus be arranged on top of each other such that when a voltage of defined polarity is applied to the sound transducer, all segments deflect in the same direction. The membrane structures are thus oriented in the same way. In this case, a higher resultant force than that of a single membrane structure can be achieved. The membrane structures can also be stacked on top of each other, such that adjacent membrane structures are oriented in opposite directions, so that when a voltage of defined polarity is applied, adjacent membrane structures deflect in different directions. In this case, a greater total deflection than that of a single membrane structure can be achieved.

[0058] The membrane structure can preferably be divided on its surface by at least one cutting line, dividing all layers of the membrane structure into at least one segment, two segments, or more segments, such that the membrane structure is mechanically separated at the cutting line. Mechanical separation at the cutting line means that movement of the membrane structure on one side of the cutting line will not cause any movement on the other side, or will only cause very small movement, which would occur if a force were applied to the cutting line. If the membrane structure is divided into two or more segments, these segments can be formed, for example, by radially extending cutting lines. In this case, for example, the membrane structure itself can have a circular perimeter in the plane of the membrane structure, and the cutting line extends radially to this center point. All cutting lines are thus preferably mechanically separated at the center point.

[0059] If the membrane structure has only one cutting line, it can be particularly advantageous to extend in a spiral shape. In this case, the membrane structure can also advantageously have a circular perimeter.

[0060] The tympanic membrane contact mold is preferably at least partially connected to the edge of the flat acoustic transducer at its edge. This connection can be direct or via one or more additional components; however, a direct connection is preferred. Particularly preferred is that the flat acoustic transducer is connected to the tympanic membrane contact mold over its entire periphery. The flat acoustic transducer and the tympanic membrane contact mold can preferably have the same peripheral shape, such that the membrane structure and the tympanic membrane contact mold can be connected to each other over their entire edges.

[0061] In an advantageous embodiment, the flat acoustic transducer may have the described membrane or membrane structure, and a rigid edge surrounding the membrane or membrane structure. The edge may preferably travel along a surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold, which is oriented in the direction of the ear canal when the vibrating module is intended to be placed on and / or defined by that surface. However, the edge may advantageously have a thickness greater than that of the membrane or membrane structure.

[0062] The diaphragm contact mold can then be attached to the rigid edge of the flat sound transducer at least a portion of the edge, preferably along the entire length of the edge.

[0063] As described above, it is advantageous that the vibration module can rest entirely on the tympanic membrane without being supported, or only minimally supported, against the ear canal wall. For this purpose, it is preferred that the minimum diameter of the flat acoustic transducer and / or tympanic membrane contact mold is smaller than the minimum diameter of the tympanic membrane, and / or the maximum diameter of the flat acoustic transducer and / or tympanic membrane contact is smaller than the maximum diameter of the tympanic membrane. In this way, by proper alignment, the vibration module can rest entirely on the tympanic membrane without contacting its edges. Preferably, these dimensions can be modified individually to accommodate the size of the tympanic membrane of the ear in which the vibration module will be worn. However, these dimensions can also be modified to accommodate the average size of the tympanic membrane of a corresponding age group or a population classified in different ways. Advantageously, for example, the maximum diameter of the flat acoustic transducer and / or tympanic membrane contact mold can be less than or equal to 12 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 10 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 9 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 7 mm. Furthermore, the minimum diameter of the flat acoustic transducer and / or tympanic membrane contact shape can advantageously be greater than or equal to 3 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0064] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vibration module may have a vibration transmission element by which the vibrations of the flat acoustic transducer are transmitted to the tympanic membrane contact mold. Thus, the vibration transmission element can advantageously be connected to or abutted against the flat acoustic transducer on one side and against the tympanic membrane contact mold on the other. Specifically, the vibration transmission element may be connected to or abutted against the flat acoustic transducer at one location on its surface and against the tympanic membrane contact mold at another opposite location on its surface. In this embodiment of the invention, the vibration transmission element is particularly preferably connected to or abutted against the location of the flat acoustic transducer that experiences maximum deflection when a voltage is applied to the acoustic transducer or when the acoustic transducer is exposed to acoustic vibrations. Such a vibration transmission element can improve the transmission of vibrations generated by the acoustic transducer to the tympanic membrane contact mold and thus to the tympanic membrane. The vibration transmission element may partially or completely fill the internal volume.

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the internal volume may be partially or completely filled with a compressible or elastic vibration-transmitting material, or it may also be filled with an incompressible vibration-transmitting material. This can also improve the transmission of vibrations generated by the flat sound transducer to the diaphragm contact mold.

[0066] The following solution using vibration transmission elements and / or vibration transmission materials is particularly advantageous. It is advantageous to place the vibration transmission element within an internal volume, which is surrounded by air within the internal volume. Here, the vibration transmission element does not completely fill the internal volume, and a portion of the internal volume is filled with air.

[0067] This implementation is also advantageous, in which the vibration transmission element is disposed together with a compressible material (e.g., silicone foam) within the internal volume. In this case, the vibration transmission element fills a portion of the internal volume, and the compressible material fills the remaining internal volume.

[0068] Such an implementation is also possible, in which the vibration transmission element is used with an incompressible material. In this case, a balanced opening as described below is preferably provided, through which the incompressible material can be displaced.

[0069] This implementation is also advantageous, in which the internal volume is completely filled with incompressible vibration-transmitting material and no separate vibration-transmitting element is provided. Here, the opening described below may also be advantageous, especially when the resistance of the diaphragm to the vibration-transmitting material is less than the opening itself. The elastic modulus of the material should not be too low, i.e., the material should not be too soft. The specific size depends particularly on the size of the opening.

[0070] If, as described above, the flat acoustic transducer and the diaphragm contact mold enclose an internal volume, and if this internal volume is also partially or completely filled with a vibration-transmitting material, then it is advantageous that the flat acoustic transducer has a groove or opening, and / or that the surface of the diaphragm contact mold has a groove or opening on its surface. The opening or groove is thus arranged such that the vibration-transmitting material can be displaced therein. This is because when a position on the diaphragm or diaphragm contact mold is forcibly deflected to a position on the actuator surface by the vibration-transmitting element, the volume of displacement of the acoustic transducer does not naturally correspond to the volume swept by the diaphragm or diaphragm contact mold. Additional constraints will be introduced, which will impede movement and impose additional loads on the acoustic transducer. The balanced opening ensures that the deflection of the planar acoustic transducer during vibration is not impeded by the vibration-transmitting material. The groove or opening, or the groove itself, can be provided inside the surface of the flat acoustic transducer or diaphragm contact mold or on its walls, such that the opening or groove is defined on a portion of its periphery by the flat acoustic transducer or diaphragm contact mold, and on another portion of its periphery by the edge of the flat acoustic transducer or diaphragm contact mold. In other words, in this case, the internal volume is enclosed by the diaphragm contact mold, the sound transducer, and the opening or groove.

[0071] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vibration transmission element may also be formed as a portion of the vibration transmission material within the internal volume. In this case, for example, the vibration transmission material may completely fill the internal volume, but with different stiffnesses at different locations. The vibration transmission element can then be designed as a region of increased stiffness of this material. The stiffness of this region may preferably be greater than or equal to 1,000 N / m, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 10 kN / m, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 100 kN / m.

[0072] If a compressible material is provided, it is preferred that the compressible material has a much lower modulus of elasticity than the strut or a material with increased stiffness, preferably less than 10 times, and particularly preferably less than 100 times.

[0073] For example, the following implementation may be advantageous. The stiffness of the tympanic convexity is about 1,200 N / m. The vibration transmission element should therefore be advantageously equally stiff, and particularly preferably even stiffer. With ten times the stiffness of the tympanic convexity, the loss of vibrational energy transmitted from the sound transducer to the tympanic convexity is about 1 dB, which is one hundred times that of a stiffness of 0.1 dB. The greater the stiffness of the vibration transmission element, the lower the loss.

[0074] For example, acrylic resin is suitable as a material for vibration transmission elements. It has an elastic modulus of, for example, 1,300e6 Pa. For typical sizes, this results in a stiffness of 1.3e6 N / m, which is several orders of magnitude higher than the stiffness of a tympanic convexity.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibration transmission element can travel from the maximum deflection position of the flat sound transducer to the position where the tympanic membrane contacts the mold, a position less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, from the tympanic membrane protrusion and / or from the malleus when the vibration module is positioned as intended on the tympanic membrane. The distance between each edge of the vibration transmission element and the tympanic membrane protrusion or malleus can be considered this distance. Thus, this distance is the minimum distance between these edges.

[0076] The vibration transmission element can advantageously have a length greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, and / or less than or equal to 4 mm, preferably less than or equal to 3 mm, in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the flat sound transducer. The vibration transmission element can advantageously have a diameter smaller than that of the sound transducer on its side adjacent to the sound transducer, wherein this diameter is preferably less than or equal to 2 mm and / or greater than or equal to 0.5 mm. Advantageously, the cross-section of the vibration transmission element can be widened in the direction of the diaphragm contact mold in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vibration transmission element, thereby achieving a larger contact area between the vibration transmission element and the diaphragm contact mold.

[0077] Advantageously, the tympanic membrane contact mold has a surface facing away from the flat acoustic transducer, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the tympanic membrane surface facing the ear canal, or travels in a manner at least partially or completely parallel to the ear canal-facing tympanic membrane surface when the tympanic membrane contact mold is positioned on the tympanic membrane as intended. The tympanic membrane contact mold can also be designed to adapt to the surface when it is placed on the tympanic membrane. This variation can be chosen depending on the material of the tympanic membrane contact mold. If the material is not flexible but easy to model, the corresponding surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold can be modeled accordingly before insertion into the ear, such that the surface rests partially or completely on the tympanic membrane when the vibrating module is inserted into the ear. On the other hand, if the material is flexible, pre-modeling may not be necessary because the surface will adapt to the tympanic membrane contact mold when it is placed on the tympanic membrane surface. Such implementations are also possible, wherein the surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold follows the surface of the tympanic membrane at the highest level of detail, and a material is applied to the surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold, which adapts to the tympanic membrane when the vibration module is placed on the tympanic membrane, or wherein the tympanic membrane contact mold itself compensates for any remaining deviations by changing its shape.

[0078] This implementation is also advantageous, wherein the tympanic membrane contact mold has a very small thickness in the region abutting the tympanic membrane when used as intended, such that in this region it can only generate tension in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold. In this case, the tympanic membrane contact mold behaves like a membrane in this region. The thickness of the tympanic membrane contact mold in this region is preferably less than or equal to 500 μm, preferably less than or equal to 200 μm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 150 μm.

[0079] In an advantageous embodiment, the diaphragm contact mold may comprise or be composed of silicone resin.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibration module may have a layer resting on the surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold opposite to the sound transducer, this layer being designed to improve the adhesion of the tympanic membrane contact mold to the tympanic membrane. Such a layer may include, for example, white oil, grease, silicone oil, glycerin and / or paraffin wax, or be composed of white oil, grease, silicone oil, glycerin and / or paraffin wax. In this way, both good fit of the vibration module on the tympanic membrane and good vibration transmission are ensured.

[0081] The minimum distance between the flat sound transducer and the surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold facing away from the sound transducer is advantageously less than or equal to 2 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 1 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 400 μm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 200 μm.

[0082] It may be advantageous for the tympanic membrane contact mold to have a raised shape in the direction of the tympanic membrane, which maps the shape of the tympanic membrane, such that when the vibrating module is positioned as intended on the tympanic membrane, a thin gap with a width between 15 and 100 μm is formed between the tympanic membrane contact mold and the tympanic membrane surface facing the ear canal. When used as intended, this gap can be filled with a naturally available liquid or with an additionally introduced liquid (e.g., white oil). For this purpose, the tympanic membrane contact mold can have a correspondingly smaller shape.

[0083] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flat acoustic transducer can be cast into a tympanic membrane contact mold at its edge or glued into a groove in the tympanic membrane contact mold. In this way, the flat acoustic transducer can thus be inserted into the tympanic membrane contact mold, thereby defining, in particular, the outer edge of the vibrating module by means of the tympanic membrane contact mold. In this case, the maximum dimension of the vibrating module in the plane of the acoustic transducer is determined by the dimension of the tympanic membrane contact mold in that plane. The groove in the tympanic membrane contact mold in which the flat acoustic transducer is inserted can preferably travel along or around the edge of the tympanic membrane contact mold.

[0084] Preferably, the flat sound transducer can be in a monolithic form, i.e., formed from a basic structure made of a single material, wherein the sound transducer is formed by removing material and / or adding firmly adhered material, wherein all movable elements are realized through solid joints. In particular, it may be advantageous to add materials different from those forming the basic structure when designing a monolithic sound transducer.

[0085] To simplify the orientation of the vibrating module on the tympanic membrane, it is advantageous to apply a mark to the vibrating module that allows it to be angularly aligned about an axis perpendicular to the sound transducer. Advantageously, the mark can be provided such that, when arranged as intended, it travels parallel to or at a defined angle to the longitudinal axis of the malleus or body. Preferably, the mark should be applied such that it is visible when observing the sound transducer, and thus identifiable when the vibrating module is positioned on the tympanic membrane. Cables attached to the sound transducer and extending at a specific angle can also be used as marks.

[0086] Furthermore, the method described in this invention is specified for preparing the vibration module as described above. This results in the preparation of a flat sound transducer and a tympanic membrane contact mold.

[0087] Preferably, in the first step, the geometry of the tympanic membrane surface can be recorded, the lowest point and / or position of the malleus can be determined from the recorded geometry, a negative shape can be made from the recorded geometry, and a tympanic membrane contact mold can be made from this negative shape. Forming a negative shape is not necessary, as silicone molds can also be prepared directly from silicone resin, for example, in a 3D printing process. Attached Figure Description

[0088] In the following description, the invention will be illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding features. The features described in the embodiments may also be implemented independently of a particular embodiment and may be combined among different embodiments.

[0089] In the attached diagram:

[0090] Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the vibration module of the present invention,

[0091] Figure 2 According to another embodiment of the vibration module of the present invention,

[0092] Figure 3 According to another embodiment of the vibration module of the present invention,

[0093] Figure 4 According to another embodiment of the vibration module of the present invention,

[0094] Figure 5 According to another embodiment of the vibration module of the present invention,

[0095] Figure 6 is a top view of two embodiments of the vibration module according to the present invention, and

[0096] Figure 7 A top view of another embodiment of the vibration module according to the present invention.

[0097] Figure 8 A top view of an exemplary sound transducer with a segmented membrane surface. Detailed Implementation

[0098] Figure 1 A vibration module 111 according to the present invention is shown, which is disposed on a tympanic membrane 1. In the illustrated embodiment, a narrow gap 14 is formed between the vibration module 111 and the tympanic membrane 1, in which a layer for improving the adhesion of the vibration module 111 to the tympanic membrane 1 can be provided. This adhesive layer can be considered as part of the tympanic membrane module 111. For example, the adhesive layer may include white oil, grease, silicone oil, glycerin, paraffin, or similar materials, or be composed of white oil, grease, silicone oil, glycerin, paraffin, or similar materials.

[0099] The tympanic membrane module 111 has a flat sound transducer 3 and a tympanic membrane contact mold 2 for contacting the tympanic membrane 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the flat sound transducer 3 and the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 enclose an internal volume 4.

[0100] The flat sound transducer 3 has a membrane structure 3a as part of its surface. This membrane structure may have a carrier layer and at least one piezoelectric layer disposed on the carrier layer, wherein the piezoelectric layer comprises at least one piezoelectric material. For example, a voltage can be applied to the membrane structure 3a via two wires 15a and 15b, by which the voltage can excite the membrane structure 3a to vibrate at least partially. A possible preferred, but not essential, embodiment of the wires is a bonding wire or flexible printed circuit board having a conductive component based on gold, platinum, copper, aluminum, iridium, or a combination of these materials. For electrical insulation, these wires may be surrounded by an electrically insulating material (such as, for example, polyimide, parylene, liquid crystal polymer, silicone, or other materials).

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 has a surface facing away from the sound transducer 3, which follows the ear canal-facing surface of the tympanic membrane 1, i.e., travels substantially parallel to the ear canal-facing surface of the tympanic membrane. Therefore, the vibrating module 111 having this surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 can be placed on the tympanic membrane 1. The tympanic membrane contact mold 2 is connected at its edge to the edge 3b of the flat sound transducer 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the sound transducer 3 and the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 are connected to each other over their respective peripheries. The tympanic membrane contact mold 2 is thus designed such that it is as thin as a membrane or film where it lies above the membrane structure 3a, so that it resists forces substantially only in the surface direction of this region of the tympanic membrane contact mold, rather than forces acting perpendicular to its surface. The thin region of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 is integrally incorporated at its edge into a step in the direction of the sound transducer 3, the edge 3b of which rests on the surface of the step facing the sound transducer 3. In the direction of the edge, the step terminates at the inner wall of the edge of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2, and the outer wall of the edge 3b of the sound transducer 3 abuts against this inner wall. The dimensions of the edge of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 are determined such that the edge 3b of the sound transducer 3 is completely enclosed by the edge of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2. In this way, the sound transducer 3 is enclosed by the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 and inserted into the corner formed by the inner wall of the edge of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 and the step. Like the corresponding wall of the edge 3b of the sound transducer 3, the inner wall and the surface of the step form a right angle in this embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall of the edge of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 protrudes slightly beyond the edge 3b of the sound transducer in the direction of the ear canal. The edge 3b of the sound transducer 3 protrudes slightly inward in the radial direction from the surface of the step. These protrusions are features of the illustrated embodiment but are not essential, and therefore the embodiment can also be implemented without these protrusions. The edge region of the actuator can also be partially enclosed by the tympanic membrane contact mold.

[0102] The surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 facing the tympanic membrane 1 follows the surface shape of the tympanic membrane 1 up to the outermost edge of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2. In this way, the vibration module 111 can be placed completely on the tympanic membrane 1, possibly via an intermediate layer or adhesive layer in the gap 14.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 3b of the sound transducer 3 has a greater thickness than the membrane structure 3a in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the sound transducer 3. Therefore, the edge 3b can stabilize the sound transducer 3.

[0104] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the internal space 4 is completely filled with a vibration transmission material, through which the vibration of the membrane structure 3a can be transmitted to the diaphragm contact mold 2. The stiffness of the vibration transmission material can advantageously be heterogeneous, resulting in regions within the internal volume 4 with an increase in stiffness, for example, greater than or equal to 100 kN / m.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 is determined by the shape of the tympanic membrane 1. The surface of the tympanic membrane 1 facing the ear canal is at its maximum distance from the imaginary flat surface spanned by the edge of the tympanic membrane on the tympanic membrane protrusion 10. In the illustrated embodiment, this surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 facing the tympanic membrane 1 is therefore at its maximum distance from the surface of the membrane structure 3a on the tympanic membrane protrusion 10.

[0106] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the vibration module 111 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the vibration module is placed directly on the tympanic membrane 1. The design of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 and the sound transducer 3 is as follows. Figure 1 As shown, the explanation in that figure should be consulted. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration transmission element 6 (in the form of a strut 6) is arranged in the internal volume 4, extending elongatedly from the membrane structure 3a to the surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 facing the sound transducer 3, and connected to or abutting the membrane structure 3a on one side and connected to or abutting the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 on the opposite side. The vibration transmission element preferably abuts this point on the membrane structure 3a, where it vibrates with the greatest deflection when a voltage is applied. Advantageously, on the portion of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2, the vibration transmission element 6 abuts the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 in the region above the tympanic membrane 10. In all embodiments, it is preferred that the stiffness of the vibration transmission element 6 is greater than the stiffness of the tympanic membrane convexity, which is 1,200 N / m. The vibration transmission element preferably has a stiffness greater than or equal to 10 kN / m, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 100 kN / m.

[0107] The strut 6 may have a length, for example, between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, in a direction perpendicular to the sound transducer 3. The diameter of the strut 6 is preferably smaller than the diameter of the membrane structure 3a and is particularly advantageously less than or equal to 2 mm and / or greater than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0108] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the region of internal volume 4 that lacks the vibration transmission element 6 is filled with a soft, elastic material. This soft material can have a much lower elastic modulus than the vibration transmission element 6. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration transmission element 6 extends to the front of the inner surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2, such that there is a gap between the surface of the vibration transmission element 6 facing the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 and the inner surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2, in which a soft material can be present.

[0109] The stiffness of the vibration transmission element 6 is preferably at least 10 times greater than that of the soft material.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration transmission element 6 is initially cylindrical, starting from the membrane structure 3a and then widening in the direction of the tympanic membrane contact mold before its end. Therefore, the surface of the vibration transmission element 6 facing the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 is larger than the cross-section of the vibration transmission element 6 in the region facing the sound transducer 3. The shape of this surface of the vibration transmission element 6 facing the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 follows the shape of the inner surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 in the region opposite to the surface of the vibration transmission element 6.

[0111] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the vibration module according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 The design of the illustrated embodiment and Figure 2 The illustrated embodiments are similar in design, but differ in the following ways. Figure 2 In this case, the vibration transmission element 6 is adjacent to the membrane structure 3a in a region of its constant cross-sectional surface. In contrast, in... Figure 3 In this process, the cross-sectional surface of the vibration transmission element 6 extends from a region of constant cross-section in the direction of the membrane structure 3a to maximize surface abutment with the membrane structure. For example, this extension can be induced by the vibration transmission element 6 in its... Figure 2 The configuration shown is embedded in a material located on the membrane structure 3a, which surrounds the vibration transmission element 6.

[0112] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a narrow distance exists between the surface of the vibration transmission element 6 facing the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 and the inner surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the gap is filled with material 7, which can also be considered part of the vibration transmission element 6. In this case, Figure 2 The vibration transmission element 6 in the configuration shown contacts the mold 2 via the diaphragm adjacent to the material 7.

[0113] Materials 5 and 7 may include, for example, an adhesive for connecting the vibration transmission element to the sound transducer or diaphragm contact mold, or said adhesive, such as silicone resin, epoxy resin, cyanoacrylate and / or rubber.

[0114] The area of ​​internal volume 4 that was not filled by vibration transmission element 6 and materials 5 and 7 is sequentially filled with soft material, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The sound transducer 3 and the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 are also designed as follows. Figure 2 As shown.

[0115] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the vibration module according to the present invention is shown. Except for the following differences, Figure 4 The design of the vibration module 111 shown is as follows: Figure 3 Similar to what is shown.

[0116] exist Figure 3 In the middle, the internal volume 4 is filled with soft material where there is no vibration transmission element 6 and materials 5 and 7; while in the middle Figure 4 In this section, the area with internal volume 4 is either empty or filled with air. The vibration transmission element 6, the sound transducer 3, and the diaphragm contact mold 2 are as follows... Figure 2 The configuration is shown in the diagram, so please refer to the description in that diagram. Figure 4 The design of materials 5 and 7 is as follows Figure 3 As shown, therefore, it should be referred to Figure 3 The description.

[0117] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the vibration module 111 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 has an edge adjacent to a thin or membrane-like region with a straight inner wall. The sound transducer 3 abuts its outer edge against the inner wall of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 and is inserted into an opening surrounded by the edge of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2 up to the membrane-like region of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2.

[0118] A vibration transmission element 6 is then arranged between the sound transducer 3 and the diaphragm contact mold 2, the vibration transmission element 6 traveling from the point of maximum deflection of the membrane structure 3a to the point on the diaphragm contact mold 2 where it is positioned above the diaphragm convexity when the vibration module is intended to be arranged on the diaphragm 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal volume 4 is filled with a soft, substantially incompressible material. If the membrane structure 3a now deflects to the deflection position indicated by 12 during vibration, the membrane structure 3a displaces the incompressible material. Figure 5In the embodiment shown, the vibration module 111 has an opening 9 in the surface of the sound transducer 3 into which incompressible material can be displaced.

[0119] Figure 5 The superposition of two phases of vibration of membrane structure 3a is shown. In the following text, the first phase will be referred to as the phase in which membrane structure 3a is not flexed (i.e., flat), while the second phase is the phase in which membrane structure 3a has the shape marked 12, which is regarded here as the phase of maximum flex.

[0120] As can be seen, in the second stage, the vibration transmission element 6 shifts to position 6b, thereby transforming the diaphragm contact mold 2 into shape 2b, which then acts on the diaphragm 1. Simultaneously, the incompressible material undergoes displacement and thus has an outwardly curved surface 8b in the region of the opening 9. Conversely, in the undeformed state of the membrane structure 3a, the surface of the material 8 is flat.

[0121] The volume swept by membrane structure 3a between the unflexed state and the flexed state 12 is generally different from the volume swept by diaphragm contact mold 2 between the unflexed state and the flexed state 2b. Therefore, the incompressible filler material in the internal volume 4 is partially displaced into the opening 9 and causes surface deformation of the filler material at the opening 9.

[0122] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiments, the vibration transmission element 6 is substantially perpendicular to the center of the membrane structure 3a or the region near the center, because in these configurations the center of the membrane structure 3a is substantially directly below the tympanic convexity 10. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 9, the location of maximum deflection of the membrane structure 3a can, in some cases, deviate from the center of the opening formed by the edge of the diaphragm contacting the mold 2. This is in Figure 5 As shown in the figure. If the vibration transmission element 6 is also adjacent to the membrane structure 3a in the region of maximum deflection, then the longitudinal direction of the vibration transmission element 6 forms an angle not equal to 90° with the plane in which the membrane structure 3a extends.

[0123] Figure 6 shows the subgraphs A and B. Figure 5 The images show two top views of an embodiment of the vibration module according to the present invention, but with openings 9 in different positions.

[0124] As can be seen, the vibration module 111, the diaphragm contact mold 2, and the sound transducer 3 have approximately circular circumferences. The hammer 11 is shown in dashed lines because it is not actually visible in the top view shown, but is shown here for orientation. Figure 6AIn the embodiment shown, the opening 9 is designed to be circular and is entirely located within the surface of the membrane structure of the sound transducer 3. The edge of the opening 9 is therefore formed by the membrane structure 3a over its entire length.

[0125] exist Figure 6B In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 9 is designed as a groove in the edge of the membrane structure 3a of the sound transducer 3. Therefore, a portion of the edge of the opening 9 is formed by the membrane structure 3a, while another portion of the opening edge is formed by the edge of the diaphragm contact mold 2. The opening can also be formed by an edge that deviates from a circular shape.

[0126] Figure 7 Another exemplary vibration module 111 according to the present invention is shown. A top view of the surface of the membrane structure 3a of the sound transducer 3 is also shown. The malleus 11 is again drawn in dashed lines here because it is not actually visible in this top view. In the illustrated embodiment, the sound transducer 111 is arranged on the tympanic membrane 1. In many embodiments of the invention, it is advantageous or necessary to arrange the vibration module correctly oriented on the tympanic membrane 1 about an axis perpendicular to the membrane structure 3a. To simplify this alignment, it is advantageous to provide at least one mark 16 on the surface of the sound transducer 3 facing away from the tympanic membrane contact mold 2, which may point in the direction of, for example, the longitudinal axis of the malleus 11. The malleus is typically presented through or pushes itself across the opaque tympanic membrane and reflected in the surface shape, and is therefore generally identifiable through the ear canal.

[0127] Figure 8 An embodiment of a sound transducer 3 that can be used in the vibration module 111 according to the present invention is shown.

[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, the sound transducer 3 has a circular periphery. Typically, the peripheral shape of the sound transducer 3 preferably matches the peripheral shape of the tympanic membrane contact mold 2. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the sound transducer 3 has a membrane structure 3a defined by a circular edge 3b.

[0129] The membrane structure 3a is thus divided into segments 88a, 88b, and 88c by cutting lines 89a, 89b, and 89c. Cutting lines 89a, 89b, and 89c are thus configured such that they divide all the layers of the membrane structure 3a. Segments 88a, 88b, and 88c are therefore mechanically separated at cutting lines 89a, 89b, and 89c. Segments 88a, 88b, and 88c are permanently arranged on their outer edges. Segments 88a, 88b, and 88c therefore have a disc wedge shape and are flexible at their points.

[0130] The membrane structure 3a may thus have a carrier layer and at least one piezoelectric layer disposed on the carrier layer and having at least one piezoelectric material, such that vibration of the membrane structure 3a can be generated by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric layer.

[0131] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, segments 88a, 88b, and 88c vibrate due to the application of such voltage, etc., with their points facing the center of the circle.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the membrane structure of the sound transducer 3 is divided into six segments. For example, the membrane structure 3a is divided into segments 88a, 88b, and 88c by cutting lines 89a, 89b, and 89c that divide all layers of the membrane structure 3a on its surface, such that the membrane structure is mechanically separated at the cutting lines 89a, 89b, and 89c. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting lines travel radially to the center point of the sound transducer 3 and intersect at the center point, such that all segments (e.g., segments 88a, 88b, and 88c) are mechanically separated at the center point. With explicit reference to the fact that the number of segments (e.g., segments 88a, 88b, and 88c), the number of cutting lines 89a, 89b, and 89c, and the shapes of the cutting lines 89a, 89b, and 89c and the segments (e.g., segments 88a, 88b, and 88c) can be implemented in a variety of other ways. For example, spiral cutting lines are also possible.

Claims

1. A vibration module for direct placement on a tympanic membrane, comprising: a flat sound transducer, and a tympanic membrane contact mold for contacting the tympanic membrane directly or via at least one intermediate layer, wherein the flat sound transducer and the tympanic membrane contact mold enclose an inner volume, the tympanic membrane contact mold being at least partially connected to an edge of the flat sound transducer at its edge.

2. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The flat sound transducer has a membrane structure as part of its surface, wherein the membrane structure has at least one carrier layer and at least one piezoelectric layer, the piezoelectric layer being arranged on the carrier layer and having at least one piezoelectric material, and the membrane structure is designed such that it can be excited to at least partially vibrate by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric layer.

3. The vibration module of claim 2, wherein, The membrane structure is divided at the surface by at least one cutting line, the at least one cutting line dividing all layers of the membrane structure into at least one segment, such that the membrane structure is mechanically separated at the cutting line.

4. The vibration module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The flat sound transducer has a rigid edge around the membrane structure, wherein the tympanic membrane contact mold is connected to the rigid edge of the flat sound transducer over at least a portion of the edge of the flat sound transducer.

5. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The flat sound transducer has a membrane and a rigid edge around the membrane, wherein the tympanic membrane contact mold is connected to the rigid edge of the flat sound transducer over at least a portion of the edge of the flat sound transducer.

6. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The flat sound transducer and / or the tympanic membrane contact mold has a minimum diameter that is smaller than a minimum diameter of the tympanic membrane.

7. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The flat sound transducer and / or the tympanic membrane contact mold has a maximum diameter that is smaller than a maximum diameter of the tympanic membrane.

8. The vibration module of claim 7, wherein, The maximum diameter of the flat sound transducer and / or the tympanic membrane contact mold is less than or equal to 12 mm.

9. The vibration module of claim 6, wherein, The minimum diameter of the flat sound transducer and / or the tympanic membrane contact mold is greater than or equal to 3 mm.

10. The vibration module of claim 1, further comprising a vibration transmission element connected to or against the flat sound transducer at one location of its surface and connected to or against the eardrum contact mold at another location of its surface, wherein, The vibration transmission element partially or completely fills the inner volume.

11. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The inner volume is partially or completely filled with a vibration transmission material.

12. The vibration module of claim 11, wherein, The flat sound transducer has a recess and / or the tympanic membrane contact mold has a recess in its surface, the recess being arranged such that the vibration transmission material can be displaced into the recess.

13. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, A vibration transmission element is formed in the inner volume as a local area of vibration transmission material, in which the vibration transmission material has an increased stiffness.

14. The vibration module of claim 13, wherein, The stiffness is greater than or equal to 1000 N / m.

15. The vibration module of claim 14, wherein, The stiffness is greater than or equal to 10 kN / m.

16. The vibration module of claim 15, wherein, The stiffness is greater than or equal to 100 kN / m.

17. The vibration module of claim 10, wherein, The vibration transmission element travels from a maximum deflection point of the flat sound transducer to a point of the tympanic membrane contact mold, which is located at a distance of less than 5 mm from the tympanic convex and / or from the malleus, when the vibration module is arranged as intended on the tympanic membrane.

18. The vibration module of claim 17, wherein, The point of the tympanic membrane contact mold is located at a distance of less than or equal to 2 mm and greater than or equal to 0.01 mm from the tympanic convex and / or from the malleus.

19. The vibration module of claim 17, wherein, The point of the tympanic membrane contact mold is located at a distance of more than 1 mm from the tympanic membrane convexity and / or from the malleus.

20. The vibration module of claim 17, wherein, The point of the tympanic membrane contact mold is located at a distance of 1.5 mm from the tympanic membrane convexity and / or from the malleus.

21. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The tympanic membrane contact mold has a surface facing away from the flat sound transducer, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the ear canal-facing surface of the tympanic membrane, or which is itself adapted to the ear canal-facing surface of the tympanic membrane.

22. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The tympanic membrane contact mold has a very small thickness in the area that, when used as intended, lies against the tympanic membrane, so that the tympanic membrane contact mold can only form tension in the area in a direction parallel to the surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold.

23. The vibration module of claim 22, wherein, The thickness is less than or equal to 500 μm.

24. The vibration module of claim 23, wherein, The thickness is less than or equal to 200 μm.

25. The vibration module of claim 24, wherein, The thickness is less than or equal to 150 μm.

26. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The tympanic membrane contact mold contains silicone.

27. The vibration module according to claim 1, having a layer on the surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold facing away from the sound transducer to improve adhesion to the tympanic membrane.

28. The vibration module of claim 27, wherein, The layer comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of white oil, fat, silicone oil, glycerol and paraffin.

29. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The minimum distance between the flat sound transducer and the surface of the tympanic membrane contact mold facing away from the sound transducer is less than or equal to 1 mm.

30. The vibration module of claim 29, wherein, The minimum distance is less than or equal to 500 μm.

31. The vibration module of claim 30, wherein, The minimum distance is less than or equal to 200 μm.

32. The vibration module of claim 31, wherein, The minimum distance is less than or equal to 150 μm.

33. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The flat sound transducer is cast into the tympanic membrane contact mold at its edge, or wherein The flat sound transducer is glued into a recess in the tympanic membrane contact mold, wherein the recess runs along or around the edge of the tympanic membrane contact mold.

34. The vibration module of claim 1, wherein, The surface of the flat sound transducer, in which the flat sound transducer extends flat, extends over the entire extent of the tympanic membrane contact mold, with the exception of those areas that are used to hold and / or connect the flat sound transducer to the tympanic membrane contact mold.

35. A method for manufacturing the vibration module according to claim 1, wherein, A flat sound transducer and a tympanic membrane contact mold are prepared. A flat sound transducer and a tympanic membrane contact mold are prepared.

Images