Artificial cochlea sensor

Abstract

To provide an artificial cochlea sensor for detecting vibrations including sound waves, suitable for installation into products such as vehicles and audio equipment.SOLUTION: An artificial cochlea sensor comprises an upper section, a lower section, a basilar membrane, and an osseous spiral lamina. The upper section is configured such that a first plate-shaped lid body, in which an oval window part is formed, is overlaid with a first plate-shaped channel body, in which a scala vestibule is formed. The lower section is configured such that a second plate-shaped lid body, in which a round window part is formed, is overlaid with a second plate-shaped channel body, in which a scala tympani is formed. The basilar membrane is exposed to both the scala vestibule and the scala tympani, and separates them. The osseous spiral lamina supports the basilar membrane and has a cochlear opening that provides communication between the scala vestibule and the scala tympani. The basilar membrane is sandwiched between the first and second channel bodies.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an artificial cochlear sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that the ride comfort of a vehicle is affected by the human (driver's) senses such as vision, hearing, and smell, and attempts have been made to quantitatively measure human senses. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sound wave detection device that mimics the cochlea, which controls human hearing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-56679 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a demand for a device (hereinafter referred to as a "vibration detection device") that detects vibrations including sound waves and is suitable for installation in products such as vehicles and audio equipment. It is desirable to provide an artificial cochlea sensor, which is one form of a vibration detection device that is suitable for installation in products such as vehicles and audio equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The cochlear artificial sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an upper layer portion, a lower layer portion, a basilar membrane, and a bone spiral lamina. The upper layer portion has an oval window portion and a scala vestibuli formed therein. The lower layer portion has a round window portion and a scala tympani formed therein. The basilar membrane is exposed to the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani and separates the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani. The bone spiral lamina supports the basilar membrane and has a cochlear foramen connecting the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani. The basilar membrane includes a band-shaped vibration detection element whose vibratory portion extends tapered from the oval window side toward the cochlear foramen side. The upper layer portion is configured by overlapping a plate-shaped first cover body having an oval window portion formed therein and a plate-shaped first flow path body having a scala vestibuli formed therein. The lower layer portion is configured by overlapping a plate-shaped second cover body having a round window portion formed therein and a plate-shaped second flow path body having a scala tympani formed therein. The bone spiral plate is sandwiched between the first flow path body and the second flow path body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one embodiment and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective configuration example of an artificial cochlear sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the developed configuration of the main body portion of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of FIG. 2, and also illustrates how the main body portion of FIG. 2 is filled with liquid. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion of FIG. 2, and also showing how air vibrations propagate from the oval window portion to the circular window portion in the main body portion of FIG. [Figure 5] Fig. 5(A) is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the vibration detection unit of Fig. 2. Fig. 5(B) is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the bone spiral plate of Fig. 5(A). [Figure 6]Fig. 6(A) is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the vibration detection unit of Fig. 5(A) taken along line AA. Fig. 6(B) is a diagram showing a state in which vibration is generated in the vibration detection unit of Fig. 6(A). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the state in which the artificial cochlea sensor of FIG. 1 is fixed to a vehicle structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description illustrates one specific example of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. For example, each element, including numerical values, shapes, materials, parts, the position of each part, and the connection method of each part, is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the following exemplary embodiments, components not described in independent claims based on the highest concept of the present disclosure are optional and may be provided as needed. The drawings are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. Throughout this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Furthermore, components not directly related to one embodiment of the present disclosure are not shown in the drawings.

[0010] <1. Embodiment> [Configuration example] An artificial cochlear sensor 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. Fig. 1 shows a perspective configuration example of the artificial cochlear sensor 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] The cochlear prosthesis sensor 1 includes, for example, a main body 10, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 20, and a plurality of fasteners 30. The main body 10 has a structure that mimics the human cochlea and is suitable for mounting in a vehicle. Specifically, the main body 10 is configured as a laminated body formed by stacking a plurality of thin plate-like structures. The main body 10 can, for example, directly convert sound waves into parallel (multiple) electrical audio signals in the frequency domain in real time and output the resulting multiple electrical audio signals to the FPC 20. The main body 10 can, for example, directly convert air vibrations into parallel (multiple) electrical vibration signals in the frequency domain in real time and output the resulting multiple electrical vibration signals to the FPC 20. The FPC 20 is electrically connected to the main body 10 and can output the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals output from the main body 10 to a controller of the cochlear prosthesis sensor 1. Although the example in which the FPC 20 is used to output the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals has been described, means other than the FPC 20 may be used, for example, multiple electric wires may be used. The controller is capable of communicating with the vehicle's ECU. The multiple fasteners 30 are, for example, male screws, that detachably fasten the main body 10 to the vehicle structure.

[0012] 2 shows an example of an exploded perspective configuration of the main body 10. The main body 10 has, for example, an upper layer 10A in which an oval window 111 and a scala vestibuli 121 are formed, a lower layer 10B in which a round window 161 and a scala tympani 151 are formed, and a vibration detection unit 10C. The upper layer 10A and the lower layer 10B are each formed by a laminated body formed by stacking two thin, plate-like structures. The vibration detection unit 10C is a thin, plate-like structure and is sandwiched between the upper layer 10A and the lower layer 10B from above and below.

[0013] The upper layer 10A is configured by stacking a plate-shaped cover 110 having an oval window 111 formed therein and a plate-shaped flow path body 120 having a vestibular scala 121 formed therein. The cover 110 is a top plate that is exposed to the interior space of the vehicle when the artificial cochlear sensor 1 is installed in the vehicle. The cover 110 corresponds to a specific example of a "first cover" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow path body 120 corresponds to a specific example of a "first flow path body" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] The lower layer 10B is configured by stacking a plate-shaped lid body 160 having a circular window portion 161 formed therein and a plate-shaped flow path body 150 having a scala tympani 151 formed therein. The lid body 160 is a bottom plate that is fixed in contact with a vehicle structure when the artificial cochlear sensor 1 is installed in a vehicle. The lid body 160 corresponds to a specific example of a "second lid body" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow path body 150 corresponds to a specific example of a "second flow path body" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] The vibration detection unit 10C includes a basilar membrane 140 that is exposed to the scala vestibuli 121 and the scala tympani 151 and separates the scala vestibuli 121 and the scala tympani 151, and a bony spiral lamina 130 that supports the basilar membrane 140 and has a cochlear foramen 131 that connects the scala vestibuli 121 and the scala tympani 151. The basilar membrane 140 corresponds to a specific example of a "basilar membrane" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cochlear foramen 131 corresponds to a specific example of a "cochlear foramen" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bony spiral lamina 130 corresponds to a specific example of a "bony spiral lamina" according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] The cover 110 has a plate structure that seals the top surface of the flow path body 120, and this plate structure has an oval window 111 that contacts the scala vestibuli 121 of the flow path body 120. The oval window 111 is an input window for vibrations, including sound waves, of the artificial cochlear sensor 1. The oval window 111 includes a through-hole 111a that penetrates the plate structure of the cover 110, and an elastic sheet 111b that closes the through-hole 111a. The elastic sheet 111b contacts the surface of the plate structure of the cover 110 that faces the flow path body 120, and closes the through-hole 111a from the flow path body 120 side. The through-hole 111a is formed in a location facing one end of the scala vestibuli 121. The oval window 111 converts sound waves or air vibrations input from the outside through the through-hole 111a into object vibrations in the elastic sheet 111b exposed in the through-hole 111a, and is capable of transmitting the vibrations of the elastic sheet 111b to the liquid LQ in the vestibular scala 121. The plate structure of the lid 110 is formed of a resin material such as PMMA. The elastic sheet 111b is formed of a rubber material such as silicone. The lid 110 has a plurality of through-holes 112, through which fasteners 30 are inserted, formed in, for example, the four corners of the lid 110.

[0017] The flow path body 120 has a plate structure that can be stacked with the cover body 110, and includes a vestibular scala 121, a liquid inflow channel 122, and a liquid leakage prevention channel 123. The plate structure of the flow path body 120 is formed of a resin material, for example, PMMA. The vestibular scala 121 is a space provided on the upper surface of the basement membrane 140, near the oval window 111. The vestibular scala 121 is a linear passage extending in a direction from the vestibular through-hole 132 side toward the cochlear sac 131 side (the longitudinal direction of the main body 10). The vestibular scala 121 contacts the oval window 111 at the end of the passage on the vestibular through-hole 132 side, and contacts the basement membrane 140 from the end of the passage on the vestibular through-hole 132 side to the end of the passage on the cochlear sac 131 side. The scala vestibuli 121 and the liquid inflow channel 122 form a gap (passage) that can be filled with the liquid LQ, and the scala vestibuli 121 and the liquid inflow channel 122 are filled with the liquid LQ. Therefore, the liquid LQ is in contact with the surfaces of the oval window 111 and the basilar membrane 140 that are exposed in the scala vestibuli 121.

[0018] The liquid inflow channel 122 is formed separately from the scala vestibuli 121 in the flow path body 120. The liquid inflow channel 122 is in communication with the scala vestibuli 121 via the vestibular through-hole 132 and the vestibule 152. The liquid inflow channel 122 is used, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, to fill the scala vestibuli 121 and the like with liquid LQ during the process of manufacturing the cochlear artificial sensor 1. After the scala vestibuli 121 and the like are filled with liquid LQ during the process of manufacturing the cochlear artificial sensor 1, the liquid inflow channel 122 is sealed with a sealing member 125, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. This prevents the liquid LQ from leaking to the outside via the liquid inflow channel 122. Note that FIGS. 3 and 4 show examples of the longitudinal cross-sectional configuration of the main body unit 10. FIG. 3 shows how the main body unit 10 is being filled with liquid LQ. FIG. 4 shows how, in the main body 10, air vibrations are converted into vibrations of the liquid LQ in the oval window 111 and propagated to the circular window 161.

[0019] The liquid leakage prevention path 123 is formed so as to surround the scala vestibuli 121 when the flow path body 120 is viewed from the stacking direction of the artificial cochlear sensor 1. As a result, even if the liquid LQ leaks from the scala vestibuli 121, the liquid LQ leaking from the scala vestibuli 121 is contained in the liquid leakage prevention path 123, and leakage to the outside from the main body 10 is prevented. A plurality of through holes 124, through which the fasteners 30 are inserted, are formed in the flow path body 120, for example, at the four corners of the flow path body 120.

[0020] The cover 160 has a plate structure that seals the underside of the flow path body 150, and the plate structure has a circular window 161 that contacts the scala tympani 151 of the flow path body 150. The circular window 161 is a vibration attenuation window of the cochlear artificial sensor 1. The circular window 161 includes a through-hole 161a that penetrates the plate structure of the cover 160 and an elastic sheet 161b that closes the through-hole 161a. The elastic sheet 161b contacts the surface of the plate structure of the cover 160 that faces the flow path body 150, and closes the through-hole 161a from the flow path body 150 side. The circular window 161 can attenuate vibrations that have propagated through the scala tympani 151 by the elastic sheet 161b that is exposed inside the through-hole 161a. This reduces the rate at which vibrations propagating within the scala tympani 151 are reflected by the round window portion 161 and return to the scala tympani 151 and the scala vestibuli 121. The plate structure of the lid 160 is made of a resin material such as PMMA. The elastic sheet 161b is made of a rubber material such as silicone. A plurality of through holes 162 through which the fasteners 30 are inserted are formed in the lid 160, for example, at the four corners of the lid 160.

[0021] The flow path body 150 has a plate structure that can be stacked with the cover body 160, and the plate structure includes a scala tympani 151, a vestibule 152, a liquid outflow channel 153, and a connecting hole 154. The plate structure of the flow path body 150 is formed of a resin material such as PMMA. The scala tympani 151 is a space provided on the back side of the basilar membrane 140, near the round window 161. The scala tympani 151 is a linear passage that extends in a direction from the vestibular through-hole 132 side toward the cochlear foramen 131 side (the extension direction of the main body 10). The scala tympani 151 communicates with the connecting hole 154 at the end of the passage on the vestibular through-hole 132 side, and communicates with the liquid outflow channel 153 via the connecting hole 154. The scala tympani 151 also contacts the underside of the basilar membrane 140 from the end of the passage on the vestibular foramen 132 side to the end on the cochlear foramen 131 side. The scala tympani 151, the liquid outflow path 153, and the connecting foramen 154 form a gap (passage) that can be filled with liquid LQ, and the scala tympani 151, the liquid outflow path 153, and the connecting foramen 154 are filled with liquid LQ. Therefore, the liquid LQ contacts the surfaces of the round window 161 and the basilar membrane 140 that are exposed in the scala tympani 151.

[0022] The vestibule 152 is formed at a position opposite the vestibular through-hole 132. The vestibule 152 is in communication with the end of the liquid inflow channel 122 closest to the vestibular scala 121 and the end of the vestibular scala 121 closest to the liquid inflow channel 122 via the vestibular through-hole 132. The liquid outflow channel 153 is used as a discharge channel when filling the vestibular scala 121 and the like with liquid LQ during the process of manufacturing the cochlear artificial sensor 1. The liquid outflow channel 153 is sealed with a sealing member similar to the sealing member 125 after the vestibular scala 121 and the like are filled with liquid LQ during the process of manufacturing the cochlear artificial sensor 1. This prevents the liquid LQ from leaking to the outside via the liquid outflow channel 153. A plurality of through-holes 155, through which fasteners 30 are inserted, are formed in the flow path body 150, for example, at the four corners of the flow path body 150.

[0023] Fig. 5(A) shows an example of a perspective configuration of the vibration detection unit 10C. Fig. 5(B) shows an example of a perspective configuration of the bone spiral plate 130 included in the vibration detection unit 10C. Fig. 6(A) shows an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the vibration detection unit 10C of Fig. 6(A) taken along line AA. Fig. 5(B) shows how vibrations occur in the vibration detection unit 10C.

[0024] The bony spiral lamina 130 has a cochlear foramen 131, a vestibular through-hole 132, and a tapered slit 133. The cochlear foramen 131 communicates with the end of the scala vestibuli 121 opposite the oval window 111 side, and also communicates with the end of the scala tympani 151 opposite the oval window 111 side. In other words, the scala vestibuli 121 and the scala tympani 151 communicate with each other via the cochlear foramen 131. The vestibular through-hole 132 communicates with the end of the liquid inflow channel 122 closer to the scala vestibuli 121, and also communicates with the end of the scala vestibuli 121 closer to the oval window 111. In other words, the liquid inflow channel 122 and the scala vestibuli 121 communicate with each other via the vestibular through-hole 132. Tapered slit portion 133 extends in a tapered shape from the oval window portion 111 side toward the cochlear foramen 131 side. In other words, the width of tapered slit portion 133 increases from the oval window portion 111 side toward the cochlear foramen 131 side.

[0025] The basilar membrane 140 is provided on the bone spiral plate 130. The basement membrane 140 is provided so as to cover the tapered slit portion 133. The basement membrane 140 includes a band-shaped vibration detection element whose vibrating portion extends in a tapered shape from the oval window portion 111 side toward the cochlear foramen 131. This tapered vibration detection element corresponds to the portion of the basilar membrane 140 that faces the tapered slit portion 133, i.e., the portion of the basement membrane 140 that is not supported by the bone spiral plate 130 and that is capable of displacement (vibration) in the stacking direction of the cochlear artificial sensor 1.

[0026] The basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) includes a piezoelectric material layer 141, a common electrode 142 in contact with one surface (back surface) of the piezoelectric material layer 141, and a plurality of detection electrodes 143 in contact with the other surface (top surface) of the piezoelectric material layer 141. The plurality of detection electrodes 143 are arranged side by side in the extension direction of the basement membrane 140 (vibration detection element) (the longitudinal direction of the main body 10). The basement membrane 140 (vibration detection element) detects different vibration frequencies depending on the position of the vibration detection element in the extension direction and the width of the vibration detection element. Therefore, the basement membrane 140 (vibration detection element) detects different vibration frequencies for each detection electrode 143. The basement membrane 140 (vibration detection element) is capable of converting vibrations generated in the basement membrane 140 (vibration detection element) into (multiple) parallel electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals in the frequency domain, and outputting the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals obtained by the conversion from multiple detection electrodes 143. The multiple detection electrodes 143 and common electrode 142 are electrically connected to multiple wirings provided on the FPC 20. One end of the FPC 20 is inserted into the gap between the flow path body 120 and the flow path body 150, and the multiple wirings exposed at one end of the FPC 20 are electrically connected to the multiple detection electrodes 143 and common electrode 142. The FPC 20 is configured to include multiple wirings electrically connected to the multiple detection electrodes 143 and common electrode 142.

[0027] As shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the edge of the bone spiral plate 130 is sandwiched from above and below by the flow channel body 120 and the flow channel body 150. This allows the bone spiral plate 130 and the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) to be fixed at predetermined locations in the scala vestibuli 121 and the scala tympani 151. The upper surface of the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) is exposed to the scala vestibuli 121, and the back surface of the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) is exposed to the scala tympani 151 via the tapered slit portion 133. Although Figures 6(A) and 6(B) illustrate a configuration in which a notch into which the edge of the bone spiral plate 130 is fitted is provided in the flow channel body 150, such a notch need not be provided in the flow channel body 150. In this case, for example, the edge of the bone spiral plate 130 may be sandwiched between the flow path body 120 and the flow path body 150 from above and below, thereby filling any gap that may occur between the flow path body 120 and the flow path body 150 with cushioning material or the like.

[0028] [Installation / Operation] Next, we will explain the installation and operation of the artificial cochlear sensor 1. First, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, liquid LQ is injected from the outside through the liquid inflow channel 122. As a result, when the scala vestibuli 121 and the channel connecting to the scala vestibuli 121 are filled with liquid LQ, the inlet of the liquid inflow channel 122 and the outlet of the liquid outflow channel 153 are sealed with a predetermined sealing member.

[0029] Thereafter, the cochlear artificial sensor 1, in which the scala vestibuli 121 and the flow path connected to the scala vestibuli 121 are filled with liquid LQ, is fixed in contact with the vehicle structure 2 using a plurality of fasteners 30, as shown in FIG. 7 . For example, the fasteners 30 are inserted into the through-holes 112, 124, 155, and 162, and the inserted fasteners 30 are fitted into, for example, female threads of the vehicle structure 2, thereby fixing the cochlear artificial sensor 1 in contact with the vehicle structure 2. At this time, the lid 110 is exposed to the interior space of the vehicle. Furthermore, the lid 160 is fixed in contact with the vehicle structure 2, and a gap formed by the through-hole 161a exists between the elastic sheet 161b of the circular window portion 161 and the vehicle structure 2. As a result, even when the lid 160 is fixed in direct contact with the vehicle structure 2, it is possible to vibrate the elastic sheet 161b of the circular window portion 161.

[0030] Next, the FPC 20 of the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is connected to the controller of the cochlear artificial sensor 1. This allows the cochlear artificial sensor 1 to be controlled by the controller, and further allows the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals obtained by the cochlear artificial sensor 1 to be transmitted to the controller. Furthermore, this controller transmits the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals it receives to the vehicle's ECU, allowing the vehicle's ECU to control the vehicle based on the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals it receives. In this way, installation of the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is completed.

[0031] Next, the driver starts driving the vehicle. Then, sound waves or air vibrations in the space to which the lid 110 is exposed while the driver is driving the vehicle are input to the oval window 111 of the artificial cochlear sensor 1. Then, in the oval window 111, the sound waves or air vibrations input from the outside via the through-hole 111a are converted into object vibrations in the elastic sheet 111b exposed in the through-hole 111a, and the vibrations of the elastic sheet 111b are transmitted to the liquid LQ in the scala vestibuli 121. The vibrations transmitted to the liquid LQ in the scala vestibuli 121 propagate to the upper surface of the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) exposed in the scala vestibuli 121, and also propagate to the back surface of the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) exposed in the scala tympani 151 via the cochlear foramen 131 and the scala tympani 151.

[0032] As a result, the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) begins to vibrate up and down in accordance with the frequency component and magnitude of the vibration, and the vibration generated in the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) is converted into (multiple) parallel electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals in the frequency domain, and the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals obtained by the conversion are output from the multiple detection electrodes 143. The multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals output to the multiple detection electrodes 143 are transmitted to the controller of the artificial cochlear sensor 1 via the FPC 20. In this way, sound waves or air vibrations in the space to which the lid 110 is exposed are detected while the driver is driving the vehicle.

[0033] [effect] Next, the effects of the artificial cochlea sensor 1 will be described.

[0034] In this embodiment, the upper layer portion 10A is configured by stacking a plate-shaped cover 110 having an oval window 111 formed therein and a plate-shaped flow channel body 120 having a vestibular scala 121 formed therein. The lower layer portion 10B is configured by stacking a plate-shaped cover 160 having a round window 161 formed therein and a plate-shaped flow channel body 150 having a vestibular scala 151 formed therein. A basilar membrane 140 is exposed to the vestibular scala 121 and the scala tympani 151 and separates the scala vestibular 121 and the scala tympani 151. A bony spiral lamina 130 supporting the basilar membrane 140 is provided with a cochlear foramen 131 connecting the vestibular scala 121 and the scala tympani 151. The bony spiral lamina 130 is sandwiched between the flow channel body 120 and the flow channel body 150. In this manner, the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is configured by a laminated body formed by stacking a plurality of thin plate-shaped structures. This simplifies the structure of the cochlear prosthesis 1 compared to sensors with structures such as those described in Patent Document 1, and provides high vibration resistance and impact resistance to the cochlear prosthesis 1. As a result, the cochlear prosthesis 1 can be suitably installed in a vehicle.

[0035] In this embodiment, the vibration detection element provided on the basilar membrane 140 includes a piezoelectric material layer 141, a common electrode 142 in contact with one surface (back surface) of the piezoelectric material layer 141, and a plurality of detection electrodes 143 in contact with the other surface (top surface) of the piezoelectric material layer 141. As such, the vibration detection element is also a thin plate-like structure, so the structure of the cochlear prosthesis 1 is simple and the cochlear prosthesis 1 has high vibration resistance and impact resistance. As a result, the cochlear prosthesis 1 can be suitably installed in a vehicle.

[0036] In this embodiment, the oval window 111 includes a through-hole 111a that penetrates the plate structure of the lid 110 and an elastic sheet 111b that covers the through-hole 111a. Furthermore, the circular window 161 includes a through-hole 161a that penetrates the plate structure of the lid 160 and an elastic sheet 161b that covers the through-hole 161a. Because the oval window 111 and the circular window 161 are thus provided within a laminated body formed by stacking multiple thin plate-like structures, the structure of the cochlear prosthesis 1 is simplified, and the cochlear prosthesis 1 has high vibration resistance and impact resistance. As a result, the cochlear prosthesis 1 can be suitably installed in a vehicle.

[0037] In this embodiment, a liquid inflow channel 122 is formed in the plate structure of the flow channel body 120, a liquid outflow channel 153 is formed in the plate structure of the flow channel body 150, a vestibular through-hole 132 is formed in the bone spiral plate 130, and the vestibular scala 121, scala tympani 151, liquid inflow channel 122, liquid outflow channel 153, and vestibular through-hole 132 are filled with liquid LQ. In this way, the liquid inflow channel 122, liquid outflow channel 153, and vestibular through-hole 132 are provided in a laminated body formed by stacking multiple thin plate-like structures, which simplifies the structure of the cochlear prosthesis 1 and provides high vibration resistance and impact resistance for the cochlear prosthesis 1. As a result, the cochlear prosthesis 1 can be suitably installed in a vehicle.

[0038] In this embodiment, an FPC 20 is provided that is electrically connected to the plurality of detection electrodes 143 and the common electrode 142 and includes a plurality of wirings. As a result, a plurality of electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals obtained in the main body 10 are transmitted to the vehicle's ECU via the FPC 20. In this manner, in this embodiment, the thin-plate-shaped FPC 20 is connected to the main body 10, which is a laminate formed by stacking a plurality of thin plate-shaped structures. This simplifies the structure of the cochlear prosthesis 1, and improves the vibration resistance and impact resistance of the cochlear prosthesis 1. As a result, the cochlear prosthesis 1 can be suitably installed in a vehicle.

[0039] In this embodiment, the lid 160 is fixed in contact with a vehicle structure, and the lid 120 serves as a top plate exposed to the interior space of the vehicle. At this time, a gap formed by the through-hole 161a exists between the elastic sheet 161b of the circular window 161 and the vehicle structure. This allows the elastic sheet 161b of the circular window 161 to vibrate even when the lid 160 is fixed in direct contact with the vehicle structure. In this way, the artificial cochlear sensor 1 has a structure that allows it to be easily installed in a vehicle.

[0040] <2. Modifications> Next, a modified example of the artificial cochlear sensor 1 according to the above embodiment will be described.

[0041] [Variation A] In the above-described embodiment, main body 10 is capable of directly converting sound waves or air vibrations into parallel (multiple) electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals in the frequency domain in real time and outputting the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals obtained by the conversion to FPC 20. However, in the above-described embodiment, main body 10 may be capable of, for example, converting sound waves or air vibrations into a single electrical audio signal or electrical vibration signal including the entire measurable frequency range and outputting the electrical audio signal or electrical vibration signal obtained by the conversion to FPC 20. In this case, basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) may have a configuration different from that described above.

[0042] [Variation B] In the above embodiment, basement membrane 140 (vibration detection element) is configured to include a piezoelectric material layer. However, in the above embodiment, basement membrane 140 (vibration detection element) may be formed of a material other than a piezoelectric material, or may be configured with a structure other than the above-described structure including a piezoelectric material layer.

[0043] [Variation C] In the above embodiment, the cochlear prosthesis 1 has been described as one form of a vibration detection device. However, in the above embodiment, the frequency band detectable by the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) may include not only the frequency band of sound waves or air vibrations that may occur in the interior space of a vehicle, but also other frequency bands. Also, in the above embodiment, the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) may be capable of detecting vibrations occurring in the structure of the vehicle to which the cochlear prosthesis 1 is fixed.

[0044] [Variation D] In the above embodiment and modified examples A, B, and C, the description is based on the premise that the cochlear prosthesis 1 is mounted on a vehicle. However, the cochlear prosthesis 1 has a structure that is suitable for mounting not only on vehicles but also on products such as audio equipment. For example, when the cochlear prosthesis 1 is mounted on an audio device, the cover 100 becomes a top plate that is exposed to the internal space of the audio device when the cochlear prosthesis 1 is installed in the audio device, and the cover 160 becomes a bottom plate that is fixed in contact with the structure of the audio device when the cochlear prosthesis 1 is installed in the audio device.

[0045] Suppose that the acoustic device is activated with the cochlear artificial sensor 1 installed in it and begins to output sound waves or air vibrations. At this time, sound waves or air vibrations within the space of the acoustic device where the cover 110 is exposed are input to the oval window 111 of the cochlear artificial sensor 1. Then, in the oval window 111, the sound waves or air vibrations input from the outside through the through-hole 111a are converted into object vibrations in the elastic sheet 111b exposed in the through-hole 111a, and the vibrations of the elastic sheet 111b are transmitted to the liquid LQ in the scala vestibuli 121. The vibrations transmitted to the liquid LQ in the scala vestibuli 121 propagate to the upper surface of the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) exposed in the scala vestibuli 121, and also propagate via the cochlear foramen 131 and the scala tympani 151 to the back surface of the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) exposed in the scala tympani 151.

[0046] As a result, the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) begins to vibrate up and down in accordance with the frequency component and magnitude of the vibration, and the vibration generated in the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) is converted into (multiple) parallel electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals in the frequency domain, and the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals obtained by the conversion are output from the multiple detection electrodes 143. The multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals output to the multiple detection electrodes 143 are transmitted to the controller of the artificial cochlear sensor 1 via the FPC 20. In this way, the sound waves or air vibrations in the space to which the lid 110 is exposed are detected while the sound waves or air vibrations are being output from the acoustic device.

[0047] In this modification, the cochlear artificial sensor 1 has the configuration described in the above embodiment and modifications A, B, and C. This allows the cochlear artificial sensor 1 to be suitably installed in products such as audio equipment, as in the above embodiment and modifications A, B, and C. Note that in this modification, the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) may be capable of detecting vibrations occurring in the structure of the product, such as audio equipment, to which the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is fixed.

[0048] [Variation E] The above-described embodiment and modifications A, B, C, and D have been described on the assumption that the cochlear prosthesis 1 is mounted on a vehicle or an audio device. However, the cochlear prosthesis 1 is structured so as to be suitable for installation not only in a vehicle or audio device, but also in a room in which some kind of audio device is installed or in a structure (such as a chair) within the room.

[0049] For example, when the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is installed in the room, the cover 100 becomes a top plate exposed to the interior space of the room when the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is installed in the room, and the cover 160 becomes a bottom plate that comes into contact with and is fixed to a fixed object (e.g., a wall) in the room when the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is installed in the room. For example, when the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is installed in the structure, the cover 100 becomes a top plate exposed to the interior space of the room in which the structure is installed when the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is installed in the structure, and the cover 160 becomes a bottom plate that comes into contact with and is fixed to the structure when the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is installed in the structure.

[0050] Suppose that with the cochlear artificial sensor 1 installed in the room, some kind of acoustic device is activated in the room and begins to output sound waves or air vibrations. At this time, sound waves or air vibrations within the interior space of the room, where the cover 110 is exposed, are input to the oval window 111 of the cochlear artificial sensor 1. Then, in the oval window 111, the sound waves or air vibrations input from the outside through the through-hole 111a are converted into object vibrations in the elastic sheet 111b exposed in the through-hole 111a, and the vibrations of the elastic sheet 111b are transmitted to the liquid LQ in the scala vestibuli 121. The vibrations transmitted to the liquid LQ in the scala vestibuli 121 propagate to the upper surface of the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) exposed in the scala vestibuli 121 and also propagate via the cochlear foramen 131 and the scala tympani 151 to the back surface of the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) exposed in the scala tympani 151.

[0051] As a result, the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) begins to vibrate up and down in accordance with the frequency component and magnitude of the vibration, and the vibration generated in the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) is converted into (multiple) parallel electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals in the frequency domain, and the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals obtained by the conversion are output from the multiple detection electrodes 143. The multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals output to the multiple detection electrodes 143 are transmitted to the controller of the artificial cochlear sensor 1 via the FPC 20. In this way, while sound waves or air vibrations are being output from the acoustic equipment installed in the room, sound waves or air vibrations in the space to which the lid 110 is exposed are detected.

[0052] Suppose that, with the cochlear artificial sensor 1 installed in the structure, some acoustic device is activated in the room and begins to output sound waves or air vibrations. At this time, sound waves or air vibrations in the interior space of the room, where the cover 110 is exposed, are input to the oval window 111 of the cochlear artificial sensor 1. Then, in the oval window 111, the sound waves or air vibrations input from the outside through the through-hole 111a are converted into object vibrations in the elastic sheet 111b exposed in the through-hole 111a, and the vibrations of the elastic sheet 111b are transmitted to the liquid LQ in the scala vestibuli 121. The vibrations transmitted to the liquid LQ in the scala vestibuli 121 propagate to the upper surface of the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) exposed in the scala vestibuli 121 and also propagate via the cochlear foramen 131 and the scala tympani 151 to the back surface of the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) exposed in the scala tympani 151.

[0053] As a result, the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) begins to vibrate up and down in accordance with the frequency component and magnitude of the vibration, and the vibration generated in the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) is converted into (multiple) parallel electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals in the frequency domain, and the multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals obtained by the conversion are output from the multiple detection electrodes 143. The multiple electrical audio signals or electrical vibration signals output to the multiple detection electrodes 143 are transmitted to the controller of the artificial cochlear sensor 1 via the FPC 20. In this way, while sound waves or air vibrations are being output from the acoustic equipment installed in the room, sound waves or air vibrations in the space to which the lid 110 is exposed are detected.

[0054] In this modification, the cochlear artificial sensor 1 has the configuration described in the above embodiment and modifications A, B, C, and D. As a result, the cochlear artificial sensor 1 can be suitably installed in the room or structure, as in the above embodiment and modifications A, B, C, and D. In this modification, the basilar membrane 140 (vibration detection element) may be capable of detecting vibrations occurring in a fixed object in the room or in the structure to which the cochlear artificial sensor 1 is fixed.

[0055] The effects described in this specification are merely examples, and the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described in this specification. Therefore, other effects may be obtained with respect to the present disclosure.

[0056] Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the following aspects. (1) The upper layer, where the oval window and vestibular floor are formed, A lower layer in which the round window and scala tympani are formed, a basilar membrane exposed to the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani and separating the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani; a spiral lamina of bone supporting the basilar membrane and having a cochlear foramen connecting the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani; Equipped with the basilar membrane includes a vibrating portion including a band-shaped vibration detection element extending in a tapered shape from the oval window side toward the cochlear foramen side, The upper layer is configured such that a plate-shaped first lid body in which the oval window portion is formed and a plate-shaped first flow path body in which the vestibular floor is formed are overlapped, The lower layer portion is configured such that a plate-shaped second lid body in which the circular window portion is formed and a plate-shaped second flow path body in which the tympanic floor is formed are overlapped, The bone spiral plate is sandwiched between the first flow path body and the second flow path body. Artificial cochlear sensor. (2) The vibration detection element includes a piezoelectric material layer, a common electrode in contact with one surface of the piezoelectric material layer, and a plurality of detection electrodes in contact with the other surface of the piezoelectric material layer and arranged side by side in the extension direction of the vibration detection element. The artificial cochlear sensor according to (1). (3) the oval window portion is configured by a first through-hole provided in the first lid body and a first elastic sheet that closes the first through-hole, The circular window portion is configured by a second through-hole provided in the second lid body and a second elastic sheet that closes the second through-hole. An artificial cochlear sensor according to (1) or (2). (4) The first flow path body has a liquid inlet path formed separately from the vestibular floor, The second flow path body has a liquid outflow path formed in communication with the scala tympani, the bony spiral plate has a vestibular through-hole communicating the liquid inlet passage with the vestibular scala; The scala vestibuli, the scala tympani, the foramen cochleae, the vestibular opening, the liquid inflow channel, and the liquid outflow channel are filled with a liquid. An artificial cochlear sensor according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) The common electrode and the plurality of detection electrodes are connected to an FPC. An artificial cochlear sensor according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) the second cover is a bottom plate that is fixed in contact with a vehicle structure, The first cover is a top plate exposed to the interior space of the vehicle. An artificial cochlear sensor according to any one of (1) to (5). [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...artificial cochlear sensor, 2...vehicle structure, 10...main body, 10A...upper layer, 10B...lower layer, 10C...vibration detection unit, 20...FPC, 30...fastener, 110...lid, 111...oval window portion, 111a...through hole, 111b...elastic sheet, 112...through hole, 120...flow path body, 121...scala vestibuli, 122...liquid inflow path, 123...liquid leakage prevention path, 124...through hole, 125...sealing member, 130... Bone spiral plate, 131...cochlear foramen, 132...vestibular through-hole, 133...tapered slit portion, 140...basilar membrane, 141...piezoelectric material layer, 142...common electrode, 143...detection electrode, 150...flow path body, 151...scala tympani, 152...vestibule, 153...liquid outflow path, 154...connecting hole, 155...through-hole, 160...lid body, 161...round window, 161a...through-hole, 161b...elastic sheet, 162...through-hole.

Claims

1. The upper layer, where the oval window and vestibular floor are formed, A lower layer in which the round window and scala tympani are formed, a basilar membrane exposed to the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani and separating the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani; a spiral lamina of bone supporting the basilar membrane and having a cochlear foramen connecting the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani; Equipped with the basilar membrane includes a vibrating portion including a band-shaped vibration detection element extending in a tapered shape from the oval window side toward the cochlear foramen side, The upper layer portion is configured such that a plate-shaped first lid body in which the oval window portion is formed and a plate-shaped first flow path body in which the vestibular floor is formed are overlapped, The lower layer portion is configured such that a plate-shaped second lid body in which the circular window portion is formed and a plate-shaped second flow path body in which the tympanic floor is formed are overlapped, The bone spiral plate is sandwiched between the first flow path body and the second flow path body. Artificial cochlear sensor.

2. The vibration detection element includes a piezoelectric material layer, a common electrode in contact with one surface of the piezoelectric material layer, and a plurality of detection electrodes in contact with the other surface of the piezoelectric material layer and arranged side by side in the extension direction of the vibration detection element.

2. The cochlear prosthesis of claim 1.

3. the oval window portion is configured by a first through-hole provided in the first lid body and a first elastic sheet closing the first through-hole, The circular window portion is configured by a second through-hole provided in the second lid body and a second elastic sheet that closes the second through-hole.

2. The cochlear prosthesis of claim 1.

4. The first flow path body has a liquid inlet path formed separately from the vestibular floor, The second flow path body has a liquid outflow path formed in communication with the scala tympani, the bony spiral plate has a vestibular through-hole communicating the liquid inlet passage with the vestibular scala; The scala vestibuli, the scala tympani, the foramen cochleae, the vestibular opening, the liquid inflow channel, and the liquid outflow channel are filled with a liquid.

2. The cochlear prosthesis of claim 1.

5. The common electrode and the plurality of detection electrodes are connected to an FPC.

2. The cochlear prosthesis of claim 1.

6. the second cover is a bottom plate that is fixed to a vehicle structure in contact therewith, The first cover is a top plate exposed to the interior space of the vehicle.

2. The cochlear prosthesis of claim 1.

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