Hearing device with closure mechanism

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hearing device with a closure mechanism, and in particular to a hearing device with a battery door for accommodating and/or supporting a battery in the hearing device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A focus in the hearing aid industry is to make hearing aids smaller and more discrete for the benefit of the user and thus a design which can decrease the size of the hearing aid is of importance. Further, it is of great interest from a cost perspective that designs are easy and cheap to manufacture. Generally a button battery is used in a hearing device and traditionally a battery door of a hearing aid has been fitted with a locking mechanism leading to bulky hearing devices, a complex manufacturing process and/or high failure rate of the locking mechanism.

[0003] Further, hearing device parts must be robust and resistant to wear. Further, precise fitting of moving parts is desired for improving the user experience.

[0004] EP2528138 A1 discloses a hearing aid comprising a main body case (1), a battery case (7) provided so that it can be pulled from inside the main body case (1) to outside of the main body case (1), a control device (14) that is actuated by electromotive force of an air battery (8) housed in the battery case (7), a microphone (4) and speaker (3) electrically connected to the control device (14), and a switching portion for cutting off power from the air battery (8) to the control device (14) in conjunction with manipulation that pulls at least part of the battery case (7) out of the main body case (1). A magnet (11) that blocks off air holes (10) in the air battery (8) is provided to the bottom part of the (7). The magnet (11) closes off the air holes (10) in conjunction with manipulation that pulls at least part of the battery case (7) out of the main body case (1).

SUMMARY

[0005] There is a need for an improved closure mechanism suitable for a hearing device.

[0006] Disclosed is a hearing device comprising a housing; a battery door attached to the housing and configured to pivot in relation to the housing about a pivot axis; and a closure member attached to the housing and having a first closure arm with a first distal end. The battery door comprises a closure device comprising a first primary closure element configured to engage with the first closure arm when the battery door is in a closed position. The first closure arm is flexible such that the first distal end displaces in a first direction when the battery door is moved from an open position to the closed position. The displacement of the first distal end has a primary directional component parallel to the pivot axis.

[0007] Also disclosed is a closure member for a hearing device. The closure member comprises a closure body and a first closure arm. The closure body and the first closure arm forms an angle in the range from 90 to 170 degrees.

[0008] Descriptions of features relating to the closure member are equally applicable to the closure member of the disclosed hearing device, and vice versa. Consequently, throughout the description reference to "the closure member" is a reference to both the closure member and the closure member of the hearing device.

[0009] The disclosed hearing device and closure member provide a durable and sustainable closure mechanism for a battery door of a hearing device. Furthermore, a separable closure member allows the closure member and the hearing device housing to be manufactured as two independent parts, providing a high degree of design freedom, e.g. with relation to materials.

[0010] The possibility of manufacturing the closure member independently from the hearing device housing and the battery door offers several benefits.

[0011] The closure member may easily be manufactured in a material different from the hearing device housing. It is desired, within the technical field, to manufacture different parts by materials having mechanical properties matching the mechanical requirements of the specific part. For example, the closure member is subject to mechanical wear and requires flexibility which is quite different from requirements of the housing.

[0012] A closure member independent from the housing provides an increased design freedom.

[0013] Furthermore, the disclosed hearing device and closure member provides the closure member as an exchangeable part which may be exchanged if needed, especially beneficial for parts, such as the closure member, which are subject to mechanical wear and tear.

[0014] As a further advantage, the disclosed hearing device and closure member facilitates a small battery door, and limited requirements for tolerances of parts.

[0015] As an even further advantage, the closure mechanism provides reduced wear on the battery hinge arrangement, e.g. the primary directional component of the displacement of the first and or a second closure arm being parallel to the pivot axis reduces wear on the battery door hinge arrangement and closure arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In the following, exemplary hearing devices and parts thereof are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, wherein

Fig. 1

schematically illustrates at least partly an exemplary hearing device with a battery door,

Fig. 2

schematically illustrates an exemplary battery door,

Fig. 3

schematically illustrates an exemplary closure member,

Fig. 4

schematically illustrates an exemplary closure member,

Fig. 5

is a side view of a closure member,

Fig. 6A and 6B

schematically illustrate a hearing device with a battery door in an open position,

Fig. 7A and 7B

schematically illustrate a hearing device with a battery door in a closed position,

Fig. 8A and 8B

schematically illustrate a hearing device with a battery door in a semi-closed position,

Fig. 9 and 10

schematically illustrate an exemplary closure device and an exemplary closure member,

Fig. 11

schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device housing with a closure member, and

Fig. 12

schematically illustrates an exemplary closure member.

[0017] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will not necessarily be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The housing of the hearing device may comprise one or more shell parts. For example, the housing may comprise a frame carrying one or more shell parts.

[0019] The closure member comprises the first closure arm with the first distal end. The first distal end is displaced in a first direction when the battery door is moved from an open (first) position to a closed (second) position or to a semi-closed (third) position. Alternatively or additionally, the first distal end may be displaced in the first direction when the battery door is moved from the closed to the open position.

[0020] The displacement of the first distal end has a primary directional component parallel to and/or within ±10 degrees of the pivot axis.The displacement of the first distal end may have a secondary directional component. The secondary directional component of the displacement of the first distal end may be perpendicular to the pivot axis. The secondary directional component of the displacement of the first distal end may be smaller than the primary directional component of the displacement of the first distal end, such as less than 50% of the primary directional component.

[0021] The first closure arm may comprise a first protrusion at the first distal end.

[0022] The first protrusion may be designed to engage with one or more recesses of the closure device of the battery door. For example, the first protrusion may be designed to engage with the first primary closure element. In the closed position, the first protrusion may be engaged with the first primary closure element. The first primary closure element may form a recess adapted to fit or accommodate the first protrusion e.g. in the closed position.

[0023] The closure device may comprise a first secondary closure element. The first closure arm may be configured to engage with the first secondary closure element when the battery door is in a semi-closed position.

[0024] The first protrusion may be designed to engage with the first secondary closure element. In the semi-closed position, the first protrusion may be engaged with the first secondary closure element. The first secondary closure element may form a recess adapted to fit or accommodate the first protrusion, e.g. in the semi-closed position.

[0025] When the user closes or opens the battery door, i.e. the battery door is moved from one position to another position, e.g. from one of the open, semi-closed or closed positions to another position of the open, semi-closed or closed positions, the first protrusion may contact an surface, e.g. a leading or trailing surface, of the first primary closure element and/or first secondary closure element and cause displacement of the first distal end of the first closure arm. Thus, the first protrusion necessitates that a user needs to exert a force on the battery door to move the battery door from one position to another position. The first protrusion retains the battery door in a position, such as the closed, semi-closed position, and/or open position.

[0026] The closure member may comprise a second closure arm with a second distal end. The closure device may comprise a second primary closure element configured to engage with the second closure arm when the battery door is in a closed position. The second closure arm may be flexible such that the second distal end displaces in a second direction when the battery door is moved from the open position to the closed position. Alternatively or additionally, the second distal end may be displaced in the second direction when the battery door is moved from the closed to the open position. The displacement of the second distal end may have a primary directional component parallel to the pivot axis. Furthermore, the displacement of the second distal end may have a secondary directional component. The secondary directional component of the displacement of the second distal end may be perpendicular to the pivot axis. The secondary directional component of the displacement of the second distal end may be smaller than the primary directional component of the displacement of the second distal end, such as less than 50% of the primary directional component.

[0027] The second closure arm may comprise a second protrusion at the second distal end.

[0028] The second protrusion may be designed to engage with one or more recesses of the closure device of the battery door. For example, the second protrusion may be designed to engage with the second primary closure element. In the closed position, the second protrusion may be engaged with the second primary closure element. The second primary closure element may form a recess adapted to fit or accommodate the second protrusion.

[0029] The closure device may comprise a second secondary closure element. The second closure arm may be configured to engage with the second secondary closure element when the battery door is in a semi-closed position.

[0030] The second protrusion may be designed to engage with the second secondary closure element. In the semi-closed position, the second protrusion may be engaged with the second secondary closure element. The second secondary closure element may form a recess adapted to fit or accommodate the second protrusion.

[0031] A closure element, such as the first primary closure element, the first secondary closure element, the second primary closure element, and/or the second secondary closure element, may comprise a leading surface, a first surface, a trailing surface and/or a second surface. The leading surface and/or the trailing surface of the closure element may be inclined relative to an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The first surface and/or the second surface of the closure element may be perpendicular to an axis parallel to the pivot axis.

[0032] A closure arm, such as the first closure arm and/or second closure arm, may comprise a leading surface, a first surface and/or a trailing surface. The leading surface and/or the trailing surface of the closure arm may be inclined relative to an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The first surface of the closure arm may be perpendicular to an axis parallel to the pivot axis. The leading surface, the first surface and/or the trailing surface of the closure arm may form the first and/or second protrusion.

[0033] When the user closes or opens the battery door, i.e. the battery door is moved from one position to another position, e.g. from one of the open, semi-closed or closed positions to another position of the open, semi-closed or closed positions, the second protrusion may contact an surface, e.g. the leading or trailing surface, of the second primary closure element and/or second secondary closure element and cause displacement of the second distal end of the second closure arm. Thus, the second protrusion necessitates that a user needs to exert a force on the battery door to move the battery door from one position to another position. The second protrusion retains the battery door in a position, such as the closed, semi-closed position, and/or open position.

[0034] The first closure element(s), i.e. the first primary closure element and/or the secondary closure element, may be arranged oppositely to the second closure element(s), i.e. the second primary closure element and/or the second secondary closure element. For example, the first closure element(s) may face the second closure element(s), or the first closure element(s) may face away from the second closure element(s).

[0035] The first direction and/or the primary directional component of the first direction and the second direction and/or the primary directional component of the second direction may be opposite. For example, the first direction and/or the primary directional component of the first direction and the second direction the primary directional component of the second direction may be towards each other, or the first direction and/or the primary directional component of the first direction and the second direction and/or the primary directional component of the second direction may be away from each other.

[0036] The first primary closure element may be arranged oppositely the second primary closure element, such that the first protrusion engage the first primary closure element concurrently, or substantially concurrently, with the second protrusion engaging the second primary closure element. Alternatively and/or additionally, the first secondary closure element may be arranged oppositely the second secondary closure element, such that the first protrusion engage the first secondary closure element concurrently, or substantially concurrently, with the second protrusion engaging the second secondary closure element.

[0037] Arranging closure elements opposite each other reduces internal stress of the closure element and/or distributes the internal stress more appropriately.

[0038] The first protrusion and the second protrusion may extend in opposite directions. For example, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may extend towards and/or facing each other, or the first protrusion and the second protrusion may extend away from each other.

[0039] Arranging the first direction and second direction to be opposite, or at least their respective primary directional components to be opposite and/or the first protrusion and the second protrusion to extend in opposite directions, may provide a closure device with reduced requirement to the fastening to the hearing device housing, since a force generating displacement of the first distal end in the first direction is balanced, or at least partly balanced, by another force generating displacement of the second distal end in the second direction.

[0040] Balancing forces, reducing internal stress and/or distributing internal stress reduces requirements to the material and manufacturing processes, and reduces the risk of failing parts. Furthermore, an increased design freedom and reduction in size may be archieved.

[0041] The first closure arm and the second closure arm may form an angle larger than 5 degrees, such as larger than 10 degrees, such as larger than 15 degrees. The first closure arm may extend along a first arm axis. The second closure arm may extend along a second arm axis. The first arm axis and the second arm axis may intersect with forming an angle larger than 5 degrees, such as larger than 10 degrees, such as larger than 15 degrees. The angle between the first closure arm and the second closure arm provide that the closure body may be reduced in size, thus, reducing the size of the hearing device.

[0042] The primary directional component of the displacement of the first and/or second distal end may be larger than 0.1 mm, such as larger than 0.3 mm, such as larger than 0.8 mm.

[0043] The ratio between the primary and secondary directional component of the displacement of the first and/or second distal end may be more than 2:1, such as more than 5:1, such as more than 10:1, wherein the secondary directional component is smaller than the primary directional component.

[0044] The closure member may comprise a closure body with the first closure arm and/or the second closure arm extending from the closure body. The closure body may have one or more through holes or one or more cut-outs. One or more through holes or cut-outs in the closure body may facilitate improved stress distribution and/or reduced internal strain in the closure member. Further or alternatively, the elastic properties of the closure arm(s) may be controlled and/or higher design freedom in the dimensions of the closure arms may be allowed. The closure body or parts thereof may be configured for engagement with a dock of the housing.

[0045] The closure body and the first closure arm and/or the second closure arm may form an angle less than 180 degrees, such as in the range from 90 to 170 degrees, such as in the range from 110 to 150 degrees, such as in the range from 120 to 130 degrees. The angle between the closure body and the closure arm(s) may provide easier closure of the battery door. The angle provides the closure device of the battery door to engage with the closure member while the battery door is rotating about the pivot axis. Furthermore, the angle provides the possibility of arranging the closure device close to the perimeter of the battery compartment, thus, achieving a small sized battery door and hearing device.

[0046] The closure member may be removably attached to the housing. The housing may comprise a dock for receiving the closure member and connecting the closure member to the housing. The dock may be configured for engagement with a closure body or parts thereof.

[0047] The dock and/or the closure body may comprise locking element(s), such as a dock locking element and/or a closure body locking element. The locking element(s) may act to retain the closure member when the closure body is inserted into the dock, e.g. providing a press-fit-lock, a click-lock and/or a twist-lock.

[0048] The dock may comprise a dock locking element, e.g. a protrusion and/or a recess. The closure body may comprise a closure body locking element, e.g. a protrusion and/or a recess. The dock locking element and/or the closure body locking element may interact to retain the closure member when the closure body is inserted into the dock.

[0049] The dock may comprise a first rail for receiving a first side of the closure body. Additionally, the dock may comprise a second rail opposite the first rail. The second rail may be adapted to receive a second side of the closure body.

[0050] The closure member may be received in the dock by sliding the closure body into the dock in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to a plane defined by the closure body.

[0051] The closure member may be received in the dock by depressing the closure body into the dock in a direction perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to a plane defined by the closure body.

[0052] The provision of a dock for receiving the closure member, allows for the closure member to be independent from the housing. The closure member being independent from the housing allow increased design and manufacturing possibilities, and facilitate that the closure member may be replaced, e.g. upon failure.

[0053] The closure member may be made from different materials, each with different benefits, such as wear resistance, ductility, flexibility and surface friction. The closure member may be made of metal. The closure member may be made of a plastic material, such as POM (Polyoxymethylene) and/or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). For example, POM may be beneficial due to its flexible ability and surface friction.

[0054] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device 2 with a battery door 12. The hearing device 2 comprises a housing 4. The battery door 12 comprises a battery compartment 19. The battery door 12 is pivotally connected to the housing 4, and pivots about a pivot axis 13, which allows the battery door to rotate between an open and a closed position. In Fig. 1, the battery door 12 is shown in the closed position.

[0055] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary battery door 12 with a closure device 14. The closure device 14 comprises a first primary closure element 16 and an optionally first secondary closure element 18. Fig. 2 furthermore depicts the pivot axis 13.

[0056] The first primary closure element 16 and the first secondary closure element 18 are recesses extending in a direction substantially parallel to the pivot axis 13. The first primary closure element 16 and the first secondary closure element 18 are adapted to receive the first and/or second protrusion of the closure member.

[0057] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary closure member 6. The closure member 6 comprises a first closure arm 8 with a first distal end 10. The closure member 6 depicted furthermore comprises a second closure arm 28 with a second distal end 30. The closure member 6 comprises a closure body 24, and the first closure arm 8 and the second closure arm 28 extends from the closure body 24.

[0058] The first closure arm 8 comprises a first protrusion 20. The first protrusion 20 is located distal from the closure body. The first protrusion is, in Fig. 3, depicted at the first distal end 10 of the first closure arm 8.

[0059] The second closure arm 28 comprises a second protrusion 36. The second protrusion 36 is located distal from the closure body. The second protrusion is, in Fig. 3, depicted at the second distal end 30 of the second closure arm 28.

[0060] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary closure member 6 seen from a frontal view. The closure member 6 comprises a first closure arm 8 with a first distal end 10 and a first protrusion 20. The closure member 6 furthermore comprises a second closure arm 28 with a second distal end 30 and a second protrusion 36. The closure member 6 comprises a closure body 24, and the first closure arm 8 and the second closure arm 28 extends from the closure body 24.

[0061] The first closure arm 8 is flexible, such that the first distal end 10 is displaceable in a first direction 22. The second closure arm 28 is flexible, such that the second distal end 30 is displaceable in a second direction 22.

[0062] The closure body 24 comprises a through hole 25. The through hole serves as mean to reduce internal stress in the closure body 24 when the distal ends 10, 30 of the first closure arm 8 and the second closure arm 28 are displaced in the respective first 22 and second 38 directions.

[0063] The first protrusion 20 is adapted to fit in the first primary closure element 16 and/or the first secondary closure element 18 of the closure device 14. The second protrusion 36 is adapted to fit in the second primary closure element 32 and/or the second secondary closure element 34 of the closure device 14.

[0064] When the closure device 14 is engaging with the closure member 6, the first closure arm 8 is displaced in the first direction 22 and/or the second closure arm 28 is displaced in the second direction 38. The displacements are in the depicted example due partly to the shape of the first protrusion 20 and the second protrusion 36. Additionally and/or alternatively, the displacements may be due to the shape of the closure device 14.

[0065] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an exemplary closure member 6 seen from a side view. Fig. 5 illustrates that the first closure arm 8 and the second closure arm 28 extends from the closure body 24 with a closure body arm angle β. The closure body arm angle β may be between 90-180 degrees, such as between 105-140 degrees. Fig. 5 depicts the first closure arm 8 and the second closure arm 28 extending from the closure body 24 with a closure body arm angle β of substantially the same magnitude. However the first closure arm 8 and the second closure arm 28 may extend from the closure body 24 with different angles, such as the first closure arm 8 may extend from the closure body 24 with a first closure body arm angle β₁ and the second closure arm 28 may extend from the closure body 24 with a second closure body arm angle β₂.

[0066] Figs. 6A and 6B schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device housing 4 with a closure member 6 and a battery door 12 in an open position. The battery door 12 is rotatable about the pivot axis 13.

[0067] As seen in Fig. 6B the battery door 12 comprises the closure device 14. The closure device comprises a first primary closure element 16, a first secondary closure element 18, a second primary closure element 32 and a second secondary closure element 34. When the battery door is rotated about the pivot axis 13 towards a closed position the first closure arm 8 is displaced in the first direction 22, and the second closure arm 28 is displaced in the second direction 38.

[0068] Upon rotation of the battery door towards a closed position, the contact between the inclined faces of the distal ends of the first 8 and second closure arm 38, and the inclined face of the closure device 14, causes the first closure arm and the second closure arm 38 to be displaced in respective first direction 22 and second direction 38.

[0069] Figs. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate an exemplary hearing device housing 4 with a closure member 6 and a battery door 12 in a closed position. The battery door 12 is rotatable about the pivot axis 13. Compared to the open position as illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5B, the battery door 12 has been rotated about the pivot axis 13 and the closure device 14 of the battery door 12 is engaged with the closure element 6.

[0070] The first protrusion 20 of the first closure arm 8 is engaged with the first primary closure element 16, and the battery door 12 is thus retained in the closed position.

[0071] Additionally, the depicted example shows the closure member 6 comprising a second closure arm 28 having a second protrusion 36. The second protrusion 36 is engaged with a second primary closure element 32 of the closure device 14. Thus, in the depicted example, the battery door 12 is additionally retained in the closed position by the second protrusion 36 being engaged with the second primary closure element 32.

[0072] The closed position as depicted in Figs. 7A and 7B may be an on-position wherein an electrical circuit is electrically connected to a battery positioned in the battery door such that the hearing device is powered by the battery.

[0073] The flexibility of the first closure arm 8 and the second closure arm 28, and the recesses provided by the first primary closure element 16 and the second primary closure element 32, provides that the first distal end 10 and the second distal end 30 are displaced opposite their respective first direction 22 and second direction 38 when the battery door 12 has been rotated to the closed position.

[0074] It is clear that a rotation of the battery door 12 about the pivot axis 13 from the closed position as illustrated in Figs. 7A and 7B to the open position as illustrated in Figs. 6A and 6B involves a displacement in the first direction 22 of the first distal end 10 and a displacement in the second direction 38 of the second distal end 30. When the battery door is in the open position, the first distal end 10 and the second distal end 30 will reclaim their initial, relaxed, position by being displaced opposite the first direction 22 and the second direction 38, respectively, due to the flexibility of the first closure arm 8 and the second closure arm 28.

[0075] It is readily apparent that the flexibility of the first closure arm 8 and the second closure arm 16 may be obtained by the material and design of the entire closure member 6.

[0076] Figs. 8A and 8B schematically illustrate an exemplary hearing device housing 4 with a closure member 6 and a battery door 12 in a semi-closed position. The battery door 12 is rotatable about the pivot axis 13. Compared to the open position as illustrated in Figs. 6A and 6B and the closed position as illustrated in Figs. 7A and 7B, the battery door 12 has been rotated about the pivot axis 13 and the closure device 14 is engaged with the closure element 6 in the semi-closed position.

[0077] The semi-closed position is defined by the closure device comprising a first secondary closure element 18 and optionally a second secondary closure element 34. In the semi-closed position the first protrusion 20 is engaged with the first secondary closure element 18 and/or the second protrusion 36 is engaged with the second secondary closure element 34.

[0078] Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an exemplary closure device 14 and an exemplary closure member 6. The closure device 14 comprises a first primary closure element 16. The closure device 14 depicted in Fig. 9 furthermore comprises the optional first secondary closure element 18, optional second primary closure element 32 and optional second secondary closure element 34. Each of the closure elements 16, 18, 32, 34 comprises a leading surface 16A, 18A, 32A, 34A, a first surface 16B, 18B, 32B, 34B, a trailing surface 16C, 18C, 32C, 34C, and a second surface 16D, 18D, 32D, 34D. The closure member 6 comprises a first closure arm 8 and an optional second closure arm 28. A first protrusion 20 is situated near a first distal end 10 of the first closure arm 8. A second protrusion 36 is situated near a second distal end 30 of the second closure arm 28.

[0079] Each of the first and second protrusions 20, 36 comprises a leading surface 20A, 36A, a distal surface 20B, 36B, and a trailing surface 20C, 36C, respectively.

[0080] Fig. 10 schematically illustrates the exemplary closure device 14 and the exemplary closure member 6 as also depicted in Fig. 9. In Fig. 10 some reference numbers have been omitted for increased intelligibility.

[0081] The leading surface 20A of the first closure arm 8 is inclined by a closure arm leading surface angle θ₁. The trailing surface 20C of the first closure arm 8 is inclined by a closure arm trailing surface angle θ₂. As illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, the leading surface 36A and trailing surface 36C of the second closure arm 28 may exhibit similar angles as the leading surface 20A and trailing surface 20C of the first closure arm 8. However, in other exemplary closure members the shape of the second closure arm 28 may be different from the first closure arm 8.

[0082] The leading surface 16A of the first primary closure element 16 is inclined by a primary closure element leading surface angle α₁, and the trailing surface 16C of the first primary closure element 16 is inclined by a primary closure element trailing surface angle α₂. The first surface 16B of the first primary closure element 16 has a primary closure element height H₁. The primary closure height H₁ may be in the range of 0.1-0.5 mm, or in the range of 0.2-0.4 mm, or in the range of 0.25-0.35 mm.

[0083] The leading surface 18A of the first secondary closure element 18 is inclined by a secondary closure element leading surface angle α₃, and the trailing surface 18C of the first secondary closure element 18 is inclined by a secondary closure element trailing surface angle α₄. The first surface 18B of the first secondary closure element 18 has a secondary closure element height H₂. The secondary closure height H₂ may be in the range of 0.1-0.6 mm, or in the range of 0.2-0.5 mm, or in the range of 0.3-0.4 mm.

[0084] As illustrated in Fig. 10, the leading surface 32A, the trailing surface 32C and the first surface 32B of the second primary closure element 32 may exhibit similar angles and heights as the leading surface 16A, the trailing surface 16C and the first surface 16B of the first primary closure element 16. Furthermore, the leading surface 34A, the trailing surface 34C and the first surface 34B of the second secondary closure element 34 may exhibit similar angles and heights as the leading surface 18A, the trailing surface 18C and the first surface 18B of the first secondary closure element 18. However, in other exemplary closure devices the shape of the second primary closure element 32 and the second secondary closure element 34 may be different from the shape of the first primary closure element 16 and/or the first secondary closure element 18.

[0085] The angles mentioned are measured, as illustrated in Fig. 10, between the respective surface and an intersecting axis which is parallel to the pivot axis 13.

[0086] The closure arm leading surface angle θ₁, the primary closure element leading surface angle α₁ and/or the secondary closure element leading surface angle α₃ may be between 25-70 degrees, such as between 30-60 degrees, such as between 35-50 degrees.

[0087] The closure arm leading surface angle θ₁ may be matched with the primary closure element leading surface angle α₁ and/or the secondary closure element leading surface angle α₃. For example, the closure arm leading surface angle θ₁, the primary closure element leading surface angle α₁ and/or the secondary closure element leading surface angle α₃ may be substantially equal, such as within 10 degrees difference, or within 5 degrees, e.g. in order to provide a smooth closure.

[0088] The primary closure element leading surface angle α₁ and the secondary closure element leading surface angle α₃ may differ by more than 2 degrees, such as more than 4 degrees, such as more than 6 degrees. The difference between the primary closure element leading surface angle α₁ and the secondary closure element leading surface angle α₃ may be beneficial to provide the user with a different feel in pivoting the battery door 12 from the open to the semi-closed position and pivoting the battery door 12 from the semi-closed position to the closed position.

[0089] The closure arm trailing surface angle θ₂, the primary closure element trailing surface angle α₂ and/or the secondary closure element trailing surface angle α₄ may be between 30-80 degrees, such as between 45-70 degrees, such as between 55-65 degrees.

[0090] The closure arm trailing surface angle θ₂ may be matched with the primary closure element trailing surface angle α₂ and/or the secondary closure element trailing surface angle α₄. For example, the closure arm trailing surface angle θ₂, the primary closure element trailing surface angle α₂ and/or the secondary closure element trailing surface angle α₄ may be substantially equal, such as within 10 degrees difference, or within 5 degrees, e.g. in order to provide a smooth opening.

[0091] The primary closure element trailing surface angle α₂ and the secondary closure element trailing surface angle α₄ may differ by more than 2 degrees, such as more than 4 degrees, such as more than 6 degrees. The difference between the primary closure element trailing surface angle α₂ and the secondary closure element trailing surface angle α₄ may be beneficial to provide the user with a different feel in pivoting the battery door 12 from the closed to the semi-closed position and pivoting the battery door 12 from the semi-closed position to the open position.

[0092] The primary closure element leading surface angle α₁ and the primary closure element trailing surface angle α₂ may differ by more than 2 degrees, such as more than 4 degrees, such as more than 6 degrees. The difference between the primary closure element leading surface angle α₁ and the primary closure element trailing surface angle α₂ may be beneficial to provide the user with a different feel in pivoting the battery door 12 from the closed to the semi-closed or open position and pivoting the battery door 12 from the semi-closed or open position to the closed position.

[0093] The primary closure element leading surface angle α₁ may be bigger than the primary closure element trailing surface angle α₂, thereby providing a battery door where the force required to pivot the battery door 12 from the open or semi-closed position to the closed position is less than the force required to pivot the battery door 12 from the closed to the semi-closed or open position.

[0094] The battery door 12 is pivoted from the closed to the open position, and conversely from the open position to the closed position, if the optional first secondary closure element 18 is omitted.

[0095] The secondary closure element leading surface angle α₃ and the secondary closure element trailing surface angle α₄ may differ by more than 2 degrees, such as more than 4 degrees, such as more than 6 degrees. The difference between the secondary closure element leading surface angle α₃ and the secondary closure element trailing surface angle α₄ may be beneficial to provide the user with a different feel in pivoting the battery door 12 from the semi-closed to the open position and pivoting the battery door 12 from the open position to the semi-closed position.

[0096] The secondary closure element leading surface angle α₃ may be bigger than the secondary closure element trailing surface angle α₄, thereby providing a battery door 12 where the force required to pivot the battery door 12 from the semi-closed position to the closed position is less than the force required to pivot the battery door 12 from the open position to the semi-closed position.

[0097] The primary closure element height H₁ and the secondary closure element height H₂ are indicative of the displacement of the first distal end 10 needed for the closure device 14 to engage with the first closure arm 8. Thus, the closure element heights H₁, H₂ are measured relative to the first surface 20B of closure arm 8 when the closure element 6 is in a relaxed state, i.e. not in contact with the closure device 14, such as in the open position.

[0098] The primary closure element height H₁ and the secondary closure element height H₂ may be different to provide the user with a different feel in pivoting the battery door 12 between the open position and semi-closed position and pivoting the battery door 12 between the semi-closed position and the closed position. For example, the secondary closure element height H₂ may be larger than the primary closure element height H₁.

[0099] Fig. 11 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device housing 4 with a closure member 6. The closure member 6 is similar to the closure member 6 as described in relation to the previous figures. The housing comprises a dock 26 adapted to receive the closure member 6, and connecting the closure member 6 to the housing 4. Thus, the closure member 6 is removably attached to the housing 4. The dock 26 is adapted to slidably receive and engage with the closure body 24 of the closure member 6.

[0100] Fig. 12 schematically illustrates an exemplary closure member 6' seen from a frontal view. The closure member 6' is similar to the closure member 6 as described in Fig. 4. However, the closure body 24 of closure member 6' has a cut-out 25'. The cut-out 25' serves as mean to reduce internal stress in the closure body 24 when the distal ends 10, 30 of the first closure arm 8 and the second closure arm 28 are displaced in the respective first 22 and second 38 directions.

[0101] The formation of a cut-out 25' in the closure body 24 provides that the closure body 24 comprises a first closure body lock arm 27 and/or a second closure body lock arm 27'. The first and second closure body lock arms 27, 27' may act to lock the closure member 6' when inserted in a dock 26 of a hearing device housing 4 as described in relation to Fig. 11.

[0102] The scope of the present invention is defined by the appendent claims. All embodiments which do not fall under the scope of the appendent claims are examples which are useful to understand the invention, but do not form part of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0103] 

2

hearing device

4

housing

6

closure member

8

first closure arm

10

first distal end

12

battery door

13

pivot axis

14

closure device

16

first primary closure element

16A

leading surface of first primary closure element

16B

first surface of first primary closure element

16C

trailing surface of first primary closure element

16D

second surface of first primary closure element

18

first secondary closure element

18A

leading surface of first secondary closure element

18B

first surface of first secondary closure element

18C

trailing surface of first secondary closure element

18D

second surface of first secondary closure element

19

battery compartment

20

first protrusion

20A

leading surface of first closure arm

20B

first surface of first closure arm

20C

trailing surface of first closure arm

22

first direction

24

closure body

25

through hole

25'

cut-out

26

dock

27

first closure body lock arm

27'

second closure body lock arm

28

second closure arm

30

second distal end

32

second primary closure element

32A

leading surface of second primary closure element

32B

first surface of second primary closure element

32C

trailing surface of second primary closure element

32D

second surface of second primary closure element

34

second secondary closure element

34A

leading surface of second secondary closure element

34B

first surface of second secondary closure element

34C

trailing surface of second secondary closure element

34D

second surface of second secondary closure element

36

second protrusion

36A

leading surface of second closure arm

36B

first surface of second closure arm

36C

trailing surface of second closure arm

38

second direction

50

displacement of first distal end

52

primary directional component of displacement of first distal end

54

secondary directional component of displacement of first distal end

60

displacement of second distal end

62

primary directional component of displacement of second distal end

64

secondary directional component of displacement of second distal end

θ₁

closure arm leading surface angle

θ₂

closure arm trailing surface angle

α₁

primary closure element leading surface angle

α₂

primary closure element trailing surface angle

α₃

secondary closure element leading surface angle

α₄

secondary closure element trailing surface angle

β

closure body arm angle

H₁

primary closure element height

H₂

secondary closure element height

Claims

1. A hearing device (2) comprising

- a housing (4);

- a battery door (12) attached to the housing (4) and configured to pivot in relation to the housing (4) about a pivot axis (13);

- closure member (6) attached to the housing (4) and having a first closure arm (8) with a first distal end (10);

- the battery door (12) comprising a closure device (14) comprising a first primary closure element (16) configured to engage with the first closure arm (8) when the battery door (12) is in a closed position,

wherein the first closure arm (8) is flexible such that the first distal end (10) displaces in a first direction (22) when the battery door (12) is moved from an open position to the closed position, wherein the displacement of the first distal end (10) has a primary directional component parallel to the pivot axis (13); and
characterized in that the closure device (14) comprises a first secondary closure element (18), wherein the first closure arm (8) is configured to engage with the first secondary closure element (18) when the battery door (12) is in a semi-closed position.

2. Hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the displacement of the first distal end has a secondary directional component perpendicular to the pivot axis, the secondary directional component being smaller than the primary directional component.

3. Hearing device according to any of the claims 1-2, wherein the closure member comprises a closure body with the first closure arm extending from the closure body.

4. Hearing device according to claim 3, wherein the closure body and the first closure arm forms an angle in the range from 90 to 170 degrees.

5. Hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure member is made of metal.

6. Hearing device according to any of the claims 1-4, wherein the closure member is made of a plastic material, such as POM (Polyoxymethylene).

7. Hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a dock for receiving the closure member and connecting the closure member to the housing.

8. Hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first closure arm comprises a first protrusion at the first distal end.

9. Hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure member comprises a second closure arm with a second distal end, the closure device comprising a second primary closure element configured to engage with the second closure arm when the battery door is in a closed position, and wherein the second closure arm is flexible such that the second distal end displaces in a second direction when the battery door is moved from the open position to the closed position, wherein the displacement of the second distal end has a primary directional component parallel to the pivot axis.

10. Hearing device according to claim 9, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite.

11. Hearing device according to any of claims 9-10, wherein the first closure arm and the second closure arm form an angle larger than 5 degrees.

12. Hearing device according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the second closure arm comprises a second protrusion at the second distal end.

13. Hearing device according to any of claims 9-12, wherein the closure device comprises a second secondary closure element, wherein the second closure arm is configured to engage with the second secondary closure element when the battery door is in a semi-closed position.

Ansprüche

1. Hörgerät (2) umfassend

- ein Gehäuse (4);

- eine Batterietür (12), die am Gehäuse (4) befestigt und in Bezug auf das Gehäuse (4) zum Drehen um eine Drehachse (13) ausgelegt ist;

- ein Verschlussorgan (6), das am Gehäuse (4) befestigt ist und einen ersten Verschlussarm (8) mit einem ersten distalen Ende (10) aufweist;

- wobei die Batterietür (12) eine Verschlussvorrichtung (14) umfasst, die ein erstes primäres Verschlusselement (16) umfasst, das ausgelegt ist, um mit dem ersten Verschlussarm (8) in Eingriff zu gehen, wenn die Batterietür (12) in einer geschlossenen Position ist,

wobei der erste Verschlussarm (8) derart flexibel ist, dass sich das erste distale Ende (10) in einer ersten Richtung (22) verschiebt, wenn die Batterietür (12) von einer offenen Position in die geschlossene Position bewegt wird, wobei die Verschiebung des ersten distalen Endes (10) eine primäre Richtungskomponente parallel zur Drehachse (13) aufweist; und
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verschlussvorrichtung (14) ein erstes sekundäres Verschlusselement (18) umfasst, wobei der erste Verschlussarm (8) ausgelegt ist, um mit dem ersten sekundären Verschlusselement (18) in Eingriff zu gehen, wenn die Batterietür (12) in einer halbgeschlossenen Position ist.

2. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Verschiebung des ersten distalen Endes eine sekundäre Richtungskomponente senkrecht zur Drehachse aufweist, wobei die sekundäre Richtungskomponente kleiner als die primäre Richtungskomponente ist.

3. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 2, wobei das Verschlussorgan einen Verschlusskörper mit dem sich vom Verschlusskörper erstreckenden ersten Verschlussarm umfasst.

4. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Verschlusskörper und der erste Verschlussarm einen Winkel im Bereich von 90 bis 170 Grad bilden.

5. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Verschlussorgan aus Metall hergestellt ist.

6. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei das Verschlussorgan aus einem Kunststoffmaterial wie POM (Polyoxymethylen) hergestellt ist.

7. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Gehäuse ein Dock zum Empfangen des Verschlussorgans und Verbinden des Verschlussorgans mit dem Gehäuse umfasst.

8. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der erste Verschlussarm einen ersten Vorsprung am ersten distalen Ende umfasst.

9. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Verschlussorgan einen zweiten Verschlussarm mit einem zweiten distalen Ende umfasst, wobei die Verschlussvorrichtung ein zweites primäres Verschlusselement umfasst, das dazu ausgelegt ist, mit dem zweiten Verschlussarm in Eingriff zu gehen, wenn die Batterietür in einer geschlossenen Position ist, und wobei der zweite Verschlussarm derart flexibel ist, dass sich das zweite distale Ende in einer zweiten Richtung verschiebt, wenn die Batterietür von der offenen Position in die geschlossene Position bewegt wird, wobei die Verschiebung des zweiten distalen Endes eine primäre Richtungskomponente parallel zur Drehachse aufweist.

10. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 9, wobei die erste Richtung und die zweite Richtung entgegengesetzt sind.

11. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 10, wobei der erste Verschlussarm und der zweite Verschlussarm einen als 5 Grad größeren Winkel bilden.

12. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, wobei der zweite Verschlussarm einen zweiten Vorsprung am zweiten distalen Ende umfasst.

13. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 12, wobei die Verschlussvorrichtung ein zweites sekundäres Verschlusselement umfasst, wobei der zweite Verschlussarm ausgelegt ist, um mit dem zweiten sekundären Verschlusselement in Eingriff zu gehen, wenn die Batterietür in einer halbgeschlossenen Position ist.

Revendications

1. Prothèse auditive (2) comprenant

- un boîtier (4) ;

- une porte de batteries (12) fixée au boîtier (4) et configurée pour pivoter par rapport au boîtier (4) autour d'un axe de pivotement (13) ;

- un élément de fermeture (6) fixé au boîtier (4) et ayant un premier bras de fermeture (8) avec une première extrémité distale (10) ;

- la porte de batteries (12) comprenant un dispositif de fermeture (14) comprenant un premier élément de fermeture primaire (16) configuré pour venir en prise avec le premier bras de fermeture (8) lorsque la porte de batteries (12) est située dans une position fermée,

dans laquelle le premier bras de fermeture (8) est flexible si bien que la première extrémité distale (10) se déplace dans une première direction (22) lorsque la porte de batteries (12) est déplacée d'une position ouverte à la position fermée, le déplacement de la première extrémité distale (10) ayant une composante directionnelle principale parallèle à l'axe de pivotement (13) ; et caractérisée en ce que le dispositif de fermeture (14) comprend un premier élément de fermeture secondaire (18), le premier bras de fermeture (8) étant configuré pour venir en prise avec le premier élément de fermeture secondaire (18) lorsque la porte de batteries (12) est située dans une position semi-fermée.

2. Prothèse auditive selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le déplacement de la première extrémité distale a une composante directionnelle secondaire perpendiculaire à l'axe de pivotement, la composante directionnelle secondaire étant inférieure à la composante directionnelle primaire.

3. Prothèse auditive selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, dans laquelle l'élément de fermeture comprend un corps de fermeture avec le premier bras de fermeture s'étendant depuis le corps de fermeture.

4. Prothèse auditive selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle le corps de fermeture et le premier bras de fermeture forment un angle dans la plage de 90 à 170 degrés.

5. Prothèse auditive selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'élément de fermeture est réalisé en métal.

6. Prothèse auditive selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans laquelle l'élément de fermeture est réalisé en un matériau plastique, tel que du POM (Polyoxyméthylène).

7. Prothèse auditive selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le boîtier comprend un quai destiné à recevoir l'élément de fermeture et à relier l'élément de fermeture au boîtier.

8. Prothèse auditive selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le premier bras de fermeture comprend une première saillie à la première extrémité distale.

9. Prothèse auditive selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'élément de fermeture comprend un deuxième bras de fermeture avec une deuxième extrémité distale, le dispositif de fermeture comprenant un deuxième élément de fermeture primaire configuré pour venir en prise avec le deuxième bras de fermeture lorsque la porte de batteries est située dans une position fermée, et dans laquelle le deuxième bras de fermeture est flexible si bien que la deuxième extrémité distale se déplace dans une deuxième direction lorsque la porte de batteries est déplacée de la position ouverte à la position fermée, dans laquelle le déplacement de la deuxième extrémité distale présente une composante directionnelle primaire parallèle à l'axe de pivot.

10. Prothèse auditive selon la revendication 9, dans laquelle la première direction et la deuxième direction sont opposées l'une à l'autre.

11. Prothèse auditive selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 10, dans laquelle le premier bras de fermeture et le deuxième bras de fermeture forment un angle supérieur à 5 degrés.

12. Prothèse auditive selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11, dans laquelle le deuxième bras de fermeture comprend une deuxième saillie à la deuxième extrémité distale.

13. Prothèse auditive selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 12, dans laquelle le dispositif de fermeture comprend un deuxième élément de fermeture secondaire, dans lequel le deuxième bras de fermeture est configuré pour venir en prise avec le deuxième élément de fermeture secondaire lorsque la porte de batteries est située dans une position semi-fermée.

Drawing