Compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure

Abstract

A compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device, comprising: a first microphone, the first microphone being adapted to receive incoming sound via a first microphone input, a resilient member comprising a main body and a protrusion, the main body comprising a user interface surface, the protrusion comprising a first opening, the first opening being positioned so that it is aligned with the first microphone input, a switch assembly being positioned so that a user can activate the switch assembly by engaging with the user interface surface of the resilient member, an outer shield comprising a shield opening and a second opening, the outer shield being positioned so that the main body of the resilient member partially extends through the shield opening and the second opening is aligned with the first opening, and the outer shield being in close contact with the resilient member to form a waterproof and soundproof seal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure, particularly suitable for compact hearing devices such as custom hearing aids. Background Art

[0002] Components of hearing devices, such as earphones, headphones, earphones, hearing aids, etc., are exposed to a range of potentially harmful substances during use. Examples of such potentially harmful substances are moisture, grease, sweat and ear wax. Therefore, the components of hearing devices, especially electronic components, are shielded to some extent from these substances.

[0003] Shielding is more relevant to so-called custom hearing devices, such as invisible in-canal (IIC), completely in-the-ear (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC) or in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, which are located partially or fully in the ear canal, a moist environment containing ear wax.

[0004] A problem with many hearing devices regarding shielding is that they have one or more user interfaces, such as push buttons, toggle switches or volume controls, to allow the user to change various settings. Such user interfaces often require one or more openings in the outer shielding, which can then become entry points for moisture, grease, etc. Furthermore, the user interface means that a part of the hearing device is often directly exposed to the user's fingers, which may contain substances such as liquids or grease, thereby increasing exposure.

[0005] In addition to shielding against moisture and grease, hearing devices often need to be soundproofed so that no sound or as little sound as possible enters, for example through openings in the shielding. Most hearing devices attempt to isolate external sounds so that any sounds they produce can be better heard. For example, sophisticated hearing aids analyze sound and suppress unwanted sounds, such as impulse sounds, while enhancing wanted sounds, such as speech; this function is reduced if incoming sounds are able to propagate through the shielding.

[0006] A challenge in the design of button structures for hearing devices, particularly those for custom hearing aids, is the required small size and compactness, which means that the components in the hearing device must be placed close together.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure that alleviates one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages at least to some extent. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object is to reduce at least one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages, at least to some extent.

[0009] One aspect of the invention is defined in claim 1.

[0010] Therefore, in a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure, wherein the structure comprises:

[0011] A first microphone is adapted to receive incoming sound via a first microphone input.

[0012] A resilient member having a main body and a protruding portion. The main body has a user interface surface and the protruding portion has a first opening. The first opening in the protruding portion is positioned so that it is aligned with the first microphone input.

[0013] A switch assembly is positioned so that a user can activate the switch assembly by engaging the user interface surface of the resilient member.

[0014] An outer shield having a shield opening and a second opening. The outer shield is positioned so that the main body of the elastic member partially extends through the shield opening and the second opening is aligned with the first opening. In addition, the outer shield is in close contact with the elastic member to form a waterproof and soundproof seal.

[0015] The openings are aligned meaning that they completely or partially overlap. By aligning the openings, sound can propagate from outside the structure through the openings to the microphone. Thus, the openings extend completely through the solid material to allow sound to propagate.

[0016] Waterproof means that the seal has a tight structure or fit so that it is impermeable to water unless sufficient pressure creates a structural discontinuity. For most hearing devices, this means that they can withstand average humidity and light rain, but many devices may experience problems with water ingress into the structure when exposed to high humidity, heavy rain, and / or heavy sweat.

[0017] Acoustic isolation means that the seal between the resilient member and the outer shield is impenetrable to sound except under extreme conditions. This means that no sound, or as little sound as possible, enters the seal, which is necessary because most hearing devices try to isolate sound from the outside in order to better hear any sounds they may produce. For example, a sophisticated hearing aid analyses incoming sound and suppresses unwanted sounds, such as impulse sounds, while enhancing wanted sounds, such as speech; this function is reduced if impulse sounds are able to pass through the seal.

[0018] The elastic member may be made of a soft and compliant elastic material, such as a silicone polymer or a soft plastic elastomer. This has several advantageous effects, for example, the soft and compliant elastic material reduces noise caused by handling and is comfortable to the touch.

[0019] The protrusion of the elastic member can be very thin and even a film extending from the main body. The thickness of the protrusion can be as small as 0.1 mm. When the user applies pressure to the button structure, the protrusion is both part of the seal and plays a role in absorbing tolerances.

[0020] In an embodiment, the main body is made of a first elastic material, and the protrusion is made of a second elastic material, and the first and second elastic materials have different properties, such as different hardness. In a further embodiment, the first elastic material has a higher hardness value than the second elastic material.

[0021] The switch assembly may be, for example, a normal push button switch or a toggle switch or any other suitable type of switch assembly. The switch assembly is an element that allows a user to change a setting of a hearing device. For example, a user may wish to turn a function on or off, switch between functions or increase / decrease a value, such as volume. The switch assembly may comprise one or more switch interface surfaces, which are activation surfaces, i.e. surfaces that, when engaged, cause the switch assembly to register a desire to change a setting. If the switch assembly is a push button switch, it is activated by pressure applied to the switch interface surface. If the switch assembly is a toggle switch, the toggle switch must be moved in order for the switch assembly to change a setting, and the toggle switch will have two opposing switch interface surfaces.

[0022] The resilient member may also include more than one body portion, so that the button structure may accommodate, for example, two separate normal buttons, or a toggle switch and a normal button, or a single normal button and two associated normal buttons for volume control. This may require obviously appropriate additional features of the button structure, such as, for example, additional openings in the outer shield.

[0023] Typically, the resilient member has a dual function of being part of the seal and acting as an actuator for the button function. In an embodiment, the body portion of the resilient member further comprises a contact surface, the switch assembly comprises a switch interface surface, and when a user applies force on the user interface surface, the contact surface of the resilient member moves in a direction toward the switch interface surface, and if sufficient force is applied, the contact surface engages the switch interface surface.

[0024] The outer shield may be made of one or more plastics, metals, composite materials or other suitable materials. In a custom hearing aid, the outer shield is the outermost part that protects the hearing aid components from the environment in which they are located, which typically includes moisture, earwax, grit, etc.

[0025] The close contact between the outer shield and the elastic member can be formed by, for example, fixing, gluing or welding. If fixed, the elastic member is held in place between the underlying structure and the outer shield by pressure.

[0026] In an embodiment, the button structure further comprises:

[0027] A second microphone is adapted to receive incoming sound via a second microphone input.

[0028] The protrusion includes a third opening, and the third opening is positioned such that it is aligned with the second microphone input.

[0029] The outer shield includes a fourth opening, and the fourth opening is aligned with the third opening.

[0030] The button structure may also include more than two microphones.

[0031] In this case, each microphone will have a microphone input, the protrusion will include an opening aligned with the microphone input, and the outer shield will include an opening aligned with the opening in the protrusion.

[0032] In another embodiment, the button structure further includes:

[0033] A second microphone is adapted to receive incoming sound via a second microphone input that is aligned with the opening in the protrusion and the opening in the outer shield to allow sound to propagate from outside the button structure to the second microphone input.

[0034] The second microphone, and optionally any additional microphones, may share an opening so that, for example, a single opening in the protrusion may allow sound to propagate to two or more microphones, the single opening being aligned with an opening in the outer shield.

[0035] The first and any additional microphones may be mounted on a first PCB surface of a first printed circuit board (PCB). The first PCB will include a first microphone PCB opening aligned with the first microphone input and the first opening in the protrusion. Also, by aligning all openings, sound can propagate from outside the structure through the openings to the microphone.

[0036] In an embodiment, the switch assembly is mounted on a second PCB surface opposite to the first PCB surface.

[0037] In an embodiment, the elastic member is fixed by pressure between the second PCB surface and the outer shield.In another embodiment which may be combined with fixing the elastic member by pressure, the elastic member is glued to the outer shield and / or the lower surface.

[0038] In an embodiment, each aligned opening has a range, such as a diameter, of 0.2 mm - 2 mm, such as 0.2 mm - 1.2 mm, such as 0.2 mm - 0.8 mm.

[0039] In an embodiment including first and second microphones, the distance between the first and second microphones may be only 3 mm.

[0040] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a head mounted hearing device adapted for use in or at an ear of a user, wherein the hearing device comprises the waterproof and soundproof button structure as described in the first aspect.

[0041] The head-mounted hearing device can be headphones, earphones, headsets or hearing aids.

[0042] The head-mounted hearing device may be a custom-made hearing aid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 An embodiment of a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure is schematically shown; and

[0044] Figure 2A is a perspective view schematically showing another embodiment of a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure;

[0045] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A a cutaway view of the perspective view shown;

[0046] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example of a combination of a switch assembly and an elastic member is schematically shown;

[0047] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example of a combination of a switch assembly and an elastic member is schematically shown.

[0048] Reference numerals list

[0049] 1 Button structure

[0050] 2. First Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0051] 4. First PCB surface

[0052] 6 Second PCB surface

[0053] 8 First Microphone

[0054] 10 First microphone input

[0055] 12 First microphone PCB opening

[0056] 14 Elastic member

[0057] 16 Main body of elastic member

[0058] 18 Protrusion of elastic member

[0059] 20 First opening in the protrusion

[0060] 22 first protruding surface

[0061] 24 Second protruding surface

[0062] 26 User Interface Surfaces

[0063] 28 Contact Surface

[0064] 30 Switch assembly

[0065] 32 Switch interface surface

[0066] 34 Outer shield

[0067] 36 Shielding opening

[0068] 38 Second opening

[0069] 40 Second Microphone

[0070] 42 Second microphone input

[0071] 43 Third PCB surface

[0072] 44 Second microphone PCB opening

[0073] 45 Second PCB

[0074] 46 The third opening

[0075] 48 The fourth opening

[0076] 50 Frames DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Various aspects and embodiments of a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device as disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] Figure 1 An embodiment of a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure 1 is schematically shown in cross section. Figure 1 The button structure shown comprises a first printed circuit board (PCB) 2 having a first PCB surface 4 and an opposing second PCB surface 6. A first microphone 8 is mounted on the first PCB surface 4, which is adapted to receive incoming sound via a first microphone input 10. The first PCB 2 has a first microphone PCB opening 12 aligned with the first microphone input 10, allowing the first microphone 8 to receive sound through the first microphone input 10.

[0079] The button structure has a resilient member 14 having a main body 16 and a protrusion 18. A first opening 20 in the protrusion 18 is positioned so that it is aligned with the first microphone input 10 and the first microphone PCB opening 12, allowing the first microphone 8 to receive sound through the first microphone input 10. The protrusion 18 has a first protruding surface 22 and an opposing second protruding surface 24, and the protrusion 18 extends from the main body 16 of the resilient member, while at least a portion of the first protruding surface 22 is in contact with a portion of the second PCB surface 6.

[0080] The body portion 16 of the resilient member 14 has a user interface surface 26 and a contact surface 28. The contact surface 28 is opposite the user interface surface 26 and is located at a distal end of a portion of the resilient member 14 that extends from the body portion 16.

[0081] A conventional push button switch assembly 30 having a switch interface surface 32 is positioned such that when a user applies a force at the user interface surface 26, the contact surface 28 of the resilient member 14 moves in a direction toward the switch interface surface 32, and if sufficient force is applied, the contact surface 28 engages the switch interface surface 32 to activate the switch assembly 30.

[0082] The outer shield 34 having the shield opening 36 and the second opening 38 is positioned so that the main body 16 of the resilient member 14 partially extends through the shield opening 36 and so that the second opening 38 is aligned with the first opening 20, the first microphone PCB opening 12 and the first microphone input 10, allowing the first microphone 8 to receive sound through the first microphone input 10.

[0083] The outer shield 34 is in close contact with the resilient member 14 to form a waterproof and soundproof seal for the button structure 1, so that the aligned openings 12, 20, 38 are the only way, except under extreme conditions, for water and sound to enter through the button structure 1. The microphone input 10 and / or one or more of the openings 12, 20, 38 that allow sound to propagate to the microphone input 10 may be equipped with appropriate filters to prevent the entry of dust and other substances from the aligned openings 10, 20, 38 and the microphone input 10.

[0084] Figure 1The illustrated embodiment has a second microphone 40 adapted to receive incoming sound via a second microphone input 42. The second microphone 40 is mounted on a third PCB surface 43, which may be the same surface as the surface on which the first microphone 8 is mounted. To allow the second microphone 40 to receive sound via the second microphone input 42, a second PCB 45 on which the second microphone 40 is mounted has a second microphone PCB opening 44 that is aligned with the second microphone input 42. The second PCB 45 may be the same as the first PCB. The protrusion 18 of the resilient member 14 has a third opening 46 that is positioned so that it is aligned with the second microphone input 42, and the outer shield has a fourth opening 48 that is aligned with the third opening 46. By aligning the second microphone input 42, the second microphone PCB opening 44, the third opening 46, and the fourth opening 48 with the second microphone 40, sound may be received via its input 42 and the aligned openings 44, 46, 48.

[0085] Figure 2A A perspective view is shown schematically showing another embodiment of a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure 1. The same embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 2B is shown as a cross-section view, showing more features. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The embodiments in many respects are similar to Figure 1 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 , except for the position of the switch assembly 30. For simplicity, the outer shield is not shown in FIG. Figure 2A and Figure 2B Shown.

[0086] exist Figure 2A and 2B In the embodiment, the switch assembly 30 is mounted on the second PCB surface 6, which is opposite to the first PCB surface 4 on which the two microphones 10 and 40 are mounted. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the embodiment of the present invention, the switch assembly 30 is therefore positioned inside the resilient member 14, i.e. surrounded at its sides by the resilient member 14. The contact surface 28 of the resilient member 14 is arranged so that when a user applies a force at the user interface surface 26 of the resilient member 14, the contact surface 28 of the resilient member 14 moves in a direction toward the switch interface surface 32, and if sufficient force is applied, the contact surface 28 engages with the switch interface surface 32 to activate the conventional push button switch assembly 30.

[0087] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn the embodiment of the embodiment, a frame 50 made of, for example, metal surrounds the microphones 10, 40. The larger opening extending through the frame 50 and the protrusion 18, seen behind the body 16 in the perspective view, is an example of how the fixation can be achieved. The larger opening, preferably with at least one identical larger opening, can be used to heat weld the frame 50 under the outer shield 34. Many similar solutions are known and a suitable solution can be selected for any embodiment; the important aspect is that the protrusion 18 needs to be connected to the outer shield 34 and the structure under the protrusion 18 (such as Figure 1 , 2A and PCB 2) in the embodiment shown in 2B) under pressure.

[0088] Figure 3A Schematically shows an example of a combination of a switch assembly 30 and an elastic member 14, the elastic member 14 being used for a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure 1 (the entire structure is not shown in FIG. Figure 3A ).

[0089] The resilient member 14 has a body portion 16 and a protrusion 18. The protrusion 18 has two microphone openings 20, 46 which, in the compact, waterproof and soundproofing button structure 1, will align with the other openings to allow sound to propagate through the openings to the microphone input.

[0090] The body portion 16 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the protruding portion 16 , and has a user interface surface 26 at a distal end of the cylindrical shape.

[0091] A conventional push button switch assembly 30 having a switch interface surface 32 will be positioned so that a user can activate the conventional push button switch assembly 30 by pushing the user interface surface 26. This can be achieved, for example, by contacting the surface 28, which is Figure 3A 2, moves due to force applied to the user interface surface 26, and if sufficient force is applied, the contact surface 28 will engage the switch interface surface 32 directly or indirectly (ie, via an intermediate component) to activate the switch assembly 30.

[0092] Figure 3B Another example of a combination of a switch assembly 30 and an elastic member 14 is schematically shown, wherein the elastic member 14 is used for a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure 1 (the entire structure is not shown in FIG. Figure 3B ).

[0093] The resilient member 14 has a body portion 16 and a protrusion 18. The protrusion 18 has a microphone opening 20. In a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure 1, the microphone opening 20 will align with other openings to allow sound to propagate through the openings to one or more microphone inputs.

[0094] The main body 16 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending from the protrusion 16 and has a user interface surface 26 at the distal end of the cylindrical shape. The main body 16 is made of a hard plastic material and the protrusion 18 is made of a soft elastomer, and the two materials are combined to be waterproof and soundproof, such as by welding or gluing together, to form the elastic member 14 together.

[0095] A conventional push button switch assembly 30 having a switch interface surface 32 is similar to the reference Figure 3A To activate the conventional push button switch assembly 30 , the user will apply a force to the user interface surface 26 , causing the surface opposite to the user interface surface 26 to move and engage the switch interface surface 32 directly or indirectly.

[0096] Figure 4A Schematically shows a further example of a combination of a switch assembly 30 and an elastic member 14 for a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure 1 (the entire structure is not shown in FIG. Figure 4A ).

[0097] The resilient member 14 has a body portion 16 and a protrusion 18. The protrusion 18 has two microphone openings 20, 46 which, in the compact, waterproof and soundproofing button structure 1, will align with the other openings to allow sound to propagate through the openings to the microphone input.

[0098] exist Figure 4A In the example in FIG. 3 , the switch assembly 30 is a toggle switch, i.e., it includes an element, a switch key, which can be toggled between two or more positions. Figure 4A As shown by the straight arrow in , a portion of the toggle key is inserted into and inside the main body 16 of the resilient member 14. The toggle switch has two sides, which serve as switch interface surfaces 32, and the main body 16 has two corresponding user interface surfaces 26. When the toggle key is inserted into the main body 16, it can be engaged by the user pressing one of the two opposing user interface surfaces 26, thereby changing the position of the toggle key if sufficient force is applied.

[0099] Figure 4B Schematically shows an example of a combination of two switch assemblies 30 and a resilient member 14 for a compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure 1 suitable for, for example, volume control (the entire structure is not shown in FIG. Figure 4B ).

[0100] The resilient member 14 has a body portion 16 and a protrusion 18. The protrusion 18 has two microphone openings 20, 46 which, in the compact, waterproof and soundproofing button structure 1, will align with the other openings to allow sound to propagate through the openings to the microphone input.

[0101] The main body 16 has an elongated shape and two user interface surfaces 26. Two push button switch assemblies 30, each having a switch interface surface 32, will be positioned so that a user can activate the push button switch assembly 30 by pushing the user interface surface 26, which is associated with a particular push button switch assembly 30. To activate the associated push button switch assembly 30, the user will apply a force to the associated user interface surface 26, causing the surface opposite the user interface surface 26 to move and directly or indirectly engage the switch interface surface 32.

[0102] Figure 3A , 4A The examples of the combination of one or more switch assemblies 30 and resilient members 14 shown in FIG4B each have two openings 20, 46 in the protrusion 18, but this number will depend on the number of microphones in the button structure 1, as each microphone requires an opening to allow sound to propagate to its microphone input. Therefore, the button structures may each have one or more openings in the protrusion 18. Alternatively, two or more microphones may share an opening, depending on the design.

[0103] also, Figures 3A-4B The button types shown in may be combined into a single button structure, such as, for example, a button structure having a separate normal button for an on / off function and two associated normal buttons for volume control.

[0104] Some preferred embodiments have been shown above, but it should be emphasized that the invention is not limited to these, but can be embodied in other ways within the subject matter defined in the appended claims.

[0105] In the claims enumerating several features, some or all of these features may be embodied by one and the same element, component or item. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0106] It should be emphasized that when used in this specification, the term "includes / comprising" is used to specify the presence of stated features, elements, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device, comprising: - a first microphone adapted to receive incoming sound via a first microphone input, - a resilient member comprising a main portion comprising a user interface surface and a protruding portion comprising a first opening positioned such that it is aligned with the first microphone input, - a switch assembly positioned so that a user can activate the switch assembly by engaging the user interface surface of the resilient member, - an outer shield including a shield opening and a second opening, the outer shield being positioned so that the body portion of the resilient member partially extends through the shield opening, and the second opening is aligned with the first opening, and the outer shield is in close contact with the resilient member to form a waterproof and soundproof seal; wherein the first microphone is mounted on a first PCB surface of a printed circuit board PCB, the PCB comprising a first microphone PCB opening aligned with the first microphone input and the first opening in the protrusion; as well as The switch assembly is mounted on a second PCB surface, which is opposite to the first PCB surface.

2. The compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the switch component is a normal push button switch or a toggle switch.

3. A compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the main body of the elastic member also includes a contact surface, the switch assembly includes a switch interface surface, and when a user applies a force on the user interface surface, the contact surface of the elastic member moves in a direction toward the switch interface surface, and if sufficient force is applied, the contact surface engages with the switch interface surface.

4. The compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is made of a soft and pliable elastic material, which is a silicone polymer or a soft plastic elastomer.

5. A compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the main body is made of a first elastic material and the protrusion is made of a second elastic material, and the first elastic material and the second elastic material have different properties, and the first elastic material and the second elastic material have different hardness.

6. The compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the first elastic material has a higher hardness value than the second elastic material.

7. The compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the button structure further comprises: - a second microphone adapted to receive incoming sound via a second microphone input, - the protrusion comprises a third opening, the third opening being positioned such that it is aligned with the second microphone input, - the outer shield comprises a fourth opening, the fourth opening being aligned with the third opening.

8. The compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of each aligned opening is in the range of 0.2 mm-2 mm, 0.2 mm-1.2 mm or 0.2 mm-0.8 mm.

9. A compact, waterproof and soundproof button structure for a hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is fixed between the second PCB surface and the outer shield by pressure.

10. A head mounted hearing device adapted for use at an ear of a user, the head mounted hearing device comprising a waterproof and soundproofing button structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. The head mounted hearing device according to claim 10 , wherein the head mounted hearing device is a custom hearing aid.

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