Oval microreceiver for hearing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microreceiver for a hearing device, the microreceiver comprising: an oblong housing; a sound output port disposed in the oblong housing; a hinged diaphragm disposed within the oblong housing and separating the front volume and the rear volume within the oblong housing, where the hinged diaphragm includes a hinged portion and a movable portion, and where at least the movable portion of the hinged diaphragm is adapted to vibrate in response to a drive signal applied to a voice coil fixed on the movable portion of the diaphragm; and a magnetic motor disposed within the oblong housing, wherein the magnetic motor is adapted to generate a static magnetic field in an air gap in which at least a portion of the voice coil is located. The invention also relates to an audio assembly for a hearing device, comprising a nozzle having a sound channel within which a microreceiver is at least partially positioned. The invention also relates to a hearing device comprising a microreceiver or an audio component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an oblong miniature receiver for a hearing device. The oblong miniature receiver comprises an articulated diaphragm comprising an articulated portion and a movable portion, wherein at least the movable portion of the articulated diaphragm is adapted to vibrate and thereby generate sound waves in response to a drive signal applied to a voice coil fixed to the movable portion of the diaphragm. Background Art

[0002] In the hearing aid industry, the shape and size of hearing aid components forming a hearing aid device are very important, as these components need to fit the hearing device, e.g. the hearing device is at least partially positioned in the ear canal of a hearing device user. An example of such a hearing device is an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid.

[0003] For ITE, the shape and size of the receiver is particularly important, as the receiver needs to fit into the orifice of the hearing device.In the hearing aid industry, the term "receiver" is often used to refer to the sound-producing device, i.e. the speaker.

[0004] Furthermore, in conventional miniature receiver designs, small diaphragm sizes are often associated with relatively large drive amplitudes, a combination that often triggers sway mode issues. Since the amplitude of the tilting motion is proportional to the voice coil excursion, and since the voice coil's air gap is narrow for efficiency reasons, the voice coil will hit the magnet to a certain extent, causing excessive impulse distortion due to friction. The friction of the voice coil along the air gap (magnet) walls will also quickly destroy the coating of the voice coil wire, which can cause receiver failure. Therefore, the risk of sway mode imposes severe limitations on the usable output and lifespan of conventional miniature receivers.

[0005] Examples of prior art references are US2021 / 360350 A1 and US2021 / 051410 A1. However, for US2021 / 360350 A1 at least the arrangement of the planar voice coil appears to be different from the present invention, while for US2021 / 051410 A1 the voice coil winding appears to be fixed to the hinged part of the diaphragm rather than the movable part.

[0006] An object of embodiments of the present invention may be seen as providing a miniature receiver having a form factor that fits into the orifice of a hearing device without sacrificing the acoustic performance of the receiver.

[0007] Another object of embodiments of the invention may be seen as providing a miniature receiver in which the risk of sway modes is significantly reduced. Summary of the invention

[0008] The above object is achieved by providing a miniature receiver for a hearing device in a first aspect, the miniature receiver comprising:

[0009] 1) Oblong shell,

[0010] 2) a sound output port arranged in an oblong housing,

[0011] 3) an articulated diaphragm disposed within the oblong housing and separating a front volume from a rear volume within the oblong housing, wherein the articulated diaphragm comprises an articulated portion and a movable portion, and wherein at least the movable portion of the articulated diaphragm is adapted to vibrate in response to a drive signal applied to a voice coil secured to the movable portion of the diaphragm, and

[0012] 4) A magnetic motor disposed within an oblong housing, wherein the magnetic motor is adapted to generate a static magnetic field in an air gap where at least a portion of the voice coil is located.

[0013] The present invention therefore relates to a miniature receiver for generating audible sound waves. The miniature receiver is suitable for use in a hearing device, for which purpose the miniature receiver is very small. Typical dimensions (length x width x height) are 6 mm to 9 mm in length, 3 mm to 4 mm in width, and about 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm in height.

[0014] The miniature receiver of the present invention is a so-called dynamic coil receiver, in which a voice coil is fixed to the movable part of an articulated diaphragm. Since the voice coil is at least partially located in an air gap with a static magnetic field, in response to a drive signal applied to the voice coil, at least the movable part of the articulated diaphragm will vibrate and thus generate sound waves in the audible range.

[0015] In the present context, the term "hinged diaphragm" is to be understood as a diaphragm that is hinged to, for example, a frame structure. The hinge of the diaphragm to, for example, a frame structure can be arranged in various ways, for example by applying one or more integrated hinges, applying one or more independent and separate hinges and / or one or more membrane-based hinges.

[0016] The articulation of the diaphragm is advantageous in that the hinge avoids or at least counteracts the rocking mode, ie the undesired tilting movement of the diaphragm, which is a well known phenomenon in conventional (non-articulated) dynamic loudspeaker designs.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous to use an articulated diaphragm in combination with a dynamic driver, especially when the diaphragm area is small and the deflection amplitude of the diaphragm is therefore large. In this case, the presence of the hinge prevents the occurrence of rocking modes at high frequencies. In addition, the presence of the hinge provides guidance for the voice coil in the narrow air gap, thereby preventing mechanical friction. In the miniature receiver of the present invention, the articulated diaphragm can be hinged to the frame structure, and there can be one or more openings between the articulated diaphragm and the frame structure. The one or more openings may be present between one or more hinges suspending the articulated diaphragm. The articulated portion of the articulated diaphragm may be articulated to the frame structure via one or more discrete and separate hinges (e.g., rubber pads). Alternatively or in combination therewith, the articulated portion of the articulated diaphragm may be articulated to the frame structure via one or more integrated hinges.

[0018] In this context, the term "integrated hinge" is understood to mean a hinge that is integrated with the frame structure, the hinged membrane, or both. The hinged membrane and the frame structure may form an integrated structure made of the same material, for example, a metal including aluminum.

[0019] One or more openings are provided between the articulated diaphragm and the frame structure such that when a drive signal is applied to the voice coil, at least a portion of the articulated diaphragm is allowed to vibrate, thereby generating audible sound waves. The one or more openings between the articulated diaphragm and the frame structure may be at least partially sealed or filled by a flexible sealing member, such as a (corrugated) polymer film or a viscoelastic substance (e.g., a viscoelastic gel). Sealing the one or more openings is advantageous in order to acoustically separate the front and rear volumes of the microreceiver.

[0020] At least a portion of the articulated diaphragm may include an embossed portion for increasing the stiffness of the diaphragm. The embossed portion may be implemented as dimples or depressions extending in the opposite direction of the voice coil fixed to the movable part of the diaphragm. Another way to increase the stiffness of the articulated diaphragm may be to fix a stack of layers or a stack of preformed layers to the diaphragm.

[0021] The embossed portion of at least a portion of the hinged diaphragm may provide a vent path for air inside the magnetic motor, as discussed in conjunction with some of the figures.

[0022] Preferably, the articulated diaphragm has an oblong shape, wherein the length of the articulated diaphragm in the oblong direction is at least twice the width of the diaphragm. Thus, the length of the articulated diaphragm in the oblong direction may be three, four, five, or even ten times the width of the diaphragm. The oblong shape of the articulated diaphragm is advantageous in that it maximizes the area of ​​the articulated diaphragm within the oblong housing of the microreceiver. Furthermore, the maximized area of ​​the articulated diaphragm improves the performance of the microreceiver.

[0023] The voice coil may typically be in the form of a cylinder or a cuboid, wherein the top and bottom sides of the cylinder or cuboid are open. The top side of the voice coil may be the portion of the voice coil closest to the movable part of the diaphragm. The bottom side of the voice coil may be the portion opposite the top side and farthest from the movable part of the diaphragm. The edges or edges of the top side (and / or bottom side) of the voice coil may in principle be of any shape, including an elliptical shape or a circular shape. The edges or edges of the top side (and / or bottom side) of the cuboid voice coil may be of a generally square shape or a generally rectangular shape. If desired, the edges or edges of the generally square or rectangular shape may be rounded or curved. In this specification, a cuboid-shaped voice coil is referred to as a generally square voice coil (also referred to as a secondary voice coil in this specification) or a rectangular voice coil. A cylindrical-shaped voice coil may be referred to as a circular voice coil. Finally, an elliptical (oval) shaped voice coil also exists.

[0024] The length of the hinged diaphragm in the oblong direction may be at least twice the diameter or width of the voice coil fixed to the movable part of the diaphragm. Thus, the length of the hinged diaphragm in the oblong direction may be three, four, five, or even ten times the diameter or width of the voice coil. The width of the voice coil may correspond to the side length of a square voice coil or the shortest side length of a rectangular voice coil. The diameter of the voice coil may correspond to the shortest diameter of an elliptical (oval) voice coil or the diameter of a circular voice coil.

[0025] A vent opening may be arranged in the oblong housing of the microreceiver. The vent opening may be displaced or moved relative to the magnetic motor. The vent opening may be arranged opposite the sound outlet port or may be arranged as a side opening in the oblong housing. In any case, the vent opening may be adapted to ventilate the rear volume of the microreceiver.

[0026] The ventilation opening may include an acoustic filter element, which forms an acoustic filter with an acoustic resistance, for example with an acoustic resistance of 1 GPa.s / m 3 Up to 5GPa.s / m 3 Acoustic low-pass filter with acoustic impedance in a range of

[0027] The cut-off frequency of such an acoustic low-pass filter may be in the range of 100 Hz to 1000 Hz, for example in the range of 200 Hz to 800 Hz, and the acoustic low-pass filter may be implemented as a mesh, screen, grid, fabric, non-woven fabric or another arrangement with similar acoustic properties comprising one or more small holes (drilled or laser cut holes). The purpose of the acoustic filter is to allow the rear volume of the microreceiver to ventilate signal frequencies below the filter cut-off frequency, but to prevent ventilation of frequencies above the cut-off frequency. The advantage of such a filter is that the low-frequency output is increased while the resonant frequency is not affected by the additional volume. The main characteristic of an acoustic filter is the acoustic impedance. The acoustic impedance of the acoustic filter required to achieve a certain cut-off frequency depends on the acoustic compliance of the rear volume. For example, when the rear volume is 25 mm 3 In this case, the acoustic resistance should be between 1.1GPa.s / m 3 and 4.5GPa.s / m 3 between 15 mm and 800 Hz. 3 and 30mm 3 In the case of a cut-off frequency of 500 Hz, the acoustic impedance of the acoustic filter should be between 1.3 Pa.s / m 3 and 3GPa.s / m 3 between.

[0028] The oblong housing of the microreceiver may be defined by a combination of first and second oblong housing portions. The sound outlet port may be arranged in the first oblong housing portion, and the vent opening may be arranged in the second oblong housing portion. The frame structure around the hinged diaphragm may form at least a portion of a seal between the first and second oblong housing portions, and the electrical terminals may be disposed on an outer surface of the oblong housing.

[0029] The magnetic motor may be a distinct and separate motor. Thus, the magnetic motor may comprise a stacked arrangement of a permanent magnet and an inner yoke, wherein the permanent magnet and the inner yoke are at least partially arranged within an outer yoke such that an air gap is provided between the inner yoke and the outer yoke. The air gap is adapted to receive at least a portion of a voice coil, i.e. the voice coil is at least partially arranged within the air gap.

[0030] The outer yoke may include one or more vent openings adapted to ventilate the air volume within the magnetic motor.Proper ventilation of the magnetic motor is advantageous as it may improve the performance of the microreceiver.

[0031] Alternatively, the magnetic motor may also form part of the housing of the microreceiver in order to increase the power of the motor. In this embodiment, the magnetic motor may include a stacked arrangement of permanent magnets and an inner yoke, wherein the permanent magnets and the inner yoke are at least partially arranged within an outer yoke formed by a portion of the oblong housing. Thus, in this embodiment, a housing portion of the microreceiver may form at least a portion of the outer yoke of the magnetic motor.

[0032] In the case where the housing portion of the miniature receiver forms at least a part of the outer yoke of the magnetic motor, the voice coil preferably has an elongated shape, such as a rectangular or oval shape. The longest extension / elongation, such as the longest side length of a rectangular voice coil or the maximum diameter of an oval voice coil, may be arranged substantially parallel to the oblong direction of the articulated diaphragm. In this embodiment, the length of the articulated diaphragm in the oblong direction is at least 1.1 times, preferably at least 1.2 times, at least 1.3 times or at least 1.4 times, for example 1.5 times, the longest extension / elongation (e.g. the maximum diameter or the longest side length) of the voice coil fixed to the movable part of the diaphragm. The length of the articulated diaphragm in the oblong direction may not exceed 4 times, such as not more than 3 times, not more than 2.5 times or not more than 2 times, the longest extension / elongation (e.g. the maximum diameter or the longest side length) of the voice coil.

[0033] As previously mentioned, the outer width of the oblong shell of the microreceiver may be in the range of 3 mm to 4 mm, the outer height may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and the outer length may be in the range of 6 mm to 9 mm.

[0034] In a second aspect, the invention relates to an audio component for a hearing device, the audio component comprising: a nozzle, the nozzle comprising a sound channel; and a sound outlet, the sound outlet acoustically connected to the sound channel, wherein the miniature receiver according to the first aspect is at least partially positioned in the sound channel.

[0035] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a hearing device comprising a miniature receiver according to the first aspect or an audio assembly according to the second aspect.

[0036] In general, the various aspects of the invention may be combined and coupled in any possible way within the scope of the invention. These and other aspects, features and / or advantages of the invention will become apparent and elucidated by reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an oblong microreceiver according to the present invention,

[0039] Figure 2 shows a top view of the hinged diaphragm of an oblong microreceiver according to the invention,

[0040] Figure 3 A top view of another hinged diaphragm is shown, wherein Figure 3 a shows a membrane-based hinge, Figure 3 b shows two distinct and separate glued hinges,

[0041] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing different ways of venting the volume enclosed by the voice coil. Figure 4 In a, ventilation is provided via the embossed portion of the diaphragm. Figure 4 b, ventilation is provided via vent holes in the outer yoke,

[0042] Figure 5 Different embodiments for reinforcing the diaphragm are shown. Figure 5 In a, reinforcement is provided by embossing the part, Figure 5 In b, reinforcement is provided by stacking layers, Figure 5 In c, reinforcement is provided by stacking prefabricated layers,

[0043] Figure 6 shows the effect of positioning the voice coil (on a hinged diaphragm) relative to the hinge,

[0044] Figure 7 shows the positioning of the voice coil relative to the hinge and different positions of the vent opening and acoustic filter,

[0045] Figure 8 Different embodiments of magnetic circuit motors are shown. Figure 8 a shows a circular motor design, Figure 8 b shows a square motor design, Figure 8 c shows another circular motor design with larger coils and magnets. Figure 8 d shows a rectangular motor design,

[0046] Fig. 9 a-9c shows a different embodiment of a magnetic circuit motor, in which a portion of the receiver housing is used as an outer yoke,

[0047] Fig.10 A hearing device comprising an oblong miniature receiver according to the invention is shown, and

[0048] Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of another oblong miniature receiver according to the invention is shown, wherein a housing portion of the miniature receiver forms at least a portion of an outer yoke of a magnetic motor having a rectangular voice coil. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In summary, the present invention relates to an oblong miniature receiver for a hearing device. The oblong miniature receiver of the present invention comprises an articulated diaphragm comprising an articulated portion and a movable portion, wherein at least the movable portion of the articulated diaphragm is adapted to vibrate and thereby generate sound waves in response to a drive signal applied to a voice coil fixed to the movable portion of the diaphragm. The oblong miniature receiver of the present invention is advantageous in that its form factor allows it to be arranged in a sound passage, for example, of a nozzle of a hearing device. With such an arrangement of the oblong miniature receiver, an acoustic passage having an acoustic quality can be formed between the housing of the oblong miniature receiver and the nozzle. Such an arrangement is advantageous in that it helps to provide a fundamental acoustic resonance peak of about 6 kHz to 8 kHz. The advantage of a fundamental acoustic resonance peak in this range is that it helps to increase the bandwidth of a hearing device incorporating the oblong miniature receiver.

[0050] Reference now Figure 1 , depicts a cross-sectional side view of an oblong microreceiver 100 including a hinged diaphragm. The oblong microreceiver 100 comprises a housing 101, 101' in which a sound outlet port 104 and a vent opening 115 are arranged. The vent opening 115 has an acoustic filter 116 arranged therein having an acoustic impedance, for example, having a sound resistance of 1 GPa.s / m 3 Up to 5GPa.s / m 3 A low-pass filter with acoustic impedance within a range of 100 is provided. Within the housing 101, 101' of the oblong miniature receiver 100, a front volume 102 and a rear volume 103 are provided. These volumes 102, 103 are separated by a hinged diaphragm 105. The hinged diaphragm 105 comprises a movable portion and an hinged portion closest to one or more hinges, wherein at least the movable portion of the hinged diaphragm 105 is adapted to vibrate and thereby generate sound waves in response to a drive signal applied to a voice coil 112 fixed to the movable portion of the hinged diaphragm 105. Figure 1 As can be seen, at least a portion of the hinged diaphragm 105 includes an embossed portion 108 for increasing the stiffness of the diaphragm and / or providing an air venting path so that an air volume 113 inside the magnetic motor can be vented. The magnetic motor includes a permanent magnet 110 sandwiched between a central yoke 109 and an outer yoke 111. The central yoke 109 and the outer yoke 111 form an air gap within which at least a portion of the voice coil 112 is positioned.

[0051] like Figure 1As shown, the articulated diaphragm 105 is hinged to the frame structure 114 via one or more hinges 106. The articulated diaphragm 105 and the frame structure 114 preferably form an integrated structure of the same material (e.g., a metal including aluminum). The articulated diaphragm 105 and the frame structure 114 are separated by one or more openings, which are at least partially filled with a flexible sealing member 107, such as a corrugated polymer film or a viscoelastic gel. By applying the flexible sealing member 107 in the one or more openings between the articulated diaphragm 105 and the frame structure 114, the front volume 102 and the rear volume 103 are acoustically sealed from each other.

[0052] Also like Figure 1 It can be seen that the length of the articulated diaphragm 105 is significantly longer than both the width / diameter of the magnetic motors 109, 110, 111 and the diameter of the voice coil 112. In fact, the length of the articulated diaphragm 105 is twice the width / diameter of the magnetic motors 109, 110, 111 and the diameter of the voice coil 112. An electrical terminal 117 is provided on the outside of the housing 101, 101'. The electrical terminal 117 is electrically connected to the voice coil 112 so that a drive signal can be provided thereto.

[0053] Now go to Figure 2 , depicts a top view of an integrated assembly 200 comprising an articulated diaphragm 201 and a frame structure 202. As already mentioned, the articulated diaphragm 201 and the frame structure 202 preferably form an integrated structure of the same material, for example a metal including aluminum. The articulated diaphragm 201 is hinged to the frame structure 202 via hinges 205, 205' which are integrated hinges. The openings 204, 206 between the articulated diaphragm 201 and the frame structure 202 are sealed with a corrugated polymer film having one or more ventilation openings 207 arranged between the hinges 205, 205'. The one or more ventilation openings are provided in order to balance the air pressure between the front volume and the rear volume, see Figure 1 At least a portion of the hinged diaphragm 201 includes an embossed portion 203 for increasing the stiffness of the diaphragm and / or for providing an air vent path, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0054] In an alternative arrangement, the hinged membranes 301, 306 are hinged to the frame structures 302, 307 via separate and separate glued hinges 304, 310, 310', see Figure 3 a-3b. Reference Figure 3 a, The thin film 305 in the narrow gap between the hinged diaphragm 301 and the frame structure 302 acts as a hinge 304. The opening 303 between the hinged diaphragm 301 and the frame structure 302 is sealed with a corrugated polymer film. Figure 3In b, separate and distinct hinges 310, 310' are secured to hinged diaphragm 306 and frame structure 307. Opening 308 between hinged diaphragm 306 and frame structure 307 is sealed with a corrugated polymer film, and opening 309 between hinges 310, 310' is sealed with a membrane which may include a vent / air pressure opening (not shown).

[0055] Figure 4 a-4b shows an embodiment of the present invention, wherein an oblong micro-receiver 400 (see Figure 4 a) comprises a hinged membrane 405 with an embossed portion 408, and wherein, Figure 4 b shows an oblong microreceiver 420 with a flat hinged diaphragm 418.

[0056] Back to Figure 4 a, the oblong miniature receiver 400 comprises a housing 401, 401', wherein a sound outlet port 404 and a vent opening 415 are arranged in the housing. The vent opening 415 may have an acoustic filter (not shown), such as a low-pass filter, arranged therein. A front volume 402 and a rear volume 403 are provided in the housing 401, 401'. These volumes 402, 403 are separated by an articulated diaphragm 405. The articulated diaphragm 405 comprises an articulated portion and a movable portion, wherein at least the movable portion of the articulated diaphragm 405 is adapted to vibrate in response to a drive signal applied to a voice coil 412 fixed to the movable portion of the articulated diaphragm 405, and thereby generate sound waves. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As can be seen, at least a portion of the articulated diaphragm 405 includes an embossed portion 408 for increasing the stiffness of the diaphragm and / or for providing an air exhaust path so that an amount of air 413 inside the magnetic motor can be exhausted. The magnetic motor includes a permanent magnet 410 sandwiched between a central yoke 409 and an outer yoke 411. The central yoke 409 and the outer yoke 411 form an air gap, and at least a portion of the voice coil 412 is positioned within the air gap. The articulated diaphragm 405 is hinged to the frame structure 414 via one or more hinges 406. The articulated diaphragm 405 and the frame structure 413 preferably form an integrated structure of the same material, such as a metal including aluminum. The articulated diaphragm 405 and the frame structure 413 are separated by one or more openings, which are at least partially filled with a flexible sealing member 407, such as a corrugated polymer film or a viscoelastic gel. The front volume 402 and the rear volume 403 are acoustically sealed from each other by applying a flexible sealing member 407 in one or more openings between the hinged diaphragm 405 and the frame structure 413.

[0057] Reference now Figure 4 b, the flat hinged diaphragm 418 does not provide an air exhaust path for exhausting the air volume 421. To compensate for this, one or more ventilation openings 419, 419' are provided in the outer yoke 422. In addition, the oblong micro-receiver 400 ( Figure 4 a) and an oblong micro-receiver 420 ( Figure 4 b) the same.

[0058] Figure 5 a-5c show various embodiments for increasing the stiffness of the hinged diaphragm. Figure 5 In a, the hinged diaphragm 501 is hinged to the frame structure 502 via integrated hinges 503, 503'. The hinged diaphragm 501, the frame structure 502 and the integrated hinges 503, 503' are preferably made of the same material, such as a metal including aluminum. The openings 506, 507 are sealed using a membrane, such as a corrugated polymer membrane, which optionally has one or more ventilation openings arranged therein. The hinged diaphragm 501 includes an embossed portion 504 for increasing the stiffness of the diaphragm and / or for providing an air exhaust path, as will be discussed in further detail below. The voice coil 505 is fixed to a non-embossed portion of the hinged diaphragm 501 so as to provide a ventilation path between the embossed portion 504 and the voice coil 505. In Figure 5 In b, a stack of layers 508 with holes 509 arranged therein is fixed to a hinged diaphragm. The purpose of the holes 509 is to reduce the mass of the stack of layers 508. A voice coil 510 is fixed to the stack of layers 508. Figure 5 c, the formed stack of layers 511 is fixed to the hinged diaphragm, and the voice coil 512 is fixed to the formed stack of layers 511. The formed stack of layers may include multiple layers of different materials, some of which may have holes. In addition, the formed stack of layers may be made of the same material as the hinged diaphragm and may be attached to the flat hinged diaphragm. There may be a layer of air between the flat diaphragm and the formed stack of layers, or there may be a layer of another material, such as a porous material. Alternatively, the flat hinged diaphragm may be perforated in the area where it is covered by the formed stack of layers.

[0059] Figure 6 The effect of positioning the voice coil close to or away from the hinge of a hinged diaphragm is shown. In general, the position of the voice coil relative to the hinge affects the output of the receiver in a number of ways. First, for the same air displacement of the hinged diaphragm, the vertical displacement of a voice coil close to the hinge is less than the vertical displacement of a voice coil far from the hinge. Therefore, when the voice coil is positioned away from the hinge, the same voice coil current will produce a higher output sound pressure level than when the voice coil is positioned close to the hinge. Second, the moving mass of a voice coil placed close to the hinge contributes less to the effective acoustic mass than the moving mass of a voice coil positioned away from the hinge. Therefore, the bandwidth of a miniature receiver with a voice coil positioned close to the hinge can be larger than the bandwidth of a miniature receiver with a voice coil positioned away from the hinge. Figure 6Two cases are shown, case A, where the hinged diaphragm is relatively heavy and the voice coil contribution to the total effective acoustic mass is small relative to the diaphragm contribution, and case B, where the diaphragm is relatively light and the voice coil contribution to the total effective acoustic mass is large relative to the diaphragm contribution. In the latter case, it is advantageous to place the voice coil close to the hinge to maximize bandwidth.

[0060] Now go to Figure 7 a-7c, depict various positions of the voice coil / magnetic motors 704, 705, 706 relative to the hinge 701. Figure 7 In a, the voice coil / magnetic motor 704 is positioned close to the hinge 701. Figure 7 As can be seen from a, the oblong micro-receiver includes a sound output port 702 and a vent opening 703 arranged opposite to each other. Figure 7 In b, the voice coil / magnetic motor 705 is positioned at the center of the hinged diaphragm. Again, the oblong micro-receiver includes an oppositely arranged sound output port 706 and a vent opening 707. Figure 7 c, the voice coil / magnetic motor 708 is positioned opposite the hinge of the hinged diaphragm, i.e., furthest from the hinge of the hinged diaphragm. The oblong miniature receiver includes a sound output port 709 and a vent opening 710 located in the side portion of the housing. An acoustic filter (e.g., a low-pass filter) can be positioned in the vent openings 703, 707, 710.

[0061] Figure 8 a-8d show various embodiments of magnetic motors within respective housings 801, 805, 809, 813 (from a top view). Figure 8 In a, the cylindrical magnetic motor comprises a disc-shaped inner yoke 802 arranged on a permanent magnet (not visible). In addition, the magnetic motor comprises an outer yoke 803, and wherein an air gap 804 is formed between the inner yoke 802 and the outer yoke 803. The air gap 804 is adapted to receive at least a portion of a cylindrical voice coil (not shown). Figure 8 A magnetic motor and Figure 1 The motor shown is similar. Figure 8 In b, the (substantially) rectangular / square magnetic motor comprises an inner yoke 806 arranged on a permanent magnet (not visible). Furthermore, the magnetic motor comprises an outer yoke 807, and wherein an air gap 808 is formed between the inner yoke 806 and the outer yoke 807. The air gap 804 is adapted to receive at least a portion of a (substantially) rectangular / square voice coil (not shown). Figure 8 c also shows a cylindrical magnetic motor, which includes a disc-shaped inner yoke 810 arranged on a permanent magnet (not visible). In addition, the magnetic motor includes a segmented outer yoke 811, 811', and wherein an air gap 812 is formed between the inner yoke 810 and the outer yoke segments 811, 811'. The air gap 812 is suitable for receiving at least a part of a cylindrical voice coil (not shown). Figure 8d, the rectangular / square magnetic motor comprises an inner yoke 814 arranged on a permanent magnet (not visible). In addition, the magnetic motor comprises a segmented outer yoke 815, 815', and wherein two air gaps 817, 817' are formed between the inner yoke 814 and the segmented outer yoke 815, 815'. The air gaps 817, 817' are adapted to receive at least a portion of a rectangular / square voice coil 816.

[0062] Fig. 9 a-9c show various embodiments (from a top view) in which the respective housings 901, 905 of the oblong micro-receiver form part of the magnetic motor. Fig. 9 a, the housing 901 forms an outer yoke relative to the inner yoke 902. An optional further outer yoke 903 may be provided. Fig.11 The miniature receiver is shown with the outer yoke 903 omitted. In the embodiment where the outer yoke 903 is omitted, the inner yoke 902 preferably has an elongated shape, such as a (substantially) rectangular shape. An air gap 904 is formed between the inner yoke 902 and the outer yoke 901 (and 903, if present). The air gap 904 is adapted to receive at least a portion of a voice coil (not shown). The inner yoke 902 is arranged on a permanent magnet (not visible). In Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , a housing 905 forms an entire outer yoke relative to an inner yoke 906 arranged on a permanent magnet (not visible). An air gap 907 is formed between the inner yoke 906 and the outer yoke 905. The air gap 907 is adapted to receive at least a portion of a voice coil (not shown). Fig. 9 c shows the Fig. 9 b Same embodiment, but both the permanent magnet 909 and the voice coil 908 are Fig. 9 Both can be seen in c.

[0063] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, an oblong micro-receiver 1001 forms part of an acoustic assembly 1000, which includes a nozzle 1002 and a flexible dome 1003. Fig.10 As can be seen, the oblong microreceiver 1001 is arranged in the sound channel of the nozzle 1002 so as to form a sound channel 1005 along the length of the oblong microreceiver 1001. The acoustic channel 1005 is acoustically coupled to the sound outlet port 1007 of the oblong microreceiver 1001 and the nozzle outlet 1006. The flexible dome 1003 is fixed to the nozzle 1002. The vent opening 1008 is suitable for venting the rear volume of the oblong microreceiver 1001, and as shown in FIG. Fig.10 It can be seen that the vent opening 1008 is acoustically connected to an external back volume 1009 within a housing 1010 of the hearing device.

[0064] Reference now Fig.11, depicts a cross-sectional side view of an oblong microreceiver 1100 including a hinged diaphragm. The oblong microreceiver 1100 includes a housing 1101, 1111 in which a sound outlet port 1104 and a vent opening 1115 are arranged. Fig.11 As shown, a portion of the housing 1111 is adapted to serve as at least a portion of an outer yoke of a magnetic motor. Fig.11 As can be seen, the magnetic motor includes a permanent magnet 1110 sandwiched between a central yoke 1109 and a housing portion / outer yoke 1111. The central yoke 1109 and the housing portion / outer yoke 1111 form an air gap 1113 within which at least a portion of a voice coil 1112 is positioned. The housing portion 1111, which is adapted to function as at least a portion of an outer yoke, is typically made of a nickel / iron alloy, such as mu-metal.

[0065] The ventilation opening 1115 includes an acoustic filter 1116, such as a low-pass filter, whose acoustic resistance is 1 GPa.s / m 3 Up to 5GPa.s / m 3 The acoustic filter 1116 can be implemented in a variety of ways, for example, an acoustic mesh.

[0066] Within the housing 1101, 1111 of the oblong miniature receiver 1100, a front volume 1102 and a rear volume 1103 are provided. These volumes 1102, 1103 are separated by an articulated diaphragm 1105. The articulated diaphragm 1105 comprises a movable portion and an articulated portion closest to one or more hinges 1106, wherein at least the movable portion of the articulated diaphragm 1105 is adapted to vibrate in response to a drive signal applied to a voice coil 1112 and thereby generate sound waves. The voice coil 1112 is fixed to the movable portion of the articulated diaphragm 1105. At least a portion of the articulated diaphragm 1105 comprises an embossed portion 1108 for increasing the stiffness of the diaphragm.

[0067] like Fig.11As can be seen, the articulated diaphragm 1105 is hinged to the frame structure 1114 via one or more hinges 1106. The articulated diaphragm 1105 and the frame structure 1114 preferably form an integrated structure of the same material (e.g. a metal including aluminum). The articulated diaphragm 1105 and the frame structure 1114 are separated by one or more openings, which are at least partially filled with a flexible sealing member 1107, such as a (corrugated) polymer film or a viscoelastic substance (e.g. a viscoelastic gel). By applying the flexible sealing member 1107 in one or more openings between the articulated diaphragm 1105 and the frame structure 1114, the front volume 1102 and the rear volume 1103 are acoustically sealed from each other. On the outside of the oblong miniature receiver 1100, more particularly, on the outside of the housings 1101, 1111, an electrical terminal 1117 is provided. The electrical terminal 1117 is electrically connected to the voice coil 1112, so that a drive signal can be provided to the voice coil via the electrical terminal 1117.

[0068] Also like Fig.11 It can be seen that the length of the hinged diaphragm 1105 is significantly longer than both the width of the inner yoke of the magnetic motor 1109 and the width of the voice coil 1112. In fact, the length of the hinged diaphragm 1105 is at least twice the width of the inner yoke of the magnetic motor 1109 and the width of the voice coil 1112. Fig.11 It can also be seen that the inner yoke 1109 and permanent magnets 1110 of the magnetic motor and the voice coil 1112 have a rectangular shape with rounded / curved corners. The length of the articulated diaphragm 1105 is about 1.5 times the length of the voice coil 1112.

[0069] In terms of performance, the oblong micro-receiver according to the present invention has a low frequency output of about 120 dB SPL at 100 Hz (1 Vrms) and a maximum output of 122 dB SPL at the first resonance peak (about 2 kHz). The mechanical resonance frequency of the articulated diaphragm is about 15 kHz.

[0070] Although the present invention has been discussed above with reference to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and can be changed in many ways without departing from the present invention. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments discussed should not be used to strictly interpret the attached claims. On the contrary, the embodiments are only used to interpret the wording of the attached claims, rather than intended to limit the claims to these exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted only according to the attached claims, and possible ambiguities in the wording of the claims should be resolved using these exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A miniature receiver for a hearing device, the miniature receiver comprising: 1) Oblong shell, 2) a sound output port arranged in the oblong housing, 3) an articulated diaphragm disposed within the oblong shell and separating a front volume and a rear volume within the oblong shell, wherein the articulated diaphragm comprises an articulated portion and a movable portion, and wherein at least the movable portion of the articulated diaphragm is adapted to vibrate in response to a drive signal applied to a voice coil secured to the movable portion of the diaphragm, and 4) A magnetic motor disposed within the oblong housing, wherein the magnetic motor is adapted to generate a static magnetic field in an air gap where at least a portion of the voice coil is located.

2. The micro receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The hinged diaphragm is hinged to a frame structure, and wherein one or more openings are present between the hinged diaphragm and the frame structure.

3. The micro-receiver according to claim 2, wherein: The articulated portion of the articulated diaphragm is hinged to the frame structure via one or more discrete and separate hinges and / or via one or more integrated hinges.

4. The micro-receiver according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The hinged diaphragm and the frame structure form an integrated structure made of the same material, for example a metal including aluminum.

5. The microreceiver according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The one or more openings between the hinged diaphragm and the frame structure are at least partially sealed or filled by a flexible sealing member, such as a corrugated polymer film or a viscoelastic substance.

6. A microreceiver according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least a portion of the hinged diaphragm includes an embossed portion for increasing the stiffness of the diaphragm.

7. A microreceiver according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The hinged diaphragm has an oblong shape, wherein the length of the hinged diaphragm in the oblong direction is at least twice the width of the diaphragm.

8. The micro receiver according to claim 7, wherein: The length of the hinged diaphragm in the oblong direction is at least twice the diameter or width of the voice coil fixed to the movable part of the diaphragm.

9. A microreceiver according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A ventilation opening is arranged in the oblong housing of the miniature receiver, and wherein the ventilation opening is displaced relative to the magnetic motor.

10. The micro receiver according to claim 9, wherein: The vent opening is adapted to vent the back volume of the microreceiver and wherein the vent opening comprises an acoustic filter element forming an acoustic filter, such as an acoustic low-pass filter.

11. The micro receiver according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The oblong shell is defined by a combination of a first oblong shell portion and a second oblong shell portion, wherein the sound outlet port is arranged in the first oblong shell portion, and wherein the ventilation opening is arranged in the second oblong shell portion.

12. A microreceiver according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The magnetic motor comprises a stacked arrangement of permanent magnets and an inner yoke, wherein the permanent magnets and the inner yoke are at least partially arranged within an outer yoke such that an air gap is provided between the inner yoke and the outer yoke, the voice coil being at least partially arranged within the air gap.

13. The microreceiver according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The magnetic motor comprises a stacked arrangement of permanent magnets and an inner yoke, wherein the permanent magnets and the inner yoke are at least partially arranged within an outer yoke formed by a portion of the oblong housing.

14. An audio component for a hearing device, the audio component comprising a nozzle having a sound channel and a sound outlet acoustically connected to the sound channel, wherein: A miniature receiver according to any of the preceding claims is at least partially positioned in the nozzle, for example at least partially in the sound channel of the nozzle.

15. A hearing device comprising a miniature receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or an audio assembly according to claim 14.

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