JP2001512943A - Acoustic coupler - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] An acoustic coupler that is detachably fixed to a receiver assembly so that it can be inserted deeply into the ear canal of each individual. The acoustic coupler of the present invention has a semi-rigid thin-walled cylindrical coupling sleeve mounted on a cylindrical lever assembly. A conformable sealing material is diametrically opposed mounted on the coupling sleeve to comfortably fit and seal the individual's ear canal. The coupling sleeve is positioned substantially concentric with the receiver assembly, providing a highly space-efficient interface and a user-friendly replacement method. Attachment of the acoustic coupler to the receiver assembly is accomplished by applying minimal axial force (pressure) to secure the acoustic coupler to the receiver assembly. The coupler remains securely attached to the receiver assembly and can withstand significant axial disengagement (tension) without disengaging from the ear canal. By applying a rotational force (torsional force) to the receiver housing, the acoustic coupler is detached from the receiver housing. Rotational movement when inserting or removing the coupler from or into the ear canal of each individual is minimal so that it does not accidentally come off.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to earpieces, hearing aids and audio technology, and more particularly to an acoustic coupler that can comfortably seal the ear canal of each individual and can be inserted deep into the ear canal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Hearing aids, audio equipment and communication equipment manufacturers are faced with many design challenges in coupling the sound from the receiver (speaker) into the ear canal of each individual. I have. These challenges include achieving high fidelity sound, comfortable mounting, acoustic sealing, and ease of insertion and removal.

Anatomical and morphological structure of the ear canal FIGS. 1 and 2 are anatomical cross-sectional views of the ear canal in a coronal plane and a lateral plane, respectively. For the purposes of the present invention, the ear canal will be described as having three parts. The first part is the central concha 20 immediately behind the tragus 21, which is relatively large and is surrounded by cartilage tissue 22. A second cavity 23 intermediate to the hole 24 in the ear canal 11 is generally smaller than the central concha, and is also surrounded by cartilage tissue 22. The third cavity 25
It forms part of the final ear canal near the eardrum 26 and is surrounded by dense bone tissue 27. The tissue lining the cartilage region 23 has a relatively thick and well-developed subcutaneous layer, so that some expansion can occur. In contrast,
The tissue 29 lining the bone region 25 is relatively thin, so there is little or no room for expansion to occur in this region. The cartilage region 23 is a main region where earwax occurs and accumulates in the ear canal.

[0004] The shape of the common ear canal differs from that shown in most artistic expressions, and is rarely a cylindrical or conical shape that tapers toward the eardrum. On the contrary, most ear canals are non-uniform in shape with varying degrees of winding. Some ear canals have severe limitations on cartilage tissue. The ear canal has a substantially “S” shape having a first curved portion 30 located substantially at the position of a hole in the ear canal and a second curved portion 31 located at a junction between cartilage and bone tissue. I have.

[0005] It is known that the cross-sectional diameter of the ear canal and the orientation of various regions within the ear canal vary considerably from individual to individual. For example, the length from the hole 24 to the side edge 32 of the eardrum 26 ranges from about 20 to 25 mm. The cross-sectional shape is almost elliptical. The minimum diameter of approximately the bone region 25 in the transverse plane varies in the range of about 4-7 mm. The largest diameter is in the central concha region 20 in the coronal plane and is in the range of about 10-18 mm. The configuration of the ear canal results in large deformations in the cartilage region 23 of the ear canal as a result of mandibular movements associated with speech, chewing gum, yawning and food chewing.

[0006] This deformation is generally caused by asymmetric stress from the action of the mandibular joint process 33 of the adjacent cartilage tissue. These variants include a radial component such as contraction and an axial component such as inward and outward movement. These radial and axial deformations can be understood by moving the jaw with a finger in the ear canal. One study using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown that the deformation can be as large as 25% in the anterior-posterior direction of the cartilage region of the ear canal (see, for example, the magazine Ear and Hearing ( RJ Oliveira, B. Hammer, A. Stillman, J. Holn, C. Iohns, R. h., Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 464-466, 1992).
Margolis's paper, "A Study at Ear Canal Deformation Associated with Jaw Movement (A Look at Ea
r Canal Changes with Jaw Motion) ”).

The unique tortuous nature of an individual's ear canal, which is associated with dynamic deformation of the ear canal due to tongue and jaw movements, makes the user of current hearing aids and other electro-acoustic devices to couple sound into the ear canal To provide unresolved issues.

Problems of acoustic coupling in the external auditory canal A canal hearing device (herein, a hearing device that partially or entirely enters the external auditory canal is collectively referred to as an external auditory canal device) is a receiver (speaker) of the device. 3.) To prevent sound leakage from the outlet to the microphone inlet, a sufficient acoustic seal in the ear canal must be made. Such leakage causes acoustic feedback that appears as a harsh whistling sound. This feedback is a common problem experienced by many hearing aid users. Similarly, earphones used in certain audio and communication equipment require a sufficient seal depth in the ear canal to ensure fidelity and sufficient sound generation.

Due to the different shapes and sizes of the ear canals as described above, and due to acoustic sealing conditions that prevent feedback, most currently available hearing devices require the accurate placement of earphones into each individual ear canal. Requires custom production to ensure proper installation. Such bespoke production generally requires an impression of the ear canal (perforated), which is made by a coordinating specialist. Then, according to the impression received, the custom equipment, ie the ear mold, is manufactured by the manufacturing vehicle. Insertion and removal of impression material into deep parts of the ear canal is not only uncomfortable, but can also result in potential complications due to hematoma or bleeding (see The Hearing Journal, Vol. 47, No. 7, pages 46-47) by G. Gudmunsen, "Installation of CIC hearing aids-some practical guidelines (Fitting CIC).
Hearing Aids-Some Practical Pointers) ".

Unfortunately, even custom-made earphones or ear canal devices often have small gaps between the earphones and the ear canal wall. These gaps, which are a significant source of acoustic feedback, arise because the ear impression does not exactly match the ear canal geometry. Gaps are also caused by deformation of the ear canal due to jaw movement. Tight fitting to minimize gaps and improve sealing is usually accompanied by discomfort, irritation or pain, especially at the bones of the ear canal, which is more susceptible to discomfort and irritation.

[0011] Feedback is more problematic for those who wear ear canal equipment than for those who wear large listening equipment that is worn behind the ear. This is because in the ear canal device, the sound inlet of the microphone is relatively close to the receiver outlet. The proximity of the microphone to the receiver in the ear canal device reduces the distance that the acoustic energy travels, thus increasing the potential for feedback. For these reasons, a person with a large hearing loss needs a large amplification, and thus an ear canal device that is more susceptible to feedback than other devices is generally not recommended for a person with a large hearing loss.

Another demanding issue in the design of acoustic couplings in ear canal equipment is that the space within the ear canal is limited. For aesthetic reasons, customers want the smallest possible device, which is evident from the proliferation of ear canal devices compared to larger devices that are worn behind the ear. However, even when using the latest technology in minimization, it is necessary to use a behind-the-ear (BT)
It is not practical to provide an earmould coupler for the ear canal equipment, as is commonly used for listening equipment in E). Since large devices are not completely seated in the enclosed space of the ear canal, such devices are continuously fitted with ear molds for coupling sound from a receiver outside the ear canal.

Another drawback of this continuous coupling is the acoustic effects associated with long, narrow tubes. As is commonly used in BTE devices, transmitting an acoustic signal through a small diameter tube having a length of greater than about 10 mm causes undesirable changes in the frequency response of the acoustic signal transmitted to the eardrum. Interchangeable acoustic couplers that seal and match the various ear canals are preferred because they eliminate the need for impression and custom manufacturing. However, current mounting mechanisms, which include screwing or applying force to microminiature connectors, make it impractical to apply them to ear canal devices. This is because dexterity is required, especially for the elderly, who make up the majority of the hearing-impaired generation.

[0014] Several methods have been proposed for coupling the acoustic output of the receiver into the ear canal. Ward et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,031,219 and 5,201,007 disclose an earmold consisting of an acoustically conductive tube with a flanged flexible tip. The flanged tip conforms to the ear canal to form an acoustic seal. Figure 1
The earmold of the device as shown in FIG. 6 is designed to be connected to a receiver (speaker) that will probably be located outside the ear canal.

Similarly, Ahlberg et al., US Pat. No. 4,880,076 and Oliveria et al., US Pat.
002,151 discloses a replaceable compressible polymer foam sleeve (both FIGS. 1 and 2) with a duct 16 formed with an internal thread 20 that engages with the male thread 12 of the earphone. The receiver (not shown in any of the figures) will probably be inside or outside the earphone, but will not be continuously coupled to the replaceable acoustic coupler.

US Pat. No. 4,607,720 to Hardt discloses a silicone rubber seal plug that is removably connected to a hearing aid housing via a micro-coupling element. The seal plug is connected via a snap, friction or screw mechanism.

A major drawback of this prior art is the continuous positioning of the foam sleeve with respect to the ear canal listening device or earphone. This not only adversely affects the characteristics of the sound from the receiver, but also occupies a large space in the ear canal. Because of these limitations, such replaceable acoustic couplers are not suitable for use in ear canal devices. Another disadvantage of the prior art is that the method disclosed herein requires considerable dexterity in screwing and aligning microparts. This is particularly problematic for those with limited dexterity, such as many hearing aid users, for example, the elderly or disabled.

[0018] PCT patent application PCT / IB / 00164 to Garcia et al. Discloses a hearing aid with a seal collar that is positioned deep within the bony portion of the ear canal. The collar is attached via a connection at the middle (innermost) end of the ear canal device. Although the collar has ample space compared to the prior art devices described above, the method of mounting it requires considerable dexterity (see, for example, page 7 and 9 of the PCT patent application specification). In the line, “The collar is the fixed part (in the case of the present invention, bayonet coupling)
, Which is detachably connected to the housing via a housing and can be easily replaced by appropriate means. "

US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 365,913 to Shennib et al. Discloses an acoustic seal mounted on a receiver module as shown in FIGS. The acoustic seal adds little or no length to the listening device. However, the invention disclosed herein does not teach any improvements in the placement and operation of the acoustic seal. It would be advantageous to provide an acoustic coupler that can be comfortably and effectively sealed, and that can be inserted deeply into the ear canal of each individual.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an ear canal earphone comprising a receiver assembly and a replaceable acoustic coupler that can provide excellent acoustic sealing and user comfort when placed in the ear canal. . The acoustic coupler of the present invention is detachably fixed to the receiver assembly so that it can be inserted deeply into the ear canal. Acoustic couplers do not require any special equipment and can be easily replaced by even the less dexterous.
The present invention provides an earphone assembly capable of deeply coupling sound to the ear canal without adversely affecting the size of the earphone or the sound coming from the receiver.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the acoustic coupler provides a semi-rigid, thin-walled, cylindrical coupling sleeve mounted on a cylindrical receiver assembly. An adaptive sealing material is diametrically mounted on the coupling sleeve to comfortably fit into the ear canal and acoustically seal the ear canal. The coupling sleeve of the acoustic coupler is arranged essentially concentric with the receiver assembly, providing a highly space-efficient interface and a user-friendly replacement method.

Attachment of the acoustic coupler to the receiver assembly is performed by applying a minimum axial force (pressing force) to secure the acoustic coupler to the receiver assembly. The coupler remains securely attached and can withstand a significant axial removal force (tension force) without disengaging from the ear canal. However, by applying a rotational force (torsion force) to the receiver housing, the acoustic coupler can be easily removed from the receiver housing. Rotational movement when inserting or removing the coupler from the ear is minimal, so it does not accidentally come off. This unique snap-on / twist-off mechanism eliminates the need to precisely align and position the separate parts when mounting the acoustic coupler to the receiver housing, which reduces vision and manual dexterity This is a great benefit for the elderly who have become older.

The receiver assembly has a unique thread shape along its outer peripheral surface. The relatively rigid member is provided with a tapered screw having directivity,
The thread engages a similar tapered female thread along the inner peripheral surface of the coupling sleeve of the acoustic coupler. The external threads are only present at two opposing locations around the receiver assembly, with the remainder of the perimeter escaping at least to the minimum diameter of the external threads. The coupling sleeve is relatively resilient and thin-walled, and the axial pressure generated by pushing the coupling sleeve over the receiver assembly causes the coupling sleeve to deform into an elliptical shape. However, the coupling sleeve has sufficient rigidity so as not to be deformed by the rotational force. Thus, removal is possible only by unscrewing the receiver assembly and the coupling sleeve by rotational movement, thus providing a safe and convenient mounting method.

The coupling sleeve does not connect in series to the receiver assembly, but rather substantially radially surrounds the receiver assembly. With this structure, the length of the earphone assembly can be minimized. This feature of the invention is particularly important for ear canal devices that tend to impair the safety, comfort or aesthetic appearance of the earphone if any length of the rigid material is increased.

The present invention also provides a user-friendly cartridge for distributing and installing the acoustic coupler. The dispensing cartridge houses a removable acoustic coupler that allows the consumer to press the earphone receiver assembly against the coupler in the dispensing cartridge to snap the coupler. Consumers can continuously remove the coupler from the dispensing cartridge, insert it into the ear canal and use it. This prevents the acoustic seal from being unnecessarily soiled, for example, by handling such that the consumer touches the coupler when worn.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The invention disclosed herein is used to couple acoustic signals to the ear canal of each individual. Earphones and acoustic couplers can be used in any listening device or audio system to couple sound into the ear canal. The present invention particularly relates to Shen
It can be used in connection with articulated listening devices described in US Patent Application No. 08/365913 to nib et al. The present invention provides an ear canal earphone comprising an acoustic coupler with a coupling sleeve that engages a cylindrical receiver assembly. Earphones can be inserted deep into the ear canal of each individual.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an earphone 40 illustrating a receiver assembly 48 and an acoustic coupler 50 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The earphone 40 is shown in FIG.
20 or part of the audio system external to the ear canal which is electrically connected to the earphone via a signal cable 39 or other means as shown in FIG. Can be configured as Handle 38 (FIG. 20)
) Facilitates the insertion and removal of the listening device and at the same time relieves the stress of the wires 37 in the signal cable 39. Other means of coupling the audio signal to the earphone include, for example, a radio (RF) or infrared link (IR).

The ear canal equipment or receiver assembly of the audio system can be articulated to facilitate handling and deep insertion in the ear canal. The joint is shown in FIG.
Can be achieved by the ball joint 12, as shown in FIG. The receiver assembly 48 (FIG. 3) has the receiver 41 connected to the receiver housing 42 via the receiver housing coupler 43. A receiver guard 47 is provided to protect the receiver from environmental / physiological residues including earwax. The receiver sound port 49 forms an outlet for emitting sound to the coupler sound port 55 and then to the eardrum 26. A vibration isolator 44 is provided for isolating mechanical vibration of the receiver 41 from the receiver housing 42 and then isolating from the listening device 10. A relatively rigid, tapered male thread 45 is provided for coupling the receiver housing to the acoustic coupler 50. FIG. 4 shows a partial screw 45 provided on the opposing outer peripheral portion of the receiver housing 42.

The acoustic coupler 50 (FIG. 3) has a coupling sleeve 52 provided with a coupling screw 53 and a conformable acoustic seal 51 adapted to the shape of the ear canal when inserted into the ear canal. The coupling sleeve 52 is made of an elastically deformable thin-walled material such as plastic. A ventilation slit 54 for pressure ventilation and low-frequency sound mitigation is provided.

During the mounting process, the receiver assembly 48 is inserted into the acoustic coupler 50 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4a, 4b and 5. The mounting is performed by applying an axial force (pressing force) to the acoustic coupler.
The coupling sleeve 52 is deformed when the coupling sleeve 52 is pressed against the male tapered portion thread 45 of FIG. FIGS. 4a, 4b and 5 show that an axial force 80 applied to the external thread of the receiver housing generates a radial force 81 which deforms the essentially elastic coupler into an elliptical shape, whereby the screw of the coupler is Can slide on the peak of the tapered male thread of the receiver housing. 4a and 4b show the circumference of the coupler sleeves 52A, 52B during the insertion process (FIG. 4b) and after the insertion process (FIG. 4a), respectively. The coupler sleeve is deformed into an essentially oval shape 52A defined by the perimeter of the receiver housing with the partial external thread 45 of the receiver housing 42 and the relief area 46.

When the acoustic coupler is fully engaged, the coupling sleeve 52 is fully restored to its original cylindrical configuration 52B (FIGS. 4a and 4b) and 52 (FIG. 5). Reciprocally engaged receiver and coupling screws 45, 53 securely attach the acoustic coupler 50 to the receiver assembly 48. By designing the engagement screw into a tapered shape that interlocks, it is possible to prevent the acoustic coupler from coming off due to a reasonable axial tensile force, and to remove the acoustic coupler mainly by rotational force (torsion force). Becomes possible.

After the acoustic coupler 50 has been attached to the receiver assembly 48 as described above,
The connected components are then inserted and placed deep into the ear canal of each individual. The acoustic coupler is securely installed during normal use because the rotational (torsional) forces are minimal during insertion, removal, or while the device is in the ear canal. . Removal of the acoustic coupler 50 from the receiver assembly 48 is easily accomplished by rotating (twisting) the acoustic coupler with respect to the receiver assembly. Such movement is only possible when the acoustic coupler 50 is outside the ear canal,
The possibility of the acoustic coupler 50 accidentally falling off the receiver assembly 48 while the earphone is in the ear canal is prevented.

The material and dimensional design of the receiver housing 42 and acoustic coupler 50, particularly the design of the screws, are chosen to minimize axial mounting and rotational removal forces. This results in a simple snap-in / twist-off mechanism that can be easily understood by people with little dexterity or insight.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the receiver housing and acoustic coupler have an elliptical shape to enhance attachment and acoustic sealing to the ear canal, which is generally elliptical. 6a and 6b show an elliptical receiver housing with a screw 45 provided on the large diameter part and a relief area 46 provided on the small diameter part. The elastically deformable coupling sleeve 52 is also elliptical. Similarly, the coupling sleeve 52B deforms during the mounting process (FIG. 6b), and its partial internal thread 53 (FIG. 5) engages the partial external thread 45 of the receiver housing. Removal (FIG. 6b) is effected by a force 82 which is applied inward in the minor axis of the coupling sleeve, which forces it to expand in the longitudinal direction and thus disengage the engaged screw. Simultaneous pulling force removes the acoustic coupler from the receiver assembly. This inward compression / pulling force combination is simple and can be easily performed by hand.

The present invention is not limited to the specific shapes and mounting / removal methods described above, and other forms will be apparent to those skilled in the art. To facilitate deep insertion into the ear canal and optimize the acoustic seal, the wall thickness of the acoustic coupler sleeve 52 and the receiver housing 42 is significantly smaller than the thickness of the conforming acoustic seal 51 or the diameter of the receiver 41. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an earphone in the ear canal, illustrating the seal / space efficiency of the present invention. The receiver 41 is disposed at the center of the vibration isolator 44 between the receiver 41 and the receiver housing 42. The screw 45 on the receiver housing engages the coupler sleeve 52. Due to the surrounding structure, the diameter added to the receiver 41 is minimal and the diameter of the compliant acoustic seal 51 can be maximized. This is important in optimizing the ability of the acoustic seal 51 to conform and comfortably seal at the generally unusually shaped region inside diameter of the ear canal as shown in FIG. The unique design of the present invention is
s (Itasca, Illinois) manufactured by conventional microminiature hearing aid receivers such as model numbers ES3126 and SD3183.

The vibration isolator 44 in the receiver assembly 48 is generally made of a viscoelastic material,
The viscoelastic material also protects the receiver from damage, such as when the earphones are dropped on a hard surface. Earphones have a ventilation system that equalizes the pressure in the ear canal to the pressure of the external environment. This is preferred to protect eardrum 26 from sudden pressure changes during earphone insertion and removal or during actual pressure changes in the external environment. Such ventilation also mitigates occlusion effects, including undesired low frequency acoustic energy generated in the ear canal during walking, jaw movement or by the user's own voice. These blocking effects are greatly reduced by ventilation. However, the dimensions and design of the ventilation system are such that the pressure equalizing action and the mitigation of the blocking effect are achieved without significant high frequency leakage and thus generally prevent the vibration feedback associated with such high frequency leakage. Must be.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an earphone ventilation system according to the present invention. Ventilation
This is performed through a ventilation path 71 formed of a space between the coupling sleeve and the relief area 46 of the receiver housing 42 and a ventilation slit 54 of the coupling sleeve 52. The shape and dimensions of the space and the ventilation slit determine the ventilation characteristics.

FIG. 9 is a plot of the earphone acoustic attenuation showing the effect of providing a single vent slit (dashed line) and two vent slits (solid line). The cross-sectional area of each slit is about 25 mm ² . The sound attenuation is determined by the sound pressure generated near the coupler sound port 55 (FIG. 3) in the first coupler (ie, a 0.5 cc coupler) and the ventilation slit 5
4 was plotted by calculating the difference from the leaked sound pressure measured in the second coupler, including 4. Two micro probe tubes and a probe tube amplifier were used to measure the sound pressure level in each coupler, a model ER-7C manufactured by Etymotic Research, Inc. The analysis and display of sound attenuation for audio band frequencies up to about 5,000 Hz includes a two-channel signal analyzer, St.
Model SR780 used in the manufacture of anford Research System was used.

FIG. 9 shows that the ventilation system maintains significant attenuation (above 45 dB) at frequencies above 2,000 Hz. However, especially at low frequencies below about 200 Hz, the attenuation is relatively small (large leakage). This is because most individuals not only require significant attenuation at high frequencies to minimize high frequency feedback, but also require attenuation at low frequencies to mitigate occlusion effects. This is a favorable effect.

[0040] Ventilation in the ear canal can be achieved in a variety of ways, and is therefore not limited to passages in the receiver assembly and coupling sleeve. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a ventilation tube 61 can be provided within the compliant acoustic seal 51. Ventilation can also be provided that is specific to the properties of the material used for the compliant acoustic seal. For example, it can be configured to take advantage of the open cell nature of certain types of polyurethane foams to create a certain amount of air leakage. Ventilation may also be provided by a passage (not shown) designed to be provided in the receiver housing.

The acoustic coupler is provided with a strip guard 57 (FIG. 3) that protects the receiver and collects environmental and physiological debris including earwax. An acoustic coupling tube 56 for coupling the sound emitted from the receiver is provided at a location close to the eardrum. The acoustic coupling tube 56 is flexible and flexible, and at the same time, the wall of the sound port 55 is crushed when the acoustic coupler 50 is inserted into the ear canal, which is sufficient to prevent the sound emitted from the receiver 41 from being blocked. Those having high rigidity are preferred.

The coupling sleeve 52 essentially surrounds the receiver housing,
While conforming exactly to the dimensions of the receiver housing, the compliant acoustic seal 51 is configured to be radially and axially variable to accommodate a wide range of human ear canal sizes and shapes.

FIGS. 10-16 show representative examples of various compliant acoustic seals 51 that can be used in the present invention, but are not limited thereto. The coupling sleeve 52 and other general elements of the acoustic coupler located within the compliant acoustic seal are not necessarily shown in FIGS. 10-16 for simplicity and clarity.

FIG. 10 shows an acoustic seal with minimal dimensions for a small or short ear canal.
This shape is slightly tapered to facilitate deep insertion into the ear canal inner diameter. In this embodiment, no acoustic coupling tube is required since the sound port 55 is short and will not be blocked by the ear canal.

FIG. 11 shows an acoustic seal with a clearance area 58 that allows deep insertion and increases comfort, especially for the tortuous ear canal. The acoustic coupling tube 56 can be made by attaching a soft tube such as a silicone tube, or a flexible material such as RTV silicone, hot melt adhesive or epoxy can be formed by in-situ molding.

FIG. 12 shows an acoustic coupler having a compliant acoustic seal with a flange 59 that extends significantly beyond the coupling sleeve 52 toward the eardrum region 26. However, the coupling sleeve 52 substantially surrounds the receiver housing (not shown). FIG. 13 shows a compliant acoustic seal with a flange 69 substantially surrounding the coupling sleeve 52. FIG. 14 shows a compliant acoustic seal with a flange surrounding and extending beyond the coupling sleeve 52. FIG. 15 shows an compliant acoustic seal with a rearward fold.

The design of the flange and surface texture of the compliant acoustic seal 51 is optimized to facilitate the insertion and removal of the earphone and to assist in holding the earphone while in the individual's ear canal. The material of the compliant acoustic seal has a favorable flexibility and flexibility that can accommodate various irregular shapes of the human ear canal. Polymer foams and elastomers, such as polyurethane or silicone rubber materials, are known as materials that have favorable properties for a conformable acoustic seal and that can be used safely and biocompatiblely in the ear canal.

To facilitate insertion of the compliant acoustic seal, the material used in one embodiment is rapidly and heavily compressed outside of the ear canal, but relatively slowly expanded without the ear canal, The user can easily insert the compliant acoustic seal into the ear canal before the compliant acoustic seal has completely restored its uncompressed shape and size. The compressive and slow recovery properties of a material are determined in part by the method of manufacture and composition of the material. For example, a partially open cell structure leaks air when compressed and restores over time as the air refills the bubbles. The adaptive acoustic seal restores within about 30 seconds to quickly seal the ear canal, while at the same time allowing the user to insert earphones into the ear canal for a sufficient amount of time, thus providing a feedback experience before full restoration. Preferably it can be minimized.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 16, by applying or treating a suitable lubricating material 62 on the surface of the compliant acoustic seal, as shown in FIG. Preferably, a lubricating acoustic seal is made. It has been found that effective lubrication can be achieved by applying moderate amounts of petroleum jelly and mineral oil to the surface of the acoustic seal. Lubricating properties can be obtained by the form of additives in the compliant acoustic sealing material. Other lubricating coatings or additives include hydrogel, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), siliconization,
There are fluoropolymers, waxes and oils.

The compliant acoustic sealing coatings and additives can also have pharmaceutical properties, including bacterial agents such as silver-silver oxide, iodine, antibiotics, surfactants, bactericides and anti-combustion agents. These agents can suppress inflammation and infection of the ear canal due to inadvertent staining of the acoustic coupler or ear canal. Also, design features such as coatings, additives and flanges can be optimized to help remove ear canal debris when a user replaces a disposable acoustic coupler.

The present invention also provides an acoustic coupler dispensing cartridge that is friendly to the user, as shown in FIGS. The dispensing cartridge 70 has a cavity 71 for receiving the removable disposable acoustic coupler 50. The consumer pushes the receiver assembly 48 into the acoustic coupler 50 in the dispensing cartridge 70 to mate the coupler with the receiver assembly, and then removes the acoustic coupler 50 from the dispensing cartridge 70 and inserts it into the ear canal. And can be used. The shape of the cavity 71 can be tapered as shown in FIG. The tapered region 72 temporarily compresses the acoustic coupler as it couples to the receiver assembly 48. This temporary compression
It facilitates subsequent insertion into the ear canal and inflation. In other embodiments, the acoustic coupler is pre-compressed in a cavity having a smaller diameter. The pre-compressed acoustic coupler then expands in the ear canal.

Example A prototype of an earphone consisting of an acoustic coupler and a receiver housing was manufactured. Model FGV-5 and FGV-50 force measurements from Shimpo's manufacture to measure peak axial force for mounting and removing the acoustic coupler from the receiver housing and the typical peak force required to remove earphones from the ear canal Machine was used. To measure the rotational torque required for normal removal of the acoustic coupler, Mark
A model MGT10Z torque measuring machine used in the manufacture of was used.

For the purpose of this description, the test parameters are defined as follows. • The axial mounting force ( _Fax-att ) is the peak axial force (Newton) required to mount the acoustic coupler to the receiver housing. • The axial removal force ( _Fax-det ) is the peak axial force (Newton) required to remove the acoustic coupler from the receiver housing. Rotational removal torque (T _rot-det ) is the peak torque (in Newton centimeters) required to remove the acoustic coupler from the receiver housing.

The earphone removal force (F _ep-rem ) is the peak force (essentially the axial force) required to remove the earphone from the ear canal. The test was repeated on two different acoustic coupler samples representative of the present invention. The results, including the average of the two samples, are shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1-Test results

The test results confirm that the axial removal force is significantly greater than the axial mounting force and the earphone removal force, thus minimizing the chance of accidental removal of the acoustic coupler outside and inside the ear canal. . The test results also confirm that rotational removal is the preferred method of removing the acoustic coupler from the receiver housing since the rotational removal torque is minimal.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that applications other than the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Will be understood. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an anatomical cross-sectional view of the ear canal in a coronal plane.

FIG. 2 is an anatomical cross-sectional view in a lateral plane of the ear canal.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an earphone showing a receiver assembly and an acoustic coupler.

FIG. 4a is a sectional view showing the circular receiver housing and the circular coupling sleeve after insertion.

FIG. 4b is a sectional view showing the circular receiver housing and the circular coupling sleeve during insertion.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the earphone showing radial deformation of the coupling sleeve in response to an axial pressing force.

FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view showing the elliptical receiver housing and the elliptical coupling sleeve before removal.

FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view showing the elliptical receiver housing and the elliptical coupling sleeve during installation and removal.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the earphone of the ear canal.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a ventilation passage between a receiver housing and a coupling sleeve.

FIG. 9 is a graph plotting the sound attenuation of an earphone when ventilating with a single slit and two slits.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of various shapes and forms of an adaptive acoustic seal.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of various shapes and forms of an adaptive acoustic seal.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of various shapes and forms of an adaptive acoustic seal.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of various shapes and forms of an adaptive acoustic seal.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of various shapes and forms of an adaptive acoustic seal.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of various shapes and forms of the compliant acoustic seal.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of various shapes and forms of the compliant acoustic seal.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a dispensing cartridge with a disposable acoustic seal.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the acoustic seal in the dispensing cartridge before (upper view) and during mounting (lower view) on the receiver housing.

FIG. 19 is a coronal plan sectional view of the ear canal showing the ear canal listening device provided with the earphone.

FIG. 20 is a coronal plan sectional view showing an ear canal in which an earphone connected to an external audio device is arranged.

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 18, 2000 (2000.9.18)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AU, BA, BB, BG, BR, CA, CN, CU, CZ, EE, GE, GW, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KP, KR, LC, LK, LR, LT, LV, MG, MK, MN, MX, NO, NZ, PL, RO, SG , SI, SK, SL, TR, TT, UA, UZ, VN, YU (72) Inventor Fletcher Henry 95682, CA, United States Cameron Park Bowen Road 3052

Claims (60)

[Claims] 1. An ear canal acoustic coupler for coupling an acoustic signal from an intra-canal receiver assembly and delivering the acoustic signal to an individual's ear canal, wherein the coupling is substantially concentrically disposed on the receiver assembly. A sleeve and mounting means associated with the coupling sleeve for mounting the acoustic coupler to the receiver assembly with minimal axial pressure, wherein the axial pull is substantially greater than the axial mounting pressure. The ear canal acoustic coupler further comprising an acoustic seal provided around the coupling sleeve, wherein the acoustic seal conforms to the shape of the ear canal when inserted into the ear canal of each individual. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting means comprises a snap mounting mechanism for mounting the acoustic coupler to the receiver assembly and a rotary torsion removing mechanism for removing the acoustic coupler from the receiver assembly. 2. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said mounting means comprises a snap mounting mechanism for mounting the acoustic coupler to the receiver assembly and a compression / pulling mechanism for removing the acoustic coupler from the receiver assembly. An acoustic coupler according to claim 1. 4. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein said acoustic coupler is easily replaceable. 5. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein said acoustic coupler is of a disposable type. 6. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic coupler can use either a listening device or an ear canal earphone. 7. The acoustic coupler according to claim 6, wherein said listening device is an ear canal device. 8. The acoustic coupler of claim 1, wherein the acoustic coupler can be used in an ear canal earphone associated with an external audio system connected via at least one cable and a wireless link. 9. The acoustic coupler according to claim 6, wherein the listening device and the ear canal earphone are articulated. 10. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein the coupling sleeve has a thin wall and is elastically deformable. 11. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein the coupling sleeve has a circular or elliptical shape. 12. The acoustic coupler of claim 1, wherein said mounting means further comprises a partial locking screw formed on or in the receiver assembly. 13. The acoustic coupler according to claim 12, wherein the partial lock screw has a tapered shape for deforming a coupling sleeve. 14. The acoustic coupler of claim 1, wherein said acoustic seal is substantially concentric with a coupling sleeve. 15. The acoustic coupler of claim 1, wherein said acoustic seal extends through a receiver assembly toward and toward each individual's eardrum. 16. The sound seal of claim 1, wherein the acoustic seal extends substantially concentrically with the coupling sleeve and through the receiver assembly toward and toward the individual's eardrum. The acoustic coupler according to the item. 17. The sound seal of claim 1, wherein the acoustic seal has at least one relief area for facilitating insertion of each individual into the ear canal.
The acoustic coupler according to the item. 18. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein said acoustic seal has at least one flange. 19. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein said acoustic seal has at least one backward bent portion. 20. The acoustic seal of claim 19, wherein the acoustic seal has a lubricious coating or additive that facilitates insertion of the acoustic coupler into or removal of the acoustic coupler from the ear canal of each individual. An acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein 21. The acoustic coupler of claim 6, wherein the acoustic seal facilitates holding of the ear canal device or ear canal earphone in each individual's ear canal. 22. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, further comprising a strip guard for protecting the receiver within the receiver assembly and collecting the strips of the ear canal of each individual. . 23. The acoustic coupler of claim 1, further comprising one or more surface features for effecting the elimination of small pieces of the ear canal of each individual. 24. The acoustic seal of claim 1, wherein the acoustic seal comprises a drug substance material or coating including at least one of an antimicrobial agent, an antibiotic, a flame retardant, and a germicide. 2. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1. 25. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, further comprising a ventilation system for reducing pressure and reducing a blocking effect. 26. The acoustic seal is compressible and slightly compressed in each individual's ear canal after a sufficient time to facilitate insertion, sealing and retention of the acoustic coupler into each individual's ear canal. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic coupler is formed of a material that restores a state. 27. The acoustic coupler of claim 26, wherein said material substantially recovers within about 30 seconds. 28. A receiver assembly containing a receiver, an acoustic coupler coupling the acoustic signal from the receiver assembly and sending the acoustic signal to the ear canal of each individual, and substantially concentric on the receiver assembly. A coupling sleeve, and mounting means associated with the coupling sleeve for mounting the acoustic coupler to the receiver assembly with minimal axial pressing force, wherein the axial tensile force is in the axial direction. Further comprising an acoustic seal provided around the coupling sleeve, substantially greater than the directional mounting pressure, wherein the acoustic seal conforms to the shape of the ear canal when inserted into the ear canal of each individual. Ear canal earphone. 29. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the mounting means comprises a snap mounting mechanism for mounting the acoustic coupler to the receiver assembly and a rotary torsion release mechanism for removing the acoustic coupler from the receiver assembly. Item 30. The ear canal earphone according to Item 28. 30. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the mounting means comprises a snap mounting mechanism for mounting the acoustic coupler to the receiver assembly and a compression / pulling mechanism for removing the acoustic coupler from the receiver assembly. Item 30. The ear canal earphone according to Item 28. 31. The ear canal earphone according to claim 28, wherein said acoustic coupler is easily replaceable. 32. The ear canal earphone according to claim 1, wherein said acoustic coupler is of a disposable type. 33. The ear canal earphone according to claim 28, wherein the acoustic coupler can use either a listening device or an ear canal earphone. 34. The ear canal earphone according to claim 33, wherein the listening device is an ear canal device. 35. The ear canal earphone of claim 28, wherein the acoustic coupler can be used in an ear canal earphone associated with an external audio system connected via at least one cable and a wireless link. 36. The ear canal earphone according to claim 33, wherein the ear canal listening device and the ear canal earphone are articulated. 37. The ear canal earphone according to claim 28, wherein the coupling sleeve has a thin wall and is elastically deformable. 38. The ear canal earphone according to claim 28, wherein the coupling sleeve has a circular or elliptical shape. 39. The system according to claim 28, wherein said mounting means further comprises a partial locking screw formed on or in the receiver assembly.
Ear canal earphone according to the section. 40. The ear canal earphone according to claim 39, wherein the partial lock screw has a tapered shape for deforming the coupling sleeve. 41. The ear canal earphone of claim 28, wherein the acoustic seal is substantially concentric with the coupling sleeve. 42. The ear canal earphone of claim 28, wherein the acoustic seal extends through the receiver assembly toward and toward the individual's eardrum. 43. The acoustic seal of claim 28, wherein the acoustic seal extends substantially concentrically with the coupling sleeve and through the receiver assembly toward and toward the individual's eardrum. Ear canal earphone according to the section. 44. The acoustic seal of claim 2, wherein the acoustic seal has at least one relief area to facilitate insertion into the ear canal of each individual.
Item 9. The ear canal earphone according to Item 8. 45. The ear canal earphone according to claim 28, wherein said acoustic seal has at least one flange. 46. The ear canal earphone according to claim 28, wherein said acoustic seal has at least one bent back portion. 47. The acoustic seal of claim 47, wherein the acoustic seal includes a lubricious coating or additive that facilitates insertion of the acoustic coupler into or removal of the acoustic coupler from the ear canal of each individual. An ear canal earphone according to claim 28. 48. The ear canal earphone of claim 34, wherein the acoustic seal facilitates retention of the ear canal device or ear canal earphone in an individual's ear canal. 49. The ear canal earphone according to claim 28, further comprising a micro-piece guard for protecting the receiver within the receiver assembly and collecting micro-pieces of the ear canal of each individual. . 50. The ear canal earphone according to claim 28, further comprising one or more surface features for effecting elimination of debris in the ear canal of each individual. 51. The acoustic seal of claim 28, wherein the acoustic seal comprises a drug substance material or coating that includes at least one of an antimicrobial, an antibiotic, a flame retardant, and a germicide. 2. The acoustic coupler according to claim 1. 52. The ear canal earphone according to claim 28, further comprising a ventilation system for providing pressure relief and reducing occlusion effects. 53. The acoustic seal is compressible and slightly compressed in the individual's ear canal after a sufficient time to facilitate insertion, sealing and retention of the acoustic coupler in the individual's ear canal. The ear canal earphone according to claim 28, wherein the ear canal is made of a material that restores its state. 54. An ear canal earphone according to claim 53, wherein said material substantially recovers within about 30 seconds. 55. A distributor for distributing one or more ear canal acoustic couplers, comprising:
Each acoustic coupler has an acoustic seal provided around the coupling sleeve, the acoustic seal can be adapted to the shape of the ear canal when inserted into each individual's ear canal, and the means associated with the acoustic coupler can be reduced to a minimum axis. One or more acoustic couplers for delivering one or more acoustic couplers in a distributor where the acoustic coupler can be attached to the receiver assembly using a directional thrust and the axial pull is significantly greater than the axial mounting thrust. A distributor having a cartridge in which the above cavity is formed. 56. The one or more cavities are tapered to temporarily compress the acoustic coupler while attaching the acoustic coupler to a receiver assembly. 56. The distributor according to paragraph 55. 57. The method of claim 55, wherein the one or more cavities are smaller than the acoustic coupler to pre-compress the acoustic seal before the acoustic coupler is attached to the receiver assembly. Dispenser as described. 58. The distributor according to claim 55, wherein said ear canal acoustic coupler is of a disposable type. 59. The distributor according to claim 15, wherein said acoustic seal further comprises an acoustic coupling tube. 60. The distributor according to claim 42, further comprising an acoustic coupling tube.