EP2148159A1 - Device for drying hearing aids - Google Patents

Device for drying hearing aids Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2148159A1
EP2148159A1 EP09160377A EP09160377A EP2148159A1 EP 2148159 A1 EP2148159 A1 EP 2148159A1 EP 09160377 A EP09160377 A EP 09160377A EP 09160377 A EP09160377 A EP 09160377A EP 2148159 A1 EP2148159 A1 EP 2148159A1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
hearing aid
air
drying
housing
fan
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EP09160377A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2148159B1 (en
Inventor
Kunibert Husung
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B9/00—Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards
    • F26B9/003—Small self-contained devices, e.g. portable

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for drying hearing aids.
  • Hearing aids become moist during wearing, in particular by sporty activity as well as by the effect of weather influences. Hearing aids should be cleaned after use, whereby moisture can also act.
  • hearing aid comparable portable devices for the treatment of tinnitus hearing damage.
  • hearing aid devices for tinnitus therapy as well as hearing aids are understood as such.
  • hearing aids should be dried after use or cleaning.
  • so-called dry capsules which act strongly hydrophilic, i. Take up moisture and remove it from the hearing aid.
  • hearing aids for drying in drying apparatuses which have heating, e.g. an integrated resistance heating to cause drying by heating. Air movement in these devices is solely by convection, i. Rise of heated air, causes.
  • a motor fan could be provided which circulates the air.
  • engine fans are usually relatively large and also usually have the disadvantage of strong noise. Therefore, they are not common in drying devices for hearing aids.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a drying device for a hearing aid that requires little space, works reliably, and operates quietly.
  • a basic idea of the invention is to specify a device for drying a hearing aid, which comprises a housing, and in the housing a hearing aid shell for inserting the hearing aid and a fan, wherein the fan accelerates air through an electro-aerodynamic pump.
  • An electro-aerodynamic pump is designed to generate gas ions and accelerate the gas ions through an electric field.
  • This electro-aerodynamic working principle can be achieved with a few electronic parts - basically only a voltage generator, a pair of electrodes for ionizing and a pair of electrodes for accelerating air or gas atoms and molecules needed - realize.
  • the small number of functional parts ensures high reliability.
  • the electro-aerodynamic pump manages without moving parts. This increases the reliability of the fan, since the mechanical susceptibility of moving parts, such as rotating fan and associated bearings is avoided. In addition, the avoidance of moving parts also reduces the working noise of the fan.
  • the electro-aerodynamic pump generates no significant working noise compared to the noise of the generated airflow. Last but not least, the pump works very effectively, so that comparatively large air flows can be generated with a comparatively small size of the pump to let. As a result, a small space-saving fan is sufficient to produce a sufficiently strong air flow for drying hearing aids.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that in the housing a supply air opening and an exhaust port are provided, and that the interior of the device is formed such that a generated by the fan air flow from the supply air opening through the hearing aid -Schale is led to the exhaust air opening. This ensures that air is circulated around a hearing aid inserted for drying. At the same time, air that has already absorbed moisture during the drying process can escape through the exhaust air opening and continuously feed unused air through the supply air opening. The thus ensured flow of fresh, dry air makes heating unnecessary to further increase the drying capacity.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that in the housing an accessory shell is provided, and that the interior of the device is formed such that an air flow is passed from the supply air opening through the accessory shell to the exhaust port. This will allow accessories to be dried as well, e.g. Hearing tubes or auditory canal inserts.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the supply air opening is provided with a filter element, is filtered by the incoming air, and has an air flow resistance through which the air flowing per time amount of air is reduced by at least 25%.
  • the filter element is avoided on the one hand that dirt particles, such as dust particles, can flow in large quantities.
  • the inflowing air flow can be limited in volume and at the same time a higher circulating air flow can be maintained inside the device.
  • the quantitative limit of inflowing air inevitably limits the amount of outflowing air and thereby reduces the working noise of the device. At the same time can be achieved by the higher air flow inside a greater drying capacity, which can be dispensed with an additional heating to increase the drying capacity.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that it is additionally designed as a charging station for charging rechargeable batteries inserted in the hearing aid shell hearing aid.
  • FIG. 1 a device 1 for drying a hearing aid is shown schematically as a sectional image.
  • the device comprises a housing 4, which is closed by a lid 2 pivotable about an axis 3 or can be opened.
  • a molded part within the device 1 or the housing 4 is a molded part, in which a hearing aid shell 6 and an accessory shell 5 are embedded.
  • the hearing aid shell 6 serves to insert a hearing aid 10 for drying.
  • Accessories for the hearing aid eg hearing tube or auditory canal inserts, can likewise be inserted into the accessory shell 5 for drying.
  • the device 1 is used not only for drying, but also for recharging batteries of the hearing aid 10.
  • appropriate charging contacts in the hearing aid shell 6 and a charging current generator in the housing 4 are provided, but not in the figure are shown.
  • the device 1 comprises as an essential element an electro-aerodynamic fan 7. This works without moving parts and thus without a motor. Instead, gas atoms and molecules are ionized, which is usually done by relatively strong electric fields. In principle, both DC voltage fields and AC voltage fields can be used for this purpose. However, AC fields generate relatively strong and far-reaching spurious signals that could disturb other electronic devices. Therefore, the use of DC fields is to be preferred.
  • the ionized gas particles are accelerated by another electric field.
  • This acceleration first causes a stream of ionized gas particles, e.g. Air particles, in the direction predetermined by the electric field.
  • the generated air flow is increased by the fact that the accelerated charged particles entrain uncharged and therefore not accelerated by the electric field itself gas particles. This creates an intense air flow.
  • the electro-aerodynamic fan 7 causes a circulation of air within the device 1.
  • the device 1 is formed so that the air through the hearing aid shell 6 passes through.
  • it also passes through the accessory shell 5.
  • an air flow with large flow rates can be generated. Due to the high amount of circulating air results in a strong drying effect, so that can be dispensed with an additional heating.
  • a supply air opening 8 is provided. Through the supply air opening 8 flows continuously a small amount of unspent, i. not humidified, vent to air. For this purpose, a vent must be provided forcibly, which is realized as an exhaust port 9.
  • a filter element is provided in the supply air opening 8. The filter element simultaneously limits the amount of incoming air, so that despite strong air circulation inside the device 1 is given only a limited inflow and outflow. As a result, the working noise of the device 1 is kept at a low level.
  • the invention relates to a device 1 for drying hearing aids 10.
  • the drying device 1 comprises a housing 4 and in the housing 4 a hearing aid shell 6 for inserting the hearing aid and a fan 7, wherein the fan 7 air through an electronic accelerated aerodynamic pump.
  • the electro-aerodynamic pump is adapted to generate gas ions and accelerate the gas ions through an electric field.
  • the electro-aerodynamic fan 7 has the advantage that it requires little space and - operates quietly - except for the air flow.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The apparatus (1) has a housing (4), a hearing aid shell (6) arranged in the housing for inserting a hearing aid (10). An electro-aerodynamic fan (7) is arranged in the housing that accelerates air for drying the hearing aid, where the electro-aerodynamic fan accelerates air by an electro-aerodynamic pump. The pump generates gas ions and accelerates gas ions through an electrical field. The air flow generated by the electro-aerodynamic fan is routed from a supply air opening (8) through the hearing aid shell to a discharge air opening (9). An independent claim is also included for a method for drying a hearing aid.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Trocknen von Hörhilfen.The invention relates to a device for drying hearing aids.

Hörhilfen werden während des Tragens feucht, insbesondere durch sportliche Betätigung sowie durch Einwirkung von Witterungseinflüssen. Hörhilfen sollten nach Gebrauch gesäubert werden, wobei ebenfalls Feuchtigkeit einwirken kann.Hearing aids become moist during wearing, in particular by sporty activity as well as by the effect of weather influences. Hearing aids should be cleaned after use, whereby moisture can also act.

Das Gleiche gilt für die den Hörhilfen vergleichbaren tragbaren Geräte zur Behandlung von Tinnitus-Hörschäden. Im Folgenden sollen daher unter dem Begriff "Hörhilfe" Geräte zur Tinnitus-Therapie gleichermaßen wie Hörhilfen als solche verstanden werden.The same applies to the hearing aids comparable portable devices for the treatment of tinnitus hearing damage. In the following, therefore, the term "hearing aid" devices for tinnitus therapy as well as hearing aids are understood as such.

Um einen einwandfreien Betrieb über längere Zeit zu gewährleisten, sollten Hörhilfen nach Gebrauch oder Säuberung getrocknet werden. Hierzu ist es bekannt, so genannte Trockenkapseln zu verwenden, die stark hydrophil wirken, d.h. Feuchtigkeit aufnehmen und der Hörhilfe entziehen. Weiter ist es bekannt, Hörhilfen zum Trocknen in Trocknungsgeräte zu legen, die eine Heizung aufweisen, z.B. eine integrierte Widerstandsheizung, um eine Trocknung durch Erwärmung herbeizuführen. Eine Luftbewegung wird bei diesen Geräten ausschließlich durch Konvektion, d.h. Aufsteigen erwärmter Luft, bewirkt.To ensure proper operation over a long period of time, hearing aids should be dried after use or cleaning. For this purpose, it is known to use so-called dry capsules, which act strongly hydrophilic, i. Take up moisture and remove it from the hearing aid. It is also known to place hearing aids for drying in drying apparatuses which have heating, e.g. an integrated resistance heating to cause drying by heating. Air movement in these devices is solely by convection, i. Rise of heated air, causes.

Um eine zu punktuelle Erwärmung zu vermeiden, könnte vorteilhafterweise ein Motorlüfter vorgesehen werden, der die Luft zum Zirkulieren bringt. Motorlüfter sind jedoch meist verhältnismäßig groß und haben zudem üblicherweise den Nachteil der starken Geräuschentwicklung. Deshalb sind sie in Trockenvorrichtungen für Hörhilfen nicht verbreitet.To avoid overheating, advantageously a motor fan could be provided which circulates the air. However, engine fans are usually relatively large and also usually have the disadvantage of strong noise. Therefore, they are not common in drying devices for hearing aids.

Aus der Druckschrift JP 08018356 A ist eine Vorrichtung zum Filtern von Luft bekannt. Durch eine Korona-Entladung werden Teilchen ionisiert, die dann zu einer Anode hin beschleunigt und durch einen hinter der Anode liegenden Filter entfernt werden. Die Beschleunigung der Ionen erzeugt einen Ionen-Wind, der durch einen Bypass abgeleitet wird.From the publication JP 08018356 A a device for filtering air is known. Corona discharge ionizes particles, which are then accelerated to an anode and removed by a filter located behind the anode. The acceleration of the ions generates an ion wind, which is derived by a bypass.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Trockenvorrichtung für eine Hörhilfe anzugeben, die wenig Raum benötigt, zuverlässig funktioniert, und geräuscharm arbeitet.The invention has for its object to provide a drying device for a hearing aid that requires little space, works reliably, and operates quietly.

Ein Grundgedanke der Erfindung besteht darin, eine Vorrichtung zum Trocknen einer Hörhilfe anzugeben, die ein Gehäuse umfasst, und in dem Gehäuse eine Hörhilfe-Schale zum Einlegen der Hörhilfe und einen Lüfter, wobei der Lüfter Luft durch eine elektro-aerodynamische Pumpe beschleunigt.A basic idea of the invention is to specify a device for drying a hearing aid, which comprises a housing, and in the housing a hearing aid shell for inserting the hearing aid and a fan, wherein the fan accelerates air through an electro-aerodynamic pump.

Eine elektro-aerodynamische Pumpe ist dazu ausgebildet, Gasionen zu erzeugen und die Gasionen durch ein elektrisches Feld zu beschleunigen. Dieses elektro-aerodynamische Arbeitsprinzip lässt sich mit wenigen elektronischen Teilen - grundsätzlich wird lediglich ein Spannungsgenerator, ein Elektrodenpaar zum Ionisieren und ein Elektrodenpaar zum Beschleunigen von Luft- bzw. Gas-Atomen und -Molekülen benötigt - verwirklichen. Die geringe Anzahl funktionaler Teile gewährleistet eine hohe Zuverlässigkeit.An electro-aerodynamic pump is designed to generate gas ions and accelerate the gas ions through an electric field. This electro-aerodynamic working principle can be achieved with a few electronic parts - basically only a voltage generator, a pair of electrodes for ionizing and a pair of electrodes for accelerating air or gas atoms and molecules needed - realize. The small number of functional parts ensures high reliability.

Die elektro-aerodynamische Pumpe kommt ohne bewegliche Teile aus. Dies erhöht die Zuverlässigkeit des Lüfters, da die mechanische Anfälligkeit beweglicher Teile, z.B. rotierender Lüfter und zugehöriger Lager, vermieden wird. Zudem reduziert die Vermeidung beweglicher Teile auch die Arbeitsgeräusche des Lüfters. Die elektro-aerodynamische Pumpe erzeugt im Vergleich zum Geräusch des erzeugten Luftstroms kein nennenswertes Arbeitsgeräusch. Nicht zuletzt arbeitet die Pumpe sehr wirksam, sodass sich bei vergleichsweise kleiner Baugröße der Pumpe vergleichsweise starke Luftströme erzeugen lassen. Dadurch reicht zur Erzeugung eines zum Trocknen von Hörgeräten ausreichend starken Luftstroms bereits ein kleiner, Raum sparender Lüfter.The electro-aerodynamic pump manages without moving parts. This increases the reliability of the fan, since the mechanical susceptibility of moving parts, such as rotating fan and associated bearings is avoided. In addition, the avoidance of moving parts also reduces the working noise of the fan. The electro-aerodynamic pump generates no significant working noise compared to the noise of the generated airflow. Last but not least, the pump works very effectively, so that comparatively large air flows can be generated with a comparatively small size of the pump to let. As a result, a small space-saving fan is sufficient to produce a sufficiently strong air flow for drying hearing aids.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass in dem Gehäuse eine Zuluft-Öffnung und eine Abluft-Öffnung vorgesehen sind, und dass der Innenraum der Vorrichtung derart ausgeformt ist, dass ein durch den Lüfter erzeugter Luftstrom von der Zuluft-Öffnung durch die Hörhilfe-Schale zur Abluft-Öffnung geleitet wird. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, dass eine zum Trocknen eingelegte Hörhilfe vom Luftstrom umströmt wird. Gleichzeitig kann Luft, die bereits Feuchtigkeit beim Trockenvorgang aufgenommen hat, durch die Abluft-Öffnung entweichen und laufend unverbrauchte Luft durch die Zuluft-Öffnung zuströmen. Der so gewährleistete Zustrom unverbrauchter, trockener Luft macht eine Heizung zur weiteren Erhöhung der Trockenleistung unnötig.A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that in the housing a supply air opening and an exhaust port are provided, and that the interior of the device is formed such that a generated by the fan air flow from the supply air opening through the hearing aid -Schale is led to the exhaust air opening. This ensures that air is circulated around a hearing aid inserted for drying. At the same time, air that has already absorbed moisture during the drying process can escape through the exhaust air opening and continuously feed unused air through the supply air opening. The thus ensured flow of fresh, dry air makes heating unnecessary to further increase the drying capacity.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass in dem Gehäuse eine Zubehör-Schale vorgesehen ist, und dass der Innenraum der Vorrichtung derart ausgeformt ist, dass ein Luftstrom von der Zuluft-Öffnung durch die Zubehör-Schale zur Abluft-Öffnung geleitet wird. Dadurch wird es ermöglicht, dass auch Zubehörteile getrocknet werden können, z.B. Hörschläuche oder Gehörgangeinsätze.A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that in the housing an accessory shell is provided, and that the interior of the device is formed such that an air flow is passed from the supply air opening through the accessory shell to the exhaust port. This will allow accessories to be dried as well, e.g. Hearing tubes or auditory canal inserts.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Zuluft-Öffnung mit einem Filterelement versehen ist, durch das einströmende Luft gefiltert wird, und das einen Luft-Strömungswiderstand besitzt, durch den die pro Zeit einströmende Luftmenge um mindestens 25% reduziert wird. Durch das Filterelement wird zum einen vermieden, dass Schmutzpartikel, z.B. Staubpartikel, in großer Menge einströmen können. Zum anderen kann der einströmende Luftstrom mengenmäßig begrenzt werden und gleichzeitig ein höherer zirkulierender Luftstrom im Inneren der Vorrichtung aufrechterhalten werden. Die mengenmäßige Begrenzung der einströmenden Luft begrenzt zwangsläufig auch die Menge der ausströmenden Luft und reduziert dadurch das Arbeitsgeräusch der Vorrichtung. Gleichzeitig kann durch den höheren Luftstrom im Inneren eine größere Trockenleistung erzielt werden, wodurch auf eine zusätzliche Heizung zur Erhöhung der Trockenleistung verzichtet werden kann.A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the supply air opening is provided with a filter element, is filtered by the incoming air, and has an air flow resistance through which the air flowing per time amount of air is reduced by at least 25%. By the filter element is avoided on the one hand that dirt particles, such as dust particles, can flow in large quantities. On the other hand, the inflowing air flow can be limited in volume and at the same time a higher circulating air flow can be maintained inside the device. The quantitative limit of inflowing air inevitably limits the amount of outflowing air and thereby reduces the working noise of the device. At the same time can be achieved by the higher air flow inside a greater drying capacity, which can be dispensed with an additional heating to increase the drying capacity.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass sie zusätzlich als Ladestation zum Aufladen wiederaufladbarer Batterien einer in die Hörhilfe-Schale eingelegten Hörhilfe ausgebildet ist. Dadurch kann das Trocknen der Hörhilfe, das regelmäßig erfolgen sollte, zeitgleich und gemeinsam mit dem Wiederaufladen, das ebenfalls regelmäßig erforderlich. Dies erhöht den Benutzerkomfort, da keine getrennten Benutzerhandlungen für die beiden Vorgänge erforderlich sind. Zudem reduziert sich der Zeitbedarf, da die getrennten Vorgänge zeitgleich erfolgen.A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that it is additionally designed as a charging station for charging rechargeable batteries inserted in the hearing aid shell hearing aid. As a result, the drying of the hearing aid, which should be done regularly, at the same time and together with the recharging, which also regularly required. This increases user convenience because no separate user actions are required for the two operations. In addition, the time required is reduced because the separate processes take place at the same time.

Weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Patentansprüchen und der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels anhand einer Figur.

FIG 1
Vorrichtung zum Trocknen einer Hörhilfe
Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of an embodiment with reference to a figure.
FIG. 1
Device for drying a hearing aid

In Figur 1 ist eine Vorrichtung 1 zum Trocknen einer Hörhilfe schematisch als Schnittbild dargestellt. Die Vorrichtung umfasst ein Gehäuse 4, das durch einen um eine Achse 3 schwenkbaren bzw. aufklappbaren Deckel 2 geschlossen wird. Innerhalb der Vorrichtung 1 bzw. des Gehäuses 4 befindet sich ein Formteil, in das eine Hörhilfe-Schale 6 sowie eine Zubehör-Schale 5 eingelassen sind. Die Hörhilfe-Schale 6 dient dazu, eine Hörhilfe 10 zum Trocknen einzulegen. In die Zubehör-Schale 5 können Zubehörteile der Hörhilfe, z.B. Hörschlauch oder Gehörgangeinsätze, ebenfalls zum Trocknen eingelegt werden.In FIG. 1 a device 1 for drying a hearing aid is shown schematically as a sectional image. The device comprises a housing 4, which is closed by a lid 2 pivotable about an axis 3 or can be opened. Within the device 1 or the housing 4 is a molded part, in which a hearing aid shell 6 and an accessory shell 5 are embedded. The hearing aid shell 6 serves to insert a hearing aid 10 for drying. Accessories for the hearing aid, eg hearing tube or auditory canal inserts, can likewise be inserted into the accessory shell 5 for drying.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform dient die Vorrichtung 1 nicht nur zum Trocknen, sondern auch zum Wiederaufladen wiederaufladbarer Batterien der Hörhilfe 10. In einer solchen Variante sind entsprechende Ladekontakte in der Hörhilfe-Schale 6 sowie ein Ladestromgenerator im Gehäuse 4 vorzusehen, die jedoch in der Abbildung nicht dargestellt sind.In an advantageous embodiment, the device 1 is used not only for drying, but also for recharging batteries of the hearing aid 10. In such a variant, appropriate charging contacts in the hearing aid shell 6 and a charging current generator in the housing 4 are provided, but not in the figure are shown.

Die Vorrichtung 1 umfasst als wesentliches Element einen elektro-aerodynamischen Lüfter 7. Dieser arbeitet ohne bewegliche Teile und somit auch ohne Motor. Stattdessen werden Gas-Atome und -Moleküle ionisiert, was in der Regel durch verhältnismäßig starke elektrische Felder geschieht. Grundsätzlich können hierfür sowohl Gleichspannungs-Felder als auch Wechselspannungs-Felder verwendet werden. Allerdings erzeugen Wechselspannungs-Felder verhältnismäßig starke und weitreichende Störsignale, die andere elektronische Geräte stören könnten. Daher ist der Einsatz von Gleichspannungs-Feldern zu bevorzugen.The device 1 comprises as an essential element an electro-aerodynamic fan 7. This works without moving parts and thus without a motor. Instead, gas atoms and molecules are ionized, which is usually done by relatively strong electric fields. In principle, both DC voltage fields and AC voltage fields can be used for this purpose. However, AC fields generate relatively strong and far-reaching spurious signals that could disturb other electronic devices. Therefore, the use of DC fields is to be preferred.

Die ionisierten Gas-Teilchen werden durch ein weiteres elektrisches Feld beschleunigt. Diese Beschleunigung bewirkt zunächst einen Strom ionisierter Gas-Teilchen, z.B. Luft-Teilchen, in der von dem elektrischen Feld vorgegebenen Richtung. Der erzeugte Luftstrom wird jedoch dadurch vergrößert, dass die beschleunigten geladenen Teilchen ungeladene und deshalb nicht vom elektrischen Feld selbst beschleunigte Gas-Teilchen mitreißen. Es entsteht dadurch ein intensiver Luftstrom.The ionized gas particles are accelerated by another electric field. This acceleration first causes a stream of ionized gas particles, e.g. Air particles, in the direction predetermined by the electric field. However, the generated air flow is increased by the fact that the accelerated charged particles entrain uncharged and therefore not accelerated by the electric field itself gas particles. This creates an intense air flow.

Vorteilhaft kommt hinzu, dass bei den Ionisierungs-Vorgängen in Luft normalerweise geringe Mengen an Ozon erzeugt werden, die sich in der Art vorteilhaft auswirken, dass sie eine, wenn auch begrenzte, Desinfektion bewirken können.It is also advantageous that in the ionization processes in air normally small amounts of ozone are generated, which are advantageous in the way that they can cause a, albeit limited, disinfection.

Der elektro-aerodynamische Lüfter 7 bewirkt eine Zirkulation von Luft innerhalb der Vorrichtung 1. Die Vorrichtung 1 ist dabei so ausgeformt, dass die Luft durch die Hörhilfe-Schale 6 hindurchstreicht. Vorteilhafterweise durchstreicht sie ebenfalls die Zubehör-Schale 5. Dabei kann, wegen der hohen Effizienz des Wirkprinzips des elektro-aerodynamischen Lüfters 7 trotz kleiner Baugröße des Lüfters 7 ein Luftstrom mit großen Flussmengen erzeugt werden. Aufgrund der hohen zirkulierenden Luftmenge ergibt sich eine starke Trockenwirkung, so dass auf eine zusätzliche Heizung verzichtet werden kann.The electro-aerodynamic fan 7 causes a circulation of air within the device 1. The device 1 is formed so that the air through the hearing aid shell 6 passes through. Advantageously, it also passes through the accessory shell 5. In this case, due to the high efficiency of the operating principle of the electro-aerodynamic fan 7 despite small size of the fan 7, an air flow with large flow rates can be generated. Due to the high amount of circulating air results in a strong drying effect, so that can be dispensed with an additional heating.

Um die zunehmende Luftfeuchtigkeit während des Trockenvorgangs zu begrenzen, ist eine Zuluft-Öffnung 8 vorgesehen. Durch die Zuluft-Öffnung 8 strömt laufend eine geringe Menge an unverbrauchter, d.h. nicht befeuchteter, Luft nach. Zu diesem Zweck muss zwangsweise auch eine Entlüftung vorgesehen werden, die als Abluft-Öffnung 9 realisiert ist. Um die zuströmende Luft zu reinigen, so dass beispielsweise keine Staubpartikel einströmen, ist in der Zuluft-Öffnung 8 ein Filterelement vorgesehen. Das Filterelement begrenzt gleichzeitig die Menge zuströmender Luft, so dass trotz starker Luft-Zirkulation im Inneren der Vorrichtung 1 nur ein begrenzter Zufluss und Abfluss gegeben ist. Dadurch wird das Arbeitsgeräusch der Vorrichtung 1 auf niedrigem Niveau gehalten.In order to limit the increasing humidity during the drying process, a supply air opening 8 is provided. Through the supply air opening 8 flows continuously a small amount of unspent, i. not humidified, vent to air. For this purpose, a vent must be provided forcibly, which is realized as an exhaust port 9. In order to clean the incoming air, so that, for example, no dust particles flow, a filter element is provided in the supply air opening 8. The filter element simultaneously limits the amount of incoming air, so that despite strong air circulation inside the device 1 is given only a limited inflow and outflow. As a result, the working noise of the device 1 is kept at a low level.

Die Erfindung lässt sich wie folgt zusammenfassen:The invention can be summarized as follows:

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung 1 zum Trocknen von Hörhilfen 10. Gemäß der Erfindung umfasst die Trockenvorrichtung 1 ein Gehäuse 4 und in dem Gehäuse 4 eine Hörhilfe-Schale 6 zum Einlegen der Hörhilfe und einen Lüfter 7, wobei der Lüfter 7 Luft durch eine elektro-aerodynamische Pumpe beschleunigt. Vorteilhafterweise ist die elektro-aerodynamische Pumpe dazu ausgebildet ist, Gasionen zu erzeugen und die Gasionen durch ein elektrisches Feld zu beschleunigen. Der elektro-aerodynamische Lüfter 7 hat den Vorteil, dass er wenig Raum benötigt und - bis auf den Luftstrom - geräuschlos arbeitet.The invention relates to a device 1 for drying hearing aids 10. According to the invention, the drying device 1 comprises a housing 4 and in the housing 4 a hearing aid shell 6 for inserting the hearing aid and a fan 7, wherein the fan 7 air through an electronic accelerated aerodynamic pump. Advantageously, the electro-aerodynamic pump is adapted to generate gas ions and accelerate the gas ions through an electric field. The electro-aerodynamic fan 7 has the advantage that it requires little space and - operates quietly - except for the air flow.

Claims (6)

Vorrichtung (1) zum Trocknen einer Hörhilfe umfassend ein Gehäuse (4) und in dem Gehäuse (4) eine Hörhilfe-Schale (6) zum Einlegen der Hörhilfe und einen Lüfter (7),
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
der Lüfter (7) Luft durch eine elektro-aerodynamische Pumpe beschleunigt.Device (1) for drying a hearing aid comprising a housing (4) and in the housing (4) a hearing aid shell (6) for inserting the hearing aid and a fan (7),
characterized in that
the fan (7) accelerates air through an electro-aerodynamic pump. Vorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die elektro-aerodynamische Pumpe dazu ausgebildet ist, Gasionen zu erzeugen und die Gasionen durch ein elektrisches Feld zu beschleunigen.Device (1) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the electro-aerodynamic pump is adapted to generate gas ions and to accelerate the gas ions by an electric field. Vorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
in dem Gehäuse (4) eine Zuluft-Öffnung (8) und eine Abluft-Öffnung (9) vorgesehen sind, und dass der Innenraum der Vorrichtung (1) derart ausgeformt ist, dass ein durch den Lüfter (7) erzeugter Luftstrom von der Zuluft-Öffnung (8) durch die Hörhilfe-Schale (6) zur Abluft-Öffnung (9) geleitet wird.Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
in the housing (4) a supply air opening (8) and an exhaust port (9) are provided, and that the interior of the device (1) is formed such that an air flow generated by the fan (7) from the supply air -Opening (8) through the hearing aid shell (6) to the exhaust port (9) is passed. Vorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 3,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
in dem Gehäuse (4) eine Zubehör-Schale (5) vorgesehen ist, und dass der Innenraum der Vorrichtung (1) derart ausgeformt ist, dass ein Luftstrom von der Zuluft-Öffnung (8) durch die Zubehör-Schale (6) zur Abluft-Öffnung (9) geleitet wird.Device (1) according to claim 3,
characterized in that
in the housing (4) an accessory shell (5) is provided, and that the interior of the device (1) is formed such that an air flow from the supply air opening (8) through the accessory shell (6) to the exhaust air Opening (9). Vorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 3 oder 4,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Zuluft-Öffnung (8) mit einem Filterelement versehen ist, durch das einströmende Luft gefiltert wird, und das einen Luft-Strömungswiderstand besitzt, durch den die pro Zeit einströmende Luftmenge um mindestens 25% reduziert wird.Device (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4,
characterized in that
the supply air opening (8) is provided with a filter element through which inflowing air is filtered, and which has an air flow resistance, by which the amount of air flowing in per time is reduced by at least 25%. Vorrichtung (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
sie zusätzlich als Ladestation zum Aufladen wiederaufladbarer Batterien einer in die Hörhilfe-Schale (6) eingelegten Hörhilfe (10) ausgebildet ist.Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
it is additionally designed as a charging station for charging rechargeable batteries of a hearing aid (10) inserted in the hearing aid shell (6).
EP09160377.9A 2008-07-21 2009-05-15 Device for drying hearing aids Active EP2148159B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102008033982 2008-07-21
DE102008047220A DE102008047220B4 (en) 2008-07-21 2008-09-15 Hearing aid with drying device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2148159A1 true EP2148159A1 (en) 2010-01-27
EP2148159B1 EP2148159B1 (en) 2018-07-11

Family

ID=41428844

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Status (4)

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US (1) US20100011613A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2148159B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102008047220B4 (en)
DK (1) DK2148159T3 (en)

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FR3101769A1 (en) 2019-10-15 2021-04-16 Mg Developpement Device and method for maintaining a hearing aid

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USD786516S1 (en) 2015-09-29 2017-05-09 Daniel R. Schumaier Dryer appliance
USD786515S1 (en) 2015-09-29 2017-05-09 Daniel R. Schumaier Dryer appliance
US10978881B2 (en) * 2017-04-28 2021-04-13 Ventiva, Inc. Charging apparatus and method
FR3079289A1 (en) * 2018-03-22 2019-09-27 Mg Developpement HEARING DEVICE FOR MAINTENANCE OF HEARING PROSTHESES EQUIPPED WITH A RECHANGABLE BATTERY
WO2019236109A1 (en) * 2018-06-08 2019-12-12 Serene Group Inc. Charging and drying station for hearing aid device
US10932065B2 (en) 2018-12-29 2021-02-23 Serene Group, Inc. Universal charging and drying station for hearing aid
US11266757B2 (en) 2019-08-06 2022-03-08 Daniel R. Schumaier Hearing aid dryer and disinfection kit with UV-reflective drying tray
US11092379B2 (en) 2019-08-07 2021-08-17 Ear Technology Corporation Dryer and sanitizer for rechargeable electronic devices
US20210041171A1 (en) * 2019-08-07 2021-02-11 Ear Technology Corporation Dryer and sanitizer with filter for rechargeable electronic devices

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2148159B1 (en) 2018-07-11
US20100011613A1 (en) 2010-01-21
DE102008047220B4 (en) 2012-10-31
DE102008047220A1 (en) 2010-01-28
DK2148159T3 (en) 2018-10-29

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