Hearing device with anti-corrosion protection and related methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hearing device with anti-corrosion protection and an associated method wherein the hearing device comprises: a housing forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the hearing device; a frame disposed in the housing; a battery compartment including a first battery terminal and a second battery terminal; and a gel disposed in the battery compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hearing device and related methods including methods of operating a hearing device. Background Art

[0002] The hearing industry is evolving to require the ability for independent service providers or end users to replace rechargeable batteries. This requirement can present challenges due to corrosion, which can degrade or even destroy the performance of hearing devices. Summary of the invention

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for improved protection of galvanic contacts in hearing devices.

[0004] The present invention discloses a hearing device, comprising: a housing forming at least a part of the outer surface of the hearing device; a frame arranged in the housing; a battery compartment comprising a first battery terminal and a second battery terminal; and a gel or a low-viscosity fluid arranged in the battery compartment.

[0005] Furthermore, a method for battery handling in a hearing device comprising a battery compartment is provided, the method comprising: introducing a gel or a low viscosity fluid into the battery compartment; inserting a battery cell comprising a battery into the battery compartment; and closing the battery compartment.

[0006] Conventional non-rechargeable batteries are replaced more frequently. The non-sealed battery compartment and the motion of sliding the non-rechargeable battery in and out help prevent and / or eliminate corrosion of the galvanic contacts. However, in the case of a sealed battery compartment for rechargeable batteries, moisture generated in the sealed battery compartment due to, for example, temperature changes can lead to corrosion of the galvanic contacts. Therefore, advantageously, the gel introduced into the battery compartment protects the galvanic contacts between the battery spring and the battery from corrosion.

[0007] An important advantage for hearing devices is that the battery terminals and battery connector elements are protected from galvanic corrosion, thereby increasing the service life of the hearing device and the battery cell. In addition, the present invention improves the galvanic contact between the battery terminals and the battery cell, thereby providing a reliable and fail-safe power supply for the hearing device.

[0008] The present invention allows an independent service provider to perform battery replacement in such a way that the quality and functionality of the hearing aid after the battery replacement is comparable to that of a new hearing aid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1schematically shows a cross section of an exemplary hearing device;

[0011] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 hearing devices;

[0012] Figure 3 schematically shows a cross section of an exemplary hearing device;

[0013] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 3 hearing devices;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional side view of a hearing device;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional side view of a hearing device; and

[0016] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method according to the present invention.

[0017] List of reference numerals:

[0018] 2.2A: Hearing Devices

[0019] 4: Shell

[0020] 6: External surface of hearing devices

[0021] 8: Framework

[0022] 10: Battery compartment

[0023] 12: First battery terminal

[0024] 14: Second battery terminal

[0025] 15: Third battery terminal

[0026] 16: Gel

[0027] 16A: Low viscosity fluid

[0028] 18: Battery Cell

[0029] 18A: First surface of battery cell

[0030] 18B: Second surface of battery cell

[0031] 18C: The third surface of the battery cell

[0032] 19A: First connector element

[0033] 19B: Second connector element

[0034] 19C: Third connector element

[0035] 20: First Wall

[0036] 22: Second Wall

[0037] 24: The Third Wall

[0038] 26: Printed Circuit Board, PCB

[0039] 26A: The first area of ​​PCB

[0040] 26B: The second area of ​​PCB

[0041] 28: Battery opening

[0042] 30: Battery cover

[0043] 32: Seals

[0044] 34: Temperature sensor

[0045] 36: Internal compartment

[0046] 40: Processor

[0047] 42: One or more microphones

[0048] 44: Power module

[0049] 100: Battery handling in hearing devices

[0050] S102: Introducing gel into the battery compartment

[0051] S102A: introduction volume is 5mm 3 Up to 300mm 3 Gel in range

[0052] S104: Inserting a battery cell including a battery into a battery compartment

[0053] S106: Close the battery compartment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments and details are described with reference to the accompanying drawings when relevant. It should be noted that the drawings may be drawn in proportion or not, and elements of similar structure or function are represented by the same reference numerals in all drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not an exhaustive description of the invention or a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, the illustrated embodiments do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment, and may also be implemented in any other embodiment even if not illustrated as such or if not explicitly described as such.

[0055] A hearing device is disclosed. The hearing device may be configured to be worn on an ear of a user, or may be a hearable or a hearing aid, wherein a processor is configured to compensate for a hearing loss of the user.

[0056] The hearing device may be of behind-the-ear (BTE) type, in-the-ear (ITE) type, in-the-canal (ITC) type, receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) type or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) type. The hearing aid may be a binaural hearing aid. The hearing device may include a first earphone and a second earphone, wherein the first earphone and / or the second earphone are earphones as disclosed herein.

[0057] A hearing device and related methods are disclosed, the hearing device comprising a housing forming at least a part of an outer surface of the hearing device.The housing may comprise one or more shells or external parts.

[0058] The hearing device comprises a frame arranged in a housing. The frame may be configured to carry a printed circuit board, PCB, such as a flexible PCB. In other words, a PCB or PCBA of the hearing device may be mounted on the frame. One or more electrical components in the hearing device, such as one or more of a processor, a radio transceiver, a power module and a microphone, may be mounted on the PCB.

[0059] The hearing device comprises a battery compartment. The battery compartment comprises a plurality of, for example, three, four or more battery terminals. The battery compartment comprises a first battery terminal and a second battery terminal. The battery compartment may comprise a third battery terminal and an optional fourth battery terminal. The battery terminals are configured to electrically connect corresponding connector elements, such as an anode, a cathode and one or more controls of a battery cell when inserted into a PCB / PCBA or a component thereof.

[0060] The hearing device optionally comprises a gel and / or a fluid, such as a low viscosity fluid, arranged in the battery compartment. The battery compartment may be a sealed battery compartment. A sealed battery compartment has several advantages in preventing internal (inner compartment) and external moisture and sweat from reaching and damaging the battery cells or battery terminals. Furthermore, in the event of a battery failure, the sealed battery compartment serves to prevent gel and / or acid from the battery from leaking internally, e.g. into the inner compartment and damaging electronic components in the inner compartment, and / or leaking externally, which could damage the user's skin.

[0061] The hearing device may comprise an inner compartment.The battery compartment is optionally separated from the inner compartment, e.g. sealed, to ensure that gel does not leak from the battery compartment into the inner compartment.

[0062] The hearing device may be configured for wireless communication with one or more devices, such as, for example, another hearing device that is part of a binaural hearing system, and / or with one or more accessory devices (such as a smartphone and / or a smartwatch). The hearing device may optionally include an antenna for converting one or more wireless input signals (e.g., a first wireless input signal and / or a second wireless input signal) into an antenna output signal. The wireless input signal may originate from an external source, such as a spouse microphone device, a wireless TV audio transmitter, and / or a distributed microphone array associated with a wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal may originate from, for example, another hearing device that is part of a binaural hearing system, and / or from one or more accessory devices.

[0063] The hearing device optionally comprises a radio transceiver coupled to the antenna for converting the antenna output signal into a transceiver input signal. Wireless signals from different external sources may be multiplexed in the radio transceiver to the transceiver input signal, or provided as separate transceiver input signals at separate transceiver output terminals of the radio transceiver. The hearing device may comprise a plurality of antennas, and / or the antenna may be configured to operate in one or more antenna modes. The transceiver input signal optionally comprises a first transceiver input signal representing a first wireless signal from a first external source.

[0064] The hearing device comprises a set of microphones. The set of microphones may comprise one or more microphones. The set of microphones comprises a first microphone for providing a first microphone input signal and / or a second microphone for providing a second microphone input signal. The set of microphones may comprise N microphones for providing N microphone signals, wherein N is an integer in the range of 1 to 10. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the number of microphones N is two, three, four, five or more. The set of microphones may comprise a third microphone for providing a third microphone input signal.

[0065] The hearing device comprises a processor for processing an input signal from a microphone and / or a radio transceiver. The processor provides an electrical output signal based on the input signal. An input terminal of the processor is optionally connected to a corresponding output terminal of the microphone and / or the radio transceiver.

[0066] The hearing device comprises a processor for processing an input signal, such as a transceiver input signal and / or a microphone input signal. The processor is optionally configured to compensate for a hearing loss of a user of the hearing device. The processor provides an electrical output signal based on the input signal.

[0067] In one or more examples, a hearing device is disclosed that includes: a housing that forms at least a portion of an outer surface of the hearing device; a frame disposed in the housing; a battery compartment including a first battery terminal and a second battery terminal; and a gel disposed in the battery compartment.

[0068] In one or more examples, the gel is a non-conductive gel. In this context, the term non-conductive gel refers to a gel that does not conduct electricity. In other words, the gel can be an electrically insulating gel.

[0069] The gel may be a thermally conductive gel, for example having a thermal conductivity greater than 1.0 W / m*K, for example greater than 5.0 W / m*K, or even greater than 10.0 W / m*K. The thermally conductive gel improves heat dissipation of the battery, thereby increasing the life of the battery.

[0070] In one or more examples, the gel includes silicone. The gel can be a one-component gel or a two-component gel. The first component of the gel can be composed of one or more of a silicone resin, a crosslinker, and a filler. The second component of the gel, such as a two-component gel, is composed of one or more of a silicone resin, a catalyst, and a filler.

[0071] In one or more examples, the gel includes one or more of a silicone resin, a cross-linking agent, a thermally conductive filler, and a curing agent.

[0072] The gel or low viscosity fluid in the battery compartment may have a viscosity less than 50 kcP, such as in the range of 2 kcP to 45 kcP.

[0073] In one or more examples, the gel is or includes a silicon-based compound or component, such as a product Electrical insulating compound.

[0074] In one or more examples, the hearing device includes a battery cell in the battery compartment. The battery cell may include a rechargeable battery.

[0075] The battery terminals of the hearing device are configured to connect the battery / battery cell arranged in the battery compartment to a power module and other electrical components of the hearing device, e.g. via conductors, such as PCB traces and / or wires, such as litz wires. One or more of the battery terminals may be metal spring members.

[0076] The first battery terminal may be arranged in a wall of the battery compartment, such as a frame and / or a housing. For example, the first battery terminal may extend through a wall of the frame and / or housing. The first battery terminal may be configured to contact a surface of the battery cell or a first connector element when the battery cell is inserted into the battery compartment.

[0077] The second battery terminal may be arranged in a wall of the battery compartment, such as a frame and / or a housing. For example, the second battery terminal may extend through a wall of the frame and / or housing. The second battery terminal may be configured to contact a surface of the battery cell or a second connector element when the battery cell is inserted into the battery compartment.

[0078] The battery compartment may include a third battery terminal. The third battery terminal may be arranged in a wall of the battery compartment, such as a frame and / or a housing. For example, the third battery terminal may extend through a wall of the frame and / or housing. The third battery terminal may be configured to contact a surface of the battery cell or a third connector element when the battery cell is inserted into the battery compartment.

[0079] In one or more examples, the battery compartment includes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall, the third wall connecting the first wall and the second wall. The first wall and the second wall can be planar walls. The first wall and the second wall can be parallel or extend in parallel planes.

[0080] The battery compartment may be formed by at least a portion of the frame and / or by at least a portion of the housing. The frame may form the first wall or at least a portion thereof. The frame may form the second wall or at least a portion thereof. The frame may form the third wall or at least a portion thereof. The housing may form the first wall or at least a portion thereof. The housing may form the second wall or at least a portion thereof. The housing may form the third wall or at least a portion thereof. In one or more examples, the housing forms at least a portion of the first wall and / or the second wall, and the frame forms at least a portion of the third wall.

[0081] The first battery terminal is optionally arranged on the first wall and can be configured to contact the first connector element on the first surface of the battery cell. When the battery cell is inserted into the battery compartment, the first surface of the battery cell faces the first wall of the battery compartment. The first battery terminal can be arranged on the second wall or the third wall and can be configured to contact the first connector element arranged on the second surface of the battery cell or on the third surface of the battery cell.

[0082] In one or more examples, the second battery terminal is arranged on the first wall, the second wall, or the third wall. When the battery cell is inserted into the battery compartment, the second surface of the battery cell faces the second wall of the battery compartment. When the battery cell is inserted into the battery compartment, the third surface of the battery cell faces the third wall of the battery compartment. The second battery terminal can be arranged on the same wall as the first battery terminal. The second battery terminal can be configured to contact the second connector element on the second surface of the battery cell or on the third surface of the battery cell.

[0083] In one or more examples, the hearing device includes a power module configured to charge a rechargeable battery. The power module is connected to the battery unit via a first battery terminal, a second battery terminal, and optionally a third battery terminal.

[0084] In one or more examples, the hearing device has a battery opening in an outer surface, and the hearing device includes a battery cover configured to close the battery opening. The battery cover may also be referred to as a battery door.

[0085] In one or more examples, the hearing device includes a seal configured to seal a battery compartment between the battery cover and the housing and / or between the battery cover and the frame. The seal may be configured to seal the battery compartment between the housing and the frame.

[0086] In one or more examples, the hearing device comprises a temperature sensor arranged in the battery compartment.The temperature sensor in the battery compartment may allow for improved temperature management in the hearing device, for example during charging and / or normal use.

[0087] Also disclosed is a method for battery management in a hearing device, such as the hearing device disclosed herein.

[0088] In one or more examples, the method includes introducing a gel into a battery compartment; inserting a battery cell including a battery into the battery compartment; and closing the battery compartment.

[0089] In one or more examples, the step of introducing the gel into the battery compartment includes introducing a volume of 5 mm 3 Up to 300mm 3 Gel in range.

[0090] In one or more examples, after the gel is introduced into the battery compartment, the battery cell is inserted into the battery compartment. Thus, air pockets in the battery compartment can be avoided or reduced, and the filling of the battery cavity is improved, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion of the battery terminals and contacts.

[0091] In one or more examples, the battery cells are inserted into the battery compartments prior to introducing the gel into the battery compartments. Thus, good contact between the battery terminals and the battery can be ensured while still allowing the gel to protect the terminals and the battery from corrosion.

[0092] It should be noted that descriptions and features of hearing device functionality, e.g. a hearing device configured to have the above functionality, also apply to methods, and vice versa. For example, a description of a hearing device configured to determine also applies to, e.g., a method of operating a hearing device, wherein the method comprises determining, and vice versa.

[0093] Figure 1 A schematic cross section of a portion of an exemplary hearing device is shown. The hearing device 2 comprises a housing 4 forming at least a portion of an outer surface 6 of the hearing device 2, a frame 8 arranged in the housing 4, a battery compartment 10 comprising a first battery terminal 12 and a second battery terminal 14, and a gel 16 arranged in the battery compartment 10 together with a battery cell 18. The battery cell 18 may be a rechargeable battery cell.

[0094] The gel is a non-conductive gel containing silicone.

[0095] The battery compartment 10 comprises or is defined by a first wall 20, a second wall 22 and a third wall 24, the third wall 24 connecting the first wall 20 and the second wall 22. In the hearing device 2, the frame 8 forms the walls 20,22,24.

[0096] The first battery terminal 12 is arranged on the first wall 20 and is configured to contact the first connector element 19A on the first surface 18A of the battery cell 18. The second battery terminal 14 is arranged on the second wall 22 and is configured to contact the second connector element 19B on the second surface 18B of the battery cell 18, the second surface 18B being opposite to the first surface 18A.

[0097] The hearing device 2 may include a third battery terminal 15. The third battery terminal 15 may be arranged on the second wall 22 and may be configured to contact a third connector element 19C on the second surface 18B of the battery cell 18. Depending on the battery design, the third battery terminal 15 may be arranged on the first wall 20 or the third wall 24 and may be configured to contact a third connector element 19C on the first surface 18A or the third surface 18C of the battery cell 18.

[0098] The hearing device 2 optionally comprises a power module configured to charge the rechargeable battery. The battery terminals 12, 14 are connected to the power module or power cord via conductors of the PCB 26. The PCB 26 is optionally a flexible PCB, which may include a first region 26A and a second region 26B extending on a first side and a second side of the battery compartment 10, respectively. Wires (not shown) may connect the battery terminals 12, 14 to the PCB, such as the PCB 26.

[0099] The hearing device 2 has a battery opening 28 in the outer surface 6, and the hearing device 2 comprises a battery cover 30 configured to close the battery opening 28. The hearing device 2 comprises a seal 32 configured to seal or close the battery compartment 10. The seal 32 is arranged between the battery cover 30 and the frame 8. Furthermore, the seal 32 is optionally arranged between the frame 8 and the housing 4 and is configured to seal an inner compartment 36 of the hearing device.

[0100] The battery compartment 10 is separated from the interior compartment 36 , for example sealed, to ensure that the gel 16 does not leak from the battery compartment 10 into the interior compartment 36 .

[0101] Optionally, the hearing device 2 comprises a temperature sensor 34 arranged in the battery compartment 10. The temperature sensor 34 may be connected to the PCB 26 via a conductor passing through one or more of the walls 20,22,24.

[0102] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The hearing device 2 of FIG. 1 is free of gel 16 and battery cell 18 in the battery compartment 10 .

[0103] Figure 3 A schematic cross section of a portion of an exemplary hearing device is shown. The battery compartment 10 of the hearing device 2A comprises or is defined by a first wall 20, a second wall 22 and a third wall 24, the third wall 24 connecting the first wall 20 and the second wall 22. In the hearing device 2A, the housing 4 forms the walls 20, 22, 24. Thereby, separation and sealing of the battery compartment 10 from the inner compartment 36 of the hearing device 2A is provided.

[0104] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 The hearing device 2 of FIG. 1 is free of gel 16 and battery cell 18 in the battery compartment 10 .

[0105] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a hearing device 2. The hearing device 2 comprises: an internal compartment 36 housing electrical components such as a processor 40; one or more microphones 42; and a power module 44, the electrical components being mounted on a battery terminal ( Figure 5The internal compartment 36 is separated / sealed from the battery compartment 10 to prevent the gel 16 or other low viscosity fluid from leaking from the battery compartment 10 to the internal compartment 36.

[0106] Figure 6 2A. The hearing device 2A comprises an internal compartment 36 housing electrical components such as a processor 40, one or more microphones 42 and a power module 44, the electrical components being mounted on a battery terminal ( Figure 6 The internal compartment 36 is separated / sealed from the battery compartment 10 to prevent the gel 16 or other low viscosity fluid from leaking from the battery compartment 10 to the internal compartment 36.

[0107] Figure 7 is a flow chart of an example method for battery handling in a hearing device (e.g., hearing device 2, 2A), the hearing device comprising a battery compartment, wherein the method 100 comprises: an introducing step S102, introducing a gel into the battery compartment; an inserting step S104, inserting a battery cell containing a battery into the battery compartment; and a closing step S106, closing (e.g., sealing) the battery compartment.

[0108] In method 100, introducing gel into the battery compartment includes: step S102A, introducing gel, such as the gel described herein or other low viscosity fluid, with a volume of 5 mm 3 Up to 300mm 3 within the range.

[0109] In method 100 , a battery cell may be inserted into the battery compartment after the gel is introduced into the battery compartment.

[0110] The use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not imply any particular order, but is included to identify the various elements. Furthermore, the use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not indicate any order or importance, but rather the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. It should be noted that the use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. here and elsewhere is for labeling purposes only and is not intended to indicate any particular spatial or temporal order.

[0111] Furthermore, the marking of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element, and vice versa.

[0112] It will be appreciated that the drawings include some modules or operations illustrated with solid lines and some modules or operations illustrated with dashed lines. The modules or operations included in the solid lines are the modules or operations included in the most extensive example embodiments. The modules or operations included in the dashed lines are example embodiments of other modules or operations that may be included in, as part of, or taken in addition to the modules or operations of the solid line example embodiments. It will be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in the order presented.

[0113] Furthermore, it should be understood that not all operations need to be performed. The exemplary operations may be performed in any order and in any combination.

[0114] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0115] It shall be noted that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0116] It should also be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least partially by means of hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "means" may be represented by the same hardware.

[0117] Various exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps, which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions (such as program code executed by a computer in a networked environment). Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disks (CD), digital versatile disks (DVD), etc. In general, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types.

[0118] Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing the steps of the methods disclosed herein. The specific sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0119] Although features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A hearing device, include: a housing forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the hearing device; a frame arranged in the housing; a battery compartment including a first battery terminal and a second battery terminal; as well as A gel is disposed in the battery compartment.

2. The hearing device according to claim 1, in, The gel is a non-conductive gel.

3. The hearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in, The gel includes silicone.

4. The hearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The gel includes one or more of a silicone resin, a cross-linking agent, a thermal conductive filler and a curing agent.

5. The hearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, The battery compartment includes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall connecting the first wall and the second wall, wherein the first battery terminal is arranged on the first wall.

6. The hearing device according to claim 5, in, The second battery terminal is arranged on the second wall or the third wall.

7. The hearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a battery cell in the battery compartment, in, The battery unit includes a rechargeable battery.

8. The hearing device according to claim 7, comprising a power module configured to charge the rechargeable battery.

9. The hearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the hearing device having a battery opening in an outer surface, and comprising a battery cover configured to close the battery opening.

10. The hearing device according to claim 9, comprising a seal configured to seal the battery compartment between the battery cover and the housing and / or between the battery cover and the frame.

11. The hearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a temperature sensor arranged in the battery compartment.

12. A method for battery handling in a hearing device comprising a battery compartment, the method The following steps are involved: introducing a gel into the cell compartment; inserting a battery cell including a battery into the battery compartment; as well as Close the battery compartment.

13. The method according to claim 12, in, The step of introducing the gel into the battery compartment comprises: introducing a volume of 5 mm 3 Up to 300mm 3 Gel in range.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, in, After the step of introducing the gel into the battery compartment, the battery cell is inserted into the battery compartment.

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