Hearing device comprising mechanical element for sound transmission

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a hearing device configured to be worn on an ear of a user, the hearing device comprising:-a sound delivery (SD) component (20, 50, 100, 120) configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear canal, the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120) comprising a sound tube (58) having an axis (59) in which sound propagates in a direction thereof, the acoustic tube (58) is acoustically coupled to the electroacoustic transducer (14, 54, 107); and-a mechanical element (12, 62, 112, 122, 132, 142, 162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 262, 362) configured to be connected with the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120), the element comprising a structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 191, 201, 211, 221, 221, 241, 261, 361) enclosing a cavity (64), the cavity (64) having an opening (63) facing the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120) when the element is connected with the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120) such that the cavity (64) is acoustically coupled with the electro-acoustic transducer (14, 54, 107). In order to advantageously alter the sound output by the electro-acoustic transducer (14, 54, 107) and / or to protect the electro-acoustic transducer (14, 54, 107), the disclosure proposes that the structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) comprises a section (66, 116, 126, 146, 166, 186, 196, 236, 366) in which thinner portions (71) and thicker portions (72) are alternately arranged about the axis (79) of the structure, in which the element is connected to the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120), the thinner portions (71) and the thicker portions (72) are alternately arranged about the axis (79) of the structure. The axis (79) of the structure is aligned within 20 DEG with respect to the axis (59) of the acoustic tube (58).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hearing device according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising a sound delivery (SD) component configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal and a mechanical element configured to be connected to the SD component. Background Art

[0002] Hearing devices can be used to improve a user's hearing or communication ability, for example, to compensate for hearing loss in hearing-impaired users, in which case the hearing device is commonly referred to as a hearing instrument, such as a hearing aid or a hearing prosthesis. Hearing devices can also be used to output sound according to an audio signal, which can be transmitted to the hearing device in a wired or wireless manner. Hearing devices can also be used to reproduce sound detected by an input transducer (such as a microphone or a microphone array) in the user's ear canal. The reproduced sound can be, for example, amplified in a hearing instrument to account for hearing loss, or output without considering hearing loss, such as faithfully reproducing the detected ambient sound, and / or, for example, adding augmented reality audio features to the reproduced ambient sound in an audible device. Whether or not the reproduced sound is amplified, the hearing device can also perform scene enhancement on the sound scene, such as beamforming and / or active noise cancellation (ANC). Hearing devices can also be implemented as hearing protection devices configured to protect the user's hearing, such as earplugs. Different types of hearing devices configured to be worn on the ear include earbuds, headphones, audible devices, and hearing instruments, such as receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, in-the-canal invisible (IIC) hearing aids, completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids, cochlear implant systems configured to provide electrical stimulation representative of audio content to the user, dual-mode hearing systems configured to provide amplified audio content and electrical stimulation representative of audio content to the user, or any other suitable hearing prosthesis. A hearing system including two hearing devices configured to be worn on different ears of the user is sometimes also referred to as a binaural hearing device. The hearing system can also include a hearing device (such as a monaural hearing device or a binaural hearing device) and a user device (such as a smartphone and / or a smartwatch) communicatively coupled to the hearing device.

[0003] Typically, the gain of a hearing device for amplifying sound depends on frequency. This dependence is generally referred to as the frequency response of the hearing device. The frequency response is an important parameter for the auditory experience, which can ensure high-quality sound reproduction, such as the naturalness, clarity, and consistency of the reproduced sound. In hearing devices, it can also make the sound amplification well match the individual's hearing loss. In particular, it is generally desirable to have a wide bandwidth for the frequency response. Other parameters affecting audio quality include the number and location of resonances in the frequency response spectrum and the flatness of the frequency response curve. For example, on the one hand, a relatively flat frequency response can ensure that all frequencies are reproduced equally. On the other hand, the enhancement or attenuation of certain frequencies or frequency ranges may help to make targeted adjustments to the frequency output, for example, in order to cancel out imbalances or distortions.

[0004] The frequency response of a hearing device is affected by many parameters, which include the characteristics of various components included in the hearing device (such as amplifiers, receivers, sound tubes, filters, vents, ear canal seals, and / or similar devices) and the way these components are arranged and interact with each other. However, the design choices of hearing devices are also restricted by size constraints so that they can be worn on the ear, especially fitted in a person's ear canal. The geometry of the ear canal itself also has a further impact on the frequency response, and the geometry of the ear canal itself varies at least to some extent. These constraints in hearing device design may limit the desired frequency response characteristics. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method to make the frequency response restricted by these constraints develop towards a more ideal direction.

[0005] Another problem with hearing devices that are at least partially worn in the ear canal is that substances such as cerumen, liquid, or dirt may enter the transducer (such as a receiver) or the sound tube connected to the transducer. The entry of such substances may cause transducer failure and a decline in hearing performance, ranging from acoustic signal distortion to complete failure of the transducer. Current solutions include so-called earwax filters or cerumen filters, which prevent substances from entering through a grid or diaphragm with varying degrees of porosity. One characteristic of such a transducer protection element is an acoustically open system, which allows sound conversion but with less impact and / or acceptable changes in sound output. Typical implementations include using a fine grid to block cerumen at positions such as the inner side in front of the receiver. However, cerumen has a certain adhesion ability to such filters, which may cause partial or complete blockage of the filter. If the degree of blockage is too high, the wearer of the hearing device will feel a weakening of the acoustic signal and even possible distortion. This requires replacing the filter, but during the replacement, the cerumen may be further squeezed into the interior of the filter.

[0006] Another characteristic of a transducer protector is acoustic enclosure. For example, a small flat diaphragm can be placed in front of the transducer. The disadvantage of using such a small flat diaphragm is that, especially at high sound levels, the displacement of the diaphragm is a non-linear function of the sound pressure, resulting in non-linearity in the reproduction of sound in the ear canal. Another disadvantage is that since the diaphragm needs to be very compliant, it is easily damaged or pierced. To alleviate this problem, it is necessary to increase the bending stiffness of the diaphragm, for example, by thickening or changing the material properties, or by increasing the pre-tension of the diaphragm. Both of these aspects will result in a large amount of sound transmission loss. This loss can be compensated for by a larger receiver, but this will increase the size of the hearing device, thereby reducing the fitting rate of the hearing device to the ear canal.

[0007] US2021 / 0258705A1 discloses a transducer protection element, which includes a dome implemented as a curved sound-radiating component, a neck component for mounting the element to the transducer, and a suspension component formed between the dome and the neck component along the moving direction of the dome, so that the attenuation and distortion of the sound when passing through the dome are very small, thereby making the protection element acoustically transparent in terms of the influence on the transmitted sound. However, for non-ideal or improvable sound characteristics, the amplified sound cannot be transmitted through the protection element and changed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to avoid at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages and provide a hearing device in which the characteristics of the sound output by the SD component can be modified in a convenient and / or adaptable and / or cost-effective and / or user-friendly manner, for example, the frequency response and / or pressure of the output sound. Another object is to provide a hearing device with a reliable protection function against the intrusion of substances. Another object is to provide a mechanical element included in a hearing device, which is designed to change the sound output by a sound emitter in a desired manner (for example, in a manner that can improve the output sound) and is also suitable for preventing intrusion. Another object is to provide a hearing device having improved acoustic performance and / or good anti-intrusion protection and / or favorable geometric dimensions (especially advantageous in terms of reducing the size of the hearing device and / or reducing the length of the sound tube included in the hearing device).

[0009] At least one of these objects can be achieved by a hearing device including the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are defined by the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a hearing device configured to be worn on a user's ear, the hearing device comprising:

[0011] - A sound delivery (SD) component configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal, the SD component including an acoustic tube (sound duct) having an axis along which sound propagates, wherein the acoustic tube is acoustically coupled to an electroacoustic transducer; and

[0012] - A mechanical element configured to be connected to the SD component, the element including a structure surrounding a cavity having an opening facing the SD component when the element is connected to the SD component, such that the cavity is acoustically coupled to the electroacoustic transducer, wherein the structure includes a section in which thinner portions and thicker portions are alternately arranged around the axis of the structure, and wherein when the element is connected to the SD component, the axis of the structure is aligned within 20° with respect to the axis of the acoustic tube.

[0013] Thus, by acoustically connecting the mechanical element to the SD component, the thinner portions provided on the periphery (outer circumference, perimeter, circumference) around the axis of the structure can be utilized to transmit the emitted sound in an advantageous manner. Since the thinner portions have less mass and / or stiffness, they are more easily excited to vibrate during sound transmission compared to the thicker portions, for example, vibrating with less mechanical damping and / or a larger vibration amplitude. Compared to the flat diaphragms known in the art, the structure of the mechanical element can achieve a larger surface area, thereby improving sound transmission. In addition, the volume of the cavity surrounded by the structure can be selected to be small enough to affect the acoustic characteristics in a desired manner. Furthermore, the thinner portions and the thicker portions can be geometrically designed to change the frequency response and / or pressure of the output sound in a desired manner. The required sound transmission performance can be achieved by combining several thinner portions, while the mechanical stability is provided by different thicker portions. In addition, the mechanical element can also serve a protective function, preventing substances from entering the holes of the SD component (such as the acoustic tube). In this way, the function of an earwax filter can be achieved. Another advantage of using the mechanical element instead of an earwax filter is that the length required for the SD component (such as the acoustic tube) that usually integrates the earwax filter can be reduced.

[0014] Subsequently, other features of the hearing device are described. Each of these features can be provided individually or in combination with at least one other feature.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the structure is configured such that when the element is connected to the SD component, the frequency response of the hearing device is different from the frequency response of the hearing device when the element is separated (disconnected) from the SD component.

[0016] In some embodiments, the structure is configured such that when the element is connected to the SD component, the sound pressure in the ear canal increases at least at one frequency in the frequency range between 1 kHz and 10 kHz as compared to the sound pressure when the element is separated. In some embodiments, the sound pressure increases by at least 2 dB, such as at least 3 dB, or at least 4 dB, or at least 5 dB. In some embodiments, the sound pressure increases within a frequency bandwidth in the frequency range, wherein the frequency bandwidth is at least 10 Hz, such as 50 Hz.

[0017] In some embodiments, the structure is configured such that when the element is connected to the SD component, the sound pressure in the cavity exceeds the sound pressure in the ear canal and outside the cavity. In some embodiments, in the frequency range between 100 Hz and 10 kHz, the sound pressure in the cavity exceeds the sound pressure outside the cavity by at least 5 dB.

[0018] In some embodiments, the structure is configured such that when the element is connected to the SD component, at least one resonance frequency moves (shifts, displaces) within the frequency response of the hearing device as compared to when the element is separated. In some embodiments, the resonance frequency moves by at least 50 Hz.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the element is connected to the SD component, the resonance frequency is between 2 kHz and 7 kHz.

[0020] In some embodiments, when the element is separated, the frequency response includes two resonance frequencies within a frequency range (e.g., the frequency range between 1 kHz and 10 kHz, particularly the frequency range between 2 kHz and 9 kHz); when the element is connected, the frequency response includes three resonance frequencies within the frequency range.

[0021] In some embodiments, the structure is configured such that when the element is connected, the cut-off frequency is at least 8 kHz. The cut-off frequency can be defined as a frequency above which the sound pressure level (SPL), particularly the SPL measurable at the eardrum, decreases by 20 dB per octave.

[0022] In some embodiments, the electroacoustic transducer includes a balanced armature transducer and / or a moving coil driver.

[0023] In some embodiments, the thinner part and the thicker part are arranged alternately around the axis of the structure such that the transmission of sound through the structure is more effective at the thinner part, while the hardness of the structure is enhanced by the thicker part.

[0024] In some embodiments, the section of the structure is arranged such that the volume of the enclosed cavity is minimized and the perimeter (e.g., the outer surface of the perimeter) along which the thinner and thicker portions are alternately arranged is maximized.

[0025] In some embodiments, the thinner portion constitutes at least two-thirds of the perimeter of the structure around which the thinner and thicker portions are alternately arranged.

[0026] In some embodiments, the perimeter of the structure includes at least six thinner portions. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the structure includes at least seven thinner portions. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the structure includes at least eight thinner portions.

[0027] In some embodiments, the natural frequencies of at least two of the thinner portions are different. The natural frequency can also be expressed as the characteristic frequency. In some embodiments, the natural frequencies differ by at least 10 Hz, such as at least 50 Hz. Thus, when the mechanical element is connected to the SD component, each different natural frequency will affect the resonance frequency of the hearing device. For example, sharp resonance peaks can be avoided. In some embodiments, different natural frequencies can be selected such that they together provide a single resonance peak in the frequency response spectrum when the mechanical element is connected to the SD component.

[0028] In some embodiments, each thicker portion is arranged between two thinner portions. In some embodiments, each thicker portion protrudes on the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the structure.

[0029] In some embodiments, one or more of the thinner portions disposed about the axis of the structure (e.g., each thinner portion disposed about the axis of the structure) are provided as portions of the structure that do not exceed a thickness limit (i.e., are below or equal to the thickness limit). In some embodiments, each thicker portion is a portion that exceeds the thickness limit (i.e., is not below and not equal to the thickness limit). In some embodiments, the thickness limit is selected to have a value of 0.15 mm or less. In some embodiments, the thickness limit has a value of 0.14 mm or less, such as 0.13 mm or less, 0.12 mm or less, 0.11 mm or less, 0.10 mm or less, 0.09 mm or less, 0.08 mm or less, 0.07 mm or less, 0.06 mm or less, 0.05 mm or less, 0.04 mm or less, 0.03 mm or less, 0.02 mm or less, or 0.01 mm or less. Although in some embodiments, smaller values of the thickness limit may be more desirable, providing such thickness limits (e.g., thickness limits below 0.1 mm and / or below 0.05 mm) may be limited, for example, by production constraints.

[0030] In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of one or more of the thicker portions disposed about the axis of the structure (e.g., each thicker portion disposed about the axis of the structure) is at least 0.03 mm greater than the maximum thickness of the thinner portion adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) the thicker portion. In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of one or more of the thicker portions disposed about the axis of the structure is at least 0.05 mm greater than the maximum thickness of the thinner portion adjacent to the thicker portion. In particular, the maximum thickness of the thicker portion is selected relative to the maximum thickness of the adjacent thinner portion to provide the element with a desired stability.

[0031] By way of example, in one particular example, the maximum thickness of one or more of the thicker portions disposed about the axis may be about 0.2 mm, and the maximum thickness of one or more of the thinner portions disposed about the axis may be about 0.14 mm. In another example, the maximum thickness of one or more of the thicker portions disposed about the axis may be about 0.1 mm, and the maximum thickness of one or more of the thinner portions disposed about the axis may be about 0.05 mm.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one of the thinner portions has a uniform (consistent) thickness. In some embodiments, at least one of the thinner portions has a different thickness. In some embodiments, at least one of the thicker portions has a uniform thickness. In some embodiments, at least one of the thicker portions has a uniform thickness.

[0033] In some embodiments, the thickness of the structure gradually (e.g., continuously and / or stepwise) decreases from one or more of the thicker portions towards one or more of the thinner portions.

[0034] In some embodiments, at least one of the thinner portions has a flat outer surface and / or inner surface. In some embodiments, at least one of the thinner portions has a curved outer surface and / or inner surface. In some embodiments, the curvature of at least one thinner portion is less than the curvature of a tangent to the cross-section of the structure (such as a tangent to an ellipse or a circle).

[0035] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the structure has edges that meet at corners, where the corners are formed by at least a portion of the thicker portions and the edges are constituted by at least a portion of the thinner portions.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least two of the thinner portions are inclined (angled) relative to each other.

[0037] In some embodiments, the thinner portions have a width between adjacent thicker portions, and the thicker portions have a width between adjacent thinner portions, where the width of at least one thinner portion exceeds at least twice the width of the adjacent thicker portion. In some embodiments, the width of at least one thinner portion exceeds at least three times the width of the adjacent thicker portion.

[0038] In some embodiments, the structure encloses a volume within the ear canal between the SD component and the eardrum.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the structure is approximately polygonal. In some embodiments, the polygon is concave. In some embodiments, the polygon is convex. In some embodiments, the polygon is star-shaped.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least two of the thinner portions (in particular, thinner portions adjacent to each other) span an angle of up to 120° on the perimeter of the structure. In some embodiments, at least two of the thinner portions span an angle of up to 90° on the perimeter of the structure. In some embodiments, at least two of the thinner portions span an angle of up to 60° on the perimeter of the structure. In some embodiments, at least two of the thinner portions span an angle of up to 50° on the perimeter of the structure.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least two of the thinner portions extend towards a corner on the perimeter of the structure, wherein at least one of the thicker portions is arranged at the corner.

[0042] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the structure has a plurality of protrusions extending in the radial direction, wherein each protrusion includes at least two thinner portions. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the structure has a plurality of protrusions extending in the radial direction, wherein each protrusion includes at least two thinner portions and a thicker portion arranged at the radially outer end of the protrusion. In some embodiments, at least one protrusion has the shape of a convex angle and / or a lug and / or a ridge.

[0043] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the structure is approximately star-shaped. In some embodiments, the star shape is defined as a plurality of radially arranged protrusions in an annular arrangement.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the structure touches an outer tangent with a larger radius and an inner tangent with a smaller radius, at least two thicker portions are located on the outer tangent, and at least two other thicker portions are located on the inner tangent, wherein at least two thinner portions extend between the outer tangent and the inner tangent. In some embodiments, the outer tangent and / or the inner tangent is elliptical, in particular circular.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the structure is defined within an elliptical curve, at least two thicker portions are located on the elliptical curve, wherein the internal volume enclosed by the structure is smaller than the external volume enclosed between the perimeter of the structure and the elliptical curve.

[0046] In some embodiments, the mechanical element further includes a sealing member configured to seal the ear canal wall, wherein the sealing member is integrally formed with the element. In some embodiments, the sealing member has a dome shape.

[0047] In some embodiments, the thinner portions constitute at least 30 mm 2 of the surface of the structure. In some embodiments, the thinner portions constitute at least 40 mm2 、 especially at least 50 mm 2 of the surface (e.g., a part of the outer surface of the structure). In this way, especially by utilizing the three-dimensional shape of the structure, the sound transmission through the protection element can be effectively increased.

[0048] In some embodiments, the structure includes a front wall opposite to the opening. In some embodiments, the front wall is composed of a thicker part and / or a thinner part. In some embodiments, the structure includes side walls extending between the front wall and the opening, wherein the periphery surrounding the cavity is formed by the side walls. In some embodiments, at least one thicker part and / or at least one thinner part of the side walls extend towards the front wall.

[0049] In some embodiments, one or more of the thicker parts protrude from the thinner parts, and the thicker parts are arranged outside and / or inside the structure between the thinner parts. In some embodiments, at least two of the thicker parts are spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the structure by a thicker part arranged between them, and / or at least two of the thicker parts are spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the structure by a thinner part arranged between them.

[0050] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing ribs are formed by one or more of the thicker parts. By way of example, by arranging one or more of the thicker parts such that each thicker part extends between two or more thinner parts of the structure, the stiffness of the structure can be increased between the thinner parts due to the greater hardness of the thicker parts forming the reinforcing ribs between the thinner parts. In this way, the overall stability of the structure can be enhanced. In some embodiments, one or more of the reinforcing ribs are rod-shaped. In some embodiments, one or more of the reinforcing ribs are provided as fins. The fins can be used to increase and / or improve the total sound radiation surface area and / or obtain certain acoustic-mechanical vibration modes.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least two of the thinner parts are spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the structure by a thicker part arranged between them, and / or at least two of the thicker parts are spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the structure by a thinner part arranged between them.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least one of the thicker portions and / or at least one of the thinner portions extends along the axis of the structure, for example, extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the structure. In some embodiments, the axis is surrounded by a perimeter of the structure on which the thinner portions and the thicker portions are alternately arranged. For example, the perimeter may be defined as an outer edge extending along the outer surface of the sidewall. In some embodiments, the axis extends through the opening and / or the front wall. In some embodiments, the axis extends in a direction in which the SD component can be inserted into the ear canal.

[0053] In some embodiments, the mechanical element is configured to be connected to the SD component on a side of the SD component that faces the inner region of the ear canal (particularly the eardrum) when the SD component is inserted into the ear canal. In some embodiments, the opening of the cavity surrounded by the structure of the mechanical element faces away from the inner region of the ear canal.

[0054] In some embodiments, the mechanical element includes a joint head segment, and the element can be connected to the SD component at the joint head segment. In some embodiments, the thickness of the joint head segment is greater than the thickness of the thinner portion. In some embodiments, the thickness of the joint head segment is greater than the thickness of the thicker portion arranged around the axis of the structure.

[0055] In some embodiments, the element is formed by injection molding. In some embodiments, the element is formed by injection molding of liquid silicone rubber (LSR).

[0056] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing components made of a material different from that of the structure are arranged outside and / or inside the structure. In some embodiments, at least one reinforcing component is arranged inside the cavity to support the structure internally.

[0057] In some embodiments, the structure includes at least two thinner portions that are inclined (angled) relative to each other. In one embodiment, when sound is transmitted through the at least two thinner portions, the vibration direction of one of the at least two thinner portions may be inclined relative to the vibration direction of the other of the at least two thinner portions. By way of example, a first virtual plane may be defined as a plane extending through the outer edge of one of the at least two thinner portions, and a second virtual plane may be defined as a plane extending through the outer edge of the other of the at least two thinner portions, wherein the first virtual plane and the second virtual plane are inclined relative to each other. For example, the normal vector of the first virtual plane may be inclined relative to the normal vector of the second virtual plane.

[0058] In some embodiments, one or more of the thinner portions have a planar (flat, level) shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the thinner portions have a curved shape. In some embodiments, one or more of the thicker portions project from the at least two thinner portions at regions of the structure where the at least two thinner portions are inclined relative to each other (e.g., at a corner of the structure).

[0059] In some embodiments, the sidewall surrounds the cavity, e.g., surrounds the cavity along the perimeter of the sidewall. The sidewall and / or the front wall may include an inner surface defining the cavity and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. In some embodiments, the axis of the structure is the axis of the sidewall, e.g., the axis surrounded by the sidewall and / or the axis extending along the sidewall in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the axis extends through the cavity surrounded by the sidewall between the opening (particularly the center of the opening) and the front wall (particularly the center of the front wall).

[0060] In some embodiments, the front wall includes thinner portions (constituted by thinner portions). In some embodiments, the front wall includes thicker portions (constituted by thicker portions). In some embodiments, the front wall is planar. In some embodiments, the front wall is curved. In some embodiments, the front wall curves towards the cavity.

[0061] In some embodiments, the sidewall includes a portion where the sidewall tapers towards the front end. In some embodiments, the sidewall includes a portion where the cross-section of the sidewall remains substantially constant (particularly along an extension direction parallel to the central axis).

[0062] In some embodiments, the thinner portions are mainly configured for sound transmission. For example, the regions of the structure mainly configured for sound transmission may be provided by one or more thinner portions on the sidewall and / or one or more thinner portions on the front wall. In some embodiments, one or more of the thicker portions may also be configured for sound transmission, e.g., for sound transmission to a lesser extent than the thinner portions. Thus, the sound transmission regions of the structure may be provided by one or more thinner portions and / or one or more thicker portions.

[0063] In some embodiments, the sidewall includes one or more thinner portions, and one or more thicker portions project from the one or more thinner portions on the outer surface and / or inner surface of the sidewall. For example, one or more thicker portions may project from the thinner portions at corner regions of the sidewall that cause the thinner portions to be inclined relative to each other, and / or one or more thicker portions may project from the thinner portions at continuous regions of the sidewall where the thinner portions are continuously joined together.

[0064] In some embodiments, at least one thinner portion of the sidewall has a different thickness compared to the thickness of at least one thinner portion of the front wall. In some embodiments, at least one thinner portion of the sidewall has the same thickness as at least one thinner portion of the front wall.

[0065] In some embodiments, the thicker portion extending towards the opening may be configured to attach the element to the transducer or the sound tube. By way of example, the hardness of the structure can be enhanced at the opening by the thicker portion extending towards the opening, thereby achieving a stable attachment, for example, without the risk of structural damage. In some embodiments, the thicker portion extending towards the opening extends around the perimeter of the sidewall. In particular, when the thicker portion extending towards the opening extends around the perimeter of the sidewall, uniform stability of the attachment and / or minimization of the risk of damaging the structure can be achieved.

[0066] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing ribs are formed by one or more thicker portions of the sidewall. For example, one or more thicker portions on the sidewall may constitute the reinforcing ribs, especially when the one or more thinner portions on the sidewall are less stable compared to the thicker portions, which can serve to stabilize the sidewall.

[0067] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing ribs are formed such that the structure is configured to contact the ear canal wall at the reinforcing ribs when connected to the electroacoustic transducer or the sound tube and inserted into the ear canal. Thus, the reinforcing ribs can space one or more thinner portions on the sidewall from the surrounding environment (such as the ear canal wall), especially to ensure that the vibration of the thinner portions (such as the vibration during sound transmission) is not hindered by the surrounding environment.

[0068] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the structure is approximately polygonal, with its edges joined at the corners, where the corners are formed by at least a portion of the thicker part (e.g., the reinforcing rib), and the edges include at least a portion of the thinner part. For example, the edges may be formed by at least a portion of the thinner part, and / or the edges may include at least one thicker part in addition to one or more thinner parts. In some embodiments, the polygon is an equilateral polygon such that the edges have equal lengths. In some embodiments, the polygon is an equiangular polygon such that the angles at the corners are equal. In some embodiments, the angles at two or more corners are different. In some embodiments, one or more of the edges are curved. In one embodiment, one or more of the edges are planar.

[0069] In some embodiments, at least one reinforcing member made of a material different from that of the structure is disposed within the cavity to support the structure internally. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member is disposed within the cavity to support the structure at the location of one or more of the thicker parts internally. In one embodiment, the reinforcing member is configured as a structure extending between two supported thicker parts. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member has a planar structure. In one embodiment, the reinforcing member has a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member is provided with a cutout facing the front wall and / or a cutout facing the opening. For example, the cutout may be a circular sector cutout.

[0070] In some embodiments, the structure is made of a single material or multiple materials (e.g., silicone rubber and / or another polymer) having a Young's modulus of less than 10 MPa, particularly less than 5 MPa, for example less than 3 MPa, and / or is provided with a cerumen-repellent coating.

[0071] In some embodiments, the length of the thinner part of the structure is at least 2 mm and / or at most 10 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the structure (particularly the diameter of the front wall) is at most 7 mm. In some embodiments, at least one of the thinner parts has a thickness of 0.05 mm or less at least at its thinnest part.

[0072] In some embodiments, the element further includes at least one dome configured to seal the ear canal, where the at least one dome is integrally formed with the element.

[0073] In some embodiments, the structure includes a rounded edge between the thinner portions to avoid irritation or wearing comfort issues when wearing the transducer element with the protection system in the ear, wherein the radius of the rounded edge can be less than 0.5 mm but greater than 0.05 mm. In some embodiments, the rounded edge is provided as a thicker portion.

[0074] In some embodiments, the earpiece and / or ITE component may include the SD component and the mechanical element. The earpiece and / or the ITE component may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal. The SD component may include a housing customized according to the shape of the user's individual ear canal. Another example is that the SD component may include a flexible member (e.g., a dome), and the flexible member may conform its shape to the shape of the individual ear canal. In some embodiments, the electroacoustic transducer is included in the SD component. In some embodiments, the hearing device includes a housing configured to be worn behind the user's ear. In some embodiments, the electroacoustic transducer is included in a housing configured to be worn behind the ear.

[0075] In some embodiments, the element includes one or more grooves disposed along the inner surface of the element, wherein the one or more grooves are configured to engage with a corresponding number of protrusions on the outer surface of the SD component. In this way, the element can be connected to the SD component. For example, the grooves and the protrusions can be annular. For example, the protrusions can extend around the outer perimeter of the electroacoustic transducer or the sound tube. For example, the element may include a joint segment that includes the grooves.

[0076] In some embodiments, the element can be connected to the SD component by screws and / or clamps. In this way, the user can replace the protection element.

[0077] In some embodiments, the shape of the structure can be such that the corners of the structure protect the thinner portions from contacting the ear canal wall so that their vibration is not hindered.

[0078] In some embodiments, the element may include a 2K overmolded component, particularly a 2K overmolded component having a hard core and a softer portion, wherein the hard core can be used for pressure equalization. Description of the Drawings

[0079] Specific embodiments will now be described in detail. The accompanying drawings illustrate examples of these embodiments. The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments and are part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are only examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. In the drawings:

[0080] Figure 1 Schematically shows an exemplary hearing device, which includes an SD component connected to a mechanical element;

[0081] Figure 2 Schematically shows another exemplary hearing device, which includes an SD component connected to a mechanical element;

[0082] Figure 3A A and B schematically show an arrangement in which a hearing device including an SD component is at least partially inserted into the ear canal, where the mechanical element is connected or separated;

[0083] Figure 4A C - D schematically show another exemplary hearing device, which includes an SD component connected to a mechanical element;

[0084] Figure 5A E - H schematically show the surroundings of the structure of the mechanical element;

[0085] Figure 6A C - D schematically show the mechanical element;

[0086] Figure 7A A and B schematically show more mechanical elements;

[0087] Figure 8A C - D schematically show another mechanical element;

[0088] Figure 9A C - D schematically show another mechanical element;

[0089] Figure 10A A and B schematically show another mechanical element;

[0090] Figure 11A A and B schematically show another mechanical element;

[0091] Figure 12A A - C schematically show more mechanical elements;

[0092] Figure 13A A and B schematically show the thinner part of the mechanical element structure during sound transmission; and

[0093] Figure 14 Shows an exemplary frequency response curve. Detailed Description

[0094] Different types of hearing devices (hearing aids) can be distinguished by their position on the ear. Some hearing devices, such as behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, typically include a receiver configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal of the ear and an additional housing configured to be worn at a wearing position outside the ear canal (specifically, behind the user's ear). Some other hearing devices, such as earbuds, headphones, audible devices, earplugs, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids, and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids, typically include such a receiver designed to be worn at least partially within the ear canal, but do not have an additional housing for wearing at different ear positions.

[0095] Figure 1 An exemplary hearing device 10 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The present invention is directed to providing sound transmission through a mechanical element 12 that may be connected to a sound delivery (SD) component 20 of the hearing device 10, the SD component 20 including an acoustic tube 16. The SD component 20 may include an electroacoustic transducer and / or the acoustic tube (sound duct) 16 may be acoustically coupled to an electroacoustic transducer external to the SD component 20. The mechanical element 12 may be in a hollow shape and have a cavity surrounded (enclosed) by a structure 18. In certain examples, the cavity may be completely enclosed except for an opening 8, which is acoustically coupled to the electroacoustic transducer through the opening 8 when the element 12 is connected to the SD component 20. The mechanical element 12 may serve multiple purposes, including altering the frequency response of the hearing device 10 and / or providing a complete barrier to block any substances or fluids that may be present in the user's ear canal.

[0096] In Figure 1 the example shown, the hearing device 10 is implemented as a RIC hearing aid. The RIC hearing aid 10 includes a BTE component 21 configured to be worn on the ear at a behind-the-ear wearing position and an ITE component 11 configured to be worn on the ear at a wearing position that is at least partially within the ear canal of the ear. The hearing device 10 further includes a mechanical element 12 that may be connected to the ITE component 11.

[0097] The ITE component 11 is implemented as a receiver that can be at least partially inserted into the ear canal. The ITE component 11 includes an SD component 20. The SD component 20 includes an electroacoustic transducer 17, and the electroacoustic transducer 17 includes a housing 14 that houses an electrical component 13. In the illustrated example, the electroacoustic transducer 17 is implemented as a receiver or a speaker, and the electrical component 13 is configured to convert an electrical signal into sound. In particular, the electroacoustic transducer 17 can be implemented as a balanced armature transducer. In other examples, the electroacoustic transducer 17 can be implemented as a moving coil speaker. In other examples, the electroacoustic transducer 17 can be implemented as a microphone (e.g., an ear canal microphone), and the component 13 can be configured to convert sound into an electrical signal. The housing 14 is further provided with a sound tube 16, and the sound tube 16 is used to emit the sound generated by the component 13 to the inner region of the ear canal. Therefore, when the SD component 20 is at least partially inserted into the ear canal, the electroacoustic transducer 17 can be acoustically coupled to the inner region of the ear canal so as to emit sound towards the eardrum to the inner region of the ear canal. The SD component 20 can include other components serving specific embodiments, such as an ear canal microphone, a physiological sensor, a processor, and / or similar components, and these components can be housed in the housing 14.

[0098] The ITE component 11 further includes a sealing member 15, and the sealing member 15 is adapted to contact the ear canal wall when the ITE component 11 is at least partially inserted into the ear canal. In the illustrated example, the sealing member 15 is provided on the SD component 20. In other examples, the sealing member 15 can be integrally formed with the mechanical element 12. The sealing member 15 is implemented as a flexible member, and it is configured to conform to the shape of the ear canal wall. For example, the flexible member can be in a dome shape. In other examples, the sealing member 15 can be provided as a housing, and its shape can be customized according to each ear canal.

[0099] The ITE component 11 further includes a mechanical element 12. The mechanical element 12 is configured to be mechanically connected to the SD component 20. After the connection, as Figure 1As shown, the mechanical element 12 can be inserted into the ear canal together with the SD component 20. The mechanical element 12 includes a structure 18 that surrounds a cavity with an opening 19 facing the SD component 20. Thus, the element 12 can be configured to be acoustically coupled to the electroacoustic transducer 17 through the opening 19 facing the SD component 20. In some embodiments, as shown, the mechanical element 12 is connected to the electroacoustic transducer 17, for example, connected to the electroacoustic transducer 17 on the transducer housing 14. For example, when the mechanical element 12 is connected to the electroacoustic transducer 17, the sound tube 16 can be received by the element 12 through the opening 19 for acoustic coupling with the electroacoustic transducer 17. In other examples, the mechanical element 12 can be connected to at least another component and / or another assembly of the SD component 20 in such a way that the element 12 is acoustically coupled to the electroacoustic transducer 17 through the opening 19, for example, connected to the sealing member 15.

[0100] The BTE component 21 includes a BTE housing 24 that is configured to be worn behind the ear. The BTE component 21 and the ITE component 11 are interconnected by a cable 22. A processor 26 housed in the BTE housing 24 is communicatively coupled to the electroacoustic transducer 17 through a cable 19 and a cable connector 29 provided on the BTE housing 24. Thus, the processor 26 can be configured to provide an audio signal to the electroacoustic transducer 17 and generate sound based thereon. In the example shown, the processor 26 is further operatively connected to an electroacoustic transducer 27 and a user interface 28 (such as a switch), the electroacoustic transducer 27 being configured to convert sound into an electrical signal, and the above conversion can be achieved by a microphone and / or a microphone array. The BTE component 21 also includes a battery 23 as a power source for the above components.

[0101] In some other examples, the hearing device can be implemented as a BTE hearing aid. The BTE component of the BTE hearing aid can correspond to the above BTE component 21, wherein the BTE component of the BTE hearing aid further includes an electroacoustic transducer 17 for converting an electrical signal into sound. The SD component of the BTE hearing aid can include a sound tube through which the sound generated by the electroacoustic transducer 17 can be delivered into the ear canal. Thus, the ITE component of the BTE hearing aid can include a mechanical element 12 connected to such an SD component. When the mechanical element 12 is connected to the SD component of the BTE hearing aid, the mechanical element 12 can be acoustically coupled to the electroacoustic transducer 17 through the sound tube. For example, the mechanical element 12 can be connected to the sound tube such that the sound outlet of the sound tube can be received by the element 12 through the opening 19 to achieve acoustic coupling with the electroacoustic transducer 17. In other examples, the mechanical element 12 can be connected to at least another component and / or another assembly of the SD component of the BTE hearing aid.

[0102] In some other examples, the hearing device can be implemented as an ITE hearing aid, an IIC hearing aid, a CIC hearing aid, or an earbud, and it can consist of an ITE component or earpiece and mechanical element 12 configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal. In addition to the components of the ITE component 11 described above, the ITE component may also include one or more components of the BTE component 21 described above.

[0103] Figure 2 An exemplary ITE component 51 of a hearing device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, which includes an SD component 50 and a mechanical element 62. The hearing device can be constituted by the ITE component 51 or can include other components, such as a BTE component. For example, a RIC hearing aid can include the ITE component 51 and a BTE component. The SD component 50 includes an electroacoustic transducer 57 implemented as a receiver. The receiver 57 includes a housing 54 that houses electrical components 53. The sound outlet of the receiver 57 is provided as a sound tube 58 formed in the housing 54. When the ITE component 51 is at least partially inserted into the ear canal, the sound tube 58 is implemented as a nozzle that extends in the medial direction (especially towards the eardrum). The sound tube 58 has an axis 59, and the sound generated by the electroacoustic transducer 57 propagates in the direction of the axis 59. The axis 59 extends along the longitudinal direction of the sound tube 58. The axis 59 extends through the center of the sound tube 58 and can also be referred to as the central axis.

[0104] The mechanical element 62 can be connected to the SD component 50. In certain embodiments, the mechanical element 62 can be mounted on the electroacoustic transducer 57, for example, on the sound tube 58 and / or another part of the housing 54. For example, the mounting can be achieved through a groove 65 (such as an annular groove 65) along the inner surface of the mechanical element 62, which engages with a corresponding protrusion 55 (such as an annular protrusion 55) on the outer periphery (circumference, perimeter) of the sound tube 58.

[0105] The mechanical element 62 includes a structure 61 that surrounds a cavity 64 with an opening 63. When the mechanical element 62 is connected to the SD component 50, the opening 63 faces the SD component 50 so that the cavity 64 is acoustically coupled to the electroacoustic transducer 57. In certain embodiments, as shown, the electroacoustic transducer 57 and / or the sound tube 58 can extend into the cavity 64 through the opening 63. The part of the electroacoustic transducer 57 and / or the sound tube 58 that extends into the cavity 67 can constitute a reinforcing component of the internal support structure 61. In other embodiments, the electroacoustic transducer 57 and / or the sound tube 58 can be disposed outside the cavity 64 at a certain distance from the opening 63.

[0106] The structure 61 includes a front wall 69 located at the front end opposite to the rear end provided with an opening 63, and a side wall 68 extending between the front wall 69 and the opening 63. The side wall 68 surrounds the cavity 64. The front end is the inner end, that is, when the ITE component 51 is at least partially inserted, the front wall 69 faces the eardrum in the ear canal. The rear end is the outer end such that the opening 63 faces the ear canal entrance.

[0107] The structure 61 includes a first segment 66 extending between the front end of the sound tube 58 and the front end of the structure 61. The first segment 66 includes the front wall 69 and the part of the side wall 68 extending towards (close to) the front wall 69. The part of the side wall 68 included in the first segment 66 surrounds a volume (capacity) part of the cavity 64, which remains hollow, especially empty, when the mechanical element 62 is connected to the SD component 50. The first segment 66 includes thinner portions 71 and thicker portions 72 arranged alternately around the axis 79 of the structure 61. The axis 79 extends along the longitudinal direction of the first segment 66 of the structure 61, especially along the side wall 68, and can also be called the longitudinal axis. In the illustrated example, the axis 79 extends through the center of the first segment 66 and can also be called the central axis. When the mechanical element 62 is connected to the SD component 50, the axis 79 of the structure 61 is aligned within 20° (e.g., at 10°) with respect to the axis 59 of the sound tube 58. Therefore, the angle between the axis 79 of the structure 61 and the axis 59 of the sound tube 58 shall not exceed 20°. In the illustrated example, the axis 79 of the structure 61 is substantially coincident and / or concentric with the axis 59 of the sound tube 58. In other examples, the axis 79 of the structure 61 can be at a certain distance from the axis 59 of the sound tube 58, for example, displaced with respect to the axis 59 of the sound tube 58 to be parallel to the axis 59 of the sound tube 58.

[0108] The thinner portions 71 and the thicker portions 72 are arranged alternately around the perimeter (circumference, periphery, outer periphery) of the structure 61, especially around the perimeter of the side wall 68. In particular, each thicker portion 72 can be arranged between two thinner portions 71. Therefore, adjacent thinner portions 71 can be circumferentially spaced apart by the thicker portion 72 arranged between them. In some embodiments, the thinner portions 71 and the thicker portions 72 extend along the longitudinal direction parallel to the axis 79 of the structure 61. In particular, the central axis 79 can be surrounded by the part of the side wall 68 included in the first segment 66. In some embodiments, the thinner portions 71 and / or the thicker portions 72 extend towards the front wall 69. In some embodiments, as shown in the figure, the front wall 69 is the thinner portion 71. In other embodiments, the front wall 69 can be implemented as the thicker portion 72.

[0109] The first section 66 of the structure 61 can be used to transmit the sound emitted by the electroacoustic transducer 57 from the cavity 64 to the outside of the structure 61, in particular to the inner region of the ear canal when inserted into the ear canal. Thus, the first section 66 can also be represented as a diaphragm or a diaphragm section. In particular, the transmission of sound through the structure 61 can be more effective at the thinner part 71, and the thicker part 61 can enhance the rigidity of the structure 61. By way of example, the thinner part 71 is mainly used for sound transmission, while the thicker part 72 mainly provides different functions, such as stabilizing the structure 61 during sound transmission and / or maintaining the ideal shape of the mechanical element 62. In particular, due to the smaller mass of the thinner part 71, the thinner part 71 is more likely to be excited to vibrate during sound transmission compared to the thicker part 72, for example, vibrating with less mechanical damping and / or a larger vibration amplitude.

[0110] Compared with the flat diaphragms known in the art, the structure 61 can achieve a larger surface, thereby improving the transmission of sound. Another advantage of the present invention is that the geometry of the acoustic active elements in the structure 61 can be adjusted. For example, the frequency response of the hearing device can be changed according to the preferred specifications, and / or the sound pressure (acoustic pressure) in the ear canal can be increased within the preferred frequency range, and / or at least one resonance frequency can be shifted and / or increased in the frequency response, and / or the resonance peak can be broadened (enlarged), and / or the cut-off frequency can be changed, and / or an improved acoustic signal output can be provided within a specific frequency band. The geometry of the diaphragm section 66 can be optimized to match the required acoustic performance. In some embodiments, a grid or open-cell foam can also be included in the cavity 64 to improve the performance.

[0111] The structure 61 includes a second section 67, and the second section 67 includes the part of the side wall 68 that extends between the opening 63 and the front end of the sound tube 58. The part of the side wall 68 included in the second section 67 surrounds a volume part of the cavity 64, and when the element 62 is connected to the SD component 50, this volume part is filled with a part of the SD component 50. The second section 67 includes a thicker part 73, and the thicker part 73 provides sufficient robustness for mounting the mechanical element 62 to the SD component 50 (especially the electroacoustic transducer 57). Thus, the second section 67 can also be represented as a joint or a mounting section. The thicker part 73 can be represented as a joint or a mounting part. The thicker part 73 can extend around the perimeter of the second section 67, for example, having a uniform thickness. In some embodiments, the thicker part 73 can have a greater thickness compared to the thicker part 72 included in the first section 66. The shape of the inner surface 77 of the thicker part 73 that defines the cavity 64 at the opening 63 can correspond to the shape of the electroacoustic transducer 57 and / or the part of the sound tube 58 (at the opening 63). The protrusion 55 can be formed in the second section 67.

[0112] The mechanical element 62 can be adapted to different ear canal geometries, such as small ear canals, large ear canals, or round and oval ear canals. In some embodiments, the mechanical element 62 can be combined with a sealing member (such as a dome) into one element. In particular, when the mechanical element 62 is implemented as a dome in the prior art, it can provide mechanical coupling with the electroacoustic transducer 57 (such as the sound tube 58 and / or another part of the housing 54).

[0113] By selecting a suitable material for the mechanical element 62 (such as silicone rubber) and / or by applying a coating, the adhesion of cerumen to the surface of the mechanical element 62 can be reduced, thereby minimizing the cleaning work of the mechanical element 62. In addition, due to the smooth surface, it is much easier to clean the mechanical element 62 with a smooth surface than to clean a puncture-sensitive diaphragm. In some embodiments, since the mechanical element 62 may come into contact with the skin, the material of the mechanical element 62 should be selected to be biocompatible. Improving the reliability of the mechanical element 62 can reduce the need for transducer repairs and reduce the required spare parts (such as earwax filters).

[0114] In one example, the effective length of the structure 61 (especially the effective length of the thinner portion 71 provided in the diaphragm section 66) can be from 2 mm to 10 mm, such as about 5 mm. The diameter of the structure 61 (especially the diameter of the diaphragm section 66) can be from 1 mm to 7 mm. The thickness of the thinner portion 71 in the diaphragm section 66 can be less than 0.15 mm. For example, the thinner portion 71 can at least partially have a thickness of 0.05 mm or less. For example, the thickness of the thinnest region is 0.02 mm. In recent years, the processing technology of liquid silicone rubber has been greatly improved, making it possible to manufacture diaphragm components as thin as required for this application, while their stability is sufficient to withstand mechanical loads.

[0115] Figure 3A and Figure 3BAn arrangement is schematically shown in which the ITE component 51 is at least partially inserted into the ear canal 80. The ear canal 80 is defined by an ear canal wall 81 extending towards the eardrum 82. The ITE component 51 further includes a sealing member 79 configured to acoustically seal the ear canal wall 81. For example, the sealing member 79 can be implemented as a flexible member as shown, such as a dome or a custom housing. In the example shown, the sealing member 79 is included in the SD component 50. For example, the sealing member 79 can be attached to the electroacoustic transducer 57, particularly at the nozzle 58 and / or at another component of the transducer housing. In other examples, the sealing member 79 can be integrally formed with the mechanical element 62. Thus, an acoustic seal can be formed with the ear canal wall at the portion where the ITE component 51 contacts the ear canal wall. The acoustic seal can at least partially prevent ambient sound from entering the inner region of the ear canal 80, and / or prevent sound waves generated by the electroacoustic transducer 57 from entering the surrounding environment outside the ear canal 80. The inner region of the ear canal 80 can be defined as the region from between the eardrum 82 and the ITE component 51 until the position where the ear canal wall 81 is acoustically sealed by the sealing member 79 when the ITE component 51 is at least partially inserted into the ear canal 80.

[0116] In Figure 3A the first arrangement shown, only the SD component 50 (from which the mechanical element 62 is separated) is inserted into the ear canal 80. The inner region of the ear canal 80 has a volume 83. This volume 83 can be represented as the ear canal volume.

[0117] In Figure 3B the second arrangement shown, the SD component 50 and the mechanical element 62 connected to the SD component 50 are inserted into the ear canal 80. The mechanical element 62 includes a structure 61 surrounding a cavity 64 (especially the empty part of the cavity 64), and the cavity 64 has a volume 84 extending in front of the nozzle 84. Thus, the volume 84 can be represented as the nozzle expansion volume. Therefore, in the second arrangement, compared with the volume 83 in the first arrangement, the volume 85 of the inner region of the ear canal 80 is reduced by the nozzle expansion volume 84. Thus, the volume 85 can be represented as the remaining ear canal volume. Therefore, the structure 61 of the mechanical element 62 divides the ear canal volume 83 into two independent volumes, namely the nozzle expansion volume 84 and the remaining ear canal volume 85.

[0118] The mechanical element 62 including the structure 61 is designed in the above-described and following ways such that the sound pressure in the nozzle expansion volume 84 exceeds the sound pressure in the remaining ear canal volume 85. To this end, the structure 61 can be arranged such that the volume 84 of the enclosed cavity is minimized and the perimeter along which thinner and thicker portions are alternately arranged is maximized. Thus, when the element 62 is connected to the SD component, the structure 61 can be configured such that the sound pressure in the cavity enclosed by the structure 61 exceeds the sound pressure inside the ear canal and outside the cavity.

[0119] Figure 4A - 4D Schematically shown are further exemplary ITE components 101, 129, 139, 149 of a hearing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, which include SD components 100, 120 and mechanical elements 112, 122, 132, 142. The SD components 100, 120 include a custom shell 105, the shape of which is customized at least in part according to the ear canal 80 (especially the ear canal of an individual user). Thus, the custom shell 105 can form a sealing member that forms an acoustic seal with the ear canal wall 81. To manufacture the custom shell 105, the geometry of the user-specific ear canal can be determined first, for example, by taking an impression of the user's ear canal. Subsequently, taking into account the predetermined individual ear canal geometry, for example, in a resin-based 3D printing technology such as digital light processing (DLP) or another stereolithography (SLA) process, the shell 105 is made of resin. As shown, the custom shell 105 can be open at the rear end (which can also be referred to as the outer end). This opening can also be referred to as the outer opening. The opening can be covered by a panel 108 mounted at the rear end.

[0120] The SD component 101 also includes an electroacoustic transducer 107, which is housed in an internal volume surrounded by the custom shell 105. The electroacoustic transducer 107 is implemented as a receiver. The custom shell 105 also includes an opening 106 at the front end, which can also be referred to as the inner end. The opening 106 can also be referred to as the inner opening. The inner opening 106 is designed to deliver the sound generated by the electroacoustic transducer 107 into the ear canal 80, especially into the internal regions 83, 85.

[0121] In Figure 4AIn the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical element 112 is connected to the electroacoustic transducer 107 such that the mechanical element 112 extends from the internal volume enclosed by the custom housing 105 through the inner opening 106 to the external volume surrounding the custom housing 105. When the ITE component 101 is at least partially inserted into the ear canal 80, the mechanical element 112 thus extends into the inner regions 83, 85. The mechanical element 112 has a structure 111 that includes a first section 116 that includes thinner portions 71 and thicker portions 72 that are alternately arranged about an axis 79 of the structure 111. The structure 111 includes a second section 113 at which the structure 111 is mounted on the electroacoustic transducer 107. The second section 113 is provided with a circumferential protrusion 115, such as at the rear end of the structure 111. The circumferential protrusion 115 contacts the inner surface of the custom housing 105. For example, the circumferential protrusion 115 can be elastic to conform to the inner surface. The circumferential protrusion 115 can provide an acoustic seal within the internal volume of the custom housing 105, and / or fix the mechanical element 112 relative to the electroacoustic transducer 107, and / or fix the electroacoustic transducer 107 within the housing 105. Thus, the mechanical element 112 can provide sound transmission through the thinner portions 71 included in the first section 116, which can be located within and / or outside the internal volume of the custom housing 105. In the illustrated example, the inner opening 106 of the housing 105 is much wider than the mechanical element 112. Thus, the mechanical element 112 can provide sound transmission through the thinner portions 71 included in the first section 116, which can be located within and / or outside the internal volume of the custom housing 105.

[0122] In Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the ITE component 129 includes a mechanical element 122 that is connected to the custom housing 105 of the SD component 120, such as at the location of the inner opening 106. In this way, when the mechanical element 122 is connected to the custom housing 105, the cavity enclosed by the structure 121 of the mechanical element 122 can be acoustically coupled to the electroacoustic transducer 107 through an opening of the cavity. For example, a click-on interface can be provided for releasably attaching the mechanical element 122 to the custom housing 105 and / or detaching the mechanical element 122 from the custom housing 105. As shown, the structure 121 includes a first section 126 in which thinner portions 71 and thicker portions 72 are alternately arranged about an axis 79 of the structure 121. In this example, the first section 126 of the structure 121 is dome-shaped, while Figure 4AThe first segment 116 of the structure 111 shown in [Figure] is cylindrical. In addition to the first segment 126, the structure 121 further includes a second segment 123. The second segment 123 includes a fixing structure 128. The fixing structure 128 is configured to fix the mechanical element 122 within the custom housing 105 and / or to fix the electroacoustic transducer 107. The fixing structure 128 is at least partially disposed within the internal volume surrounded by the custom housing 105, for example, disposed near the inner opening 106. As shown, the sound port of the electroacoustic transducer 107 may be disposed outside the internal volume surrounded by the custom housing 105 and within the cavity surrounded by the structure 121. For example, the electroacoustic transducer 107 may extend through the inner opening 106 or may be disposed in front of the inner opening 106, such as on the inner side of the housing 105. In some embodiments, a support structure 127 may be disposed in the first segment 126 and / or the second segment 123 to suspend the electroacoustic transducer 107.

[0123] In Figure 4C the illustrated embodiment, the ITE component 139 includes a mechanical element 132, the structure 131 of which, in addition to the first segment 126, further includes a second segment 133. The second segment 133 includes a first portion 134 through which the mechanical element 132 is connected to the electroacoustic transducer 107. The first portion 134 has an opening leading to the cavity surrounded by the structure 131 such that the cavity is acoustically coupled to the electroacoustic transducer 107. The second segment 133 includes a second portion 135 through which the mechanical element 132 is connected to the custom housing 105 of the SD component 100, for example, connected to the custom housing 105 on the outer surface of the housing 105 (e.g., by a snap-fit connection). As shown, the second portion 135 may at least partially surround the first portion 134. The cavity surrounded by the structure 131 may extend between the first portion 134 and the second portion 135. In the illustrated example, the second portion 135 at least partially contacts the ear canal wall 81. In this way, the acoustic seal of the ITE component 139 is enhanced.

[0124] Figure 4D The illustrated ITE component 149 is substantially corresponding to Figure 4C the illustrated ITE component 139 except that the mechanical element 142 includes a structure 141 having a first segment 146 in which thinner portions 71 and thicker portions 72 are alternately arranged around the axis 79 of the structure 111, wherein the first segment 146 includes a cylindrical member 148. In this way, compared with Figure 4CThe first dome-shaped section 146 has a greater radial spacing from the ear canal wall 81 than the first section 126 shown. Thus, the radial sound transmission into the ear canal 80 through the first section 146 will be more effective, and / or the volume of the cavity surrounded by the first section 146 will be advantageously reduced.

[0125] Figure 5A - 5F An exemplary embodiment of a section 91 - 98 of the structures 18, 61, 111, 121, 131, 141 of the mechanical elements 12, 62, 112, 122, 132, 142 is schematically shown in cross-section, in which the thinner portions 71 and the thicker portions 72 are arranged alternately around an axis, particularly around the perimeter of the section 91 - 98. For example, the section 91 - 98 can be implemented as a first section 66 of the structure 61 or a diaphragm section. As shown, the sections 91 - 98 of the structures 18, 61 include edges that join at corners, where the edge is provided as the thinner portion 71 and the corner is provided as the thicker portion 72. In certain embodiments, as Figure 5B and Figure 5E shown, one or more of the thicker portions 72 can also be provided at one or more edges. In particular, each thicker portion 72 is arranged between two thinner portions 71. In particular, each thicker portion 72 protrudes on the inner and / or outer surface of the sections 91 - 98 of the structures 18, 61.

[0126] In the example shown, the sections 91 - 98 of the structures 18, 61 have an approximately polygonal cross-section. Figure 5A - 5C The shape of the sections 91 - 93 shown is a convex polygon. In particular Figure 5A the section 91 shown has a triangular cross-section. On the outer surface of the perimeter of the section 91, the angle 88 spanned between two adjacent thinner portions 71 (in particular, two thinner portions 71 joined by a thicker portion 72 arranged therebetween) is greater than 270°. Figure 4B The section 92 shown has a rectangular cross-section. Thus, the angle 88 spanned between two adjacent thinner portions 71 on the perimeter is 270°. Figure 5C The section 93 shown has a pentagonal cross-section. Thus, the angle 88 spanned between two adjacent thinner portions 71 on the perimeter is at most 240°.

[0127] Figure 5A - 5CThe shape of segments 94 - 98 shown is a concave polygon. This shape of segments 94 - 98 of the structure can be used to minimize the volume of the cavity surrounded by the structure and maximize the surface area of the perimeter along which the thinner portions 71 and the thicker portions 72 are alternately arranged. In particular, the cross-sections of segments 94 - 98 of structures 18, 61 contact outer tangents 87, 89 with a larger radius (where at least two of the thicker portions 72 are located on the outer tangent) and inner tangent 86 with a smaller radius (where at least two other thicker portions 72 are located on the inner tangent), where at least two of the thinner portions 71 extend between the outer tangents 87, 89 and the inner tangent 86. In some examples, as shown in the figure, the outer tangents 87, 89 and / or the inner tangent 86 are elliptical. In particular, as Figure 5D - 5G shown, the outer tangents 87, 89 and the inner tangent 86 can be circular. In Figure 5H the example shown, only the inner tangent 86 is circular, while the outer tangents 87, 89 are elliptical around two foci.

[0128] The cross-section of segments 94 - 98 has a plurality of radial protrusions, where each protrusion includes at least two of the thinner portions 71. In particular, segments 94 - 96 have a star-shaped cross-section, which includes a plurality of protrusions arranged in a ring, in particular convex corners or lugs or ridges, where each convex corner or lug includes two of the thinner portions 71 joined at the radially outer edge formed by the thicker portion 72. Figure 5D The segment 94 shown is star-shaped and has three protrusions. The maximum angle 88 spanned by two of the thinner portions 71 joined by the thicker portion 72 located on the inner tangent 86 on the outer surface of the perimeter is 120°. Figure 5E The segment 95 shown is star-shaped and has four protrusions. The maximum angle 88 spanned by two of the thinner portions 71 joined by the thicker portion 72 located on the inner tangent 86 is 90°. Figure 5F The segment 96 shown is star-shaped and has six protrusions. The maximum angle 88 spanned by two of the thinner portions 71 joined by the thicker portion 72 located on the inner tangent 86 is 60°. Figure 5G The segment 97 shown is star-shaped and has five protrusions. The maximum angle 88 spanned by two of the thinner portions 71 joined by the thicker portion 72 located on the inner tangent 86 is 72°. In the example shown, one or more of the thicker portions 72 are at a distance from the tangents 86, 87, 89 (in particular the outer tangents 87, 89). In other examples shown of segments 94 - 96, 98, all of the thicker portions 72 are located on the tangents 86, 87, 89. Figure 5H The segment 98 shown is another star-shaped and has five protrusions.

[0129] The thinner portion 71 can be respectively defined as the portion in the structure that does not exceed the thickness limit (i.e., is lower than or equal to the thickness limit), especially the congruent portion. Thus, at any position on the structure where the thinner portion 71 extends, the thinner portion 71 can be thinner than the thickness limit. The thicker portion 72 (e.g., the thicker portion adjacent to the thinner portion 71) can be defined as the portion that exceeds the thickness limit (i.e., is not lower than and not equal to the thickness limit). Thus, at any position on the structure where the thicker portion 72 extends, the thicker portion 72 can be thicker than the thickness limit. The transition region between the thinner portion 71 and the thicker portion 72 can be defined as the region where the thickness of the structure changes from being thinner than the thickness limit to being thicker than the thickness limit. Adjacent thinner portions 71 can be defined as two portions that do not exceed the thickness limit, with the thicker portion 72 that exceeds the thickness limit located between these two portions.

[0130] By way of example, the thickness limit can be selected to have a value of 0.15 mm or less. Thus, when the thickness limit is selected to have a value of 0.14 mm, the thinner portion 71 can be defined as the portion with a thickness not exceeding 0.14 mm, while the thicker portion 72 can be defined as the portion with a thickness exceeding 0.14 mm. The transition region between the thinner portion 71 and the thicker portion 72 can be defined as the region where the thickness of the structure changes from being lower than 0.14 mm to being higher than 0.14 mm. When the thickness limit is selected to have a value of 0.1 mm, the thinner portion 71 can be defined as the portion with a thickness not exceeding 0.1 mm, while the thicker portion 72 can be defined as the portion with a thickness exceeding 0.1 mm. The transition region between the thinner portion 71 and the thicker portion 72 can then be defined as the region where the thickness of the structure changes from being lower than 0.1 mm to being higher than 0.1 mm.

[0131] In particular, one or more of the thinner portions 71 can have a uniform thickness (e.g., a constant thickness) that does not exceed the thickness limit, and / or one or more of the thinner portions 71 can have a varying thickness (e.g., an increasing thickness and / or a decreasing thickness) that does not exceed the thickness limit. Correspondingly, one or more of the thicker portions 72 can have a uniform thickness (e.g., a constant thickness) that exceeds the thickness limit, and / or one or more of the thicker portions 72 can have a varying thickness (e.g., an increasing thickness and / or a decreasing thickness) that exceeds the thickness limit. The thickness limits of at least two of the thinner portions 71 can be selected to be equal or different. Correspondingly, the thickness limits of at least two of the thicker portions 72 (e.g., the thicker portions 72 each adjacent to a different thinner portion 71) can be selected to be equal or different.

[0132] Figure 6A - 6DOther exemplary mechanical elements 232, 242, 252, 262 configured to be connected to SD components 20, 50, 100, 120 are schematically shown. The mechanical elements 232, 242, 252, 262 include structures 231, 241, 261, wherein thinner portions 71 and thicker portions 72 are alternately arranged around an axis 79 of the structures 231, 241, 261. The cross-sectional shape of the structures 231, 241, 261 is a convex polygon, particularly a hexagon, with edges joined to form corners, wherein the corners are formed by the thicker portions 72 and the edges are constituted by the thinner portions 71. In the illustrated example, the thinner portions 71 are curved. In particular, the thinner portions 71 have a concave curvature on the outer surface of the structures 231, 241, 261.

[0133] Figure 6A The mechanical element 232 shown in includes a first section 236 and a second section 233. The first section 236 has thinner portions 71 and thicker portions 72 alternately arranged around the axis 79. The second section 233 constitutes a mounting section for a sound tube and / or an electroacoustic transducer. The mechanical element 232 including a front wall 69 and a side wall 68 around the longitudinal axis 79 is shaped similar to a cup or a beaker. The thicker portions 72 constitute reinforcing ribs 234 (particularly fins) spaced from each other along the perimeter of the side wall 68. The fins 234 are evenly distributed around the perimeter of the side wall 68. For example, the resulting shape may be similar to a hexagon socket head key (such as Torx TM ). The fins 234 can improve mechanical stability, while the thinner portions 71 mainly provide acoustic performance.

[0134] Figure 6B The mechanical element 242 shown includes a structure 241 constituted by the above section 236. A reinforcing member 245 is arranged on each of two opposite fins 234, and its shape is an additional rib on the fin 234. The reinforcing member 245 is configured to provide mechanical stability without affecting the acoustic performance. The reinforcing member 245 on the outer surface of the structure 241 can be easily added during the manufacture of the mechanical element 242, but it will increase the overall size of the element 242.

[0135] Figure 6CThe mechanical element 252 shown in [figure] includes the above-mentioned structure 241, wherein a reinforcement member 253 is arranged in the cavity surrounded by the structure 241 for internally supporting two opposite fins 234. The reinforcement member 253 can be configured as a planar (flat) structure extending between the two supported fins 234. In one exemplary embodiment, the planar structure of the reinforcement member 253 can be based on a rectangular shape with cutouts (such as circular sector cutouts, especially semi-circular cutouts), which are respectively located on two opposite sides, one cutout facing the front wall 69 and the other cutout facing the opening 63 opposite to the front wall 69 of the structure 241. The reinforcement member 253 is configured to provide mechanical stability without affecting the acoustic performance. The role of the cutouts is to provide equal sound pressure at different positions in the cavity. The cutouts are not necessarily circular. As shown, the internal reinforcement member 253 can mainly provide support along one dimension (size). In other examples, elements providing support in more directions can also be envisioned. The reinforcement member 253 can be made of a material different from that of the structure 241 and inserted in a separate step. In certain examples, the electro-acoustic transducer and / or the sound tube can extend into the cavity, and the part of the electro-acoustic transducer and / or the sound tube extending into the cavity can constitute the reinforcement member for internally supporting the structure.

[0136] Figure 6D The mechanical element 262 shown includes a structure 261, and the front wall 69 of the structure 261 is provided with a circular portion 266 to prevent irritation when contacting the skin of the ear canal. The circular portion 266 can be arranged circumferentially around the outer edge of the front wall 69.

[0137] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B Other exemplary mechanical elements 272, 282 configured to be connected to the SD components 20, 50, 100, 120 are schematically shown. The mechanical elements 272, 282 include structures 271, 281, which have thinner portions 71 and thicker portions 72 arranged alternately around the axis 79 of the structures 271, 281. The structures 271, 281 include a first segment 276 and a second segment 273. The first segment 276 can be implemented to correspond to the above-mentioned first segments 66, 116, 126, 146, 236, and the second segment 273 is configured to mount the mechanical elements 272, 282 to the SD components 20, 50, 100, 120. Figure 7A The structure 271 shown in [figure] is provided with a sealing member 279 (such as a dome) for sealing the user's ear canal. The sealing member 279 can be integrally formed with the structure 271. As shown, the sealing member 279 can be provided on the second segment 273, for example, near the first segment 276, and / or near the opening 63, and / or between the first segment 276 and the opening 63.

[0138] Figure 7B The structure 281 shown is provided with another sealing member 289 in addition to the sealing member 279, such as another dome. The sealing member 289 can also be integrally formed with the structure 281. As shown, the sealing member 289 can be provided on the first section 276, for example, near the front end 69, and / or between the front end 69 and the transition portion between the first section 276 and the second section 273. The sealing member 289 can be implemented as an open seal, such as an open dome, to maintain the required function. An open dome is a dome with a relatively large acoustically open cross-section. This means that a large amount of direct sound (direct sound) can enter through the seal. For example, the sealing member 289 can be provided with one or more ventilation channels.

[0139] Figure 8A - 8D A mechanical element 362 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8A A perspective view of the element 362 is depicted, Figure 8B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along Figure 8A the cutting plane XVI shown, Figure 8C is a profile cross-sectional view taken along Figure 8A the cutting plane XVII shown, and Figure 8D is a profile longitudinal view taken along the cutting plane XVI. The element 362 includes a structure 361 having a section 366 in which thinner portions 71 and thicker portions 72 are alternately arranged around the axis 79 of the structure 361, particularly along the perimeter of the structure 361.

[0140] The thinner portions 71 are inclined (angled) relative to each other, particularly at an angle less than 180° relative to each other. For example, the thinner portions 71 can be associated with respective virtual planes extending through the outer edges of the respective thinner portions 71, where the respective normal vectors of the respective planes are inclined relative to each other. Thus, each thinner portion 71 can be configured to vibrate along different directions (e.g., along the normal vector direction) to transmit sound. In this way, compared to a single flat diaphragm, the effective area (region) of the section 366 mainly configured for sound transmission can be effectively increased in a confined space such as an ear canal. For example, the structure 361 can include at least a portion of the thinner portions 71 in a polyhedral arrangement. The angle at which the thinner portions 71 are inclined relative to each other can be defined as the angle between the respective virtual planes extending through the outer edges of the thinner portions 71.

[0141] In the illustrated example, the front wall 369 at the front end 367 of the structure 361 is formed by the thinner portion 71. In other examples, the front wall 369 may include at least one thicker portion 72. The front end 367 is opposite to the rear end 374 of the structure 361 provided with the opening 63. The side wall 368 extends between the front wall 369 at the front end 367 and the opening 63 at the rear end 374. The side wall 368 includes a plurality of thinner portions 71 surrounding the cavity 64, such as the four thinner portions 71 illustrated. In particular Figure 5B The section 92 shown in can be implemented as follows. The front wall 369 and the side wall 368 include an inner surface defining the cavity 64 and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The outer surface of the side wall 368 may define the side area (area) of the section 366. The outer surface of the front wall 369 may define the bottom of the section 366. As shown, the section 366 may have a cup-shaped or beaker-shaped configuration, with the bottom located at the front wall 369 and the side area located at the side wall 368.

[0142] The axis 79 extends through the cavity 64 surrounded by the side wall 368 between the front end 369 provided with the front wall 369 and the rear end 374 provided with the opening 363 (e.g., between the center of the opening 63 and the center of the front wall 369). The cutting plane XVI extends through the central axis 79. The central axis 79 is perpendicular to the cutting plane XVII. The side wall 368 also includes a thicker portion 72. At least a part of the thicker portion 72 projects from at least a part of the thinner portion 71 on the inner surface of the side wall 368. In other examples, as described above, the side wall 368 may also include a thicker portion 72 projecting from at least a part of the thinner portion 71 on the outer surface of the side wall 368.

[0143] In addition to the first section 366, the structure 361 further includes a second section 363 of the side wall 368. The second section 363 extends towards the opening 63 at the rear end 374. The second section 363 is implemented as a mounting section. Thus, the structure 361 can be configured to be attached to the SD components 20, 50, 100, 120 (such as electroacoustic transducers and / or sound tubes) through the mounting section 363. The sealing member 379 implemented as a dome is integrally formed with the structure 361. The sealing member 379 is attached to the second section 363 at a position spaced apart from the rear end 374.

[0144] The plurality of thicker portions 72 of the side wall 368 respectively extend between two thinner portions 71. The thicker portions 72 form the reinforcing ribs of the section 366. Due to the greater hardness of the reinforcing ribs 72, the stiffness of the structure 361 can be increased between the thinner portions 71 by means of the reinforcing ribs 72. The reinforcing ribs 72 may extend parallel to the axis 79 in the form of fins. The second section 363 may be thicker than the reinforcing ribs 72 to increase the stability required for attachment to the SD components 20, 50, 100, 120.

[0145] AsFigure 8C As shown, the thicker portion 72 protrudes from the thinner portion 71 in the region of the sidewall 368 where two corresponding thinner portions 71 are joined at an angle. As shown, the region of the sidewall 368 where two thinner portions 71 are joined at an angle may form a corner region of the sidewall 368. Then, the thicker portion 72 may be formed in at least a portion of the corner region of the sidewall 368. As Figure 8C shown, the thickness of the structure 361 gradually decreases at the thicker portion 72 toward the adjacent thinner portion 71 (in particular, in the direction in which the thicker portion 72 extends toward the adjacent thinner portion 71). In some examples, the thickness of the thinner portion 71 may also vary. For example, the thinner portion 71 may become thicker toward the thicker portion 72. In this way, a smooth transition may be formed between the thinner portion 71 and the thicker portion 72. In other examples, the thinner portion 71 and / or the thicker portion 72 may have a uniform (consistent) thickness.

[0146] As Figure 8C and Figure 8D shown, the thinner portion 71 may have a curved shape. In particular, the thinner portion 71 at the front end 367 may include an inward curvature toward the cavity 64. The thinner portion 71 of the sidewall 368 may have an outward curvature away from the cavity 64. In this way, the effective area of the structure 361 may be further increased.

[0147] As Figure 8B and Figure 8D shown, the sidewall 368 includes a substantially cylindrical portion 375 in which the cross-section of the sidewall 368 remains constant, for example, remains constant with respect to the extending direction along the longitudinal axis 79. The sidewall 368 also includes a tapered portion 376 in which the cross-section of the sidewall 368 continuously decreases toward the front end 369. The tapered portion 375 facilitates the insertion of the mechanical element 362 into the ear canal and / or increases the stability of the structure 361 at a portion of the structure 361 that is farther away from the positions where the SD components 20, 50, 100, 120 are attached.

[0148] As Figure 8A shown, the thinner portion 71 at the front end 367 extends substantially perpendicular to the thinner portion 71 of the sidewall 368. As Figure 8C shown, the angle spanned between two adjacent thinner portions 71 of the sidewall 368 on the outer perimeter of the structure 361 is greater than 200°. In particular, as Figure 8C shown at the top and bottom, the angle spanned between some of the thinner portions 71 on the perimeter of the structure 361 is less than 270°, while as Figure 8C shown on the left and right sides of

[0149] like Figure 8A As shown, the cross section of the side wall 368 of the structure 361 is approximately polygonal, and the edges are joined at the corners, wherein the corners are formed by the thicker portion 72 and the edges are formed by the thinner portion 71. In particular, the cross section of the side wall 368 is approximately rhombus-shaped, and the four corners are respectively formed by reinforcing ribs (especially fins) formed by the thicker portion 72. The diameter of the side wall 368 across two opposite corners 72 is greater than the diameter of the side wall 368 across the other two opposite corners 72. In the example shown, the edge formed by the thinner portion 71 between the corners 72 is slightly convex.

[0150] Figure 9A - 9D A mechanical element 162 is shown in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9A depicts a perspective view of element 162, Figure 9B For along Figure 9A A longitudinal sectional view taken along the cutting plane XVI shown in FIG. Figure 6C is the front view, Figure 9D For along Figure 9A Element 162 includes structure 161 having segments 166 in which thinner portions 71 and thicker portions 72 are alternately arranged around the periphery of structure 161. In some examples, as shown, element 162 is comprised of segments 166. In other examples, as described below, the element may include at least one additional segment. For example, Figure 2 The first section 66 of the structure 61 of the mechanical element 62 shown in FIG. 1 may be realized to correspond to the section 166 .

[0151] The structure 161 comprises a front wall 169 at a front end opposite to a rear end provided with the opening 63. The structure 61 further comprises a side wall 168 surrounding the cavity 64 and extending between the front wall 169 and the opening 63 along the central axis 79. In the example shown, the front wall 169 is implemented as a thicker portion 72. The structure 161 can be connected to the SD component 20, 50 by means of additional mounting means, such as a clip or the like. In particular, the mounting means may comprise an opening, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the opening 63, so that the cavity 64 is acoustically coupled to the electroacoustic transducer 17, 54 and / or the sound tube 58 included in the SD component 20, 50 through the opening 63.

[0152] The cross-section of the structure 161 has a plurality of radial protrusions 178, each radial protrusion 178 including at least two thinner portions 71 joined by a thicker portion 72 on the radial outer side. The radial protrusions 178 are shaped as ridges, wherein the thinner portions 71 extend substantially parallel to each other. The outer thicker portion 72 is substantially flat. Every two adjacent ridges 178 are joined by a thicker portion 72 on the radial inner side. In this way, the ridges 178 are spaced apart from each other at the radial inner ends, wherein the distance between the ridges 178 increases towards the radial outer end. The thicker portions 72 form ribs of the section 166, and due to the greater hardness of the ribs 72, the stiffness of the structure 161 can be increased between the thinner portions 71 by means of the ribs 72. The ribs 72 extend along the axis 79 in the form of fins.

[0153] In the illustrated example, the different protrusions 178 are equally spaced from each other. The angle 88 spanned between the relatively thinner portions 71 of adjacent protrusions 178 is at most 60°. In other examples, the different protrusions 178 may have different spacings. The protrusions 178 are arranged in a circle, thereby forming a star-shaped cross-section of the structure 61. In the illustrated example, six ridges 178 are arranged in a ring. For example, Figure 5F the section 96 shown in can be implemented as the structure 161.

[0154] The thinner portion 71 has a width 171 between adjacent thicker portions 72. The thicker portion 72 on the radial outer side has a width 172 between adjacent thinner portions 71. The thicker portion 72 on the radial inner side has a width 173 between adjacent thinner portions 71. In the illustrated example, the width 171 of the thinner portion 71 exceeds at least twice the widths 172 and 173 of the adjacent thicker portions 72.

[0155] Figure 10A and Figure 10B shows another mechanical element 182 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10A A perspective view of the element 182 is depicted, Figure 10B is along Figure 10ALongitudinal sectional view taken along the cutting plane XVI as shown. Element 182 includes structure 181 which has a first segment 186 and a second segment 183, and the first segment 186 is implemented to correspond to the above-mentioned segment 166. Structure 161 includes a front wall 169 located at the front end opposite to the rear end provided with the opening 63 and a side wall 188 surrounding the cavity 64 and extending between the front wall 169 and the opening 63 along the central axis 79. The second segment 183 is a joint or mounting segment for mounting the mechanical element 62 to the SD component 50 (in particular to the electroacoustic transducer 57 and / or the sound tube). The side wall 188 includes a thicker portion 183 at the second segment 183 into which at least a part of the electroacoustic transducer 57 and / or the sound tube can be inserted. For this purpose, the shape of the inner surface of the thicker portion 183 defining the cavity 64 at the opening 63 can correspond to the shape of the said part of the electroacoustic transducer 57 and / or the sound tube 58.

[0156] The mechanical element 182 further includes a sealing member 189 for acoustically sealing the ear canal wall. The sealing member 189 can be integrally formed with the mechanical element 182. For this purpose, the sealing member 189 is formed on the outer periphery of the side wall 188. For example, as shown in the figure, the sealing member 189 can be formed on the second segment 183, in particular on the front end of the second segment 183, and the second segment 183 is adjacent to the rear end of the first segment at its front end. In this way, the first segment 186 can be effectively positioned in the ear canal in front of the seal provided by the sealing member 189 to provide sound transmission. The sealing member 189 is elastic to conform to ear canals of different sizes. In the example shown, the sealing member 189 is implemented as a dome.

[0157] The ventilation channel 187 is implemented as a through hole in the sealing member 189. For example, the through hole is located in the inner ear canal region facing the dome-shaped curvature of the sealing member 189 and / or at a position in front of the position where the sealing member 189 provides an acoustic seal. When the mechanical element 182 connected to the SD components 20, 50 is at least partially inserted into the ear canal, the ventilation channel can provide ventilation between the inner ear canal region and the surrounding environment outside the ear canal.

[0158] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Another mechanical element 192 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 11A A perspective view of element 192 is depicted, Figure 11A is along Figure 11AA contour sectional view taken along the cutting plane XVII shown in the figure. The component 192 includes a structure 191 having a first section 196 and a second section 193. In the first section 196, thinner portions 71 and thicker portions 72 are alternately arranged around the perimeter of the structure 161. The second section 193 is a joint or mounting section for mounting the mechanical component 62 to the SD component. The structure 191 includes a front wall 199 at the front end opposite to the rear end provided with the opening 63 and a side wall 198 surrounding the cavity 64 and extending between the front wall 199 and the opening 63 along the central axis 79.

[0159] The cross-section of the first section 196 has a plurality of radial protrusions 194. Each radial protrusion 194 includes at least two thinner portions 71 joined together by the thicker portion 72 on the radially outer side, thereby forming a star shape. The radial protrusions 194 are shaped as ridges. The cross-section of the first section 196 touches the outer tangent with a larger radius and the inner tangent 86 with a smaller radius. Among them, the outer tangent is an ellipse with two foci, and the inner tangent is a circle, similar to Figure 5H the cross-section 98 depicted in the figure. Therefore, the radial lengths of different thinner portions 71 joined together by the thicker portion 72 on the radially outer side and / or the radial lengths of different ridges 194 are different. In the example shown, six ridges 194 are arranged in a star shape along an annular shape. The radial lengths of two ridges 194 opposite to each other among the ridges 194 are greater than the radial lengths of the remaining four ridges.

[0160] The thicker portion 72 on the radially outer side is curved with respect to the central axis 79. The curvature decreases towards the front end where the front wall 199 is arranged. Correspondingly, the radial lengths of the thinner portions 71 joined together by the thicker portion 72 on the radially outer side and / or the radial lengths of the ridges 194 also decrease towards the front end. Correspondingly, the side wall 198 tapers along the central axis 79 towards the front end provided with the front wall 199 in the first section 196.

[0161] In some embodiments, the mechanical component 192 can be connected to an electroacoustic transducer and / or a sound tube included in a custom housing to provide an acoustic seal. In some other embodiments, the mechanical component 192 can be directly connected to the custom housing, for example, directly connected to the outer surface of the custom housing provided with a sound outlet. In some embodiments, the mechanical component 192 can be connected to an SD component including a sealing member to provide an acoustic seal.

[0162] Figure 12A - 12C A contour sectional view of other mechanical components 202, 212, 222 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12A The mechanical component 202 shown in the figure includes a structure 201 in which four protrusions 204 are arranged in a star shape along an annular shape, similar to Figure 5EThe peripheral 95 shown in [figure]. On the outer surface of the structure 201, the angle 88 spanned by the adjacent thinner portions 71 is at most 90°. The protrusion 204 is substantially ridge-shaped, wherein the distance between the opposite thinner portions 71 decreases slightly along the radial direction. In other examples, the mutual distance between the opposite thinner portions 71 of the protrusion can decrease more significantly, as Figure 5E schematically shown by the convex angles formed by the thinner portions 71 in [figure]. Figure 12B The mechanical element 212 shown in [figure] includes a structure 211 in which seven protrusions 214 form a star shape. The angle 88 is at most 55°. The distance between the opposite thinner portions 71 of the protrusion 214 increases slightly along the radial direction. Figure 12C The mechanical element 222 shown in [figure] includes a structure 221 having a star shape composed of eight protrusions 224. The angle 88 is 45° or less. Compared with Figure 12B the protrusions 214 in [figure], the distance between the opposite thinner portions 71 of the protrusion 224 increases more significantly along the radial direction.

[0163] Figure 13A and Figure 13B schematically shows one of the thinner portions 71 during sound transmission. During sound transmission, the thinner portion 71 can be excited to vibrate in a diaphragm-like manner, for example, similar to a substantially flat diaphragm. In FIGS. 13 and Figure 13B [figure], the different deflection (deformation) heights of the thinner portion 71 during vibration are shown by different contour lines 304. In Figure 13A the example shown in [figure], the maximum diaphragm deflection region 305 moves from the center towards the position where the width of the thinner portion 71 increases. This corresponds to the first vibration mode of the thinner portion 71. In Figure 13B the example shown in [figure], two maximum diaphragm deflection regions 315 are spaced apart from each other, for example, by approximately half of the length of the thinner portion 71. This corresponds to the second vibration mode of the thinner portion 71.

[0164] Generally, the mechanical and / or acoustic properties of a structure including the thinner part 71 in the above-described manner can be selected and / or adjusted by a large number of parameters of the thinner part 71, including the thickness, shape, size, number, their geometric arrangement relative to each other, and their position relative to the opening for acoustically coupling them to the electroacoustic transducer. For example, the thinner part 71 can be configured to exhibit modal characteristics. The first vibration mode is schematically shown in FIG. 9 by a single maximum height deflection 305. The second mode can exhibit two separate regions of maximum height deflection. Thus, the resonance frequencies of different vibration modes can be adjusted by various design parameters of the thinner part 71. For example, the first mode can be tuned to about 3 kHz, the second mode can be tuned to about 6 kHz, and the third mode can be tuned to above 7 kHz. In addition, when the geometric properties of multiple or all of the thinner parts 71 are the same, sharp resonances can be achieved. By providing different geometric properties for multiple or all of the thinner parts 71, the flattening of the resonance peaks can be achieved.

[0165] Figure 14 A functional diagram showing an exemplary frequency response curve that can be measured in the inner region of the ear canal when a hearing device including an SD component is at least partially inserted into the ear canal. Alternatively, the frequency response can also be measured in a 2cc coupler measurement system. The frequency of the sound wave is horizontally represented on the default axis. The frequency is represented in hertz. The acoustic output in decibels is vertically represented on the vertical axis. The solid curve 333 represents the frequency response when the mechanical elements 12, 62, 162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222 are separated from the SD component. The dashed curve 333 represents the frequency response when the mechanical elements are connected to the SD component.

[0166] As shown by the solid curve 333, when the mechanical elements are separated, a first resonance 334 can be observed at about 3 kHz, and a second resonance 335 can be observed at about 7 kHz. As shown by the solid curve 333, when the mechanical elements are separated, the first resonance 336 only slightly moves to a lower frequency of about 3 kHz, while the second resonance 337 more significantly moves to a higher frequency of about 7.5 kHz. Compared with when the mechanical elements are separated, it can be observed that all the resonance peaks 336, 337 become wider.

[0167] In addition, a third resonance 338 can be observed at approximately 5 kHz between the first resonance 336 and the second resonance 337. Compared with the resonances 336 and 337, the third resonance 338 has a broader resonance peak, so that the frequency response curve is generally flattened between 2 kHz and 6 kHz compared with when separated from the mechanical element. In addition, the acoustic output can be increased in this frequency range compared with when separated from the mechanical element. Further, when the mechanical element is connected, a cut-off frequency above 8 kHz can be observed, thereby reducing high-frequency distortion, which may be due to the mechanical element acting as a low-pass filter.

[0168] Figure 14 The advantageous frequency response shown can be obtained by a mechanical element in which sections 66, 116, 126, 146, 166, 186, 196, 236, 366 of structures 61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361 can minimize the volume of the enclosed cavity 64 and maximize the perimeter (especially the surface of the perimeter) on which the thinner part 71 and the thicker part 72 of the structure are alternately arranged. In some examples, these geometric characteristics of the sections of the structure can be achieved by a cross-section of the structure having protrusions 168, 188, 198, 204, 214, 224 extending along the radial direction (in particular, a star-shaped cross-section as provided by structures 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, etc.). More specifically, a structure including at least three protrusions (more preferably at least six protrusions 168, 188, 198, 204, 214, 224) in the radial direction can be employed to achieve the desired frequency response characteristics.

[0169] Although the principles of the present disclosure have been described above in connection with specific devices and methods, it should be clearly understood that such description is by way of example only and not a limitation on the scope of the invention. The preferred embodiments described above are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention rather than limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various other implementations and modifications to these preferred embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor, controller or other unit can perform the functions of a plurality of items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be effective. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A hearing device, the hearing device being configured to be worn on an ear of a user, the hearing device comprising: - a sound delivery (SD) component (20, 50, 100, 120) configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal, the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120) comprising a sound tube (58) having an axis (59) in the direction of which sound propagates, wherein the sound tube (58) is acoustically coupled to an electroacoustic transducer (14, 54, 107); and - a mechanical element (12, 62, 112, 122, 132, 142, 162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 362) configured to be connected to the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120), the element comprising a structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 182) surrounding a cavity (64) 1, 191, 201, 211, 221, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361), the cavity (64) having an opening (63) facing the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120) when the element is connected to the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120), so that the cavity (64) is acoustically coupled with the electroacoustic transducer (14, 54, 107), Characterized in that the structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) comprises sections (66, 116, 126, 146, 166, 186, 196, 236, 366) in which thinner parts (71) and thicker parts (72) are arranged alternately around the axis (79) of the structure, wherein when the element is connected to the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120), the axis (79) of the structure is aligned within 20° relative to the axis (59) of the sound tube (58).

2. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) is configured such that when the element (12, 62, 112, 122, 132, 142, 162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 362) is When the SD components (20, 50, 100, 120) are connected, the sound pressure in the ear canal is increased at at least one frequency in the frequency range between 1 kHz and 10 kHz compared to the sound pressure when the elements (12, 62, 112, 122, 132, 142, 162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 362) are separated.

3. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) is configured so that when the element (12, 62, 112, 122, 132, 142, 162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 362) is connected to the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120), the sound pressure in the cavity (64) exceeds the sound pressure in the ear canal and outside the cavity (64).

4. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The structure is configured to shift at least one resonant frequency in a frequency response of the hearing device when the element (12, 62, 112, 122, 132, 142, 162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 362) is connected to the SD component (20, 50, 100, 120) compared to when the element (12, 62, 112, 122, 132, 142, 162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 362) is separated.

5. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) is configured so that when the elements (12, 62, 112, 122, 132, 142, 162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 362) are connected, the cutoff frequency is at least 8 kHz.

6. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The thinner portion (71) constitutes at least two thirds of the periphery of the structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) around which the thinner portion (71) and the thicker portion (72) are alternately arranged.

7. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The periphery of the structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) around which the thinner portions (71) and the thicker portions (72) are alternately arranged includes at least six thinner portions (71).

8. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One or more of the thinner portions (71) arranged around the axis (79) of the structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) are configured as portions of the structure that do not exceed a thickness limit, wherein the thickness limit is 0.15 mm or less.

9. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The maximum thickness of at least one of the thicker portions (72) arranged around the axis (79) of the structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) is at least 0.03 mm greater than the maximum thickness of the thinner portion (71) adjacent to the thicker portion (72).

10. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least two of the thinner portions (71) have different natural frequencies.

11. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least two of the thinner portions that are adjacent to each other and have a thicker portion (72) arranged between them span an angle (88) of up to 120° on the periphery of the structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361).

12. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) has a star-shaped cross section.

13. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cross-section of the structure (61, 111, 121, 131, 141, 161, 181, 191, 201, 211, 221, 231, 241, 261, 361) has a plurality of protrusions (168, 188, 198, 204, 214, 224) extending in a radial direction, wherein each of the protrusions (168, 188, 198, 204, 214, 224) includes at least two thinner portions (71).

14. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The thinner portions (71) have a width between adjacent thicker portions (72), and the thicker portions (72) have a width between adjacent thinner portions (71), wherein the width of at least one of the thinner portions (71) exceeds at least twice the width of the adjacent thicker portion (72).

15. The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sealing member (15, 189, 279, 289, 379) configured to seal against a wall of the ear canal, wherein The sealing member (15, 189, 279, 289, 379) is formed integrally with the element (12, 62, 112, 122, 132, 142, 162, 182, 192, 202, 212, 222, 232, 242, 252, 262, 362).

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