Multi-coil balanced armature receiver

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-coil balanced armature receiver. A balanced armature receiver is disclosed that includes a multi-coil motor in a housing and includes a movable armature connected to a diaphragm that divides an interior of the housing into a front volume and a rear volume. The multi-coil motor is electrically connected to contacts of a terminal block having an integrated capacitor component, where the electrical connections of the multi-coil motor and the capacitor component to the terminal block are configured to vary an electrical impedance of the balanced armature receiver based on a frequency of an electrical signal applied to the multi-coil motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to sound-emitting receivers, and more particularly to multi-coil balanced armature receivers suitable for use in head-worn hearing devices, and combinations thereof. Background Art

[0002] Sounding balanced armature receivers (also referred to herein as "receivers") are known to have small size, high power efficiency, and high fidelity, making them particularly suitable for head-worn hearing devices. Such devices include hearing aids, wireless earbuds, sound amplifiers, and audio monitors, as well as other body-worn hearing devices. The receiver typically includes a housing having an interior divided into a front volume and a rear volume by a diaphragm. A motor connected to the diaphragm includes an armature (also referred to as a "reed") that is fastened to a yoke and has ends that are movably positioned between permanent magnets held by the yoke. An electrical signal applied to a coil coupled to the armature causes the armature to actuate the diaphragm, thereby emitting sound from a sound port in the front volume.

[0003] The receiver typically has a relatively low electrical impedance to increase the acoustic output. The receiver impedance is primarily resistive at lower frequencies, and due to the average power dissipation (P avg )=V rms 2 Because the resistance is relatively low, the power consumption is relatively high due to the low resistance. Large-amplitude signals at lower frequencies can produce transient voltage drops sufficient to restart the hearing device operating system, known as a reboot. At higher frequencies, the receiver's acoustic output decreases due to increased impedance, primarily attributable to the coil inductance. Therefore, there is a continuing need for improved balanced armature receivers suitable for use in head-worn hearing devices and combinations thereof. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present application relates to a balanced armature receiver, comprising: a housing containing a diaphragm, the diaphragm dividing the interior of the housing into a rear volume and a front volume, the front volume being acoustically connected to a sound port of the housing; a multi-coil motor located in the housing and comprising an armature having a movable portion connected to the diaphragm; a terminal board comprising a plurality of contacts, the multi-coil motor being electrically connected to the contacts of the terminal board; a capacitor component integrated with the terminal board and electrically connected to the contacts of the terminal board; wherein the electrical connection of the multi-coil motor and the capacitor component to the terminal board is configured to change the electrical impedance of the balanced armature receiver based on the frequency of an electrical signal applied to the multi-coil motor.

[0005] The terminal plate is fastened to the exterior of the housing, and the housing includes at least two separation holes through which lead wires of the first coil and the second coil of the multi-coil motor are selectively routed to the terminal plate.

[0006] The first lead of the first coil of the multi-coil motor is wired through the first hole of the housing, the first lead of the second coil of the multi-coil motor is wired through the second hole of the housing, and the second leads of the first coil and the second coil are wired through the third hole of the housing.

[0007] The coil leads of the multi-coil motor have different identification characteristics.

[0008] The plurality of contacts of the terminal block and the capacitor component are located on a side of the terminal block that is accessible from outside the housing.

[0009] The terminal block further includes a ground contact electrically connected to the conductive portion of the housing.

[0010] The ground contact is located on a side of the terminal block that is accessible from outside the housing, the ground contact being electrically connected to a conductive ring on an opposite side of the terminal block that is electrically and mechanically connected to the housing.

[0011] The terminal board includes at least 3 contacts, the first coil of the multi-coil motor is electrically connected between the first contact and the third contact of the terminal board, the capacitor component is electrically connected between the first contact and the second contact of the terminal board, and the second coil of the multi-coil motor is electrically connected between the second contact and the third contact.

[0012] The balanced armature receiver also includes a second diaphragm that divides the interior of the housing into a second front volume and a second rear volume, the second front volume being acoustically coupled to the sound port.

[0013] The balanced armature receiver also includes a second diaphragm dividing the interior of the housing into a second front volume and a second rear volume, and a cup coupled to the housing, wherein the interior of the cup acoustically couples the rear volume to the second rear volume.

[0014] The second coil of the multi-coil motor is at least partially located around the first coil of the multi-coil motor, and an outer periphery of the first coil is smaller than an inner periphery of the second coil.

[0015] The first coil of the multi-coil motor is located between a yoke and a second coil of the multi-coil motor.

[0016] The first coil includes a tapered outer surface having a large peripheral portion adjacent the yoke and a small peripheral portion extending away from the yoke, the tapered outer surface of the first coil being at least partially disposed within the tapered inner surface of the second coil.

[0017] The first coil of the multi-coil motor includes a first portion intertwined with at least a portion of the second coil of the multi-coil motor, the first coil having more turns than the second coil, wherein the second portion of the first coil is wound around the first portion intertwined with the second coil.

[0018] Another aspect of the present application relates to a balanced armature receiver, comprising: a housing containing a diaphragm, the diaphragm dividing the interior of the housing into a rear volume and a front volume, the front volume being acoustically connected to a sound port of the housing; a multi-coil motor located in the housing and comprising an armature having a movable portion connected to the diaphragm; a terminal board, leads of the multi-coil motor being electrically wired through holes in the housing and connected to contacts on a portion of the terminal board accessible from the outside of the housing; and a capacitor component integrated with the terminal board and electrically connected to the contacts of the terminal board.

[0019] The housing includes at least two separation holes through which lead wires of the first coil and the second coil of the multi-coil motor are selectively routed to contacts of the terminal board.

[0020] The first lead of the first coil of the multi-coil motor is wired through the first hole of the housing, the first lead of the second coil of the multi-coil motor is wired through the second hole of the housing, and the second lead of each of the first coil and the second coil is wired through the third hole of the housing.

[0021] The coil leads of the multi-coil motor have different identification characteristics.

[0022] The terminal block further includes a ground contact on the portion of the terminal block accessible from outside the housing, the ground contact being electrically connected to the conductive portion of the housing.

[0023] The capacitor component is electrically connected to contacts on a portion of the terminal block located within the interior of the housing or accessible from the exterior of the housing, wherein the multi-coil motor and the electrical connection of the capacitor component to the terminal block are configured to change the electrical impedance of the balanced armature receiver based on the frequency of the electrical signal applied to the multi-coil motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.The description and drawings depict representative embodiments and suggest other embodiments, and are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 1 is a partial isometric view of a receiver according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is a partial isometric view of a receiver according to another embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the circuitry and terminal block assembly in the receiver.

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a receiver according to another embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded view of the receiver.

[0030] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a receiver according to yet another embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a receiver according to another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a receiver according to another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Exploded view of the receiver.

[0034] Figure 10 is another diagram of the circuitry and terminal block assembly in the receiver.

[0035] Figure 11 It is a component of a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing device.

[0036] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Partial cross-sectional view of the RIC component.

[0037] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Different partial cross-sectional views of RIC components.

[0038] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 Another partial cross-sectional view of the RIC component.

[0039] Figure 15It is a partial exploded view of the ganged receiver.

[0040] Figure 16 Comes fully assembled Figure 15 Isometric view of a group of receivers.

[0041] Figure 17 is an isometric view of a group of receivers according to another embodiment.

[0042] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Exploded view of the group receiver.

[0043] Figure 19 is an isometric view of a group of receivers according to yet another embodiment.

[0044] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Exploded view of the group receiver.

[0045] Figure 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of a multi-coil motor according to one embodiment.

[0046] Figure 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of a multi-coil motor according to another embodiment.

[0047] Figure 23 FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a multi-coil motor according to another embodiment.

[0048] Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of a multi-coil winding according to yet another embodiment.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and, therefore, may not be drawn to scale and may not include well-known features, that actions or steps may occur in different orders than described and that such actions or steps may be performed simultaneously unless otherwise specified, and that the terms and expressions used herein have the meanings as understood by those skilled in the art, except where different meanings are specifically attributed to the terms and expressions herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present disclosure relates generally to sound-emitting receivers, and more particularly to multi-coil balanced armature receivers suitable for use in head-worn hearing devices and combinations thereof. Such hearing devices include, but are not limited to, receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) devices, completely in-the-canal (CIC) devices, in-the-ear (ITE) devices, behind-the-ear (BTE) devices, ear-worn sound amplifiers, in-ear audio monitors, and true wireless stereo (TWS) devices and other wireless headphones, as well as other body-worn hearing devices. Representative examples are further described herein.

[0051] The multi-coil receiver described herein generally includes a housing containing a diaphragm that divides the interior of the housing into a rear volume and a front volume, the front volume being acoustically coupled to a sound port of the housing. A multi-coil motor located in the housing includes an armature having a movable portion located between permanent magnets held by a yoke and connected to the diaphragm. A terminal board integrated with the balanced armature receiver includes a plurality of contacts electrically connected to a first coil and a second coil of the motor. A capacitor component is integrated with the terminal board and electrically connected to the contacts of the terminal board. The electrical connection of the first coil and the second coil and the capacitor component to the terminal board can be configured to change the electrical impedance of the balanced armature receiver based on the frequency of the electrical signal applied to the multi-coil motor. Representative examples are further described herein.

[0052] exist Figures 1 to 2 、 Figures 4 to 9 and Figures 12 to 14 , the receiver 100 includes a multi-coil motor 110 having a first coil 112 and a second coil 114 disposed in a housing 102 and electrically connected to contacts of a terminal board 120. A capacitor component 122 is integrated with the terminal board and electrically connected between its contacts, as further described herein. The capacitor component may be integrated with the terminal board by surface mounting the capacitor component to contacts on the terminal board. Alternatively, the capacitor component may be embedded or otherwise secured into the terminal board. Figures 4 to 9 In the embodiment, the receiver includes a first diaphragm 104 that divides the interior of the receiver housing into a rear volume and a front volume acoustically connected to a sound port 106 of the housing 102, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 Best shown. A sound port is a passage from the interior of a housing to its exterior. Figures 7 to 9 In the receiver, the receiver includes a second diaphragm 105 that divides the interior of the receiver housing into at least a second rear volume and a second front volume, as further described herein. Optionally, the sound port can be acoustically coupled to a nozzle 107 connected to the receiver housing.

[0053] exist Figures 11 to 14 In , the multi-coil receiver 100 is part of a RIC hearing device assembly 200 described more fully herein. In other embodiments, one or more multi-coil receivers may be integrated into some other body-worn hearing devices, examples of which are described herein.

[0054] Typically, the terminal block can be configured to connect the capacitor assembly in parallel or in series with one of the coils of the multi-coil motor, depending on whether the coils are arranged in parallel or in series. Figure 3, the first coil 112 is electrically connected between the contacts of the terminal board 120 (e.g., the first contact 1 and the third contact 3), and the capacitor component C is electrically connected between the contacts of the terminal board (e.g., the first contact 1 and the second contact 2) and is connected in series with the second coil 114 electrically connected between the contacts of the terminal board (e.g., the second contact 2 and the third contact 3). Figures 1 to 2 In the embodiment, the terminal block 120 includes at least three contacts accessible from outside the receiver housing 102. The contacts accessible from outside the housing may be located on an electrical interface accessible from outside the housing. The first coil 112 is electrically connected between a first contact 121 and a third contact 123 of the terminal block. The capacitor component 122 is electrically connected between the first contact 121 and the second contact 124 of the terminal block, and the second coil 114 is electrically connected between the second contact 124 and the third contact 123. The capacitor component 122 is also located on the electrical interface accessible from outside the receiver housing of the terminal block. The terminal block accessible from outside the housing includes at least a portion exposed to the outside of the housing. Alternatively, the terminal block may connect the first and second coils in series, and the capacitor component may be connected in parallel with either the first or second coil. Either configuration of a multi-coil motor and capacitor component reduces the likelihood of an unintended restart of the hearing device operating system and offsets the increase in impedance that would otherwise occur with increasing frequency without the capacitor component.

[0055] Some hearing devices include an optional ground or other electrical reference. In some embodiments, the terminal block includes a ground contact that is electrically connected to a conductive portion of the housing or to some other electrical reference. The receiver housing may be conductive, or the housing may be non-conductive and include a conductive portion that is connected to a ground contact on the terminal block. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the fourth contact of the terminal block is electrically connected to the conductive portion of the housing 102. Figures 1 to 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal block 120 includes an electrical interface having a ground contact 126 that is accessible from the exterior of the housing and electrically connected to a conductive portion of the housing. The ground contact can be electrically connected to the conductive receiver housing via a solder joint or other electrical connection and can be electrically connected to an electrical ground of the hearing device operating system. Other hearing devices do not use or require a ground contact.

[0056] In some embodiments, a ground contact on an external electrical interface of the terminal block that is accessible from the outside of the housing is electrically connected to a conductive ground ring on an internal electrical interface of the terminal block that faces the receiver housing. The conductive ring is electrically and mechanically connected to a conductive portion of the housing. For example, the terminal block can be welded to the conductive housing or to a conductive portion of the non-conductive receiver housing. Figure 5 、 Figure 15 、 Figure 18 and Figure 20In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal block 120 includes a grounding ring (e.g., ground contact 129) on the side of the terminal block facing the receiver housing 102. In some embodiments, the terminal block acoustically seals the rear volume of the receiver housing. In other embodiments, the rear volume of the receiver housing is vented to the exterior of the housing to affect the frequency response of the receiver.

[0057] exist Figures 1 to 2 In, the terminal block 120 is fastened to the exterior of the housing 102 and includes an electrical interface accessible from the exterior of the housing. The leads of the first and second coils are routed to contacts on the terminal block through one or more holes or openings passing through the housing. The term "leads" as used herein refers to the ends of the coil windings themselves or the conductive extensions connected to the ends of the coil windings. In addition to any electrical coupling, the leads of either coil may be further mechanically connected or strain relieved to one or both coils by adhesive or other mechanical connection means. In Figure 1 In the embodiment, the first lead 113 of the first coil 112 is routed through the first opening of the receiver housing to the first contact 121. The first lead of the second coil is routed through the second opening of the housing to the second contact 124. The second leads 115 and 118 of the first and second coils are routed through the third opening to the third contact 123 of the terminal block, respectively. Figure 2 In the embodiment, first leads 113 and 116 of the first and second coils are routed through a first opening in the housing to first and second contacts 121 and 124 of the terminal block, respectively. The second leads of the first and second coils can be combined within the housing to a common lead 119, which is routed through a second hole to a third contact 123 of the terminal block. Alternatively, all leads from a multi-coil motor can be routed through a single hole in the housing, or each lead can be routed through a corresponding hole.

[0058] In some embodiments, the leads of the first coil and the second coil have different identification characteristics to facilitate proper routing of the coil leads to contacts on the terminal strip during manufacturing or assembly. The wires can have different colors, different markings, different textures, or different sizes, or other differences, as well as combinations thereof, to facilitate identification and proper routing of the wires to the correct contacts on the terminal strip. These and other coil lead sensing features can be implemented in any of the representative multi-coil receivers described herein.

[0059] Typically, either the first coil, the second coil, or both coils may be adjacent to the motor yoke. Figures 21 to 23In, a receiver motor (e.g., multi-coil motor 110) includes a yoke 160 that holds permanent magnets 162, with a movable portion of an armature 164 extending between the permanent magnets 162. The representative motor does not include a bobbin to support the coils. However, in other embodiments, the coils may be wound around or otherwise supported by the bobbin. The coils typically include a conductive wire surrounded by an insulating enamel. The wire is typically joined by some means to maintain it in the form of a wound coil. Various methods can be used to join the coil wires, including wet winding the coils in epoxy or using a type of thermal bonding adhesive. In Figure 21 In FIG, the first coil 112 is located between the magnetic yoke and the second coil 114. Figure 22 In the embodiment, the second coil 114 is at least partially located around the first coil 112, wherein the outer periphery of the first coil is smaller than the inner periphery of the second coil. Both the first coil and the second coil are adjacent to the yoke 160. Alternatively, the second coil 114 can be spaced apart from the yoke. Figure 23 In the embodiment, the first coil 112 includes a conical shape having a larger outer periphery portion adjacent to the yoke 160. The second coil 114 is positioned at least partially around the first coil and includes a complementary conical shape having a larger inner periphery positioned closer to the yoke than a smaller inner periphery farther from the yoke. In some embodiments, the first coil and the second coil are at least partially wound. Figure 24 In the embodiment, the first coil 112 includes a first portion 117 intertwined with a second coil. The first coil has a greater number of turns than the second coil, wherein a second portion 150 of the first coil is wound around the intertwined portions of the first and second coils. Any of the various coil winding implementations described herein, as well as others, can be implemented in all representative receivers and representative hearing device assemblies described herein.

[0060] In some embodiments, a multi-coil receiver includes multiple diaphragms that divide the interior of the housing into multiple back volumes and one or more front volumes. Figures 7 to 9 In the embodiment, the receiver includes a first diaphragm 104 that divides the interior of the housing into a first front volume 130 and a first rear volume 134, and a second diaphragm 105 that divides the interior of the housing into a second front volume 132 and a second rear volume 136. Figures 7 and 8 In one embodiment, one or more sound ports of the housing acoustically couple the first and second front volumes to the nozzle 107. Figure 7 In the embodiment, the first rear volume and the second rear volume are acoustically coupled to each other via a chamber 138 defined by a cup 139 or other portion of the housing 102. Figure 8In the embodiment of the present invention, the second rear volume 136 is acoustically connected to the exterior of the housing 102 through a vent 141. In other embodiments, the shared front volume can be located between the first and second diaphragms. Alternatively, a shared motor can be located between the first and second diaphragms, and the first volume can be located on opposite sides of the housing interior. In other embodiments, each diaphragm can be driven by a separate corresponding motor. These and other multi-diaphragm configurations can be implemented in any of the representative multi-coil receivers described herein.

[0061] In some implementations, the multi-coil receiver includes a capacitor component that is integrated with and electrically connected to contacts of an electrical interface accessible from outside the receiver housing. Figures 1 to 2 and Figures 4 and 5 In the embodiment, the electrical interface is located on a terminal block 120 that is fastened to the exterior of the housing 102 of the receiver. Figures 1 to 2 In FIG, the capacitor component 122 and the leads from the first coil 112 and the second coil 114 are electrically connected to contacts of an external electrical interface accessible from outside the housing 102 of the receiver. Figures 4 and 5 In FIG. 1 , the capacitor component 122 and the leads from the first coil 112 and the second coil 114 are electrically connected to contacts of an internal electrical interface located inside the receiver housing.

[0062] Alternatively, the terminal block may be secured to the interior of the housing, and the external electrical interface of the terminal block may be accessible from the exterior of the housing via an opening in the housing. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the terminal plate 120 may alternatively be fastened to the interior of the housing, rather than Figure 4 The capacitor assembly and the electrical leads can be fastened to an internal electrical interface within the housing. Alternatively, the first coil lead and the second coil lead can be electrically connected to contacts on the internal electrical interface, and the capacitor assembly can be electrically connected to contacts on the external electrical interface.

[0063] In other embodiments, a multi-coil receiver includes a capacitor component that is integrated with and electrically connected to contacts of a first (internal) electrical interface located inside the receiver housing. The internal electrical interface is electrically connected to a second (external) electrical interface accessible from outside the receiver housing for connection to a drive signal source. The first electrical interface and the second electrical interface can be on a common terminal board or on different terminal boards. Leads of the first coil and the second coil can be electrically connected to the contacts of the first or second electrical interface. The electrical connection of the first coil and the second coil and the capacitor component at the terminal board is configured to modify the electrical impedance of the receiver in response to the electrical signal as compared to the electrical impedance of the receiver in the absence of the capacitor component, as described herein.

[0064] exist Figure 10, the first electrical interface 140 electrically connects the first coil 112 in parallel with the second coil 114, which is electrically connected in series with the capacitor component C, as described herein. The first electrical interface 140 includes a first contact 1 electrically connected to a first contact 1 of the second electrical interface 142. The first electrical interface also includes a third electrical contact 3 electrically connected to a second electrical contact 2 of the second electrical interface. Optionally, the first electrical interface may also include a ground contact 4 electrically connected to a ground portion of the receiver housing, and the second electrical interface 142 may include a ground contact (e.g., a ground contact) electrically connected to the ground contact 4 of the first electrical interface. Figure 10 Alternatively, the ground contact of the second interface can be directly connected to a ground portion of the receiver housing. Alternatively, the first electrical interface can be connected in series with the first coil and the second coil, wherein one of the first coil or the second coil is electrically connected in parallel with the capacitor component C, as described herein.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface are located on different parts of the common terminal board. For example, the first interface and the second interface can be on two different layers on opposite sides of a multi-layer printed circuit board or flexible wiring harness, and the electrical connection between the first interface and the second interface can be established using traces inside the printed circuit board or flexible wiring harness. Figures 4 and 5 and Figure 7 In the embodiment, the terminal board 120 covers the opening 101 of the housing 102 of the receiver (in Figure 5 ), and the first and second coils 112, 114 and capacitor component 122 are electrically connected to contacts on a first electrical interface located inside the housing. The contacts of the second electrical interface are electrically connected to the contacts of the first electrical interface. The contacts of the second electrical interface are accessible from the outside of the housing for connection to an electrical drive signal source. Alternatively, Figures 4 and 5 and Figure 7 The capacitor component 122 may be integrated with the external electrical interface, and the first coil and the second coil may be electrically connected to contacts of the internal electrical interface.

[0066] In other embodiments, the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface are located on different terminal boards. Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, a terminal block 120 located in the rear volume of the receiver housing 102 includes a first electrical interface integrated thereon with a capacitor component 122. The first coil 112 and the second coil 114 are electrically connected to the first electrical interface of the terminal block 120. The first electrical interface is electrically connected to a second electrical interface 127 of a second terminal block fastened to the exterior of the housing 102. The contacts of the second electrical interface 127 are accessible from the exterior of the receiver housing 102 for connection to an electrical drive signal source.

[0067] exist Figures 8 and 9, the capacitor component 122 is integrated with a first electrical interface of a first terminal plate (e.g., terminal plate 120) fastened to the second coil 114, wherein the terminal plate 120 is located within the housing 102 of a receiver comprising multiple diaphragms. Alternatively, the first terminal plate (e.g., terminal plate 120) can be fastened to the first coil 112 or both coils. As described herein, the first coil and the second coil are electrically connected to the first electrical interface. The contacts of the first electrical interface are electrically connected to the contacts of the second electrical interface 127 of the second terminal plate, wherein the contacts of the second electrical interface are accessible from the outside of the housing. In other embodiments, the terminal plate 120 can be fastened to one of the coils in a multi-coil receiver comprising a single diaphragm.

[0068] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment of the present invention, the hearing device is a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) component (e.g., RIC hearing device component 200) that includes a RIC unit 210 connected to a behind-the-ear (BTE) connector 220 via a cable assembly 230. The BTE connector can be connected to a BTE unit (not shown) that is configured to be worn on the back of the user's ear. The BTE unit includes electrical components that include an audio processor that generates electrical audio signals based on signals from one or more microphones for transmission to the RIC unit via the cable assembly. The BTE unit also includes a battery and may include a wireless receiver for communicating with a host device (e.g., a smartphone) or another BTE unit worn on the user's other ear.

[0069] exist Figures 12 to 14 In, the RIC unit is configured to be worn at least partially in the ear canal of a user and includes a speaker or receiver 100 that generates an acoustic signal in response to an electrical signal provided by the BTE unit. In some embodiments, the speaker is acoustically coupled to the sound channel via a nozzle 103 that supports a resilient earcup (not shown) that is configured to fit at least partially in the ear canal of the user. As described herein, the receiver 100 generally includes a diaphragm that divides the interior of the receiver's housing 102 into a rear volume and a front volume acoustically coupled to the sound port. In Figure 14 In the embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm (e.g., the first diaphragm 104) includes an S-shaped frame, but other embodiments may include a planar frame. A multi-coil motor 110 located in the receiver housing is connected to the diaphragm and includes an armature having a portion movably located between the permanent magnets of the yoke, as described herein.

[0070] The speaker or receiver also includes a terminal block 120 having an electrical interface located within the housing 102. The first coil 112 and the second coil 114 of the multi-coil motor are electrically connected to contacts of the electrical interface. A capacitor component 122 is integrated with the terminal block and electrically connected to the contacts of the electrical interface. The capacitor component and the electrical connection of the first and second coils at the electrical interface are configured to modify the electrical impedance of the receiver in response to the electrical signal, compared to the electrical impedance of the receiver without the capacitor component.

[0071] exist Figures 12 to 14 In FIG, the housing 102 of the receiver constitutes the exterior of the RIC unit 210. The nozzle 103 is shown as being directly integrated with the housing 102 of the receiver. In this configuration, the RIC unit does not have any structure outside the encapsulating housing, thereby reducing the overall size of the RIC unit. Figures 12 to 14 In the embodiment shown, the multi-coil motor 110 is directly coupled to the interior of the housing 102 without intermediate structures, thereby further reducing the overall size of the RIC unit. In other embodiments, the receiver can be enclosed in an external housing (not shown), and the nozzle can be integrally formed with the external housing and acoustically coupled to the sound port of the receiver.

[0072] Typically, one end of the cable assembly is connected to the housing of the RIC unit. Figures 12 to 14 In the embodiment, the cable assembly 230 includes a first end 232 that is directly connected to the housing 102 of the receiver, which constitutes the exterior of the RIC unit. In other embodiments, the first end of the cable assembly can be connected to the exterior housing that encloses the receiver. Figures 12 to 14 In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal block 120 is integrated with the end of the cable assembly (e.g., the first end 232) and is located within the receiver housing. In RIC unit embodiments that include an external housing that encloses the receiver, the end of the cable assembly can be integrated with the external housing. In other embodiments, the terminal block can be located elsewhere in the receiver or the external housing. Moreover, the terminal block does not necessarily need to be integrated with the cable assembly. For example, the terminal block can be as shown in FIG. Figures 4 to 6 as shown in the rear volume, or as Figures 8 and 9 Shown fastened to the receiver coil, as well as other locations.

[0073] In some embodiments, a sound transducer assembly for a head-mounted hearing device includes two or more receivers that are mechanically connected (also referred to as "grouped"). The grouped receivers may be connected by adhesive, welding, an external housing, a strap, a band, or some other retaining mechanism. Figures 15 to 20, a first receiver 302 is connected to a second receiver 304. Each of the grouped receivers includes one or more diaphragms that divide the interior of the receiver housing into one or more front and rear volumes, as described herein. Each receiver also includes a motor located in the housing and including an armature having a movable portion located between magnets held by a yoke. The movable portion of the armature is connected to the one or more diaphragms. Figures 1 to 2 and Figures 4 to 9 These and other aspects of the receivers are more fully described in

[0014] As further described herein, groups of receivers may also be electrically connected in parallel or in series with each other.

[0074] Each grouped receiver also includes a corresponding terminal block 120 that includes external electrical interfaces accessible from the outside of the receiver, such as Figure 15 、 Figure 18 and Figure 20 As shown. Each receiver terminal block also includes an internal electrical interface located at least partially inside the receiver housing. The contacts of the internal electrical interface are electrically connected to the contacts of the external electrical interface, an example of which is combined with Figure 3 and Figure 10 and alternative configurations described herein. One or more coils of each receiver may be electrically connected to contacts of a corresponding internal electrical interface. Figures 1 to 2 and Figures 4 to 9 As shown and described, at least one group receiver includes a multi-coil motor ( Figures 15 to 20 In a receiver including multiple coils, the capacitor component 122 may be integrated with and electrically connected to the contacts of the internal electrical interface of the terminal board 120, such as Figure 18 and 20 In some implementations, the internal electrical interface includes a ground contact 129 that can be connected to a conductive portion of the receiver housing, such as Figure 15 、 Figure 18 、 Figure 20 and Figure 22 The ground contacts may be electrically connected to corresponding contacts of the external electrical interface of the corresponding terminal board 120 .

[0075] exist Figures 15 to 20In the embodiment, the third terminal block 306 includes an internal electrical interface having contacts that are electrically connected to contacts of an external electrical interface of the terminal block 120, which is accessible from the outside of the grouped receivers (e.g., the first receiver 302 and the second receiver 304). In one embodiment, the third terminal block 306 is a planar member, and the external electrical interfaces of the grouped receivers (e.g., the first receiver 302 and the second receiver 304) are located in a common plane. In other embodiments, the third terminal block 306 can be a flexible terminal block, and the external electrical interfaces of the terminal block 120 of the grouped receivers are not located in a common plane. In some embodiments, the internal interface and the external interface of the third terminal block are on two different layers of a multi-layer printed circuit board or a flexible wiring harness, and the electrical connection between the first interface and the second interface of the third terminal block is established using traces within the printed circuit board or the flexible wiring harness. The electrical connection between the contacts on the internal and external electrical interfaces of the third terminal block 306 can be configured to connect the grouped receivers (e.g., the first receiver 302 and the second receiver 304) in parallel or in series.

[0076] exist Figures 15 and 16 , the third terminal block 306 electrically connects the group of receivers (e.g., the first receiver 302 and the second receiver 304) in parallel to receive the electrical audio signal via the electrically driven signal contacts 308 and 310 of the external electrical interface. Each terminal block 120 includes a ground contact 129 electrically connected to the conductive portion of the housing 102 of the corresponding receiver and a common ground contact 312 on the third terminal block 306. The contacts of the internal electrical interface of each terminal block 120 are electrically connected to the first and second coils of the corresponding receiver and the common contacts 308 and 310 of the third terminal block 306. A single capacitor component 122 is electrically connected to the external electrical interface of the third terminal block 306 to configure the receivers, such as in combination. Figure 3 and Figure 10 and alternative embodiments described herein, etc. Generally described. In one embodiment, a single capacitor is connected in series with the second coils of two groups of receivers, wherein each second coil is connected in parallel with each other.

[0077] exist Figure 17 In the embodiment, the third terminal block 306 can electrically connect the group of receivers (eg, the first receiver 302 and the second receiver 304) in parallel or in series to receive the electrical audio signal via the electrical drive signal contacts 308 and 310 of the external electrical interface. Figure 19 In addition to the contacts 308 and 310 on the external electrical interface, the third terminal board 306 also includes a ground contact 312. Figure 17 and Figure 19 One or both of the grouped receivers (e.g., the first receiver 302 and the second receiver 304) may include a multi-coil motor. Figure 18 and Figure 20 In the embodiment, the contacts of the internal electrical interface of the terminal board 120 of each receiver are electrically connected to the first and second coils of the corresponding receiver and the common drive signal contacts 308 and 310 on the third terminal board 306. The capacitor component 122 is integrated with the internal electrical interface of the terminal board 120 and is electrically connected to the internal electrical interface of the terminal board 120 to configure the receiver, such as in combination with Figure 3 and Figure 10 Described in general.

[0078] While this disclosure and what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof has been described in a manner that builds up possession and enables one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the disclosure and what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, it will be understood and appreciated that there are many equivalents to the representative embodiments described herein and that various modifications and changes can be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited not by the embodiments described but by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A balanced armature receiver, comprising: a housing containing a diaphragm that divides an interior of the housing into a rear volume and a front volume, the front volume being acoustically coupled to a sound port of the housing; a multi-coil motor located in the housing and including an armature having a movable portion connected to the diaphragm; a terminal board including a plurality of contacts, the multi-coil motor being electrically connected to the contacts of the terminal board; a capacitor component integrated with the terminal board and electrically connected to contacts of the terminal board; wherein the multi-coil motor and the electrical connection of the capacitor assembly to the terminal block are configured to vary the electrical impedance of the balanced armature receiver based on a frequency of an electrical signal applied to the multi-coil motor.

2. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal plate is fastened to the exterior of the housing, and the housing includes at least two separation holes through which lead wires of the first coil and the second coil of the multi-coil motor are selectively routed to the terminal plate.

3. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 2, wherein: The first lead of the first coil of the multi-coil motor is wired through the first hole of the housing, the first lead of the second coil of the multi-coil motor is wired through the second hole of the housing, and the second leads of the first coil and the second coil are wired through the third hole of the housing.

4. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The coil leads of the multi-coil motor have different identification characteristics.

5. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of contacts of the terminal block and the capacitor component are located on a side of the terminal block that is accessible from outside the housing.

6. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal block further includes a ground contact electrically connected to the conductive portion of the housing.

7. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 6, wherein: The ground contact is located on a side of the terminal block that is accessible from outside the housing, the ground contact being electrically connected to a conductive ring on an opposite side of the terminal block that is electrically and mechanically connected to the housing.

8. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal board includes at least 3 contacts, the first coil of the multi-coil motor is electrically connected between the first contact and the third contact of the terminal board, the capacitor component is electrically connected between the first contact and the second contact of the terminal board, and the second coil of the multi-coil motor is electrically connected between the second contact and the third contact.

9. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1 , further comprising: A second diaphragm divides the interior of the housing into a second front volume and a second rear volume, the second front volume being acoustically coupled to the sound port.

10. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, further comprising: a second diaphragm, the second diaphragm dividing the interior of the housing into a second front volume and a second rear volume; and a cup coupled to the housing, wherein an interior of the cup acoustically couples the rear volume to the second rear volume.

11. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1 , wherein: The second coil of the multi-coil motor is at least partially located around the first coil of the multi-coil motor, and an outer periphery of the first coil is smaller than an inner periphery of the second coil.

12. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The first coil of the multi-coil motor is located between a yoke and a second coil of the multi-coil motor.

13. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 12, wherein: The first coil includes a tapered outer surface having a large peripheral portion adjacent the yoke and a small peripheral portion extending away from the yoke, the tapered outer surface of the first coil being at least partially disposed within the tapered inner surface of the second coil.

14. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 1, wherein: The first coil of the multi-coil motor includes a first portion intertwined with at least a portion of the second coil of the multi-coil motor, the first coil having more turns than the second coil, wherein the second portion of the first coil is wound around the first portion intertwined with the second coil.

15. A balanced armature receiver, comprising: a housing containing a diaphragm that divides an interior of the housing into a rear volume and a front volume, the front volume being acoustically coupled to a sound port of the housing; a multi-coil motor located in the housing and including an armature having a movable portion connected to the diaphragm; a terminal board, leads of the multi-coil motor being electrically routed through holes in the housing and connected to contacts on a portion of the terminal board accessible from the outside of the housing; A capacitor component is integrated with the terminal board and electrically connected to the contacts of the terminal board. 16 . The balanced armature receiver according to claim 15 , wherein the housing comprises at least two separation holes, and leads of the first coil and the second coil of the multi-coil motor are selectively routed to the contacts of the terminal board through the at least two separation holes.

17. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 16, wherein: The first lead of the first coil of the multi-coil motor is wired through the first hole of the housing, the first lead of the second coil of the multi-coil motor is wired through the second hole of the housing, and the second lead of each of the first coil and the second coil is wired through the third hole of the housing.

18. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 15, wherein: The coil leads of the multi-coil motor have different identification characteristics.

19. The balanced armature receiver according to claim 15, wherein the terminal block further comprises: A ground contact is provided on the portion of the terminal block accessible from outside the housing, the ground contact being electrically connected to a conductive portion of the housing.

20. The balanced armature receiver of claim 15, wherein: The capacitor component is electrically connected to contacts on a portion of the terminal block located within the interior of the housing or accessible from the exterior of the housing, wherein the multi-coil motor and the electrical connection of the capacitor component to the terminal block are configured to change the electrical impedance of the balanced armature receiver based on the frequency of the electrical signal applied to the multi-coil motor.

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