EP2134106B1 - Hearing aid and energy charger and accompanying method - Google Patents

Hearing aid and energy charger and accompanying method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2134106B1
EP2134106B1 EP09155856.9A EP09155856A EP2134106B1 EP 2134106 B1 EP2134106 B1 EP 2134106B1 EP 09155856 A EP09155856 A EP 09155856A EP 2134106 B1 EP2134106 B1 EP 2134106B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
energy
hearing aid
charging
antenna
unit
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2134106A1 (en
Inventor
Mihail Boguslavskij
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Sivantos 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
    • H04R2225/31—Aspects of the use of accumulators in hearing aids, e.g. rechargeable batteries or fuel cells
    • 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
    • H04R2225/51—Aspects of antennas or their circuitry in or for hearing aids
    • 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
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/602—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of batteries

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid with the features of the preamble of claim 1, an energy charging device with such a hearing aid and a method for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit of such a hearing aid.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired. To accommodate the many individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids and in-ear hearing aids are provided. 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 1 illustrated by the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid 1.
  • a hearing aid housing 7 for carrying behind the ear one or more microphones 2 are incorporated for receiving the sound from the environment.
  • a signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated into the hearing aid housing 7, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or receiver 4, which emits 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 aid 1 and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a battery 5 also arranged in the hearing aid housing 7.
  • a coil 6 arranged in the hearing aid housing 7, data can be inductively exchanged with another hearing aid or with a remote control contactlessly.
  • Charging batteries or batteries of a hearing aid often means taking the battery or the battery out of the hearing aid, plug it into a charger and charge. After charging, the usually very small and poorly manageable battery must be removed from the charger and reinserted into the hearing aid.
  • An alternative charging method is that the battery is left in the hearing aid and loaded there by wire.
  • appropriate metallic contacts should be provided on the hearing aid. A disadvantage of these contacts is that they usually stick out of the housing and are not flush with it. As a result, they can easily pollute.
  • the transmitter works with a transmitter coil and the receiver of the energy also uses a coil to absorb the energy.
  • Such coils are relatively large, which runs contrary to the ever-desired goal of miniaturization especially in hearing aids.
  • the DE 197 45 101 A1 relates to an in-the-ear hearing aid with a hearing aid charging circuit with a coil for wireless recording of electrical energy. Data from a voltage measurement can also be received via the coil.
  • the EP 0 984 664 A1 discloses a charging system for an implantable hearing aid with a rechargeable battery and a receiving coil for transmitting the charging energy. Information about the state of charge of the battery can also be exchanged via the receiver coil.
  • a hearing aid with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is for example from the WO 2005/081583 A1 refer to.
  • An antenna provided for wireless communication in this case has a coil which is used as a charging coil for charging a rechargeable battery.
  • the object is achieved with a hearing aid with the features of claim 1, with an energy charging device with such a hearing aid and with the method according to claim 12.
  • the invention comprises a hearing aid with a rechargeable energy storage unit for power supply and with an antenna for wireless transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals.
  • An energy charging unit is disposed between the antenna and the energy storage unit, wherein in a charging operation to the antenna electromagnetically transmitted energy via the energy charging unit in the Energy storage unit is fed.
  • the energy charging unit may comprise a charge controller for regulating a voltage induced in the antenna and a charge state monitoring unit for detecting an amount of energy flowing from and into the energy storage unit. As a result, the voltage is smoothed and regulated, and the charging current is measured.
  • the charge controller and the state of charge control unit can be electrically connected to a control logic unit, wherein the control logic unit switches between the charging mode and a communication mode.
  • This offers the advantage that it is easy to switch between a charging mode and a communication mode.
  • the antenna may be formed as an antenna coil, wherein the energy is transmitted inductively. As a result, sufficient amounts of energy in the near field of electric fields can be transmitted.
  • a Schottky diode can be connected in parallel with a parasitic diode which rectifies the induced voltage between the antenna and the ground.
  • the advantage of this is the increase of the charging current and thus the effectiveness of the charging process.
  • the hearing aid may include a transceiver module for wirelessly transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals via the antenna. This data can be transmitted to and from the hearing aid.
  • first data of an energy charger can be transmitted to the hearing aid during the charging operation, wherein the transmitted to the antenna electromagnetic Energy is modulated.
  • the transceiver module can determine the first data from the modulated energy. This brings the advantage of a simple data transfer parallel to the loading operation.
  • second data can be transmitted from the transceiver module to the energy charger.
  • status information about the state of charge of a battery can be transmitted.
  • Switching between the charging mode and the communication mode can advantageously be time-controlled or protocol-controlled. This brings the advantage of a versatile control.
  • the invention also provides an energy charger for inductive charging of the hearing aid according to the invention.
  • a communication unit in the energy charger modulates the electromagnetic energy transmitted from the energy charger to the antenna for transmission of data. This offers the advantage that data can be transferred parallel to the loading.
  • the data transmission unit in the energy charger can receive inductively transmitted data. As a result, data of the hearing aid can be evaluated.
  • the invention also provides a method for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit of a hearing aid with an antenna for wireless transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals.
  • electromagnetic energy is transmitted to the antenna of the hearing aid. This is fed electrically via an energy charger in the energy storage unit.
  • first data of the energy charger be transmitted to the hearing aid during the charging operation, wherein the transmitted to the antenna electromagnetic energy is modulated.
  • second data can be transmitted from the hearing device to the energy charger.
  • FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a hearing aid 1 and an associated energy charger 8. In FIG. 2 only those components are shown that are necessary for an understanding of the invention.
  • an antenna coil 6 is arranged, which in conjunction with a transmitting / receiving unit 9 and a power supply unit 10, a bidirectional wireless data transfer between the hearing aid 1 and a peripheral unit, for example, another hearing aid or a remote control allows.
  • the power supply unit 10 is powered by a rechargeable battery 5.
  • the antenna coil 6 for non-contact or wireless charging of the battery 5 with electrical energy provided for the data transmission antenna coil 6 is used.
  • the particular challenge of using the antenna coil 6 as a receiver for a power transmission system is that it does not affect the functionality of the wireless data transmission.
  • no additional semiconductor switches, such as FET transistors may be connected to the antenna coil 6, since they would degrade the parameters of the input resonant circuit due to their parasitic properties. This would unduly reduce the range of wireless data transmission. It is therefore not possible to separate the antenna coil 6 for the purpose of energy transfer by means of a semiconductor switch from the transmitting / receiving unit 9 and connect to a power transmission rectifier.
  • the invention makes use of the fact that a parasitic diode 13 exists from one end of the antenna coil 6 to the ground.
  • the parasitic diode 13 is due to the semiconductor manufacturing process and can be used for rectifying a voltage induced in the antenna coil 6. This makes it possible to convert the transmitting / receiving circuit of a hearing aid almost without change in a power transmission circuit.
  • the power supply unit 10 of the antenna coil 6 is disconnected and for a charge controller 11 and a state of charge control unit 12 between the antenna coil 6 and the battery 5 is switched.
  • An output of the coil 6 is connected to an input of the charge controller 11.
  • An output of the charge controller 11 is connected to an input of the state of charge control unit 12 whose output is coupled to the input of the battery 5.
  • the antenna coil 6 is used as an antenna for wireless data transmission.
  • a charging mode is activated, and the voltage induced in the antenna coil 6 is rectified by the parasitic diode 13.
  • the rectified voltage is regulated by the charge controller 11.
  • the amount of charge flowed out of the battery 5 or into the battery 5 is detected by the state of charge control unit 12. Both are connected via a communication interface, not shown, with the control logic.
  • the control logic is to control the switching of the states “charging” and "wireless communication". During a half-wave of the induced voltage, a pulsating current flows through the parasitic diode 13, which then leads to a charging current in the battery 5 after a smoothing.
  • the functionality of the parasitic diode 13 is supported by parallel connection of a Schottky diode 14. Due to the semiconductor manufacturing process, the Schottky diode can not be realized in the semiconductor chip itself, but must be connected externally to the chip.
  • an existing wireless data transmission system of the hearing device 1 can be retained and the antenna coil 6 can be shared for the transmission of energy.
  • the transmitting unit 9 is blocked in the hearing aid 1 by the strong, externally applied magnetic field of the energy charger 8.
  • the existing transmitting / receiving unit 9 of the hearing aid 1 is shared.
  • the field of the energy charger 8 is modulated accordingly.
  • the modulated signal is thus on the one hand for energy transmission and on the other hand for data transmission used by the power charger 8 to the hearing aid 1.
  • For data transmission from the hearing aid 1 to the energy charger 8 is timed, eg in the time slot method in which after a predefined time, the transmission direction is changed, or protocol controlled, for example by handshaking, the field of the power charger 8 off.
  • the energy charger 8 then enters a receive mode.
  • the hearing aid 1 transmits data with the existing transceiver unit 9.
  • FIG. 3 shows an inventive example of a protocol-controlled communication sequence between a hearing aid 1 and a power charger 8.
  • a starting state "hearing aid absent" HA is no hearing aid 1 in the energy charger 8.
  • the energy charger 8 changes continuously from a transmission mode SM in a reception mode RM and vice versa.
  • the energy charger 8 sends a charge start signal 100 to the hearing aid 1.
  • the signal "go-to-transfer mode" 101 is sent. Since there is no hearing aid 1 in the energy charger 8 no response 200 comes back. Subsequently, a hearing aid 1 is inserted into the energy charger 8. This creates the state "hearing aid inserted" HI.
  • the hearing aid 1 now receives the signals "Start charging” 100 and "Go-to-transfer mode” 101 and in response sends the packet 201 back to the energy charger 8.
  • the energy charger 8 then switches to the energy transmission mode 102. During the energy charge, transmission packets 101, 201 can continue to be exchanged.
  • the power charger 8 sends the command "Quit charging” 103 to the hearing aid 1. The charging is stopped.
  • the power charger 8 continuously or periodically transmits, for example, every 3 seconds, commands to transition to a charging mode and a request to send data. This can be done with a low energy so that the energy charger 8 consumes as little power in the unused state. No data coming back from the hearing aid 1, which is detected in the charger as a state "no hearing aid" HA and displayed accordingly. If there is an answer, which may include, for example, the type of hearing aid 1, the battery state of charge or the required charge current, the expected duration of the charging process is displayed on the energy charger 8 and the charging process begins. In this case, the energy charger 8 sends requests to the hearing aid at regular intervals to notify the status, and immediately thereafter returns to the receive mode RM.
  • the power charger 8 Upon completion of the charging process, the power charger 8 sends the command to the hearing aid to stop charging and go into a sleep mode with low power consumption. If the hearing aid 1 prematurely removed from the charging tray of the power charger 8, which is detected and displayed in the energy charger 8 based on the missing answers. The hearing aid 1 recognizes the state "I am removed from the charging cradle" in that no requests from the energy charging device 8 arrive more.
  • the transitions between the states in the hearing aid 1 and in the energy charger 8 can each be controlled with a state machine. This can both be hard-wired into hardware and implemented as a software-controlled microcontroller.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörgerät mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1, eine Energieladevorrichtung mit einem solchen Hörgerät sowie ein Verfahren zum Laden einer wiederaufladbaren Energiespeichereinheit eines solchen Hörgeräts.The invention relates to a hearing aid with the features of the preamble of claim 1, an energy charging device with such a hearing aid and a method for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit of such a hearing aid.

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 und Indem-Ohr Hörgeräte 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. To accommodate the many individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids and in-ear hearing aids are provided. 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 Figur 1 am Beispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr Hörgeräts 1 dargestellt. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 7 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 7 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 1 und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls im Hörgerätegehäuse 7 angeordnete Batterie 5. Mittels einer im Hörgerätegehäuse 7 angeordneten Spule 6 können induktiv Daten mit einem anderen Hörgerät oder mit einer Fernbedienung berührungslos ausgetauscht werden.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 illustrated by the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid 1. In a hearing aid housing 7 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 are incorporated for receiving the sound from the environment. A signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated into the hearing aid housing 7, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or receiver 4, which emits 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 aid 1 and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a battery 5 also arranged in the hearing aid housing 7. By means of a coil 6 arranged in the hearing aid housing 7, data can be inductively exchanged with another hearing aid or with a remote control contactlessly.

Akkus oder Batterien eines Hörgeräts zu laden bedeutet vielfach, den Akku bzw. die Batterie aus dem Hörgerät herauszunehmen, in ein Ladegerät zu stecken und aufzuladen. Nach dem Aufladen muss die in der Regel sehr kleine und schlecht handhabbare Batterie aus dem Ladegerät entnommen und wieder in das Hörgerät eingesetzt werden. Ein alternatives Ladeverfahren besteht darin, dass der Akku im Hörgerät belassen und dort drahtgebunden geladen wird. Hierzu sind entsprechende metallische Kontakte am Hörgerät vorzusehen. Nachteilig an diesen Kontakten ist, dass sie meist aus dem Gehäuse herausstehen und mit diesem nicht bündig sind. Infolgedessen können sie leicht verschmutzen.Charging batteries or batteries of a hearing aid often means taking the battery or the battery out of the hearing aid, plug it into a charger and charge. After charging, the usually very small and poorly manageable battery must be removed from the charger and reinserted into the hearing aid. An alternative charging method is that the battery is left in the hearing aid and loaded there by wire. For this purpose, appropriate metallic contacts should be provided on the hearing aid. A disadvantage of these contacts is that they usually stick out of the housing and are not flush with it. As a result, they can easily pollute.

Weiterhin ist bekannt, Energie drahtlos an ein Hörgerät zu übertragen. Der Energietransfer hierfür kann durch elektrische (kapazitiv), magnetische (induktiv) bzw. elektromagnetische Felder erfolgen. Ein derartiges Laden erfordert mindestens ein zusätzliches Bauteil im Hörgerät, das das entsprechende Feld in elektrische Energie umwandelt.Furthermore, it is known to transmit energy wirelessly to a hearing aid. The energy transfer for this can be done by electrical (capacitive), magnetic (inductive) or electromagnetic fields. Such loading requires at least one additional component in the hearing aid that converts the corresponding field into electrical energy.

Meist wird für das drahtlose Laden von Akkus ein induktives Verfahren benutzt. Der Sender arbeitet mit einer Sendespule und der Empfänger der Energie verwendet ebenfalls eine Spule zur Aufnahme der Energie. Derartige Spulen sind verhältnismäßig groß, was gerade bei Hörgeräten dem ständig angestrebten Ziel der Miniaturisierung zuwider läuft.Mostly for the wireless charging of batteries an inductive method is used. The transmitter works with a transmitter coil and the receiver of the energy also uses a coil to absorb the energy. Such coils are relatively large, which runs contrary to the ever-desired goal of miniaturization especially in hearing aids.

In der WO 200//056421 A2 wird eine derartige Vorrichtung zum drahtlosen Laden einer Hörgeräte-Batterie mit Spulen beschrieben. Zusätzlich zur Übertragung von elektrischer Energie können auch Daten drahtlos übertragen werden.In the WO 200 // 056421 A2 Such a device for wireless charging of a hearing aid battery with coils is described. In addition to the transmission of electrical energy and data can be transmitted wirelessly.

Die DE 197 45 101 A1 betrifft ein In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät mit einem Hörgeräte-Ladeschaltkreis mit einer Spule zur drahtlosen Aufnahme von elektrischer Energie. Daten einer Spannungsmessung können ebenfalls über die Spule empfangen werden.The DE 197 45 101 A1 relates to an in-the-ear hearing aid with a hearing aid charging circuit with a coil for wireless recording of electrical energy. Data from a voltage measurement can also be received via the coil.

Die EP 0 984 664 A1 offenbart ein Ladesystem für eine implantierbare Hörhilfe mit einer wiederaufladbaren Batterie und einer Empfangsspule zum Übertragen der Ladeenergie. Informationen über den Ladezustand der Batterie können ebenfalls über die Empfangsspule ausgetauscht werden.The EP 0 984 664 A1 discloses a charging system for an implantable hearing aid with a rechargeable battery and a receiving coil for transmitting the charging energy. Information about the state of charge of the battery can also be exchanged via the receiver coil.

In der nachveröffentlichten Patentschrift DE 10 2007 009 176 B1 wird eine Lösung vorgeschlagen, bei der das Einspeisen von Energie in eine Hörvorrichtung zum Laden ihres Akkus über Komponenten erfolgt, die möglichst wenig Platz einnehmen. So wird die Spule eines Hörers dazu genutzt, Energie zum Laden des Akkus induktiv einzukoppeln. Alternativ kann auch akustische Energie über den Hörer oder die Mikrofone eingekoppelt und dort in elektrische Energie gewandelt werden.In the post-published patent DE 10 2007 009 176 B1 A solution is proposed in which the feeding of energy into a hearing device for charging its battery via components that take as little space as possible. Thus, the coil of a listener is used to inductively couple energy to charge the battery. Alternatively, acoustic energy can also be injected via the receiver or the microphones and converted there into electrical energy.

Ein Hörgerät mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1 ist beispielsweise aus der WO 2005/081583 A1 zu entnehmen. Eine für eine drahtlose Kommunikation vorgesehene Antenne weist hierbei eine Spule auf, die als Ladespule zum Laden einer wiederaufladbaren Batterie verwendet wird.A hearing aid with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is for example from the WO 2005/081583 A1 refer to. An antenna provided for wireless communication in this case has a coil which is used as a charging coil for charging a rechargeable battery.

Auch aus der US 6 658 124 B ist die gemeinsame Verwendung einer Spule zum Laden einer Batterie einerseits und zum Übertragen von Signalen andererseits zu entnehmen.Also from the US Pat. No. 6,658,124 B is the common use of a coil for charging a battery on the one hand and to transfer signals on the other hand.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung eine weitere Hörvorrichtung, eine dazugehörige Energieladevorrichtung und ein Verfahren anzugeben, bei denen Energie induktiv an die Hörvorrichtung übertragen werden kann. Eine weitere Aufgabe besteht darin, Daten zwischen der Hörvorrichtung und der Energieladevorrichtung auszutauschen.It is an object of the invention to provide a further hearing device, an associated energy charging device and a method in which energy can be inductively transmitted to the hearing device. Another object is to exchange data between the hearing device and the energy charger.

Gemäß der Erfindung wird die gestellte Aufgabe mit einem Hörgerät mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1, mit einer Energieladevorrichtung mit einem solchen Hörgerät sowie mit dem Verfahren gemäß Patentanspruch 12 gelöst.According to the invention, the object is achieved with a hearing aid with the features of claim 1, with an energy charging device with such a hearing aid and with the method according to claim 12.

Die Erfindung umfasst ein Hörgerät mit einer wiederaufladbaren Energiespeichereinheit zur Stromversorgung und mit einer Antenne zum drahtlosen Senden und Empfangen von elektromagnetischen Signalen. Eine Energieladeeinheit ist zwischen der Antenne und der Energiespeichereinheit angeordnet, wobei in einem Ladebetrieb an die Antenne elektromagnetisch übertragene Energie elektrisch über die Energieladeeinheit in die Energiespeichereinheit eingespeist wird. Vorteilhaft daran ist, dass eine drahtlose Ladefunktion ohne zusätzliche Bauteile und ohne Beeinträchtigung einer drahtlosen Kommunikation über die Antenne realisiert werden kann.The invention comprises a hearing aid with a rechargeable energy storage unit for power supply and with an antenna for wireless transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals. An energy charging unit is disposed between the antenna and the energy storage unit, wherein in a charging operation to the antenna electromagnetically transmitted energy via the energy charging unit in the Energy storage unit is fed. The advantage of this is that a wireless charging function can be implemented without additional components and without impairing wireless communication via the antenna.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann die Energieladeeinheit einen Laderegler zur Regelung einer in der Antenne induzierten Spannung und eine Ladezustandsüberwachungseinheit zur Erfassung einer aus der und einer in die Energiespeichereinheit fließenden Energiemenge umfassen. Dadurch wird die Spannung geglättet und geregelt sowie der Ladestrom gemessen.In a further embodiment, the energy charging unit may comprise a charge controller for regulating a voltage induced in the antenna and a charge state monitoring unit for detecting an amount of energy flowing from and into the energy storage unit. As a result, the voltage is smoothed and regulated, and the charging current is measured.

In einer Weiterbildung können der Laderegler und die Ladezustandsteuereinheit mit einer Steuerlogikeinheit elektrisch verschaltet sein, wobei die Steuerlogikeinheit zwischen dem Ladebetrieb und einem Kommunikationsbetrieb umschaltet. Dies bietet den Vorteil, dass zwischen einem Ladebetrieb und einem Kommunikationsbetrieb einfach umgeschaltet werden kann.In a development, the charge controller and the state of charge control unit can be electrically connected to a control logic unit, wherein the control logic unit switches between the charging mode and a communication mode. This offers the advantage that it is easy to switch between a charging mode and a communication mode.

Des Weiteren kann die Antenne als Antennen-Spule ausgebildet sein, wobei die Energie induktiv übertragbar ist. Dadurch können ausreichende Energiemengen im Nahfeld von elektrischen Feldern übertragen werden.Furthermore, the antenna may be formed as an antenna coil, wherein the energy is transmitted inductively. As a result, sufficient amounts of energy in the near field of electric fields can be transmitted.

Vorteilhaft kann parallel zu einer die induzierte Spannung gleichrichtenden, parasitären Diode zwischen der Antenne und der Masse eine Schottky-Diode geschaltet werden. Vorteilhaft daran ist die Erhöhung des Ladestroms und damit der Effektivität des Ladevorgangs.Advantageously, a Schottky diode can be connected in parallel with a parasitic diode which rectifies the induced voltage between the antenna and the ground. The advantage of this is the increase of the charging current and thus the effectiveness of the charging process.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann das Hörgerät ein Sende-/Empfangsmodul zum drahtlosen Senden und Empfangen von elektromagnetischen Signalen über die Antenne enthalten. Damit können Daten von und zu dem Hörgerät übertragen werden.In another embodiment, the hearing aid may include a transceiver module for wirelessly transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals via the antenna. This data can be transmitted to and from the hearing aid.

In einer Weiterbildung können erste Daten eines Energieladegeräts an das Hörgerät während des Ladebetriebs übertragen werden, wobei die an die Antenne übertragene elektromagnetische Energie moduliert ist. Das Sende-/Empfangsmodul kann aus der modulierten Energie die ersten Daten ermitteln. Dies bringt den Vorteil einer einfachen Datenübertragung parallel zum Ladebetrieb.In a development, first data of an energy charger can be transmitted to the hearing aid during the charging operation, wherein the transmitted to the antenna electromagnetic Energy is modulated. The transceiver module can determine the first data from the modulated energy. This brings the advantage of a simple data transfer parallel to the loading operation.

Des Weiteren können in einem Kommunikationsbetrieb von dem Sende-/Empfangsmodul zweite Daten an das Energieladegerät übertragen werden. Damit können beispielsweise Statusinformationen zum Ladezustand einer Batterie übertragen werden.Furthermore, in a communication mode, second data can be transmitted from the transceiver module to the energy charger. Thus, for example, status information about the state of charge of a battery can be transmitted.

Vorteilhaft kann ein Umschalten zwischen dem Ladebetrieb und dem Kommunikationsbetrieb zeitgesteuert oder protokollgesteuert erfolgen. Dies bringt den Vorteil einer vielseitigen Steuerung.Switching between the charging mode and the communication mode can advantageously be time-controlled or protocol-controlled. This brings the advantage of a versatile control.

Die Erfindung gibt auch ein Energieladegerät zum induktiven Laden des erfindungsgemäßen Hörgeräts an. Eine Datenübertragungseinheit in dem Energieladegerät moduliert die von dem Energieladegerät an die Antenne übertragene elektromagnetische Energie zur Übertragung von Daten. Dies bietet den Vorteil, dass parallel zum Laden auch Daten übertragen werden können.The invention also provides an energy charger for inductive charging of the hearing aid according to the invention. A communication unit in the energy charger modulates the electromagnetic energy transmitted from the energy charger to the antenna for transmission of data. This offers the advantage that data can be transferred parallel to the loading.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann die Datenübertragungseinheit in dem Energieladegerät induktiv übermittelte Daten empfangen. Dadurch können Daten des Hörgeräts ausgewertet werden.In a further embodiment, the data transmission unit in the energy charger can receive inductively transmitted data. As a result, data of the hearing aid can be evaluated.

Die Erfindung gibt auch ein Verfahren zum Laden einer wiederaufladbaren Energiespeichereinheit eines Hörgeräts mit einer Antenne zum drahtlosen Senden und Empfangen von elektromagnetischen Signalen an. In einem Ladebetrieb wird an die Antenne des Hörgeräts elektromagnetische Energie übertragen. Diese wird elektrisch über eine Energieladeeinheit in die Energiespeichereinheit eingespeist.The invention also provides a method for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit of a hearing aid with an antenna for wireless transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals. In a charging operation, electromagnetic energy is transmitted to the antenna of the hearing aid. This is fed electrically via an energy charger in the energy storage unit.

In einer Weiterbildung können zur Datenübertragung zwischen dem Hörgerät und einem Energieladegerät erste Daten des Energieladegeräts an das Hörgerät während des Ladebetriebs übertragen werden, wobei die an die Antenne übertragene elektromagnetische Energie moduliert wird.In a development, for data transmission between the hearing aid and an energy charger, first data of the energy charger be transmitted to the hearing aid during the charging operation, wherein the transmitted to the antenna electromagnetic energy is modulated.

Vorteilhaft können in einem Kommunikationsbetrieb zweite Daten vom Hörgerät an das Energieladegerät übertragen werden.Advantageously, in a communication mode, second data can be transmitted from the hearing device to the energy charger.

Des Weiteren kann zwischen dem Ladebetrieb und dem Kommunikationsbetrieb zeitgesteuert oder protokollgesteuert umgeschaltet werden.Furthermore, it is possible to switch between the charging mode and the communication mode in a time-controlled or protocol-controlled manner.

Weitere Besonderheiten und Vorteile der Erfindung werden aus den nachfolgenden Erläuterungen mehrerer Ausführungsbeispiele anhand von schematischen Zeichnungen ersichtlich.Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following explanations of several embodiments with reference to schematic drawings.

Es zeigen:

Figur 1:
einen Prinzipaufbau eines Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik,
Figur 2:
ein Blockschaltbild mit induktivem Ladesystem gemäß der Erfindung und
Figur 3:
ein Diagramm eines erfindungsgemäßen protokollgesteuerten Kommunikationsablaufs zwischen einem Hörgerät und einem Energieladegerät.
Show it:
FIG. 1:
a basic structure of a hearing aid according to the prior art,
FIG. 2:
a block diagram with inductive charging system according to the invention and
FIG. 3:
a diagram of a protocol controlled communication sequence according to the invention between a hearing aid and a power charger.

Figur 2 zeigt ein Blockschaltbild eines Hörgerätes 1 und eines dazugehörigen Energieladegeräts 8. In Figur 2 sind nur diejenigen Komponenten dargestellt, die für ein Verständnis der Erfindung erforderlich sind. Im Hörgerät 1 ist eine Antennen-Spule 6 angeordnet, welche in Verbindung mit einer Sende- /Empfangseinheit 9 und einer Stromversorgungseinheit 10 eine bidirektionale drahtlose Datenüberragung zwischen dem Hörgerät 1 und einer peripheren Einheit, beispielsweise ein anderes Hörgerät oder eine Fernbedienung, ermöglicht. Die Stromversorgungseinheit 10 wird von einer wiederaufladbaren Batterie 5 versorgt. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a hearing aid 1 and an associated energy charger 8. In FIG. 2 only those components are shown that are necessary for an understanding of the invention. In the hearing device 1, an antenna coil 6 is arranged, which in conjunction with a transmitting / receiving unit 9 and a power supply unit 10, a bidirectional wireless data transfer between the hearing aid 1 and a peripheral unit, for example, another hearing aid or a remote control allows. The power supply unit 10 is powered by a rechargeable battery 5.

Erfindungsgemäß wird zum berührungslosen bzw. drahtlosen Laden der Batterie 5 mit elektrischer Energie die für die Datenübertragung vorgesehene Antennen-Spule 6 verwendet. Die besondere Herausforderung, die Antennen-Spule 6 als Empfänger für ein Energieübertragungssystem mitzuverwenden, liegt darin, dabei die Funktionalität der drahtlosen Datenübertragung nicht zu beeinträchtigen. Insbesondere dürfen keine zusätzlichen Halbleiterschalter, wie beispielsweise FET-Transistoren, an die Antennen-Spule 6 angeschlossen werden, da diese durch ihre parasitären Eigenschaften die Parameter des Eingangsresonanzkreises verschlechtern würden. Dadurch würde die Reichweite der drahtlosen Datenübertragung unzulässig verringert werden. Es ist daher nicht möglich, die Antennen-Spule 6 zum Zweck der Energieübertragung mittels eines Halbleiterschalters von der Sende-/Empfangseinheit 9 zu trennen und an einen Energieübertragungsgleichrichter anzuschließen.According to the invention for non-contact or wireless charging of the battery 5 with electrical energy provided for the data transmission antenna coil 6 is used. The particular challenge of using the antenna coil 6 as a receiver for a power transmission system is that it does not affect the functionality of the wireless data transmission. In particular, no additional semiconductor switches, such as FET transistors, may be connected to the antenna coil 6, since they would degrade the parameters of the input resonant circuit due to their parasitic properties. This would unduly reduce the range of wireless data transmission. It is therefore not possible to separate the antenna coil 6 for the purpose of energy transfer by means of a semiconductor switch from the transmitting / receiving unit 9 and connect to a power transmission rectifier.

Die Erfindung macht sich zu Nutze, dass von einem Ende der Antennen-Spule 6 zur Masse eine parasitäre Diode 13 existiert. Die parasitäre Diode 13 ist durch den Halbleiterherstellungsprozess bedingt und kann für die Gleichrichtung einer in der Antennen-Spule 6 induzierten Spannung verwendet werden. Dadurch ist es möglich, die Sende-/Empfangsschaltung eines Hörgeräts nahezu ohne Änderung in eine Energieübertragungsschaltung umzuwandeln. Mit einer nicht dargestellten Steuerlogik wird die Stromversorgungseinheit 10 der Antennen-Spule 6 abgeklemmt und dafür ein Laderegler 11 und eine Ladezustandssteuereinheit 12 zwischen die Antennen-Spule 6 und die Batterie 5 geschaltet. Ein Ausgang der Spule 6 ist mit einem Eingang des Ladereglers 11 verbunden. Ein Ausgang des Ladereglers 11 ist mit einem Eingang der Ladezustandssteuereinheit 12 verbunden, deren Ausgang mit dem Eingang der Batterie 5 gekoppelt ist.The invention makes use of the fact that a parasitic diode 13 exists from one end of the antenna coil 6 to the ground. The parasitic diode 13 is due to the semiconductor manufacturing process and can be used for rectifying a voltage induced in the antenna coil 6. This makes it possible to convert the transmitting / receiving circuit of a hearing aid almost without change in a power transmission circuit. With a control logic, not shown, the power supply unit 10 of the antenna coil 6 is disconnected and for a charge controller 11 and a state of charge control unit 12 between the antenna coil 6 and the battery 5 is switched. An output of the coil 6 is connected to an input of the charge controller 11. An output of the charge controller 11 is connected to an input of the state of charge control unit 12 whose output is coupled to the input of the battery 5.

Mittels einer Spule 18 im Energieladegerät 8 wird Energie berührungslos an die Antennen-Spule 6 übertragen, indem eine Spannung induziert wird. Im Normalbetrieb wird die Antennen-Spule 6 als Antenne für die drahtlose Datenübertragung verwendet. Wird das Hörgerät 1 aber in eine Ladeschale des Energieladegeräts 8 gelegt, wird ein Lademodus aktiviert, und die in der Antennen-Spule 6 induzierte Spannung durch die parasitäre Diode 13 gleichgerichtet. Während des Lademodus ist keine Datenübertragung vom Hörgerät zu dem Energieladegerät möglich. Die gleichgerichtete Spannung wird von dem Laderegler 11 geregelt. Die aus der Batterie 5 oder in die Batterie 5 geflossene Ladungsmenge wird von der Ladezustandssteuereinheit 12 erfasst. Beide sind über eine nicht dargestellte Kommunikationsschnittstelle mit der Steuerlogik verbunden. Die Steuerlogik soll die Umschaltung der Zustände "Laden" und "Drahtlose Kommunikation" steuern. Während einer Halbwelle der induzierten Spannung fließt ein pulsierender Strom durch die parasitäre Diode 13, der dann nach einer Glättung zu einem Ladestrom in der Batterie 5 führt.By means of a coil 18 in the energy charger 8 energy is transmitted without contact to the antenna coil 6 by a voltage is induced. In normal operation, the antenna coil 6 is used as an antenna for wireless data transmission. However, if the hearing aid 1 is placed in a charging cradle of the energy charger 8, a charging mode is activated, and the voltage induced in the antenna coil 6 is rectified by the parasitic diode 13. During the charging mode, no data transmission from the hearing aid to the energy charger is possible. The rectified voltage is regulated by the charge controller 11. The amount of charge flowed out of the battery 5 or into the battery 5 is detected by the state of charge control unit 12. Both are connected via a communication interface, not shown, with the control logic. The control logic is to control the switching of the states "charging" and "wireless communication". During a half-wave of the induced voltage, a pulsating current flows through the parasitic diode 13, which then leads to a charging current in the battery 5 after a smoothing.

Die Funktionalität der parasitären Diode 13 wird durch Parallelschaltung einer Schottky-Diode 14 unterstützt. Bedingt durch den Halbleiterherstellungsprozess kann die Schottky-Diode nicht im Halbleiterchip selbst realisiert werden, sondern muss extern am Chip angeschlossen werden.The functionality of the parasitic diode 13 is supported by parallel connection of a Schottky diode 14. Due to the semiconductor manufacturing process, the Schottky diode can not be realized in the semiconductor chip itself, but must be connected externally to the chip.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung kann ein vorhandenes drahtloses Datenübertragungssystem des Hörgeräts 1 beibehalten werden und die Antennen-Spule 6 für die Energieübertragung mitbenutzt werden. Währen der Energieübertragung ist aber kein Datentransfer vom Hörgerät 1 zum Energieladegerät 8 möglich, da die Sendeeinheit 9 im Hörgerät 1 durch das starke, extern anliegende Magnetfeld des Energieladegeräts 8 blockiert ist.By means of the device according to the invention, an existing wireless data transmission system of the hearing device 1 can be retained and the antenna coil 6 can be shared for the transmission of energy. During the energy transfer but no data transfer from the hearing aid 1 to the power charger 8 is possible because the transmitting unit 9 is blocked in the hearing aid 1 by the strong, externally applied magnetic field of the energy charger 8.

Erfindungsgemäß ist aber ein Datentransfer von dem Energieladegerät 8 zu dem Hörgerät 1 möglich. Dazu wird die vorhandene Sende-/Empfangseinheit 9 des Hörgeräts 1 mitbenutzt. Mit Hilfe einer Datenübertragungseinheit 15 in dem Energieladegerät 8 wird das Feld des Energieladegeräts 8 entsprechend moduliert. Das modulierte Signal wird also einerseits für die Energieübertragung und andererseits für die Datenübertragung von dem Energieladegerät 8 zum Hörgerät 1 genutzt. Für eine Datenübertragung vom Hörgerät 1 zu dem Energieladegerät 8 wird zeitgesteuert, z.B. im Zeitschlitzverfahren, bei dem nach einer vordefinierten Zeit die Übertragungsrichtung gewechselt wird, oder protokollgesteuert, beispielsweise durch Handshaking, das Feld von dem Energieladegerät 8 abgeschaltet. Das Energieladegerät 8 geht dann in einen Empfangsmodus über. Das Hörgerät 1 sendet Daten mit der vorhandenen Sende-/Empfangseinheit 9.According to the invention, however, a data transfer from the energy charger 8 to the hearing aid 1 is possible. For this purpose, the existing transmitting / receiving unit 9 of the hearing aid 1 is shared. With the aid of a data transmission unit 15 in the energy charger 8, the field of the energy charger 8 is modulated accordingly. The modulated signal is thus on the one hand for energy transmission and on the other hand for data transmission used by the power charger 8 to the hearing aid 1. For data transmission from the hearing aid 1 to the energy charger 8 is timed, eg in the time slot method in which after a predefined time, the transmission direction is changed, or protocol controlled, for example by handshaking, the field of the power charger 8 off. The energy charger 8 then enters a receive mode. The hearing aid 1 transmits data with the existing transceiver unit 9.

Figur 3 zeigt ein erfindungsgemäßes Beispiel eines protokollgesteuerten Kommunikationsablaufs zwischen einem Hörgerät 1 und einem Energieladegerät 8. In einem Ausgangszustand "Hörgerät abwesend" HA befindet sich kein Hörgerät 1 in dem Energieladegerät 8. Das Energieladegerät 8 wechselt kontinuierlich von einem Sendemodus SM in einen Empfangsmodus RM und umgekehrt. Im Sendemodus SM sendet das Energieladegerät 8 ein Lade-Startsignal 100 an das Hörgerät 1. Zusätzlich wird das Signal "Gehe-in-den-Übertragungsmodus" 101 gesendet. Da sich kein Hörgerät 1 in dem Energieladegerät 8 befindet kommt keine Antwort 200 zurück. Anschließend wird ein Hörgerät 1 in das Energieladegerät 8 eingesetzt. Dadurch entsteht der Zustand "Hörgerät eingesetzt" HI. Das Hörgerät 1 empfängt nun die Signale "Starte Laden" 100 und "Gehe-in-den-Übertragungsmodus" 101 und sendet als Antwort das Paket 201 an das Energieladegerät 8 zurück. Daraufhin schaltet das Energieladegerät 8 in den Energieübertragungsmodus 102. Während der Energieladung können weiterhin Übertragungspakete 101, 201 ausgetauscht werden. Ist der Energieladevorgang abgeschlossen, sendet das Energieladegerät 8 den Befehl "Beende Laden" 103 an das Hörgerät 1. Der Ladevorgang wird gestoppt. FIG. 3 shows an inventive example of a protocol-controlled communication sequence between a hearing aid 1 and a power charger 8. In a starting state "hearing aid absent" HA is no hearing aid 1 in the energy charger 8. The energy charger 8 changes continuously from a transmission mode SM in a reception mode RM and vice versa. In the transmission mode SM, the energy charger 8 sends a charge start signal 100 to the hearing aid 1. In addition, the signal "go-to-transfer mode" 101 is sent. Since there is no hearing aid 1 in the energy charger 8 no response 200 comes back. Subsequently, a hearing aid 1 is inserted into the energy charger 8. This creates the state "hearing aid inserted" HI. The hearing aid 1 now receives the signals "Start charging" 100 and "Go-to-transfer mode" 101 and in response sends the packet 201 back to the energy charger 8. The energy charger 8 then switches to the energy transmission mode 102. During the energy charge, transmission packets 101, 201 can continue to be exchanged. When the energy charging is completed, the power charger 8 sends the command "Quit charging" 103 to the hearing aid 1. The charging is stopped.

Mit anderen Worten: das Energieladegerät 8 sendet fortlaufend oder in regelmäßigen Zeitabständen, beispielsweise alle 3 Sekunden, Befehle zum Übergang in einen Lademodus und eine Aufforderung zum Senden von Daten. Dies kann mit einer geringen Energie erfolgen, damit das Energieladegerät 8 im ungenutzten Zustand möglichst wenig Strom verbraucht. Kommen keine Daten vom Hörgerät 1 zurück, wird das im Ladegerät als Zustand "kein Hörgerät" HA erkannt und entsprechend angezeigt. Kommt eine Antwort, die zum Beispiel den Typ des Hörgeräts 1, den Batterieladezustand oder den erforderlichen Ladestrom beinhalten kann, wird die voraussichtliche Dauer des Ladevorgangs am Energieladegerät 8 angezeigt und der Ladevorgang beginnt. Dabei sendet das Energieladegerät 8 in regelmäßigen Zeitabständen Anfragen an das Hörgerät, den Status mitzuteilen, und geht unmittelbar danach in den Empfangsmodus RM zurück. Nach Ende des Ladevorgangs sendet das Energieladegerät 8 den Befehl zu dem Hörgerät, den Ladevorgang zu beenden und in einen Schlafmodus mit geringem Energieverbrauch zu gehen. Wird das Hörgerät 1 vorzeitig aus der Ladeschale des Energieladegerätes 8 entfernt, wird das im Energieladegerät 8 anhand der fehlenden Antworten erkannt und angezeigt. Das Hörgerät 1 erkennt den Zustand "ich bin aus der Ladeschale entfernt" dadurch, dass keine Anfragen von dem Energieladegerät 8 mehr ankommen.In other words, the power charger 8 continuously or periodically transmits, for example, every 3 seconds, commands to transition to a charging mode and a request to send data. This can be done with a low energy so that the energy charger 8 consumes as little power in the unused state. No data coming back from the hearing aid 1, which is detected in the charger as a state "no hearing aid" HA and displayed accordingly. If there is an answer, which may include, for example, the type of hearing aid 1, the battery state of charge or the required charge current, the expected duration of the charging process is displayed on the energy charger 8 and the charging process begins. In this case, the energy charger 8 sends requests to the hearing aid at regular intervals to notify the status, and immediately thereafter returns to the receive mode RM. Upon completion of the charging process, the power charger 8 sends the command to the hearing aid to stop charging and go into a sleep mode with low power consumption. If the hearing aid 1 prematurely removed from the charging tray of the power charger 8, which is detected and displayed in the energy charger 8 based on the missing answers. The hearing aid 1 recognizes the state "I am removed from the charging cradle" in that no requests from the energy charging device 8 arrive more.

Die Übergänge zwischen den Zuständen im Hörgerät 1 und im Energieladegerät 8 können jeweils mit einem Zustandsautomaten gesteuert werden. Dieser kann sowohl fest in Hardware verdrahtet als auch als Software gesteuerter Mikrokontrollerautomat realisiert werden.The transitions between the states in the hearing aid 1 and in the energy charger 8 can each be controlled with a state machine. This can both be hard-wired into hardware and implemented as a software-controlled microcontroller.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Hörgeräthearing Aid
22
Mikrofonmicrophone
33
SignalverarbeitungseinheitSignal processing unit
44
Hörer / LautsprecherHandset / speaker
55
Batterie / EnergiespeichereinheitBattery / energy storage unit
66
Antenne / Antennen-SpuleAntenna / antenna coil
77
Hörgerätegehäusehearing aid housing
88th
Energieladegerätpower charger
99
Sende-/EmpfangsmodulSend / receive module
1010
StromversorgungseinheitPower supply unit
1111
Ladereglercharge controller
1212
LadezustandsüberwachungseinheitCharging state monitoring unit
1313
parasitäre Diodeparasitic diode
1414
Schottky-DiodeSchottky diode
1515
DatenübertragungseinheitData transfer unit
1616
Energie- und DatenübertragungEnergy and data transmission
1717
EnergieladeeinheitEnergy charging unit
1818
SpuleKitchen sink
HAHA
Hörgerät abwesendHearing aid absent
HIHI
Hörgerät eingesetztHearing aid used
RMRM
Empfangsmodusreceive mode
SMSM
Sendemodustransmission mode

Claims (15)

  1. Hearing aid (1) having a rechargeable energy storage unit (5) for supplying power and having an antenna (6) for wirelessly sending and receiving electromagnetic signals to and from a further hearing aid and/or a remote control, wherein an energy charging unit (17) is arranged between the antenna (6) and the energy storage unit (5) such that in a charging mode it is possible for energy transmitted electromagnetically to the antenna (6) to be electrically supplied to the energy storage unit (5) via the energy charging unit (17),
    characterized
    in that rectification of an induced alternating current involves the use of a parasitic diode (13), which is conditional upon the semiconductor fabrication process, between the antenna (6) and an earth.
  2. Hearing aid (1) according to Claim 1,
    characterized
    in that the energy charging unit (17) comprises a charging regulator (11) for regulating a voltage induced in the antenna (6) and a state-of-charge control unit (12) for detecting an amount of energy that flows from and an amount of energy that flows to the energy storage unit (5).
  3. Hearing aid (1) according to Claim 2,
    characterized
    in that the charging regulator (11) and the state-of-charge control unit (12) can be electrically connected up to a control logic unit, wherein the control logic unit changes over between the charging mode and a communication mode.
  4. Hearing aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized
    in that the antenna (6) comprises an antenna coil, wherein the energy can be transmitted inductively.
  5. Hearing aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized
    in that a Schottky diode (14) can be connected in parallel with the parasitic diode (13) that rectifies the induced alternating current, between the antenna (6) and the earth.
  6. Hearing aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized
    by a transmission/reception module (9) for wirelessly sending and receiving electromagnetic signals via the antenna (6).
  7. Hearing aid (1) according to Claim 6,
    characterized
    in that first data from an energy charger (8) can be transmitted to the hearing aid (1) during the charging mode, wherein the electromagnetic energy transmitted to the antenna (6) is modulated and the transmission/reception module (9) ascertains the first data from the modulated energy.
  8. Hearing aid (1) according to Claim 7,
    characterized
    in that in a communication mode the transmission/reception module (9) can transmit second data to the energy charger (8).
  9. Hearing aid (1) according to Claim 8,
    characterized
    in that changeover between the charging mode and the communication mode is effected under time control or under protocol control.
  10. Energy charging apparatus having a hearing aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims and having an energy charger (8) for inductively charging a hearing aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized
    by a data transmission unit (15) that can modulate the electromagnetic energy transmitted from the energy charger (8) to the antenna (6) for the purpose of transmitting data.
  11. Energy charging apparatus according to Claim 10,
    characterized
    in that the data transmission unit (15) is designed such that the hearing aid (1) can receive inductively transmitted data.
  12. Method for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit (5) of a hearing aid (1) having an antenna (6) for wirelessly sending and receiving electromagnetic signals to and from a further hearing aid and/or a remote control, wherein in a charging mode electromagnetic energy is transmitted to the antenna (6) of the hearing aid (1) and said electromagnetic energy is electrically supplied to the energy storage unit (5) via an energy charging unit (17),
    characterized
    in that rectification of an induced alternating current involves the use of a parasitic diode (13), which is conditional upon the semiconductor fabrication process, between the antenna (6) and an earth.
  13. Method according to Claim 12,
    characterized
    in that the data transmission between the hearing aid (1) and an energy charger (8) for charging the rechargeable energy storage unit (5) involves the transmission of first data from the energy charger (8) to the hearing aid (1) during the charging mode, wherein the electromagnetic energy transmitted to the antenna (6) is modulated.
  14. Method according to Claim 13,
    characterized
    in that in a communication mode second data are transmitted from the hearing aid (1) to the energy charger (8).
  15. Method according to Claim 14,
    characterized
    in that changeover between the charging mode and the communication mode takes place under time control or under protocol control.
EP09155856.9A 2008-05-13 2009-03-23 Hearing aid and energy charger and accompanying method Active EP2134106B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102008023352.8A DE102008023352B4 (en) 2008-05-13 2008-05-13 hearing Aid

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EP2134106B1 true EP2134106B1 (en) 2015-11-25

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EP (1) EP2134106B1 (en)
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US8344689B2 (en) 2013-01-01
US20090285426A1 (en) 2009-11-19

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