A HEARING DEVICE COMPRISING A CONTROLLABLE VALVE DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE VALVE DEVICE

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a hearing device comprising a receiver module for insertion into an ear canal of a user of the hearing device, the receiver module comprising a signal processor, an output transducer, and a vent having a valve device, the valve device comprising at least one stationary valve coil, a movable magnet, and a movable valve element, the valve element being configured to open and close the vent, wherein the signal processor is configured to determine a current position of the valve element in the vent, and wherein the signal processor is configured to apply a drive signal to the valve coil to thereby move the valve element from the current position to a desired position. The disclosure further relates to a method for controlling a valve device of a hearing device and a binaural system.

Claims

1. A hearing device comprising: a receiver module for insertion into an ear canal of a user of the hearing device, the receiver module comprising a signal processor, an output transducer, and a vent having a valve device; wherein the valve device comprises a stationary valve coil, a movable magnet, and a movable valve element, the valve element being configured to open and close the vent; wherein the signal processor is configured to determine a current position of the valve element; and wherein the signal processor is configured to apply a drive signal to the valve coil to move the valve element from the current position to a desired position.

2. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the drive signal is an electric current or voltage.

3. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processor is configured to determine an inductance of the valve coil to determine the position of the valve element.

4. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processor is configured to determine a speed of the valve element while the valve element is moving relative to the vent.

5. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processor is configured to change a speed of the valve element by applying a modulation on the drive signal applied to the valve coil.

6. The hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the applied modulation is a pulse width modulation, or an amplitude modulation, or an on-off keying modulation.

7. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processor is configured to change a speed of the valve element when the valve element is close to the desired position.

8. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processor is configured to determine a voltage generated by the movable magnet moving relative to the valve coil to determine a speed of the valve element.

9. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the signal processor is configured to determine a minimum drive signal required to move the valve element from the current position to the desired position.

10. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the drive signal is based on the determined current position of the valve element.

11. A method for controlling a valve device of a hearing device, the hearing device comprising a receiver module for insertion into an ear canal of a hearing device user, the receiver module comprising a signal processor, an output transducer, a vent, and the valve device, the valve device comprising a stationary valve coil, a movable magnet, and a movable valve element, the valve element being configured to open and close the vent, the method comprising: determining, by the signal processor, a current position of the valve element; and applying, by the signal processor, a drive signal to the valve coil to move the valve element from the current position to a desired position.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising modulating the drive signal to change a speed of the valve element before the valve element reaches an end position, the end position being an open position or a closed position.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising determining the current position of the valve element at least one more time before the valve element reaches the desired position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0058] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary block schematic of a hearing device comprising a receiver module with a valve device.

[0059] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a longitudinal cut through a receiver module of a hearing device having a vent in an open position.

[0060] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a longitudinal cut through the receiver module of the hearing device, shown in FIG. 2, having a vent in a closed position.

[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates a modulation of a drive signal as a valve element moves from a closed to an open position.

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates position determination based on current measurements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] 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.

[0064] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary block schematic of a hearing device 1 comprising a receiver module 2. The hearing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is in the form of an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing device 1. During use, the ITE hearing device 1 is at least partly placed in an ear canal of a user and is held in place partly by the shape of part of a user's outer ear and partly by the shape of the ear canal itself. FIG. 1 shows that the hearing device 1 comprises a receiver module 2 for insertion into the ear canal of the user of the hearing device 1.

[0065] FIG. 1 shows that the hearing device 1 comprises the receiver module 2 comprising a signal processor 4, an output transducer 10, and a vent 8 having a valve device 6. The valve device 10 comprises at least one stationary valve coil, a movable magnet, and a movable valve element (not shown). The valve device 10, or more precisely the valve element, is configured to open and close the vent 8. The signal processor 4 is configured to determine a current position of the valve element in the vent 8 and apply a drive signal 12 to the valve coil to thereby move the valve element from the current position to a desired position.

[0066] FIGS. 2 and 3 schematically illustrate a longitudinal cross-section through a receiver module 2 of a hearing device 1 having a vent 8 in an open position and a closed position, respectively. The receiver module 2 comprises an output transducer 3, a vent 8 having a valve device 6. The vent 8, as also shown in FIG. 1, is formed as a through-going canal in the body of the hearing device 1 and provides the hearing device 1 with an acoustic path from the outside of the hearing device 1 to the part residing within the ear canal of the user during use e.g. the receiver module 2. The valve device 6 is configured to open and close the vent 8.

[0067] FIGS. 2 and 3 show that the receiver 2 module comprises a receiver housing 50. The receiver housing 50 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. FIGS. 2 and 3 show that the receiver module 2 may be connected to hearing device 1 via a receiver wire 5 at one end of the receiver housing 50. FIGS. 2 and 3 also show that the receiver module 2 may be connected to one end of a receiver sound outlet tube 53 at another end of the receiver housing 50. The other end of the receiver sound outlet tube 53 may be held in place by a vent outlet 55.

[0068] FIGS. 2 and 3 also show that the vent 4 holds the valve device 6 comprising a valve coil 51, a movable magnet 52, and a valve element 60. The magnet 52 may be a toroidal magnet and may cause the valve element 60 to move together with the magnet. A plurality of vent inlets 54 may be dispersed in the receiver housing wall between the valve coil 51 and the vent outlet 55. The vent outlet 55 may be embodied as a ring or inner bushel restricting the inner diameter of the proximal end of the receiver housing 50. A flange 56 may be arranged at one end of the receiver housing 50. The flange 56 may provide sealing between an ear plug (not shown) and the receiver housing 50 when the receiver housing 50 is mounted in the ear plug.

[0069] Still in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve device 6 is configured to move between the current position and the desired position in response to the drive signal received from the signal processor 4. The valve device 6 may be configured to move between the current e.g. open position, shown in FIG. 2, and desired e.g. closed position, shown in FIG. 3. The valve device 6 and the magnet 52 may be mounted together on the receiver sound outlet tube 53 in a way that facilitates a sliding/moving motion of the vent valve device 6 between the first, open position and the second, closed position. The signal processor 4 may first identify the current position of the valve element 60 and then determine the drive signal to be applied to the coil. The sliding/moving motion may be initiated by applying the drive signal to the valve coil 51 for creating a magnetic field attracting or repelling the magnet 52. The drive signal through the coil 51 in one direction may attract the magnet 52, thereby opening the vent, and drive signal in the opposite direction through the coil 51 may repel the magnet 52, thereby closing the vent.

[0070] FIG. 2 shows the open position of the valve element 60. In FIG. 2, the coil 51 has attracted the magnet 52 towards the distal end of the receiver housing 50. The open position, shown in FIG. 2, provides a passageway for air to flow between the plurality of vent inlets 54 and the vent outlet 55. When the ear plug and the receiver housing 50 is mounted in its intended place in the ear canal, the passageway may be the only way air can escape an ear canal, in the case that there is a sealing between the ear plug (not shown) and the receiver housing 50.

[0071] FIG. 3 shows the closed position of the valve element 60. In FIG. 3, the coil 51 has repelled the magnet 52 towards another end of the receiver housing 50. The closed position, shown in FIG. 3, provides no passageway for air to flow between the plurality of vent inlets 54 and the vent outlet 55 i.e. the passageway is closed. For instance, when the edge of the valve element 60 abuts a rim of the vent outlet 55, the valve element 60 and the vent outlet 55 forms a seal trapping the air in the ear canal from the exterior.

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates a modulation of a drive signal as a valve element moves from a closed to an open position. The graph shows how the inductance L changes as the valve element moves from the closed to the open position. The inductance is proportional to frequency f of the LC circuit. The graph also shows PWM of the drive signal. In the illustrated scenario, the valve element is in the closed position. When in the closed position the inductance L is at its minimum as the magnet is far from the coil. As the valve element, and thereby the magnet approaches the open position, the distance between the coil and the magnet is reduced and the inductance is increased. The signal processor may determine the position of the valve element at any time from the measured resonant frequency, i.e. inductance L. Initially, the drive signal applied to the coil to move the valve between the two end points will be set to a calculated maximum. As the valve approaches the desired position, the drive signal will be modulated. When the valve element is close to the open position, e.g. when it passes 60%, or 70%, or 80%, or 90% of the distance between the two points, the drive signal is modulated. FIG. 4 shows that the drive signal is phase modulated such that it is at one point reversed below zero to ensure noiseless opening of the vent. Once the valve element is at the desired position, in this case at the open position, the PWM is increased again to ensure a full opening of the vent.

[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates position determination based on current measurements. The graph shows a scenario when 50% PWM is applied to the drive signal. The signal processor is configured to determine the position of the valve element in the vent by measuring a change of a current in the coil. The signal processor may start a timer when the drive signal is initiated. The drive signal may be modulated by PWM. When the current in the coil is exceeding a threshold, the timer is stopped. The time for a closed and open valve may be different because the inductance of the coil is different depending on the position of the magnet. The position is then determined from the current difference at the two recorded times and the time span during the change occurred. The time span may not be a linear function of the position. The current draw may also depend on the actual speed of the valve, and the voltage generated across the coil in the valve. It may be needed to measure the generated voltage and derive the expected result on the values and timing of the measured current if a reading of position is needed while the magnet is moving.

[0074] 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.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0075] 1 Hearing device [0076] 2 Receiver module [0077] 4 Signal processor [0078] 6 Valve device [0079] 8 Vent [0080] 10 Output transducer [0081] 12 Drive signal [0082] 50 Receiver housing [0083] 51 Valve coil [0084] 52 Movable magnet [0085] 53 Receiver sound outlet tube [0086] 54 Vent inlet [0087] 55 Vent outlet [0088] 56 Flange [0089] 60 Valve element

[0090] Items

1. A hearing device comprising a receiver module for insertion into an ear canal of a user of the hearing device, the receiver module comprising a signal processor, an output transducer, and a vent having a valve device,
the valve device comprising at least one stationary valve coil, a movable magnet, and a movable valve element, the valve element being configured to open and close the vent,
wherein the signal processor is configured to determine a current position of the valve element in the vent, and
wherein the signal processor is configured to apply a drive signal to the valve coil to thereby move the valve element from the current position to a desired position.
2. A hearing device according to item 1, wherein the drive signal is an electric current or voltage.
3. A hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the signal processor is configured to determine an inductance of the valve coil to thereby derive the position of the valve element in the vent.
4. A hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the signal processor is configured to determine a valve element speed while the valve element is moving in the vent.
5. A hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the signal processor is configured to change a valve element speed by applying a modulation on the drive signal applied to the valve coil.
6. A hearing device according to item 5, wherein the applied modulation is a pulse width modulation, or amplitude modulation, or on-off keying modulation.
7. A hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the signal processor is configured to change a valve element speed when the valve element is close to the desired position.
8. A hearing device according to items 4-7, wherein the signal processor is configured to determine a voltage generated by the movable magnet relative to the valve coil to thereby determine the valve element speed.
9. A hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the signal processor is configured to determine a minimum drive signal required to move the valve element from the current position to the desired position.
10. A hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the drive signal is based on the determined current position of the valve element in the vent.
11. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least one of the one or more input transducers is arranged in the hearing device.
12. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least one of the one or more input transducers is arranged in the receiver module of the hearing device.
13. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hearing device further comprises a wireless communication unit and an antenna.
14. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more input transducers comprises a microphone or an array of microphones.
15. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the signal processor is configured to electrically drive the valve coil at scheduled times.
16. A method for controlling a valve device of a hearing device, the hearing device comprising a receiver module for insertion into an ear canal of a hearing device user, the receiver module comprising a signal processor, an output transducer, a vent having the valve device,

[0091] the valve device comprising at least one stationary valve coil, a movable magnet, and a movable valve element, the valve element being configured to open and close the vent,

[0092] the method comprising: [0093] determining, by the signal processor, a current position of the valve element in the vent, [0094] applying, by the signal processor, a drive signal to the valve coil to thereby move the valve element from the current position to a desired position.
17. A method according to item 16, further comprising modulating the drive signal to thereby change a valve element speed before it reaches an end position, the end position being an open position or a closed position.
18. A method according to items 16 or 17, further comprising determining the position of the valve element at least one more time before the valve element reaches the desired position.
19. A binaural system comprising a first hearing device and a second hearing device according to any of the preceding items.