FR3140762A1 - Device and method for ultrasonic cleaning of a hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: Device and method for ultrasonic cleaning of the ear tip of a hearing aid or an in-ear receiver The invention relates to a device for maintaining at least one ear tip (31), of a prosthesis hearing aid or an in-ear earphone, comprising a base provided with a washing receptacle (3) intended to receive an ear tip (31), and further comprising liquid injection means (40), the device further comprising: an ultrasonic transducer (5) configured to generate ultrasonic waves at the washing receptacle (3), so as to generate a cavitation phenomenon. The invention further relates to a method for ultrasonic cleaning of a hearing aid or an in-ear receiver. Figure for abstract: [Fig. 6]

Description

Device and method for ultrasonic cleaning of a hearing aid

The present invention relates to the technical field of maintaining the ear tip of an in-ear earphone or a hearing aid, including in particular its dehumidification, its disinfection and its rinsing. The invention applies as much to in-ear headphones as to hearing aids including or not an earhook connected to an ear tip.

The present invention relates more specifically to an improved maintenance device capable of implementing ultrasonic cleaning of an ear tip by cavitation within a volume of liquid. The present invention further relates to a method of maintaining such in-ear headphones.

State of the art

Whether it is an in-ear earphone or a hearing aid, both in all cases include an ear tip which is positioned inside the ear to, via a transmitter, retransmit as closely as possible a sound picked up, as the case may be, by a microphone or a receiver located outside the ear.

Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate, in a non-limiting manner, the main families of known in-ear headphones and hearing aids.

In particular, Figures 1 and 2 each represent a hearing aid comprising an earloop A accommodating the microphone B and connected by means of a transmission tube C to the ear tip D. The solution illustrated in the is distinguished in that the sound transmitter E is also located on the earhook, while in the solution of the , this sound transmitter E is installed in the immediate vicinity of the ear tip D.

There relates to an in-ear hearing aid, not having a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In short, this prosthesis comprises a distal part defined by the ear tip D and housing the sound transmitter E and a proximal part, oriented towards the outside of the ear when the prosthesis is worn by a user. In this proximal part is housed the microphone B in particular.

There illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an in-ear earphone which, as previously, comprises a distal part comprising the ear tip D and housing the sound transmitter E and a proximal part, external to the ear, receiving, not a microphone, but a means of receiving sound waves emitted by any transmitter, for example a smartphone or other.

Regardless of the type of device considered, an accumulation of humidity, particularly at the ear tip, can cause premature degradation and oxidation of the electronic components embedded in the prosthesis or the earphone. In addition, accumulated debris can make wearing the prosthesis or earphone unpleasant and cause health and hygienic inconvenience. Finally, this debris can alter the performance of these devices.

It is therefore advisable to dehumidify and disinfect these ear tips very regularly to extend their lifespan and increase their comfort of use. Maintenance consists in particular of removing dried earwax debris stuck to the surfaces of an ear tip and any wet debris.

We know of autonomous cleaning devices, more particularly for hearing aids, fulfilling the functions of cleaning, rinsing and drying the prosthesis. Cleaning is typically accomplished using a cleaning solution. Regarding drying, it can be carried out using drying means such as an air passage and/or a turbine within a drying enclosure in which the tip is positioned.

In certain maintenance devices of the state of the art, the cleaning of the ear tip with a solution in the liquid state is supplemented by disinfection using electromagnetic radiation, typically using UV rays -C emitted by a lamp embedded in the device.

By way of example, international patent application WO 2017/137695 filed in the name of the Applicant, entitled “Device for cleaning a hearing aid”, describes a device in the form of a box within which the cleaning of the earmold is produced by touching the liquid. The precise guidance of the liquid flow makes it possible to obtain a “vortex effect” within the cavity receiving the ear tip. The cleaning cavity is delimited laterally by an internal skin which is surrounded by an external skin comprising means for tangential injection of liquid. Such a configuration is conducive to obtaining a vortex of liquid within the cleaning cavity, allowing cleaning of the surfaces of the ear tip by touching the liquid. An electrical charging unit can be integrated into the device housing, further enhancing its functionality.

An advantage of the technical solution described in the aforementioned patent application is to provide a maintenance device equipped with a universal cleaning cavity, into which all types of ear tips of hearing aids or headphones can be inserted. in-ear. In addition, the maintenance device is very easy to use since simply inserting the ear tips into the cleaning cavities, followed by closing the cover, is enough to initiate a maintenance cycle.

However, with this technical solution, it is appropriate to protect the proximal part of the ear tip, that is to say that which is located at the front of the ear canal, compared to the distal part which is intended to engage in the ear canal of a user. Indeed, this proximal part can carry electronic components sensitive to liquid splashes and it should be avoided that it receives droplets of liquid during a cleaning cycle.

In addition, under normal conditions of use, a complete maintenance cycle takes approximately one hour for cleaning, rinsing, emptying and drying, or even UV-C disinfection of the hearing aid. Although this cleaning time is already moderate, it is desirable to further reduce the total duration of a maintenance cycle.

The Applicant therefore sought a technical solution making it possible to achieve a very reduced maintenance cycle time, taking into account the latest technological developments in hearing aids and the new possibilities offered by the most recent disinfection technologies.

General description of the invention

In view of the above, there is a need for an autonomous device for maintaining and cleaning the ear tip of a hearing aid or in-ear receiver, a device which is more efficient, faster and more reliable compared to solutions existing techniques.

In particular, the maintenance device sought must allow the complete completion of an ear tip maintenance cycle in a very limited time, for example in less than twenty minutes. The cleaning efficiency of an in-ear earphone must remain optimal, regardless of the humidity of the materials and debris to be removed from the prosthesis.

It is also important that the parts of the hearing aids or in-ear headphones are not damaged in any way during a maintenance cycle. In particular, technologies used for cleaning and disinfecting hearing aid surfaces must not alter the materials of the earmolds.

The required maintenance system must also ensure a pleasant user experience, in particular by guaranteeing that the maintenance cycle is carried out as autonomously as possible, with very limited user intervention. Preferably the maintenance device sought is easily transportable.

In addition, there is a need for an ear tip maintenance device which meets the technical objectives mentioned above, while remaining compatible with large-scale industrialization and marketing through a moderate cost price, a mechanical design and simple electronics, and ease of manufacture and use.

The Applicant has therefore developed and produced a new type of device for maintaining at least one ear tip of a hearing aid or an in-ear earphone, integrating an ultrasonic cleaning functionality. As will be described in more detail below, the maintenance device includes at least one ultrasonic transducer (typically a piezoelectric crystal). The mechanical vibrations of the transducer generate a cavitation phenomenon within the cleaning solution in which the in-ear headphones are immersed. The bubbles produced by cavitation are capable of removing very small debris from the surface of the earphone(s).

The Applicant has noted that the integration of such ultrasonic cleaning technology in a maintenance device makes it possible to obtain optimal cleaning of the ear tips in a very short time, without damaging these ear tips, while remaining compatible with large-scale industrialization of the maintenance system.

• au moins un transducteur ultrasonique configuré pour générer des ondes ultrasonores au niveau du réceptacle de lavage, de sorte à engendrer un phénomène de cavitation au sein d’un volume de liquide reçu à l’intérieur de la cavité,

Thus, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a maintenance device for at least one ear tip of an in-ear earphone or a hearing aid, the maintenance device comprising a base comprising a washing receptacle defining at least a cavity intended to receive the ear tip, and further comprising means for injecting liquid into the cavity, the maintenance device further comprising:

• at least one ultrasonic transducer configured to generate ultrasonic waves at the level of the washing receptacle, so as to generate a cavitation phenomenon within a volume of liquid received inside the cavity,

According to the invention, the maintenance device further comprises a reservoir of clean cleaning solution and a reservoir of used cleaning solution, distinct from the cavity defined by the washing receptacle, as well as means for circulating the cleaning solution, for supplying a clean cleaning solution from the clean cleaning solution tank to the liquid injection means, said circulation means further allowing the drainage of a spent cleaning solution to the spent cleaning solution tank from the wash receptacle.

Optional and non-limiting characteristics of the hearing aid maintenance and cleaning device according to the first aspect of the invention are the following, taken alone or in any of the technically feasible combinations:

- which the cleaning solution circulation means comprise at least fluid redirection means comprising at least one pinch or three-way type valve.

- the fluid redirection means can be connected to the clean cleaning solution tank.

- said fluid redirection means further comprise at least a second pinch-type or additional three-way valve connectable to the used cleaning solution tank.

- the cleaning solution circulation means further comprise a pump, of the membrane pump, peristaltic or other type.

- the fluid redirection means comprise at least one port connected to a fluid inlet of the pump and at least one other port connected to a fluid outlet of the pump.

- the at least one ultrasonic transducer is configured to generate, in operation, ultrasonic waves corresponding to a plurality of distinct frequencies.

- the at least one ultrasonic transducer is capable of generating, in operation, ultrasonic waves at a frequency between 80 Kilohertz and 150 Kilohertz.

- the at least one ultrasonic transducer comprises at least one piezoelectric crystal.

- the washing receptacle comprises a bottom wall delimiting a bottom of the cavity.

- the ultrasonic transducer is placed against said bottom wall.

- the washing receptacle comprises a side wall, the liquid injection means defining at least one tangential liquid inlet orifice configured to project a liquid tangentially to said side wall.

- the device comprises means for generating air flows towards the washing receptacle, preferably means for generating a pulsed air flow.

- the device comprises means for heating said air flow.

- the device includes means of emitting ultraviolet disinfection radiation.

- the means of emitting ultraviolet radiation comprise at least one LED with UV-C rays.

- the base can integrate a filter placed on the fluid path defined by the cleaning solution circulation means.

- the clean cleaning solution tank and/or the used cleaning solution tank are integrated into a removable cartridge that can be connected and disconnected from the base.

- the washing receptacle defines two cavities, of substantially identical conformation, intended to each receive a respective hearing aid tip.

Furthermore, a second aspect of the invention relates to a method of maintaining a hearing aid or an in-ear earphone comprising an ear tip to be cleaned, this method comprising steps:

- filling a cleaning cavity in a washing receptacle with a clean cleaning solution, the ear tip being positioned in the cleaning cavity,

- activation of an ultrasonic transducer at the level of the washing receptacle, so as to generate ultrasonic waves and to generate a cavitation phenomenon within the clean cleaning solution inside the cavity, so that cleaning by ultrasound of the ear tip is carried out,

This maintenance method being capable of being implemented by a maintenance device as defined above according to the first aspect of the invention.

Optional and non-limiting characteristics of the maintenance method according to the second aspect of the invention are the following, taken alone or in any of the technically possible combinations:

- a step of rinsing the ear tip inside the cavity, using the cleaning solution,

- the rinsing step and/or the step of activating the ultrasonic transducer comprises the generation of a flow of swirling liquid, known as a vortex effect, around the ear tip positioned in the cleaning cavity.

- the maintenance device comprises a pump, of the membrane pump type, peristaltic or other, which includes means for circulating the clean cleaning solution, and the pump being deactivated or not during the activation step of the ultrasonic transducer and/or during the ultrasonic cleaning step.

- the clean cleaning solution used includes a disinfectant agent, so as to carry out additional cleaning of the ear tip by disinfection when the ear tip is positioned in the cleaning cavity.

- the method includes an additional step of drying the ear tip using a flow of hot air directed towards the washing receptacle, preferably using a flow of pulsed hot air.

- the method comprises an additional step of disinfecting at least part of the ear tip of the hearing aid or the in-ear receiver using a beam of ultraviolet radiation, said beam preferably being generated by at least one UV-C LED.

- the ultrasonic cleaning step includes multi-frequency activation of the ultrasonic transducer, so as to generate ultrasonic waves at a plurality of distinct frequencies at the level of the washing receptacle.

General description of the figures

Other aims and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the detailed description below, this description being supplemented by the appended figures given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, among which:

Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate, in a non-limiting manner, the main families of known in-ear headphones and hearing aids.

There is a perspective representation of a housing incorporating a hearing aid cleaning and charging device, in a possible form, the cover of said housing being in the raised position.

There schematically represents different components and a hydraulic diagram of an ear tip cleaning device, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

There illustrates a step of filling the ear tip receptacle with cleaning solution, for the cleaning device shown in the .

There illustrates a step of ultrasonic cleaning of the earphone, for this same prosthesis cleaning device shown in the .

There illustrates a step of rinsing an ear tip and removing debris, for this same cleaning device shown in the .

There illustrates a step of emptying a volume of used cleaning solution, for this same cleaning device shown in the .

There represents in perspective, seen from below and above, a specific shape of receptacle for cleaning an ear tip, where the receptacle is shown in isolation from the base of the cleaning device.

There schematically represents different components and a hydraulic diagram of a cleaning device, according to a second embodiment of the invention characterized by the presence of a removable cartridge.

Detailed description of different embodiments of the invention

The description below, accompanied by the appended figures, concerns an example of a nomadic maintenance device for a hearing aid or in-ear earphone incorporating the following main functionalities: ultrasonic cleaning, rinsing by touching liquid by “vortex effect” , drying by forced hot air flow, disinfection using UV-C rays, and optionally electric recharging of hearing aids.

It will be understood that the invention also applies, with the same advantages, to other variants of maintenance devices which would implement some of these functionalities or all of these functionalities.

General architecture of the in-ear receiver hearing aid maintenance device

There illustrates a maintenance device 1 for a hearing aid or in-ear receiver, seen from above. The device 1 is preferably portable.

The maintenance device 1 notably comprises a base 2 allowing it to rest on a surface. The base 2 comprises an ear tip cleaning receptacle 3 designed to at least partially receive an ear tip of a hearing aid or an in-ear earphone to be cleaned. For example, the receptacle 3 is designed so that an ear tip 31 can be inserted there in a stable manner. The base 2 here has the general shape of a parallelepiped housing.

Here, the base 2 has a substantially flat upper surface 28. The cleaning receptacle 3 is preferably placed in a recess of the upper surface 28.

In the present example, the base 2 is surmounted by a cover 29 which is movable between a raised position as illustrated on the attached, and a lowered position in which the upper surface 28 of the base 2 is covered by the cover 29.

The cover 29 is for example articulated to the base 2 by a hinge 290 allowing the cover 29 to pass from the raised position to the lowered position and vice versa. The base 2 and the closable cover 29 together form a compact and easily transportable cleaning box.

As will be seen in detail below, in the present exemplary embodiment, the receptacle 3 for cleaning the ear tip 31 has a generally oblong shape. Simultaneous insertion of several ear tips 31 is thus possible.

Eartip Cleaning Receptacle - Ultrasonic Transducer

Importantly, the maintenance device 1 is designed to carry out a complete ear tip cleaning cycle including in particular an ultrasonic cleaning step. The receptacle 3 for cleaning the ear tip 31 is thus designed to allow partial immersion of a part of the hearing aid or the in-ear receiver, for example partial immersion of the ear tip 31, then cleaning of the ear tips. surfaces of said part by cavitation.

The general operating principle of ultrasonic cleaning is mainly based here on the use of the physical phenomenon of piezoelectricity. A so-called “piezoelectric” material has the capacity to generate mechanical vibrations under the influence of an electrical voltage. Thus, at the level of the piezoelectric material, the electrical energy supplied is transformed into mechanical energy. Conversely, a change in pressure on a piezoelectric material can produce an electric current.

Vibrations generated at a given frequency, within the volume of liquid contained in the receptacle 3, are used to generate a cavitation phenomenon inside the liquid. We speak of “cavitation” to designate the generation of micro-gas bubbles inside the volume of liquid.

Under the effect of mechanical vibrations in the liquid, the gas micro-bubbles compress and implode. The mechanical shocks created by the implosion of said micro-bubbles clean the ear tip 31, and in particular the elimination of debris accumulated on the surfaces of the ear tip 31. It is thus possible to remove particles of various particles accumulated on the ear tip 31, for example dust, earwax particles, etc.

With reference to the operating diagram of the , the device 1 here comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer 5 located in the vicinity of the receptacle 3 for cleaning the ear tip 31. The ultrasonic transducer 5 is capable of generating ultrasonic mechanical vibrations. Under the effect of an electrical signal, preferably supplied by an ultrasonic signal source 16 integrated into the device 1, the transducer 5 produces ultrasonic waves.

The transducer 5 is for example placed against a wall of the receptacle 3, on the side opposite the volume of cleaning liquid. Thus vibrations of the transducer 5 create vibrations inside the volume of cleaning liquid.

Here, the receptacle 3 comprises a bottom wall 33 delimiting the bottom of the cleaning cavity. The transducer 5 is then preferably placed against said bottom wall 33, on the lower side. Thus the ultrasonic vibrations of the transducer 5 are communicated via the bottom wall 33 to the volume of cleaning liquid contained in the receptacle 3.

It will be noted that the ultrasonic transducer 5 preferably comprises at least one piezoelectric crystal. The piezoelectric material used to form the transducer 5 comprises for example quartz and/or one or more piezoelectric ceramics.

Generally speaking, the higher the ultrasonic vibration frequency obtained at the transducer 5, the finer the gas micro-bubbles (for example air micro-bubbles) generated within the cleaning liquid. Advantageously, the transducer 5 is capable of generating ultrasonic waves at a frequency between 60 Kilohertz and 150 Kilohertz, more preferably at a frequency between 80 Kilohertz and 150 Kilohertz, for example at a frequency equal to 85 Kilohertz.

Preferably, the ultrasonic transducer 5 is configured to generate, in operation, ultrasonic waves corresponding to a plurality of distinct frequencies. The transducer 5 is then capable of operating in multi-frequency mode. An advantage of operating in multi-frequency mode is that it allows efficient detachment and elimination of dried and/or wet debris of various sizes.

In the present example, the washing receptacle 3 further comprises at least one side wall 34 contiguous to the bottom wall 33, rising vertically from the edges of the bottom 33. The upper edges of the side wall(s) 34 are preferably left free. The cleaning cavity delimited laterally by the side wall(s) 34 is thus in communication with the outside when the cover 29 is in the raised position.

In order to automatically introduce the cleaning liquid inside the receptacle 3 from a remote liquid source, the receptacle 3 advantageously comprises liquid injection means 40, in fluid communication with the cleaning cavity.

In the present example, the injection means 40 define at least one liquid inlet orifice. The liquid inlet orifice is preferably configured to project a liquid tangentially to the side wall 34 of the receptacle 3. The injection means 40 are preferably in fluid communication with the remote source of liquid. An example of a particular conformation of the receptacle 3 and the tangential injection means 40 will be described below, in relation to the .

It will be noted that the washing receptacle 3 also preferably comprises an intermediate reservoir 6 placed on the fluid path between the reservoirs 8 and 9 (described below) and means for circulating the cleaning solution. The intermediate tank 6 allows the temporary storage of a volume of liquid, for example the storage of an excess volume of cleaning solution. In the present example, the intermediate reservoir 6 is fixed relative to the receptacle 3 and is placed below the bottom wall 33.

Optionally, the receptacle 3 also includes an overfilling exhaust 18, in fluid communication with the intermediate reservoir 8 6.

Circulating the cleaning solution

The maintenance device 1 integrates automated management of the circulation of the cleaning fluid, in particular during the cleaning, rinsing and emptying stages.

The maintenance device 1 integrates a reservoir 8 of clean cleaning solution, configured to store an available volume of a cleaning solution 15, and a reservoir 9 of spent cleaning solution 14, configured to store the spent cleaning solution issued cleaning up to a certain volume. The tanks 8 and 9 are offset relative to the cleaning cavity which is defined inside the receptacle 3. In the example of the , the reservoirs 8 and 9 are fixed or removable relative to the base 2 of the device and are located inside this base.

The clean cleaning solution 15 contained in the reservoir 8 is preferably an aqueous solution. This cleaning solution may optionally include a disinfectant agent, so as to carry out additional cleaning of the ear tip 31 by disinfection.

The device 1 further comprises means for selectively circulating the cleaning fluid, between the receptacle 3, the reservoir 8 of clean cleaning solution, and the reservoir 9 of used cleaning solution.

The means of circulation include in particular a pump 7. This can be of the membrane, peristaltic or other type.

The pump 7 can thus be electronically controlled in voltage or speed, in order to obtain the desired liquid flow rates between a pump inlet 70 and a pump outlet 71, during the different stages of a maintenance cycle of the pump. ear tip.

As a reminder, a diaphragm pump can be replaced by other types of volumetric or non-volumetric pumping means, such as a peristaltic pump whose volume and flow rate can be controlled by controlling the rotation speed.

In addition, the fluid circulation means allow the supply of the clean cleaning solution 15 from the clean cleaning solution reservoir 8 to the receptacle 3 (via the means 40 for injecting liquid into the receptacle). These means also allow the drainage of the used cleaning solution 14 from the receptacle 3 towards the spent cleaning solution reservoir 9 (via the means 60 for draining liquid from the receptacle).

To do this, in one possible implementation, the fluid circulation means comprise fluid redirection means defined, for example by at least one valve which can take different embodiments. Thus, this valve can be simple pinch or three-way type.

In this example, the fluid redirection means comprise a first three-way valve 10 selectively connected to the pump inlet 70 (via a port C of this valve 10), and comprises a second three-way valve 11 selectively connected to the outlet of pump 71 (via a port C of this solenoid valve 11).

Here, the first valve 10 is configured to allow the passage of fluid either between port 'C' connected to the pump 7 and port '1' connected to the drainage means 60 (position C1), or between port 'C' connected to pump 7 and port '2' connected to reservoir 8 (position C2). Furthermore, the second valve 11 is configured to allow the passage of fluid either between port 'C' connected to the pump 7 and port '1' connected to the injection means 40 (position C1), or between port ' C' connected to pump 7 and port '2' connected to reservoir 9 (position C2).

Note that the same functionalities can be obtained using two simple valves, for example of the pinch type. A pipe management system using rotating rollers driven by an electric motor thus sequencing the fluid cycle of the machine equivalent to two sequenced three-way solenoid valves

For an example of operating said three-way valves during a maintenance cycle, please refer to the description below.

The drainage means 60 are here connected to the tank 3. The used cleaning solution 14 contained in the tank 3 can thus be drained, through the drainage means 60.

Optionally and advantageously, a filter 17 is placed on the path of the drained fluid, for example immediately downstream of the drainage means 60. The filter 17 is here secured to the base 2.

Drying the hearing aid by blowing hot air

Preferably, the maintenance device 1 further integrates means 12 for generating air flow, here inside the base 2. The means 12 for generating air flow are configured to set in motion air towards the receptacle 3. The flow generated is preferably a forced air flow.

The generated flow passes through the cleaning cavity of the receptacle 3, which is preferably empty during the drying phase. This eliminates any wet debris that may remain on the surface of an ear tip after the cleaning and rinsing phases.

The means 12 for generating air flow include a fan in the present example. The air flow of the fan is chosen sufficient to eliminate droplets of liquid which would still be present on the surface of an ear tip at the start of drying. The means 12 for generating air flow are for example positioned in an air chamber connected to an air duct. The air duct opens here into the cleaning cavity of receptacle 3 via an orifice 41.

Optionally and advantageously, the maintenance device 1 further comprises heating means 13 associated with the means 12 for generating air flow. The heating means 13 make it possible to raise the temperature of the air flow directed towards the cleaning cavity, in order to improve the drying efficiency and accelerate the drying of the ear tip(s) 31.

The heating means 13, for example the heating resistor, are here positioned on the path of the air flow, between the air flow generation means 12 and the receptacle 3.

Using these means of generating air flow and heating, it is possible to carry out complete drying of the ear tip(s) 31 in a reduced time, for example less than 10 minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes.

Ear tip disinfection using electromagnetic radiation

Preferably, the device 1 for maintaining the ear tip of hearing aids or in-ear headphones also integrates means of disinfection by ultraviolet radiation. Thus, the disinfection of an ear tip with a cleaning solution containing a disinfectant agent is supplemented by an additional type of disinfection, in order to increase cleaning efficiency.

The means of disinfection by ultraviolet radiation preferably comprise at least one ultraviolet light-emitting diode, or LED 21. In the present example, the disinfection means comprise two ultraviolet LEDs 21, mounted for example in parallel, powered by an LED current source 19. Generally speaking, the electrical power of the LEDs and their number are selected according to of the desired disinfection time.

Ultraviolet radiation is used to disinfect all or part of an ear tip 31. In the present example, ultraviolet radiation is used to specifically disinfect the contour 32 of the ear tip 31. The base 2 comprises in the present example a positioning space 20, on which the contour 32 can be positioned at the same time as the tip 31 is inserted inside the cleaning cavity of the receptacle 3. The disinfection means, here the LEDs 21, are then preferably integrated into the base 2, their beam directed towards the positioning space 20.

The LEDs 21 are preferably configured to emit UV-C type radiation, for example at wavelengths between 270 and 280 nanometers.

Alternatively or in combination, one or more LEDs configured to emit UV-A type radiation can be integrated into the disinfection means.

Ear tip maintenance and cleaning process

We describe below an ear tip maintenance process, which may correspond to a maintenance cycle implemented using a portable ear tip cleaning device. The maintenance and cleaning process is, by way of example and in a non-limiting manner, implemented by an ear tip maintenance device 1 as described above.

The process can first begin by raising the cover 29 of the maintenance device 1 to reveal the receptacle 3 at the level of the upper surface 28. Then we insert totally or partially at least one ear tip 31 into the cleaning cavity defined by this receptacle 3. Note that several ear tips could be inserted simultaneously into the cleaning cavity.

In reference to the , once the ear tip 31 is in position, the cleaning cavity of the receptacle 3 is filled with a volume of clean cleaning solution 15.

During this filling, the first solenoid valve 10 is adjusted so as to allow the passage of fluid between port C and port 2 (position C2). The second solenoid valve 11 is adjusted so as to allow the passage of fluid between port 1 and port C (position C1). Thus, the activation of the pump 7 makes it possible to bring the volume of clean cleaning solution 15 from the reservoir 8 to the liquid injection means 40. The clean cleaning solution 15 is fed into the receptacle 3 and fills the cleaning cavity. The supply of clean cleaning solution is shown on the by the filling flow F1. The spent solution tank 9 is thus isolated from the filling flow.

Preferably, once a sufficient volume of solution is reached in the washing receptacle 3, the operation of the pump 7 is interrupted.

Then, with reference to the , ultrasonic cleaning is initiated by activating at least one ultrasonic transducer 5 integrated into the cleaning device 1. As described above, the ultrasonic transducer is activated so as to generate vibratory ultrasonic waves and to generate a cavitation phenomenon within the clean cleaning solution 15, inside the cleaning cavity. In this way, the tip 31 is cleaned.

Cavitation cleaning requires that the ear tips 31 remain at least partially immersed in the cleaning solution. As indicated above, this cavitation phenomenon occurs when the ultrasonic signal source 16 is activated, and supplies energy to at least one ultrasonic transducer 5 located near the receptacle 3.

Optionally and advantageously, the transducer(s) 5 can be activated by ultrasonic signals having several different frequencies, so as to generate multi-frequency vibratory ultrasonic waves at the level of the receptacle 3.

According to a first option, pump 7 is deactivated during the ultrasonic cleaning step; thus, the volume of cleaning liquid contained in the receptacle 3 remains stable and does not undergo turbulence, which improves the quality of the cavitation. In addition, it is preferable that the first solenoid valve 10 remains in position C2 in order to ensure that the cleaning liquid does not escape from the receptacle 3 during the cleaning step.

According to another option, the pump remains in operation during this ultrasonic cleaning step by ensuring the circulation of the cleaning fluid between the reservoir 8, the receptacle 3 and the reservoir 9, or even the intermediate reservoir 6 or vice versa, advantageously by generating a flow of swirling liquid, known as “vortex effect”, around the ear tip 31 positioned in the cleaning cavity.

The activation of transducer 5 is illustrated on the by the electrical signal C across the source 16 and the transducer 5.

Ultrasonic cleaning is for example carried out for a period of 1 to 10 minutes, preferably 1 to 5 minutes.

Then, with reference to the and once the ultrasonic cleaning is completed, the ear tip 31 is rinsed. For rinsing, the ear tip 31 preferably remains inserted inside the cleaning cavity. Rinsing removes dry and/or wet dust and debris that has been separated.

In the present example, rinsing is carried out using the used cleaning solution 14 from the previous ultrasonic cleaning step. Pump 7 and valves 10 and 11 are used to recirculate and set in motion the cleaning solution, within the wells of the cleaning cavity.

The invention is not limited to such rinsing using a used solution. This rinsing step can also be carried out using a clean cleaning solution.

In this example, the two three-way valves 10 and 11 are both set to position C1, which ensures that the recirculated cleaning solution does not escape to tanks 8 and 9 (closed circuit). The volume of solution used for rinsing is for example between double and triple the volume of solution used for cleaning.

A rinsing flow F2 is thus generated corresponding to a flow of swirling liquid, known as a “vortex effect”, around the ear tip 31 positioned in the cleaning cavity. Preferably, the geometry of the receptacle 3 and/or the geometry of the injection means 40 is adapted to maximize the vortex effect during rinsing. For example, the injection means 40 define at least one liquid flow inlet orifice, configured to project the liquid tangentially to the side wall 34 of the receptacle 3.

The cleaning solution put into recirculation during rinsing is preferably filtered, here by the filter 17 present on the conduit 60. An advantage is to ensure that wet and/or solid debris and/or dust resulting from cleaning are not also recirculated in the cleaning cavity.

As already mentioned above, according to an alternative, the rinsing step can take place at the same time as the ultrasonic cleaning continues.

Then, with reference to the , the device 1 implements an emptying of the receptacle 3 and, if necessary, an emptying of the intermediate tank 6. The volumes of used cleaning solution 14 present in the receptacle 3 and the intermediate tank 6 are then emptied, for example into the tank 9 of used cleaning solution.

To do this, the pump is activated so as to drain the liquid present in the receptacle 3. In addition, here, the flow control system 10 is adjusted so as to allow the passage of fluid between port C and port 1 (position C1) and allow the passage of fluid between port 2 and port C (position C2). The clean solution tank 8 is thus isolated from the drain flow.

Drainage of used cleaning solution is shown in the by the drain flow F3, directed towards the tank 9 of used cleaning solution.

After cleaning and rinsing, the device 1 preferably carries out drying of the ear tip 31. This prevents residual traces of humidity from remaining at the level of the ear tip 31 after its maintenance. To this end, as described above, the device 1 preferably integrates autonomous drying means.

For example, the ear tip(s) 31 are dried using a flow of hot air, preferably forced, directed towards the receptacle 3. The flow of hot air is here generated by the means 12 for generating air and the air heating means 13.

A complete maintenance cycle of the ear tip 31 can thus be carried out in a duration of less than or equal to twenty minutes.

It will be noted that it is possible to implement, at any stage of the maintenance cycle among the stages described above, a partial or total disinfection of an ear tip 31 using a beam of ultraviolet radiation. . In the present example, a beam of ultraviolet disinfection radiation is generated by at least one ultraviolet light-emitting diode, or LED 21, integrated into the device 1. Preferably, the LED(s) 21 are of the UV-C type.

The maintenance cycle can also be associated, if necessary, with electrical recharging of the hearing aid 30 or in-ear headphones, typically with a battery equipping this or the latter. The recharging means (not illustrated in the attached figures) can be wireless or include a contactor.

Conformation of the ear tip cleaning receptacle

The base 2 of the ear tip maintenance device 1 comprises, as indicated above, a receptacle 3 defining at least one cleaning cavity designed to receive a volume of cleaning liquid, and to receive all or part of the ear tip 31 for cleaning.

According to a possible example, with reference to the , the receptacle 3 comprises a bottom wall 33 delimiting the bottom of the cleaning cavity, a side wall 34 rising vertically from the periphery of the bottom wall 33, and a free edge 35 formed by the upper edge of the wall lateral 34. On the , the receptacle 3 has been shown in isolation and separately from the base 2.

The side wall 34 is tubular in shape and here has an oblong section. The side wall 34 defines a bottom wall 33 of oblong shape and a free edge 35 also of oblong section. The bottom wall 33 extends longitudinally parallel to a direction A. The direction A is for example parallel to an axis of extension of the hinge 290 of the cover. The bottom wall 33 is inclined in the direction normal to direction A to optimize the suction of the fluid

A liquid level sensor can additionally be added to the cleaning cavity in receptacle 3, to better control the fluid volume at each stage of the maintenance cycle.

An oblong conformation of the side wall 34 makes it possible, on the one hand, to simultaneously insert several ear tips 31 of hearing aids or in-ear headphones, and on the other hand to accommodate a wide variety of possible shapes of ear tips. Furthermore, the shape of the cleaning cavity could be round or oval. Alternatively, the shape of the cleaning cavity could correspond exactly to a specific ear tip of an in-ear earphone or hearing aid, to receive only said ear tip.

Likewise, the cavity of the receptacle 3 can receive an additional support allowing the reception of ear tips 31 of hearing aids or in-ear headphones for optimal immersion

In this example, the receptacle 3 is held by peripheral supports 36, into which positioning studs (not shown) are inserted which can be fixed on the base 2. The peripheral supports 36 make it possible to mount the receptacle 3 in the base 2.

An outlet orifice 18 (figure .11) allows excess fluid to be evacuated from the tank in the event of an operating anomaly.

As described above, at least one ultrasonic transducer 5 (not illustrated in the ) is located against the bottom wall 33, preferably on the underside of the bottom wall 33.

We illustrated on the the injection of the fluid into the cavity 3 by the connector 40. The fluid is thus sent to the 2 orifices 40-1 and 40-2 which open here at the level of the side wall 34. We have also illustrated in this figure an example of positioning of the end of the drainage tube, corresponding to the liquid drainage means 60. This end opens here at the bottom wall 33.

Alternatively, the washing receptacle 3 can define several distinct cleaning cavities, for example two distinct cavities, which are preferably of substantially identical conformation. Each of the cleaning cavities is then designed to receive an ear tip 31 of a hearing aid or in-ear headset.

In the example on the , the system integrates a fixed tank 8 for the cleaning solution and a second tank 9 for the used solution (removable).

Reservoir 8 can be filled using a container equipped with a doser or by a container with a volume equivalent to reservoir 8.

A level sensor integrated into the tank 9 can indicate to the user that it must be removed and emptied before being put back in place

Alternative example - Removable cartridge including cleaning solution tanks

With reference to the operating diagram of the , according to an alternative example, the maintenance device 1 can include a removable cartridge 4, complementary to the base 2, connectable and disconnectable from the base 2.

Cartridge 4 includes a clean cleaning solution reservoir 8' and a used cleaning solution reservoir 9', extending into an internal volume of cartridge 4.

Optionally and advantageously, to optimize space within the removable cartridge, a movable wall separates the 8' clean cleaning solution tank and the 9' used cleaning solution tank. The movable wall is here formed by a diaphragm 44. The diaphragm 44 hermetically separates the respective volumes of the tanks 8' and 9'.

Here, the removable cartridge 4 and its tanks 8' and 9' replace the clean cleaning solution and used cleaning solution tanks integrated into the base 2.

In this example, the clean cleaning solution tank 8' is connected to the pump inlet 70 via the fluid redirection means just as the used cleaning solution tank 9' is connected to the pump outlet 71.

The ear tip maintenance process can be implemented in a manner similar to the description above.

Optionally and advantageously, the removable cartridge 4 comprises an electronic memory, for example a writable non-volatile memory 42 here. The removable cartridge 4 here comprises electrical contacts 43, the writable non-volatile memory 42 being accessible via the electrical contacts 43. Such electronic memory allows the user to monitor the filling rate of the clean cleaning solution tank 8' of the cartridge 4, and/or to ensure that the type of cartridge used corresponds to the model of maintenance device 1 with which it is desired to use the cartridge 4.

In addition, cartridge 4 optionally includes a 17' filter allowing filtration of the drained used cleaning solution. In this case, it is possible not to include another filter attached to the base 2 downstream of the drainage means 60.

Cartridge 4 can be used as a consumable for device 1 and replaced with a new cartridge if necessary.

When the cartridge is new, the 8' clean cleaning solution tank is full and the 9' used cleaning solution tank is empty. In the half-consumed state of the cartridge, the respective filling rates of the two tanks 8' and 9' are equal or close. In the fully consumed state of the cartridge, the clean cleaning solution tank 8' is empty and the used cleaning solution tank 9' is filled.

Claims (22)

Maintenance device for an ear tip (31) of a hearing aid (30) or in-ear receiver, comprising a base (2) comprising a washing receptacle (3) defining at least one cavity intended to receive the ear tip (31), and further comprising means for injecting (40) cleaning liquid into the cavity, the maintenance device being characterized in that it further comprises:
- at least one ultrasonic transducer (5) configured to generate ultrasonic waves at the level of the washing receptacle (3), so as to generate a cavitation phenomenon within a volume of liquid received inside the cavity. Maintenance device according to claim 1, further comprising:
- a reservoir of clean cleaning solution (8; 8') and a reservoir of used cleaning solution (9; 9'), distinct from the cavity defined by the washing receptacle (3),
- cleaning solution circulation means (7, 10, 11), making it possible to bring a clean cleaning solution (15) from the clean cleaning solution tank (8; 8') to the injection means ( 40) of liquid, said circulation means (7, 10, 11) further allowing the drainage of a used cleaning solution (15) towards the used cleaning solution tank (9; 9') from the washing receptacle (3). Maintenance device according to claim 2, in which the cleaning solution circulation means (7, 10, 11) comprise at least one pump (7) of membrane, peristaltic or other type. Maintenance device according to claim 3, in which the cleaning solution circulation means (7, 10, 11) comprise fluid redirection means (10, 11) comprising at least one or more simple pinch valves or three ways. Maintenance device according to claim 4, in which the fluid redirection means (10, 11) are connectable to the clean cleaning solution tank (8; 8') and to the used cleaning solution tank (9; 9') . Maintenance device according to claim 5 considered in combination, in which the fluidic redirection means (10, 11) comprise a port connected to a fluid inlet (70) of the pump (7), and in which fluidic redirection means (10, 11) include an additional port connected to a fluid outlet (71) of the pump (7). Maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one ultrasonic transducer (5) is configured to generate, in operation, ultrasonic waves corresponding to a plurality of distinct frequencies. Maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the at least one ultrasonic transducer (5) comprises a piezoelectric crystal. Maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the washing receptacle (3) comprises a bottom wall (33) delimiting a bottom of the cavity, the ultrasonic transducer (5) being placed against said wall bottom (33). Maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the washing receptacle (3) comprises a side wall (34), the liquid injection means (40) defining at least one inlet orifice liquid tangential configured to project a liquid tangentially to said side wall (34). Maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the device comprising means (12) for generating air flow in the direction of the washing receptacle (3), preferably means for generating a flow forced air, the device preferably further comprising means (13) for heating said air flow. Maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the device comprising at least means of disinfection by ultraviolet radiation, configured to emit ultraviolet disinfection radiation. Maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base (2) further comprises a filter (17), which is disposed on the fluid path defined by the circulation means (10, 11) of cleaning solution. Maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the clean cleaning solution tank (8') and/or the used cleaning solution tank (9') are integrated into a removable cartridge (4 ) connectable and disconnectable from the base (2). Maintenance device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the washing receptacle (3) defines two cavities, of substantially identical conformation, intended to each receive an ear tip (31). Method for maintaining at least one ear tip (31) of a hearing aid or in-ear earphone comprising, the method comprising steps of:
- filling a cleaning cavity in a washing receptacle (3) with a clean cleaning solution (15), the ear tip (31) being positioned in the cleaning cavity,
- activation of an ultrasonic transducer (5) at the level of the washing receptacle (3), so as to generate ultrasonic waves and to generate a cavitation phenomenon within the clean cleaning solution (15) inside the cavity, so that ultrasonic cleaning of the tip (31) is carried out,
the maintenance method being capable of being implemented by a maintenance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15. Maintenance method according to claim 16 comprising a step of rinsing the ear tip (31) inside the cavity, using the cleaning solution (15). Maintenance method according to claim 17, in which the rinsing step comprises the generation of a flow of swirling liquid, known as a vortex effect, around the nozzle (31) positioned in the cleaning cavity.
. Maintenance method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, in which the clean cleaning solution used comprises a disinfectant agent, so as to carry out additional cleaning of the ear tip (31) by disinfection when said tip earpiece (31) is positioned in the cleaning cavity. Maintenance method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, the method comprising an additional step of drying the tip (31) using a flow of hot air directed towards the washing receptacle (3 ), preferably a forced hot air flow. Maintenance method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, the method comprising an additional step of disinfecting at least part of the ear tip (31) using a beam of ultraviolet radiation, said beam preferably being generated by at least one light-emitting diode or ultraviolet LED (21) of the UV-C type. Maintenance method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the ultrasonic cleaning step comprises multi-frequency activation of the ultrasonic transducer (5), so as to generate ultrasonic waves at a plurality of distinct frequencies at the level of the washing receptacle (3).