KR102367276B1 - Wireless charging structure of the ear canal custom hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is formed to correspond to the shape of the external auditory meatus of each of a plurality of users, is worn on the external auditory meatus, and a receiver that outputs a sound including an optical output unit that emits light when the provided wireless rechargeable battery is wirelessly charging and the voltage data of the battery Hearing aid unit provided with; An upper fixing part formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper portion of the hearing aid unit and having an upper seating groove in which the upper part of the hearing aid unit is seated in close contact with the upper part of the hearing aid unit is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower part of the hearing aid unit, the lower part of the hearing aid unit A lower fixing part having a lower seating groove to be seated in close contact with, an optical sensor unit provided at a position corresponding to the light output unit to sense whether the light output unit emits light, and a position corresponding to the receiver, in the receiver a charging unit provided with a sound wave receiver configured to receive the voltage data from the output sound; and power supplied to the hearing aid unit by detecting the state of charge of the battery installed in the charging unit, based on the voltage data received from the sound wave receiving unit and whether the light output unit detected by the optical sensor unit emits light It may include a control unit for controlling.

Description

In-ear customized hearing aid and charger structure capable of wireless charging

The present invention relates to a charging control system for a hearing aid capable of wireless charging, and more particularly, a hearing aid fixture of a hearing aid and a charging unit that charges the same can be customized to fit the shape of the user's ear canal, so that the hearing aid can be stably fixed and wirelessly It relates to a charging control system that uses an induced current generated during charging to transmit a battery charge state of a hearing aid being wirelessly charged to a charger through sound wave communication and light emission of an LED device.

In general, a hearing aid is a device that is mounted on the ear of a patient diagnosed with hearing loss on a hearing test to amplify the sound to assist the lost hearing. , it operates according to the hearing of each frequency of the hearing-impaired

Depending on the size of the hearing aid, a pocket type that attaches to the body, an earring type that hangs behind the ear, a turbinate type that fills the external auditory meatus and the turbinate (a clam-shaped space from the outer ear to the entrance to the external auditory meatus), an external auditory canal type that partially fills the entrance to the external auditory meatus, and completely inserted into the external auditory meatus It is classified as a tympanic membrane type, which is inconspicuous to others.

Hearing aids are classified into analog and digital types according to signal processing methods, and most recently, digital hearing aids are used. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids using bone conduction of sound, contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing aids that allow hearing through the contralateral ear in case of hearing loss on one side, and high-pitched hearing loss can be used in patients with severe hearing loss who only have low-range hearing. There is a frequency transposition hearing aid.

However, since the hearing aid is worn in the user's ear, it cannot but be manufactured in a small size, and since it is manufactured in a small size, it is difficult to add functions to provide other convenient functions except for essential components for driving the hearing aid.

In addition, since the hearing aid is manufactured in a small size, a battery for driving the hearing aid must also be provided with a small battery, and thus there is a limit to the effective capacity of the battery. Accordingly, if other functions are added to a hearing aid manufactured in a small size, the amount of battery used to drive the built functions increases, thereby reducing the wear time of the user who must always use the hearing aid.

On the other hand, it is difficult to construct a communication device that communicates between the hearing aid and the charging unit charging the hearing aid for the above reasons. That is, the conventional hearing aid has a problem in that the charging unit fails to detect the charging completion time of the hearing aid even though the charging of the hearing aid is completed and continues to supply power to reduce the battery life of the charger, and the charging completion time is not known. Therefore, there is a problem in that charging is not completed and charging is stopped because charging is performed for only about 3 hours for a certain period of time and charging is completed in many cases.

In addition, the hearing aid worn by the user is inserted into the deepest part of the human body and, like a part of the user, needs to be sterilized due to sweat and air pollution due to long-term use. However, unless a separate sterilizer is used to sterilize, a device capable of easily sterilizing a hearing aid has not been provided.

Therefore, the battery life of the charger is preserved by checking the state of charge of a low-power consumption system such as a hearing aid, which is made small and difficult to add a separate communication function, and when the battery is fully charged, the power supplied to the battery is stopped. There is a need for a technology that enables efficient power management by completing charging and can easily sterilize hearing aids.

Therefore, the present invention has been derived to solve the above-described problems, and the present invention is to provide a user-customized hearing aid and a hearing aid fixture of a charging unit that charges the same to suit the user's external auditory canal shape, thereby enabling stable fixing of the hearing aid. An object of the present invention is to provide a customized hearing aid and charger structure capable of wireless charging.

In addition, the present invention transmits the charging state information to the charger using the receiver (speaker) and the LED element of the hearing aid for the charging status of the hearing aid being wirelessly charged without adding a wired/wireless communication system such as Bluetooth or NFC, and supplies it to the hearing aid Another object of the present invention is to provide a charging control system for a hearing aid capable of wireless charging capable of controlling a power source.

Another object of the present invention is to maintain a hearing aid usage time without power loss by implementing a function of collecting, determining, and transmitting information about the charging state of a hearing aid being wirelessly charged without using a battery of the hearing aid.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure for irradiating UV directly to a hearing aid in order to anticipate the effect of sterilizing various microorganisms of the hearing aid worn by a user.

Other objects of the present invention will become clearer through the examples described below.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a customized hearing aid and charger structure capable of wireless charging is formed to correspond to the shape of each of a plurality of users, is worn in the external auditory canal, and an optical output unit that emits light when the provided battery is wirelessly charging; a hearing aid unit having a receiver for outputting a sound including the voltage data of the battery; An upper fixing part having an upper mounting groove corresponding to an upper portion of the hearing aid unit, a lower fixing part having a lower seating groove corresponding to a lower part of the hearing aid unit, and the light output unit are provided at positions corresponding to the light output unit to emit light a charging unit provided with an optical sensor unit for sensing whether or not and a sound wave receiving unit provided at a position corresponding to the receiver to receive the voltage data from the sound output from the receiver; and power supplied to the hearing aid unit by detecting the state of charge of the battery installed in the charging unit, based on the voltage data received from the sound wave receiving unit and whether the light output unit detected by the optical sensor unit emits light It may include a control unit to control.

The in-ear customized hearing aid and charger structure capable of wireless charging according to the present invention may include one or more of the following embodiments. For example, the hearing aid unit may include: a charging unit that generates an induced current through a wireless coil and receives power wirelessly from the charging unit to charge the battery; and a charging voltage control unit that detects voltage data of the battery and transmits it to the receiver when the battery is being charged.

The hearing aid unit may further include a correction unit provided in the form of a button on the outside and adjusting the amplification of the sound signal input to the microphone by the button operation in a specific frequency region to correct the sound quality of the sound wave to be output from the receiver can

The charging unit may include: a lower case having a hollow interior and having the lower fixing part; an upper case hinge-coupled to one side of the lower case to open and close the upper part of the lower case, the upper case having the upper fixing part; a charging power supply for wirelessly supplying a charging voltage to the hearing aid unit; and a switch unit configured to perform a switching operation when the upper case covers the lower case to allow a charging voltage to be supplied from the power supply unit to the hearing aid unit, wherein the control unit operates from the charging unit to the hearing aid unit when the switch unit is operated. can be controlled so that the charging voltage is supplied.

The light output unit may emit light using an induced current generated to charge the battery, and the receiver may operate using a charging voltage generated to charge the battery.

The control unit may determine that the charging voltage supply is malfunctioning when the switch unit is operated but the light sensor unit does not detect the light emission of the light output unit.

When a voltage corresponding to the completion of charging of the battery is detected from the voltage data, but the light-emitting operation is not stopped in the light output unit, the control unit may determine that the charging voltage supply is malfunctioning.

The control unit includes a communication module that communicates with the user's mobile terminal, and analyzes the voltage data received from the detection unit to determine an expected charging completion time of the hearing aid unit, a charging malfunction of the hearing aid unit, and the battery being charged. The usable time of the hearing aid unit with respect to the current remaining capacity may be transmitted to the mobile terminal through the communication module.

The lower fixing part includes a sound passage hole formed therethrough at a position corresponding to the sound output area of the receiver, and the inside of the charging unit directly irradiates UV to the outer surface of the hearing aid unit through the sound passage hole to the hearing aid unit It may include a UV lamp to sterilize.

According to the present invention, a customized hearing aid and charger structure capable of wireless charging provides the following effects.

According to the present invention, the user-customized hearing aid unit and the hearing aid upper and lower fixing parts of the charging unit for charging the hearing aid are customized to fit the shape of the user's ear canal to increase the user's wearing comfort and to ensure stable fixing of the hearing aid inside the charging unit. There is a possible effect.

In addition, the present invention transmits the charging state information to the charger by using a receiver (speaker) and an LED element provided in the hearing aid unit for the charging state of the hearing aid unit being wirelessly charged without adding a wired/wireless communication system such as Bluetooth or NFC. , since it controls the power supplied to the hearing aid, there is an effect that preserves the battery life and enables efficient power management.

In addition, the present invention has an effect capable of sterilization by irradiating UV in the 1800 to 2800A band through the sound passage hole used for sound wave communication while the hearing aid unit is being charged against infection such as bacteria caused by the user's wearing of the hearing aid.

Effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a hearing aid unit having a customized in-ear hearing aid and a charger structure capable of wireless charging according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the charging unit illustrated in Fig. 1;
3 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of the charging unit illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the hearing aid unit illustrated in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the charging unit and the control unit illustrated in Fig. 1;
6 is a block diagram illustrating a method of determining a malfunction of battery charging through the switch unit and the photosensor unit illustrated in FIG. 1 .
7 is a block diagram illustrating a method for determining a malfunction of battery charging through the detection unit and the photosensor unit illustrated in FIG. 1 .

Since the present invention can apply various transformations and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The terms used in the present application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate that a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification exists, but one or more other features It should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

All or part of the functions of the present invention are implemented as software translated into machine language by a series of program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination, or such software is included in a computer-readable recording medium. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that it may be

Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and floppy disks. magneto-optical media, and hardware devices specially configured to store and carry out program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, USB memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like, in addition to machine language codes such as those generated by a compiler. The hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and overlapping A description will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the structure of a customized hearing aid and charger capable of wireless charging according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a hearing aid unit 100 of a customized hearing aid and charger structure capable of wireless charging according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the charging unit 200 illustrated in FIG. 1 . am. And FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the inside of the charging unit 200 illustrated in FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the hearing aid unit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 5 is illustrated in FIG. 1 . It is a block diagram illustrating the charging unit 200 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 , the structure of a customized hearing aid and charger capable of wireless charging of the present invention includes a hearing aid unit 100 , a charging unit 200 , and a control unit 300 .

The hearing aid unit 100 is worn in the user's ear. The hearing aid unit 100 amplifies the sound input to the microphone so that the hearing-impaired user can hear an external sound, and outputs the amplified sound to the user's ear through the receiver 110 .

The shape of the hearing aid unit 100 is variously classified according to the classification type, and it is a pocket type attached to the body, an earring type that is hung behind the ear, an auricle type that fills the external auditory meatus and the auricle (a clam-shaped space from the outer ear to the entrance to the external auditory meatus), and the external auditory meatus. It is classified as an external auditory meatus type, which partially fills the entrance, and a tympanic membrane type, which is completely inserted into the external auditory meatus and is invisible to others.

The hearing aid unit 100 of the present invention to be described below may include any one of a small turbinate type, an external auditory meatus type, and a tympanic membrane type. However, the hearing aid unit 100 of the present invention may be formed in a form other than the turbinate type, the external auditory meatus type, or the tympanic membrane type.

The hearing aid unit 100 is customized to fit the shape of the user's ear canal because the shape of the ear, that is, the shape of the ear canal in which the hearing aid unit 100 is worn, is different for each user. Since the hearing aid unit 100 is custom-made for a user, it is manufactured in a different shape depending on the user.

The hearing aid unit 100 may include a microphone 111 , a receiver 110 , a charging unit 120 , a main integrated circuit 130 , an optical output unit 140 , and a correction unit 150 .

The microphone 111 receives an external sound and converts it into an electrical signal. The electrical signal converted by the microphone 111 is transmitted to an amplifier (not shown). The amplifier amplifies the weak signal received from the microphone 111 .

The signal amplified by the amplifier is transmitted to the receiver 110 , and the receiver 110 converts an electrical signal into a sound that a user can hear and outputs it.

The charging unit 120 is charged and stored power for driving the hearing aid unit 100 , and is charged by receiving power from the charging unit 200 . The charging unit 120 may include a battery 121 , a wireless coil 122 , an induced current stabilizing unit 123 , a charging voltage generating unit 124 , a charging voltage controlling unit 126 , and a battery protecting unit 125 . .

The battery 121 is provided inside the hearing aid unit 100 , and power for driving the hearing aid unit 100 is stored. The battery 121 is wirelessly charged by receiving power from the charging unit 200 .

The wireless coil 122 is provided on one side of the hearing aid unit 100 . The wireless coil 122 generates an induced current when the hearing aid unit 100 is seated on the charging unit 200 and wirelessly supplied with power from the charging unit 200 . The radio coil 122 may be replaced with an RF antenna.

And the induced current generated by the wireless coil 122 is transferred to the induced current stabilizer 123 to be stabilized and then transferred to the charging voltage generating unit 124 or the charging voltage controlling unit 126 . For example, the induced current stabilizer 123 converts an AC current into a DC current to generate a constant voltage of a predetermined voltage.

The charging voltage generator 124 generates a charging voltage for charging the battery 121 using the induced current. For example, the charging voltage generating unit 124 divides the PREQUALIFICATION, FAST-CHARGE, and TOP-OFF parts into PREQUALIFICATION, FAST-CHARGE, and TOP-OFF parts according to the voltage state of the battery 121, and generates voltages in each part to control the stable battery charging. do

The charging voltage generated by the charging voltage generator 124 is transferred to the battery 121 through the battery protection unit 125 .

The battery protection unit 125 may include a Battery Management System (BMS). BMS (Battery Management System) is an abbreviation of a battery management system and is a system to prevent the risk of explosion of lithium-ion batteries due to overcharging, overheating, and external shock.

The charging voltage controller 126 detects voltage data of the battery 121 . The charging voltage controller 126 controls the charging voltage generator 124 based on the detected voltage data. For example, if the voltage data of the varity 121 is a voltage corresponding to the buffering voltage, the charging voltage control unit 126 stops the operation of the charging voltage generating unit 124, and the voltage data of the varity 121 is less than the buffering. If it is a voltage, the charging voltage generating unit 124 is operated to charge the varity 121 .

In addition, the charging voltage controller 126 detects the voltage data of the battery 121 when the hearing aid unit 100 is being charged and transmits it to the Audio in 131 of the main integrated circuit 130 . The voltage data input to the audio in 131 is transmitted to the receiver 110 , and the receiver 110 outputs the voltage data including the voltage data at a frequency having a specific band while the hearing aid unit 100 is being charged.

The voltage data included in the frequency of a specific band output through the receiver 110 is received by the charging unit 200 , and the charging unit 200 receives the voltage data from the battery 121 provided in the hearing aid unit 100 through the voltage data. You can check the charging status. The contents of the charging state of the battery 121 will be described again when the charging unit 200 and the control unit 300 are described below.

The light output unit 140 emits light using an induced current generated in the wireless coil 122 to charge the battery 121 . The light output unit 140 emits light by an induced current that is continuously generated while the battery 121 is being charged, so that it continuously emits light when the charging of the battery 121 is in progress from the time when the charging of the battery 121 starts. can

In the light output unit 140 , the light emission period may be changed according to a control signal (state information generation) transmitted from the charging voltage control unit 126 . For example, the light output unit 140 may continuously emit light according to a control signal received from the charging voltage control unit 126 or may blink at a predetermined cycle.

The light output unit 140 may include a miniature light emitting diode (LED) device.

When the light output unit 140 emits light, the control unit 300 that receives whether the light output unit 140 emits light may check the charging state of the hearing aid unit 100 , and the control unit 300 controls the hearing aid unit 100 . ) will be described again when the charging unit 200 and the control unit are described below.

The compensator 150 equalizes the sound input to the microphone 111 before being output through the receiver 110 . The correction unit 150 corrects the sound quality of the sound to be output from the receiver 110 by equalizing the sound.

For example, the compensator 150 adjusts the amplification of a specific frequency region according to the surrounding environment and characteristics in which the user wearing the hearing aid unit 100 is located. For example, when the user wearing the hearing aid unit 100 is positioned in a hall where the low range is emphasized, the compensator 150 may weakly output the low range to correct the sound quality of the sound heard by the user. The correction unit 150 may correct the sound quality according to various environments and characteristics such as outdoor, outdoor and indoor performance halls or indoors.

The compensator 150 is formed in the form of a button protruding from the outside of the charging unit 200, and when pressed by the user, the amplification of a specific frequency region is changed to a preset equalization. For example, in the correction unit 150, equalizing corresponding to outdoor, outdoor and indoor performance halls or indoors is preset, and the user can change the sound quality according to the environment in which the current user is located by sequentially pressing the correction unit 150. .

The housing 101 forms the outer shape of the hearing aid unit 100 . The housing 101 includes the receiver 110 , the microphone 111 , the charging unit 120 , the main integrated circuit 130 , the optical output unit 140 , and the correction unit 150 described above. The outer surface material of the housing 101 is formed of a material harmless to the human body and is formed of a material having a predetermined elasticity, so that it is possible to increase the convenience and fit of wearing. As described above, the housing 101 is custom-made according to the shape of the external auditory meatus of each user.

A handle 103 that can be gripped by a user is provided on the outside of the housing 101 . The handle 103 is formed to protrude to the outside of the external auditory meatus when the user wears the hearing aid unit 100 on the external auditory meatus. The user may remove the hearing aid unit 100 from the external auditory meatus by pulling the handle 103 while wearing the hearing aid unit 100 .

Hereinafter, a flow of a current and a flow of a control signal generated when the hearing aid unit 100 is being charged will be described with reference to FIG. 4 .

First, the induced current generated in the wireless coil 122 is converted into a charging voltage by the charging voltage generator 124 and transferred to the battery protection unit 125 . In addition, the charging voltage generated in the charging voltage generator 124 is supplied to the battery 121 to charge the battery 121 or is supplied to the receiver 110 to operate the receiver 110 .

As described above, when the battery 121 of the hearing aid unit 100 is being charged, the receiver 110 continuously outputs a sound having a frequency of a specific band for sound wave communication with the charging unit 200 . At this time, the receiver 110 is driven by directly receiving the charging voltage generated by the charging voltage generator 124 without going through the battery 121 .

And a portion of the induced current generated by the wireless coil 122 is supplied to the induced current stabilizer 123, the charging voltage control unit 126 and the optical output unit 140, the induced current stabilizer 123, the charging voltage control unit 126 and the light output unit 140 operate using only the induced current.

If the hearing aid unit 100 is not being charged, the voltage charged in the battery 121 is directly supplied to the receiver 110 through the battery protection unit 125 .

Therefore, when the battery 121 is being charged, the receiver 110 receives the charging voltage generated by the charging voltage generating unit 124 directly without going through the battery 121 , and the induced current stabilizing unit 123 and the charging voltage controlling unit 126 . ) and the light output unit 140 are operated by induced current, so there is no power loss in the battery 121 because the battery 121 is not used, and this has the advantage of preserving and maintaining the life of the battery 121 there is.

The charging unit 200 wirelessly supplies a charging voltage to the hearing aid unit 100 seated therein. In addition, the charging unit 200 receives the voltage data of the battery 121 from the sound (frequency of a specific band) output from the receiver 110 of the hearing aid unit 100 and provides the voltage data to the control unit 300 . In addition, the charging unit 200 provides a result of sensing whether the light output unit 140 of the hearing aid unit 100 emits light to the control unit 300 .

The voltage data provided from the charging unit 200 to the control unit 300 and whether the light output unit 140 emits light is determined by the control unit 300 in the charging operation between the hearing aid unit 100 and the charging unit 200 and the charging malfunction. is used to judge

The charging unit 200 includes a lower case 210 and an upper case 220 that form the outer shape of the charging unit 200 .

The lower case 210 has a hollow inside and an open top. In the inner space of the lower case 210 , a charging power supply 230 for supplying a charging voltage to the hearing aid unit 100 and a sound wave receiving unit 260 for receiving a sound output from the receiver 110 are installed.

A lower fixing part 211 is provided at an upper portion of the lower case 210 . The lower fixing part 211 seals the open upper part of the lower case 210 . In addition, the lower fixing part 211 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower part of the hearing aid unit 100 on the upper surface, and a lower seating groove 212 in which the lower part of the hearing aid unit 100 is seated in close contact is formed. The lower fixing part 211 may be detachably coupled to the lower case 210 .

For example, since the shape of the ear canal is different for each of the plurality of users, the shape of the hearing aid unit 100 is also manufactured in a different shape depending on the user who uses the hearing aid unit 100 . In this case, the lower seating groove 212 is custom-made to correspond to the lower shape of the custom-made hearing aid unit 100 . The material of the lower seating groove 212 may be formed of a soft material having a predetermined elasticity to prevent shock and scratches from being applied to the outer surface of the seated hearing aid unit 100 .

In addition, the hearing aid unit 100 and the lower seating groove 212 may include a magnetic material. When the hearing aid unit 100 is seated in the lower seating groove 212, the hearing aid unit 100 is magnetically coupled.

The upper case 220 is hinged with one side of the lower case 210 and rotates by a hinge operation to open and close the upper part of the lower case 210 . That is, the upper case 220 serves as a lid of the lower case 210 .

An upper fixing part 221 is provided inside the upper case 220 . The upper fixing part 221 is formed in a shape corresponding to the upper shape of the hearing aid unit 100 on the lower surface, and an upper seating groove 222 in which the upper part of the hearing aid unit 10 is seated in close contact is formed.

The upper fixing part 221 may be detachably coupled to the upper case 220 .

The upper seating groove 222 may be customized to correspond to the upper shape of the hearing aid unit 100 customized according to the user, like the lower seating groove 212 . The material of the upper seating groove 222 is formed of a soft material having a predetermined elasticity to prevent shock and scratches from being applied to the outer surface of the seated hearing aid unit 100 .

Accordingly, since the hearing aid unit 100, the lower seating groove 212, and the upper seating groove 222 are custom-made to correspond to the shape of the user's respective external auditory meatus, the hearing aid unit 100 provides a comfortable fit for the user, and The seating groove 222 and the lower seating groove 212 have the advantage of providing a stable seating and fixation of the hearing aid unit 100 when the hearing aid unit 100 is built-in for charging or storage in the charging unit 200 . there is.

In addition, since the lower fixing part 211 and the upper fixing part 221 can be detachably coupled to each of the lower case 210 and the upper case 220, the lower case 210 and the upper case 220 are the same It is possible to increase the convenience of manufacturing in that it is manufactured in a shape and only the lower fixing part 211 and the upper fixing part 221 are custom-made and attached to the user.

The charging power supply 230 is installed inside the lower case 210 . The charging power supply 230 wirelessly supplies a charging voltage to the hearing aid unit 100 when the hearing aid unit 100 is built in the charging unit 200 . The charging power supply 230 may include a wireless coil 231 , a wireless charging generator 232 , and a voltage generator 233 for wirelessly supplying a charging voltage to the hearing aid unit 100 .

The voltage generating unit 233 and the wireless charging generating unit 232 receive power from a battery (not shown) provided in the charging unit 200 to generate a voltage for silent charging, and the generated voltage is the wireless coil 231 . ) is supplied to the hearing aid unit 100 through the induced current generated by the

Here, the battery (not shown) provided in the charging unit 200 may be a rechargeable battery that is charged by receiving external power through a charging cable such as USB.

The sound wave receiving unit 260 is installed in a position adjacent to the lower fixing unit 211 inside the lower case 210 . The location of the sound wave receiver 260 may be different depending on the charging unit 200 .

For example, since the hearing aid unit 200 is manufactured differently according to the shape of the user's ear canal, the position of the receiver 110 installed in the hearing aid unit 100 may be installed at a different location for each hearing aid unit 100 .

And since the lower seating groove 212 of the lower fixing part 211 is also manufactured differently for each user, the position of the sound wave receiver 260 may be installed to match the position of the receiver 110 installed in the hearing aid unit 100 .

For example, a sound passage hole 213 is formed through the lower fixing part 211 at a position corresponding to the sound output area of the receiver 110 . The sound passage hole 213 is located in the lower fixing part 211 corresponding to the space between the receiver 110 and the sound wave receiver 260 , and the sound output from the receiver 110 passes through the sound passage hole 213 and the sound wave It is transmitted to the receiver 260 .

The sound wave receiving unit 260 receives the voltage data of the battery 121 from the sound generated by the receiver 110 in sound wave communication with the hearing aid unit 100 that is seated on the lower fixing unit 211 and is being charged.

The sound wave receiver 260 transmits the voltage data received from the hearing aid unit 100 to the Audio in 301 of the control unit 300 . In this embodiment, the sound wave receiver 260 may include a microphone for receiving the sound output from the receiver 110 .

The photosensor unit 240 is provided in the upper fixing unit 221 . The optical sensor unit 240 senses the light source emitted from the optical output unit 140 of the hearing aid unit 100 when the hearing aid unit 100 seated in the charging unit 200 is charged. The light sensor unit 240 transmits the sensing result, that is, whether the light output unit 140 emits light to the control unit 300 .

For example, when the hearing aid unit 100 is seated on the upper fixing unit 221 in order to increase the sensing precision of the light output unit 140 , the optical sensor unit 240 may It may be located on the upper fixing part 221 so as to be adjacent.

For example, since the hearing aid unit 200 is manufactured differently according to the shape of the user's ear canal, the position of the optical output unit 140 installed in the hearing aid unit 100 may be installed at a different location for each hearing aid unit 100 .

And since the upper seating groove 222 of the upper fixing part 221 is also manufactured differently for each user, the position of the optical sensor unit 240 is to be installed to match the position of the optical output unit 140 installed in the hearing aid unit 100 . can

Although it is illustrated in FIG. 2 that four photosensor units 240 are provided, the number of photosensor units 240 is not limited to any one. Also, the position of the optical sensor unit 240 may be changed according to the position of the light output unit 140 .

In this embodiment, the photosensor unit 240 may include a photodiode. A photodiode is one of the electric semiconductor diodes, and uses the property of generating a current when light hits a junction of a semiconductor and is used to detect light.

The switch unit 250 may be installed in either the upper case 220 or the lower case 210 . The switch unit 250 performs a switching operation when the upper case 220 covers the lower case 210 to allow a charging voltage to be supplied from the charging power supply 230 to the hearing aid unit 100 . Here, the switching operation of the switch unit 250 means that the hearing aid unit 100 is built into the charging unit 200 , and the upper case 220 seals the lower case 210 and is ready to start charging. .

That is, the switch unit 250 operates in the charging unit 200 only when the upper case 220 covers the lower case 210 even when the hearing aid unit 100 is seated on the lower fixing unit 211 of the lower case 210 . Allows a charging voltage to be supplied to the hearing aid unit 100 .

In FIG. 2 , the switch unit 250 is illustrated as provided in a position where the upper case 220 and the lower case 210 are hinged, but the position of the switch unit 250 is not limited to any one.

Meanwhile, a UV lamp (not shown) is provided inside the charging unit 200 . The UV lamp sterilizes the outer surface of the hearing aid unit 100 by irradiating UV directly from the inside of the charging unit 200 to the outer surface of the hearing aid unit 100 seated on the lower fixing part 212 .

That is, the UV lamp is irradiated to directly irradiate UV from the inside of the charging unit 200 to the outer surface of the hearing aid unit 100. provided in a possible location.

In this embodiment, the UV lamp may emit light output in the UV-C 2537A band in order to perform a sterilization function.

For example, ultraviolet rays in the 1800-2800A band have the shortest wavelength among ultraviolet wavelengths and have high sterilization power against various microorganisms. Among them, the representative wavelength is the UV-C 2537A band. However, although UV-C has a high sterilization effect, it has low permeability and cannot penetrate even ordinary glass.

That is, when the hearing aid unit 100 is being charged by the charging unit 200 , the UV lamp is in the 1800-2800A band through the sound passage hole 213 for sound wave communication between the hearing aid unit 100 and the charging unit 200 . UV of the hearing aid unit 100 can be directly irradiated to sterilize.

The control unit 300 is installed inside the lower case 210 of the charging unit 200 . The control unit 300 receives voltage data for the battery 121 of the hearing aid unit 100 from the sound wave receiving unit 260 , and receives whether the light output unit 140 emits light from the optical sensor unit 240 . The control unit 300 detects the charging state of the battery 121 based on the received voltage data for the battery 121 and whether the light output unit 140 emits light, and the charging voltage supplied to the hearing aid unit 100 . control the supply of

The control unit 300 may detect a charging start and charging state of the battery 121 through whether the light output unit 140 emits light. For example, when the hearing aid unit 100 is built into the charging unit 200 and a charging voltage is supplied from the charging unit 200 , the light output unit 140 of the hearing aid unit 100 emits light using the charging voltage. In addition, the optical sensor unit 240 transmits whether the light output unit 140 emits light to the control unit 300 .

In addition, when the light output unit 140 is emitting light, the control unit 300 determines that the charging voltage is normally supplied from the charging power supply 230 to the hearing aid unit 100 without malfunction and maintains the supply of the charging voltage.

The control unit 300 may detect the charging state of the battery 121 during charging and when the charging is completed through the voltage data for the battery 121 received from the sound wave receiver 260 .

For example, when the hearing aid unit 100 is built into the charging unit 200 and a charging voltage is supplied from the charging unit 200 , the receiver 110 of the hearing aid unit 100 includes the voltage data of the battery 121 . It continuously outputs the frequency (sound) of the specified band.

In addition, the control unit 300 may check the voltage data of the battery 121 from the sound received from the sound wave receiver 260 to determine the current charge amount of the battery 121 . The control unit 300 stops the supply of power from the charging unit 200 to the hearing aid unit 100 when the received voltage data is a voltage corresponding to the charging of the battery 121 .

Therefore, the structure of the in-ear customized hearing aid and charger capable of wireless charging of the present invention is made small and the battery 121 is charged using the receiver 110 of the hearing aid unit 100 that is difficult to construct a separate communication device. By checking and stopping the power supplied to the battery 121 when charging of the battery 121 is completed, there is an advantage in that the life of the battery 121 is preserved and efficient power management is possible.

Hereinafter, a method in which the control unit 300 having a structure of a customized hearing aid and charger capable of wireless charging according to the present invention determines a malfunction of charging will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 .

6 is a block diagram illustrating a method in which the control unit 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 determines a malfunction of charging the battery 121 through the switch unit 250 and the photosensor unit 240 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , the control unit 300 receives whether a switching operation is performed from the switch unit 250 . In addition, the control unit 300 receives whether the light output unit 140 emits light from the light sensor unit 240 .

The control unit 300 controls the light emission of the light output unit 140 from the optical sensor unit 240 in a state where the switch unit 250 allows the charging voltage to be supplied from the charging unit 200 to the hearing aid unit 100 . If the detection is not performed, the charging voltage is not supplied from the charging unit 200 to the hearing aid unit 100 , and thus it is determined that the battery 121 is charging malfunction.

7 is a block diagram illustrating a method in which the control unit 300 illustrated in FIG. 1 determines a malfunction of charging the battery 121 through the charging voltage control unit 126 and the photosensor unit 240 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , the control unit 300 receives voltage data of the battery 121 from the charging voltage controller 126 . In addition, the control unit 300 receives whether the light output unit 140 emits light from the light sensor unit 240 .

Although the voltage data of the battery 121 received from the charging voltage control unit 126 is a voltage corresponding to the charging of the battery 121 , the control unit 300 controls the light output unit 140 from the optical sensor unit 240 . When light emission is detected, it is determined that the supply of power from the charging unit 200 to the hearing aid unit 100 is not stopped but is continuously supplied, and thus a malfunction of charging the battery 121 is determined. When it is determined that the battery 121 charging malfunctions, the control unit 300 immediately cuts off the power supplied to the hearing aid unit 100 .

Accordingly, the structure of the in-ear customized hearing aid and charger capable of wireless charging of the present invention includes a relatively simple structure including a small light output unit 140 that emits light using a charging voltage in the hearing aid unit 100. It is possible to determine the malfunction and, in case of a malfunction in charging the battery 121 , an immediate response is possible, thereby preserving the life of the battery 121 and enabling efficient power management.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the control unit 300 includes a communication module that communicates with the user's mobile terminal. The communication module may wirelessly communicate with the mobile terminal through wireless data communication, Wi-Fi communication, or Bluetooth communication.

The control unit 300 analyzes the voltage data of the battery 121 received from the charging voltage controller 126 to determine the expected charging completion time of the hearing aid unit 100 , a charging malfunction of the hearing aid unit 100 , and the charging battery 121 . ), the usable time of the hearing aid unit 100 with respect to the current remaining capacity is transmitted to the mobile terminal through the communication module.

Here, the usable time of the hearing aid unit 100 with respect to the current remaining capacity of the battery 121 being charged means the current value of the hearing aid unit 100 when charging of the battery 121 being charged is stopped and the hearing aid unit 100 is used. It means the time that can be used until the battery 121 is discharged to the voltage.

For reference, the mobile terminal may include a device such as a smart phone or a tablet PC used by a user.

Accordingly, the structure of the in-ear customized hearing aid and charger capable of wireless charging of the present invention has the advantage of providing high convenience by analyzing the voltage data of the battery 121 being charged and providing various information to the user.

Although the above has been described with reference to one embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art may change the present invention in various ways within the scope not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims below. It will be appreciated that modifications and variations are possible.

100: hearing aid unit
110: receiver
120: charging unit
130: main integrated circuit
140: light output unit
200: charging unit
210: lower case
220: upper case
230: power supply
240: optical sensor unit
250: switch unit
260: sound wave receiver
300: control unit

Claims (6)

It is formed to correspond to the shape of the ear canal of each of a plurality of users, is worn on the ear canal, and includes an optical output unit that emits light when the provided wireless rechargeable battery is wirelessly charging, and a receiver that outputs a sound including voltage data of the battery hearing aid unit;
A lower case, an upper case coupled to the lower case, an optical sensor unit provided at a position corresponding to the light output unit to sense whether the light output unit emits light, and a light sensor unit provided at a position corresponding to the receiver and output from the receiver a charging unit provided with a sound wave receiver for receiving the voltage data from sound; and
Installed in the charging unit, control the power supplied to the hearing aid unit by detecting the state of charge of the battery based on the voltage data received from the sound wave receiving unit and whether the light output unit detected by the optical sensor unit emits light including a control unit that
The control unit detects the voltage corresponding to the completion of charging of the battery from the voltage data, but if the light-emitting operation is not stopped in the light output unit, it is determined as a malfunction of the charging voltage supply. Hearing aid and charger construction. It is formed to correspond to the shape of the ear canal of each of a plurality of users, is worn on the ear canal, and includes an optical output unit that emits light when the provided wireless rechargeable battery is wirelessly charging, and a receiver that outputs a sound including voltage data of the battery hearing aid unit;
A lower case, an upper case coupled to the lower case, a charging power supply for wirelessly supplying a charging voltage to the hearing aid unit, and a switching operation when the upper case covers the lower case, a charging voltage from the charging power supply to the hearing aid unit a charging unit provided with a switch unit allowing the supply and an optical sensor unit provided at a position corresponding to the light output unit to sense whether the light output unit emits light; and
Including a control unit installed in the charging unit,
The control unit controls the charging voltage to be supplied from the charging unit to the hearing aid unit when the switch unit is operated. If the switch unit is operated but the optical sensor unit does not detect the light emission of the optical output unit, it is determined that the charging voltage supply is malfunctioning. A customized hearing aid and charger structure capable of wireless charging, characterized in that. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
The charging unit is
an upper fixing part formed in a shape corresponding to an upper shape of the hearing aid unit and having an upper seating groove in which an upper portion of the hearing aid unit is seated in close contact; and
and a lower fixing part formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower part of the hearing aid unit and having a lower seating groove in which a lower part of the hearing aid unit is seated in close contact;
The upper fixing part is detachably coupled to the upper case and the lower fixing part is detachably coupled to the lower case. delete delete 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
The lower fixing part includes a sound passage hole formed through a position corresponding to the sound output area of the receiver,
The charging unit includes a UV lamp for sterilizing the hearing aid unit by irradiating UV directly to the outer surface of the hearing aid unit through the sound passage hole.

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