Ear-wearable hearing device connector and hearing device component
By using a single deep-drawn metal plug and socket assembly, combined with a non-conductive bushing and washer design, the problem of large and easily contaminated electrical connectors in existing hearing devices has been solved, resulting in a miniaturized, durable, and reliable electrical connector.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KNOWLES ELECTRONICS LLC
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
Smart Images
Figure CN224503474U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates generally to hearing devices, and more specifically to wearable hearing devices including electrical connectors, electrical connectors for such hearing devices, and hearing device components including electrical connectors or a portion thereof. Background Technology
[0002] Some ear-worn hearing devices include a speaker unit that includes a cable assembly capable of connecting to a microphone unit via an electrical connector. One such hearing device includes an in-canal (RIC) receiver unit and a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit, the RIC unit being configured to be at least partially inserted into the user's ear canal, and the BTE unit being configured to be worn against the back of the user's ear. The RIC unit includes a balanced armature receiver (also referred to herein as a "receiver") for converting electro-audio signals into sound. The BTE unit includes a housing containing a battery, a microphone, and circuitry for converting sensed ambient sound into amplified electro-audio signals. The electrical connector includes an electrical connector plug that connects to the cable assembly extending from the RIC unit. The connector plug can be connected to a plug socket on the BTE unit. This configuration allows electro-audio signals to be transmitted from the BTE unit to the RIC unit. Electrical connectors must be relatively small, robust, accommodate an increasing number of electrical contacts, prevent contaminant ingress, and reliably secure the RIC unit to the BTE unit. However, existing hearing device electrical connectors are relatively large and expensive, and include plastic components with short lifespans. Therefore, there has been a continuous need to improve electrical connectors for body-worn hearing devices and their combinations. Utility Model Content
[0003] This invention provides an ear-worn hearing device connector, comprising: an electrical connector socket capable of connecting to either a speaker unit or a base unit, the electrical connector socket including a plurality of electrical contacts at least partially located in a metal plug socket, the metal plug socket including a connector plug cavity, the electrical connector socket including a retaining feature integrally formed on a wall portion of the metal plug socket; and an electrical connector plug capable of connecting to the other of the speaker unit or the base unit, the electrical connector plug including a plug body retaining the plurality of electrical contacts, the plug body including complementary retaining features, wherein the electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug are electrically connected to corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket, and the retaining features engage with the complementary retaining features when the plug body is inserted into the connector plug cavity.
[0004] The retaining feature is a positioning stop protruding into the connector plug cavity, and the complementary retaining feature is a recess in the plug body.
[0005] The metal plug and socket and the positioning stop constitute an integral deep-drawn product.
[0006] The electrical connector socket also includes a non-conductive bushing that flexibly holds the plurality of electrical contacts within the connector plug cavity.
[0007] The complementary retaining feature is a recess in the plug body, and the retaining feature is a positioning stop protruding into the connector plug cavity, the positioning stop and the metal plug and socket constituting an integral deep-drawn article.
[0008] The ear-worn hearing device connector also includes a washer disposed around the plug body, and positioned between the connector plug cavity and the plug body when the electrical connector plug is connected to the electrical connector socket.
[0009] The non-conductive bushing includes a recess forming part of the connector plug cavity, the plurality of electrical contacts being located on the portion of the non-conductive bushing defining the connector plug cavity, the electrical connector plug including a contact carrier protruding from the plug body and holding the plurality of electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug, wherein, when the contact carrier protruding from the plug body is inserted into the recess of the non-conductive bushing, the electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug are electrically connected to corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connector receptacle.
[0010] The ear-worn hearing device connector is combined with a base unit, the base unit including a housing containing a microphone connected to electronic circuitry, wherein the electrical connector socket is integrated with the housing of the base unit, and the electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket are electrically connected to the electronic circuitry.
[0011] The ear-worn hearing device connector is combined with a speaker unit, the speaker unit including a housing connected to a cable assembly, the housing of the speaker unit including a sound transducer, and an electrical connector plug connected to the cable assembly, wherein the sound transducer is electrically connected to electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug via wires of the cable assembly.
[0012] This utility model also provides an ear-worn hearing device connector, comprising: an electrical connector socket capable of connecting to either a speaker unit or a base unit, the electrical connector socket including a plurality of electrical contacts flexibly held by a non-conductive bushing, the non-conductive bushing being at least partially located in a metal plug socket including a connector plug cavity; an electrical connector plug capable of connecting to the other of the speaker unit or the base unit, the electrical connector plug including a plug body holding the plurality of electrical contacts; and a gasket disposed around the plug body, wherein the electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug are electrically connected to corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket, and the gasket forms a seal between the plug body and the connector plug cavity when the plug body is inserted into the connector plug cavity.
[0013] The non-conductive bushing includes a recess forming part of the connector plug cavity, the plurality of electrical contacts being located on the portion of the non-conductive bushing defining the connector plug cavity, the electrical connector plug including a contact carrier protruding from a plug body and holding the plurality of electrical contacts, wherein, when the contact carrier is inserted into the recess of the non-conductive bushing, the electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug are electrically connected to corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket.
[0014] The ear-worn hearing device connector is combined with a base unit, the base unit including a housing containing a microphone connected to electronic circuitry, wherein the electrical connector socket is integrated with the housing of the base unit, and the electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket are electrically connected to the electronic circuitry.
[0015] The electrical connector socket further includes a positioning stop that protrudes from a wall portion of the metal plug socket and into the connector plug cavity, and the electrical connector plug also includes a recess into which the positioning stop extends when the plug body is inserted into the connector plug cavity, wherein the positioning stop and the recess of the electrical connector plug cooperate to securely fix the electrical connector plug to the electrical connector socket.
[0016] The metal plug and socket and the positioning stop constitute an integral deep-drawn product.
[0017] The ear-worn hearing device connector is combined with a speaker unit, the speaker unit including a housing connected to a cable assembly, the housing of the speaker unit containing a sound transducer, and an electrical connector plug connected to an end of the cable assembly, wherein the sound transducer is electrically connected to electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug via wires of the cable assembly.
[0018] This utility model also provides a hearing device component, the hearing device component comprising: a wearable unit, the wearable unit including a housing, the housing containing an electrical or mechanical hearing device component; and an electrical connector socket connected to the wearable unit and including: a metal plug socket, the metal plug socket including a plug cavity near an opening of the metal plug socket, and a positioning stop protruding from a wall portion of the metal plug socket into the plug cavity; and a plurality of electrical contacts, each electrical contact having a first contact portion extending into the plug cavity, and each electrical contact having a second contact portion accessible from the outside of the metal plug socket.
[0019] The metal plug and socket and the positioning stop constitute an integral deep-drawn product.
[0020] The hearing device component also includes a non-conductive bushing disposed in the metal plug socket, the plurality of electrical contacts being flexibly held by the non-conductive bushing, the non-conductive bushing including a recess forming part of the plug cavity, the plurality of electrical contacts being held by the non-conductive bushing near the recess.
[0021] The wearable unit is a behind-the-ear BTE unit, and the hearing device component includes a microphone connected to electronic circuitry, wherein the electrical connector socket is integrated with the housing, and the electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket are electrically connected to the electronic circuitry.
[0022] The wearable unit is an in-ear receiver (RIC) unit, which further includes a cable assembly extending from the housing. The hearing device component includes a sound transducer, and the electrical connector socket is connected to the cable assembly. The electrical contacts of the sound transducer and the electrical connector socket are electrically connected to the wires of the cable assembly. Attached Figure Description
[0023] The objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description, which is accompanied by the accompanying drawings. The description and drawings depict representative embodiments and suggest other embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention.
[0024] Figure 1 It is a representative hearing device that includes an electrical connector.
[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a representative hearing device connector.
[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Anatomical view of the connector for hearing devices.
[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the assembly of the connector for the hearing device.
[0028] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are for simplicity and clarity and may therefore not be drawn to scale and may not include well-known features. The order in which actions or steps occur may differ from the order described herein. Unless otherwise stated, these actions or steps may occur simultaneously, and the terms and expressions used herein have the meanings understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise specifically assigned different meanings herein. Detailed Implementation
[0029] This invention generally relates to hearing devices, and more specifically to wearable hearing devices including electrical connectors, electrical connectors for such hearing devices, and hearing device components including electrical connectors or portions thereof. In one application, the electrical connector interconnects the speaker unit and base unit of an ear-worn hearing device. One such application is for connecting an in-canal receiver (RIC) component to a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit, the RIC component being configured to be at least partially inserted into the user's ear canal, and the BTE unit being configured to be worn behind the user's ear. The electrical connector described herein can also be connected to other hearing devices, including earbuds and studio monitoring equipment, etc. Representative examples are described herein.
[0030] Typically, wearable hearing devices include a speaker unit and a base unit connected by an electrical connector. The connector includes a connector receptacle with multiple electrical contacts, which are at least partially located within a metal plug receptacle defining a connector plug cavity. The connector plug includes a plug body that retains the multiple electrical contacts. When the plug body is inserted into the connector plug cavity, the electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug are electrically connected to corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connector receptacle. A retaining feature securely fastens the connector receptacle to the connector plug. A seal between the plug cavity and the plug body provides a debris barrier and, in addition to or in lieu of the retaining feature, securely fastens the connector receptacle to the connector plug. Other embodiments will be apparent from the representative embodiments described herein.
[0031] Figure 1A representative ear-worn hearing device 100 generally includes a speaker unit 110 connected to a base unit 120 via an electrical connector. A cable assembly 130 extending from the speaker unit includes a first electrical connector portion capable of connecting to a second electrical connector portion integrated with the base unit, as further described herein. The representative speaker unit is configured to be at least partially inserted into a user's ear canal. Therefore, the speaker unit can be considered an ear-worn unit. Alone or in combination with the cable assembly, such a speaker unit can be referred to as an in-canal receiver (RIC) unit or component. The representative base unit is configured to be worn behind the user's ear and can be referred to as a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit or component. More generally, the speaker component can be any unit worn on, in, or above the ear, and the base component can be any unit worn on or around a part of the user's body (e.g., ear, neck, arm, waist, leg, or other body part).
[0032] In some hearing devices, the speaker units are detachably connected to the base unit via electrical connectors. These detachable connectors allow for the interchangeable use of different speaker unit and cable assembly combinations with a universal base unit. Thus, speaker units with different power levels and cable assemblies of varying sizes can be adapted to variations in user anatomy and amplification requirements when connected to the base unit. In other embodiments, the speaker units are permanently connected to the base unit via cable assemblies.
[0033] A loudspeaker unit generally includes a loudspeaker or receiver that generates an acoustic signal in response to an electro-audio signal provided by a base unit. The loudspeaker unit may also include other electrical or mechanical hearing device components. Figure 1 In this example, a representative speaker unit 110 includes a receiver 112 having a sound port through an exhaust port 113 coupled to a resilient ear dome 114 configured to at least partially insert into a user's ear canal. The receiver typically includes a diaphragm that divides the interior of the receiver housing into a rear cavity volume and a front cavity volume, the front cavity volume being acoustically coupled to the sound port. The receiver also includes a motor located within the receiver housing, comprising an armature movably positioned between permanent magnets of a yoke and connected to the diaphragm. Electro-audio signals are applied to the motor to actuate the diaphragm to produce sound. Other speaker units may include multiple receivers, dynamic speakers, or combinations of one or more dynamic speakers and receivers.
[0034] exist Figure 1In this configuration, the receiver housing forms the exterior of the speaker unit 110. The vent 113 is shown as being directly integrated with the receiver housing 112. For example, the vent may be fastened to the sound port at an end of the receiver housing. With this configuration, the speaker unit does not have any structure enclosing the exterior of the receiver housing, thus reducing the overall size of the speaker unit. The motor can be directly coupled to the interior of the receiver housing without intermediate structures, further reducing the overall size of the speaker unit. In other implementations, the receiver or speaker may be partially or completely encapsulated in an outer housing (not shown), and the vent may be integrally formed with the outer housing and acoustically coupled to the receiver's sound port. Depending on the form factor and application, the speaker unit may also include one or more microphones, vibration sensors, and physiological sensors, as well as other circuitry and sensors fixed to or otherwise integrated with the speaker unit housing.
[0035] exist Figure 1 In this example, a typical BTE docking unit 120 typically includes one or more microphones, an audio signal processor, and other circuitry and a battery. This configuration allows the docking unit to process acoustic audio signals detected by one or more microphones and provide electro-audio signals to a speaker unit via a cable assembly. More generally, instead of one or more microphones, a processor, circuitry, and a battery, or in addition to one or more microphones, a processor, circuitry, and a battery, the docking unit may include other electro- or mechanical hearing device components. Such other components may include, but are not limited to, wireless transceivers and other circuitry and sensors.
[0036] exist Figures 2 to 4 In the middle, the ear-worn hearing device connector 200 includes a component capable of connecting to one of the speaker unit or the base unit (e.g., Figure 1 The electrical connector socket 210 of the speaker unit 110 or base unit 120. The electrical connector socket typically includes a plurality of electrical contacts at least partially located in a metal plug socket 240, which includes... Figure 3 The connector plug cavity 242 is best shown in the diagram. The metal may be a conductive material to provide electromagnetic shielding and may be plated to provide corrosion resistance and the ability to be wetted and mounted with molten solder. Alternatively, the metal may be a hypoallergenic metal such as stainless steel, or it may be coated with a hypoallergenic coating. Figure 3 In this design, a first contact portion 222 of each electrical contact extends into the plug cavity 242, and a second contact portion 224 of each electrical contact is accessible from the outside of the metal plug socket. The first contact portion 222 of each electrical contact may include a protrusion 226 for engaging with a complementary contact of an electrical connector plug further described herein.
[0037] The electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket can be electrically connected to the electro-hearing device components of the base unit or speaker unit. For example, when the electrical connector socket is integrated with a BTE unit, at least some of the electrical contacts can be connected to an audio processor and other circuitry or electrical components. Alternatively, when the electrical connector socket is integrated with a cable assembly connected to a RIC unit, at least some of the electrical contacts can be electrically connected via the conductors of the cable assembly to the receiver, speaker, or other electrical components of the RIC unit. In either case, this electrical connection can be made directly via the second contact portion 224 or via a circuit board (not shown) soldered to the second contact portion 224.
[0038] exist Figures 2 to 4 In this embodiment, the ear-worn hearing device connector 200 also includes an electrical connector plug 250 capable of connecting to another speaker unit or base unit. The electrical connector plug may include contact carriers 260 protruding from a plug body 262, which is made of plastic or other non-conductive material. The connector plug holds a plurality of electrical contacts 270. A typical contact carrier 260 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the plurality of electrical contacts are spaced apart in a parallel array on opposite sides of the contact carrier. In other embodiments, the contact carrier may have a cylindrical or other cross-sectional shape, on which portions of the electrical contacts may be located. The electrical contacts may be held by the plug body and contact carrier through insert molding, overmolding, or some other assembly process.
[0039] For example, when the electrical connector plug is integrated with a cable assembly connected to the RIC unit, at least some electrical contacts are electrically connected via conductors of the cable assembly to the receiver, speaker, or other electrical components of the RIC unit. Alternatively, when the electrical connector plug is integrated with the BTE unit, at least some electrical contacts are connected to the audio processor and other circuitry or electrical components of the BTE unit. This electrical connection may be directly connected to the electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket or to a circuit board (not shown) to which portions of the electrical contacts are soldered. Such a circuit board may be embedded in the base portion 268 of the electrical connector plug.
[0040] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, when the plug body 262 of the connector plug is disposed within the plug cavity 242 of the connector plug socket, the electrical contacts 270 of the electrical connector plug are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 220 of the electrical connector socket. In a representative implementation, the contact protrusion 226 of the connector socket engages the electrical contacts 270 of the connector plug. In other implementations, the electrical contacts of the connector socket and connector plug may have different shapes or configurations. With such a configuration, the BTE unit can transmit electrical audio signals to the RIC unit. More generally, in some implementations, electrical signals (e.g., control, data, etc.) can be transmitted between the base unit and the speaker unit.
[0041] In some embodiments, the electrical connector receptacle also includes a retaining feature integrally formed with the metal plug receptacle, and the plug body includes a complementary retaining feature, or vice versa. The resilient nature of the metal plug receptacle or the plastic connector plug allows one or both to deform temporarily during assembly of the connector plug and connector receptacle. With this configuration, the engaged retaining features securely hold the connector plug and connector receptacle in place.
[0042] The retaining feature can be implemented as a positioning stop integrated with the metal plug and socket, and the complementary feature can be a recess into which the positioning stop engages during connector plug and connector socket assembly. Figures 2 to 4 In a representative embodiment, the retaining feature of the connector receptacle 210 includes one or more discrete protrusions 244 extending from a wall portion of the metal plug receptacle into the plug cavity. The complementary retaining feature of the connector plug 250 includes a corresponding number of recesses 264 formed in the plug body 262. The metal plug receptacle and retaining features can constitute an integral deep-drawn article, which is cost-effective and durable. Alternatively, the retaining feature of the connector receptacle 210 may be a single circumferential protrusion surrounding the connector receptacle, and the complementary retaining feature may be a circumferential recess surrounding the plug body.
[0043] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this connector receptacle, a non-conductive bushing 230 is at least partially located within a metal plug receptacle 240. The non-conductive bushing flexibly retains a plurality of electrical contacts at least partially within the plug cavity of the connector receptacle. A representative non-conductive bushing 230 includes a recess 232 forming part of the connector plug cavity. A representative recess 232 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the electrical connector socket has a plurality of electrical contacts 220, including a first contact array located on a first side of the recess and a second contact array located on a second side of the recess. Each electrical contact in the first contact array is positioned relative to a corresponding electrical contact in the second contact array. Figure 4 In this configuration, when the plug body is inserted into the connector plug cavity, the contact carrier 260 and electrical contacts 270 of the plug body are at least partially located in the recess 232 of the non-conductive bushing. This configuration ensures that each electrical contact 270 of the connector plug is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical contact 220 of the connector socket when the plug body is inserted into the plug cavity. In other implementations, the recess of the non-conductive bushing may have a cylindrical or other cross-sectional shape, and the electrical contacts may be located on this recess for contacting the electrical contacts of the plug body, which has contact carriers of complementary shapes.
[0044] In one implementation, a gap exists between the bushing 230 and the first contact portion 222 to allow at least a portion of the contact to flex, from which the protrusion 226 extends when engaging with the electrical contact 270 of the connector plug. In other implementations, the non-conductive bushing is resilient to allow the electrical contact to flex. The non-conductive bushing 230 may be interference-fitted into the metal plug and socket 240. Alternatively, the bushing may be held in the metal plug and socket by crimping or adhesive and other known or future securing mechanisms.
[0045] In some implementations, the electrical connector receptacle may optionally include a washer configured to form a seal between the electrical connector plug and the electrical connector receptacle when the plug body is inserted into the plug cavity. Figures 3 to 4 In a representative implementation, a washer in the form of an elastic ring 266 is disposed in a groove surrounding the plug body 262. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the plug body has a rectangular shape, but in other embodiments, the plug body may have a circular or elliptical shape. The elastic ring may be an O-ring with a circular cross-section, a D-ring with a D-shaped cross-section, or a ring with some other cross-sectional shape. Figure 4 In this configuration, an elastic ring is compressed between the inner surfaces of the plug body 262 and the plug cavity 242 to form a moisture- and debris-proof barrier between the connector receptacle and the connector plug. A typical washer is positioned closer to the plug cavity opening than a positioning stop. In some implementations, the washer provides sufficient friction to retain the connector plug in the connector receptacle without requiring the retention features described herein. The metal plug receptacle may also include a recess (not shown) in the plug cavity to partially receive the washer. Such a recess on the metal plug receptacle improves the sealing and retention function of the washer. Therefore, the washer can be used alone or in combination with a retention feature to securely hold the connector plug to the connector receptacle.
[0046] While the present invention and its presently considered best mode have been described in a manner that establishes ownership and enables those skilled in the art to make and use them, it should be understood and recognized that many equivalent embodiments exist and numerous modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, which is not limited to the described embodiments.
Claims
1. A connector for an ear-worn hearing device, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device connector includes: An electrical connector socket, capable of connecting to one of a speaker unit and a base unit, the electrical connector socket including a plurality of electrical contacts at least partially located in a metal plug socket, the metal plug socket including a connector plug cavity, the electrical connector socket including a retaining feature integrally formed on a wall portion of the metal plug socket; and An electrical connector plug, capable of connecting to another of the speaker unit and the base unit, the electrical connector plug including a plug body holding a plurality of electrical contacts, the plug body including complementary retaining features. The electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug are electrically connected to the corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket, and the retaining feature engages with the complementary retaining feature when the plug body is inserted into the connector plug cavity.
2. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining feature is a positioning stop protruding into the connector plug cavity, and the complementary retaining feature is a recess in the plug body.
3. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The metal plug and socket and the positioning stop constitute an integral deep-drawn product.
4. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical connector socket also includes a non-conductive bushing that flexibly holds the plurality of electrical contacts within the connector plug cavity.
5. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The complementary retaining feature is a recess in the plug body, and the retaining feature is a positioning stop protruding into the connector plug cavity, the positioning stop and the metal plug and socket constituting an integral deep-drawn article.
6. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device connector also includes a washer disposed around the plug body, and positioned between the connector plug cavity and the plug body when the electrical connector plug is connected to the electrical connector socket.
7. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The non-conductive bushing includes a recess forming part of the connector plug cavity, and the plurality of electrical contacts are located on the portion of the non-conductive bushing that defines the connector plug cavity. The electrical connector plug includes a contact carrier that protrudes from the plug body and holds the plurality of electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug. When the contact carrier protruding from the plug body is inserted into the recess of the non-conductive bushing, the electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug are electrically connected to the corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket.
8. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device connector is combined with a base unit, the base unit including a housing containing a microphone connected to electronic circuitry, wherein the electrical connector socket is integrated with the housing of the base unit, and the electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket are electrically connected to the electronic circuitry.
9. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device connector is combined with a speaker unit, the speaker unit including a housing connected to a cable assembly, the housing of the speaker unit containing a sound transducer, and the electrical connector plug connected to the cable assembly, wherein the sound transducer is electrically connected to electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug via wires of the cable assembly.
10. A connector for an ear-worn hearing device, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device connector includes: An electrical connector socket capable of being connected to one of a speaker unit and a base unit, the electrical connector socket including a plurality of electrical contacts flexibly held by non-conductive bushings, the non-conductive bushings being at least partially located in a metal plug socket including a connector plug cavity; An electrical connector plug, capable of connecting to another of the speaker unit and the base unit, the electrical connector plug including a plug body holding a plurality of electrical contacts; and A washer, the washer being disposed around the plug body, The electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug are electrically connected to the corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket, and the gasket forms a seal between the plug body and the connector plug cavity when the plug body is inserted into the connector plug cavity.
11. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, The non-conductive bushing includes a recess forming part of the connector plug cavity, and the plurality of electrical contacts are located on the portion of the non-conductive bushing that defines the connector plug cavity. The electrical connector plug includes a contact carrier that protrudes from the plug body and holds the plurality of electrical contacts. When the contact carrier is inserted into the recess of the non-conductive bushing, the electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug are electrically connected to the corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket.
12. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 11, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device connector is combined with a base unit, the base unit including a housing containing a microphone connected to electronic circuitry, wherein the electrical connector socket is integrated with the housing of the base unit, and the electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket are electrically connected to the electronic circuitry.
13. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 12, characterized in that, The electrical connector socket further includes a positioning stop that protrudes from a wall portion of the metal plug socket and into the connector plug cavity, and the electrical connector plug also includes a recess into which the positioning stop extends when the plug body is inserted into the connector plug cavity, wherein the positioning stop and the recess of the electrical connector plug cooperate to securely fix the electrical connector plug to the electrical connector socket.
14. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 13, characterized in that, The metal plug and socket and the positioning stop constitute an integral deep-drawn product.
15. The ear-worn hearing device connector according to claim 12, characterized in that, The ear-worn hearing device connector is combined with a speaker unit, the speaker unit including a housing connected to a cable assembly, the housing of the speaker unit containing a sound transducer, and an electrical connector plug connected to an end of the cable assembly, wherein the sound transducer is electrically connected to electrical contacts of the electrical connector plug via wires of the cable assembly.
16. A component of a hearing device, characterized in that, The hearing device components include: A wearable unit, the wearable unit including a housing, the housing containing electro- or mechanical hearing device components; and An electrical connector socket, which is connected to the wearable unit and includes: A metal plug and socket, the metal plug and socket including a plug cavity near an opening of the metal plug and socket, and a positioning stop protruding from a wall portion of the metal plug and socket into the plug cavity; and Multiple electrical contacts, each with a first contact portion extending into the plug cavity, and each with a second contact portion capable of contacting the outside of the metal plug socket.
17. The hearing device component according to claim 16, characterized in that, The metal plug and socket and the positioning stop constitute an integral deep-drawn product.
18. The hearing device component according to claim 17, characterized in that, The hearing device component also includes a non-conductive bushing disposed in the metal plug socket, the plurality of electrical contacts being flexibly held by the non-conductive bushing, the non-conductive bushing including a recess forming part of the plug cavity, the plurality of electrical contacts being held by the non-conductive bushing near the recess.
19. The hearing device component according to claim 18, characterized in that, The wearable unit is a behind-the-ear unit, and the hearing device component includes a microphone connected to electronic circuitry, wherein the electrical connector socket is integrated with the housing, and the electrical contacts of the electrical connector socket are electrically connected to the electronic circuitry.
20. The hearing device component according to claim 18, characterized in that, The wearable unit is an in-ear receiver unit, which also includes a cable assembly extending from the housing. The hearing device component includes a sound transducer, and the electrical connector socket is connected to the cable assembly. The electrical contacts of the sound transducer and the electrical connector socket are electrically connected to the wires of the cable assembly.