Carrying device to be detachably connected with a hearing device housing
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GN HEARING AS
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
Smart Images

Figure CN2024131817_21052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
CARRYING DEVICE TO BE DETACHABLY CONNECTED WITH A HEARING DEVICE HOUSINGFIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a carrying device for a hearing devices. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a carrying device connected with a wearing device, and where the carrying device is configured to be detachably connected with a hearing device housing.BACKGROUND
[0002] A hearing device may consist of a carrying device and a hearing device housing, where the hearing device housing comprises the electrical components of the hearing device such as speaker, microphone, battery etc. The carrying device may be for resting on the user’s ear and for attaching the hearing device housing. The carrying device and the hearing device housing may be attachable and detachable. In prior art, attaching the hearing device housing and the carrying device may be cumbersome and complex.
[0003] Thus, there is a need for a hearing device where the hearing device housing and the carrying device are easier to attach together.SUMMARY
[0004] Disclosed is a carrying device for a hearing device. The carrying device is connected with a wearing device. The carrying device is configured to be detachably connected with a hearing device housing. The carrying device comprises a first face comprising an aperture configured for insertion of the hearing device housing. The carrying device comprises a second face arranged opposite to the first face and configured for pointing towards an ear of a user, when the carrying device is worn in its intended position on the user’s ear. The hearing device housing is configured to be inserted in the aperture in a first insertion angle range.
[0005] A hearing device may consist of a carrying device and a hearing device housing, where the hearing device housing comprises the electrical components of the hearing device such as speaker, microphone, battery etc. The carrying device may be for resting on the user’s ear and for attaching the hearing device housing. The carrying device and the hearing device housing may be attachable and detachable.
[0006] The carrying device may be a part which is configured to be worn at the ear of a user, such as a device with a soft ear pad configured to be adjacent to the ear of the user, when worn, such as an over-the-ear, around-the-ear, or on-the-ear carrying device. The carrying device may only comprise mechanical parts, and may comprise no electrical part. The carrying device may be configured to carrying a hearing device, such as accommodating or receiving a hearing device. The carrying device may have a mechanical configuration or shape which is suitable for carrying the hearing device.
[0007] The hearing device may be a headset, such as a part comprising the electrical parts required for a hearing device, such as comprising a speaker, a microphone, an antenna, a battery, and / or a socket port for connection with electrical wires, such as a USB socket port for receiving a USB plug, e.g. for recharging the hearing device.
[0008] The carrying device is connected with a wearing device. The wearing device may be for the user to wear the carrying device and the hearing device. The wearing device may be a headband, a neckband, a helmet etc. Thus, the carrying device and the wearing device are configured for different wearing styles. The carrying device and the wearing device are e.g. configured for catering to the needs of switch workers, since it provides a versatile design that allows for multiple interchangeable wearing options, including over-the-head, behind-the-neck, and a hat-set configuration compatible with helmets. This adaptability enables users to effortlessly transition between different wearing styles to suit their preferences or work requirements.
[0009] The carrying device is configured to be detachably connected with a hearing device housing. Thus, the carrying device may be attached and detached with the hearing device housing by the user or person wearing the carrying device. The carrying device may be configured to be easily attached and detached with the hearing device housing, such that it is fast and easy for the user to attach or detach the hearing device housing and the carrying device. Thus, it is an advantage of the carrying device that it can be attached and detached with the hearing device, and that it may be fast and easy to attached and detach, since this allows the user to change the carrying device depending on the desired wearing style, e.g. changing between over-the- head, behind-the-neck, and a hat-set configuration compatible with helmets, while still using the same hearing device, and i.e. hearing device housing.
[0010] The hearing device comprises the hearing device housing. The hearing device may also comprise a microphone boom arm. The microphone boom arm may be arranged in an end of the hearing device housing.
[0011] The carrying device comprises a first face comprising an aperture configured for insertion of the hearing device housing. The aperture is configured for insertion of the hearing device housing, thus the aperture may be configured for receiving the hearing device housing. The first face of the carrying device may point towards the surroundings when worn on the user’s ear. The aperture in the first face of the carrying device may be a hole, a recess, a groove, a depression etc for insertion of the hearing device housing. Thus, the hearing device housing may have a shape which matches the shape of the aperture. The hearing device housing may comprise a speaker tower, thus the hearing device housing may comprise a protrusion, where the protrusion matches with the aperture of the carrying device. The aperture may be circular, such as circular in a direction of a plane of the first face. The aperture may have a depth, such as a depth in a direction which is perpendicular to the plane of the first face.
[0012] The carrying device comprises a second face arranged opposite to the first face and configured for pointing towards an ear of a user, when the carrying device is worn in its intended position on the user’s ear. Thus the second face may be arranged on the opposite side of the carrying device than the first face. The second face points towards or faces the ear of the user when the carrying device is worn in the intended position on the user.
[0013] The second face may comprise a soft padded fabric or textile material for ensuring comfort for the user when wearing the carrying device. The first face of the carrying device may be a hard plastic material which can endure attachment and detachment of the hearing device housing.
[0014] The hearing device housing is configured to be inserted in the aperture in a first insertion angle range. Thus, the aperture is configured for receiving the hearing device housing in a first insertion angle range. The first insertion angle may be any angle within the first insertion angle range. The first insertion angle range may be a wide range, such as an angle range of 360°. An angle range of 360°corresponds to the full circle when the aperture has a circular shape, i.e. in such case, the hearing device housing may be inserted in any or every insertion angle. It is an advantage that the hearing device housing is configured to be inserted in the aperture in a first insertion angle range, because this range may be a broad or wide range, such as a full circle of 360°, thereby improving the user experience, since there may not be any restrictions for the user regarding which angle to insert the hearing device housing into the aperture of the carrying device with. Thus, it may be easy for the user to insert the hearing device housing.
[0015] Thus, it is an advantage that the hearing device housing and the carrying device are easy to attach together.
[0016] In prior art, a hearing device housing may only be inserted in one particular angle in a carrying device. Thus, it is an advantage of the present invention that it provides improved user experience, because the user may insert the hearing device housing in the carrying device in a wider or broader range of insertion angles, such as in any or every insertion angle between 0°and 360°in a circular aperture of the carrying device.
[0017] Thus, it is an advantage that the carrying device is designed with an aperture to facilitate the effortless insertion of the hearing device housing, e.g. a headset.
[0018] Furthermore, a U-shaped spring mechanism may be incorporated to deliver a force to engage with a slot of the hearing device housing, ensuring a secure lock while also allowing for easy removal.
[0019] The design permits the hearing device housing to be inserted at various angles, providing a degree of flexibility during the assembly process. The carrying device and the hearing device may be assembled such as every day or several times every day, e.g. if the user is changing between different carrying devices and wearing devices, such as changing between neckband, headband, helmet etc. due to the type of work tasks performed when wearing the hearing device.
[0020] Furthermore, it may be a feature of the carrying device that when the hearing device housing is not correctly positioned in the aperture from the outside, when user rotate hearing device housing in the aperture, then the carrying device, aided by the U-shaped spring, may automatically correct and secure the hearing device housing into the proper alignment.
[0021] In prior art, in order to ensure proper alignment and functionality, the hearing device may require a defined angle position for the boom arm of the hearing device, when rotating the boom arm toward the mouth of the user wearing the device. This necessitates the inclusion of a rotation stop feature to ensure that a rib on the hearing device housing aligns with a slot on the carrying device. In the standard design of prior art, the hearing device must be assembled into a desired wearing style at a specific angle for optimal performance.
[0022] According to an aspect, disclosed is a hearing device comprising a carrying device according to the above, and comprising a wearing device and a hearing device housing, where the carrying device is connected with the wearing device, and wherein the carrying device is configured to be detachably connected with the hearing device housing.
[0023] In some embodiments, wherein the first insertion angle is in a range of about 0°to 360°, such as a range from about 5° to 355°, such as a range from about 10° to 350°, and / or such as a range from about 15° to 345°. Where 0° may be at the top of the carrying device, i.e. at the connection with the wearing device, e.g. headband, e.g. pointing upwards vertically when worn in the intended position of the user’s head. From 0°to 360° may correspond to that the first insertion angle can be any and every angle in a full circle, such as in a clockwise direction.
[0024] In some embodiments, the hearing device housing is configured to obtain an intermediate position in an insertion direction in the aperture, if the hearing device housing is inserted in a second insertion angle range being a first subset of the first insertion angle range. Thus, the hearing device housing is configured to obtain an intermediate position when received in a second insertion angle in the aperture, wherein the second insertion angle being a first subset of the first insertion angle. The second insertion angle range may be such as a range of 120°, such as from an angle of about 120° to about 240°, where 0° is at the top, i.e. at the connection with the wearing device, e.g. headband. Thus, the second insertion angle range may be such as a range of 60°, such as from an angle of about 150° to about 210°, or such as a range of 80°, such as from an angle of about 140° to about 220°, or such as a range of 100°, such as from an angle of about 130° to about 230°, or such as a range of 110°, such as from an angle of about 125° to about 235°, or such as a range of 130°, such as from an angle of about 115° to about 245°, or such as a range of 140°, such as from an angle of about 110° to about 250°, etc.
[0025] In some embodiments, the hearing device housing is configured to obtain a final / complete position in the insertion direction in the aperture, if the hearing device housing is rotated inside the aperture after being inserted in the second insertion angle range. Thus, the final / complete position may mean to be completely received, and the intermediate position may mean to be partially received.
[0026] In some embodiments, the hearing device housing is configured to obtain the final / complete position in the insertion direction in the aperture, if the hearing device housing is inserted in a third insertion angle range being a second subset of the first insertion angle range, where the second subset is different from the first subset. The third insertion angle range may be such as a range of 240°, such as from about 0° to 120° and from 240° to 360°, also described as from about 240°via 0° / 360° to about 120°in a clockwise direction, where 0° / 360°is at the top, i.e. at the connection with the wearing device, e.g. headband. Thus, the third insertion angle range may be such as a range of 220°, such as from an angle of about 250°via 0° / 360° to about 110°in a clockwise direction, or such as a range of 230°, such as from an angle of about 245°via 0° / 360° to about 115°in a clockwise direction, or such as a range of 250°, such as from an angle of about 230°via 0° / 360° to about 130°in a clockwise direction, or such as a range of 260°, such as from an angle of about 225°via 0° / 360° to about 135°in a clockwise direction, or such as a range of 280°, such as from an angle of about 220°via 0° / 360° to about 140°in a clockwise direction 28, or such as a range of 300°, such as from an angle of about 210°via 0° / 360° to about 150°in a clockwise direction 28.
[0027] In some embodiments, the carrying device comprises a stopping element configured for preventing the hearing device housing from being rotated from the third insertion angle into the second insertion angle in the aperture after insertion of the hearing device housing. Thus, the stopping element may be configured for ensuring that the hearing device housing remains in the final / complete position and does not move back to intermediate position. It is an advantage that the hearing device cannot rotate back into the second insertion angle range, because this ensures that a microphone boom arm, which may be protruding from the hearing device housing, cannot point downwards, such as vertically downwards, when worn on the user’s head on the intended position, since this could create a bad sound capture from the user’s mouth. The capture of the user’s voice using the hearing device, and e.g. a microphone boom arm on the hearing device housing, may not be optimal if the microphone boom arm points downwards. Optimally the microphone boom arm should point towards the user’s mouth, which may correspond to an angle of 120°.
[0028] In some embodiments, the stopping element is configured for ensuring that the hearing device housing is able to rotate inside the aperture after insertion, in an angle range corresponding to the third insertion angle range. The third insertion angle range may be such as a range of 240°, such as from about 0° to 120° and from 240° to 360°, also described as from about 240°via 0° / 360° to about 120°in a clockwise direction, where 0° / 360° is at the top, i.e. at the connection with the wearing device, e.g. headband.
[0029] In some embodiments, the stopping element is arranged at the edge / rim between the aperture and a flat surface of first face, and wherein the stopping element is a filling in a groove at the edge / rim, and wherein the extension of the stopping element at the edge / rim corresponds to the second insertion angle interval / range.
[0030] In some embodiments, the aperture comprises a spring mechanism configured for ensuring a secure lock of the hearing device housing when the hearing device housing is inserted in the aperture, and for ensuring that the hearing device housing obtains the final / complete position in the aperture after insertion. The spring mechanism may be a coupling device. It is also an advantage of the spring mechanism that is ensures an easy detachment of the hearing device housing and the carrying device.
[0031] In some embodiments, the aperture is configured to match with a protrusion of the hearing device housing, and wherein the spring mechanism is configured to match with a slot of the protrusion of the hearing device housing. The protrusion of the hearing device housing may be a speaker tower, where the speaker / output transducer of the hearing device is arranged.
[0032] In some embodiments, the aperture is circularly shaped and configured to match with a circular shape of the protrusion of the hearing device housing.
[0033] In some embodiments, the aperture provides that the hearing device housing is rotatable in the aperture. The hearing device housing may be rotatable in the aperture in a third insertion angle range, which may be such as a range of 240°, such as from about 0° to 120° and from 240° to 360°, also described as from about 240°via 0° / 360° to about 120°in a clockwise direction, where 0° / 360° is at the top, i.e. at the connection with the wearing device, e.g. headband.
[0034] In some embodiments, the spring mechanism is a U-shaped spring. Alternatively, the spring mechanism may be an L-shaped spring, an O-shaped spring, a C-shaped spring etc.
[0035] In some embodiments, the carrying device further comprises a gasket for passive noise cancellation.
[0036] It is an advantage that the carrying device comprises a gasket for passive noise cancellation (PNC) , because passive noise cancellation will provide more comfort for the user wearing the carrying device, as noise will be limited for the user.
[0037] In prior art, it is difficult to obtain an effective passive noise cancelation, because the necessity for microphone boom arm rotation introduces complexities in maintaining an effective passive noise cancellation (PNC) seal.
[0038] It is an advantage of the gasket of the present carrying device that in a base of the carrying device a composite gasket may be assembled. The composite gasket may comprise a layer of an elastic foam, such as Poron, and a polyacetal sheet, such as POM. The elastic foam, e.g. Poron, component serves as an elastic element, offering sufficient overlap to create an effective sealing without introducing excessive friction that could impact the tactile experience of the boom arm's rotation. The polyacetal sheet, e.g. POM sheet, contributes to both sealing and lubrication, ensuring that the gasket maintains an adequate seal between the carrying device and the hearing device housing, also when the hearing device housing is rotated in the aperture, e.g. as part of the microphone boom arm's rotation. This is relevant for optimal passive noise cancellation (PNC) performance. The integration of a gasket assembly has the advantage of enhancing the passive noise cancellation (PNC) effectiveness, such as improving noise reduction from -6dB to -11dB.
[0039] In some embodiments, the gasket is arranged in a bottom of the aperture where the protrusion of the hearing device housing is arranged when the hearing device housing is inserted in the aperture, and wherein the gasket comprises one or more layers of foams. The foam may be Poron, and a sheet of POM may also be provided. The foam, e.g. Poron, and a sheet, e.g. POM sheet, help in ensuring a tight closure, being sound proof, and sealing.
[0040] In some embodiments, the carrying device and the hearing device provides a mute function of the hearing device. The mute function is for muting the microphone of the hearing device. The microphone may be arranged on the tip of a microphone boom arm which is arranged as a protrusion from the hearing device housing. The mute function may be enabled based on a rotation of the hearing device housing and e.g. also a rotation of the microphone boom arm. The mute function may be provided in an angle in a range of about 150°, such as from about 285°to about 75°, also described as from 285°via 0° / 360°to 75° in a clockwise direction, where 0° / 360°is at the top, i.e. at the connection with the wearing device, e.g. headband.
[0041] Thus, the unmuted area may be provided in an angle range from about 75° to about 120° and from about 140° to about 285°, where 0° / 360° is at the top, e.g. at the connection with the wearing device, e.g. headband. Or the unmuted area may be provided in an angle range from about 75° to about 150° and from about 210° to about 285°.
[0042] A sensor, such as magnet sensor, f. ex. a Hall sensor may be provided in the hearing device housing for enabling the mute function. One or more magnets, which may be detected by the magnet sensor may be provided in the carrying device
[0043] In some embodiment, the carrying device comprises one or more friction elements in the aperture. It is an advantage of the friction element that they will interface with the hearing device housing in the aperture and thereby provide suitable friction force which will provide a good rotation experience. The frictions elements may be rubber parts or rubber balls. For providing the friction force, there may be a pressure from “inside” the aperture wall to push the friction elements outwards into the aperture, so even if the friction elements becomes worn, there may still be friction because the friction elements are pushed outwards.
[0044] In an embodiment, a hearing device is configured to be worn by a user. The hearing device may be arranged at the user’s ear, on the user’s ear, over the user’s ear. The user may wear two hearing devices, one hearing device at each ear. The two hearing devices may be connected, such as wirelessly connected and / or connected by wires, such as a binaural hearing aid system.
[0045] The hearing device may be a hearable such as a headset, headphone, earphone, hearing aid, a personal sound amplification product (PSAP) , an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing device, a hearing protection device, a one-size-fits-all hearing device, a custom hearing device or another head-wearable hearing device. Hearing devices can include both prescription devices and non-prescription devices.
[0046] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise one or more input transducers. The one or more input transducers may comprise one or more microphones. The one or more input transducers may comprise one or more vibration sensors configured for detecting bone vibration. The one or more input transducer (s) may be configured for converting an acoustic signal into a first electric input signal. The first electric input signal may be an analogue signal. The first electric input signal may be a digital signal. The one or more input transducer (s) may be coupled to one or more analogue-to-digital converter (s) configured for converting the analogue first input signal into a digital first input signal.
[0047] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise one or more antenna (s) configured for wireless communication. The one or more antenna (s) may comprise an electric antenna. The electric antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a first frequency. The first frequency may be above 800 MHz, preferably a wavelength between 900 MHz and 6 GHz. The first frequency may be 902 MHz to 928 MHz. The first frequency may be 2.4 to 2.5 GHz. The first frequency may be 5.725 GHz to 5.875 GHz. The one or more antenna (s) may comprise a magnetic antenna. The magnetic antenna may comprise a magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may comprise a coil. The coil may be coiled around the magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a second frequency. The second frequency may be below 100 MHz. The second frequency may be between 9 MHz and 15 MHz.
[0048] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise one or more wireless communication unit (s) . The one or more wireless communication unit (s) may comprise one or more wireless receiver (s) , one or more wireless transmitter (s) , one or more transmitter-receiver pair (s) and / or one or more transceiver (s) . At least one of the one or more wireless communication unit (s) may be coupled to the one or more antenna (s) . The wireless communication unit may be configured for converting a wireless signal received by at least one of the one or more antenna (s) into a second electric input signal. The hearing device may be configured for wired / wireless audio communication, e.g. enabling the user to listen to media, such as music or radio and / or enabling the user to perform phone calls.
[0049] In an embodiment, the wireless signal may originate from one or more external source (s) and / or external devices, such as spouse microphone device (s) , wireless audio transmitter (s) , smart computer (s) and / or distributed microphone array (s) associated with a wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal (s) may origin from another hearing device, e.g., as part of a binaural hearing system and / or from one or more accessory device (s) , such as a smartphone and / or a smart watch.
[0050] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include a processing unit. The processing unit may be configured for processing the first and / or second electric input signal (s) . The processing may comprise compensating for a hearing loss of the user, i.e., apply frequency dependent gain to input signals in accordance with the user’s frequency dependent hearing impairment. The processing may comprise performing feedback cancelation, beamforming, tinnitus reduction / masking, noise reduction, noise cancellation, speech recognition, bass adjustment, treble adjustment and / or processing of user input. The processing unit may be a processor, an integrated circuit, an application, functional module, etc. The processing unit may be implemented in a signal-processing chip or a printed circuit board (PCB) . The processing unit may be configured to provide a first electric output signal based on the processing of the first and / or second electric input signal (s) . The processing unit may be configured to provide a second electric output signal. The second electric output signal may be based on the processing of the first and / or second electric input signal (s) .
[0051] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise an output transducer. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit. The output transducer may be a receiver. It is noted that in this context, a receiver may be a loudspeaker, whereas a wireless receiver may be a device configured for processing a wireless signal. The receiver may be configured for converting the first electric output signal into an acoustic output signal. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit via the magnetic antenna.
[0052] In an embodiment, the wireless communication unit may be configured for converting the second electric output signal into a wireless output signal. The wireless output signal may comprise synchronization data. The wireless communication unit may be configured for transmitting the wireless output signal via at least one of the one or more antennas.
[0053] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise a digital-to-analogue converter configured to convert the first electric output signal, the second electric output signal and / or the wireless output signal into an analogue signal.
[0054] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise a power source. The power source may comprise a battery providing a first voltage. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a replaceable battery. The power source may comprise a power management unit. The power management unit may be configured to convert the first voltage into a second voltage. The power source may comprise a charging coil. The charging coil may be provided by the magnetic antenna.
[0055] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise a memory, including volatile and non-volatile forms of memory.
[0056] The present invention relates to different aspects including the carrying device, the hearing device and the wearing device described above and in the following, and corresponding device parts, each yielding one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with the first mentioned aspect, and each having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with the first mentioned aspect and / or disclosed in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
[0058] Fig. 1a) and 1 b) schematically illustrates an exemplary carrying device 2 for a hearing device 4.
[0059] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary carrying device 2 for a hearing device 4.
[0060] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary illustration of insertion angles and possible rotation of the hearing device housing 8 in the aperture of the carrying device 2.
[0061] Fig 4a) , 4b) and 4c) schematically illustrates an exemplary carrying device 2 for a hearing device 4.
[0062] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a mute function of the hearing device 4.
[0063] Fig. 6a) and 6b) schematically illustrates an exemplary carrying device 2 comprising a gasket 64 for passive noise cancellation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0064] Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.
[0065] Fig. 1a) and 1 b) schematically illustrates an exemplary carrying device 2 for a hearing device 4. The carrying device 2 is connected with a wearing device 6. The carrying device 2 is configured to be detachably connected with a hearing device housing 8. The carrying device 2 comprises a first face 10 comprising an aperture 12 configured for insertion of the hearing device housing 8. The carrying device 2 comprises a second face 14 arranged opposite to the first face 10 and configured for pointing towards an ear of a user, when the carrying device 2 is worn in its intended position on the user’s ear. The hearing device housing 8 is configured to be inserted in the aperture 12 in a first insertion angle range.
[0066] The hearing device 4 may comprise a microphone boom arm 16 extending as a protrusion from the hearing device housing 8. A microphone 18 for capturing the user’s voice may be arranged at the tip of the microphone boom arm 16.
[0067] The carrying device 2 may be connected with the wearing device 6 via an arched-shaped attachment component 20, e.g. when the wearing device 6 is a neckband as shown in fig. 1 Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary carrying device 2 for a hearing device 4. The carrying device 2 is configured to be detachably connected with a hearing device housing 8. The carrying device 2 comprises a first face 10 comprising an aperture 12 configured for insertion of the hearing device housing 8. The carrying device 2 comprises a second face 14 arranged opposite to the first face 10 and configured for pointing towards an ear of a user, when the carrying device 2 is worn in its intended position on the user’s ear. The hearing device housing 8 is configured to be inserted in the aperture 12 in a first insertion angle range.
[0068] The insertion direction 22 is the direction for inserting the hearing device housing 8 in the aperture 12 of the carrying device 2, i.e. for attaching or detaching the hearing device 4 from the carrying device 2. The insertion direction 22 may be a direction perpendicular to a plane 24 of the first face 10 and to a plane 26 of the second face 14 of the carrying device 2.
[0069] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary illustration of insertion angles and possible rotation of the hearing device housing 8 in the aperture of the carrying device 2. Fig. 3 illustrates the hearing device housing 8 when inserted in the carrying device, and seen from the front plane of the user’s ear when the user is wearing the hearing device in its intended position.
[0070] The first insertion angle 30 may be in a range of about 0°to 360°, such as a range from about 5° to 355°, such as a range from about 10° to 350°, and / or such as a range from about 15° to 345°. Where 0° may be at the top of the carrying device 2, e.g. at the connection with the wearing device 6, e.g. headband, e.g. pointing upwards vertically when worn in the intended position of the user’s head. From 0°to 360° may correspond to that the first insertion angle 30 can be any and every angle in a full circle, such as in a clockwise direction 28.
[0071] The hearing device housing 8 is configured to obtain an intermediate position in an insertion direction (see reference sign 22 in fig 2) in the aperture, ifthe hearing device housing 8 is inserted in a second insertion angle range 32 being a first subset of the first insertion angle range 30. Thus, the hearing device housing 8 is configured to obtain an intermediate position when received in a second insertion angle range 32 in the aperture, wherein the second insertion angle range 32 being a first subset of the first insertion angle range 30. The second insertion angle range 32 may be such as a range of 60°, such as from an angle of about 150° to about 210°, or such as a range of 80°, such as from an angle of about 140° to about 220°, or such as a range of 120°, such as from an angle of about 120° to about 240°, where 0° is at the top, e.g. at the connection with the wearing device 6, e.g. headband. Thus, the second insertion angle range may be such as a range of 100°, such as from an angle of about 130° to about 230°, or such as a range of 110°, such as from an angle of about 125° to about 235°, or such as a range of 130°, such as from an angle of about 115° to about 245°, or such as a range of 140°, such as from an angle of about 110° to about 250°, etc.
[0072] The hearing device housing 8 is configured to obtain a final / complete position in the insertion direction in the aperture, if the hearing device housing 8 is rotated inside the aperture after being inserted in the second insertion angle range 32. Thus, the final / complete position may mean to be completely received, and the intermediate position may mean to be partially received.
[0073] The hearing device housing 8 is configured to obtain the final / complete position in the insertion direction in the aperture, if the hearing device housing 8 is inserted in a third insertion angle range 34 being a second subset of the first insertion angle range 30, where the second subset is different from the first subset. Thus, the range of the third insertion angle 34 is different from the range of the second insertion angle 32. The third insertion angle range 34 may be such as a range of 240°, such as from about 0° to 120° and from 240° to 360°, also described as from about 240°via 0° / 360° to about 120°in a clockwise direction 28, where 0° / 360° is at the top, e.g. at the connection with the wearing device 6, e.g. headband. Thus, the third insertion angle range 34 may be such as a range of 220°, such as from an angle of about 250°via 0° / 360° to about 110°in a clockwise direction 28, or such as a range of 230°, such as from an angle of about 245°via 0° / 360° to about 115°in a clockwise direction, or such as a range of 250°, such as from an angle of about 230°via 0° / 360° to about 130°in a clockwise direction, or such as a range of 260°, such as from an angle of about 225°via 0° / 360° to about 135°in a clockwise direction 28, or such as a range of 280°, such as from an angle of about 220°via 0° / 360° to about 140°in a clockwise direction 28, or such as a range of 300°, such as from an angle of about 210°via 0° / 360° to about 150°in a clockwise direction 28.
[0074] Fig 4a) , 4b) and 4c) schematically illustrates an exemplary carrying device 2 for a hearing device 4. The carrying device 2 is connected with a wearing device 6. The carrying device 2 is configured to be detachably connected with a hearing device housing 8. The carrying device 2 comprises a first face 10 comprising an aperture 12 configured for insertion of the hearing device housing 8. The carrying device 2 comprises a second face 14 arranged opposite to the first face 10 and configured for pointing towards an ear of a user, when the carrying device 2 is worn in its intended position on the user’s ear. The hearing device housing 8 is configured to be inserted in the aperture 12 in a first insertion angle range.
[0075] Fig. 4b) shows that the carrying device 2 may comprise a stopping element 40 for preventing the hearing device housing 8 from being rotated from the third insertion angle range 34 into the second insertion angle range 32 (see fig. 3) in the aperture 12 after insertion of the hearing device housing 8. Thus, the stopping element 40 may be configured for ensuring that the hearing device housing 8 remains in the final / complete position and does not move back to the intermediate position. It is an advantage that the hearing device housing 8 cannot rotate back into the second insertion angle range 32, because this ensures that a microphone boom arm (see figs 1a) and 1 b) ) , which may be protruding from the hearing device housing 8, cannot point downwards, such as vertically downwards, when worn on the user’s head on the intended position, since this could create a bad sound capture from the user’s mouth. The capture of the user’s voice using the hearing device, and e.g. a microphone boom arm on the hearing device housing 8, may not be optimal if the microphone boom arm points downwards. Optimally the microphone boom arm should point towards the user’s mouth, which may correspond to an angle of 120°.
[0076] The stopping element 40 is configured for ensuring that the hearing device housing 8 is able to rotate inside the aperture 12 after insertion, in an angle range corresponding to the third insertion angle range 34. The third insertion angle range 34 may be such as a range of 240°, such as from about 0° to 120° and from 240° to 360°, also described as from about 240°via 0° / 360° to about 120°in a clockwise direction, where 0° / 360° is at the top, i.e. at the connection with the wearing device, e.g. headband.
[0077] Fig. 4b) shows that the stopping element 40 is arranged at the edge / rim 42 between the aperture 12 and a flat surface of first face 10, and wherein the stopping element 40 is a filling in a groove 44 at the edge / rim 42, and wherein the extension A-B of the stopping element 40 at the edge / rim 42 corresponds to the second insertion angle range 32 (see fig 3) .
[0078] The aperture 12 may be circularly shaped and configured to match with a circular shape of a protrusion 54 of the hearing device housing 8. The protrusion 54 of the hearing device housing 8 may be a speaker tower 50, where the speaker / output transducer of the hearing device 4 is arranged.
[0079] The aperture 12 provides that the hearing device housing 8 is rotatable in the aperture 12. The hearing device housing 8 may be rotatable in the aperture 12 in a third insertion angle range 34 (see fig. 3) , which may be such as a range of 240°, such as from about 0° to 120° and from 240°to 360°, also described as from about 240°via 0° / 360° to about 120°in a clockwise direction, where 0° / 360° is at the top, e.g. at the connection with the wearing device, e.g. headband.
[0080] Fig. 4b) and 4c) show that the aperture 12 comprises a spring mechanism 52 configured for ensuring a secure lock of the hearing device housing 8 when the hearing device housing 8 is inserted in the aperture 12, and for ensuring that the hearing device housing 8 obtains the final / complete position in the aperture 12 after insertion.
[0081] The aperture 12 is configured to match with a protrusion 54 of the hearing device housing 8, and the spring mechanism 52 is configured to match with a slot 56 of the protrusion 54 of the hearing device housing 8. The protrusion 54 of the hearing device housing 8 may be a speaker tower, where the speaker / output transducer of the hearing device is arranged.
[0082] Fig. 4c) shows that the spring mechanism 52 is a U-shaped spring. Alternatively, the spring mechanism may be an L-shaped spring, an O-shaped spring, a C-shaped spring etc.
[0083] Fig. 4b) and 4c) show that the carrying device 2 may comprise one or more friction elements 58 in the aperture 12. The friction elements 58 will interface with the protrusion 54 of hearing device housing 8 in the aperture 12 and thereby provide suitable friction force which will provide a good rotation experience. The frictions elements 58 may be rubber parts or rubber balls. For providing the friction force, there may be a pressure from “inside” the aperture wall 60 to push the friction elements 58 outwards into the aperture 12, so even if the friction elements 58 become worn, there may still be friction because the friction elements 58 are pushed outwards against the protrusion 54 of the hearing device housing 8.
[0084] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a mute function of the hearing device 4. The mute function is for muting the microphone, see microphone boom arm of fig. 1a) , of the hearing device 4. The microphone may be arranged on the tip of a microphone boom arm which is arranged as a protrusion from the hearing device housing, see fig. 1a) . The mute function may be enabled based on a rotation of the hearing device housing 8 in the aperture of the carrying device 2, and e.g. also a rotation of the microphone boom arm. The mute function may be provided in an angle in a range of about 150°, such as from about 285°to about 75°, also described as from 285°via 0° / 360°to 75° in a clockwise direction 28, where 0° / 360° is at the top, e.g. at the connection with the wearing device 6, e.g. headband.
[0085] Thus, the unmuted area 62 may be provided in an angle range from about 75° to about 120°and from about 140° to about 285°, where 0° / 360° is at the top, e.g. at the connection with the wearing device 6, e.g. headband. Or the unmuted area 62 may be provided in an angle range from about 75° to about 150° and from about 210° to about 285°.
[0086] A sensor 46, such as a Hall sensor, may be provided in the hearing device housing 8 for enabling the mute function. Magnets 48 are arranged in the carrying device 2 to define the muted area.
[0087] Fig. 6a) and 6b) schematically illustrates an exemplary carrying device 2 comprising a gasket 64 for passive noise cancellation.
[0088] The carrying device 2 is configured to be detachably connected with a hearing device housing 8. The carrying device 2 comprises a first face 10 comprising an aperture 12 configured for insertion of the hearing device housing 8. The carrying device 2 comprises a second face 14 arranged opposite to the first face 10 and configured for pointing towards an ear of a user, when the carrying device 2 is worn in its intended position on the user’s ear. The hearing device housing 8 is configured to be inserted in the aperture 12 in a first insertion angle range.
[0089] The aperture 12 may be circularly shaped and configured to match with a circular shape of a protrusion 54 of the hearing device housing 8. The protrusion 54 of the hearing device housing 8 may be a speaker tower 50, where the speaker / output transducer of the hearing device 4 is arranged.
[0090] In a base of the carrying device, such as at the bottom of the aperture 12, acomposite gasket 64 may be assembled. The composite gasket 64 may comprise a layer of an elastic foam 68, such as Poron, and a polyacetal sheet 66, such as POM. The elastic foam 68, e.g. Poron, component serves as an elastic element, offering sufficient overlap to create an effective sealing without introducing excessive friction that could impact the tactile experience of the boom arm's rotation. The polyacetal sheet 66, e.g. POM sheet, contributes to both sealing and lubrication, ensuring that the gasket 64 maintains an adequate seal between the carrying device 2 and the hearing device housing 8, also when the hearing device housing 8 is rotated in the aperture 12, e.g. as part of the microphone boom arm's rotation. This is relevant for optimal passive noise cancellation (PNC) performance. The integration of a gasket assembly 64 has the advantage of enhancing the passive noise cancellation (PNC) effectiveness, such as improving noise reduction from -6dB to -11dB.
[0091] In fig. 6b) , the gasket 64 is shown to be arranged in a bottom of the aperture 12 where the protrusion 54 of the hearing device housing 8 is arranged when the hearing device housing 8 is inserted in the aperture 12. The gasket 64 comprises one or more layers of foams 66. The foam 66 may be Poron, and a sheet 68 of POM may also be provided. The foam 66 and the sheet 68 may be attached together by a tape 70, and a tape 70 may also attach the gasket 64 in the bottom of the aperture 12. The foam, e.g. Poron, and a sheet, e.g. POM sheet, help in ensuring a tight closure, being sound proof, and sealing.
[0092] Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.
[0093] ITEMS:
[0094] 1. A carrying device (2) for a hearing device (4) , where the carrying device (2) is connected with a wearing device (6) , and wherein the carrying device (2) is configured to be detachably connected with a hearing device housing (8) , the carrying device (2) comprises:
[0095] - a first face (10) comprising an aperture (12) configured for insertion of the hearing device housing (8) ;
[0096] - a second face (14) arranged opposite to the first face (10) and configured for pointing towards an ear of a user, when the carrying device (2) is worn in its intended position on the user’s ear;
[0097] - wherein the hearing device housing (8) is configured to be inserted in the aperture (12) in a first insertion angle range (30) .
[0098] 2. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first insertion angle (30) is in a range of 0°to 360°, such as a range from about 5°to 355°, such as a range from about 10° to 350°, and / or such as a range from about 15° to 345°.
[0099] 3. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hearing device housing (8) is configured to obtain an intermediate position in an insertion direction (22) in the aperture (12) , if the hearing device housing (8) is inserted in a second insertion angle range (32) being a first subset of the first insertion angle range (30) .
[0100] 4. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hearing device housing (8) is configured to obtain a final / complete position in the insertion direction (22) in the aperture (12) , if the hearing device housing (8) is rotated inside the aperture (12) after being inserted in the second insertion angle range (32) .
[0101] 5. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hearing device housing (8) is configured to obtain the final / complete position in the insertion direction (22) in the aperture (12) , if the hearing device housing (8) is inserted in a third insertion angle range (34) being a second subset of the first insertion angle range (30) , where the second subset is different from the first subset.
[0102] 6. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the carrying device comprises a stopping element (40) configured for preventing the hearing device housing (8) from being rotated from the third insertion angle (34) into the second insertion angle (32) in the aperture (12) after insertion of the hearing device housing (8) .
[0103] 7. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the stopping element (40) is configured for ensuring that the hearing device housing (8) is able to rotate inside the aperture (12) after insertion, in an angle range corresponding to the third insertion angle range (34) .
[0104] 8. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the stopping element (40) is arranged at the edge / rim (42) between the aperture (12) and a flat surface of first face (10) , and wherein the stopping element (40) is a filling in a groove (44) at the edge / rim (42) , and wherein the extension (A-B) of the stopping element (40) at the edge / rim (42) corresponds to the second insertion angle range (32) .
[0105] 9. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the aperture (12) comprises a spring mechanism (52) configured for ensuring a secure lock of the hearing device housing (8) when the hearing device housing (8) is inserted in the aperture (12) , and for ensuring that the hearing device housing (8) obtains the final / complete position in the aperture (12) after insertion.
[0106] 10. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the aperture (12) is configured to match with a protrusion (54) of the hearing device housing (8) , and wherein the spring mechanism (52) is configured to match with a slot (56) of the protrusion (54) of the hearing device housing (8) .
[0107] 11. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the aperture (12) is circularly shaped and configured to match with a circular shape of the protrusion (54) of the hearing device housing (8) .
[0108] 12. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the aperture (12) provides that the hearing device housing (8) is rotatable in the aperture (12) .
[0109] 13. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the spring mechanism (52) is a U-shaped spring.
[0110] 14. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the carrying device (2) further comprises a gasket (64) for passive noise cancellation.
[0111] 15. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the gasket (64) is arranged in a bottom of the aperture (12) where the protrusion (54) of the hearing device housing (8)is arranged when the hearing device housing (8) is inserted in the aperture (12) , and wherein the gasket (64) comprises one or more layers of foam (68) .
[0112] 16. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the carrying device and the hearing device provides a mute function of the hearing device.
[0113] 17. The carrying device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the carrying device comprises one or more friction elements in the aperture.
[0114] 18. A hearing device (4) comprising a carrying device (2) according to item 1, and comprising a wearing device (6) and a hearing device housing (8) , where the carrying device (2) is connected with the wearing device (6) , and wherein the carrying device (2) is configured to be detachably connected with the hearing device housing (8) .
[0115] LIST OF REFERENCES
[0116] 2 carrying device
[0117] 4 hearing device
[0118] 6 wearing device
[0119] 8 hearing device housing
[0120] 10 first face of carrying device
[0121] 12 aperture of carrying device
[0122] 14 second face of carrying device
[0123] 16 microphone boom arm
[0124] 18 microphone
[0125] 20 attachment component of wearing device
[0126] 22 insertion direction
[0127] 24 plane of the first face
[0128] 26 plane of the second face
[0129] 28 clockwise direction
[0130] 30 first insertion angle
[0131] 32 second insertion angle range
[0132] 34 third insertion angle range
[0133] 40 stopping element
[0134] 42 edge / rim
[0135] 44 groove
[0136] 46 sensor
[0137] 48 magnet (s)
[0138] 50 speaker tower
[0139] 52 spring mechanism
[0140] 54 protrusion
[0141] 56 slot
[0142] 58 friction elements
[0143] 60 aperture wall
[0144] 62 unmuted area
[0145] 64 gasket
[0146] 66 polyacetal sheet
[0147] 68 foam
[0148] 70 tape
[0149] A-B extension of stopping element
Claims
1.A carrying device (2) for a hearing device (4) , where the carrying device (2) is connected with a wearing device (6) , and wherein the carrying device (2) is configured to be detachably connected with a hearing device housing (8) , the carrying device (2) comprises:- a first face (10) comprising an aperture (12) configured for insertion of the hearing device housing (8) ;- a second face (14) arranged opposite to the first face (10) and configured for pointing towards an ear of a user, when the carrying device (2) is worn in its intended position on the user’s ear;- wherein the hearing device housing (8) is configured to be inserted in the aperture (12) in a first insertion angle range (30) .2.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first insertion angle (30) is in a range of 0° to 360°, such as a range from about 5° to 355°, such as a range from about 10° to 350°, and / or such as a range from about 15° to 345°.3.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing device housing (8) is configured to obtain an intermediate position in an insertion direction (22) in the aperture (12) , if the hearing device housing (8) is inserted in a second insertion angle range (32) being a first subset of the first insertion angle range (30) .4.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing device housing (8) is configured to obtain a final / complete position in the insertion direction (22) in the aperture (12) , if the hearing device housing (8) is rotated inside the aperture (12) after being inserted in the second insertion angle range (32) .5.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing device housing (8) is configured to obtain the final / complete position in the insertion direction (22) in the aperture (12) , if the hearing device housing (8) is inserted in a third insertion angle range (34) being a second subset of the first insertion angle range (30) , where the second subset is different from the first subset.6.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying device comprises a stopping element (40) configured for preventing the hearing device housing (8) from being rotated from the third insertion angle (34) into the second insertion angle (32) in the aperture (12) after insertion of the hearing device housing (8) .7.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stopping element (40) is configured for ensuring that the hearing device housing (8) is able to rotate inside the aperture (12) after insertion, in an angle range corresponding to the third insertion angle range (34) .8.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the stopping element (40) is arranged at the edge / rim (42) between the aperture (12) and a flat surface of first face (10) , and wherein the stopping element (40) is a filling in a groove (44) at the edge / rim (42) , and wherein the extension (A-B) of the stopping element (40) at the edge / rim (42) corresponds to the second insertion angle range (32) .9.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture (12) comprises a spring mechanism (52) configured for ensuring a secure lock of the hearing device housing (8) when the hearing device housing (8) is inserted in the aperture (12) , and for ensuring that the hearing device housing (8) obtains the final / complete position in the aperture (12) after insertion.10.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture (12) is configured to match with a protrusion (54) of the hearing device housing (8) , and wherein the spring mechanism (52) is configured to match with a slot (56) of the protrusion (54) of the hearing device housing (8) .11.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture (12) is circularly shaped and configured to match with a circular shape of the protrusion (54) of the hearing device housing (8) .12.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aperture (12) provides that the hearing device housing (8) is rotatable in the aperture (12) .13.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spring mechanism (52) is a U-shaped spring.14.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying device (2) further comprises a gasket (64) for passive noise cancellation.15.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gasket (64) is arranged in a bottom of the aperture (12) where the protrusion (54) of the hearing device housing (8) is arranged when the hearing device housing (8) is inserted in the aperture (12) , and wherein the gasket (64) comprises one or more layers of foam (68) .16.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying device and the hearing device provides a mute function of the hearing device.17.The carrying device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrying device comprises one or more friction elements (58) in the aperture (12) .18.A hearing device (4) comprising a carrying device (2) according to claim 1, and comprising a wearing device (6) and a hearing device housing (8) , where the carrying device (2) is connected with the wearing device (6) , and wherein the carrying device (2) is configured to be detachably connected with the hearing device housing (8) .