System comprising a hearing device with magnetic connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising a first device which is designed to be arranged in the ear canal and which has a first contact element, as well as a second device having a second contact element. The first and the second contact elements are designed to contact one another and to transmit energy and / or data when in contact with one another. The first and the second contact element are designed to be held in contact with one another via magnetic force.

Description

[0001] System with magnetic connection

[0002] The invention relates to a system comprising a first device which is configured to be arranged in an auditory canal and which has a first contact element, and a second device which has a second contact element. The first and the second contact element are configured to contact one another and, upon contact, to transmit energy and / or data. The first and the second contact element are configured to be held in contact with one another by magnetic force. There are several reasons for inserting a system, for example a hearing aid, as deeply as possible into the external auditory canal (CIC: completely in the canal). This can have aesthetic reasons, as such a hearing aid is not or hardly visible from the outside, which is desired by many users. The occlusion effect caused by systems which close the auditory canal is less pronounced the smaller the enclosed volume and thus the deeper the system is placed.Sound pickup deep in the ear canal also leads to a more natural sound perception, as the directional effect of the auricle is retained. Operating mode-related reasons can also play a role. With some systems, positioning is designed in such a way that it cannot be carried out by the user themselves, but only by qualified specialists (e.g., an ENT doctor). The hearing aid can also be positioned completely or partially on the eardrum. A problem with this category of hearing aid is that in certain situations it must be possible to remove at least parts of the hearing aid from the ear canal. Furthermore, in certain situations it is necessary to transmit power and / or acoustic signals represented in some form and / or other data to the part of the system worn in the ear.

[0003] The Sonova Holding AG group of companies markets the Lyric product under the Phonak brand name. This device is inserted deep into the external ear canal and remains there permanently for the duration of its use. The capacity of the non-rechargeable battery determines the product's lifespan, which therefore requires complete replacement by a doctor or audiologist approximately every three months. However, it would be advantageous if the device were equipped with a rechargeable battery and could be recharged while worn in the ear.

[0004] To guarantee sufficient battery life, the manufacturer had to forego commonly used hearing aid features in the Phonak Lyric. The device uses analog signal processing and lacks the ability to connect external devices or audio sources. Fitting is also very limited. Furthermore, the user can only operate basic functions (sleep mode, on / off, volume up / down) with the help of a control device (SoundLync), which requires performing specific movements in the ear.

[0005] The Earlens Device from Earlens Corporation features a component that is placed directly on the eardrum and is supplied with power and signal via a contactless optical or, in the latest product generation, inductive connection. The transmitted light source or coil is placed in a fitting in the ear canal. A behind-the-ear housing contains the microphone(s), signal processor, and battery. The system is thus visible from the outside, provided the wearer's hair does not obscure the housing behind the ear. Another problem with this approach is the high losses that occur when converting electrical energy into optical radiation or magnetic fields and back. Furthermore, the optical system is highly susceptible to contamination or incorrect alignment of the transmitted light source and receiver.A contactless solution was chosen in this case because there was no solution to create a stable, user-friendly wired connection with a component placed deep in the ear canal.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a system having a component arranged in the ear canal which can be easily connected to and separated from a replaceable component.

[0007] The object is achieved by the system according to claim 1. The dependent claims specify advantageous developments of the system according to the invention.

[0008] According to the invention, a system is specified which has a first device which is designed to be arranged in an ear canal. This means that the first device is in particular dimensioned such that it fits into a person's ear canal. The dimensions can be average dimensions of the entire population or average dimensions of a specific population cohort, for example a specific age group. However, the dimensions can also be those of an individual ear canal of a specific person for whom the first device and the system are dimensioned. According to the invention, the system also has a second device which can be arranged in the ear canal, but does not have to be. The second device can also be arranged outside the ear canal, for example.

[0009] The system according to the invention can advantageously be a hearing system, a hearing aid, a headset, an in-ear headset, a medication delivery device, and / or a wearable system for monitoring vital parameters (such as body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, tissue glucose concentration, electrical activity of the heart or brain, body position or acceleration, etc.). The system according to the invention is particularly suitable as a hearing system and / or hearing aid.

[0010] According to the invention, the first device has a first contact element, and the second device has a second contact element. The first and second contact elements are configured to contact one another and, upon contact, to transfer energy and / or data between the first and second devices. Thus, energy and / or data can be transferred from the first device to the second device and / or from the second device to the first device.

[0011] The first and second contact elements are arranged to be held in contact with each other by a magnetic force.

[0012] For this purpose, the first contact element can preferably have at least one first magnetic force element, and the second contact element can have at least one second magnetic force element. These at least one first and at least one second magnetic force elements are then configured to each exert a magnetic force on one another. In this embodiment, a magnetic force element of a first contact element should therefore each exert a magnetic force on a magnetic force element of the second contact element. The number of first magnetic force elements of the first contact element can be the same as the number of second magnetic force elements of the second contact element, but it is also possible for the number of first magnetic force elements to be greater or less than the number of second magnetic force elements.

[0013] Magnetic force elements are understood to mean, on the one hand, magnets and, on the other hand, elements with magnetizable material, in particular elements that contain material on which a magnet exerts a force and which itself exerts no force on the same material. Magnets are understood to mean elements that themselves generate a magnetic field, in particular permanent magnets and electromagnets.

[0014] Advantageously, at least one selected from the at least one first and the at least one second magnetic force element comprises a magnet. The other magnetic force element can comprise or consist of a magnetizable material with the property described above. Alternatively, the at least one first and the at least one second magnetic force element can each comprise a magnet.

[0015] Magnets can be permanent magnets and / or electromagnets. For example, one of the contact elements can have at least one electromagnet as the corresponding magnetic force element, and the other of the contact elements, which exerts a magnetic force with it, can have magnetizable material as the corresponding magnetic force element. This material is then held in place by magnetic force upon contact with the magnet.

[0016] The first device is designed to be placed in the ear canal. It is preferably held there with a specific force so that it does not accidentally shift. Preferably, the magnetic force elements are then dimensioned such that, when in contact with each other, they hold the first and second contact elements in contact with each other with a force that is less than the force required to remove the contact element and / or the first device from the ear canal.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the first device and / or the first contact element and / or the second device and / or the second contact element can have an anchoring component with which the corresponding device and / or the corresponding contact element can be anchored in the auditory canal and / or on an eardrum and / or on an auricle. The anchoring component can be arranged, for example, on an outer surface of the corresponding device or the corresponding contact element and, when the corresponding device or the corresponding contact element is arranged in the auditory canal, can contact the auditory canal wall, i.e. can be arranged between the corresponding device or the corresponding contact element and the auditory canal wall. In this way, an anchoring can be created in the sense that the corresponding device orThe corresponding contact element is supported on the ear canal by means of the anchoring component. The anchoring component can counteract, in particular, the force with which the corresponding device or contact element can be removed from the ear canal and / or moved within the ear canal.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first contact element can be connected to the first device in a mechanically flexible manner, preferably in a rotatable and / or tiltable manner. The first contact element can therefore be rotatable and / or tiltable relative to the first device. The connection can be established for this purpose via a flexible element such as a wire, a light guide or a strip. This can, on the one hand, ensure that the first contact element comes into contact with the second contact element more easily during the process of establishing contact. Furthermore, such a flexible embodiment can prevent movements of the second device from being transmitted in an undesired manner to the first device and possibly causing it to shift.In addition, such a flexible design can prevent a force being exerted on the first device during the process of establishing contact between the two contact elements, which could lead to a (possibly undesired) movement of the first device within the ear canal. Such movement could, for example, be pushing the first device too deeply into the ear canal, which could cause pain or injury to the user. In this document, the term "connection" refers to the arrangement of the first and second contact elements in contact with each other.

[0019] If magnets are used in the system according to the invention, they can preferably comprise a ferrite, at least one rare earth element, at least one hard magnetic material, cobalt, nickel, neodymium, samarium, or consist of one or more of these materials. If magnetizable material is used, this can, for example, comprise iron, steel, preferably with added silicon, an iron-nickel alloy, or an iron-cobalt alloy, or consist of these materials. The magnets and the magnetizable material can comprise one or more of these materials.

[0020] The magnetic force elements can advantageously be permanent magnets and / or electromagnets, with the use of permanent magnets being advantageous. These can, for example, comprise or consist of iron, cobalt, nickel, neodymium, samarium, and / or other ferrites, and / or rare earths, and / or other hard magnetic materials, or a combination of these materials. However, the magnetic force elements can also be components that are at least partially made of a ferromagnetic material with soft magnetic properties, such as iron, steels with added silicon, iron-nickel alloys, iron-cobalt alloys, and other iron and steel alloys, but are not permanent magnets. In this case, the corresponding counterpart in the other contact element can be a permanent magnet or electromagnet. Therefore, the connection preferably includes at least one of the following variants:

[0021] One contact element has at least one permanent and / or electromagnet, the other contact element has at least one ferromagnetic element.

[0022] One contact element has at least one permanent magnet and / or electromagnet, the other contact element also has at least one permanent magnet and / or electromagnet, wherein the poles of the magnets are aligned in the connected case of the connection in the intended position such that an attractive effect prevails between the magnet(s) of one contact element and the magnet(s) of the other contact element. The closing force of the connection can advantageously be designed such that when a force is applied to the detachable contact element, for example by pulling or turning the contact element or another component mechanically connected to the contact element, the plug connection is released before the contact element connected to the detachable contact element is moved from its intended position by the applied force.In an advantageous embodiment, the closure force is therefore lower than the holding force of an anchoring component with which the connection can optionally be mechanically connected or which can contain the connection.

[0023] Furthermore, the locking force of the plug connection can advantageously be designed such that the two contact elements do not separate from each other during normal movements performed by the wearer of the system in their everyday life. The locking force can preferably be >= 50 mN, particularly preferably >= 100 mN. This has the advantage that the connection can be maintained while the system is being worn, thus enabling the transmission of power and / or data via the plug connection even during operation.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one, but optionally also several or all of the magnetic elements can be encased in another material, for example, to achieve better corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, or another advantage. This encasement material can, for example, comprise or be a precious metal such as gold, platinum, iridium, or an alloy thereof, or another material such as a plastic (e.g., silicone, parylene), a ceramic, or a combination thereof.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the casing of one or more magnetic force elements can comprise or consist of a non-magnetic material, wherein the thickness of the casing in the region between the at least one magnetic force element of one contact element and the at least one magnetic force element of the other contact element can be used to specifically reduce the magnetic force acting between the at least two magnetic force elements. Analogous to the use of a spacer element, the advantage here too can be, for example, that a working range of the magnetic force can be set that is less influenced by manufacturing tolerances. However, other advantages that can be achieved through the use of a spacer element can also be achieved with the help of the casing.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the first and / or second contact element and / or its respective magnetic force element and / or the first device and / or the second device can have a casing that covers the corresponding contact element and / or the corresponding magnetic force element and / or the corresponding device completely or completely with the exception of an electrical contact. The electrical contact is preferably the contact via which energy and / or data can be transmitted between the first and the second device upon contact. The entire first device and / or the entire second device can have such a casing, of which the corresponding contact elements and their magnetic force elements are a part.

[0027] The sheathing can also completely cover the corresponding contact element, as described, so that the corresponding contact element or the corresponding magnetic force element is not exposed at any point on its surface. Energy and / or data transmission may still be possible, for example, via optical, capacitive, and / or inductive coupling.

[0028] The sheath is preferably corrosion-resistant and / or biocompatible. Advantageously, the sheath is non-magnetizable and non-magnetic. Advantageous materials for the sheath include gold, platinum, iridium, an alloy of the aforementioned materials, and / or plastic. Plastics can be, for example, silicone and / or parylene. Alternatively or additionally, the sheath can also comprise or consist of ceramic. If the sheath comprises metals, the first and second contact elements can be galvanically coupled, even if the sheath completely covers the corresponding element.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and / or the second contact element can have a sheath or cover layer at least in a region that is in contact with the other contact element when the first and second contact elements contact each other, so that energy and / or data can be transmitted between them. This sheath or layer is preferably non-magnetizable and non-magnetic. The thickness of this sheath or layer can then be selected such that the magnetic force holds the first and second contact elements in contact with each other upon contact with a force that is lower than the force required to remove the first contact element and / or the first device from the ear canal. Such a sheath or layer can therefore be used to adjust the magnetic force with which the first and second contact elements are in contact with each other.Preferably, the magnetic force is adjusted with a view to the advantageous anchoring of the corresponding component, so that the anchoring holds the corresponding component in the ear canal with a greater force than the magnetic force between the first and second contact element.

[0030] In general, the magnetic force in a state in which the first and the second contact element are in contact with each other is preferably greater than or equal to 1 mN, preferably greater than or equal to 15 mN, preferably greater than or equal to 20 mN, preferably greater than or equal to 50 mN, preferably greater than or equal to 100 mN and / or less than or equal to 1000 mN, preferably less than or equal to 800 mN, preferably less than or equal to 600 mN, preferably less than or equal to 500 mN, preferably less than or equal to 400 mN, preferably less than or equal to 300 mN.

[0031] The corresponding magnetic force can also be adjusted by the type of magnet and / or the magnetizable material. If the magnet is an electromagnet, the magnetic force can be adjusted by the current flow in the electromagnet's coil. Furthermore, the aforementioned sheathing or covering layer can be used to adjust the magnetic force to the desired range.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one first and / or the at least one second contact element can have at least one spacer element on a surface facing the other of the contact elements in contact. The spacer element can therefore be arranged on that surface of the first and / or the second contact element which faces the surface of the other contact element when the contact elements are in contact with one another such that energy and / or data can be transmitted between the first and the second device. In this embodiment, the spacer element can determine the distance between the at least one first and the at least one second contact element at the location of the spacer element. For this purpose, the spacer element can, for example, protrude beyond the surface on which it is arranged.Preferably, the spacer element has a height, measured perpendicular to the surface of the contact element on which it is arranged, that is smaller than a diameter of this contact element in the direction parallel to this surface. Preferably, the height of the spacer element is, for example, less than or equal to 5 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 4 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 3 mm, and / or greater than or equal to 250 μm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 500 μm.

[0033] Such spacers can be used, among other things, to adjust the magnetic force with which the first and second contact elements are held in contact. For a given magnet, the larger the spacer, the smaller the magnetic force will be.

[0034] Furthermore, such spacer elements can also serve to cause certain tilting of the first contact element relative to the second contact element when they are in contact with each other. The contact elements can advantageously be integrated into the corresponding first or second device. In this case, the spacer elements can also cause the devices to tilt relative to each other.

[0035] Preferably, two or more such spacer elements can be provided between the contact elements. For example, two spacer elements define a straight line parallel to the contact surfaces of the contact elements, about which the contact elements or the devices can be tilted. Such a tilting movement can then be designed in particular such that it allows the contact elements on the magnetic force elements to be moved apart from one another by means of a lever around the spacer elements. If a tensile force is then applied to the second contact element, this can generate a torque around the spacer elements that moves the magnetic force elements apart. At the same time, it can still be ensured that the contact elements are held firmly together and kept in contact with one another in the absence of such a tensile force.

[0036] Advantageously, the two or more spacer elements can be arranged on one of the mutually facing surfaces of one of the contact elements or can be arranged distributed over both contact surfaces.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, at least one of the magnetic force elements can be arranged on or in at least one of the surfaces on which the spacer elements are arranged. Particularly preferably, the at least one magnetic force element can be arranged on one side or both sides of a row of spacer elements, which is preferably straight, next to the row of spacer elements, viewed in a direction parallel to the surface. Preferably, the spacer elements protrude beyond the magnetic force elements in a direction perpendicular to the corresponding surface. Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous for effecting the above-described tilting and leverage around the spacer elements.

[0038] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one mechanical spacer element (preferably at least two spacer elements) can be provided, which is attached to at least one of the contact elements and, when the magnetic connection is established as intended, is positioned between the opposite (contact) surfaces of the contact elements. As a result, a defined distance between the contact elements can be created at the location of the at least one spacer element, whereby the magnetic force acting between the at least one magnetic force element of one contact element and the at least one magnetic force element of the other contact element can be specifically reduced compared to direct contact between the corresponding magnetic elements. The at least one spacer element therefore preferably protrudes from the corresponding contact element and also protrudes beyond the at least one magnetic element.This is advantageous, among other things, for compensating for any manufacturing or other tolerances of the magnetic force elements or other components with regard to size or other component parameters, since this method allows the magnetic force range in which the at least two magnetic force elements are located when connected to be varied in a targeted manner. This allows a more favorable ratio of the change in magnetic force to the change in the distance between the at least two magnetic force elements to be set, which, among other things, can also reduce the influence of manufacturing tolerances on the maximum magnetic force upon contact between the connector components. "More favorable" in this context means that the change in magnetic force due to the change in the magnetic force elements relative to one another is less pronounced.In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the distance between the complementary magnetic force elements of the two contact elements when connected as intended is <= 5 mm, preferably <= 4 mm, particularly preferably <= 3 mm and >= 100 pm, preferably >= 250 pm, particularly preferably >= 500 pm.

[0039] The length by which the at least one spacer element can protrude from the plug component is preferably smaller than the diameter of the contact element, measured orthogonally to the direction in which the at least one spacer element protrudes from the contact element. Particularly preferably, said diameter in this direction is smaller than the diameter of the ear canal of the person in whose ear the connection is to be arranged. Preferably, the at least one spacer element protrudes from the contact element by less than 2 mm, particularly preferably less than 1 mm.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of spacer elements can be arranged in a row on one or both of the contact elements. In this embodiment, the at least one magnetic force element of the contact element can preferably be arranged next to the at least one spacer element, but can also be arranged underneath it. In a preferred embodiment in which at least two spacer elements are arranged in a row on one or both of the contact elements, the at least one magnetic force element can preferably be arranged to the side of this row. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two magnetic elements can be arranged on the contact element, with at least one magnetic force element being arranged on each side of the row created by the arrangement of the spacer elements.The corresponding complementary contact element can also have magnetic force elements arranged in such a way that a magnetic force-locking connection is created when a connection is established.

[0041] This can lead to a tilting mechanism between the two contact elements when a connection is established. The contact elements can thus be tilted relative to each other in a defined manner without disrupting the mechanical connection. For the preferred embodiment of the invention, in which at least two magnetic force elements are arranged on both sides of the row created by the arrangement of the spacer elements, the contact elements can be tilted either in one direction or the other, pointing toward the respective magnetic force element.

[0042] An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that forces caused, for example, by movements of a person wearing the connection or acting on this person from outside can be compensated by the tilting mechanism and thus these forces do not lead to a loosening of the connection. A further advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that a connection can be established at different angles of the two contact elements to one another. This is particularly advantageous if the contact elements are to be arranged in a part of a person's ear canal where this ear canal is not straight but angled. It can also be advantageous from a manufacturing perspective to allow different angles of the contact elements to one another once a connection has been established, since ear canals have different angles from person to person.Compared to a design in which one or more of the contact elements have a fixed angle, this also offers the following advantage: If the connection is designed with, for example, two oppositely polarized magnetic force elements and with a fixed angle of the contact surface to its longitudinal axis, a defined handedness of the connection automatically results. This means that when the connection is inserted into a left or right ear canal, a fixed and different orientation of the magnetic and electrical poles of such a connection relative to the head would result. However, this limitation does not apply to a tilted connection.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the contact elements can have a bent shape that emanates from the other contact element upon contact. The corresponding contact element can therefore have two sections that are at an angle other than 180° to one another. This can preferably be an obtuse angle. Such a configuration allows the contact element to follow the course of the auditory canal at the location where it is arranged. Furthermore, a lever mechanism can also be implemented in this way that promotes separation of the contact elements against the magnetic force when a pulling force is exerted in a suitable direction. If the corresponding contact element is integrated into the corresponding first or second device, i.e., arranged within a housing of the corresponding device, this housing can also have the described bent shape.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, both the first and the second contact element can each have at least one magnet. The magnets of the contact elements can then be arranged such that they attract one another when the contact elements are in a position relative to one another in which energy and / or data can be transmitted between the first and the second device. Furthermore, the magnets can preferably be arranged such that they repel one another when the contact elements are in a position relative to one another in which no intended energy and / or data transmission can be established. Therefore, if the contact elements have contacts via which the data and / or energy is transmitted, a north pole of one contact element can be located on a south pole of the other contact element.In positions where the contact elements are not in contact with each other but are sufficiently close for a magnetic force to act, the force of the magnets on each other can pull the contact elements into a position so that the contacts are in proper contact. Contacts in this context include not only galvanic contacts, but also transmission paths for inductive, capacitive, and / or optical transmission.

[0045] Possible principles for power and / or data transmission can be divided into two categories: wired (galvanic) transmission and wireless transmission. Possible implementations of wireless energy transmission include, but are not limited to, capacitive, inductive, or electromagnetic (including optical) energy transmission, or a combination thereof.

[0046] In wired transmission, the transmission can be galvanic. For this purpose, in one possible embodiment of the invention, the contact elements can have at least two compatible plug contacts, spring contacts, spring-loaded pin contacts, exposed electrode contacts, etc., or a combination thereof, which, when the connection is established, creates an electrical contact between the contact elements, thus enabling power and / or data transmission between the two contact elements.

[0047] The contacts may comprise an electrically conductive material. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the contacts may be coated with or consist of a corrosion-resistant metal (such as gold, platinum, iridium, or alloys thereof).

[0048] In another possible embodiment, the electrical contact can be established via one or more magnetic force elements or their sheathing.

[0049] The shapes of the surfaces establishing the electrical contact can advantageously be round (spherical segment), oval (ellipsoidal segment), pointed (e.g., conical or pyramid-shaped), flat, crown-shaped, or otherwise shaped. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electrical contacts or contact surfaces can be spring-loaded on one or both sides and / or mechanically flexibly connected to the corresponding contact element. In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electrical contacts can be rigidly connected to the contact element.

[0050] In one possible embodiment of inductive energy transfer between the contact elements, both contact elements can each have at least one coil. A suitable electrical circuit and one or more coils can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field in one contact element, which induces an alternating voltage in the coil(s) in the other contact element. Power and / or audio signals and / or other data can be transferred from one contact element to the other. Simultaneous or time-delayed transmission of power and / or data in a correspondingly different direction is also possible.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the alternating voltage in the contact element receiving the alternating field or in a further component connected thereto can be rectified with the aid of a suitable electrical circuit and used to charge a rechargeable battery.

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, one or more of the magnetic force elements can be positioned relative to the coils in such a way that they positively influence the transmission of power and / or data by improving the coupling between the coils through suitable field guidance or increasing the inductance by reducing the magnetic resistance.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment of capacitive energy transfer between the contact elements, both components can each have at least one electrically conductive surface, which are both positioned as conformally and as close to one another as possible for the transmission of power and / or data, but electrically insulated from one another in order to form a capacitor with the highest possible capacitance. An alternating voltage can be generated in one contact element using a suitable electrical circuit and applied there to the capacitor. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the voltage generated in the capacitor part of the other contact element due to the resulting electric field can be rectified using a suitable electrical circuit and, after possible electrical (low-pass) filtering, used to charge a rechargeable battery.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment of an optical transmission of power or energy between the contact elements, one or more light sources (for example LED, laser diode, etc.) with an emission spectrum in the range of 350 nm - 2000 nm (preferably in the range 550 nm - 1600 nm, in particular: 1400 nm - 1600 nm) can be accommodated in one plug component in such a way that, with or without the aid of one or more suitable optical elements (optical lens, etc.), the optical radiation can be directed as completely as possible onto an optical receiving element in the other plug component (photodiode, solar cell, etc.) and thus a charge separation and thus a voltage can be generated there, for example by the internal photoelectric effect, which voltage can be used, for example, to charge a rechargeable battery.Alternatively, one or more light sources can be housed in a further component to which the magnetic connector can be mechanically and optically connected in such a way that the light generated by the further component can be transmitted to the magnetic connector, for example via one or more optical waveguides (e.g. glass fibers). The optical emission power can be either constant over time or varying over time. Parallel transmission of data is also possible through suitable modulation of the light source or a second transmission channel with a different wavelength or spatial separation. Exclusive transmission of data is also conceivable, in which case the optical energy does not have to be used to charge a rechargeable battery.

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment, both contact elements can each have one or more permanent magnets aligned such that they attract each other only in one position or only in a limited number of positions. As they approach, the magnetic forces cause them to align themselves so that they end up in one of the positions where there is an attraction. If at least one of the two contact elements has at least one electromagnet, switching between positions or actively breaking the connection can be achieved by reversing the polarity by reversing the current.

[0056] In general, according to the invention, the first and second contact elements can represent a galvanic, a capacitive, an inductive, an electromagnetic and / or an optical connection for transmitting the energy and / or the data.

[0057] Advantageously, the first and second contact elements can have mutually compatible contacts, i.e., contacts that transmit power and / or data upon contact. Particularly advantageously, the first and / or second contact element can be a plug-in contact, a spring contact, a spring-loaded pin contact, and / or an exposed electrode contact. Such contact elements can then establish a galvanic coupling.

[0058] It is particularly advantageous if, of two surfaces of the first and second contact elements that can be brought into contact with each other, one surface is concave and / or the other surface is convex. This promotes the bringing together of the contact elements and ensures the correct positioning. One or both of the surfaces that can be brought into contact with each other can advantageously be spherical segment-shaped, ellipsoidal segment-shaped, conical, pyramid-shaped, or crown-shaped.

[0059] In an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, the energy and / or the data can be transmitted optically. For this purpose, the first or the second contact element can have a light source, for example a light-emitting diode or a laser diode. The other of the contact elements can then have an optical receiving element, for example a photodiode or a solar cell. The light source and the receiving element are then arranged on the contact elements in such a way that when the contact elements are in the intended position in contact with one another, the light source shines light onto the optical receiving element. For finding this position, the prescribed embodiments in which the magnetic force moves the elements establishing contact into the correct position relative to one another are also advantageous.

[0060] Advantageously, the light source can have an emission spectrum in the range of greater than or equal to 350 nm, preferably greater than or equal to 550 nm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1400 nm and / or less than or equal to 2000 nm, preferably less than or equal to 1600 nm. The optical receiving element then preferably has a reception spectrum within which the emission spectrum of the light source falls, preferably completely.

[0061] In an advantageous embodiment, the energy and / or the data can be transmitted optically. For this purpose, the second device can advantageously have at least one optical waveguide with which light can be guided to the second contact element. The first contact element can then have an optical receiving element, preferably at least one photodiode or at least one solar cell. The optical receiving element can in turn preferably be configured to convert light energy in the range of greater than or equal to 350 nm, preferably greater than or equal to 550 nm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1400 nm and / or less than or equal to 2000 nm, preferably less than or equal to 1600 nm, into voltage.

[0062] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first contact element can be arranged at the end of a cable, the other end of which is connected to a further element of the first device. Additionally or alternatively, the second contact element can be arranged at the end of a cable, the other end of which is connected to a further element of the second device. This embodiment allows the contact element to be flexibly movable relative to the further element of the corresponding device. As a result, the contact element can move itself, with the effect of the magnetic force, into the position predetermined by the effect of the magnetic force, in which position contact is then established for the transmission of energy and / or data. Advantageously, the further element of the first device can be a drumhead component that is arranged on the drumhead of the person using the system and is arranged in contact with it.The eardrum component can then be configured to transmit vibrations directly to the eardrum. Here, it is particularly advantageous if the first contact element is connected to this eardrum component via at least one cable or one optical fiber. In this way, the first contact element can be brought into contact with the second contact element without the eardrum component being displaced. In an advantageous embodiment, the further element of the first device can have two sub-elements that are connected to one another, for example, by a cable. One of the sub-elements that faces the eardrum can be the eardrum component and the other sub-component can be an intermediate element that is connected on the one hand, for example, via a cable, to the contact element and on the other hand, for example, via a cable, to the eardrum module.The intermediate element can advantageously be accommodated in the ear canal with an anchoring component.

[0063] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the connection or the first contact element can be connected to a tympanic membrane component or be a component of a tympanic membrane component that can be arranged at least partially on a person's tympanic membrane. The connection can be directly mechanically fixed or at least partially mechanically decoupled but electrically conductively connected to the tympanic membrane component via a cable. The cable can contain one or more wires and / or at least one conductor track, which are preferably insulated from one another and from the environment by an insulating material, preferably plastic. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable can be a flexible printed circuit board on a polyimide substrate with conductor tracks that predominantly comprise or consist of gold.

[0064] Particularly advantageously, the cable can be flexible or spirally wound. In a further advantageous embodiment, the cable can be flexible enough to withstand twisting after a certain number of revolutions relative to an initial position, resulting in a tensile stress in the direction of an axis between the eardrum component and the magnetic coupling. This tensile stress is, on the one hand, large enough to effectively shorten the wire along said axis when the magnetic coupling is inserted into the ear canal, but, on the other hand, small enough not to cause the eardrum component to slip or be pulled away from the eardrum, and the torque acting on the eardrum component is small enough to prevent twisting of the eardrum component or injury to the eardrum.Preferably, a twist sufficient for effective shortening of the cable to a length corresponding to the intended distance between the eardrum component and the magnetic coupling occurs at a number of turns <=10, preferably <=5, more preferably <=2. Preferably, the flexibility of the wire / cable / cable component is designed such that a number of turns >=0.5, preferably >=1, more preferably >=2, more preferably >=5, more preferably >=10 does not lead to a tensile force or torque on the eardrum component that leads to slipping or detachment of the eardrum component from the eardrum or that directly or indirectly leads to injury to the eardrum.

[0065] Advantageously, the at least one cable can comprise one or more wires. If multiple wires are present, one or more wires can be combined to form cores of the same potential. Wires of different potentials can be separated from each other by insulating material. One or more wires of the same potential can be surrounded by insulating material.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one cable can also have at least one conductor track arranged on a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is preferably flexible. A printed circuit board is preferably understood here to be a flat object which particularly preferably has a distinct longitudinal direction in which it extends further than in the transverse direction perpendicular thereto. It preferably extends at least twice as far, particularly preferably at least five times as far, in the longitudinal direction as in the transverse direction. The conductor track can be applied to the area spanned by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The at least one wire and / or the at least one conductor track is preferably insulated from its surroundings by means of at least one insulating material.

[0067] Advantageously, the at least one cable can be formed as a layer comprising or consisting of gold on a polyimide substrate.

[0068] In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one cable can be designed to be flexible and / or spiral-shaped such that a distance between the first contact element and the element arranged at the other end of the cable, for example the eardrum element, can be elastically changed.

[0069] In an advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, the at least one cable of the first device can be elastic against torsion, so that when twisted by a minimum number of turns, it creates a tensile force between the first contact element and the further element of the first device arranged at the other end of the cable. This force is preferably dimensioned such that it holds the first contact element in the ear canal and / or such that it prevents slipping and / or twisting of the element of the first device arranged at the other end of the cable.

[0070] Preferably, this condition is met for at least 0.5 revolutions, particularly preferably at least 1 revolution, further preferably at least 2 revolutions, further preferably at least 5 revolutions, further preferably at least 10 revolutions.

[0071] Preferably, the cable is designed such that a twisting of less than 2, preferably less than 5, more preferably less than 10 turns does not lead to slipping or twisting of the further element of the first device arranged at the other end of the cable.

[0072] An advantage of the embodiments described here is, among other things, that, for example, a tympanic membrane component can be placed on the tympanic membrane without another component, for example one worn in the ear canal, such as the magnetic coupling formed by the first and second contact elements, or a component connected to the magnetic coupling, complicating or preventing the process of placing the tympanic membrane component on the tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane component can have an actuator that, when subjected to a corresponding electrical signal, generates an acoustic vibration such that it creates an auditory impression in the person whose tympanic membrane component is placed on the tympanic membrane.In this case, the connection of the contact elements can serve to transmit the electrical signal originating from another external component, for example, one placed in the ear canal, in or on the person's ear, to the eardrum component. The external component can be directly mechanically connected to the contact element or at least partially mechanically decoupled but electrically and / or optically connected to the contact element, for example, with one or more cables and / or fiber optics.

[0073] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second device can comprise an auditory canal element that can be arranged in the auditory canal and that has the second contact element. Preferably, the second device can also comprise an outer element that can be arranged further outward than the auditory canal element in the auditory canal or outside the auditory canal, wherein the second contact element is preferably arranged, e.g., fixedly arranged, on the auditory canal element.

[0074] The second contact element can be directly mechanically and firmly connected to the ear canal component or can be at least partially mechanically decoupled but electrically connected to the ear canal component, for example by one or more cables or optical fibers. In this case, the connecting element can serve to transmit power and / or data from the outer component to the ear canal component. The outer component can be firmly connected to the contact element or can be at least partially mechanically decoupled but electrically and / or optically connected to the magnetic plug, for example by at least one cable and / or optical fiber. The outer element and the ear canal element can therefore be connected via at least one cable and / or at least one optical fiber, via which energy and / or data can be transmitted to and / or from the second contact element, wherein the optical fiber and / or the cable is preferably flexible.

[0075] Advantageously, the ear canal element can comprise a rechargeable battery. This can then be electrically and / or optically charged, for example, by the external component via the contact element. Audio signals, control signals, configuration data, status data, and / or other data can also be transmitted from the external component to the ear canal component, or vice versa, from the ear canal component to the external component, via the second contact element.

[0076] The mechanical decoupling of the second contact element can be designed such that a flexible cable extends from the auditory canal component to the outside or from the outer component to the inside, with the second contact element attached to each end of the cable. A flexible cable from each component can also face the other component. The cable(s) are advantageously designed such that their total length is equal to or longer than the distance to be bridged in the intended end position, i.e., the distance between the outer component and the auditory canal component. An excess length of the cable compared to this distance can advantageously be in the range between 100 μm and 5 mm.More advantageously, the cable can also be flexible enough to compensate for expected misalignments (rotational and / or lateral) and can be positioned so that the excess length is stored in the space between the ear canal and the external component by bending and / or folding. In an advantageous embodiment of the cable, the cable can, for example, be designed as a flexible polyimide-based circuit board with a thickness of preferably < 100 μm.

[0077] Advantageously, the at least one cable and / or the at least one optical fiber can comprise a tube and / or a sheathing material that is preferably chemically resistant, electrically insulating, and / or mechanically flexible. Advantageously, the tube can comprise or consist of a thermoplastic, polyamide, silicone, and / or an epoxy. The tube and / or the sheathing material can enclose at least one wire or at least one optical fiber.

[0078] The cable can advantageously be formed entirely or partially by an electrical conductor for transmitting electrical signals and / or power and / or by at least one optical fiber for transmitting optical signals and / or power and / or can contain such an electrical conductor and / or optical fiber. Such a conductor or wire can comprise or consist of many different electrically conductive materials, such as, in particular, aluminum, copper, silver, gold, iridium, or an alloy. Several wires can also be combined to form a strand, for example to change the flexibility of the conductor and the connecting cable. An optical fiber, which can be part of the cable or can form it, can, for example, comprise a material that absorbs light of the wavelengths to be transmitted only to a low extent. Typical materials here can be, for example, quartz glass or a plastic.

[0079] The described tube can preferably be chemically resistant, electrically insulating, and / or mechanically flexible. It can be made of polyamide as described, but can also be made of silicone or another material. The tube can be filled with air or another material in at least one lumen. At least one wire and / or at least one optical fiber can be arranged in the at least one lumen of the tube.

[0080] The cable can have a sheathing material that encloses at least one wire and / or at least one optical fiber. The at least one wire and / or the at least one optical fiber can, for example, be cast into the sheathing material. The sheathing material can, for example, comprise or consist of a silicone, a thermoplastic such as polyamide, and / or an epoxy. Other materials or combinations of different materials are also possible.

[0081] The cable can advantageously have at least one stabilizing component. This can, for example, be arranged analogously to a wire or an optical fiber within or partially within the tube or the sheathing material, without fulfilling a function of transmitting electrical energy and / or optical signals and / or power. The at least one stabilizing component can, for example, comprise or consist of a textile, plastic, metal, but also other materials or a combination of different materials.

[0082] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cable can have a round cross-section over its entire length. In a preferred embodiment, however, the cable can also have regions that have a cross-section different from a round cross-section. In these regions, the cable can preferably be oval or flat. Its diameter along the narrower axis can be less than 75%, preferably less than 50%, particularly preferably less than 35% of the diameter along the wider axis of the cable. A particular advantage here is that the person inserting a contact element into an ear can do so by holding the connecting cable. The non-circular cross-section in some regions of the connecting cable makes it possible for this person to recognize an unguided orientation of the contact element and thus to bring it more easily into its intended position.

[0083] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one cable or the at least one optical fiber can have at least two regions along its length with a different number of surrounding tubes, a different number of lumens inside the tube, different wall thicknesses, and / or different materials. For example, increasing the number of surrounding tubes will result in stiffening of the cable in this region.

[0084] The stiffness of the cable can be influenced in various ways through design and / or manufacturing. For example, the number, diameter, and / or material of at least one electrical conductor and / or at least one optical fiber can be adjusted to achieve a desired stiffness. The stiffness along the cable's length can therefore also be varied by varying these parameters along the cable's length.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the stiffness of a section of the cable that engages an element that can be arranged facing the eardrum can be greater than a stiffness of a section that engages an element that can be arranged facing away from the eardrum. This increases, for example, the guideability of the cable. Also advantageously, a stiffness of a section that engages an element that can be arranged facing the eardrum can be less than a stiffness in the rest of the cable or optical fiber, wherein this section particularly preferably extends away from this element over less than 10 mm, particularly preferably less than 5 mm, particularly preferably less than 1 mm. Such a section helps ensure that the element facing the eardrum does not exert any unwanted forces, for example on the eardrum or the auditory canal.

[0086] The rigidity of the cable or optical fiber leads to a certain stability of the shape of the cable or optical fiber, so that when the first contact element is properly connected to the second contact element, the at least one cable is held on the ear in such a way that it does not touch the skin or only touches it slightly and / or promotes the hold of an external module, cable, and / or first and / or second contact element. Advantageously, the rigidity of the at least one cable can be designed such that it maintains a predetermined shape. It can also be designed such that the shape of the cable can be corrected by a user.

[0087] Advantageously, the cable can have a varying stiffness along its length. For example, in the case where the external component or second device is worn outside the ear canal and the cable is inserted into the ear canal to connect the ear canal element or the second contact element to the first contact element, it can be advantageous for the stiffness of the at least one cable in a portion worn in the ear canal to be higher than the stiffness of the portion of the cable worn outside the ear canal. However, other stiffness distributions of the at least one cable along its length are also conceivable.

[0088] In a further advantageous embodiment, the stiffness of the cable in the area adjacent to the contact element and / or in one or more areas between the contact element and the external module or between the ear canal element and the external module can be lower than in the remaining part of the cable. In this way, it can be ensured, for example, that the magnetic force between the first and second contact elements facilitates bringing the two components together. The reduced stiffness of the cable in at least one area can promote a secure connection, for example by designing the stiffness in relation to the magnetic forces in such a way that a magnetic force exerted by one contact element on the other contact element leads to a twisting and / or tilting of the contact element by at least 10°.As a result, when inserting the contact element into the ear canal to establish a connection with the other contact element, an initially inaccurate positioning can be at least partially or completely compensated for by the first and second contact elements being automatically pulled towards each other in the direction of a proper position due to the magnetic forces.

[0089] Reduced stiffness of the connecting cable in at least one area can also advantageously influence the stability of the connection flow. Forces caused, for example, by the movements of a person wearing the system or acting externally on that person can be compensated for by increased flexibility in areas of lower stiffness.

[0090] On the other hand, increased rigidity in the areas different from the areas with reduced rigidity results in a shape of the at least one connecting cable defined during production or impressed by a user being maintained during handling of the system. A predefined shape of the at least one connecting cable can simplify the establishment of the connection between the first and the second contact element for the user if the shape of the at least one cable defined during production or impressed by a user approximately corresponds to a course of the at least one cable in its intended position, i.e. in the position established during a connection between the magnetic plug and the magnetic coupling. A changed rigidity can also fulfill the function of strain relief for the at least one wire and / or the at least one optical fiber.

[0091] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one cable or the at least one optical fiber can have a variable stiffness along its length. For example, in the case where the optional outer element is worn outside the ear canal and the cable or optical fiber is inserted into the ear canal to connect the first contact element to the second contact element, it can be advantageous if the stiffness of the cable or optical fiber in the part worn in the ear canal is higher than the stiffness of the part of the cable or optical fiber worn outside the ear canal.

[0092] In a further advantageous embodiment, the rigidity of the cable and / or optical fiber can be lower in a region adjacent to the first contact element or second contact element and / or in one or more regions between the first contact element and the first device and / or between the second device and the second contact element than in the remaining part of the cable or optical fiber. In this way, it can be ensured, for example, that the magnetic force between the first and second contact elements facilitates bringing the two components together, with the reduced rigidity promoting a secure connection.

[0093] Advantageously, the stiffness of the cable or optical fiber, particularly preferably in a bending region adjacent to the element that can be arranged facing the eardrum, on the one hand, and the magnetic force on the other hand, are designed in such a way that the magnetic force can cause this element facing the eardrum to tilt and / or twist relative to a region of the cable or optical fiber that borders the bending region by an angle of greater than or equal to 10°. As a result, when the contact element is inserted into the ear canal to create a connection with another contact element, an initially inaccurate positioning can be partially compensated for by the magnetic forces automatically pulling the first and second contact elements towards each other in the direction of a designated position. Reduced stiffness of the cable oroptical fiber in at least one area can advantageously influence the stability of the connection between the first and the second contact element. Forces which are caused, for example, by the movement of a person wearing the plug connection or which act on these people from the outside can be compensated for by the increased flexibility in areas of low rigidity. On the other hand, increased rigidity in the other areas can lead to a shape of the at least one connecting cable which was defined during production or impressed by a user being maintained when the system is handled. A predefined shape of the at least one connecting cable can simplify the establishment of the connection between the magnetic plug and the magnetic coupling for the user if the shape of the cable or optical fiber which was defined during production or impressed by a user corresponds to a course of the cable orThe stiffness of the fiber optic cable corresponds approximately to its intended shape in its intended position, i.e., when a connection is made between the first and second contact elements. A modified stiffness can also serve as a strain relief for the cable and / or the fiber optic cable.

[0094] Advantageously, the cable and / or the optical fiber can have at least two regions of different diameters and / or different materials. In this way, the different stiffnesses of the cable or optical fiber described above can be realized.

[0095] If at least one tube is part of the cable or optical fiber, the stiffness of the cable or optical fiber can be locally modified by, for example, changing the number of tubes, number of lumens, diameter, wall thickness, material, and / or other properties of the tube at that location. If the cable has a sheathing material at least in some areas, the stiffness can also be varied by changing the thickness or material of the sheathing material.

[0096] The stiffness of the cable and / or the optical fiber can also be advantageously changed by constructing the connecting cable differently in places where the stiffness is to be changed than in the remaining areas. For example, at least one wire, at least one optical fiber, at least one tube, at least one stabilizing component and / or at least one sheathing material can be present in areas of increased stiffness, while the corresponding component is not present in the remaining areas where the stiffness is not increased. One example of a possible embodiment comprises a cable and / or an optical fiber that, on the one hand, has a tube which guides a wire or an optical fiber component in its at least one lumen.Reduced rigidity can be advantageous, for example, in a region that borders the corresponding contact element or begins a maximum of 10 mm, preferably a maximum of 5 mm, more preferably a maximum of 1 mm from the distal end of the contact element and extends distally from this beginning a maximum of 10 mm, preferably a maximum of 5 mm, more preferably a maximum of 3 mm, more preferably a maximum of 1 mm. The reduced rigidity can be achieved, for example, in that the at least one wire or the light-guiding component is not surrounded by the tube in this region, but by a sheathing material that has a lower rigidity than the tube. In order to prevent the wire or the light-guiding component from tearing off, particularly in the region of reduced rigidity adjacent to the magnetic plug, a stabilizing component can be integrated, preferably cast, into the sheathing material at this point.

[0097] In an advantageous embodiment, the first contact element and the second contact element can each have a guide element, wherein the guide elements are designed to guide the two contact elements into a position in which they are in contact for energy and / or data transmission. Advantageously, the guide element of one of the contact elements can be convex, and the guide element of the other of the contact elements can have a concave shape that matches the guide element of the one contact element. In this case, upon contact, the surfaces of the guide elements run parallel to one another and are in contact with one another.

[0098] Further possible designs of the guide elements can be such that one of the guide elements has one or more wedge-, oval-, round-, square-, pin-, or other-shaped indentations, whereas the other contact element has one or more wedge-, oval-, round-, square-, pin-, or other-shaped indentations that correspond to the negative shape or part of the negative shape of the indentation or indentations of the other guide element. The contact elements can advantageously have a surface that, when positioned as intended, is shaped such that the shape fulfills the function of a guide mechanism. This can be achieved, for example, by the surfaces of the first and second contact elements that are in contact with one another being curved, wherein the curvature of the surface of one contact element corresponds to the negative curvature of the surface of the other contact element.

[0099] In an advantageous embodiment, one of the two contact elements can have an edge that at least partially surrounds the contact element and has, for example, a height of < 3 mm, preferably < 2 mm, particularly preferably < 1 mm. The edge can fulfill the function of a guide mechanism in the sense described above.

[0100] When the two contact elements are properly positioned relative to each other, such a guide mechanism can prevent slipping, shifting, rotating, and / or detaching of the contact elements when connecting them. Such a guide mechanism can also facilitate the connection of the contact elements for the person performing the connection. This can be achieved, in particular, by the guide mechanism facilitating correct orientation of the contact elements relative to each other during connection.

[0101] In an advantageous embodiment, one of the contact elements can have a flat contact surface, and the other of the contact elements can have one or more contact pins arranged such that, when the contact elements are in contact with each other, they can be displaced along the contact surface. Advantageously, the contact surface can be perpendicular to the cable or fiber optic cable that engages the corresponding contact element. Energy and / or data can be transmitted via such contact pins and contact surfaces.

[0102] Advantageously, one contact element can rotate into its intended position upon establishing contact with the other contact element with the aid of a guide mechanism as described above. In an advantageous embodiment, which has a wired connection between the contact elements and the corresponding devices, one or more contact pins can be provided, for example, which can be spring-loaded and / or rigidly connected to the corresponding contact element. These can then be guided laterally over a contact surface on the respective other contact element. Such a movement can be used, for example, to remove any dirt present on the contact surface by guiding the contact pins over the contact surfaces (in a kind of parallel scratching movement).

[0103] In an advantageous embodiment, one of the contact elements can have a radial projection. The other of the contact elements can also have a radial undercut which, along a circumference of this contact element, increasingly moves away from the one contact element, i.e. from the one having the radial projection. The radial projection and the radial undercut can be dimensioned such that the radial projection can be held in the radial undercut. A smallest radius of a surface delimiting the radial undercut in the direction away from the other contact element can therefore be smaller than a largest radius of the radial projection, such that the radial projection is held between the other contact element and the said surface delimiting the radial undercut.

[0104] In this embodiment, when the contact elements rotate relative to each other, the projection can slide into the space between the other contact element and the surface delimiting the radial undercut, similar to a bayonet lock. For example, a wedge-shaped part of one of the contact elements (proximal) can engage behind an undercut part of the other contact element (for example, in a recess provided for this purpose in the contact element). The undercut part (unlike a bayonet lock) can be designed in such a way that, when a tensile force is applied that moves the two contact elements apart, the unscrewing of one contact element from the other contact element is enabled, and preferably even facilitated.Such an enhanced unscrewing effect can be achieved, for example, by sloping the undercut of the corresponding contact element with the undercut in the direction of rotation, resulting in a thinner wall thickness at the open end of the undercut than at the end of the undercut farther from the open end. This allows, after the connection between the contact elements has been successfully established by magnetic force, the tensile force required for removal can be increased in a defined manner beyond the magnetic force. However, this can be more easily overcome by targeted simultaneous pulling and turning in a predetermined direction than would be the case with random shaking or pure pulling movements.

[0105] In an advantageous embodiment, the first contact element and the second contact element can each have an opening which, when the system is worn as intended in the ear canal, forms a passage from the outside to the eardrum. The openings can preferably be cylindrical, funnel-shaped, or square. A diameter of the opening is preferably greater than or equal to 50 μm. Such an opening is preferably designed such that it impedes the passage of acoustic sound as little as possible, particularly preferably with an attenuation of less than 10 dB. An optional anchoring component can advantageously be designed such that, when the magnetic coupling is positioned as intended, it does not impede the transport of air from the distal end of one contact element to the proximal end of the other contact element.

[0106] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second device can have at least one microphone that can be connected to the other device for signal transmission via the first contact element and the second contact element. This can be particularly advantageous if the second contact element is connected via at least one connecting cable to an external component that can receive and / or process electrical signals generated by the microphone's acoustic excitation.

[0107] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second contact element can be connected to the external component via at least one connecting cable, via which electrical and / or optical signals generated due to acoustic excitation of the microphone can be transmitted to the external component. For this purpose, the external component can advantageously have a signal processing unit with which the electrical and / or optical signals can be processed and / or amplified and, particularly advantageously, transmitted back to the second contact element via at least one additional cable.The data processed in this way can then be forwarded to the first contact element and to the second contact element by means of one of the transmission methods described above and can then be converted in the first device, for example by means of a transducer unit, such as an actuator in a tympanic membrane component, a balanced armature driver, an electrodynamic loudspeaker or a comparable unit, into a sound signal which can be perceived, for example, by a user.

[0108] Possible types of signal processing can be, for example, one or more selected from the following: frequency-dependent adaptation of a signal to an individual hearing loss of a user, dynamic compression of a signal in one or more frequency bands, generation of anti-noise for the active suppression of ambient noise.

[0109] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the microphone can be part of one of the contact elements or be electrically connected to it. Signal transmission to an external component can then be achieved using one of the transmission methods described above via the corresponding contact element and, if necessary, a connecting cable or fiber optic cable.

[0110] In an advantageous embodiment, the first contact element can be connected to a further element of the first device via a cable or a light guide. The cable or the light guide can be arranged on the first contact element at a distance greater than zero from a straight line which is perpendicular to a contact surface of the first contact element with the second contact element and intersects this contact surface at its center point. The cable or the light guide is therefore arranged on the first contact element offset from this center point. Preferably, the cable can enter the first contact element in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface of the first contact element. The cable can preferably enter the first contact element on the side opposite the contact surface.

[0111] This design allows a lever effect to be created when the magnetic connection is released by pulling on the cable or the optical fiber, which makes it easier to release the connection.

[0112] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one magnetic element or a geometric center of gravity of a plurality of magnetic elements of the first or second contact element can be arranged, when the contact is made as intended, close to the center point of an imaginary connecting line between the connection position of this contact element with the cable or the optical fiber, projected onto the proximal surface of one of the contact elements, and a contact point of this contact element with the other contact element, which contact point is at the maximum distance from this position. In this case, a contact point of one contact element can designate a point on this contact element which, when the connection is made as intended, lies on a proximal surface of this contact element and has mechanical contact with the other contact element. In this case, the position of the magnetic element orthe center of gravity of several magnetic elements is close to the center point described above if its distance from this center point is < 10%, preferably < 5%, particularly preferably < 3% of the length of the imaginary connecting line described above.

[0113] Advantageously, at least one magnetic force element can be arranged in or on the contact surface of the corresponding contact element with respect to the straight line through the center point opposite the cable or the optical fiber.

[0114] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first and the second contact element can each have a contact surface via which the contact elements rest against one another when in contact. In this case, the contact surfaces can advantageously lie parallel to one another when in contact and, at least in some regions, enclose an angle of less than 80°, preferably less than 70°, preferably less than 60°, preferably less than 45°, preferably less than 30° with a straight line that runs parallel to the wall of the auditory canal at the location of the first device when the first device is arranged in the auditory canal as intended. Alternatively, this straight line can also be defined by extensions of the cables or light guides in regions in which they enter the corresponding contact element. As a result, when the cable or light guide is pulled.light guide, preferably the one with which the second contact element is contacted, a shearing or tilting movement of one contact element relative to the other contact element can be brought about, whereby the force required to release the connection is reduced. In the case of a tilting movement, it can also be achieved that the tensile force required to release the magnetic connection is not transferred in the direction of the auditory canal opening onto the anchoring component connected to the magnetic coupling or contained therein, but that this tensile force leads to a torque so that the anchoring component is pressed more strongly against the auditory canal wall. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, this can lead to an increase in the holding force and can therefore prevent the anchoring component orThe first or second contact element can be prevented from moving from its intended position, making it easier to separate the magnetic connection while the first contact element remains in the ear canal as intended. This allows a higher magnetic force to be selected to hold the first and second contact elements together, making it less likely that vibrations will cause the magnetic connection to break.

[0115] Advantageously, one of the first and second contact elements can have one or more contact surfaces, and the other of the first and second contact elements can have the same number of contact pins. Advantageously, upon contact, the contact pins each rest against one of the contact surfaces, each establishing an electrical connection. Thus, preferably, one contact pin rests against each of the contact surfaces, and exactly one of the contact pins rests against each contact surface. Particularly preferably, at least two of the contact pins and contact surfaces are provided.

[0116] Each contact surface thus has a corresponding counterpart in the form of a contact pin. When contact is established between the contact elements, the contact pins then come into contact with the corresponding contact surfaces in such a way that, in the case of electrically conductive surfaces, an electrical connection is established between each contact pin and a contact surface. Advantageously, the contact pins and / or the contact surfaces can be arranged in a row, preferably a straight row, on the connector component.

[0117] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the at least one magnetic element of the first and / or second contact element is arranged next to the at least one contact pin and / or the at least one contact surface. In the preferred case in which at least two contact pins and / or contact surfaces are provided in a row, the at least one magnetic element can preferably be arranged laterally of this row. It is therefore not arranged in a continuation or in this row.

[0118] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two magnetic elements can be arranged on the first and / or second contact element. One magnetic element can be arranged on each side of the row created by the arrangement of the contact pins or contact surfaces. The corresponding other contact element can then also have magnetic elements arranged in such a way that a magnetically force-locking connection is created when a plug connection is established.

[0119] Thus, one of the first and second contact elements can have several contact surfaces arranged in a row, and the other of the first and second contact elements can advantageously have the same number of contact pins arranged in a straight row. The first and second contact elements can then each have at least one magnetic force element arranged laterally of the row of contact surfaces or laterally of the row of contact pins.

[0120] Preferably, the magnetic polarity of the at least one magnetic element on one side of the row created by the arrangement of the contact pins can be opposite to the polarity of the at least one magnetic element on the other side of the row. In this way, the contact elements can be brought into their intended position for establishing contact even without visibility. This can be particularly useful if at least two contact pins and / or contact surfaces are present per connector component, thus establishing a proper, polarized connection between the contact elements.

[0121] The magnetic force elements in the first and second contact elements can therefore be magnets arranged in such a way that opposite poles are in contact with each other when the contact pins are in contact with the corresponding respective contact surfaces as intended.

[0122] In an advantageous embodiment, the contact pins can be spring-loaded. However, they can also be rigidly connected to the corresponding contact element. In another possible embodiment, at least one spring-loaded contact pin and at least one contact pin rigidly connected to the contact element can be present.

[0123] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one contact pin can be designed as a spacer element. Particularly preferably, several contact pins can be arranged in a row and designed as spacer elements. This allows the contact elements to be tilted relative to one another without interrupting a possible electrical connection established by the contact elements. Advantageously, in all described embodiments, the spacer elements can be designed as contact pins that establish the contact for transmitting power and / or data.

[0124] Preferably, the at least one magnetic element on one side of the row created by the corresponding arrangement of spacer elements can have a magnetic polarity opposite to the polarity of the at least one magnetic element on the other side of the row. In this way, contact can be established by the contact elements even without visibility into their intended position. This is particularly useful when there are at least two spacer elements per contact element and these are designed as electrical contact elements. As a result, when the connection is established, the contact elements are oriented by the attracting or repelling magnetic elements in such a way that a proper connection with the correct polarity is established between the contact elements.

[0125] A further possible advantage of this embodiment of the invention can be that, through movements of the contact elements relative to one another, which are enabled by the tilting mechanism and caused, for example, by the movements of a person wearing the plug connection, any dirt present on the contact surface(s) or contact pins can be removed by a kind of scratching motion. A further possible advantage of the tilting mechanism can be that, when the connection is released by pulling on at least one cable or optical fiber attached to the contact elements, a lever effect is created by supporting one contact element against a housing of the other contact element, which simplifies releasing the connection.

[0126] In one possible embodiment, both contact elements can each have a magnetic element arranged centrally on a surface that, when contact is established, is located on the corresponding contact element on a side facing the other contact element. Once a connection is established, the two contact elements can be rotatable relative to each other without breaking the force-locking connection established by the two magnetic elements.

[0127] In an advantageous embodiment, the first and second contact elements can each have a magnetic force element, so that a magnetic force acts between the magnetic force elements of the contact elements when they are in contact. Advantageously, the magnets can each be arranged in the center of a contact surface of the first and second contact elements. Upon contact, the first and second contact elements rest against each other via these contact surfaces.

[0128] Advantageously, one of the first and second contact elements can have at least one annular contact surface in its contact surface, with this annular surface extending around the corresponding magnetic force element as its center. The other of the first and second contact elements can then have at least one contact pin on its contact surface, which is arranged such that it contacts the annular contact surface upon contact between the first and second contact elements.

[0129] One of the contact elements can therefore have at least one electrical contact surface in the form of a circular ring, which, when contact is made, is arranged on a side facing the other contact element and extends rotationally symmetrically to an axis that is oriented orthogonally to this surface and runs through the geometric center of the circular ring. It is particularly advantageous if a number of contact pins is arranged on the other contact element that corresponds to or is greater than the number of contact surfaces. These contact pins are preferably positioned such that, when contact is made between the contact elements, they establish an electrical connection to the corresponding contact surfaces. If the contact elements rotate relative to one another, this electrical connection is not broken due to the circular and rotationally symmetrical nature of the contact surfaces.Preferably, one of the contact elements has at least one contact pin and the other has at least one annular contact surface.

[0130] Contact surfaces are those surfaces of the first and second contact elements that face each other when in contact.

[0131] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second contact element can have at least two contact pins and also at least one protective structure arranged such that both contact elements cannot be touched simultaneously with one hand. The protective structure can preferably have or be a non-conductive structure into which the at least two contact pins are embedded, so that their surfaces lie behind a surface of the protective structure in the direction away from the corresponding contact element.

[0132] In this way, contact with at least one contact surface can be prevented from causing injury to a person or damage to an electrical component electrically connected to the at least one contact surface when an electrical voltage is applied to at least one exposed electrical contact surface. Advantageously, the at least one contact surface can also be surrounded by the protective structure. Due to its geometry, this structure can prevent contact with the contact surface. The guide mechanism can take on the function of a protective structure or be identical to it.

[0133] If one of the contact elements is configured such that at least two contact pins protrude from this contact element, a protective structure can be arranged between each pair of contact pins and protrude further from the connector component than the contact pins, so that simultaneous contact between multiple contact pins is prevented by this protective structure. To prevent the protective structure from hindering possible contact between the connector components, a recess can be arranged on the complementary contact element that does not have the protective structure, into which the protective structure engages when the two contact elements make contact.

[0134] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first device or the first contact element and the second device or the second contact element can each have at least one magnet as a magnetic force element, the north and south poles of which are each arranged next to one another in a direction parallel to a respective contact surface with which the corresponding contact element faces the corresponding other contact element. This embodiment makes it possible for the contact elements to be moved, upon contact being established, by the action of the magnetic forces into a predetermined position relative to one another, in which contact is established for the transmission of energy and / or data.

[0135] In an advantageous embodiment, the first or second contact element can have at least one first magnetic force ring, preferably as the corresponding first magnetic force element, and at least one first contact arranged in a magnetic force ring center point of the first magnetic force ring. Advantageously, the other of the first and second contact elements that does not have the first magnetic force ring can also have at least one second magnetic force ring, preferably as the second magnetic force element, and at least one second contact arranged in a magnetic force ring center point of the second magnetic force ring. Alternatively, this other contact element can also have other magnetic and / or magnetizable elements such as one or more cubes, one or more rods, or the like.

[0136] In this embodiment, one of the first and second contacts can be a contact pin. The contact pin can protrude beyond an annular surface of the magnetic force ring, in whose center it is arranged, which faces away from the contact element in which it is arranged. Since the annular element has a non-vanishing extension in the direction perpendicular to the plane in which the ring extends, it has two opening surfaces lying opposite one another in the axial direction. These are the said annular surfaces. They can also be referred to as end surfaces. The annular surface mentioned here is one of the surfaces that delimits the magnetic force ring in its axial direction. If the magnetic force ring is cylindrical, for example, these would be the opening surfaces of the cylinder.

[0137] In this embodiment, the other of the first and second contacts can be a contact surface, which is preferably coplanar with an annular surface of the corresponding magnetic force ring, which faces away from the corresponding contact element in which the contact surface is arranged, provided that this contact element has a magnetic force ring. The annular surface is to be understood here as described above. Thus, for example, if the first contact is meant here, it can be coplanar with an annular surface of the first magnetic force ring, which faces away from the first contact element, i.e., which faces the second contact element in the contacted state. The same applies in the reverse case, where the second contact is meant here.

[0138] The first and / or second magnetic force ring can advantageously be magnetic and / or magnetizable. In particular, they can advantageously be permanent magnets and / or electromagnets and / or they can have or consist of at least one magnetizable material. Advantageously, the second contact element can also have a cable with two conductors, which is preferably arranged at a radial distance from the magnetic force ring center point of the second magnetic force ring on a side of the second contact element facing away from the second contact. One of the conductors can be electrically connected to the second contact and the other of the conductors can be electrically connected to the second magnetic force ring or another contact of the second contact element. In an advantageous embodiment, the cable can be a conductor strip with two conductor tracks as the conductors.

[0139] In an advantageous embodiment, the contact pin can be spring-mounted, wherein preferably a spring force with which the contact pin is spring-mounted is set such that the contact pin is pressed completely into the annular surface of the magnetic force ring, in the center of which it is arranged, by the magnetic attraction of the first and second contact element.

[0140] The contact elements in this embodiment can advantageously have one or more of the following properties.

[0141] The cable can advantageously be a flexible conductor ribbon with two conductor tracks. One conductor track can be connected to the conductive magnetic force ring, e.g., by low-temperature soldering, cold welding, ultrasonic welding, and / or conductive bonding. A particular challenge here is that the Curie temperature of the magnetic material should not be exceeded.

[0142] The second conductor track can be connected to the conductive rigid contact pin. The contact pin and the magnetic force ring can be embedded in the housing and electrically insulated from each other. Advantageously, the contact pin can be arranged coaxially with the magnetic force ring (i.e., in the center).

[0143] In the other contact element, the magnetic force ring and the contact surface can be coaxially aligned and embedded in the housing. Both can serve as electrical mating contacts. The magnetic force ring and the contact surface can be coplanar on the contact side, making it particularly advantageous (easier cleaning). It is also advantageous if there is no gap between the ring and the contact surface on the contact side. In this case, the housing fills the gap coplanarly. This also facilitates cleaning and prevents dirt accumulation, which could act as an electrolyte and cause leakage currents.

[0144] The magnetic force rings can advantageously be axially polarized and arranged so that a north pole and a south pole are located on the contact side.

[0145] Advantageously, the contact pin or contact surface protrudes beyond the end face of the magnetic force ring on at least one side. This ensures that the contact pin and contact surface come into contact first during connection. The connector can then tilt sideways until the magnetic force rings make contact. The tilting (the edge of one magnetic force ring touches the edge / face of the other magnetic force ring) displaces dirt more effectively than with flat contact.

[0146] It is particularly advantageous if the flexible conductor strip is mounted radially offset from the contact pin / contact surface. When pulled, this causes the connector side to tilt sideways (the contact pin detaches from the contact surface first, the magnetic force ring detaches from the magnetic force ring second), which reduces the release force and can be lower than the contact force (the force that presses the contacts together when connected).

[0147] Particular advantages of this design are its (approximate) rotational symmetry, whereby the contact element sides can be rotated arbitrarily around the longitudinal axis and still find each other.

[0148] Further variants can be as follows:

[0149] The magnetic force rings can have different diameters. This allows the force and the contact position of the magnetic force rings (edge ​​to edge or edge to face) to be adjusted.

[0150] The magnetic force rings do not need to be used directly as contacts. Alternatively, the magnetic force rings can also be used without directly serving as contacts, but rather separate structures made of conductive material can be attached in front of the magnets or magnetic force rings.

[0151] Instead of a rigid contact pin, a spring-loaded contact pin can also be used. If this is designed to be fully compressed by the attractive force of the magnets, the end faces of the magnetic force rings are in direct contact with each other. This results in a more defined contact force (attractive force of the magnetic force rings in the contact minus the compression force of the contact pin).

[0152] The end faces of the magnetic force rings (or the separate conductive structures) can advantageously be provided with sharp-edged or pointed structures to improve contamination penetration.

[0153] Instead of a conductor ribbon, a flexible cable with stranded wires can also be used.

[0154] "Magnetic force rings with different diameters" also include magnetic force rings with different dimensions (i.e., inner and outer diameters and heights) and magnetic materials or magnetic qualities. This allows the force, contact position of the magnetic force rings, and installation space / size of the contact element to be adjusted.

[0155] In an advantageous embodiment, one of the first and second contact elements can have two cuboidal, preferably cube-shaped, magnetic force elements as first magnetic force elements, which are embedded in a housing of the corresponding contact element in such a way that they protrude beyond a surface of the corresponding contact element facing the other contact element (in the contacted state) and are tilted relative to this surface about at least one axis. The statement that surfaces are offset or tilted relative to one another is understood here to mean that the surfaces are rotated relative to one another about at least one axis, advantageously two axes, by an angle of not equal to 0° and not equal to 90° or integer multiples thereof, i.e., in particular, they are not parallel to one another and preferably are not perpendicular to one another.For example, if the first contact element has such tilted magnetic force elements, these are embedded in a housing of the first contact element in such a way that they protrude beyond a surface of the first contact element facing the second contact element (in the connected state) and are tilted accordingly relative to this surface. If the second contact element has such tilted magnetic force elements, the example applies analogously.

[0156] Advantageously, the first magnetic force elements can be tilted about two axes relative to the surface of the corresponding contact element facing the other contact element.

[0157] In this advantageous embodiment, the other of the first and second contact elements can also have two cuboidal, preferably cube-shaped, second magnetic force elements embedded in a housing of the corresponding contact element such that at least one of their surfaces faces the one contact element (i.e., the one in which these magnetic force elements are not embedded) and forms part of the surface of the corresponding contact element. In the above-mentioned example, in which the first contact element has the tilted magnetic force elements, the second contact element would therefore have the second magnetic force elements embedded in the housing of the second contact element such that at least one of their surfaces faces the first contact element (in the connected state) and forms part of the surface of the second contact element.

[0158] Advantageously, the surfaces of the second magnetic force elements, which form parts of the surface of the corresponding contact element, can be parallel and / or coplanar to this surface.

[0159] In the following, some optional features of this design will be highlighted.

[0160] Here, too, the cable can advantageously be a flexible conductor ribbon with two conductor tracks. One conductor track can be connected to one of the conductive cube magnetic force elements, e.g., using low-temperature soldering, cold welding, ultrasonic welding, and / or conductive bonding. Here, too, the particular challenge is that the Curie temperature of the magnetic material should not be exceeded.

[0161] Advantageously, a second conductor track can be connected to the second conductive cube magnet force element. The cube magnets can be embedded in the housing and electrically insulated from each other. The cubes can be tilted along two axes.

[0162] The other of the contact elements can have parallel-aligned conductive cube magnetic force elements embedded in the housing of this contact element. Both can simultaneously serve as electrical counter contacts.

[0163] Particularly advantageously, the magnetic surfaces on the contact side can be aligned coplanar, which facilitates cleaning.

[0164] It is also advantageous if there is no gap between the magnetic force elements on the contact side. The housing can therefore fill the gap coplanarly. This also facilitates cleaning and prevents dirt accumulation, which could act as an electrolyte and cause leakage currents.

[0165] Advantageously, the magnetic force elements on each connector side can be polarized (approximately) perpendicular to the contact surface, with the two magnetic force elements on each connector side polarized in opposite directions. This allows the connector to be connected in only one polarity. This always results in two point contacts via the corners of the magnets (or line contacts via edges in the variation below). Point or line contact with a sharp corner or edge displaces dirt more effectively than with surface contact.

[0166] It is particularly advantageous if the flexible conductor strip is attached eccentrically to the contact element. When pulled, this causes the side of the contact element to tilt sideways, releasing first one and then the other pair of magnets. This reduces the release force and can be lower than the contact force (the force that presses the contacts together when connected). Particular advantages of this design are that point or line contacts improve the displacement of contaminants.

[0167] Further optional variants of this design will be described below.

[0168] The magnetic force elements do not have to be cubes, but can also be cuboids or have other shapes (e.g. no right angles).

[0169] Optionally, the magnetic force elements can be tilted along only one axis (i.e., one of the possible tilt angles, Alpha or Beta, is Alpha=0 or Beta=0). Instead of a point contact, there is then a line contact.

[0170] Optionally, the magnetic force elements are not tilted symmetrically. The magnetic force elements can also be tilted on both sides of the connector.

[0171] The magnetic force elements do not need to be used directly as contacts. Alternatively, the magnetic force elements do not need to serve directly as contacts; instead, separate structures made of conductive material can be mounted in front of the magnetic force elements.

[0172] Instead of a conductor ribbon, a flexible cable with stranded wires can also be used.

[0173] The above-described embodiments with magnetic force rings and cube- or cuboid-shaped magnetic force elements can also be combined with one another in such a way that one of the contact elements is designed with a magnetic force ring as the magnetic force element and the other contact element is designed with at least one cuboid- or cube-shaped magnetic force element as the magnetic force element.

[0174] Additional (cube) magnets could be used (but these would not be electrically contacted and possibly smaller) to improve the clarity of self-discovery -> e.g., a "magnet matrix" made up of several small cube magnets similar to the polymagnet approach (see https: / / www.polymagnet.com / media / Polymagnet-White-Paper-3-Smart-Magnets-for-Precision-Alignment.pdf, pages 5-6).

[0175] An advantage of the connection according to the invention is that the connection can be made even if the person making the connection does not need to have direct visibility of the contact elements or parts thereof. For example, a system wearer can make a plug connection in their ear themselves.

[0176] A further advantage of the invention may be that the connection can be released again by applying a sufficiently large force, without, for example, having to release another locking mechanism (positive or other force-locking connection).

[0177] The invention will be explained below using a few examples. The features shown in the examples can also be implemented independently of the specific example and combined among the examples.

[0178] The system according to the invention is described by way of example as a hearing system. This can be, for example, a hearing aid. However, the system according to the invention can also advantageously be a headset, an in-ear headset, a medication delivery device, and / or a wearable system for monitoring vital parameters (such as body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, tissue glucose concentration, electrical activity of the heart or brain, body position or acceleration, etc.).

[0179] It shows:

[0180] Figure 1 shows an example of a hearing system according to the invention,

[0181] Figure 2 shows a further example of a hearing system according to the invention, Figures 3 a), 3 b) alternative arrangements of magnetic force elements,

[0182] Figures 4 a), b), c) show various embodiments of hearing aids according to the invention.

[0183] systems,

[0184] Figures 5a) to 5d) embodiments of the hearing system according to the invention,

[0185] Figures 6a) to 6d) show various designs of the first and second

[0186] contact element,

[0187] Figures 7a) to 7c) embodiments of the invention,

[0188] Figures 8a) to 8c) show different views of an exemplary embodiment of one of the contact elements,

[0189] Figures 9a) to 9c) show a further exemplary embodiment of a contact element,

[0190] Figures 10a) to 10c) show an exemplary embodiment of the first contact element,

[0191] Figures 11a) to 11c) show an exemplary embodiment of a contact element,

[0192] Figures 12a), 12b) an embodiment of the invention,

[0193] Figures 13a) to 13d) show various possibilities for energy and / or data transmission between the contact elements,

[0194] Figure 14 various exemplary designs of contact elements,

[0195] Figures 15a) to 15d) show exemplary designs of the contact elements,

[0196] Figures 16a) and 16b) show an exemplary embodiment of the invention, Figures 17a) to 17c) show embodiments of a hearing system according to the invention,

[0197] Figures 18 a) to 18 c) cross-sections of cables or optical fibers,

[0198] Figure 19 shows an embodiment of the first contact element and the second contact element,

[0199] Figures 20a) to 20f) show embodiments of the first and second contact elements with different combinations of through openings,

[0200] Figures 21 a) to 21 f) embodiments of the hearing system according to the invention,

[0201] Figures 22 a) and 22 b) show an embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 21 a), in which the second device has an external component in addition to the contact element,

[0202] Figure 23 shows various embodiments of an exemplary hearing system according to the invention,

[0203] Figures 24 a) to 24 c) show embodiments of the first contact element and the second contact element, each having a magnetic force element in its center,

[0204] Figures 25 to 29 show designs of cables with magnetic force elements, such as those used in Fig. 5,

[0205] Figures 30 a) and 30 b) show designs of contact elements,

[0206] Figure 31 Contact elements with ring magnetic force elements, Figure 32 Contact elements with cube-shaped magnetic force elements.

[0207] Figure 1 shows an example of a hearing system 3 according to the invention comprising a first device 1a and a second device 1b. The first device 1a is arranged in the ear canal 4 of a person. In the example shown, the second device 1b is also arranged in the ear canal 4. The first device 1a has a first contact element 2a, and the second device 1b has a second contact element 2b. The first contact element 2a and the second contact element 2b contact one another in order to transmit energy and / or data between the first device 1a and the second device 1b upon contact. The first contact element 2a and the second contact element 2b are held in contact with one another by a magnetic force. For this purpose, the first device 1a has a first magnetic force element 5a, and the second device 1b has a second magnetic force element 5b.The first magnetic force element 5a and the second magnetic force element 5b are configured to exert a magnetic force on each other. In the example shown in Figure 1, the first and second magnetic force elements 5a, 5b are both magnets. However, it is also possible for only one of the two magnetic force elements 5a or 5b to be a magnet, and for the other magnetic force element 5a or 5b to comprise or consist of magnetizable material.

[0208] In Figure 1, the first device 1a is arranged facing a tympanic membrane 7, while the second device 1b is arranged facing an auricle 6, ie an outside of the auditory canal 4.

[0209] Figure 2 shows another example of a hearing system 3 according to the invention. In this example, the second device 1b has, in addition to the contact element 2b, another element 8b, which is connected to the contact element 2b via a cable 9b. The first device 1a is identical to the first contact element 2a in this example.

[0210] The first contact element 2a and the second contact element 2b each have a contact surface 10a, 10b, which face one another and via which they abut one another. The contact surfaces 10a and 10b abut one another parallel to one another and, in this example, are inclined with respect to a direction of passage through the auditory canal 4, so that they are neither parallel nor perpendicular to this direction of passage, but rather enclose an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°. If one considers a straight line that runs parallel to the wall of the auditory canal 4 at the location of the contact surface 10a, 10b, the contact surfaces 10a and 10b can enclose an angle of greater than 0° and less than 90° with this straight line. In the example shown, the angle to this straight line is approximately 50°. In general, this angle may preferably be less than 80°, particularly preferably less than 70°, further preferably less than 60°, optionally also less than 40° or less than 30°.

[0211] In the example shown, the first contact element 2a and the second contact element 2b each have two magnetic force elements 5a and 5b, respectively. In this example, these are perpendicular to the respective contact surface 10a, 10b with their north-south directions. Furthermore, the north-south directions of all of these magnetic force elements 5a, 5b are parallel to one another. The magnetic force elements 5a of the first contact element 2a are oppositely polarized, so that one assigns its north pole to the contact surface 10a of the first contact element 2a and the other magnetic force element its south pole. Accordingly, the magnetic force elements 5b of the second contact element 2b are also oppositely polarized, so that the first magnetic force element assigns its south pole to the contact surface 10b of the second contact element 2b and the other magnetic force element its north pole.In each case, a magnetic force element 5a lies on an extension of the north-south direction of one of the magnetic force elements 5b in such a way that in each case a north pole facing the contact surface 10a rests against a south pole facing the contact surface 10b and a south pole facing the contact surface 10a rests against a north pole facing the contact surface 10b, so that the contact elements 2a and 2b are held together by the magnetic force effect of the magnetic force elements 5a and 5b.

[0212] Due to the inclined position of the contact surfaces 10a and 10b, the first contact element 2a can be separated from the second contact element 2b by exerting tension on, for example, the cable 9b or the additional element 8b of the second device 1b arranged outside the ear. The second contact element 2b can slide along the contact surface 10a and thereby separate from the contact surface 10a.

[0213] In the example shown, the further element 8b of the second device 1b is an external element 8b, which is arranged outside the auditory canal 4, here on the auricle 6. It is connected to the second contact element 2b via the cable 9b, via which data and / or energy can be transmitted. In this example, the contact element 2b functions as an auditory canal element, which is arranged in the auditory canal.

[0214] In the example shown in Figure 2, the first device 1a or the first contact element 2a has an anchoring component 11 with which the first device 1a or the first contact element 2a is anchored in the auditory canal 4. The anchoring component 11 is formed here by projections or bristles 11 arranged on the surface of the first device 1a or the first contact element 2a. In the example shown in Figure 2, they are positioned such that an angle between one of the bristles 11 and the surface of the first device 1a or the first contact element 2a forms an acute angle, the apex of which points in the direction of the eardrum 7.

[0215] Figures 3 a) and 3 b) show alternative arrangements of magnetic force elements 5a, 5b of the first device 1a and the second device 1b.

[0216] In Figure 3 a), the magnetic force element 5a of the first device 1a has two magnets, which are perpendicular to the contact surface 10a with their north-south direction and are arranged with their north-south direction essentially in the direction of passage through the auditory canal 4. The magnets are oppositely polarized, so that the upper magnet in Figure 3a) faces its north pole toward the second device 1b, while the lower magnet faces its south pole toward the second device 1b. Accordingly, the second device 1b has two magnetic force elements 5b arranged with parallel north-south directions, each of which lies on the extension of a north-south direction of one of the magnetic force elements 5a of the first device 1a. A south pole of the corresponding magnetic force element 5b is assigned to each north pole of one of the first magnetic force elements 5a, and a south pole of the magnetic force element 5b is assigned to the north pole of the magnetic force element 5a.As in Figure 1, the contact elements 5a, 5b project beyond the corresponding contact surfaces 10a, 10b of the first device 1a and the second device 1b, respectively. The contact elements 2a and 2b are arranged on a straight line, on which the north-south directions of the magnets of the magnetic force elements 5a and 5b also lie.

[0217] In Figure 3 b), the first device 1a has a permanent magnet 5a as the magnetic force element 5a, which is arranged with its north-south direction essentially in the direction of passage through the auditory canal 4. The second device 1b has an electromagnet 5b as the magnetic force element 5b, which is represented here by a coil. The electromagnet 5b is oriented such that its north-south direction lies on an extension of the north-south direction of the magnetic force element 5a of the first device 1a. As in Figures 1 and 3a), the contact elements 2a and 2b are arranged on a straight line on which the north-south direction of the magnetic force elements 5a and 5b also lies.

[0218] Figures 4 a), b) and c) show various embodiments of hearing systems according to the invention. The basic structure corresponds to that of Figure

[0219] I and 3b).

[0220] Figure 4 a) to 4c) show different alternatives, anchoring components

[0221] II to be arranged on the first device 1a, the second device 1b or the first contact element 2a and / or the second contact element 2b.

[0222] In Figure 4 a), the first device 1a has an anchoring component 11, which here is formed by bristles that are arranged on the surface of the first device 1a and contact an inner wall of the auditory canal 4, supporting the first device 1a there. The second device 1b in Figure 4 a) has no anchoring component. This configuration is particularly useful if the device 1a is to remain in the auditory canal for a long time or permanently, while the second device 1b is to be removable, for example, even without the assistance of a doctor. Figure 4 b) shows an embodiment in which the first device 1a has one anchoring component 11a and the second device 1b has a further anchoring component 11b. Thus, both devices 1a, 1b each have an anchoring component 11a, 11b.The anchoring components 11a and 11b are also formed here by bristles on the upper side of the corresponding device 1a, 1b, which are supported on the inner wall of the auditory canal 4.

[0223] Figure 4 c) shows an embodiment of the hearing system 3 according to the invention, in which only the second device 1b has an anchoring component 11 on its outer side. Here, too, this is formed by bristles on the surface of the second device 1b. The bristles, in turn, are supported on the inner wall of the auditory canal 4.

[0224] In Figures 4 a) to 4 c), the bristles are inclined from the surface of the corresponding device la, lb in the direction away from the eardrum.

[0225] In Figures 4 a) to 4 c), the two devices 1a and 1b are each held in contact with each other by a magnetic force element 5a, 5b. The magnets of the magnetic force elements 5a and 5b lie with their north-south axes on a common straight line that runs essentially parallel to the wall of the auditory canal 4.

[0226] Figures 5 a) to 5 c) show embodiments of the hearing system 3 according to the invention, in which the first device 1a or the second device 1b have a further element in addition to the contact element 2a, 2b.

[0227] In Figure 5 a), the first device 1a has, in addition to the contact element 2a, a further component 12a which faces the eardrum 7 and is connected to the first contact element 2a via a cable 9a.

[0228] Figure 5 b) shows an embodiment in which the second device 1b has, in addition to the contact element 2b, a further element 12b, which is connected to the contact element 2b via a cable 9b. The further element 12b is arranged on the side of the contact element 2b facing away from the eardrum 7, but still in the auditory canal 4. However, the further element 12b can also be arranged outside the auditory canal 4, analogously to that shown in Fig. 2. In the first device 1a, the first contact element 2a coincides with the first device 1a.

[0229] Figure 5 c) further shows an embodiment in which, as in Figure 5a), the second device 1b coincides with the second contact element 2b and the first device 1a in turn has a contact element 2a and a further element 12a which is connected to the contact element 2a via a cable 9a. In the example shown in Figure 5 c), the further element 12a of the first device 1a is a tympanic membrane module 12a which is arranged on the tympanic membrane 7. It can, for example, be an actuator with which vibrations can be impressed on the tympanic membrane 7. The further element of the first device 1a can, as shown in Figure 5d, in addition to the tympanic membrane module 12a, also have an intermediate element 51 which is connected on the one hand, e.g. via a cable 9a, to the contact element 2a and on the other hand, e.g. via a cable 9c, to the tympanic membrane module 12a. The intermediate element 51 can advantageously be accommodated in the auditory canal with an anchoring component 11.This embodiment can also be understood starting from Figure 5 a). There, the further component 12 can have the intermediate element 11 on the distal side and the eardrum module 12a on the proximal side on the eardrum 7. The second device 1b can be arranged in the auditory canal, as shown in Figure 5c). However, it can be arranged so far out that it can be easily removed from the outside. The device 1a can remain in the auditory canal. In this embodiment, it is advantageous if the magnetic elements 5a and 5b exert a magnetic force on one another that is sufficiently large to keep the devices 1a and 1b in contact with one another, but only so large that the second device 1b can be removed without removing the further device 12a of the first device 1a from the eardrum 7.

[0230] Figures 6 a) to 6 d) show various embodiments of the first 2a and second 2b contact elements with different arrangements of magnetic force elements 5a, 5b and contacts 14a, 14b. In addition, the contact elements 2a, 2b have different sheaths 13. The sheaths 13 shown in Figures 6 a) to 6 d) completely surround the corresponding contact element 2a, 2b with the exception of the contact 14a, 14b. In Figures 6 a) and 6 b), both contact elements 2a, 2b have such a sheath 13. In Figure 6 c), only the first contact element 2a has such a sheath 13, and in Figure 6 d), only the second contact element 2b has such a sheath 13.

[0231] The sheath 13 can, for example, be corrosion-resistant and / or biocompatible. It is preferably non-magnetizable and non-magnetic. For example, the sheath 13 can comprise or consist of gold, platinum, iridium, an alloy of the aforementioned materials, and / or plastic such as silicone and / or parylene. It can also comprise or consist of ceramic.

[0232] In Figures 6 a) to 6 d), a magnet is provided as each of the magnetic force elements 5a and 5b. The magnets 5a and 5b are arranged with their north-south directions on a common straight line. Furthermore, a north pole of one of the magnetic force elements 5a, 5b faces a south pole of the other magnetic force element 5a, 5b, so that the magnetic force elements 5a and 5b exert an attractive magnetic force on each other.

[0233] In Figure 6 a), the magnetic force elements 5a, 5b are positioned centrally, so that their north-south directions are perpendicular to the center of a respective contact surface of the contact element 2a, 2b, with which the contact element 2a, 2b abuts the other contact element 2b, 2a. In Figure 6 a), the contacts 14a, 14b are also arranged in the centers of these abutting contact surfaces, so that the magnetic force elements 5a, 5b are located directly behind the contacts 14a, 14b from the perspective of the respective other contact element 2a, 2b.

[0234] Figure 6 b) shows an example where the magnetic force elements 5a, 5b again lie with their north-south directions on a common straight line, but are arranged at the edge of the corresponding contact element 2a, 2b. In the example shown in Figure 6 b), the contacts 14a, 14b are each arranged at the edges of the contact elements 2a, 2b opposite the magnetic force elements 5a, 5b. The north and south poles of the magnetic force elements 5a and 5b are again oriented such that they exert an attractive force on one another. In the contacted state, the contacts 14a and 14b rest against one another, so that data and / or power can be transmitted via them.

[0235] In Figures 6 c) and 6 d), the magnetic force elements 5a, 5b and the contacts 14a, 14b are arranged as in Figure 6 b), so that reference should be made to the description there.

[0236] Figures 7 a) to 7 c) show embodiments of the invention in which the first 2a and / or the second contact element 2b has at least one contact pin 14a, 14b or spacer element 14a, 14b on a contact surface facing the other of the contact elements 2a, 2b in the contact shown, which determines a distance between the at least one first 2a and the at least one second 2b contact element at the location of the contact pin / spacer element 14a, 14b. Preferably, the contact pins / spacer elements 14a, 14b can have a height perpendicular to the surface of the contact element 2a, 2b on which they are arranged, which is smaller than a diameter of this contact element 2a, 2b in the direction parallel to this surface. In general, the spacer elements can advantageously act as contact pins via which data and / or energy can be transmitted.

[0237] In Figure 7 a), only the first contact element 2a has a first spacer element 14a. This spacer element contacts the surface of the second contact element 2b facing the first contact element 2a. In the example shown in Figure 7 b), both contact elements 2a and 2b each have a contact pin 14a, 14b. The contact pins 14a and 14b touch each other with their surfaces facing away from the corresponding contact elements 2a, 2b on which they are arranged.

[0238] Figure 7 c) shows an embodiment in which only the second contact element 2b has a spacer element 14b which contacts the surface of the first contact element 2a facing the second contact element 2b.

[0239] Figure 7 c) also shows the arrangement of the magnetic force elements 5a, 5b in this example. These are not shown in Figures 7 a) and 7 b), but can be arranged exactly the same way. Here, the magnetic force elements are arranged directly behind the contact pins 14a, 14b and face each other with opposite poles, so that they attract each other.

[0240] Figures 7 a) to 7 c) show only the contact elements 2a, 2b with the contact pins 14a, 14b. The other elements of the hearing system have been omitted for clarity and can be configured as shown in the other figures. Advantageously, energy and / or data can be transmitted via the contact pins 14a, 14b, thus establishing electrical contact.

[0241] Figures 8 a) to 8 c) show different views of an exemplary embodiment of one of the contact elements 2a with two contact pins 14ab, 14bb, via which electrical contact can be made. Figure 8a) shows a section along a plane that intersects the contact element in the middle. Two electrical contacts 15aa, 15ab extend through the contact element 2a and form two contact pins 14aa and 14ab on the side facing the other contact element 2b (not shown here). The contact pins 14aa, 14ab extend beyond the magnetic element 5a, thus protruding beyond the magnetic element 5a. Their height on the contact surface of the contact element 2a facing the other contact element 2b is therefore greater than the height of the magnetic force element 5a on this surface.

[0242] Figure 8 b) shows a top view of the contact surface of contact element 2a facing the other contact element. It can be seen here that contact pins 14aa and 14ab are diametrically opposite each other with respect to the center of the contact surface of contact element 2a. The magnetic force element 5a is positioned exactly centrally here.

[0243] Figure 8 c) shows a section of the view shown in Figure 8 b) in a plane which is vertical between the contact pins 14aa and 14ab and perpendicular to the plane of the figure.

[0244] Figures 9 a) to 9 c) show a further exemplary embodiment of a contact element 2a. This is designed as shown in Figure 8, with the difference that two magnetic force elements 5aa, 5ab are provided here. These are both designed as permanent magnets and arranged parallel to one another with their north-south directions oriented opposite one another. While the magnetic force element 5a in Figure 8 is arranged centrally in the contact element 2a, the magnetic force elements 5aa and 5ab in Figure 9 are arranged diametrically opposite one another with respect to the center of the contact element 2a. Their north-south directions are perpendicular to that surface of the contact element 2a which, during intended use, faces the other contact element 2b. The contact pins 14aa and 14ab are arranged as shown in Figure 8 and are connected to electrical contacts 15aa, 15ab which extend through the contact element 2a.In Figure 8 and Figure 9, the contacts 15aa, 15ab run parallel to the north-south direction of the magnetic force elements 5aa, 5ab.

[0245] Figures 10 a) to 10 c) show an exemplary embodiment of the first contact element 2a, which corresponds to that of Figures 9 a) to 9 c) with the exception of an additional protective element 16a. In Figures 10 a) to 10 c), the protective element 16a is arranged centrally on that surface of the contact element 2a facing the other contact element 2b and has a height that is greater than the height of the electrical contacts 14aa, 14ab that protrude above said surface. In this way, the protective element 16a prevents a user from touching the contacts 14aa and 14ab simultaneously with their finger. The protective structure 16a is approximately cylindrical in shape and stands with its central axis perpendicular to said contact surface 10a of the contact element 2a. The contact pins 14aa and 14ab are arranged diametrically opposite each other with respect to the protective element 16a.

[0246] Figures 11 a) to 11 c) show an exemplary embodiment of a contact element 2b that can be used as a counterpart to the contact element 2a shown in Figure 10. As can be seen in Figure 11 a), the contact element 2b has two electrical feedthroughs 15ba, 15bb that extend from the contact surface 10b assigned to the contact element 2a to the opposite surface through the contact element 2b. On the contact surface 10b facing the contact element 2a during intended use, the contact element 2b has two recesses 14ba, 14bb, as shown in Figure 11 b), into which the contact pins 14aa, 14ab can engage when the contact elements 2a, 2b are arranged next to one another. Between the recesses 14ba and 14bb, the contact element 2b in the example shown has a recess 16b into which the protective structure 16a orthe protective element 16a can engage when the contact elements 2a and 2b are arranged in contact with one another. The recess 16b is located exactly centrally on the contact surface 10b of the contact element 2b facing the contact element 2a. The magnetic force elements 5ba, 5bb are arranged diametrically opposite one another at equal distances from the center of the contact element 2b, with a distance from the center equal to the distance at which the magnetic force elements 5aa, 5ab of the contact element 2b shown in Figure 10 are arranged.

[0247] Figures 12 a) and 12 b) show an embodiment of the invention in which the first contact element 2a and the second contact element 2b each have two magnets 5aa, 5ab, 5ba, 5bb, the polarities of which are arranged such that magnets of different contact elements 2a, 2b attract one another (Figure 12 a)) when the contact elements 2a, 2b are in a position relative to one another in which energy and / or data can be transmitted between the first device 1a and the second device 1b, and that they repel one another (Figure 12 b)) when they are in a position relative to one another in which no energy and / or data transmission can be established. In the example shown, the contact element 2b has a protective structure 16a or a protective element 16a, which can engage in a recess 16b in the contact element 2a when the contact elements 2a and 2b are in contact with each other, as shown in Figure 12 a). The structures 16a and 16b can also be a contact pin 16a and a contact surface 16b.In the example shown in Figure 12, the height of the protective structure 16a minus the depth of the recess 16b is greater than the sum of the heights by which the magnetic force elements 15aa, 15ab, 15ba, 15bb protrude above the contact surface of the contact element 2a, 2b in which they are arranged. This results in the tilting of the contact elements 2a, 2b relative to each other, as shown in Figure 12 a), which enables the contact elements 2a, 2b to be released by pulling on the contact elements 2a and / or 2b.

[0248] Figures 13 a) to 13 d) show various possibilities for the energy and / or data transmission between the contact elements 2a and 2b.

[0249] In the example shown in Figures 13 a) to 13 d), the contact elements 2a and 2b each have a magnetic force element 5a, 5b. The magnetic force elements 5a, 5b are arranged laterally and, as described above, have opposing north-south directions. The north-south directions of the two magnetic force elements 5a, 5b lie on a common straight line.

[0250] In Figure 13 a), the first contact element 2a has a first coil 17a, and the second contact element 2b has a second coil 17b. The coils 17a and 17b are arranged such that, when the contact elements 2a and 2b are in contact with each other, they can transfer energy to each other. The coil axes lie on a common straight line. The coils 17a and 17b are each arranged directly behind or in the contact surface with which the corresponding contact element 2a, 2b faces the other contact element 2b, 2a.

[0251] In Figure 13 b), the second contact element 2b has a light-emitting diode 17b, opposite which a photodiode 17a is arranged in the contact element 2a. Energy and / or data can thus be transmitted to the photodiode 17a via the light-emitting diode 17b. The light-emitting diode 17b and the photodiode 17a are arranged relative to one another such that, upon contact, light from the light-emitting diode 17b can enter the photodiode 17a.

[0252] Figure 13 c) shows a capacitive transfer of energy and / or data between the contact element 2a and the contact element 2b. For this purpose, the contact elements 2a and 2b each have a plate 17a, 17b, whereby the plates 17a and 17b form a capacitor when the contact elements 2a and 2b are in proper contact.

[0253] Figure 13 d) shows an optical transmission of data and / or energy like that shown in Figure 13 b). Unlike in Figure 13 b), however, here the light-emitting diode 17b is not arranged directly in the contact surface of the contact element 2b, which faces the contact element 2a. Instead, a light guide 18 is arranged in the contact surface of the contact element 2b. This light guide 18 extends in a direction perpendicular to this contact surface and at the end of the light guide 18 facing away from the contact surface is arranged such that it can radiate light into the end of the light guide 18 facing it.

[0254] Figure 14 shows various exemplary configurations of contact elements 2a, 2b, which are galvanically connected for data and / or energy transmission. The arrangement of the magnetic force elements 5a, 5b is as shown in Figure 13. Reference is made to the description there.

[0255] In Figure 14 a), the first contact element 2a has a socket 19a with electrical contact. The contact element 2b has a plug 19b, which, when properly connected, extends into the socket 19a and establishes electrical contact between the contact elements 2a and 2b.

[0256] In Figure 14 b), the first contact element 2a also has a socket 19a. The second contact element 2b has a spring-loaded plug 19b. It has a movable element that is guided in a recess in the second contact element 2b. A spring is arranged between a bottom of the recess and this movable element, which urges the movable element toward the contact element 2b.

[0257] Figure 14 c) shows a contact configuration in which the first contact element 2a has a socket with a spring contact 19a. A plug 19b of the second contact element 2b projects into the socket. The spring force of the spring contact 19a presses it against the plug 19b of the second contact element 2b, thereby establishing an electrical contact.

[0258] Figure 14 d) finally shows an embodiment in which the contact between the contact elements 2a and 2b is an exposed electrode contact 19. To establish this, the contact elements 2a and 2b can have a contact surface on their contact surface facing the other contact element 2b, 2a, so that these contact surfaces touch each other during normal contact. Figures 15 a) to 15 d) show exemplary embodiments of the contact elements 2a and 2b, wherein of two surfaces of the first and second contact elements 2a, 2b that can be brought into contact with each other, one surface has at least one concave region 20a and the other surface has at least one convex region 20b. In each case, the convex region 20b protrudes into the concave region 20a. An electrical contact between the first contact element 2a and the second contact element 2b takes place here in the area of ​​the concave or convex surface 20a, 20b.These regions are arranged next to the magnetic force elements 2a, 2b, which are arranged laterally away from the center of the contact elements 2a, 2b. In Figure 15a), the convex 20b and concave 20a regions are spherical segment-shaped, in Figure 15b) conical, in Figure 15c) ellipsoidal-segment-shaped, and in Figure 15d) crown-shaped.

[0259] Figures 16 a) and 16 b) show an embodiment of the invention, wherein the first device 1a comprises a tympanic membrane component 12a that can be arranged on the tympanic membrane 7 in contact therewith and is configured to transmit vibrations directly to the tympanic membrane 7. In Figures 16 a) and 16 b), it is connected to the first contact element 2a via a cable 9a.

[0260] In the example shown in Figure 16 a), the cable 9a comprises a wire 21. The cable 9a can also be a conductor track 21 arranged on a flexible printed circuit board. The wire 21 or the printed circuit board 21 is preferably insulated from the environment by means of an insulating material. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the wire or the printed circuit board 21 can be a layer comprising or consisting of gold on a polyimide substrate.

[0261] Figure 16 b) shows a corresponding embodiment as Figure 16 a) with the difference that here the cable 9a is flexible and spiral-shaped so that a distance between the first contact element 2a and the element 12a of the first device 1a arranged at the other end of the cable can be elastically changed.

[0262] Figures 17 a) to 17 c) show embodiments of a hearing system according to the invention, in which the second device 1b comprises an auditory canal element arranged in the auditory canal and which comprises the second contact element 2b. The auditory canal element can be the device 1b itself or can be connected to an external element 8b, as shown, for example, in Figure 2. In Figure 17a), the second device 1b or the auditory canal element comprises a rechargeable battery 22b, so that the second device 1b can be operated without external power supply.

[0263] In Figure 17 b), both the first device 1a has a rechargeable battery 22a and the second device 1b has a rechargeable battery 22b.

[0264] In Figure 17 c), only the first device 1a has a rechargeable battery 22a. The contact elements 2a and 2b as well as the magnetic contact are configured in Figure 17 as shown, for example, in Figure 4, so reference should be made to the description there.

[0265] In various embodiments of the invention, cables 9a, 9b, 21 or optical fibers 9a, 9b, 21 can be used to connect different parts of the first device 1a and / or different parts of the second device 1b. Figures 18 a) to 18 c) show embodiments of the cables 9a, 9b, 21 or the optical fibers 9a, 9b, 21, which have a hose 23b or a sheathing material 23b. This can preferably be chemically resistant, electrically insulating and / or mechanically flexible and particularly preferably comprise or consist of a thermoplastic, polyamide, silicone and / or an epoxy. The hose 23b and / or the sheathing material 23b enclose a wire 23a or optical fiber 23a.

[0266] In Figures 18 a) to 18 c), the left-hand part of the image shows a cross-section along a longitudinal axis of the cable or the optical fiber 9a, 9b, 21, while the right-hand part of the image shows a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0267] In Figure 18 a), the cable or optical fiber thus formed has a circular cross-section. In Figures 18 b) and 18 c), the tube 23b has an elliptical or flat cross-section, the shorter dimension of which in Figure 18 b) is approximately 50% of the longer dimension and in Figure 18 c) less than 75% of the longer dimension.

[0268] Figure 19 shows an embodiment of the first contact element 2a and the second contact element 2b, wherein the first contact element 2a has a radial projection 24a. This means that the contact element 2a has a raised portion on its contact surface facing the contact element 2b, which projects radially beyond the contact surface of the contact element 2a facing the contact element 2b. The projection thus tapers in the direction of the contact surface of the contact element 2a facing the contact element 2b. The second contact element 2b accordingly has a radial undercut 24b, into which the radial projection 24a engages. In this way, the radial projection 24a is held in the radial undercut 24b.The radial undercut 24b is designed here as a recess in that contact surface of the contact element 2b facing the contact element 2a, wherein a radial extension of the recess increases with increasing depth.

[0269] Radial extension is understood to mean the distance from the central axis of the contact element 2a or 2b.

[0270] Figures 20a) to 20f) show embodiments of the first 2a and second 2b contact elements with different combinations of through-openings 25a, 25b extending through the first contact element 2a and / or the second contact element 2b. The through-openings 25a, 25b shown in Figures 20a) to 20f) can also be provided correspondingly in the first device 1a and / or the second device 1b.

[0271] In Figure 20 a), only the first contact element 2a has a through-opening 25a that is perpendicular to the contact surface of the first contact element 2a. In Figure 20 c), the first contact element 2a has a through-opening 25a that is perpendicular to the contact surface of the first contact element 2a, and the second contact element 2b has a through-opening 25b that is perpendicular to the contact surface of the second contact element 2b. When the first contact element 2a is in contact with the second contact element 2b, the through-openings 25a and 25b are arranged with their through-opening directions on a common straight line. In Figure 20 e), only the second contact element 2b has a through-opening 25b that is perpendicular to the contact surface of the second contact element 2b.

[0272] Figure 20 b) shows an optional design of the through-opening 25a and / or 25b. Here, the through-opening 25a, 25b is funnel-shaped and tapers from the left surface of the corresponding contact element 25a, 25b to the right upper side. The through-opening 25a, 25b thus opens with a larger diameter on the left side than on the right side of the contact element 2a, 2b.

[0273] Figure 20 d) shows a configuration of the through-opening 25a, 25b, which, as can be seen in the right-hand part of the image, has a square cross-section. Figure 20 d) also shows, by way of example, that the contact element 2a, 2b can have an elliptical cross-section.

[0274] Finally, Figure 20 f) shows an example of the through-opening 25a, 25b in the first 2a and / or second 2b contact element, wherein the through-opening 25a, 25b has a circular cross-section. In Figures 20 d) and 20 f), the through-opening is cylindrical, with a square base in Figure 20 d) and a circular base in Figure 20 f).

[0275] Figures 21 a) to 21 f) show embodiments of the hearing system according to the invention, in which the second device 1b has an outer element 8b that is connected to an auditory canal element 2b, which in this case is the contact element 2b. The outer element 8b is arranged further out in the auditory canal 4 than the contact element 2b. The outer element 8b is connected to the contact element 2b via a cable 9 or a light guide 9b, via which energy and / or data can be transmitted to and / or from the second contact element 2b to the outer element 8b. The cable 9b or the light guide 9b here has a tube and / or a sheathing material. Figures 21 a) to 21 f) show different embodiments of the cable 9b or the light guide 9b.

[0276] In Figure 21 a), the cable 9b has a core surrounded by the hose or sheathing material. The core can be a wire or a fiber optic cable. In Figure 21 b), the cable 9b or fiber optic cable 9b has two sections 9ba and 9bb, which are made of different materials. However, sections 9ba and 9bb have the same circumference and diameter.

[0277] In Figure 21 c), the cable 9b or the optical fiber 9b has two sections 9ba and 9bb, in which the surrounding material or the tube has a different wall thickness. In the area 9ba, the wall thickness is smaller than in the area 9bb. The cable 9b or the optical fiber 9b borders the contact element 2b with the section 9bb of the larger cross-section, and the outer element 8b with the section 9ba of the smaller cross-section.

[0278] Figure 21 d) shows a configuration in which the cable 9b or the optical fiber 9b has at least two regions 9ba and 9bb of different stiffness against bending along its length. In the example shown, the stiffness of the section 9bb, which engages the element 2b facing the eardrum 7, here the contact element 2b, can be greater than the stiffness of the section that engages the element 8b facing away from the eardrum 7, here the outer element 8b. Alternatively, the stiffness of the section 9ba, which engages the outer module 8b, can also be greater than the stiffness in the section 9bb, which engages the second contact element 2b.

[0279] Figure 21 e) shows an embodiment in which the cable 9b or the optical fiber 9b has a different number of tubes sheathing the central wire or optical fiber in two sections 9ba and 9bb. In section 9ba, which borders the outer element 8b, the cable 9b or the optical fiber 9b has one tube as sheath, and in section 9bb, which borders the contact element 2b, it has two tubes.

[0280] Figure 21 f) shows an embodiment in which the wire 9b or the optical fiber 9b has a stabilizing component 9bc at its end facing the contact element 2b. The stabilizing component 9bc is configured here as a piece of wire that extends from the end adjacent to the second contact element 2b in the sheathing material or tube over part of its length. To enable the arrangement of the stabilizing component 9bc, the wire or the optical fiber can be slightly offset from the central axis in the sheathing material, creating an area in which the stabilizing component 9bc can be accommodated.

[0281] The other elements in Figure 21 correspond to those shown in the other figures, so reference should be made to the description there.

[0282] Figures 22 a) and 22 b) show an embodiment of the invention like that shown in Figure 21 a), in which the second device 1b has, in addition to the contact element 2b, an external component 8b which is connected to the contact element 2b via a cable 9b or a light guide 9b. While in Figure 21 a) the cable engages centrally, i.e., centrally, on the second contact element 2b, in Figures 22 a) and 22 b) it is laterally offset. The cable 9b or the light guide 9b is therefore arranged on the second contact element 2b at a distance greater than zero from a straight line which is perpendicular to the contact surface of the second contact element 2b with the first contact element 2a and intersects this contact surface at its center. The magnetic force elements 5a and 5b are arranged centrally in Figure 22 a).In Figure 22 b) they are laterally offset, i.e. also arranged at a distance greater than zero from the straight line which is perpendicular to the contact surface of the second contact element 1b with the first contact element 2a and intersects this contact surface at its center.

[0283] A corresponding design is also possible for the first device la.

[0284] Figure 23 shows various embodiments of an exemplary hearing system according to the invention, in which the first device 1a and / or the second device 1b has a microphone 26a, 26b. In Figure 23 a), the second device 1b has a microphone 26b, while the first device 1a does not have a microphone. Such a microphone 26b can, for example, pick up external sound signals, which can then be transmitted to the first device 1a via the contact elements 2a, 2b.

[0285] In Figure 23 b), the first device 1a has a microphone 26a, and the second device 1b has a microphone 26b. The microphone 26b of the second device 1b can, in turn, be used to record sounds from outside the ear in order to transmit them to the first device 1a. The microphone 26a of the first device 1a can, for example, be used to record sounds in the ear canal 4 and, if necessary, to subject them to signal processing, for example, to generate anti-noise for actively suppressing ambient noise.

[0286] Figure 23 c) ​​shows an embodiment in which only the first device 1a has a microphone 26a. This can be used, for example, as described for Figure 23b), to record sounds inside the ear canal.

[0287] Figures 24 a) to 24 c) show a configuration of the first contact element 2a and the second contact element 2b, each having a magnetic force element 5a, 5b in their center. When the first contact element 2a comes into contact with the second contact element 2b, a magnetic force acts between them. In the example shown, the south pole of the magnetic force element 5a of the first contact element 2a faces the second contact element 2b. The north pole of the magnetic force element 5b of the second contact element 2b faces the first contact element 2a, so that these magnetic force elements 5a and 5b attract each other. The polarities of the magnets can, of course, also be reversed.

[0288] The magnetic force elements 5a, 5b are each arranged in a center of a contact surface 10a, 10b of the first 2a and the second 2b contact element, via which contact surface 10a, 10b the first and the second contact element abut each other upon contact, or which face each other upon contact.

[0289] Figures 24a) and 24b) show the second contact element 2b. This has a contact pin 14b arranged on and projecting from the contact surface 10b. The contact pin 14b is arranged eccentrically next to the magnetic force element 5b. It is electrically contacted through the second contact element 2b by an electrical contact 15b.

[0290] Figure 24 c) shows a top view of the contact surface 10a of the first contact element 2a. The first contact element 2a has, on or in its contact surface 10a, an annular contact surface 14a that extends in a circular ring around the magnetic force element 5a as the center. The radius of the annular contact surface 14a is equal to the distance of the contact element 14b of the second contact element 2b from the center of the contact surface 10b of the second contact element 2b and from the center of the magnetic force element 5b. In this embodiment, if the first contact element 2a is brought into contact with the second contact element 2b, so that the magnetic force element 5a and the magnetic force element 5b attract one another, the contact pin 14b contacts exactly the contact surface 14a of the first contact element 2a.In this embodiment, the two contact elements 2a, 2b can rotate relative to each other about a central axis passing through the centers of the contact surfaces 10a and 10b of the contact elements 2a, 2b and at the same time maintain electrical contact, since the contact pin 14b slides on the contact surface 14a.

[0291] Figures 25 to 27, in sub-figures a) to d), each show configurations of cables 9 as they can be used in the other figures, in particular Figure 5. The figures show different perspectives of the cables. The cables 9 here are flat cables. These cables 9 can, for example, protrude from the first and / or second device in the direction of the respective complementary device and contact this with a contact element 2 attached to the end of the cable 9. The contact elements 2 are magnetic force elements 5, via which the contact can also be established. The polarity of the magnetic force elements 5 is shown as an example in each case.

[0292] Figure 28 shows corresponding embodiments of cables 9 as in Figures 25 to 27. In Figure 28 a), the cable 9 is arranged between two magnetic force elements 5, which serve as contact elements. The cable 9 is twisted by 90° around its longitudinal axis. In Figure 28 b), two magnetic force elements are arranged next to one another at the end of the ribbon cable 9 on the same surface of the cable. The cable is again twisted by 90° here. In Figure 28 c), the ribbon cable widens along its longitudinal direction in the direction of the magnetic force elements 5, so that a wider contact surface is available for them. Figure 29 shows further examples of cables 9 with magnetic force elements 5. The magnetic force elements 9 are arranged near the end of the ribbon cable 9. The end of the cable is formed by contacts 291. These are contacted by conductor tracks 292 that run along the surface of the cable 9.The polarities of the magnetic force elements are shown, as are the poles of contacts 291. Contacts 291 can be used to establish contact for transmitting energy and / or data.

[0293] Figures 30 a) and 30 b) show an embodiment of contact elements 2a, 2b according to an example of the present invention. In this example, the contact elements 2a and 2b each have a contact surface 10a, 10b that runs parallel to the auditory canal wall when the contact elements are arranged as intended in the auditory canal 4. The contact surfaces 10a, 10b also run parallel to a passage direction of the auditory canal 4. For this purpose, the first contact element 2a has a step in its contact surface 10a, which has a section perpendicular to the passage direction of the auditory canal 4 and, adjoining this, a section parallel to the passage direction of the auditory canal 4. The second contact element 2b also has a step in its contact surface 10b, which has a section that lies parallel to the passage direction of the auditory canal.The sections of the step of the first contact element 2a and the step of the second contact element 2b, which in the example shown are parallel to the direction of passage through the auditory canal 4, lie parallel to one another. In this way, they lie parallel to one another regardless of the orientation of the contact elements 2a, 2b in the auditory canal 4. The first contact element 2a has a first magnetic force element 5a, which is arranged directly behind, in, or on that section of the contact surface 10a that runs parallel to the direction of passage through the auditory canal 4. The second contact element 2b has a second magnetic force element 5b in, behind, or on that part of the contact surface 10b of the second contact element 2b with which the second contact element 2b rests against the contact surface of the first contact element 2a having the first magnetic force element 5a.

[0294] In Figure 30 a), the magnetic force elements 5a and 5b are located with their north-south directions parallel to the section of the contact surface 10a, 10b which runs parallel to the direction of passage of the auditory canal 4 and are oriented oppositely so that they attract each other.

[0295] In Figure 30 b), the magnetic force elements 5a and 5b, with their north-south directions, are perpendicular to those sections of the contact surfaces 10a, 10b of the first contact element 2a and second contact element 2b that run parallel to the passage direction of the auditory canal 4. They are again oppositely polarized, so that they attract each other.

[0296] The embodiments shown in Figures 30 a) and 30 b) allow the contact elements 2a and 2b to be separated from one another by pulling, without generating large force peaks that would displace the first contact element 2a or the first device 1a in the ear canal.

[0297] Figure 31 shows an example of a design of the system with magnetic force rings 5a, 5b. The first contact element 2a has at least one first magnetic force ring 5a as the first magnetic force element and at least one first contact 19a arranged in a magnetic force ring center point of the first magnetic force ring 5a. The second contact element 2b also has at least one second magnetic force ring 5b as the second magnetic force element and at least one second contact 19b arranged in a magnetic force ring center point of the second magnetic force ring 5b. The contact 19b is designed here as a contact pin 19b, which projects beyond an annular surface of the magnetic force ring 5b, in whose center point it is arranged, in the direction of the contact element 2a. The contact 19a is embedded in a housing of the contact element 2a such that its surface is coplanar with the annular surface of the magnetic force ring 5a.The magnetic force rings 5a and / or 5b can be magnets or comprise or consist of magnetizable material.

[0298] In the example shown in Figure 31, the second contact element 2b is contacted by means of a cable 9b, which is designed here as a conductor strip 9b. The conductor strip 9b is attached to the second contact element 2b eccentrically, i.e., radially spaced from the center of the magnetic force ring 5b. The conductor strip 9b has two conductor tracks that run parallel along the conductor strip 9b. One of the conductor tracks contacts the contact 19b and the other the magnetic force ring 5b. In the second contact element 2a, the contact 19a and the magnetic force ring 5a are contacted by conductor 9a. As a result, the contacts 19a, 19b and the conductors 9a and 9b establish a continuous contact via the contact elements 2a and 2b.

[0299] In the example shown, the magnetic force rings 5a, 5b are axially polarized and arranged so that a north pole and a south pole are located on the contact side, so the arrangement is either: o 52a south pole, 52b north pole, 53a south pole, 53b north pole or o 52a north pole, 52b south pole, 53a north pole, 53b south pole.

[0300] Figure 32 shows the configuration shown in Figure 31 in three perspective views. Reference is made here to the description of Figure 31.

[0301] Figure 33 shows an exemplary embodiment of the contact elements 2a, 2b with cube-shaped magnetic force elements 52, 53, 54, and 55, wherein the respective poles are labeled a and b. The magnetic force elements 52, 53, 54, and 55 are each embedded in a respective housing of the contact elements 2a and 2b, respectively, so that their surfaces facing the other contact element 2a, 2b protrude beyond the respective housing. The contact element 2b has the magnetic force elements 52 and 54. These are each tilted or tilted about at least one axis (the terms are used synonymously in this document). The at least one axis here lies parallel to the surface of the housing in which the magnetic force elements 52 and 54 are embedded.

[0302] The first contact element 2a has the magnetic force elements 53 and 55, which are also embedded in the surface of the housing of this contact element 2a that faces the second contact element 2b when in contact. These magnetic force elements 53 and 55 are embedded such that their surfaces facing the contact element 2b are parallel to the surface of the housing in which they are arranged that faces the contact element 2b.

[0303] The magnets of each contact element are polarized (approximately) perpendicular to the contact surface, with the two magnetic force elements of a contact element 2a, 2b polarizing in opposite directions. This means that the contact elements 2a, 2b can only be connected in one polarity. The arrangement is therefore either: o 52a south pole, 52b north pole, 54a north pole, 54b south pole, 53a south pole, 53b north pole, 55a north pole, 55b south pole or o 52a north pole, 52b south pole, 54a south pole, 54b north pole, 53a north pole, 53b south pole, 55a south pole, 55b north pole.

[0304] This always results in two point contacts over the corners of the magnets (or line contacts over edges in the variation below). The point or line contact with a sharp corner or edge displaces dirt better than with surface contact.

[0305] In the example shown in Figure 33, the second contact element 2b is contacted by a cable 9b, which in this case is a flat cable 9b. This flat cable 9b has two conductors 9ba and 9bb that run parallel to each other along the cable 9b. In each case, one of the conductors 9ba, 9bb contacts one of the magnetic force elements 52, 54, each of which is electrically conductive. For example, the conductor 9ba contacts the magnetic force element 52 and the conductor 9bb contacts the magnetic force element 54, or vice versa.

[0306] The flat cable contacts the contact element 2b eccentrically, i.e., at a distance from its center, which can be defined, for example, by the center of the arrangement of the magnetic force elements 52 and 54. When pulled, this leads to a sideways tilting of the side of the contact element 2b, and first one, then the other, pair of magnets is released, reducing the release force and making it lower than the contact force (the force that presses the contacts together in the connected state).

[0307] Figure 34 shows a side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 33C, seen from the right-hand side. It can be seen that the magnets 52 and 54 are also tilted about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis about which the magnets 52 and 54 in Figure 33C are tilted relative to the surface of the contact element 2b, and which is parallel to this surface. Figure 35 shows the tilting of the magnetic force elements 52 and 54 in a step-by-step sequence. In Figure 35A, the magnetic force elements 52 and 54 are initially not tilted. In Figure 35B, they are tilted in opposite directions relative to one another about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the figure. Figure 35C shows the situation shown in Figure 33B, viewed from the right. Here, the magnetic force elements 52 and 54 are not yet tilted about the axis perpendicular to the plane of Figure 35C. Figure 35 D finally shows the magnets rotated around this axis.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A system comprising a first device configured to be arranged in an ear canal, the first device having a first contact element, a second device having a second contact element, the first and second contact elements being configured to contact one another and, upon contact with one another, to transmit energy and / or data between the first and second devices, and the first and second devices being further configured to be held in contact with one another by the first contact element and the second contact element by a magnetic force.

2. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the first contact element has at least one first magnetic force element, wherein the second contact element has at least one second magnetic force element, wherein the at least one first and the at least one second magnetic force elements are configured to each exert a magnetic force on one another, wherein one selected from the at least one first and the at least one second magnetic force element has a magnet and the other has a magnetizable material, or wherein the at least one first and the at least one second magnetic force element each have at least one magnet.

3. System according to the preceding claim, wherein one of the contact elements has at least one electromagnet as the corresponding magnetic force element and wherein the other of the contact elements elements magnetizable material as the magnetic force element, which is durable when contacted by the electromagnet.

4. A system according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the magnetic force elements hold the first and second contact elements in contact with each other upon contact with a force that is less than a force required to remove the first contact element and / or the first device from the ear canal.

5. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the first device and / or the first contact element and / or the second device and / or the second contact element has an anchoring component with which the first device and / or the first contact element and / or the second device and / or the second contact element can be anchored in the auditory canal and / or on an eardrum and / or on an auricle.

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact element is connected to another part of the first device in a mechanically flexible, preferably rotatable and / or tiltable manner.

7. System according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein one, several or all of the magnets comprise or consist of at least one selected from at least one ferrite, at least one rare earth, at least one hard magnetic material, cobalt, nickel, neodymium, samarium, and / or wherein the magnetizable material comprises or consists of at least one selected from iron, steel with added silicon, iron-nickel alloy, iron-cobalt alloy.

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second contact element and / or its magnetic force element have a casing which completely or completely encloses the corresponding contact element and / or corresponding magnetic force element with the exception of an electricalContacting is covered, and which is corrosion-resistant and / or biocompatible and is preferably non-magnetizable and non-magnetic, wherein the sheath preferably comprises or consists of gold, platinum, iridium, an alloy of the aforementioned materials and / or plastic, preferably silicone and / or parylene, and / or ceramic. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second contact element has a sheath at least in a region which is in contact with the other contact element upon contact, wherein the sheath is non-magnetizable and non-magnetic, and wherein a thickness of the sheath is such that the magnetic force which holds the first and the second contact element in contact with one another upon contact with a force is less than a force which is required to remove the first contact element and / or the first device from the ear canal.System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic force in a state in which the first and the second contact element are in contact with one another is greater than or equal to 1 mN, preferably greater than or equal to 15 mN, preferably greater than or equal to 20 mN, preferably greater than or equal to 50 mN, preferably greater than or equal to 100 mN and / or less than or equal to 1000 mN, preferably less than or equal to 800 mN, preferably less than or equal to 600 mN, preferably less than or equal to 500 mN, preferably less than or equal to 400 mN, preferably less than or equal to 300 mN. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first and / or the at least one second contact element (2a, 2b) has at least one spacer element (14a, 14b) on a surface facing the respective other of the contact elements (2a, 2b) in contact, which spacer element in contact creates a distance between the at least one first and the at least one second contact element. th contact element at the location of the spacer element, wherein preferably the spacer element has a height perpendicular to that surface of the contact element on which it is arranged, which is smaller than a diameter of this contact element in the direction parallel to this surface, wherein preferably the spacer element has a height perpendicular to that surface of the contact element on which it is arranged, which is less than or equal to 5 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 4 mm, particularly preferably less than 3 mm and / or greater than or equal to 250 pm, preferably greater than or equal to 500 pm.

12. System according to the preceding claim, comprising on at least one of the contacting surfaces two or more of the spacer elements arranged next to one another in a straight row.

13. System according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the magnetic force elements is arranged on or in at least one of the surfaces on which the spacer elements are arranged, on one side or both sides of the row of spacer elements next to the row of spacer elements in the direction parallel to the surface, wherein preferably the spacer elements protrude beyond the magnetic force elements in the direction perpendicular to the corresponding one of the surfaces.

14. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the contact elements has a course which, upon contact, emanates in the direction of the other of the contact elements and which is kinked.

15. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second contact element each have at least one magnet, wherein the magnets of the contact elements are arranged such that they attract each other when the contact elements are in a position towards each other. are located in a position relative to each other in which energy and / or data can be transferred between the first and the second device and / or that they repel each other when they are located in a position relative to each other in which no intended energy and / or data transfer can be established.

16. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second contact element each have at least two magnets, the polarities of which are arranged such that magnets of different contact elements attract one another when the contact elements are in a position relative to one another in which energy and / or data can be transmitted between the first and the second device and / or that they repel one another when they are in a position relative to one another in which no energy and / or data transmission can be established.

17. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second contact element represent a galvanic, a capacitive, an inductive, an electromagnetic and / or an optical connection for transmitting the energy and / or the data.

18. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second contact element have mutually compatible contacts, wherein the first and / or the second contact element is a plug contact, spring contact, spring-loaded pin contact, and / or exposed electrode contact.

19. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein of two surfaces of the first and second contact elements that can be brought into contact with one another, one surface has at least one concave region and / or the other surface has at least one convex region, wherein one or both of the convex or concave regions are spherical segment-shaped, ellipsoidal segment-shaped, conical, pyramid-shaped or crown-shaped. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy and / or data are optically transmittable, wherein the first or the second contact element has a light source, preferably a light-emitting diode or a laser diode, and wherein the other of the contact elements has an optical receiving element, preferably a photodiode or a solar cell, wherein preferably the light source has an emission spectrum in the range of greater than or equal to 350 nm, preferably greater than or equal to 550 nm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1400 nm and / or less than or equal to 2000 nm, preferably less than or equal to 1600 nm, and the optical receiving element has a receiving spectrum into which the emission spectrum of the light source falls.System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy and / or data are optically transmittable, wherein the second device has at least one optical waveguide with which light can be guided to the second contact element, wherein the first contact element has an optical receiving element, preferably at least one photodiode or at least one solar cell, wherein the optical receiving element is preferably configured to convert light energy in the range of greater than or equal to 350 nm, preferably greater than or equal to 550 nm, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1400 nm and / or less than or equal to 2000 nm, preferably less than or equal to 1600 nm into voltage.System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact element is arranged at the end of a cable, the other end of which is connected to a further element of the first device and / or wherein the second contact element is arranged at the end of a cable, the other end of which is connected to a further element of the second device. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device comprises a tympanic membrane component as a further... another element of the first device or part of a further element of the first device, which can be arranged on a drumhead in contact therewith and which is configured to transmit vibrations directly to the drumhead, wherein preferably the first contact element is connected to the drumhead component via at least one cable. System according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the at least one cable has one or more wires and / or wherein the at least one cable has at least one conductor track arranged on a flexible printed circuit board, wherein preferably the at least one wire and / or the at least one conductor track is insulated from an environment by means of at least one insulating material, wherein further preferably the at least one cable is formed as a layer comprising or consisting of gold on a polyimide substrate.System according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one cable is flexible and / or spiral-shaped such that a distance between the first contact element and the element of the first device arranged at the other end of the cable can be elastically changed. System according to one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the at least one cable of the first device is elastic against torsion such that, when twisted by a number of turns, it causes a tensile force between the first contact element and the further element of the first device arranged at the other end of the cable, which tensile force is preferably dimensioned such that it holds the first contact element in the ear canal and / or is dimensioned such that it prevents slipping and / or twisting of the element of the first device arranged at the other end of the cable, wherein the number of turns is preferably 0.5, particularly preferably 1, further preferably 2, further preferably 5, further preferably 10. wherein the cable is preferably designed such that a twisting of less than 2, preferably less than 5, more preferably less than 10 turns does not lead to slipping or twisting of the further element of the first device arranged at the other end of the cable.

27. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second device comprises an ear canal element which can be arranged in the ear canal and which has the second contact element, and wherein the second device further comprises an outer element which can be arranged further outwards than the ear canal element in the ear canal or outside the ear canal, wherein preferably the second contact element is fixedly arranged on the ear canal element.

28. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the outer element and the auditory canal element are connected via at least one cable and / or at least one optical fiber via which energy and / or data can be transmitted to and / or from the second contact element, wherein preferably the optical fiber and / or the cable is flexible.

29. A system according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the ear canal element comprises a rechargeable battery.

30. System according to one of claims 21 to 26 or 28, wherein the at least one cable or the optical fiber comprises a tube and / or a sheathing material which is preferably chemically resistant, electrically insulating and / or mechanically flexible and particularly preferably comprises or consists of a thermoplastic, polyamide, silicone and / or an epoxy, wherein the tube and / or the sheathing material encloses at least one wire or at least one optical fiber.

31. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one cable or the at least one optical fiber has at least two regions along its length with different numbers of surrounding tubes, different numbers of lumens inside the tube, different wall thicknesses and / or different materials.

32. System according to one of the two preceding claims, further comprising at least one stabilizing component surrounding the wire or the optical fiber, wherein the stabilizing component comprises or consists of a textile, plastic and / or metal.

33. System according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the tube has an elliptical or flat cross-section, the shorter dimension of which is less than 75%, preferably less than 50%, preferably less than 35% of the longer dimension.

34. System according to one of claims 21 to 26 or 28 to 33, wherein the cable or the optical fiber has at least two different stiffnesses against bending along its longitudinal axis over its length, wherein preferably a stiffness of a section that engages an element that can be arranged facing a drumhead is greater than a stiffness of a section that engages an element that can be arranged facing away from the drumhead or wherein preferably a stiffness of a section that engages an element that can be arranged facing a drumhead is less than a stiffness in the rest of the cable or optical fiber, wherein this section preferably extends away from this element over less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.

35. System according to the preceding claim, wherein a stiffness of the cable or the optical fiber in a bending region which borders on that element which can be arranged facing the eardrum, on the one hand, and the magnetic force on the other hand, are designed in such a way that the magnetic force prevents tilting and / or twisting of this the element facing the eardrum can be brought into contact with an area of ​​the cable or optical fiber adjacent to the bending area by an angle of greater than or equal to 10°.

36. System according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the cable or the optical fiber has at least two regions of different diameters and / or materials.

37. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact element and the second contact element each have a guide element, wherein the guide element of one of the contact elements is convex and the guide element of the other of the contact elements has a concave shape matching the guide element of the one contact element, wherein the guide elements are designed such that they guide the two contact elements into a position in which they are in contact for energy and / or data transmission.

38. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the contact elements has a flat contact surface and the other of the contact elements has one or more contact pins which are arranged such that they lie displaceably on the contact surface when the contact elements are in contact with one another.

39. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the contact elements has a radial projection and wherein the other of the contact elements has a radial undercut which moves increasingly away from the one contact element along a circumference of this contact element, wherein the radial projection and the radial undercut are dimensioned such that the radial projection can be held in the radial undercut.

40. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact element and / or the second contact element and / or the first device and / or the second device each have a preferably cylindrical, funnel-shaped, or angular opening that forms a passage from the outside to the eardrum, wherein a diameter of the opening is preferably greater than or equal to 50 µm. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second device has at least one microphone that can be connected to the respective other device for signal transmission via the first contact element and the second contact element.System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact element is connected to a further element of the first device via a cable or a light guide, wherein the cable or the light guide is arranged on the first contact element at a distance greater than zero from a straight line, which straight line is perpendicular to a contact surface of the first contact element with the second contact element and intersects this contact surface at its center point and / or wherein the second contact element is connected to a further element of the second device via a cable or a light guide, wherein the cable or the light guide is arranged on the second contact element at a distance greater than zero from a straight line, which straight line is perpendicular to a contact surface of the second contact element with the first contact element and intersects this contact surface at its center point.The system according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one magnetic force element is arranged in or on the contact surface with respect to the straight line opposite the cable or the optical fiber. The system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second contact elements each have a contact surface via which they abut one another upon contact, wherein the contact surfaces are parallel to one another upon contact. and at least in some regions enclose an angle of less than 80°, preferably less than 70°, preferably less than 60°, preferably less than 45°, preferably less than 30° with a straight line that runs parallel to the wall of the auditory canal at the location of the first device when the latter is arranged in the auditory canal as intended. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first and second contact elements has one or more contact surfaces and the other of the first and second contact elements has the same number of contact pins, wherein upon contact, the contact pins each bear against one of the contact surfaces and each establish an electrical connection.System according to the preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second contact elements has a plurality of the contact surfaces arranged in a straight row, and the other of the first and second contact elements has an equal number of the contact pins arranged in a straight row, wherein the first and second contact elements each have at least one magnetic force element arranged laterally of the row of contact surfaces or laterally of the row of contact pins. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnetic force elements in the first and second contact elements are magnets, arranged such that opposite poles lie against one another upon contact when the contact pins are in contact with the respective contact surfaces. System according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the contact pins are spring-loaded.System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second contact element each have a magnetic force element between which a magnetic force acts upon contact. wherein the magnets are each arranged in a center of a contact surface of the first and the second contact element, which contact surfaces face each other upon contact, wherein preferably one of the first and second contact elements has at least one annular contact surface in its contact surface, wherein the annular surface extends around the corresponding magnetic force element as the center point, and the other of the first and second contact elements has at least one contact pin on its contact surface, which is arranged such that it contacts the annular contact surface upon contact of the first and second contact elements.System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second contact element has at least two contact pins, and furthermore has at least one protective structure arranged such that both contact elements cannot be touched simultaneously with one hand, wherein preferably the protective structure has a non-conductive structure into which the at least two contact pins are embedded, so that their surfaces lie behind a surface of the protective structure in the direction away from the corresponding contact element. System according to one of claims 2 to 50, wherein the first contact element and the second contact element each have at least one magnet as a magnetic force element, the north and south poles of which are each adjacent to one another in a direction parallel to a respective contact surface with which the corresponding contact element faces the corresponding other contact element.System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is at least one selected from the group comprising a hearing system, a hearing aid, a headphone, an in-ear earpiece, a medication delivery device and / or a portable vital sign monitoring system.

53. System according to one of claims 2 to 52, wherein the first or second contact element has at least one first magnetic force ring as the first magnetic force element and at least one first contact arranged in a magnetic force ring center point of the first magnetic force ring.

54. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the other of the first and second contact elements comprises at least one second magnetic force ring as the second magnetic force element and at least one second contact arranged in a magnetic force ring center point of the second magnetic force ring, wherein one selected from the first and second contacts is a contact pin that projects beyond an annular surface of the magnetic force ring, in whose center it is arranged, which annular surface faces away from the contact element in which the corresponding magnetic force ring is arranged, and wherein the other of the first and second contacts is a contact surface that is preferably coplanar with an annular surface of the magnetic force ring, in whose center it is arranged, which annular surface faces away from the corresponding contact element in which the magnetic force ring is arranged, wherein the second contact element further comprises a cable with two conductors,which is preferably arranged radially spaced from the magnetic force ring center point of the second magnetic force ring on a side of the second contact element facing away from the second contact, wherein one of the conductors is electrically connected to the second contact and the other of the conductors is electrically connected to the second magnetic force ring or another contact of the second contact element.

55. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the contact pin is spring-loaded, wherein preferably a spring force with which the contact pin is spring-loaded is set such that the contact pin is moved by the magnetic attraction of the first and second contact element is pressed completely into the annular surface of the magnetic force ring, at the center of which it is arranged, and / or wherein the cable is a conductor strip with two conductor tracks as the conductors. System according to one of claims 53 to 55, wherein at least one of the magnetic force rings is an electromagnetic and / or permanent magnetic magnetic ring.System according to one of claims 2 to 56, wherein one of the first and second contact elements has two cuboidal, preferably cube-shaped, magnetic force elements as first magnetic force elements, which are embedded in a housing of the corresponding contact element in such a way that they protrude beyond a surface of the corresponding contact element facing the other contact element and are tilted relative to this surface about at least one axis, and wherein the other of the first and second contact elements has two cuboidal, preferably cube-shaped, magnetic force elements as second magnetic force elements, which are embedded in a housing of the corresponding contact element in such a way that at least one of their surfaces faces the one contact element and forms part of the surface of the corresponding contact element.System according to the preceding claim, wherein the first magnetic force elements are tilted about two axes relative to the surface of the corresponding contact element facing the other contact element and / or wherein the surfaces of the second magnetic force elements forming part of the surface of the corresponding contact element are parallel and / or coplanar to this surface.

Images