Hearing device
By designing a rotatably attached first earpiece in the hearing device, the difficulties of existing headphones in the shape and angle of the ears are solved, and flexible adaptation to different users and comfort for long-term wear are achieved. .
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202280096649.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing headphones have difficulties adapting ear shapes and angles to different users, and wearing them for a long time can lead to discomfort and stress.
A hearing device is designed, wherein the first earpiece is attached to the first end of the earpiece support by a first pivot hinge such that the distance from the pivot hinge to the main surface of the first earpiece is about 5 mm to 15 Within the range of mm, the first earpiece is allowed to rotate relative to the earpiece support, adapting to the user's ear angle.
It realizes flexible adaptation to the ear angles of different users, reduces pressure and discomfort during wearing, and ensures the stability and comfort of the ear tube, so that users can wear it for a long time without feeling tired.
Smart Images
Figure CN119404517A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a hearing device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a hearing device configured to be worn on a user's head and comprising a first earpiece and an earpiece support. Background Art
[0002] In the past few years, various types of headphones have been developed. One popular type of headset includes a pair of headphones and a headband connecting the pair of headphones. Another popular type of headset includes a headset and a headband. The user of such a headset wears the headband on her / his head and arranges one or more headphones at her / his ears, respectively. However, such a headset may not be suitable for different users because users may have different ear shapes, such as different ear angles relative to their faces. In addition, users of such a headset may find it uncomfortable to wear the headset continuously for a long time because the headset may put pressure on the user's ears and head. Therefore, there is a need for an improved hearing device that solves the above problems. Summary of the invention
[0003] A hearing device is disclosed. The hearing device is configured to be worn on a user's head. The hearing device includes a first earpiece. The first earpiece is configured to be worn at a first ear of the user. The first earpiece includes a main surface. The main surface of the first earpiece is configured to face the first ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position. The hearing device also includes an earpiece support. The earpiece support is configured to rest on the user's head. The earpiece support has a first end and a second end. The first earpiece is pivotally attached to the first end of the earpiece support by means of a first pivot hinge, such that a distance (A) from the first pivot hinge to the main surface of the first earpiece is in the range of about 5 mm to 15 mm. Thereby, when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, a uniformly distributed clamping force is applied to the main surface of the first earpiece.
[0004] The hearing device may be a mono hearing device comprising one earpiece. The hearing device may be a mono headset comprising one earpiece. The first earpiece may be an ear-worn receiver or a head-worn receiver. The first earpiece may be configured to be arranged at the user's ear, on the user's ear, behind the user's ear, or around the user's ear. The first earpiece may be configured to be arranged in contact with the user's ear. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the main surface of the first earpiece may partially cover the user's ear. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the main surface of the first earpiece may completely cover the user's ear. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the main surface of the first earpiece may also cover a portion of the user's skin around the ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position.
[0005] The first earpiece may include an output transducer, such as a speaker. The first earpiece may include a signal processor. The first earpiece may include a control unit. The first earpiece may include an antenna. The first earpiece may include an input transducer, such as a microphone. The first earpiece may include a rechargeable battery. The first earpiece may include a wired connection. The first earpiece may include an active noise cancellation (ANC) unit. The first earpiece may include a proximity sensor, such as for on-ear / off-ear detection. The first earpiece may include an accelerometer. The first earpiece may include a biometric sensor. The first earpiece may include a wireless charging circuit / coil. The first earpiece may include a housing so that the output transducer, the signal processor, the control unit, the antenna, the input transducer, the rechargeable battery, the wired connection, the ANC unit, the proximity sensor, the accelerometer, the biometric sensor, and the wireless charging circuit / coil may be arranged inside the housing.
[0006] The earpiece support may be a headband. The earpiece support may be made of any material. For example, the earpiece support may be made of any one or any combination of polymer, plastic, and metal. The earpiece support may be flexible. The earpiece support may be rigid.
[0007] The first earpiece is pivotably attached to the first end of the earpiece support by means of a first pivot hinge. Hence, this allows the first earpiece to rotate relative to the earpiece support and thus provides an improved mono hearing device in terms of flexibility and comfort. This is because the first earpiece rotates relative to the earpiece support and thus can be adapted to the angle of the user's ear. Thus, the hearing device is adapted to different user's ear angles relative to the earpiece support.
[0008] The distance (A) from the first pivot hinge to the main surface of the first earpiece is in the range of about 5 mm to 15 mm. The distance (A) from the first pivot hinge to the main surface of the first earpiece is in the range of about 7 mm to 13 mm. The distance (A) from the first pivot hinge to the main surface of the first earpiece is in the range of about 9 mm to 11 mm. This distance (A) is shorter than in conventional hearing devices where the distance is 25 mm to 50 mm. The distance (A) of about 5 mm to 15 mm allows the first pivot hinge, i.e. the center of rotation of the first earpiece, to be moved closer to the main surface of the first earpiece. Thus, the distance (A) of about 5 mm to 15 mm allows an even more flexible and comfortable mono hearing device to be provided. Furthermore, the distance (A) of about 5 mm to 15 mm allows an even better fit to be provided for different users, e.g. a more secure fit with an improved seal between the main surface of the first earpiece and the ear of the user. Hence, a distance (A) of about 5 mm to 15 mm allows an even distribution of the clamping force and thus an even distribution of pressure to be exerted on the main surface of the first earpiece when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position.
[0009] An example of the advantage of such a secure fit with improved sealing is that the mono hearing device stays stably on the user's ear, i.e. does not slip or fall off, even when the user of the mono hearing device bends forwards, backwards or rotates her / his head. Another example of the advantage of such a secure fit with improved sealing is that there is no need to increase the clamping force on the main surface of the first earpiece, for example by making a tighter earpiece support, because the inventive concept allows to provide sufficient clamping force and sufficient rotational torque for the first earpiece. The advantage of having sufficient clamping force, having sufficient rotational torque and having an evenly distributed clamping force applied to the main surface of the first earpiece when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position is that the user may not feel that she / he is wearing the hearing device. Therefore, the user can, for example, wear the mono hearing device for a longer period of time without feeling tired.
[0010] In an embodiment, the hearing device may be arranged at, on, behind, or at the user's ear, ie the hearing device is configured to be worn on, behind, and / or at the user's ear.
[0011] The hearing device may be hearable, such as a headset, a hearing aid, a personal sound amplification product (PSAP), an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing device, a hearing protection device, a one-size-fits-all hearing device, a custom hearing device, or other head-mounted hearing device.
[0012] The hearing device may be configured for audio communication, for example enabling a user to listen to media such as music or radio, and / or enabling a user to conduct a telephone call. The hearing device may be configured to perform hearing compensation for the user. The hearing device may be configured to perform noise cancellation, etc.
[0013] Hearing devices may be implemented in a variety of housing styles or form factors.
[0014] Some of these form factors are on-ear headsets or behind-the-ear headsets. The skilled person is familiar with different kinds of hearing devices and different options for arranging the hearing device on, behind and / or at the ear of a hearing device wearer. A hearing device (or a pair of hearing devices) may be custom-fit, standard-fit, open-fit and / or closed-fit.
[0015] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include one or more input transducers. The one or more input transducers may include one or more microphones. The one or more input transducers may include one or more vibration sensors configured to detect bone vibrations. The one or more input transducers may be configured to convert the acoustic signal into a first electrical input signal. The first electrical input signal may be an analog signal. The first electrical input signal may be a digital signal. The one or more input transducers may be coupled to one or more analog-to-digital converters configured to convert the analog first input signal into a digital first input signal.
[0016] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include one or more antennas configured for wireless communication. The one or more antennas may include an electrical antenna. The electrical antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a first frequency. The first frequency may be above 800 MHz, preferably with a wavelength between 900 MHz and 6 GHz. The first frequency may be between 902 MHz and 928 MHz. The first frequency may be between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. The first frequency may be between 5.725 GHz and 5.875 GHz. The one or more antennas may include a magnetic antenna. The magnetic antenna may include a magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may include a coil. The coil may be wound around the magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a second frequency. The second frequency may be below 100 MHz. The second frequency may be between 9 MHz and 15 MHz.
[0017] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include one or more wireless communication units. The one or more wireless communication units may include one or more wireless receivers, one or more wireless transmitters, one or more transmitter-receiver pairs and / or one or more transceivers. At least one of the one or more wireless communication units may be coupled to one or more antennas. The wireless communication unit may be configured to convert a wireless signal received by at least one of the one or more antennas into a second electrical input signal. The hearing device may be configured for wired / wireless audio communication, for example to enable a user to listen to media such as music or radio and / or to enable a user to perform a telephone call.
[0018] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include a processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to process the first and / or second electrical input signal. The processing may include performing feedback cancellation, beamforming, tinnitus reduction / masking, noise reduction, noise cancellation, speech recognition, bass adjustment, treble adjustment and / or user input processing. The processing unit may be a processor, an integrated circuit, an application, a functional module, etc. The processing unit may be implemented in a signal processing chip or a printed circuit board (PCB). The processing unit may be configured to provide a first electrical output signal based on the processing of the first and / or second electrical input signal. The processing unit may be configured to provide a second electrical output signal. The second electrical output signal may be based on the processing of the first and / or second electrical input signal.
[0019] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include an output transducer. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit. The output transducer may be a receiver. It should be noted that in this context, the receiver may be a loudspeaker, and the wireless receiver may be a device configured to process wireless signals. The receiver may be configured to convert the first electrical output signal into an acoustic output signal. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit via a magnetic antenna.
[0020] In an embodiment, the wireless communication unit may be configured to convert the second electrical output signal into a wireless output signal. The wireless output signal may include synchronization data. The wireless communication unit may be configured to transmit the wireless output signal via at least one of the one or more antennas.
[0021] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the first electrical output signal, the second electrical output signal and / or the wireless output signal into an analog signal.
[0022] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include a power supply. The power supply may include a battery providing a first voltage. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a replaceable battery. The power supply may include a power management unit. The power management unit may be configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage. The power supply may include a charging coil. The charging coil may be provided by a magnetic antenna.
[0023] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise memory, including both volatile and non-volatile forms of memory.
[0024] In some embodiments, the hearing device may further include a second earpiece. The second earpiece may be configured to be worn at a second ear of the user. The second earpiece may include a major surface. The major surface may be configured to face the second ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position. The second earpiece may be pivotally attached to the second end of the earpiece support by means of a second pivot hinge. The distance (A) from the second pivot hinge to the major surface of the second earpiece may be in the range of approximately 5 mm to 15 mm. Thereby, when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, an evenly distributed clamping force may be applied to the major surface of the second earpiece.
[0025] The hearing device may be a binaural / stereo hearing device comprising a first earpiece and a second earpiece. The hearing device may be a binaural / stereo headset comprising a first earpiece and a second earpiece. The second earpiece may be an ear-worn receiver or a head-worn receiver. The second earpiece may be configured to be arranged on a second ear of a user. The second earpiece may be configured to be arranged in contact with the second ear of the user. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the main surface of the second earpiece may partially cover the second ear of the user. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the main surface of the second earpiece may completely cover the second ear of the user. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the main surface of the second earpiece may also cover a portion of the user's skin around the second ear when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position.
[0026] The second earpiece may include an output transducer, such as a speaker. The second earpiece may include a signal processor. The second earpiece may include a control unit. The second earpiece may include an antenna. The second earpiece may include an input transducer, such as a microphone. The second earpiece may include a rechargeable battery. The second earpiece may include a wired connection. The second earpiece may include an active noise cancellation (ANC) unit. The second earpiece may include a proximity sensor, such as for on-ear / off-ear detection. The second earpiece may include an accelerometer. The second earpiece may include a biometric sensor. The second earpiece may include a wireless charging circuit / coil. The second earpiece may include a housing such that the output transducer, the signal processor, the control unit, the antenna, the input transducer, the rechargeable battery, the wired connection, the ANC unit, the proximity sensor, the accelerometer, the biometric sensor, and the wireless charging circuit / coil may be arranged inside the housing. The second earpiece may be the same as the first earpiece. The second earpiece may be different from the first earpiece.
[0027] The second earpiece may be pivotably attached to the second end of the earpiece support by means of a second pivot hinge. This may thus allow the second earpiece to rotate relative to the earpiece support and may thus provide an improved binaural / stereo hearing device in terms of flexibility and comfort. This is because the second earpiece may also rotate relative to the earpiece support and may thus adapt to the angle of the user's ear. Thus, the hearing device may adapt to different user's ear angles relative to the earpiece support.
[0028] The distance (A) from the second pivot hinge to the main surface of the second earpiece is in the range of about 5 mm to 15 mm. This distance (A) is shorter compared to conventional hearing devices where the distance is 25 mm to 50 mm. A distance (A) of about 5 mm to 15 mm may allow the second pivot hinge, i.e. the center of rotation of the second earpiece, to be moved closer to the main surface of the second earpiece. Thus, a distance (A) of about 5 mm to 15 mm may allow an even more flexible and comfortable binaural / stereo hearing device to be provided. Furthermore, a distance (A) of about 5 mm to 15 mm may allow an even better fit to be provided for different users, e.g. a more secure fit with an improved seal between the main surface of the second earpiece and the ear of the user. Thus, a distance (A) of about 5 mm to 15 mm may allow an even distribution of the clamping force and thus an evenly distributed pressure to be exerted on the main surface of the second earpiece when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position.
[0029] An example of the advantage of this secure fit with improved sealing is that the binaural / stereo hearing device stays stably on the user's ear, i.e. does not slide or fall off, even when the user of the binaural / stereo hearing device bends forward, backward or rotates her / his head. Another example of the advantage of this secure fit with improved sealing is that there is no need to increase the clamping force on the main surface of the second earpiece by, for example, making a tighter earpiece support, because the inventive concept allows to provide enough clamping force and enough rotational torque for the second earpiece. When the user wears the binaural / stereo hearing device in its expected position, the advantage of having enough clamping force, having enough rotational torque and having a uniformly distributed clamping force applied on the main surface of the second earpiece is that the user may not feel that she / he is wearing the hearing device. Therefore, the user can wear the binaural / stereo hearing device for a longer period of time, for example without feeling tired. Another advantage of this binaural / stereo hearing device is that 50% of the clamping force can be present on each ear of the user. Thus, the user can feel equal clamping force and thus equal pressure on her / his ears.
[0030] The earpiece support may connect the first earpiece and the second earpiece. The earpiece support may extend between the first earpiece and the second earpiece.
[0031] In some embodiments, the first earpiece may include a first cushion. The first cushion may have a first surface that is configured to face the user's first ear when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position. In some embodiments, the second earpiece may include a second cushion. The second cushion may have a first surface that is configured to face the user's second ear when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position. The first surface of the first cushion and the first surface of the second cushion may be major surfaces.
[0032] The first pad may be configured to be arranged on an ear of a user. The first pad may be configured to be arranged in contact with an ear of a user. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the first surface of the first pad may partially cover the ear of the user. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the first surface of the first pad may completely cover the ear of the user. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the first surface of the first pad may also cover a portion of the user's skin around the ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position. The first pad may have a second surface. The second surface of the first pad may be arranged opposite to the first surface of the first pad. An example of an advantage of the first pad may be that it may provide a smoother surface and therefore more comfort to a user of a mono hearing device or a user of a binaural / stereo hearing device.
[0033] The second pad may be configured to be arranged on a second ear of the user. The second pad may be configured to be arranged in contact with the second ear of the user. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the first surface of the second pad may partially cover the second ear of the user. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the first surface of the second pad may completely cover the second ear of the user. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the first surface of the second pad may also cover a portion of the user's skin around the ear when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position. The second pad may have a second surface. The second surface of the second pad may be arranged opposite to the first surface of the second pad. An example of an advantage of the second pad may be that it may provide a smoother surface and therefore more comfort for a user of a binaural / stereo hearing device.
[0034] In some embodiments, the first earpiece may include a first connecting element, and the first pivot hinge may be attached to the first connecting element of the first earpiece. The angle (α) of the first connecting element relative to the main surface of the first cushion may be in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the second earpiece may include a second connecting element, and the second pivot hinge may be attached to the second connecting element of the second earpiece. The angle (α) of the second connecting element relative to the main surface of the second cushion may be in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees.
[0035] The angle (α) of the first connecting element relative to the main surface of the first earpiece may be in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees. Thus, the angle (α) between the first connecting element and the main surface of the first earpiece or the main surface of the first cushion in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees may help provide a distance (A) from the first pivot hinge to the main surface of the first earpiece or the main surface of the first cushion in the range of about 5 mm to 15 mm. Thus, the angle (α) between the first connecting element and the main surface of the first earpiece or the main surface of the first cushion may help provide sufficient clamping force and evenly distributed clamping force on the main surface of the first earpiece or the main surface of the first cushion when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position.
[0036] The angle (α) of the second connecting element relative to the main surface of the second earpiece may be in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees. Thus, the angle (α) between the second connecting element and the main surface of the second earpiece or the main surface of the second cushion in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees may help provide a distance (A) from the second pivot hinge to the main surface of the second earpiece or the main surface of the second cushion in the range of about 5 mm to 15 mm. Thus, the angle (α) between the second connecting element and the main surface of the second earpiece or the main surface of the second cushion may help provide sufficient clamping force and evenly distributed clamping force on the main surface of the second earpiece or the main surface of the second cushion when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position.
[0037] In some embodiments, the first pivot hinge may include a first stop element. The first stop element may be configured to limit the rotation of the first earpiece around the first pivot hinge. In some embodiments, the second pivot hinge may include a second stop element. The second stop element may be configured to limit the rotation of the second earpiece around the second pivot hinge.
[0038] Thus, the first stop element and the second stop element may allow a limited rotation of the first earpiece and the second earpiece around the respective first pivot hinge and the second pivot hinge. Thus, the first stop element and the second stop element may allow a flexible mono or binaural / stereo hearing device to be provided. Furthermore, some users may desire a limited rotation of the first earpiece and the second earpiece around the respective first pivot hinge and the second pivot hinge. Thus, the first stop element and the second stop element may allow a user-friendly mono or binaural / stereo hearing device to be provided. The hearing device may comprise only the first stop element. The hearing device may comprise only the second stop element. The hearing device may comprise both the first stop element and the second stop element.
[0039] In some embodiments, the first earpiece can be configured to rotate about the first pivot hinge at an angle (β) in the range of about -90 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the second earpiece can be configured to rotate about the second pivot hinge at an angle (β) in the range of about -90 degrees to about 90 degrees.
[0040] Thereby, a more flexible hearing device may be provided, as some hearing devices may require that the first earpiece be configured to rotate around the first pivot hinge at an angle (β) in the range of about -90 degrees to about 90 degrees and / or the second earpiece be configured to rotate around the second pivot hinge at an angle (β) in the range of about -90 degrees to about 90 degrees. The first earpiece may be configured to rotate around the first pivot hinge at an angle (β) in the range of about -20 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the second earpiece may be configured to rotate around the second pivot hinge at an angle (β) in the range of about -20 degrees to about 90 degrees.
[0041] In some embodiments, the first earpiece may include a first shell. The first connecting element may connect the first shell of the first earpiece and the earpiece support. In some embodiments, the second earpiece may include a second shell. The second connecting element may connect the second shell of the second earpiece and the earpiece support. The first shell may have a first surface. The first shell may have a second surface. The second surface of the first shell may be arranged opposite to the first surface. The first surface of the first shell may be configured to attach to the second surface of the first cushion. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the second surface of the shell may face the surrounding environment.
[0042] The second shell may have a first surface. The second shell may have a second surface. The second surface of the second shell may be arranged opposite to the first surface. The first surface of the second shell may be configured to be attached to the second surface of the second liner. When the user wears the hearing device in its intended position, the second surface of the shell may face the surrounding environment.
[0043] The first shell and the second shell may be made of any one of a polymer, a plastic and a metal or any combination thereof. The first shell and the second shell may be identical and / or mirror-symmetrical. The first shell and the second shell may be different.
[0044] In some embodiments, the hearing device may be an on-the-ear hearing device, an over-the-ear hearing device, or an around-the-ear hearing device. Thus, a mono hearing device may be configured to be arranged on the user's ear, behind the user's ear, or around the user's ear. Thus, a binaural / stereo hearing device may be configured to be arranged on the user's ear, behind the user's ear, or around the user's ear.
[0045] In some embodiments, the hearing device may further comprise a microphone boom attached to the first housing of the first earpiece.In some embodiments, the hearing device may further comprise a microphone boom attached to the second housing of the second earpiece.
[0046] The microphone boom may be attached to the second surface of the first housing. The microphone boom may be attached to the second surface of the second housing. The microphone boom may allow a user of the hearing device to be more comfortable. The microphone boom may allow the hearing device to have improved functionality, such as improved sound quality.
[0047] The present invention relates to a hearing device as described above and below and corresponding device components, each device component yielding one or more benefits and advantages described in conjunction with the first-mentioned aspect and each device component having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in conjunction with the first-mentioned aspect and / or disclosed in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] The above and other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0049] Figure 1 An exemplary hearing device 100 is schematically shown.
[0050] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 An exemplary hearing device 100 is shown.
[0051] Figure 3 The exemplary hearing device 100 is schematically shown in Figure 2 An enlarged view of the portion shown by the circle in FIG.
[0052] Figure 4 Schematically shows the vertical direction of the Figure 3 Parts of an exemplary hearing device 100 are shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals always represent the same elements. Therefore, similar elements will not be described in detail with reference to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the illustrated embodiments do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment and may be practiced in any other embodiment, even if not shown as such, or if not so explicitly described.
[0054] Figure 1 An exemplary hearing device 100 is shown. Figure 1 The hearing device 100 shown is a binaural / stereo hearing device 100. The hearing device 100 shown may be a mono hearing device 100. The hearing device 100 is configured to be worn on a user's head. Figure 1 The hearing device 100 is shown to comprise a first earpiece 110 which is configured to be worn at an ear of a user. Figure 1 The hearing device 100 is shown comprising a second earpiece 110 ′ configured to be worn at an ear of a user. Figure 1 Each of the first earpiece 110 and the second earpiece 110 ′ is shown to include a major surface 112 , 112 ′. Figure 1 It is shown that the main surfaces 112 , 112 ′ are configured to face towards the ears of a user when the user wears the hearing device 100 in its intended position.
[0055] Figure 1 The hearing device 100 is also shown to comprise an earpiece support 120 . Figure 1 The earpiece support 120 is shown connecting the first earpiece 110 and the second earpiece 110'. The earpiece support 120 is configured to rest on the user's head. The earpiece support 120 has a first end 122 and a second end 122'. The first earpiece 110 is pivotably attached to the first end 122 of the earpiece support 120 by means of a first pivot hinge 140. Figure 1 The second earpiece 110' is shown pivotably attached to the second end 122' of the earpiece support 120 by means of a second pivot hinge 140'. Figure 1 The distance (A) from each pivot hinge 140, 140' to the main surface 112, 112' of the respective earpiece 110, 110' is shown to be in the range of about 5 mm to 15 mm. Thus, when the user wears the hearing device 100 in its intended position, an evenly distributed clamping force is exerted on the main surface 112 of the first earpiece 110 and the main surface 112' of the second earpiece 110'.
[0056] Figure 1 The first earpiece 110 is also shown to include a first cushion 130 . Figure 1 The first cushion 130 is shown having a first surface 112 which is configured to face the ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device 100 in its intended position. Figure 1 The second earpiece 110' is also shown to include a second cushion 130'. Figure 1 The second cushion 130 ′ is shown having a first surface 112 ′ which is configured to face towards the second ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device 100 in its intended position. Figure 1 It is shown that the first surface 112 of the first pad 130 and the first surface 112 ′ of the second pad 130 ′ are major surfaces 112 , 112 ′.
[0057] Figure 1 It is also shown that the first earpiece 110 comprises a first connecting element 114 , and that the first pivot hinge 140 is attached to the first connecting element 114 of the first earpiece 110 . Figure 1 The second earpiece 110' is shown to include a second connecting element 114', and the second pivot hinge 140' is attached to the second connecting element 114' of the second earpiece 110'. The angle (α) of the first connecting element 114 relative to the main surface 112 of the first cushion 130 can be in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees. The angle (α) of the second connecting element 114' relative to the main surface 112' of the second cushion 130' can be in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees.
[0058] Figure 1 The first earpiece 110 is also shown to include a first housing 150 . Figure 1 The first connecting element 114 is shown connecting the first housing 150 of the first earpiece 110 and the earpiece support 120 . Figure 1 The second earpiece 110' is also shown to include a second housing 150'. Figure 1 The second connecting element 114 ′ is shown connecting the second housing 150 ′ of the second earpiece 110 ′ and the earpiece support 120 .
[0059] Figure 1 It is also shown that the hearing device further comprises a microphone boom 160 . Figure 1 The microphone boom 160 is shown attached to the second housing 150 ′ of the second earpiece 110 ′. Alternatively, the microphone boom 160 may be attached to the first housing 150 of the first earpiece 110 .
[0060] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 An exemplary hearing device 100 is shown. Figure 3 The exemplary hearing device 100 is schematically shown in Figure 2 An enlarged view of the portion indicated by the circle in FIG.
[0061] Figure 3 The second pivot hinge 140' is shown attached to the second connecting element 114' of the second earpiece 110'. Figure 3 The second pivot hinge 140' is also shown to include a second stop element 142'. The second stop element 142' may be configured to limit the rotation of the second earpiece 110' about the second pivot hinge 140'. Figure 3 The arrow shown in indicates the rotation direction of the second earpiece 110 ′ about the second pivot hinge 140 ′.
[0062] Figure 4 Schematically shows the vertical direction of the Figure 3 Parts of an exemplary hearing device 100 are shown in . Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 The exemplary hearing device 100 shown in FIG. Figure 3 Since line AA is below the second stop element 142', the second stop element 142' is located at Figure 4 The second earpiece 110 ′ may be configured to rotate about the second pivot hinge 140 ′ at an angle (β) in the range of about −90 degrees to about 90 degrees.
[0063] Although specific features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.
[0064] Terms:
[0065] 1. A hearing device (100) configured to be worn on a user's head, the hearing device (100) comprising:
[0066] - a first earpiece (110) configured to be worn at a first ear of a user, wherein the first earpiece (110) comprises a main surface (112) configured to face the first ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position,
[0067] - an earpiece support (120) configured to rest on a user's head, the earpiece support (120) having a first end (122) and a second end (122');
[0068] - wherein the first earpiece (110) is pivotably attached to the first end (122) of the earpiece support (120) by means of a first pivot hinge (140), such that a distance (A) from the first pivot hinge (140) to a main surface (112) of the first earpiece (110) is in the range of about 5 mm to 15 mm, whereby when a user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position, a clamping force is applied to the main surface (112) of the first earpiece (110) in a uniformly distributed manner.
[0069] 2. The hearing device (100) according to clause 1, further comprising:
[0070] - a second earpiece (110') configured to be worn at a second ear of a user, wherein the second earpiece (110') comprises a main surface (112') configured to face the second ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position,
[0071] The second earpiece (110') is pivotally attached to the second end (122') of the earpiece support (120) by means of a second pivot hinge (140'), so that the distance (A) from the second pivot hinge (140') to the main surface (112') of the second earpiece (110') is in the range of about 5 mm to 15 mm, whereby when the user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position, the clamping force is applied to the main surface (112') of the second earpiece (110') in a uniformly distributed manner.
[0072] 3. A hearing device (100) according to clause 2, wherein the first earpiece (110) comprises a first cushion (130), the first cushion (130) having a first surface (112), the first surface being configured to face towards a first ear of a user when the user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position,
[0073] The second earpiece (110') comprises a second cushion (130'), the second cushion (130') having a first surface (112'), the first surface being configured to face the second ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position, and
[0074] The first surface (112) of the first pad (130) and the first surface (112') of the second pad (130') are main surfaces (112, 112').
[0075] 4. The hearing device (100) according to clause 3, wherein the first earpiece (110) comprises a first connecting element (114), and the first pivot hinge (140) is attached to the first connecting element (114) of the first earpiece (110),
[0076] wherein the second earpiece (110') comprises a second connecting element (114'), and the second pivot hinge (140') is attached to the second connecting element (114') of the second earpiece (110'),
[0077] wherein the angle (α) of the first connecting element (114) relative to the main surface (112) of the first pad (130) is in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees, and
[0078] The angle (α) of the second connecting element (114') relative to the main surface (112') of the second pad (130') is in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees.
[0079] 5. A hearing device (100) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first pivot hinge (140) comprises a first stop element (142), wherein the first stop element (142) is configured to limit a rotation of the first earpiece (110) around the first pivot hinge (140), and wherein the second pivot hinge (140') comprises a second stop element (142'), wherein the second stop element (142') is configured to limit a rotation of the second earpiece (110') around the second pivot hinge (140').
[0080] 6. A hearing device (100) according to clause 5, wherein the first earpiece (110) is configured to rotate around the first pivot hinge (140) at an angle (β) in the range of about -90 degrees to about 90 degrees, and wherein the second earpiece (110') is configured to rotate around the second pivot hinge (140') at an angle (β) in the range of about -90 degrees to about 90 degrees.
[0081] 7. A hearing device (100) according to any one of clauses 4 to 6, wherein the first earpiece (110) comprises a first shell (150), wherein a first connecting element (114) connects the first shell (150) and an earpiece support (120) of the first earpiece (110), wherein the second earpiece (110') comprises a second shell (150'), and wherein a second connecting element (114') connects the second shell (150') and the earpiece support (120) of the second earpiece (110').
[0082] 8. The hearing device (100) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the hearing device (100) is an on-the-ear hearing device, a behind-the-ear hearing device or an around-the-ear hearing device.
[0083] 9. The hearing device (100) according to clause 7 or 8, wherein the hearing device further comprises a microphone boom (160) attached to the first housing (150) of the first earpiece (110) or to the second housing (150') of the second earpiece (110').
[0084] Reference Numbers List
[0085] 100 hearing devices
[0086] 112, 112' first surface / main surface
[0087] 114 first connecting element
[0088] 114' Second connecting element
[0089] 110 First Receiver
[0090] 110' Second receiver
[0091] 120 Earpiece support
[0092] 122 first end of the earpiece support
[0093] 122' Second end of the handset support
[0094] 130 First liner
[0095] 130' Second Liner
[0096] 140 first pivot hinge
[0097] 140' Second pivot hinge
[0098] 142 first stop element
[0099] 142' Second stop element
[0100] 150 first shell
[0101] 150' Second Shell
[0102] 160 Microphone Boom
Claims
1. A hearing device (100) configured to be worn on a user's head, the hearing device (100) comprising: - a first earpiece (110) configured to be worn at a first ear of a user, wherein the first earpiece (110) comprises a main surface (112) configured to face the first ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position, - an earpiece support (120) configured to rest on a user's head, the earpiece support (120) having a first end (122) and a second end (122'); - wherein the first earpiece (110) is pivotably attached to the first end (122) of the earpiece support (120) by means of a first pivot hinge (140), such that a distance (A) from the first pivot hinge (140) to a main surface (112) of the first earpiece (110) is in the range of about 5 mm to 15 mm, whereby when a user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position, a clamping force is applied to the main surface (112) of the first earpiece (110) in a uniformly distributed manner.
2. The hearing device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: - a second earpiece (110') configured to be worn at a second ear of a user, wherein the second earpiece (110') comprises a main surface (112') configured to face the second ear of the user when the user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position, The second earpiece (110') is pivotally attached to the second end (122') of the earpiece support (120) by means of a second pivot hinge (140'), so that a distance (A) from the second pivot hinge (140') to a main surface (112') of the second earpiece (110') is in the range of about 5 mm to 15 mm, whereby when a user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position, a clamping force is applied to the main surface (112') of the second earpiece (110') in a uniformly distributed manner.
3. The hearing device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The first earpiece (110) comprises a first cushion (130) having a first surface (112) configured to face a first ear of a user when the user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position. wherein the second earpiece (110') comprises a second cushion (130'), the second cushion (130') having a first surface (112') configured to face a second ear of a user when the user wears the hearing device (100) in its intended position, and The first surface (112) of the first pad (130) and the first surface (112') of the second pad (130') are the main surfaces (112, 112').
4. The hearing device (100) according to claim 3, wherein The first earpiece (110) comprises a first connecting element (114), and the first pivot hinge (140) is attached to the first connecting element (114) of the first earpiece (110), wherein the second earpiece (110') comprises a second connecting element (114'), and the second pivot hinge (140') is attached to the second connecting element (114') of the second earpiece (110'), wherein the angle (α) of the first connecting element (114) relative to the main surface (112) of the first pad (130) is in the range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees, and Wherein, an angle (α) of the second connecting element (114') relative to the main surface (112') of the second pad (130') is in a range of about 15 degrees to 90 degrees.
5. The hearing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first pivot hinge (140) includes a first stop element (142), wherein the first stop element (142) is configured to limit the rotation of the first earpiece (110) around the first pivot hinge (140), wherein the second pivot hinge (140') includes a second stop element (142'), wherein the second stop element (142') is configured to limit the rotation of the second earpiece (110') around the second pivot hinge (140').
6. The hearing device (100) according to claim 5, wherein The first earpiece (110) is configured to rotate about the first pivot hinge (140) at an angle (β) in the range of about -90 degrees to about 90 degrees, and wherein the second earpiece (110') is configured to rotate about the second pivot hinge (140') at an angle (β) in the range of about -90 degrees to about 90 degrees.
7. The hearing device (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The first earpiece (110) comprises a first shell (150), wherein the first connecting element (114) connects the earpiece support (120) and the first shell (150) of the first earpiece (110), wherein the second earpiece (110') comprises a second shell (150'), and wherein the second connecting element (114') connects the earpiece support (120) and the second shell (150') of the second earpiece (110').
8. The hearing device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The hearing device (100) is an on-the-ear hearing device, a behind-the-ear hearing device or a circum-the-ear hearing device.
9. The hearing device (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The hearing device further comprises a microphone boom (160) which is attached to the first housing (150) of the first earpiece (110) or to the second housing (150') of the second earpiece (110').