EP2053878A2 - Hearing aid using an inductive switching regulator as a radio transmitter - Google Patents

Hearing aid using an inductive switching regulator as a radio transmitter Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2053878A2
EP2053878A2 EP08164390A EP08164390A EP2053878A2 EP 2053878 A2 EP2053878 A2 EP 2053878A2 EP 08164390 A EP08164390 A EP 08164390A EP 08164390 A EP08164390 A EP 08164390A EP 2053878 A2 EP2053878 A2 EP 2053878A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switching regulator
inductance
hearing
transmitting device
modulation
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Granted
Application number
EP08164390A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2053878A3 (en
EP2053878B1 (en
Inventor
Jürgen Reithinger
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/35—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using translation techniques
    • H04R25/353—Frequency, e.g. frequency shift or compression

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing apparatus with a switching regulator including an inductor and a transmitter including an antenna for wireless electromagnetic transmission of data.
  • a hearing device is understood here to mean any device for sound output which can be worn on or in the ear, in particular a hearing device, a headset, headphones and the like.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired.
  • different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aid with external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), e.g. Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC).
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • RIC hearing aid with external receiver
  • IDO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • ITE canal hearing aids
  • the hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal.
  • bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.
  • Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear are one or more microphones 2 to Built-in sound recording from the environment.
  • a signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal.
  • the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier.
  • the power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • the cell voltage which is higher than, for example, alkaline-manganese batteries or zinc-air batteries, must be reduced if the technology designed for 1.5 volt cells continues to be used should.
  • This technology which is currently in use, is designed for voltages below 1.5 volts to save energy.
  • lithium batteries deliver 3.0 volts and lithium batteries even nominally 3.6 volts to a maximum of 4.2 volts.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to reduce the size of a hearing device having a transmitting device and a power supply with voltage regulation.
  • this object is achieved by a hearing device with a transmitting device including an antenna for wireless, electromagnetic transmission of data, and a switching regulator including an inductor, which serves for the power supply of the hearing device and the transmitting device, wherein the inductance of the switching regulator with the antenna of the transmitting device is identical.
  • the inductance may comprise a partially open ring core. Due to the fact that the toroidal core is not completely closed, the magnetic flux is not completely guided in the toroidal core and can be used for electromagnetic data transmission.
  • an alternative embodiment is that the inductance in a cross-section 8-shaped, on one or has two sides open core.
  • the one or more openings serve to selectively effect electromagnetic emissions in order to realize a data transmission.
  • pulse width modulation pulse density modulation or amplitude modulation is used in the switching regulator for energy transmission.
  • modulation are characterized by the fact that they, as mentioned above, hardly affect the fundamental frequency and the fundamental phase of the signal of the switching regulator.
  • a further advantageous embodiment is that an additional inductance with a closed core is connected to the inductance switchable.
  • the additional inductance of the magnetic circuit is thus closed in the core, so that electromagnetic emissions are avoided as much as possible.
  • the hearing device here a hearing aid, an input transducer, in this case a microphone 10.
  • the microphone signal is fed to a signal processing unit 11, which in turn transmits an output signal to a receiver or loudspeaker 12.
  • the signal processing device 11 has a battery 13 with a downstream switching regulator 14.
  • the switching regulator 14 transforms the voltage supplied by the battery 13 to the desired operating voltage. If, for example, a lithium battery with 3 volts is used, the voltage is reduced below 1.5 volts, for example, with the aid of the switching regulator 14.
  • a rechargeable battery such as a lithium battery with nominally about 3.8 volts.
  • the voltage regulator 14 then regulates the battery voltage from 3.8 volts to, for example, 1.2 volts operating voltage.
  • the switching regulator 14 is an inductive switching regulator which has an inductance 15 for regulating the voltage.
  • the inductance is used to smooth the output voltage during switching operations.
  • FIG. 2 Furthermore, the hearing of FIG. 2 via a transmitter 16, which uses the inductance 15 as an antenna.
  • the inductance 15 is thus both part of the switching regulator 14 and the transmitter 16, which in FIG. 2 is indicated by the dashed line.
  • the inductor 15 thus has dual functionality.
  • the transmitter 16 is supplied as the signal processing unit 11 via the switching regulator 14 with energy.
  • the data to be transmitted is received by the transmitter 16 from the signal processing unit 11.
  • a single inductor 15 is used simultaneously for the switching regulator 14 and the transmitter 16, whereby a total of an inductance, which is known to require a lot of space, can be saved. So that the inductance can also be used as a transmitter or transmitting antenna, it must be able to radiate at least part of the magnetic energy. This can be achieved for example by an inductor z. B. does not have a closed ring core, but has a more or less large air gap in the ring.
  • FIG. 3 A first exemplary embodiment of such an inductor used according to the invention is shown in FIG FIG. 3 reproduced in plan view.
  • the inductor 15 here has a ring core 17 with a small gap 18.
  • the end faces 19, 20 of the gap 18 face each other, so that the magnetic field lines only slightly out of the gap. Consequently, only a weakly radiating antenna can be realized with this toroidal geometry.
  • FIG. 4 An example of this is in FIG. 4 shown. Again, it is an inductance 15 with a ring core 17.
  • the ring core 17 here has a large gap 21, wherein the end faces 22, 23 of the open ring core 17 are not directed towards each other. This geometry results in a completely different emission characteristic than in the example of FIG. 3 , In particular, the magnetic field lines extend far out of the gap 21, resulting in a stronger radiation.
  • any inductance whose core does not form a closed magnetic circuit If the core is closed, as mentioned, only a negligible proportion of the magnetic flux is conducted outside the core, which is unsuitable for an electromagnetic transmitter.
  • the geometry of the core of the inductance 15 is therefore to be optimized with regard to the emission characteristic, wherein a compromise is to be found with respect to as little energy loss as possible for the function of the switching regulator. For example, a linear dipole would be optimal for the transmitter, but unsuitable for the switching regulator, because it radiates almost all of the energy.
  • FIG. 5 A third embodiment of an inductor for common use for a switching regulator 14 and a transmitter 16 is shown in FIG FIG. 5 shown.
  • the core 24 has here in cross-section substantially the shape of an "8".
  • a winding 26 is wound.
  • the central web 25 is closed, while the two outer webs 27 and 28 each have a gap 29 and 30, respectively. These two gaps 29, 30 again provide the desired electromagnetic radiation.
  • the design of the inductor 15 is particularly suitable for SMD components, since they can be realized so very flat.
  • the pulse width modulation of the switching regulator can be realized independently of the modulations of the data transmission by means of conventional circuits.
  • a changing load of the switching regulator 14 would of course change the transmission energy due to the common use of the inductance 15.
  • the transmit power can be tuned to a system and its expected load by matching the radiated power and the shorted power by the geometry of the antenna or inductor, respectively.

Abstract

The device has a transmitting device (16) including an antenna for wireless sending of electromagnetic data. A switching regulator (14) includes an inductor (15) for power supply of the device and the transmitting device. The inductor is identical with the antenna of the transmitting device, and includes a ring core, which is partially opened. Pulse width modulation, pulse frequency modulation or amplitude modulation is used in the switching regulator for the power supply, and frequency modulation or phase modulation is used in the transmitting device for data transmission.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Hörvorrichtung mit einem Schaltregler einschließlich einer Induktivität und einer Sendeeinrichtung einschließlich einer Antenne zum drahtlosen, elektromagnetischen Senden von Daten. Unter dem Begriff "Hörvorrichtung" wird hier jedes am oder im Ohr tragbare Gerät zur Schallausgabe, insbesondere ein Hörgerät, ein Headset, Kopfhörer und dergleichen verstanden.The present invention relates to a hearing apparatus with a switching regulator including an inductor and a transmitter including an antenna for wireless electromagnetic transmission of data. The term "hearing device" is understood here to mean any device for sound output which can be worn on or in the ear, in particular a hearing device, a headset, headphones and the like.

Hörgeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, die zur Versorgung von Schwerhörenden dienen. Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörgeräten wie Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO), Hörgerät mit externem Hörer (RIC: receiver in the canal) und In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO), z.B. auch Concha-Hörgeräte oder Kanal-Hörgeräte (ITE, CIC), bereitgestellt. Die beispielhaft aufgeführten Hörgeräte werden am Außenohr oder im Gehörgang getragen. Darüber hinaus stehen auf dem Markt aber auch Knochenleitungshörhilfen, implantierbare oder vibrotaktile Hörhilfen zur Verfügung. Dabei erfolgt die Stimulation des geschädigten Gehörs entweder mechanisch oder elektrisch.Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aid with external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), e.g. Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC). The hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.

Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Dieser prinzipielle Aufbau ist in FIG 1 am Beispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts dargestellt. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 1 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die Mikrofonsignale und verstärkt sie. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen. Die Stromversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5.Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear are one or more microphones 2 to Built-in sound recording from the environment. A signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. The sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. The power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Sobald in einem Hörgerät eine auf Lithium basierende Technologie als Energiespender verwendet werden soll, muss die im Vergleich beispielsweise zu Alkali-Mangan-Batterien oder Zink-Luft-Batterien höhere Zellenspannung reduziert werden, wenn die für 1,5 Volt-Zellen konzipierte Technologie weiterverwendet werden soll. Diese in der Regel derzeit verwendete Technologie ist aus Energiespargründen auf Spannungen unter 1,5 Volt ausgelegt. Lithium-Batterien liefern jedoch 3,0 Volt und Lithium-Akkus sogar nominal 3,6 Volt bis maximal 4,2 Volt.As soon as a lithium-based technology is to be used as an energy donor in a hearing aid, the cell voltage, which is higher than, for example, alkaline-manganese batteries or zinc-air batteries, must be reduced if the technology designed for 1.5 volt cells continues to be used should. This technology, which is currently in use, is designed for voltages below 1.5 volts to save energy. However, lithium batteries deliver 3.0 volts and lithium batteries even nominally 3.6 volts to a maximum of 4.2 volts.

Eine effiziente Methode, die Zellenspannung auf die gewünschte Betriebsspannung herabzusetzen, ohne dabei größere Mengen an Energie zu verlieren, besteht in dem Einsatz eines Schaltreglers. Moderne Hörsysteme sind außerdem vielfach mit Funksystemen ausgestattet, um Daten drahtlos zu übertragen. Eine Kombination dieser beiden Technologien führt nun zu dem Problem, dass elektromagnetische Verluste des Schaltreglers zu Störungen des Funksystems führen. Insbesondere kommt es zu Störungen im Bereich der Grundfrequenz und allen Vielfachen des Signals des Schaltreglers.An efficient way to reduce the cell voltage to the desired operating voltage without losing large amounts of energy is to use a switching regulator. Modern hearing systems are also often equipped with radio systems to transmit data wirelessly. A combination of these two technologies now leads to the problem that electromagnetic losses of the switching regulator lead to disturbances of the radio system. In particular, there are disturbances in the range of the fundamental frequency and all multiples of the signal of the switching regulator.

Bislang wurden für Hörvorrichtungen kaum Lithium-Energiespender eingesetzt. Daher trat die Problematik der Störungen eines Funksystems durch Schaltregler bei Hörvorrichtungen praktisch nicht auf. Aufgrund von Forderungen nach Akkus werden aber zukünftig immer mehr Lithium-Systeme eingesetzt werden.So far, hardly any lithium energy donors have been used for hearing aids. Therefore, the problem of disturbances of a radio system by switching regulator in hearing devices practically did not occur. Due to demands for Batteries will be used in the future more and more lithium systems.

Generell besteht bei Hörvorrichtungen und insbesondere bei Hörgeräten der Wunsch nach Reduzierung der Baugröße. Hierzu kontraproduktiv ist das Bestreben, möglichst viele Funktionen in einer Hörvorrichtung bereitzustellen bzw. Energiespender einsetzen zu wollen, die eine erhöhte Energieabgabe ermöglicht.In general, there is a desire for hearing devices and hearing aids in particular to reduce the size. Counterproductive is the endeavor to provide as many functions as possible in a hearing device or to use energy donors, which allows an increased energy release.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, die Baugröße einer Hörvorrichtung, die eine Sendeeinrichtung und eine Energieversorgung mit Spannungsregelung aufweist, zu reduzieren.The object of the present invention is therefore to reduce the size of a hearing device having a transmitting device and a power supply with voltage regulation.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch eine Hörvorrichtung mit einer Sendeeinrichtung einschließlich einer Antenne zum drahtlosen, elektromagnetischen Senden von Daten, und einem Schaltregler einschließlich einer Induktivität, der für die Energieversorgung der Hörvorrichtung und der Sendeeinrichtung dient, wobei die Induktivität des Schaltreglers mit der Antenne der Sendeeinrichtung identisch ist.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a hearing device with a transmitting device including an antenna for wireless, electromagnetic transmission of data, and a switching regulator including an inductor, which serves for the power supply of the hearing device and the transmitting device, wherein the inductance of the switching regulator with the antenna of the transmitting device is identical.

In vorteilhafter Weise ist es so möglich, eine Komponente der Energieversorgung, nämlich die Induktivität des Schaltreglers, gleichzeitig für die Datenübertragung einer Sendeeinrichtung zu benutzen. Somit lässt sich mindestens ein Bauelement einsparen und folglich der Bauraum der Hörvorrichtung verkleinern.Advantageously, it is thus possible to use a component of the power supply, namely the inductance of the switching regulator, at the same time for the data transmission of a transmitting device. Thus, at least one component can be saved and consequently the installation space of the hearing apparatus can be reduced.

Gemäß einem speziellen Ausführungsbeispiel kann die Induktivität einen teilweise offenen Ringkern aufweisen. Dadurch, dass der Ringkern nicht vollkommen geschlossen ist, wird der magnetische Fluss nicht komplett im Ringkern geführt und kann für elektromagnetische Datenübertragung eingesetzt werden.According to a particular embodiment, the inductance may comprise a partially open ring core. Due to the fact that the toroidal core is not completely closed, the magnetic flux is not completely guided in the toroidal core and can be used for electromagnetic data transmission.

Eine alternative Ausführungsform besteht darin, dass die Induktivität einen im Querschnitt 8-förmigen, an einer oder zwei Seiten offenen Kern besitzt. Auch hier dient die eine oder die mehreren Öffnungen dazu, dass gezielt elektromagnetische Abstrahlungen erfolgen, um eine Datenübertragung zu realisieren.An alternative embodiment is that the inductance in a cross-section 8-shaped, on one or has two sides open core. Here, too, the one or more openings serve to selectively effect electromagnetic emissions in order to realize a data transmission.

Damit sich die Sendeeinrichtung und der Schaltregler, die eine Induktivität gemeinsam nutzen, nicht gegenseitig stören, ist es günstig, wenn die Grundfrequenz und die Grundphase des Signals des Schaltreglers beim Regeln im Wesentlichen unverändert sind, während sie oder eine davon in dem Signal der Sendeeinrichtung zur Datenübertragung verändert wird/werden. Damit beeinflussen sich die Energieübertragung und die Datenübertragung kaum gegenseitig.In order that the transmitting device and the switching regulator, which share an inductance, do not interfere with one another, it is favorable if the fundamental frequency and the fundamental phase of the signal of the switching regulator are essentially unchanged during the regulation, while they or one of them in the signal of the transmitting device Data transmission is / are changed. Thus, the energy transfer and the data transfer hardly influence each other.

Vorzugsweise wird in dem Schaltregler zur Energieübertragung Pulsweitenmodulation, Pulsdichtemodulation oder Amplitudenmodulation eingesetzt. Diese Modulationsarten zeichnen sich dadurch aus, dass sie, wie oben erwähnt, die Grundfrequenz und die Grundphase des Signals des Schaltreglers kaum beeinflussen.Preferably, pulse width modulation, pulse density modulation or amplitude modulation is used in the switching regulator for energy transmission. These types of modulation are characterized by the fact that they, as mentioned above, hardly affect the fundamental frequency and the fundamental phase of the signal of the switching regulator.

Vorteilhaft ist auch, die Frequenzmodulation oder Phasenmodulation in der Sendeeinrichtung zur Datenübertragung einzusetzen. Mit diesen Modulationsarten lässt sich eine effiziente Datenübertragung realisieren, wenn bei der Energieübertragung eine Veränderung der Grundfrequenz und Grundphase des Signals außen vor bleibt.It is also advantageous to use the frequency modulation or phase modulation in the transmitting device for data transmission. With these types of modulation, an efficient data transmission can be realized if a change in the fundamental frequency and the fundamental phase of the signal is ignored during energy transmission.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung besteht darin, dass an die Induktivität eine Zusatzinduktivität mit geschlossenem Kern zuschaltbar angeschlossen ist. In der Zusatzinduktivität ist somit der Magnetkreislauf im Kern geschlossen, so dass elektromagnetische Abstrahlungen soweit wie möglich vermieden werden. Durch das Zuschalten dieser Zusatzinduktivität kann die Energieübertragung über den Schaltregler erhöht werden, ohne die Sendeleistung zu erhöhen.A further advantageous embodiment is that an additional inductance with a closed core is connected to the inductance switchable. In the additional inductance of the magnetic circuit is thus closed in the core, so that electromagnetic emissions are avoided as much as possible. By connecting this additional inductance, the energy transfer via the switching regulator can be increased without increasing the transmission power.

Die vorliegende Erfindung wird anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
Ein Prinzipschaltbild des Aufbaus eines Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
FIG 2
ein Prinzipschaltbild eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörgeräts;
FIG 3
eine Induktivität gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
FIG 4
eine Induktivität gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform und
FIG 5
eine Induktivität gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform.
The present invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
A schematic diagram of the structure of a hearing aid according to the prior art;
FIG. 2
a schematic diagram of a hearing aid according to the invention;
FIG. 3
an inductance according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4
an inductance according to a second embodiment and
FIG. 5
an inductance according to a third embodiment.

Die nachfolgend näher geschilderten Ausführungsbeispiele stellen bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiments described in more detail below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Entsprechend dem Beispiel von FIG 2 besitzt die Hörvorrichtung, hier ein Hörgerät, einen Eingangswandler, im vorliegenden Fall ein Mikrofon 10. Das Mikrofonsignal wird einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit 11 zugeführt, welche wiederum an einen Hörer, bzw. Lautsprecher 12 ein Ausgangssignal überträgt. Zur Stromversorgung besitzt die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 11 eine Batterie 13 mit nachgeschaltetem Schaltregler 14. Der Schaltregler 14 transformiert die von der Batterie 13 gelieferte Spannung zu der gewünschten Betriebsspannung. Wird beispielsweise eine Lithium-Batterie mit 3 Volt eingesetzt, wird mit Hilfe des Schaltreglers 14 die Spannung z.B. unter 1,5 Volt reduziert. Anstelle der Batterie 13 kann als Energiespender auch ein Akkumulator z.B. ein Lithium-Akku mit nominal etwa 3,8 Volt eingesetzt werden. Der Spannungsregler 14 regelt dann die Akku-Spannung von 3,8 Volt auf beispielsweise 1,2 Volt Betriebsspannung.According to the example of FIG. 2 the hearing device, here a hearing aid, an input transducer, in this case a microphone 10. The microphone signal is fed to a signal processing unit 11, which in turn transmits an output signal to a receiver or loudspeaker 12. For power supply, the signal processing device 11 has a battery 13 with a downstream switching regulator 14. The switching regulator 14 transforms the voltage supplied by the battery 13 to the desired operating voltage. If, for example, a lithium battery with 3 volts is used, the voltage is reduced below 1.5 volts, for example, with the aid of the switching regulator 14. Instead of the battery 13 can be used as an energy donor, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium battery with nominally about 3.8 volts. The voltage regulator 14 then regulates the battery voltage from 3.8 volts to, for example, 1.2 volts operating voltage.

Bei dem Schaltregler 14 handelt es sich um einen induktiven Schaltregler, der zur Regelung der Spannung eine Induktivität 15 besitzt. Die Induktivität dient zum Glätten der Ausgangsspannung bei Schaltvorgängen.The switching regulator 14 is an inductive switching regulator which has an inductance 15 for regulating the voltage. The inductance is used to smooth the output voltage during switching operations.

Weiterhin verfügt die Hörvorrichtung von FIG 2 über einen Sender 16, der die Induktivität 15 als Antenne nutzt. Die Induktivität 15 ist damit sowohl Teil des Schaltreglers 14 als auch des Senders 16, was in FIG 2 durch die gestrichelte Linie angedeutet ist. Die Induktivität 15 besitzt somit doppelte Funktionalität. Der Sender 16 wird wie die Signalverarbeitungseinheit 11 über den Schaltregler 14 mit Energie versorgt. Die zu sendenden Daten erhält der Sender 16 von der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 11.Furthermore, the hearing of FIG. 2 via a transmitter 16, which uses the inductance 15 as an antenna. The inductance 15 is thus both part of the switching regulator 14 and the transmitter 16, which in FIG. 2 is indicated by the dashed line. The inductor 15 thus has dual functionality. The transmitter 16 is supplied as the signal processing unit 11 via the switching regulator 14 with energy. The data to be transmitted is received by the transmitter 16 from the signal processing unit 11.

Erfindungsgemäß wird also eine einzige Induktivität 15 gleichzeitig für den Schaltregler 14 und den Sender 16 eingesetzt, wodurch insgesamt eine Induktivität, die bekanntlich sehr viel Bauraum benötigt, eingespart werden kann. Damit die Induktivität auch als Sender bzw. Sendeantenne verwendet werden kann, muss sie zumindest einen Teil der magnetischen Energie abstrahlen können. Dies kann beispielsweise durch eine Induktivität erreicht werden, die z. B. nicht einen geschlossenen Ringkern besitzt, sondern einen mehr oder weniger großen Luftspalt im Ring aufweist.Thus, according to the invention, a single inductor 15 is used simultaneously for the switching regulator 14 and the transmitter 16, whereby a total of an inductance, which is known to require a lot of space, can be saved. So that the inductance can also be used as a transmitter or transmitting antenna, it must be able to radiate at least part of the magnetic energy. This can be achieved for example by an inductor z. B. does not have a closed ring core, but has a more or less large air gap in the ring.

Ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer derartigen erfindungsgemäß eingesetzten Induktivität ist in FIG 3 in der Draufsicht wiedergegeben. Die Induktivität 15 besitzt hier einen Ringkern 17 mit einem kleinen Spalt 18. Die Stirnflächen 19, 20 des Spalts 18 sind einander zugewandt, so dass die Magnetfeldlinien nur wenig aus dem Spalt heraustreten. Folglich ist mit dieser Ringkerngeometrie nur eine schwach strahlende Antenne realisierbar.A first exemplary embodiment of such an inductor used according to the invention is shown in FIG FIG. 3 reproduced in plan view. The inductor 15 here has a ring core 17 with a small gap 18. The end faces 19, 20 of the gap 18 face each other, so that the magnetic field lines only slightly out of the gap. Consequently, only a weakly radiating antenna can be realized with this toroidal geometry.

Ist hingegen eine hohe Sendeleistung des in der Hörvorrichtung verbauten Senders erwünscht, so muss eine stärker strahlende Antenne eingesetzt werden. Ein Beispiel hierfür ist in FIG 4 dargestellt. Es handelt sich wiederum um eine Induktivität 15 mit einem Ringkern 17. Der Ringkern 17 besitzt hier einen großen Spalt 21, wobei die Stirnseiten 22, 23 des offenen Ringkerns 17 nicht aufeinander gerichtet sind. Durch diese Geometrie ergibt sich eine vollkommen andere Abstrahlcharakteristik als in dem Beispiel von FIG 3. Insbesondere reichen die Magnetfeldlinien weit aus dem Spalt 21 heraus, wodurch sich eine stärkere Abstrahlung ergibt.If, on the other hand, a high transmission power of the transmitter installed in the hearing device is desired, a more radiant one must be used Antenna can be used. An example of this is in FIG. 4 shown. Again, it is an inductance 15 with a ring core 17. The ring core 17 here has a large gap 21, wherein the end faces 22, 23 of the open ring core 17 are not directed towards each other. This geometry results in a completely different emission characteristic than in the example of FIG. 3 , In particular, the magnetic field lines extend far out of the gap 21, resulting in a stronger radiation.

Grundsätzlich kann als Antenne jede Induktivität verwendet werden, deren Kern keinen geschlossenen magnetischen Kreislauf bildet. Ist der Kern nämlich geschlossen, wird - wie erwähnt - nur ein verschwindend geringer Anteil des magnetischen Flusses außerhalb des Kerns geführt, was für einen elektromagnetischen Sender ungeeignet ist. Die Geometrie des Kerns der Induktivität 15 ist also hinsichtlich der Abstrahlcharakteristik zu optimieren, wobei ein Kompromiss zu finden ist in Bezug auf möglichst wenig Energieverlust für die Funktion des Schaltreglers. So wäre beispielsweise ein linearer Dipol zwar für den Sender optimal, aber für den Schaltregler ungeeignet, denn er strahlt nahezu die gesamte Energie ab.In principle, it is possible to use as antenna any inductance whose core does not form a closed magnetic circuit. If the core is closed, as mentioned, only a negligible proportion of the magnetic flux is conducted outside the core, which is unsuitable for an electromagnetic transmitter. The geometry of the core of the inductance 15 is therefore to be optimized with regard to the emission characteristic, wherein a compromise is to be found with respect to as little energy loss as possible for the function of the switching regulator. For example, a linear dipole would be optimal for the transmitter, but unsuitable for the switching regulator, because it radiates almost all of the energy.

Ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Induktivität zum gemeinsamen Einsatz für einen Schaltregler 14 und einen Sender 16 ist in FIG 5 dargestellt. Der Kern 24 besitzt hier im Querschnitt im Wesentlichen die Form einer "8". Um den Mittelsteg 25 ist eine Wicklung 26 gewickelt. Der Mittelsteg 25 ist geschlossen, während die beiden äußeren Stege 27 und 28 jeweils einen Spalt 29 bzw. 30 aufweisen. Diese beiden Spalte 29, 30 sorgen wieder für die gewünschte elektromagnetische Abstrahlung. Die Bauform der Induktivität 15 eignet sich insbesondere für SMD-Bauteile, da diese so sehr flach realisiert werden können.A third embodiment of an inductor for common use for a switching regulator 14 and a transmitter 16 is shown in FIG FIG. 5 shown. The core 24 has here in cross-section substantially the shape of an "8". To the central web 25, a winding 26 is wound. The central web 25 is closed, while the two outer webs 27 and 28 each have a gap 29 and 30, respectively. These two gaps 29, 30 again provide the desired electromagnetic radiation. The design of the inductor 15 is particularly suitable for SMD components, since they can be realized so very flat.

Damit sich der Schaltregler 14 und der Sender 16, die die gemeinsame Induktivität 15 nutzen, nicht gegenseitig stören, regelt der Schaltregler die Ausgangsspannung beispielsweise mittels Pulsweitenmodulation, ohne dabei die Grundfrequenz oder die Grundphase des Signals zu verändern. Daher kann zur Datenübertragung mit Hilfe des Senders 16 die Grundfrequenz verändert und/oder die Grundphase verschoben werden. Dies kann mit Hilfe üblicher Modulatoren (z. B. HM-Modulator oder PM-Modulator) realisiert werden. Auch die Pulsweitenmodulation des Schaltreglers kann unabhängig von den Modulationen der Datenübertragung mittels üblicher Schaltungen realisiert werden.So that the switching regulator 14 and the transmitter 16, which use the common inductance 15, do not interfere with each other, the switching regulator regulates the output voltage, for example by means of pulse width modulation, without changing the fundamental frequency or the fundamental phase of the signal. Therefore, for data transmission using the transmitter 16, the fundamental frequency can be changed and / or the basic phase can be shifted. This can be realized with the aid of conventional modulators (eg HM modulator or PM modulator). The pulse width modulation of the switching regulator can be realized independently of the modulations of the data transmission by means of conventional circuits.

Eine sich ändernde Last des Schaltreglers 14 würde aufgrund der gemeinsamen Nutzung der Induktivität 15 natürlich die Sendeenergie entsprechend mit verändern. Allerdings kann die Sendeenergie auf ein System und seine erwartende Last abgestimmt werden, indem die abgestrahlte Leistung und die kurzgeschlossene Leistung durch die Geometrie der Antenne bzw. Induktivität aufeinander abgestimmt werden.A changing load of the switching regulator 14 would of course change the transmission energy due to the common use of the inductance 15. However, the transmit power can be tuned to a system and its expected load by matching the radiated power and the shorted power by the geometry of the antenna or inductor, respectively.

Wenn die minimale und maximale Leistungsaufnahme des Systems in einem Bereich liegen, in dem die daraus resultierende minimale Sendeleistung noch für die Funkübertragung ausreicht und die maximale Leistung noch im zulässigen Rahmen liegt, dann sind weitere Maßnahmen zur Sendeleistungsanpassung unnötig. Andernfalls wäre z. B. eine zuschaltbare weitere Induktivität einzusetzen, die die Wandlerleistung weiter erhöhen würde, ohne die Sendeleistung entsprechend weiter zu erhöhen. Die zuschaltbare weitere Induktivität hätte dann die einzige Funktion der Energieübertragung, aber nicht die Funktion der Datenübertragung. Es kann so also die Energieübertragung erhöht werden, ohne die Abstrahlung zu steigern.If the minimum and maximum power consumption of the system are in a range where the resulting minimum transmit power is still sufficient for radio transmission and the maximum power is still within acceptable limits, then further measures for transmission power adaptation are unnecessary. Otherwise, z. B. to use a switchable further inductance, which would further increase the converter power, without further increasing the transmission power accordingly. The switchable further inductance would then have the only function of the energy transfer, but not the function of the data transfer. So it can be so the energy transfer can be increased without increasing the radiation.

Die erfindungsgemäße Mehrfachnutzung einer Induktivität für Schaltregler und Sender bringt zahlreiche Vorteile. Wenn bei konventioneller Bauweise eines Hörgeräts außerhalb des Verstärkerchips zwei externe Induktivitäten notwendig sind, ist bei der hier vorgestellten Lösung nur ein aktives externes Bauteil, nämlich nur die eine Induktivität außerhalb des Chips notwendig. Dies bringt deutliche Bauraumvorteile.The multiple use of an inductance for switching regulator and transmitter according to the invention brings numerous advantages. If, in the conventional design of a hearing aid outside the amplifier chip, two external inductances are necessary, in the solution presented here, only one active external component, namely only one inductance outside the chip, is necessary. This brings significant space advantages.

Durch Ausnutzung der Erfindung können Batterien oder Akkus mit höherer Spannung an heute üblichen Schaltkreisen für Hörgeräte betrieben werden und es würde die Leistungsdichte dieser Energiequellen zur Verfügung stehen und nicht nur deren Stromdichte. Durch die voneinander unabhängige Modulation von Schaltregler und Sender ergibt sich der weitere Vorteil der nahezu störungsfreien Funkübertragung, wobei zumindest zum Teil Verluste des Schaltreglers nutzbringend als Sendeenergie verwendet werden. Für bidirektionale Verbindungen könnten beispielsweise zwei unterschiedliche Frequenzen verwendet werden, da der Sender bei dieser Realisierung immer arbeiten würde und daher auf der gleichen Frequenz kein Empfang möglich wäre.By utilizing the invention, higher voltage batteries or accumulators can be operated on today's conventional hearing aid circuits and the power density of these power sources would be available, not just their current density. Due to the mutually independent modulation of switching regulator and transmitter results in the further advantage of virtually interference-free radio transmission, which at least partially losses of the switching regulator are usefully used as transmission energy. For bidirectional connections, for example, two different frequencies could be used, since the transmitter would always work in this implementation and therefore no reception would be possible on the same frequency.

Da für eine effiziente Spannungsregelung und für kleine Bauteile relativ hohe Frequenzen nötig sind, können damit auch Übertragungen vergleichsweise hoher Datenrate erfolgen. Damit wären beispielsweise auch Audiodatenverbindungen zwischen den Hörgeräten mit vertretbarem Energieverbrauch möglich (Cross-Geräte und Ähnliche).Since relatively high frequencies are required for efficient voltage regulation and for small components, transmissions of comparatively high data rates can also be carried out thereby. Thus, for example, audio data connections between the hearing aids with reasonable energy consumption would be possible (cross-devices and the like).

Claims (7)

Hörvorrichtung mit - einer Sendeeinrichtung (16) einschließlich einer Antenne zum drahtlosen, elektromagnetischen Senden von Daten, gekennzeichnet durch - einen Schaltregler (14) einschließlich einer Induktivität (15), der für die Energieversorgung der Hörvorrichtung und der Sendeeinrichtung (16) dient, wobei - die Induktivität (15) des Schaltreglers (14) mit der Antenne der Sendeeinrichtung (16) identisch ist. Hearing device with a transmitter (16) including an antenna for wireless electromagnetic transmission of data, marked by - A switching regulator (14) including an inductance (15), which serves for the power supply of the hearing device and the transmitting device (16), wherein - The inductance (15) of the switching regulator (14) with the antenna of the transmitting device (16) is identical. Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Induktivität (15) einen teilweise offenen Ringkern (17) aufweist.Hearing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inductance (15) has a partially open ring core (17). Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Induktivität einen im Querschnitt 8-förmigen, an einer oder zwei Seiten offenen Kern (24) besitzt.Hearing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inductance has a cross-sectionally 8-shaped, on one or two sides open core (24). Hörvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Grundfrequenz und die Grundphase des Signals des Schaltreglers (14) beim Regeln im Wesentlichen unverändert sind, während sie oder eine davon in dem Signal der Sendeeinrichtung (16) zur Datenübertragung verändert wird/werden.Hearing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fundamental frequency and the fundamental phase of the signal of the switching regulator (14) are substantially unchanged during the regulation, while they or one of them in the signal of the transmitting device (16) for data transmission is / are changed. Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, wobei Pulsweitenmodulation, Pulsdichtemodulation oder Amplitudenmodulation in dem Schaltregler (14) zur Energieübertragung eingesetzt ist.Hearing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein pulse width modulation, pulse density modulation or amplitude modulation in the switching regulator (14) is used for energy transmission. Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, wobei Frequenzmodulation oder Phasenmodulation in der Sendeeinrichtung (16) zur Datenübertragung eingesetzt ist.Hearing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein frequency modulation or phase modulation in the transmitting device (16) is used for data transmission. Hörvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei an die Induktivität (15) eine Zusatzinduktivität mit geschlossenem Kern zuschaltbar angeschlossen ist.Hearing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an additional inductance with a closed core is connectively connected to the inductance (15).
EP08164390.0A 2007-10-26 2008-09-16 Hearing aid using an inductive switching regulator as a radio transmitter Not-in-force EP2053878B1 (en)

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DE102007051307B4 (en) 2011-02-17
EP2053878A3 (en) 2013-03-27
EP2053878B1 (en) 2014-07-23
DE102007051307A1 (en) 2009-04-30
US20090110221A1 (en) 2009-04-30
DK2053878T3 (en) 2014-10-20
US8224003B2 (en) 2012-07-17

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