SUPPORT FOAM FOR PUSH BUTTON IN HEARING DEVICE

Abstract

Disclosed is a hearing device comprising a housing. The housing comprises a first input transducer configured to generate one or more input transducer signals based on a received audio signal. The housing comprises a push button for controlling one or more functionalities of the hearing device. The housing comprises a foam element arranged at least partly between the first input transducer and the push button for supporting the push button, wherein the foam element comprises a first foam part being an open-cell foam which is configured for accumulating ear wax and dirt.

Claims

1. A hearing device comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises: a first input transducer configured to generate one or more input transducer signals based on a received audio signal; a push button for controlling one or more functionalities of the hearing device; and a foam element arranged at least partly between the first input transducer and the push button for supporting the push button, wherein the foam element comprises a first foam part, the first foam part being an open-cell foam configured to block ear wax and/or dirt.

2. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a surface with an opening, at least a part of the push button located in the opening of the surface, the surface facing towards a surrounding when the hearing device is worn by a user of the hearing device.

3. The hearing device according to claim 1, further comprising an air gap between the push button and the housing.

4. The hearing device according to claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), and wherein the printed circuit board has an electrical contact to provide an electrical connection for controlling the one or more functionalities of the hearing device in response to an actuation of the push button.

5. The hearing device according to claim 4, wherein the foam element at least partly encases or encloses or surrounds the electrical contact.

6. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an opening, and wherein at least a part of the push button is in the opening.

7. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a surface having an opening, and wherein the foam element has a width that is longer than a cross-sectional dimension of the opening.

8. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the foam element comprises an opening or a recess for accommodating an electrical contact.

9. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the foam element has an uniform thickness.

10. The hearing device according to claim 1, further comprises an electrical contact, wherein a first part of the foam element above the electrical contact has a thickness that is smaller than a thickness of a second part of the foam element.

11. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the foam element further comprises a second foam part, wherein the second foam part is along an edge of the foam element, and wherein the first foam part is in a centre of the foam element.

12. The hearing device according to claim 11, wherein the second foam part is a closed-cell foam.

13. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the push button and/or the foam element is/are removeable from the housing of the hearing device.

14. The hearing device according to claim 13, further comprising a replacement push button for replacing the push button.

15. The hearing device according to claim 13, further comprising a replacement foam element for replacing the foam element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] 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:

[0081] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 2 comprising a housing 4 and a push button.

[0082] FIGS. 2a) and 2b) schematically illustrates a cross-section of an example of a hearing device comprising a housing, a push button and a foam element.

[0083] FIGS. 3a), 3b), 3c), 3d), and 3e) schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device comprising a housing and different variations of a foam element.

[0084] FIGS. 4a), 4b), 4c), and 4d) schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device comprising a housing and different variations of electrical contacts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] 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.

[0086] Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0087] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 2 comprising a housing 4 and a push button 8.

[0088] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 2 comprising a housing 4. The housing 4 comprises a first input transducer (not shown) configured to generate one or more input transducer signals based on a received audio signal. The housing 4 comprises a push button 8 for controlling one or more functionalities of the hearing device 2. The housing 4 comprises a foam element (not shown) arranged at least partly between the first input transducer and the push button 8 for supporting the push button 8. The foam element comprises a first foam part (not shown) being an open-cell foam, which is configured for accumulating ear wax and dirt.

[0089] The push button 8 is shown in its designed position, neutral position or starting position, which is the position when the push button 8 is not activated, e.g. by a user. When the push button is pushed by the user, the user can push the push button all the way down to its depressed position.

[0090] The push button 8 is arranged on or in the housing 4. The push button 8 is shown to be flush with the housing 4 when the push button 4 is in its designed position, thus the exterior face of the push button 8 is aligned with the exterior surface of the housing 4. The push button 8 may not be flush/aligned with the housing 4 when the push button 8 is in its depressed position.

[0091] The push button 8 may be large compared to the hearing device housing 4, and the face of the push button 8 may cover the majority of the top surface, e.g. first surface 14, of the housing 4. The push button may cover a part, e.g. 25%, 50% or 75%, of the first surface 14 of the housing 4.

[0092] The push button 8 may be round or oval, and may have a diameter of e.g. 1 cm.

[0093] The push button 8 is provided on a first surface 14 of the housing 4. The first surface 14 is configured to point towards the surroundings when the hearing device 2 is arranged at the user's ear in its intended position. The first surface 14 is on the exterior 16 of the housing 4.

[0094] An air gap 18 is provided between the push button 8 and the housing 4 in the first surface 14 of the housing 4. The air gap 18 is at least partly defined by an opening in the housing 4, where the push button 8 is arranged. The air gap 18 has a shape which at least partly corresponds to the shape of the push button 8. The push button 8 is circular, and the air gap 18 is ring-shaped, e.g. around the shape of the push button 8.

[0095] A dome 22 may be attached to the housing 4 for providing the sound in the ear canal of the user. A dome may not be provided if the hearing device is e.g. a BTE and RIE device.

[0096] FIGS. 2a) and 2b) schematically illustrates a cross-section of an example of a hearing device 2 comprising a housing 4, a push button 8 and a foam element 10.

[0097] FIGS. 2a) and 2b) schematically illustrates an example of a cross-section of a hearing device 2 comprising a housing 4. The housing 4 comprises a first input transducer 6 configured to generate one or more input transducer signals based on a received audio signal. The housing 4 comprises a push button 8 for controlling one or more functionalities of the hearing device 2. The housing 4 comprises a foam element 10 arranged at least partly between the first input transducer 6 and the push button 8 for supporting the push button 8. The foam element 10 comprises a first foam part being an open-cell foam, which is configured for accumulating ear wax and dirt.

[0098] The housing 4 of the hearing device 2 is an at least partly closed entity comprising one or more electronic components of the hearing device 2. The housing 4 comprises an exterior surface 16, which may be in contact with the user's skin. The housing 4 comprise an interior space 24 where the electronic components are arranged.

[0099] The housing 4 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 26, and an electrical contact 28 is arranged on the printed circuit board 26 for providing an electrical connection to the push button 8 for controlling the one or more functionalities of the hearing device 2. The electrical contact 28 is arranged on the printed circuit board 26 for providing the electrical connection to the push button 8 for controlling the one or more functionalities of the hearing device 2, when the push button 8 is activated by pushing it down into its depressed position. A protrusion 30 on the push button 8 is provided to touch the electrical contact 28.

[0100] The first input transducer 6 may be a surface-mounted device (SMD). The first input transducer 6 is mounted on the side of the printed circuit board 26 pointing towards the interior space/cavity 24 of the housing 4. A hole (not shown), such as a through-hole, may be provided in the printed circuit board 26 for providing a sound path to the first input transducer 6 arranged on the other side of the printed circuit board 26.

[0101] The foam element 10 at least partly encases/encloses/surrounds the electrical contact 28. In FIG. 2a), the foam element 10 partly encases/encloses/surrounds the electrical contact 28. In FIG. 2b), the foam element 10 completely encases/encloses/surrounds the electrical contact 28.

[0102] The housing 4 comprises an opening 20 in the first surface 14, and the push button 8 is provided in the opening 20. The opening 20 may be a hole, a hollow, an indentation, a groove, a recess, a depression and/or the like.

[0103] The push button 8 comprises a first face 33 being aligned with the first surface 14 of the housing 4, and thereby pointing towards the surroundings when the hearing device 2 is arranged at the user's ear in its intended position. The push button 8 comprises a second face 34 pointing downwards towards the interior cavity/space 24 of the housing 4. The push button 8 comprises a third face 35 being a circumference/perimeter of the push button 8 and defining a height of the push button 8, the third face 35 connecting the first face 34 and second face 35.

[0104] In FIG. 2a), the foam element 10 comprises a cut-out 32 in the foam element 10 for the electrical contact 28. In this case, the electrical contact 28 is at the cut-out 32 in the foam element 10. The cut-out 32 in the foam element 10 is in a centre of the foam element 10.

[0105] In FIG. 2b), the foam element 10 extends throughout the entire opening 20 in the first surface 14. In this case, the electrical contact 28 pushes on the foam element 10, which is between the printed circuit board 26 and the bottom face, such as a second face 34, of the push button 8.

[0106] In FIG. 2a), the foam element 10 has a thickness which is uniform throughout the foam element 10.

[0107] In FIG. 2b), the foam element 10 has a thickness which is smaller at the electrical contact 28 than in the remaining foam element 10. Alternatively, and/or additionally, the foam element 10 is compressed at the position of the electrical contact 28.

[0108] A dome 22 may be attached to the housing 4 for providing the sound in the ear canal of the user. A dome may not be provided if the hearing device is e.g. a BTE and RIE device.

[0109] FIGS. 3a), 3b), 3c), 3d), and 3e) schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 2 comprising a housing 4 and different variations of a foam element 10.

[0110] FIGS. 3a), 3b), 3c), 3d) and 3e) schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 2 comprising a housing 4. The housing 4 comprises a first input transducer (not shown) configured to generate one or more input transducer signals based on a received audio signal. The housing 4 comprises a push button (not shown) for controlling one or more functionalities of the hearing device 2.

[0111] In FIGS. 3a), 3b), 3c), 3d) and 3e) the push button is not shown, instead the hearing device 2 is shown without the push button, such that the housing 4 and the foam element 10 below the push button is visible.

[0112] The housing 4 comprises a foam element 10 arranged at least partly between the first input transducer and the push button for supporting the push button. The foam element 10 comprises a first foam part 12 being an open-cell foam, which is configured for accumulating ear wax and dirt.

[0113] The housing 4 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 26, and an electrical contact 28 is arranged on the printed circuit board 26 for providing an electrical connection to the push button for controlling the one or more functionalities of the hearing device 2, when the push button is activated by pushing it down into its depressed position.

[0114] The hole 38 in the printed circuit board 26 is a through-hole for the first input transducer (not shown) which may be arranged on the other side of the printed circuit board 26.

[0115] The foam element 10 at least partly encases/encloses/surrounds the electrical contact 28. In FIGS. 3a) and 3e), the foam element 10 completely encases/encloses/surrounds the electrical contact 28. In FIGS. 3b), 3c) and 3d), the foam element 10 partly encases/encloses/surrounds the electrical contact 28.

[0116] The housing 4 comprises an opening 20 in the first surface 14, and the push button is provided in the opening 20. The opening 20 may be a hole, a hollow, an indentation, a groove, a recess, a depression and/or the like.

[0117] In FIGS. 3a) and 3e), the foam element 10 extends throughout the entire opening 20 in the first surface 14. In this case, the electrical contact 28 pushes on the foam element 10, which is between the printed circuit board 26 and the bottom face, such as a second face, of the push button.

[0118] In FIGS. 3b), 3c) and 3d), the foam element 10 comprises a cut-out 32 in the foam element 10 for the electrical contact 28. In this case, the electrical contact 28 is at the cut-out 32 in the foam element 10. The cut-out 32 in the foam element 10 is in a centre of the foam element 10.

[0119] In FIGS. 3d) and 3e), the foam element 10 comprises a second foam part 36, and the second foam part 36 is provided along the edge of the foam element 10. In FIG. 3e) the first foam 12 part is provided in a centre of the foam element 10 and surrounded by the second foam part 36.

[0120] The second foam part is a closed-cell foam. A closed-cell foam may be “closed”/non-transparent to sound/air. A closed-cell foam may not accumulate as much ear wax and dirt as an open-celled foam. When the second foam part 36 is a closed-cell foam and is arranged along the edge of the foam element 10, then sound coming into the hearing device 2 from other directions than the air gap between the push button and the housing, can be blocked by the second foam part. Thereby it may only be the sound coming through the air gap which will enter the input transducer through the first foam part 12.

[0121] In FIGS. 3a), 3b) and 3c), only the first foam part 12 is present, then the first foam part 12 is both provided along the edge and in the centre of the foam element 10.

[0122] A dome 22 may be attached to the housing 4 for providing the sound in the ear canal of the user. A dome may not be provided if the hearing device is e.g. a BTE and RIE device.

[0123] Any combination of the features shown in FIGS. 3a), 3b), 3c), 3d) and 3e) may be used.

[0124] FIGS. 4a), 4b), 4c), and 4d) schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device comprising a housing and different variations of electrical contacts.

[0125] FIGS. 4a), 4b), 4c), and 4d) schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 2 comprising a housing 4. The housing 4 comprises a first input transducer (not shown) configured to generate one or more input transducer signals based on a received audio signal. The housing 4 comprises a push button (not shown) for controlling one or more functionalities of the hearing device 2.

[0126] In FIGS. 4a), 4b), 4c), and 4d) the push button and the foam element are not shown, instead the hearing device 2 is shown without the push button and the foam element, such that the housing 4 below the push button is visible.

[0127] The housing 4 comprises a foam element (not shown) arranged at least partly between the first input transducer and the push button for supporting the push button. The foam element comprises a first foam part (not shown) being an open-cell foam, which is configured for accumulating ear wax and dirt.

[0128] The housing 4 comprises an opening 20 in the first surface 14, and the push button is provided in the opening 20. The opening 20 may be a hole, a hollow, an indentation, a groove, a recess, a depression and/or the like.

[0129] FIGS. 4a), 4b), 4c) and 4d) show the housing 4 comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) 26, and an electrical contact 28 is arranged on the printed circuit board 26 for providing an electrical connection to the push button for controlling the one or more functionalities of the hearing device 2, when the push button is activated by pushing it down into its depressed position.

[0130] FIGS. 4b) and 4c) show an extra electrical contact 28′ arranged on the printed circuit board 26 for providing an extra electrical connection to the push button for controlling the one or more functionalities of the hearing device 2, when the push button is activated by pushing it down into its depressed position.

[0131] In FIGS. 4a), 4b), 4c) and 4d), the hole 38 in the printed circuit board 26 is a through-hole for the first input transducer (not shown) which may be arranged on the other side of the printed circuit board 26.

[0132] FIGS. 4b) and 4d) show an extra hole 38′ in the printed circuit board 26 which is a through-hole for another input transducer (not shown) which may be arranged on the other side of the printed circuit board 26.

[0133] A dome 22 may be attached to the housing 4 for providing the sound in the ear canal of the user. A dome may not be provided if the hearing device is e.g. a BTE and RIE device.

[0134] Any combination of the features shown in FIGS. 4a), 4b), 4c), and 4d) may be used.

[0135] The push button may be suspended in different ways. It can be guided along a linear path. However, it can also be arranged to swivel about a pivot, parallel with the PCB.

[0136] 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.

[0137] Items:

[0138] 1. A hearing device comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises:

[0139] a first input transducer configured to generate one or more input transducer signals based on a received audio signal;

[0140] a push button for controlling one or more functionalities of the hearing device;

[0141] a foam element arranged at least partly between the first input transducer and the push button for supporting the push button, wherein the foam element comprises a first foam part being an open-cell foam which is configured for accumulating ear wax and dirt.

[0142] 2. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the push button is provided on a first surface of the housing, the first surface pointing towards the surroundings when the hearing device is arranged at the user's ear in its intended position.

[0143] 3. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein an air gap is provided between the push button and the housing in the first surface of the housing.

[0144] 4. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the housing comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), and wherein an electrical contact is arranged on the printed circuit board for providing an electrical connection to the push button for controlling the one or more functionalities of the hearing device.

[0145] 5. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the foam element at least partly encases/encloses/surrounds the electrical contact.

[0146] 6. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the housing comprises an opening in the first surface, and wherein the push button is provided in the opening.

[0147] 7. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the foam element extends throughout the entire opening in the first surface, and/or wherein the foam element comprises a cut-out in the foam element for the electrical contact.

[0148] 8. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the foam element has a thickness, wherein the thickness is uniform throughout the foam element, or wherein the thickness is smaller at the electrical contact than in the remaining foam element.

[0149] 9. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the foam element further comprises a second foam part, wherein the second foam part is provided along the edge of the foam element, and wherein the first foam part is provided in a centre of the foam element.

[0150] 10. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the second foam part is a closed-cell foam.

[0151] 11. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the push button comprises:

[0152] a first face being aligned with the first surface of the housing, and thereby pointing towards the surroundings when the hearing device is arranged at the user's ear in its intended position;

[0153] a second face pointing downwards towards an interior cavity/space of the housing;

[0154] a third face being a circumference/perimeter of the push button and defining a height of the push button, the third face connecting the first face and second face.

[0155] 12. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the air gap is provided at the third face of the push button.

[0156] 13. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first input transducer is provided on the printed circuit board, or wherein the first input transducer is provided in the foam element.

[0157] 14. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first input transducer has a transducer opening, and wherein a physical filter is arranged at the transducer opening, the physical filter providing an acoustic filtering of the received audio signal.

[0158] 15. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the push button and/or the foam element is/are configured to be detached from the housing of the hearing device and be replaced with a new corresponding push button and/or foam element.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0159] 2 hearing device [0160] 4 housing [0161] 6 first input transducer [0162] 8 push button [0163] 10 foam element [0164] 12 first foam part [0165] 14 first surface of the housing [0166] 16 exterior of the housing [0167] 18 air gap [0168] 20 opening in the housing [0169] 22 dome [0170] 24 interior space/cavity of housing [0171] 26 printed circuit board (PCB) [0172] 28 electrical contact [0173] 28′ extra electrical contact [0174] 30 protrusion of push button [0175] 32 cut-out in foam element [0176] 33 first face of push button [0177] 34 second face of push button [0178] 35 third face of push button [0179] 36 second foam part [0180] 38 hole in PCB for first input transducer [0181] 38′ hole in PCB for other input transducer