Earplug and in-ear hearing aid
By designing an earplug with a spherical crown structure, the wearing stability and comfort problems caused by the size differences of in-ear hearing aid earplugs are solved, and good wearing stability and comfort are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421907573.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-08-07
AI Technical Summary
The differences in earplug sizes of existing in-ear hearing aids lead to problems with wearing stability and comfort. When the user's ear canal size is between the two models of earplugs, the wearing stability or comfort is poor.
An earplug is designed, including a first flap and a second flap of a spherical crown structure. The first flap is smaller than the ear canal opening, and the second flap has stable contact with the ear canal opening. By controlling the depth of the second flap extending into the ear canal, the contact area is increased, ensuring stability and comfort.
The wearing stability and comfort of in-ear hearing aids are improved. The first flap enters the deep ear canal smoothly, and the second flap contacts the ear canal opening stably, reducing the pressure on the ear canal and increasing the contact area.
Smart Images
Figure CN223334792U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of hearing aid devices, and in particular to an earplug and an in-ear hearing aid. Background Art
[0002] Hearing aids are a common tool used to improve hearing impairments. In-ear hearing aids are widely used due to their advantages such as high stability when worn.
[0003] In-ear hearing aids consist of a receiver and an earplug. The earplug fits over the receiver's sound outlet to stabilize the hearing aid in the ear canal. Currently, in-ear hearing aids typically come with multiple earplugs for different ear canal sizes, allowing users to choose the earplug that best fits their ear canal.
[0004] However, the size difference between different types of earplugs is usually fixed. It is possible that the user's ear canal size is between the two types of earplugs. If the user chooses to wear a smaller earplug, the hearing aid will have poor wearing stability. If the user chooses to wear a larger earplug, the earplug will put too much pressure on the ear canal, resulting in poor wearing comfort. Utility Model Content
[0005] The present disclosure provides an earplug and an in-ear hearing aid, which can solve the technical problems existing in the related art. The technical solutions are as follows:
[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an earplug, comprising a connector, a first plug flap, and a second plug flap;
[0007] The connecting member has a hollow cylindrical structure, and the first end of the connecting member is used to connect to the receiver of the in-ear hearing aid;
[0008] The first plug flap and the second plug flap both have a spherical crown structure. The first plug flap and the second plug flap are sequentially mounted on the outer ring of the connecting member along a first direction, and the first direction is the direction in which the second end of the connecting member points to the first end. The bottom surface of the first plug flap and the bottom surface of the second plug flap face the same direction, and the bottom surface diameter of the first plug flap is smaller than the bottom surface diameter of the second plug flap.
[0009] In a possible implementation, the curvature of the outer wall of the first petal is greater than the curvature of the outer wall of the second petal.
[0010] In a possible implementation, a top surface of the first petal is flush with the second end.
[0011] In a possible implementation, the earplug further includes a cerumen net, which is located at the second end and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting member.
[0012] In a possible implementation, the connecting member, the first plug flap, the second plug flap, and the cerumen net are integrally formed.
[0013] In a possible implementation, the connecting member includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion;
[0014] The first connecting portion has a hollow cylindrical structure, and the outer wall of the first connecting portion is connected to the first plug petal and the second plug petal respectively;
[0015] The second connecting portion has a hollow cylindrical structure, is fixed in the first connecting portion, and an inner wall of the second connecting portion is used for detachable connection with the receiver.
[0016] In a possible implementation, an inner wall of the second connecting portion has an internal thread, and the inner wall of the second connecting portion is used for threaded connection with the receiver.
[0017] In a possible implementation, the second plug flap has at least one air-avoiding hole, and the air-avoiding hole passes through the inner wall and the outer wall of the second plug flap and is connected to the bottom surface of the second plug flap.
[0018] In a possible implementation, the second plug has two air-avoiding holes, and the two air-avoiding holes are symmetrically distributed about the axis of the connecting member.
[0019] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an in-ear hearing aid, comprising the earplug according to the first aspect and possible implementations thereof.
[0020] The technical solution provided by the present disclosure includes at least the following beneficial effects:
[0021] The present disclosure provides an earplug, in which a first flap and a second flap having a spherical crown structure are sequentially mounted on the outside of the connector along the axial direction of the connector, and the bottom diameter of the first flap is smaller than the bottom diameter of the second flap. In this way, after the in-ear hearing aid using the above-mentioned earplug is mounted on the outside of the receiver, the earplug can be inserted into the ear canal. The size of the first flap is generally smaller than the ear canal opening, so that the first flap can smoothly enter the deep part of the ear canal. When wearing the earplug, the user can insert the earplug into the ear canal. By controlling the second flap to extend into the ear canal to a specific depth, the second flap can be stably contacted with the ear canal opening without causing great pressure on the ear canal opening, thereby improving wearing comfort. At this time, the first flap contacts the deep ear canal wall, increasing the contact area between the earplug and the entire ear canal, thereby ensuring good wearing stability of the earplug.
[0022] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.
[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly of an earplug and a receiver shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an earplug shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of an earplug shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of an earplug and a receiver shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] Legend
[0029] 101. Receiver;
[0030] 1. Connector; 1a. First end; 1b. Second end; 100. Axis;
[0031] 11. First connecting portion; 12. Second connecting portion;
[0032] 2. First plug flap;
[0033] 3. Second plug flap;
[0034] 31. Avoid empty holes;
[0035] 4. Cerumen net;
[0036] 41. Connect through holes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0038] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The terms "first", "second", "third" and similar words used in the patent disclosure specification and claims of the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, terms such as "one" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Terms such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before "include" or "comprise" include the elements or objects listed after "include" or "comprise" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.
[0039] Hearing aids are a common tool for improving hearing impairment and are widely used by the hearing-impaired population. Common hearing aids include hanging hearing aids and in-ear hearing aids. In-ear hearing aids have become the mainstream choice due to their high stability when worn and good sound effects. In-ear hearing aids include receivers and earplugs. The earplugs are installed outside the sound outlet of the receiver. When using the hearing aids, the earplugs and receiver are inserted into the ear canal together, and the receiver is fixed inside the ear canal with the earplugs. It can be seen that the compatibility between the earplugs and the ear canal directly determines the wearing stability of the hearing aid. Due to the different ear canal sizes of different users, in-ear hearing aids are usually equipped with multiple earplugs of different sizes. Users can assemble the earplugs that fit their own ear canal size on the receiver according to actual needs. However, the size difference between different types of earplugs is usually fixed. There may be a situation where the user's ear canal size is between the two types of earplugs. At this time, if the user chooses to wear a smaller earplug, the wearing stability of the hearing aid will be poor. If the user chooses to wear a larger earplug, the earplug will put more pressure on the ear canal, and the experience will be poor.
[0040] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides an earplug which is applied to an in-ear hearing aid, such as Figure 1 As shown, the earplug includes a connecting piece 1 , a first plug flap 2 and a second plug flap 3 .
[0041] The connector 1 has a hollow cylindrical structure, and its first end 1a is used to connect to the receiver 101 of the in-ear hearing aid. The first and second flaps 2 and 3 both have spherical crown structures. The first and second flaps 2 and 3 are sequentially fitted onto the outer ring of the connector 1 along a first direction, with the first direction being the direction from the second end 1b of the connector 1 to the first end 1a. The bottom surfaces of the first and second flaps 2 and 3 face the same direction, and the bottom diameter of the first flap 2 is smaller than that of the second flap 3.
[0042] In this way, after the earplug is placed over the receiver 101, the earplug can be inserted into the ear canal. The first flap 2 is typically smaller than the ear canal opening, allowing the first flap 2 to smoothly enter the deep ear canal. When wearing the earplug, the user can insert the earplug into the ear canal. By controlling the second flap 3 to extend into the ear canal to a specific depth, the second flap 3 maintains stable contact with the ear canal opening without exerting significant pressure on the ear canal opening, thereby improving wearing comfort. At this point, the first flap 2 contacts the deep ear canal wall, increasing the contact area between the earplug and the entire ear canal, thereby ensuring good wearing stability.
[0043] Specifically, the connector 1 comprises a first portion and a second portion connected together. Both the first portion and the second portion have a hollow cylindrical structure. The first portion is a circular cylindrical structure, and the second portion is a square cylindrical structure. The end of the second portion remote from the first portion is used for removable connection to the receiver 101 of the in-ear hearing aid. The first flap 2 is mounted on the outside of the first portion, and the second flap 3 is mounted on the outside of the second portion. The first flap 2 has a spherical crown structure, with the end of the first flap 2 having a smaller radius connected to the end of the first portion remote from the second portion. The second flap 3 has a spherical crown structure, with the end of the second flap 3 having a smaller radius connected to the end of the second portion closer to the first portion.
[0044] The removable connection between the second portion and the in-ear hearing aid receiver 101 may be a snap-on connection, a threaded connection, or an interference fit, which is not limited in the present embodiment. The first portion and the second portion may be formed separately or integrally, which is not limited in the present embodiment.
[0045] Furthermore, if Figure 1 As shown, there is a gap between the inner wall of the first petal 2 and the outer wall of the first portion, and a gap between the inner wall of the second petal 3 and the outer wall of the second portion. It is understood that the first petal 2 and the second petal 3 are both made of elastic materials, such as soft silicone.
[0046] In one example, Figure 1 As shown, the thickness of the first flap 2 is smaller than the thickness of the second flap 3 .
[0047] In practice, the first flap 2 extends deep into the ear canal, contacting the deeper ear canal wall. Therefore, setting the thickness of the first flap 2 relatively low allows it to deform more easily, reducing the discomfort caused by the first flap 2 against the deeper ear canal wall. Simultaneously, setting the thickness of the second flap 3 relatively high provides greater strength, thereby improving the wearing stability of the second flap 3 relative to the ear canal opening.
[0048] For example, the thickness of the first flap 2 may be within the range of [1 mm, 1.5 mm], and the thickness of the second flap 3 may be within the range of [2.5 mm, 3 mm].
[0049] In one example, the curvature of the outer wall of the first petal 2 is greater than the curvature of the outer wall of the second petal 3 .
[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer wall of the first flap 2 is more obviously curved than the outer wall of the second flap 3, that is, the outer wall of the first flap 2 is more curved than the outer wall of the second flap 3, and the curvature of the outer wall of the first flap 2 is greater than the curvature of the outer wall of the second flap 3.
[0051] In practice, the first flap 2 extends deep into the ear canal, contacting the deeper ear canal wall. Therefore, setting a larger curvature for the first flap 2 improves the fit between the first flap 2 and the deeper ear canal wall, thereby reducing the discomfort caused by the first flap 2 on the deeper ear canal wall. Simultaneously, the second flap 3 contacts the ear canal opening, and setting a smaller curvature for the second flap 3 allows it to provide stable support and improve the wearing stability of the earplug.
[0052] For example, the curvature of the first flap 2 may be r1, and the curvature of the second flap 3 may be r2, and r1 and r2 satisfy the relationship: r1=1.2r2.
[0053] In one example, Figure 2 As shown, the top surface of the first plug flap 2 is flush with the second end 1 b of the connecting member 1 .
[0054] Optionally, the top surface of the first plug flap 2 may smoothly transition to the second end 1 b of the connector 1 .
[0055] In this way, the second end 1 b of the connector 1 can be prevented from protruding beyond the first plug flap 2 and scraping against the ear canal wall, thereby improving the comfort of the user when wearing the earplug.
[0056] In some possible embodiments, the earplug further includes a wax net 4 .
[0057] like Figure 3As shown, the earplug further includes a cerumen mesh 4 , which is located inside the connector 1 and at the second end 1 b of the connector 1 and is connected to the connector 1 .
[0058] See also Figure 3 Connector 1 has a hollow cylindrical structure and a cylindrical receiving cavity. Cerumen screen 4 is a circular plate-like structure with multiple connecting holes 41 extending through the upper and lower walls. Cerumen screen 4 is located within the receiving cavity and at the second end of connector 1, where it is connected to connector 1.
[0059] In implementation, Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the cerumen mesh 4 is arranged opposite to the sound outlet of the receiver 101. The cerumen mesh can prevent earwax in the ear canal from entering the sound outlet of the receiver 101, causing the sound outlet of the receiver 101 to be blocked, thereby ensuring the initial sound effect of the hearing aid.
[0060] The connection between the cerumen mesh 4 and the connecting member 1 can be adhesive or snap-on, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0061] In some possible embodiments, the connecting member 1 , the first plug flap 2 , the second plug flap 3 and the cerumen mesh 4 are integrally formed.
[0062] In practice, the connector 1, the first plug flap 2, the second plug flap 3 and the cerumen mesh 4 can be integrally formed by an injection molding process or by a hot melt extrusion process. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the molding process of the earplug.
[0063] In some possible embodiments, the connector 1 includes a first connecting portion 11 and a second connecting portion 12 .
[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the connecting member 1 includes a first connecting part 11 and a second connecting part 12. The first connecting part 11 has a hollow cylindrical structure. The outer walls of the first connecting part 11 are respectively connected to the first plug flap 2 and the second plug flap 3. The second connecting part 12 has a hollow cylindrical structure. The second connecting part 12 is fixed in the first connecting part 11. The inner wall of the second connecting part 12 is used for detachable connection with the receiver 101.
[0065] Specifically, the first connecting portion 11 can be integrally formed with the first plug flap 2, the second plug flap 3, and the cerumen mesh 4, and its material can be soft silicone. The second connecting portion 12 and the first connecting portion 11 are processed in a separate step and are made of hard silicone. Thus, using the second connecting portion 12 made of hard silicone for a detachable connection with the receiver 101 can enhance the overall strength of the second connecting portion 12, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the earplug and the receiver 101. Furthermore, the connection between the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portion 12 can be a snap-on connection.
[0066] In one example, the second connecting portion 12 and the receiver 101 are threadedly connected.
[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the second connecting part 12 has a hollow cylindrical structure, the inner wall of the second connecting part 12 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the sound outlet of the receiver 101 is provided with an external thread. The second connecting part 12 and the sound outlet of the receiver 101 are detachably connected by threaded fitting.
[0068] In this way, the connection stability between the second connecting portion 12 and the receiver 101 can be improved.
[0069] In some possible embodiments, the edge of the first end with a larger diameter in the second petal 3 has at least one air-avoidance hole 31 , which passes through the inner wall and the outer wall of the second petal 3 and is connected to the bottom surface of the second petal 3 .
[0070] During implementation, the air-avoidance hole 31 passes through the inner and outer walls of the second plug flap 3 and is connected to the bottom surface of the second plug flap 3. When the earplug is inserted into the ear canal, the second plug flap 3 is squeezed by the ear canal opening, so that the distance between the two opposite walls of the air-avoidance hole 31 is reduced, so that the bottom diameter of the second plug flap 3 gradually decreases, thereby improving the fit between the second plug flap 3 and the ear canal opening.
[0071] In one example, Figure 4 As shown, the second flap 3 has two escape holes 31 symmetrically distributed about the axis 100 of the connecting piece 1 .
[0072] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure include at least the following beneficial effects:
[0073] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an earplug in which a first flap 2 and a second flap 3 having a spherical crown structure are sequentially mounted on the outside of the connector 1 along the axial direction of the connector 1. The bottom diameter of the first flap 2 is smaller than the bottom diameter of the second flap 3. Thus, in an in-ear hearing aid using the above-described earplug, after the earplug is mounted on the outside of the receiver 101, the earplug can be inserted into the ear canal. The size of the first flap 2 is generally smaller than the ear canal opening, allowing the first flap 2 to smoothly enter deep into the ear canal. When wearing the earplug, the user can insert the earplug into the ear canal. By controlling the second flap 3 to extend into the ear canal to a specific depth, the second flap 3 can maintain stable contact with the ear canal opening without exerting significant pressure on the ear canal opening, thereby improving wearing comfort. At this time, the first flap 2 contacts the deep ear canal wall, increasing the contact area between the earplug and the entire ear canal, thereby ensuring good wearing stability.
[0074] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an in-ear hearing aid, which includes the above-mentioned earplug.
[0075] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure shall be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. An earplug, characterized in that: The earplug is applied to an in-ear hearing aid, and comprises a connector (1), a first plug flap (2), and a second plug flap (3); The first end (1a) of the connector (1) is used to be connected to a receiver (101) of an in-ear hearing aid, the connector (1) comprises a first connecting portion (11) and a second connecting portion (12), the first connecting portion (11) and the second connecting portion (12) both having a hollow cylindrical structure, the second connecting portion (12) being fixed in the first connecting portion (11), and the inner wall of the second connecting portion (12) being used for detachable connection with the receiver (101); The first plug flap (2) and the second plug flap (3) both have a spherical crown structure. The first plug flap (2) and the second plug flap (3) are sequentially fitted onto the outer wall of the first connecting portion (11) along a first direction, and the first direction is the direction in which the second end (1b) of the connecting member (1) points to the first end (1a). The bottom surface of the first plug flap (2) and the bottom surface of the second plug flap (3) face the same direction, and the bottom surface diameter of the first plug flap (2) is smaller than the bottom surface diameter of the second plug flap (3).
2. The earplug according to claim 1, wherein The curvature of the outer wall of the first plug flap (2) is greater than the curvature of the outer wall of the second plug flap (3).
3. The earplug according to claim 1, wherein The top surface of the first plug flap (2) is flush with the second end (1b).
4. The earplug according to claim 1, wherein The earplug further comprises a cerumen net (4), which is located at the second end (1b) and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting member (1).
5. The earplug according to claim 4, wherein The connecting piece (1), the first plug flap (2), the second plug flap (3) and the cerumen net (4) are integrally formed.
6. The earplug according to claim 1, wherein The inner wall of the second connecting portion (12) has an internal thread, and the inner wall of the second connecting portion (12) is used for threaded connection with the receiver (101).
7. The earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The second plug flap (3) has at least one air-avoiding hole (31), and the air-avoiding hole (31) passes through the inner wall and the outer wall of the second plug flap (3) and is connected to the bottom surface of the second plug flap (3).
8. The earplug according to claim 7, wherein: The second plug flap (3) has two air-avoiding holes (31), and the two air-avoiding holes (31) are symmetrically distributed about the axis (100) of the connecting member (1).
9. An in-ear hearing aid, characterized in that: The in-ear hearing aid comprises the earplug according to any one of claims 1 to 8.