Hearing aid

Abstract

The invention relates to a hearing aid (2), in particular a hearing assistance device, with a support frame (26) surrounded by a housing (4). The housing (4) has an upper housing shell (20) and a lower housing shell (22) which are joined at a circumferential edge (24) and overlap to form a labyrinth seal (40). The support frame (26) has an outwardly directed projection (44) which engages in the labyrinth seal (40).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hearing aid with a carrying frame surrounded by a housing comprising an upper housing shell and a lower housing shell. The hearing aid is preferably a hearing assistance device.

[0002] People with hearing loss typically use a hearing aid. This device usually uses a microphone, an electromechanical transducer, to convert ambient sound into an electrical (audio / sound) signal. The captured electrical signals are then processed by an amplifier circuit and delivered to the ear canal via another electromechanical transducer, the receiver. The captured sound signals are also usually processed, typically by a signal processor within the amplifier circuit. The amplification is adjusted to the specific hearing loss of the hearing aid user. The transducers and amplifier circuit are usually housed in a single casing, providing at least partial protection from environmental factors.

[0003] For example, the housing is relatively robust, and the individual components are attached to the inner walls of the housing, thus stabilizing them. However, to adapt to the individual person, for example, to minor changes in the person's anatomy and / or different skin tones, the housing is usually replaced. Therefore, it is necessary to disassemble the individual components and assemble them in the new housing.

[0004] Typically, so-called mounting frames are used, to which the individual components are attached, thus ensuring the mechanical integrity of the hearing aid. The mounting frame itself is enclosed in a relatively thin-walled housing. The housing usually has two shells. For assembly, the mounting frame is inserted into one of the shells, and the remaining shell is placed on top, so that the two shells abut each other, forming a continuous edge.

[0005] To adapt the device to the individual, only the housing needs to be replaced, while all other components are available as modules thanks to the support frame. These modules can be inserted into the new housing without modification. This simplifies customization for each person. Furthermore, this method allows for local fitting at a retailer's location, eliminating the need to stock a large number of different complete hearing aids. Only the appropriate housings are required.

[0006] During operation, the hearing aid is exposed to environmental influences and also to the wearer's perspiration, which can enter through openings in the housing or between the housing halves and potentially damage the components inside. To remedy this, it is known to glue the edge, i.e., to bond the two housing halves together. However, this makes subsequent replacement impossible. Furthermore, the adhesive bond must meet stringent requirements to ensure that no moisture penetrates. In an alternative embodiment, a rubber seal is used between the two housing halves. However, this increases the hearing aid's installation space, making it comparatively more visible. A further development incorporates a labyrinth seal between the two housing halves.However, due to the comparatively thin-walled housing shells, the length of the labyrinth seal formed between them is limited, so that a seal cannot always be achieved.

[0007] From US 4 870 688 A, a hearing aid that can be inserted into the ear canal is known, in which all electrical and mechanical components, including a replaceable battery, are contained within a prefabricated ear assembly, which is composed of a hollow, solid body with an externally attached, soft elastic cover.

[0008] US 2 493 734 A shows an earphone with a magnetic insert for insertion into the user's ear.

[0009] WO 91 / 03139 A1 discloses an intra-aural hearing aid for deaf or hard-of-hearing persons. This includes an earpiece containing a microphone, an amplifier, an earphone, a battery compartment with battery, and an internal-to-external equalization channel which is closed by a cover plate.

[0010] DE 10 2012 214 489 A1 shows a mobile device with an inner body and an outer shell at least partially enclosing the inner body with an opening, wherein the arrangement of the outer shell and the inner body forms a gap whose diameter is at least partially so small that a capillary effect can be caused against a liquid penetrating into the mobile device from the outside through the opening.

[0011] A hearing aid is known from JP H09 215098 A. A longitudinal groove is formed on an inner wall surface of a battery holder.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of providing a particularly suitable hearing aid, wherein in particular reliability is increased and / or installation space is reduced, and manufacturing costs are expediently reduced.

[0013] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] For example, a hearing aid is a headphone or includes a headphone, and a hearing aid is, for example, a headset. However, a hearing aid is particularly preferred. A hearing aid is used to support a person suffering from hearing loss. In other words, a hearing aid is a medical device that compensates for, for example, partial hearing loss. A hearing aid is, for example, a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid, an in-the-ear (ITC) hearing aid, a complete-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid, hearing glasses, a pocket hearing aid, or a bone conduction hearing aid. Preferably, the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, which is worn behind the ear.

[0015] The hearing aid is designed and configured to be worn on the human body. In other words, the hearing aid preferably includes a retention device that allows it to be attached to the human body. For example, the retention device is formed by a shape or outer contour of the hearing aid. If the hearing aid is a hearing aid, it is designed and configured to be placed, for example, behind the ear or within an ear canal. In particular, the hearing aid is wireless and designed and configured to be inserted, at least partially, into an ear canal.

[0016] The hearing aid includes, for example, a microphone used to capture sound. Specifically, when in use, the microphone picks up ambient sound, or at least a portion of it. The microphone is, in particular, an electromechanical transducer. It may consist of a single microphone unit or multiple microphone units that interact with each other. Each microphone unit preferably has a diaphragm that vibrates in response to sound waves. These vibrations are then converted into an electrical signal by a suitable recording device, such as a magnet moving within a coil. Thus, each microphone unit can capture an audio signal based on the sound reaching it. The microphone units are typically omnidirectional.

[0017] Advantageously, the hearing aid includes a receiver for outputting a signal. This signal is, in particular, an electrical signal. The receiver is advantageously an electromechanical transducer, preferably a loudspeaker. Depending on the design of the hearing aid, the receiver, when in its intended state, is at least partially positioned within the ear canal of the hearing aid user, i.e., a person, or at least acoustically connected to it. The hearing aid primarily serves to output the signal via the receiver, thereby generating a corresponding sound. In other words, the main function of the hearing aid is preferably to output the signal. This signal is, in particular, generated at least partially based on the sound captured by the microphone.

[0018] The hearing aid expediently includes a signal processor, which suitably forms a signal processing unit or is at least a component thereof. At a minimum, however, the hearing aid expediently includes a corresponding signal processing unit. The signal processor is, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) or implemented using analog components. The signal processor is used, in particular, to adjust the (audio) signal generated by the microphone, preferably depending on any hearing loss of the hearing aid user. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is expediently arranged between the microphone and the signal processing unit, for example, the signal processor, provided the signal processor is designed as a digital signal processor. The signal processor is configured, in particular, according to a set of parameters.The parameter set allows for amplification in different frequency ranges, so that the signal generated by the microphone is processed according to specific parameters, particularly depending on the hearing loss of the hearing aid user. Preferably, the hearing aid additionally includes an amplifier, or the amplifier is at least partially integrated into the signal processor. For example, the amplifier is connected upstream or downstream of the signal processor.

[0019] The hearing aid has a mounting frame, also referred to as a carrier, electronics frame, or simply "frame." This frame stabilizes other components of the hearing aid, particularly electronic components. The microphone, signal processor, signal processing unit, and analog-to-digital converter are held by the mounting frame and are preferably mounted to it. Specifically, the mounting frame provides mechanical stabilization for a module of the hearing aid, by means of which all or at least a large portion of the hearing aid's functionalities are provided. The mounting frame is preferably made of plastic.

[0020] Furthermore, the hearing aid has a housing that forms its outer casing. The housing is preferably made of plastic, and its thickness is advantageously relatively small. For example, the housing thickness is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm. The housing encloses the mounting frame, so that the frame is not visible when the device is mounted. The shape and / or color of the housing is advantageously adapted to the individual user of the hearing aid, i.e., the specific person / wearer.

[0021] The housing comprises an upper and a lower shell, i.e., two shells. Specifically, the housing is formed by these two shells. The upper shell advantageously forms the top vertical boundary of the hearing aid when the hearing aid is worn as intended. It is possible for a portion of the lower shell to also form the upper vertical boundary of the housing, although this boundary area is smaller compared to the area formed by the upper shell. Conversely, the lower shell preferably forms a larger downward vertical boundary of the housing compared to the upper shell.

[0022] Preferably, however, the upper vertical boundary of the housing is formed entirely by the upper housing shell, and the lower vertical boundary of the housing is formed entirely by the lower housing shell. Furthermore, it is possible that the upper and lower housing shells also form lateral boundaries of the hearing aid, particularly if the housing has a curved design.

[0023] The two housing shells are joined together, forming a circumferential edge. This edge defines the transition between the two housing shells, particularly on the outer surface of the housing. The two housing shells overlap, forming a labyrinth seal. In other words, the labyrinth seal is advantageously formed in the area of ​​the edge, and the two housing shells preferably interlock. The housing shells are suitably designed such that they are flush with each other on the outer surface. This prevents the accumulation of foreign particles and eliminates any risk of injury to the user. For example, the overlap, and thus the labyrinth seal, extends along the entire edge.Alternatively, the housing shells overlap only along part of the edge, and along the remaining part they lie, for example, flush against each other, especially if there is no other component of the hearing aid in this area or only comparatively robust / insensitive components.

[0024] Due to the labyrinth seal, the contact area between the two housing halves is enlarged, thus increasing the creepage distance for any moisture or liquid that might penetrate between them. In summary, the labyrinth seal results in the two housing halves contacting each other with a larger surface area, and they partially interlock. The cross-section of the two housing halves in the overlap area is suitably L-shaped for this purpose.

[0025] The support frame has an outwardly directed projection that engages with the labyrinth seal. In other words, the projection is directed towards the housing halves. Specifically, the projection is elongated and preferably runs parallel to the edge. In other words, the projection extends along the support frame. For example, the projection is circumferential, so that it expediently runs along the entire edge. Alternatively, the projection is recessed, so that it is segmented and has separate sections.

[0026] In summary, the labyrinth seal features an area where the two housing shells abut each other. Furthermore, there is an area where one housing shell rests against the protrusion. There is also another area where the other housing shell rests against the protrusion. This increases the total contact area between the two components at the edge, thus increasing the creepage distance. Consequently, the thickness of the housing shells, and therefore the size of the labyrinth seal, can be made comparatively thin while still providing a relatively large creepage distance. The protrusion further reduces the ingress of moisture / liquid, thus increasing reliability. Since the thickness of the housing shell can be reduced, the required installation space is also reduced.Furthermore, no additional components are required to ensure a tight seal, which reduces both material costs and the number of assembly steps required. Therefore, manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0027] Advantageously, one or both of the housing shells are attached to the support frame, preferably detachably. In particular, at least one of the housing shells is clipped to the support frame. This increases stability. The labyrinth seal is preferably designed to be continuous, so that the housing shells always overlap at the edge. The projection is preferably interrupted and, for example, only present at the locations of comparatively sensitive additional components. This facilitates assembly. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide a corresponding recess for the projection in the housing shells in the area of ​​the labyrinth seal, so that the robustness of the housing shells is not unduly reduced.Advantageously, the housing shells have an increased thickness in the area where the protrusion is not present, and the labyrinth seal is widened accordingly.

[0028] Due to the engagement of the projection with the labyrinth seal, a first gap is formed between the projection and the lower housing shell, and a second gap between the projection and the upper housing shell. These gaps are specifically designed to allow the two housing shells to be joined despite manufacturing tolerances. For example, the thickness of the two gaps is equal. Preferably, however, the thickness of the first gap is increased. If moisture / liquid penetrates the labyrinth seal to the projection, i.e., passes between the two housing shells in the overlap area, it is thus channeled into the first gap and consequently to the lower housing shell. This is further facilitated by the force of gravity, since the lower housing shell, and therefore also the first gap, is located vertically below the second gap in the intended state.Thus, any moisture / liquid that penetrates the labyrinth seal is channeled into the lower part of the housing, preventing it from reaching the upper part, from where it would otherwise flow down to the lower part due to weight. Moisture / liquid only enters the second gap due to capillary action, which is negligible under normal use.

[0029] Consequently, the area within the housing that comes into contact with moisture / liquid, if any, is reduced. Particularly preferably, the electronics, such as the signal processor, of the hearing aid are arranged in a vertically upper part of the support frame, preferably located vertically above the second gap. At a minimum, however, the electronics or other sensitive components of the hearing aid are located within the upper housing shell during assembly and, in particular, are surrounded by it. Due to the design of the gaps, moisture / liquid is thus prevented from reaching these components.

[0030] Preferably, a first contact surface is formed between the projection and the lower housing shell, and a second contact surface is formed between the projection and the upper housing shell. In particular, the first contact surface has a thickness determined by the first gap. The second contact surface has a thickness equal to the extent of the second gap. The two contact surfaces thus form the creepage distance by which any penetrating moisture / liquid is retained. In other words, each of the two contact surfaces preferably forms a labyrinth seal.

[0031] Preferably, the second contact surface has several subsurfaces separated from each other by a folded edge that extends at least partially through the second contact surface. In other words, the folded edge is at least partially removed from an edge of the second contact surface. Due to the folded edge, an angle is formed between the two subsurfaces associated with it. Preferably, this angle is greater than 90° or 110°. This reduces the space required and simplifies assembly. The folded edge is suitably straight, thus simplifying the design.

[0032] For example, the first contact surface also has such creases. However, the second contact surface has at least one more crease, and thus one more subsurface, than the first contact surface. Preferably, however, the first contact surface is flat, and the second contact surface has exactly that one crease, so that the second contact surface is divided into exactly the two subsurfaces.

[0033] Due to the kink, the area of ​​the second contact surface is larger compared to the area of ​​the first. Consequently, the creepage distance is also increased there, preventing moisture / liquid from reaching the area surrounded by the upper housing shell. Furthermore, any moisture / liquid that does penetrate is forced to change direction at the kink, further increasing resistance. In summary, the distribution across the lower surfaces improves the effectiveness of the labyrinth seal in the area of ​​the second contact surface compared to the first.Thus, any moisture / liquid entering through the labyrinth seal between the two housing shells is guided along the first contact surface, which is why, due to this design, the moisture / liquid is kept away from the vertically upper areas of the hearing aid or at least from the area of ​​the hearing aid surrounded by the upper housing shell.

[0034] Several capillary channels run between the upper housing shell and the mounting frame. Each capillary channel locally increases the distance between the upper housing shell and the mounting frame, thus retaining any moisture or liquid that may penetrate the housing. In other words, capillary action draws any liquid or moisture present in the housing into the capillary channels—that is, into the locally increased distance between the upper housing shell and the mounting frame—and holds it there. Specifically, in areas where no capillary channels are present and no other specifications apply, the distance between the upper housing shell and the mounting frame is between 0.02 mm and 0.08 mm, preferably 0.05 mm. This results in a comparatively small hearing aid.

[0035] Preferably, the capillary channels are arranged in the area of ​​openings or penetrations in the cell housing. In particular, at least one of the capillary channels surrounds an opening. Specifically, for example, an opening for a switch, such as a toggle switch or a push button, is surrounded by a corresponding capillary channel. Thus, if moisture penetrates the housing, it is retained in the respective capillary channel or the area enclosed by the capillary channel, preventing damage to other components within the housing.

[0036] For example, one or more such capillary channels may be present between the lower housing shell and the support frame. Alternatively, this area may be free of such capillary channels, or they may simply surround any openings or perforations in the lower housing shell. Due to the absence of capillary channels, any moisture / liquid present inside the housing is not prevented from accumulating in the lower area of ​​the housing, where it can collect due to gravity. This prevents uncontrolled movement of the moisture / liquid and thus also avoids interaction with comparatively sensitive components of the hearing aid, such as electronics, which are preferably surrounded by the upper housing shell.

[0037] The capillary channels are integrated into the support frame, opening towards the upper housing shell. This integration allows for a comparatively delicate upper housing shell, reducing both size and weight. Mechanical integrity remains unaffected.

[0038] For example, the cross-section of the capillary channels may differ from one another and / or be rectangular. However, a semicircular cross-section is particularly preferred. This simplifies manufacturing and improves moisture / liquid absorption. Specifically, the capillary channels have a depth between 0.02 mm and 0.08 mm, preferably 0.05 mm. This design avoids excessively large space requirements. Furthermore, it allows for comparatively effective capillary action while still permitting relatively high manufacturing tolerances.

[0039] The capillary channels terminate at the labyrinth seal. This directs any ingress of liquid to the labyrinth seal, where it can diffuse back out, for example, if the hearing aid warms up or is no longer used in a humid environment. Therefore, it is not necessary to manually remove any moisture or liquid that may have penetrated the device; this occurs automatically during operation, thus reducing maintenance. For example, both ends of each capillary channel terminate at the labyrinth seal. Alternatively, the remaining end of one, some, or all of the capillary channels terminates at another seal, which surrounds an opening in the housing. Within this opening, a switch is located, which is used to operate the hearing aid. This also allows liquid or moisture to escape without requiring any additional components.In particular, the seal is made of rubber and / or is flexible. Therefore, the sealing effect is not impaired even when the switch is activated.

[0040] Preferably, the individual components of the hearing aid are powered by a battery. This is, for example, a secondary battery, meaning it is rechargeable. Alternatively, it may be designed to be non-rechargeable, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Advantageously, the hearing aid has a battery holder to hold the battery. In particular, the battery holder has a recess that accommodates the battery. This recess is, for example, cup-shaped.

[0041] The battery holder is mounted on the support frame, so moving the battery holder relative to the support frame also moves the battery. Specifically, the housing has a chamber within which the battery holder and the battery are located when in operation. This chamber contains contacts that are electrically connected to the battery. Moving the battery holder relative to the support frame thus removes the battery from the housing chamber, allowing it to be replaced, for example.

[0042] The battery holder is advantageously made of the same material as the mounting frame, thus simplifying its manufacture. For example, the battery holder is mounted on the mounting frame so that it can slide longitudinally. Preferably, the battery holder is mounted on the mounting frame so that it can pivot, allowing the battery and consequently the battery it holds to be pivoted out of the housing chamber relative to the mounting frame. The chamber is suitably formed by the lower housing shell, so that the battery is located within the area enclosed by the lower housing shell. In this way, the hearing aid's center of gravity is relatively low, thus simplifying its use.

[0043] Ideally, the battery holder forms at least part of the outer shell of the hearing aid when the battery is located inside the chamber. This simplifies the design. It is also advantageous for this area of ​​the battery holder to be flush with other components of the housing, particularly the lower housing shell, when the battery is inside the chamber. This prevents the accumulation of foreign particles and reduces the risk of injury.

[0044] Advantageously, an additional capillary channel runs between the battery holder and the housing, particularly between the battery holder and the lower housing shell. This additional capillary channel has, for example, a semicircular cross-section and / or a depth between 0.02 mm and 0.08 mm. The additional capillary channel is suitably integrated into the battery holder in such a way that the mechanical integrity of the housing is not compromised. For example, the battery holder is essentially cylindrical, with the capillary channel being curved and, in particular, integrated into one of the two end faces. Preferably, such an additional capillary channel is integrated into each end face, and / or it is advantageously offset from the center of the end face to an edge, thus reducing the distance to the edge. In particular, the additional capillary channel is located in the outer third of the respective end face.

[0045] The extended capillary channel prevents moisture / liquid from penetrating the housing and battery holder beyond this point, eliminating the need for additional seals. This allows the battery holder to be moved relative to the support frame without contact, requiring comparatively little effort. This improves user comfort and reduces wear.

[0046] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 schematically shows a hearing aid, Figs. 2 and 3 each show a partially transparent side view of the hearing aid, comprising a carrying frame and a housing with two housing shells, Fig. 4 shows a partial cross-section of the hearing aid, and Fig. 5 shows an enlarged section of the Fig 4, in which a labyrinth seal between the two housing shells is shown, into which a projection of the support frame engages, Fig. 6 shows a further cross-section of the hearing aid in part, and Fig. 7 shows a battery holder in perspective.

[0047] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0048] In Figure 1A schematic representation of a hearing aid 2 is shown, designed and configured to be worn behind the ear of a wearer (user). In other words, it is a behind-the-ear hearing aid. The hearing aid 2 comprises a housing 4 made of plastic. Inside the housing 4 is a microphone 6 with two microphone units 8, each in the form of an electromechanical transducer, which are omnidirectional. By changing the time delay between the acoustic signals detected by the omnidirectional microphone units 8, it is possible to change the directional characteristic of the microphone 6, thus creating a directional microphone.

[0049] The two microphone units 8 are interconnected by a signal processing unit 10, which comprises an amplifier circuit (not shown) and a signal processor. The signal processing unit 10 is further formed by circuit elements such as electrical and / or electronic components. The signal processor is a digital signal processor (DSP) and is connected to the microphone units 8 via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (not shown).

[0050] A receiver 12 is signal-connected to the signal processing unit 10. The receiver 12, which is an electromechanical transducer, converts an (electrical) signal provided by the signal processing unit 10 into an output sound, i.e., sound waves. These are directed into a sound tube 14, one end of which is attached to the housing 4. The other end of the sound tube 14 is enclosed by a dome 16, which, in its intended state, is positioned in the ear canal of the hearing aid 2 wearer (not shown in detail here). The signal processing unit 10 is powered by a battery 18 located in the housing 4. A portion of the electrical energy is then supplied by the signal processing unit 10 to the microphone 6 and the receiver 12.

[0051] In the Figures 2 and 3The hearing aid 2 is shown in different side views, with the housing 4 depicted transparently. The housing 4 has an upper housing shell 20 and a lower housing shell 22, both made of the same material, namely plastic. The shape of the housing 4 is defined by the shape of the two housing shells 20 and 22, which are joined at a circumferential edge 24. In other words, the two housing shells 20 and 22 abut each other at the edge 24. The edge 24 is visible from outside the housing 4. Inside the housing 4, a support frame 26, also made of plastic, is arranged. The signal processing unit 10, the receiver 12, the microphone 6, and any other components are securely attached to the support frame 26.

[0052] An opening 28 is provided in the upper housing shell 20, which, when the hearing aid 2 is worn as intended, forms at least part of the vertically upper and partially the lateral end of the housing 4. A switch 30 is positioned within this opening. The user input can be made via the switch 30, which changes the signal processing unit 10. Therefore, the switch 30 serves to select the operating mode of the hearing aid 2. The switch 30 is mounted on and attached to the support frame 26. The switch 30 is designed as a toggle switch and is surrounded within the housing 4 by a rubber seal 32.

[0053] Furthermore, a battery holder 32 is pivotally mounted on the support frame 26 by means of a hinge 34. The battery holder 32 is essentially cylindrical and has a receptacle for the battery 18, which, when the battery holder 32 is folded, lies within a chamber 36 formed by the lower housing shell 22. In this state, the battery holder 32 forms part of the outer shell of the hearing aid 2, being flush with the lower housing shell 22. By pivoting the battery holder 32, it is possible to remove the battery 18 from the chamber 36 of the housing 4.

[0054] In summary, a module is created by means of the support frame 26 and the components attached to it in a captive manner. This module is enclosed by the two housing shells 20 and 22 that form the housing 4. For assembly, the support frame 26 is inserted into the lower housing shell 22 and clipped to it. The upper housing shell 20 is then placed on top, so that they abut the lower housing shell 22, forming the edge 24, thus closing the housing 4. The switch 30 is then passed through the opening 28. The upper housing shell 20 is also clipped to the support frame 26 and, if necessary, to the lower housing shell 22.

[0055] In Figure 4In a sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 4, the hearing aid 2 is shown in part. The switch 30 rests in the opening 28 with a clearance fit, allowing the switch 30 to be tilted relative to the support frame 26 and thus also to the housing 4. Any moisture / liquid penetrating through the opening 28 is retained by means of the seal 32, which rests against the inside of the upper housing shell 20.

[0056] The seal 32 is supported or attached to the support frame 26. Below the seal 32 is the signal processing unit 10, namely a printed circuit board 38 of this unit, which is equipped with comparatively sensitive electrical and / or electronic components. Thus, the seal 32 is located between the printed circuit board 38 and the switch 30. The printed circuit board 38 is held by the support frame 26.

[0057] The upper housing shell 20 and the lower housing shell 22 overlap continuously along the edge 24, forming a labyrinth seal 40. The lower housing shell 22 has a step 42 against which the upper housing shell 20 rests, resulting in an L-shaped cross-section of the overlap. A projection 44 of the support frame 26, directed outwards, engages in the labyrinth seal 40.

[0058] The lead of 44 is in Figure 5The diagram is shown enlarged. A first contact surface 46 is formed between the lower housing shell 22 and the projection 44. This first contact surface 46 is straight. A second contact surface 48 is formed between the upper housing shell 20 and the projection 44. The second contact surface 48 has a bend 50 running parallel to the edge 24, along which the second contact surface (bearing surface 48) is divided into two sub-surfaces 52. These sub-surfaces are arranged at an angle to each other and merge into one another at the bend 50. The angle is 135°. Thus, the cross-section of the projection 44 is shaped like a right-angled trapezoid. The second contact surface 48 therefore has the bend 50, whereas the first contact surface 46 is flat and thus not divided into sub-surfaces 50.

[0059] A first gap 54 is defined by the first contact surface 46, and a second gap 56 by the second contact surface 48. The thickness of the first gap 54 is increased compared to the thickness of the second gap 56. Thus, the first contact surface 46 has a greater thickness perpendicular to its direction of extension than the second contact surface 48.

[0060] The projection 44, which engages in the labyrinth seal 40, increases the creepage distance for moisture / liquid penetrating from the outside over the edge 24. If the moisture / liquid reaches the projection 44, it is primarily drawn downwards in a vertical direction, i.e., into the lower housing shell 22, by gravity through the enlarged first gap 54. Entry into the upper gap 56, i.e., along the second contact surface 48, occurs only due to capillary action. However, since the kink 50 is present, a change of direction is required for further penetration, thus increasing resistance. Furthermore, the increased area of ​​the second contact surface 48 lengthens the distance to this surface, preventing the penetrating moisture / liquid from entering the upper housing half 20.

[0061] The projection 44 runs parallel to the edge 24, but is partially recessed, forming gaps 58. In this area, the housing shells 20, 22 are thickened, so that the labyrinth seal 40 is also enlarged there.

[0062] Figure 6 In another sectional view perpendicular to the dimensions of the housing 4, the hearing aid 2 is shown in part. Here, too, the upper housing shell 22 is shown, which is placed on the lower housing shell 22 at the edge 24, forming the labyrinth seal 40. In this cross-section, however, one of the gaps 58 is present, so that the projection 44 is not visible. Several capillary channels 60 are present between the upper housing shell 20 and the support frame 26, one of which is located in Figure 6The capillary channel 60 shown, like the remaining ones, is integrated into the support frame 26, resulting in a local increase in the distance between the support frame 26 and the upper housing shell 20 in the area of ​​each capillary channel 60. In areas where no capillary channels 60 are present, the distance between the support frame 26 and the upper housing shell 20 is essentially 0.05 mm. The cross-section of each capillary channel 60 is semicircular, with a depth (radius) of 0.05 mm, so that in the area of ​​the capillary channels 60, the distance between the support frame 26 and the upper housing shell 20 is 0.1 mm.

[0063] The capillary channels 60 run as in Figures 2 and 3As shown, the support frame 26 is divided into different areas in the region of the upper housing shell 20 by means of the capillary channels 60, between the labyrinth seal 40, i.e., up to the edge 24, and the seal 32. In other words, the capillary channels 60 open at the labyrinth seal 40. The capillary channels 60, or a portion thereof, run perpendicular to the edge 24. Further openings or penetrations in the upper housing shell 20, not shown in detail, are surrounded by additional capillary channels 60. These capillary channels 60 extend partially into the lower housing shell 22.

[0064] If moisture / liquid enters the housing 4 via the labyrinth seal 40, the opening 28, and / or the other openings / perforations not shown, it is drawn into the capillary channels 60 by capillary action. This keeps the moisture / liquid contained within the area separated by the respective capillary channel 60, preventing uncontrolled spread. Consequently, the moisture / liquid is protected from the signal processing unit 10 and other sensitive components of the hearing aid 2. It is also possible for the moisture / liquid to drain to the outside via the labyrinth seal 40.

[0065] In Figure 7The battery holder 32 is shown in perspective, with the battery 18 omitted. An outwardly projecting ridge 64 is formed on an outer surface 62 of the battery holder 32, which is also visible when the battery 18 is located in the chamber 36. This ridge is the only component that is not flush with the housing 4 when the battery 18 is in the chamber 36. The ridge 64 facilitates a person's grip, allowing the battery holder 32 to pivot about the hinge 34. The outer surface 62 is perpendicular to the two end faces of the cylindrical battery holder 32. Each end face contains an additional capillary channel 66, offset from the outer surface 62. In other words, each end face has one of these additional capillary channels 66. These additional capillary channels 66 also have a semicircular cross-section and a depth of 0.05 m.If moisture / liquid penetrates the chamber 36 between the battery holder 32 and the lower housing shell 22, it is retained by means of the further capillary channels 66 that run between the battery holder 32 and the housing 4. The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived from it by those skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention, which is defined by claim 1. Reference symbol list

[0066] 2 Hearing aid 4 Housing 6 Microphone 8 Microphone unit 10 Signal processing unit 12 Receiver 14 Sound tube 16 Dome 18 Battery 20 Upper housing shell 22 Lower housing shell 24 Edge 26 Support frame 28 Opening 30 Switch 32 Battery holder 34 Hinge 36 Chamber 38 Circuit board 40 Labyrinth seal 42 Step 44 Protrusion 46 First contact surface 48 Second contact surface 50 Folding edge 52 Bottom surface 54 First gap 56 Second gap 58 Gap 60 Capillary channel 62 Outer side 64 Bead 66 Further capillary channel

Claims

1. Hearing device (2), in particular hearing aid, having a support frame (26) which is surrounded by a housing (4) that has an upper housing shell (20) and a lower housing shell (22), which are assembled at a circumferential edge (24) and overlap while forming a labyrinth seal (40), wherein the outer casing of the hearing device (2) is formed by means of the housing (4), wherein a microphone (6), a signal processor, a signal processing unit (10) and an A / D converter are held on the support frame (26), wherein the support frame (26) has an outwardly directed projection (44) that engages into the labyrinth seal (40), wherein a plurality of capillary channels (60) extend between the upper housing shell (20) and the support frame (26), wherein the capillary channels (60) are introduced into the support frame (26), and wherein the capillary channels (60) open at the labyrinth seal (40).

2. Hearing device (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a first gap (54) is formed between the projection (44) and the lower housing shell (22) and a second gap (56) is formed between the projection (44) and the upper housing shell (20), the thickness of the first gap (54) being increased.

3. Hearing device (2) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first contact surface (46) is formed between the projection (44) and the lower housing shell (22) and a second contact surface (48) is formed between the projection (44) and the upper housing shell (20), the second contact surface (48) being divided by means of at least one inflection edge (50) more than the first contact surface (46) into subsidiary surfaces (50).

4. Hearing device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the capillary channels (60) have a depth of between 0.02 mm and 0.08 mm.

5. Hearing device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a battery holder (32) is attached to the support frame (26) in such a way that a battery (18) held in the battery holder (32) can be taken out of a chamber (36) of the housing (4), with a further capillary channel (66) extending between the battery holder (32) and the housing (4).

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