WO1999055131A2 - Energy storage unit, preferably for a hearing aid, method for charging said energy storage unit, and a device for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Energy storage unit, preferably for a hearing aid, method for charging said energy storage unit, and a device for carrying out the method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999055131A2
WO1999055131A2 PCT/CH1999/000421 CH9900421W WO9955131A2 WO 1999055131 A2 WO1999055131 A2 WO 1999055131A2 CH 9900421 W CH9900421 W CH 9900421W WO 9955131 A2 WO9955131 A2 WO 9955131A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
energy storage
storage unit
hearing aid
coil
charging
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CH1999/000421
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
WO1999055131A3 (en
Inventor
Christoph Wuersch
Gerard Van Oerle
Original Assignee
Phonak Ag
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Phonak Ag filed Critical Phonak Ag
Priority to PCT/CH1999/000421 priority Critical patent/WO1999055131A2/en
Priority to AU54054/99A priority patent/AU5405499A/en
Publication of WO1999055131A2 publication Critical patent/WO1999055131A2/en
Publication of WO1999055131A3 publication Critical patent/WO1999055131A3/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/247—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for portable devices, e.g. mobile phones, computers, hand tools or pacemakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/46—Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/213—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/218—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material
    • H01M50/22—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by the material of the casings or racks
    • H01M50/222—Inorganic material
    • H01M50/224—Metals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/271—Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
    • H01M50/273—Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings characterised by the material
    • H01M50/278—Organic material
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04R25/558—Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
    • 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
    • H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • Energy storage unit preferably for a hearing aid, method for charging the energy storage unit and a device for carrying out the method
  • the present invention relates to an energy storage unit according to the preamble of claim 1, a hearing aid with the
  • Energy storage unit a method for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit present in the hearing aid and a device for carrying out the method.
  • Hearing aids serve to improve the hearing performance of hearing-impaired patients, whereby a fundamental distinction is made between BTE (behind-the-ear) and ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids.
  • the second type of hearing aid includes the so-called CIC (Completely-in-t e-Canal) hearing aids, which are completely absorbed into the patient's auditory canal.
  • An ITE hearing aid is known from the German utility model with the number G 87 13 369.5, but because of the expansion due to the battery compartment, it cannot be completely inserted into the hearing passage.
  • EP-0 831 674-A2 discloses a hearing aid that can be completely implanted, a portable charger and a portable wireless remote control being provided in order to charge an accumulator in the hearing aid on the one hand and to program the hearing aid as desired on the other hand .
  • a transmission coil connected to the charger via a line.
  • a disadvantage of this known hearing aid is that one or more of the conventional nickel, cadmium, nickel-metal hybrid, lithium or lithium-ion cells are used as accumulators, which require a relatively large amount of space or, in the case of a small version, one have low loading capacity.
  • WO 97/34443 discloses a hearing aid which is constructed in the form of a cylinder and is completely sealed off from the outside, a conventional, non-rechargeable battery being provided as an energy store which is located in the interior of the cylindrical hearing device.
  • a conventional, non-rechargeable battery being provided as an energy store which is located in the interior of the cylindrical hearing device.
  • WO 95/28817 Yet another known embodiment of a hearing aid is disclosed in WO 95/28817.
  • the known hearing device has an energy store in the form of a capacitor which is coupled to a coil.
  • a further coil is provided outside the hearing aid and is connected to an AC voltage source. According to the Operation of a transformer induces a voltage in the coil of the hearing aid.
  • a rectifier circuit in the hearing device connected between the coil and the capacitor ensures the rectification of the induced alternating voltage.
  • EP-0 909 113-A2 discloses a hearing aid which has a hearing aid charging circuit which consists of a rectifier, a conventional rechargeable battery and a secondary coil which is inductively coupled to a primary coil connected to the charging circuit in the charging container when the hearing aid is inserted , wherein the secondary coil is listed as a coreless coil surrounding the accumulator.
  • the present invention is therefore based on the object of creating an energy storage unit or a small hearing device with such an energy storage unit which does not have the disadvantages mentioned above. This object is achieved by the measures specified in the characterizing part of patent claim 1.
  • Advantageous refinements of the invention, a hearing aid with the energy storage unit, a method for charging the energy storage unit and a device for carrying out the method are specified in further claims.
  • the invention has the following advantages: Because the energy storage unit consists of a film which is constructed or wound in the form of a hollow cylinder, an extremely high energy density is achieved. This is of the greatest importance, especially for the smallest systems with their own energy supply.
  • a coil is provided according to the invention, which surrounds the hollow cylinder-shaped film.
  • a voltage is induced in the coil to charge the energy storage unit, the voltage being induced in a known manner due to an alternating field.
  • the circuits necessary for voltage rectification and regulation as well as the signal processing units also required for a hearing aid can be accommodated in the hollow cylinder according to the invention.
  • the coil according to the invention is also advantageously suitable for communication with the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid can be used without contact points for Programming lines are provided on the hearing aid are programmed, that is to say that various parameters and algorithms that characterize a specific hearing loss of a patient are transmitted via the coil in the hearing aid - and thus into a memory in one
  • Signal processing unit - can be transmitted.
  • the hearing aid can thus be completely encapsulated and set up without contact points.
  • the energy storage unit and in particular also the coil can be designed to be space-saving, an embodiment as a hollow cylinder in which all hearing aid components are contained is particularly advantageous.
  • the outer surface of the hollow cylinder also serves as a hearing aid housing.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention in a schematic representation
  • FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention, likewise in a schematic illustration
  • FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention, likewise in a schematic illustration, 4 shows an embodiment of a circuit arrangement for charging an energy storage unit present in the hearing aid or for programming a signal processing unit present in the hearing aid,
  • Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the
  • FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention, consisting of two electro-acoustic transducers, namely a microphone 1 and a loudspeaker 2, a signal processing unit 6 and an energy storage unit 3, in a schematic, partially cut-away representation.
  • a coil 4 is provided, via which the energy storage unit 3 can be charged.
  • the rod-shaped hearing aid according to FIG. 1 is inserted completely into the ear canal of a patient, the end provided with the microphone 1 being directed outwards and the end provided with the loudspeaker 2 being directed inside the ear.
  • the rod-shaped module containing the hearing aid components can be specifically adapted to the patient's auditory canal in various ways. In this regard, reference is made, for example, to publications EP-0 855 847-A2 and WO 97/34443.
  • Electrode 1 and 2 Between the electro-acoustic transducers 1 and 2 and connected to them is a preferably hollow cylinder-shaped body, which by the energy storage unit 3 and
  • Coil 4 is formed and in which the signal processing unit 6 fastened on a carrier element 7 is contained.
  • the carrier unit 7 is preferably an electrical conductor substrate on which the signal processing unit 6 is attached as an electrical component - for example using hybrid technology.
  • the loudspeaker 2 or the microphone 1 are connected to the carrier element 7 or to the conductor tracks provided thereon via contact points 8 or 11.
  • the signal recorded by the microphone 1 is processed or processed in the signal processing unit 6 so that it can be applied to the loudspeaker 2 in the desired form.
  • the aforementioned coil 4 is provided for charging the energy storage unit 3 and preferably has a hollow cylindrical shape.
  • An AC voltage induced in this coil 4 due to an external electromagnetic alternating field is corresponding with the aid of a conventional rectifier Smoothing circuits and, if necessary, a voltage regulator prepared and applied to the energy storage unit 3, whereby the energy storage unit 3 is supplied with energy.
  • Fig. 2 shows - again in a schematic representation - a further embodiment of the invention.
  • the energy storage unit 3 extends over the entire length of the hearing aid and thus simultaneously forms its housing.
  • the coil 4 also extends over a larger area of the hollow cylinder surface of the energy storage unit 3, with which a greater electromagnetic coupling can be achieved when the energy storage unit 3 is being charged.
  • the charging process can either be accelerated considerably or the alternating field required for charging can be significantly weaker.
  • the hollow-cylinder-shaped hearing aid has covers 9 and 10 made of an acoustically transparent material at the two ends, which preferably keeps splash water and dirt (cerumen, dust, grease, etc.) away. Basically, fine-pored filters, etched grids or sintered polyethylene parts are therefore suitable for the covers 9 and 10.
  • An improvement in the possibility of protection is achieved in that a water- and fat-repellent material is selected for the covers 9 and 10 or in that the material used is treated in such a way that water and / or fat parts are repelled.
  • the preferred embodiment of the hearing aid according to the invention has the further advantage that the electronic components arranged in the interior, in particular those in the signal processing unit 6, are shielded from electromagnetic influences by the energy storage unit 3. The susceptibility to interference of the hearing aids has thus been reduced at the same time compared to known embodiments.
  • the arrangement of the energy storage unit 3 and the coil 4 increases the overall rigidity of the hearing aid.
  • Energy storage unit 3 to laminate a thin sheet of a highly permeable material (e.g. metallic spin glasses, Vitrovac or Permalloy-like alloys), which at the same time further improves the mechanical shape of the hearing aid as a metallic sheathing.
  • a highly permeable material e.g. metallic spin glasses, Vitrovac or Permalloy-like alloys
  • the speaker coil 5, which is present in the loudspeaker 2 anyway, is used instead of the coil 4 for charging the energy storage unit 3.
  • the coil 4 is therefore not necessary.
  • a digital / analog converter is not required in digital hearing aids, in which the receiver, ie the loudspeaker, is controlled with a pulse-width-modulated voltage (reference is made to the publication of the international patent application WO 97/40644), because the existing circuit is used simultaneously as an active and passive rectifier.
  • the hearing aid and thus also the coil 4 are exposed to an alternating magnetic field during charging.
  • a voltage U ind induced in the coil 4 exceeds a threshold value U min , which results from the sum of the instantaneous voltage U E across the energy storage unit 3 and a threshold voltage U th determined by the charging electronics, the charging process of the energy storage unit 3 begins.
  • the size of the induced voltage U ind depends in a known manner on the following conditions:
  • Amplitude of the alternating magnetic field Frequency of the alternating magnetic field; Distance between the source of the alternating magnetic field and the coil 4; Geometry and design of coil 4 (inductance, DC resistance, cross-sectional area, number of turns);
  • Energy storage unit 3 is switched.
  • the criterion of the switchover arises from whether the instantaneous voltage U E of the energy storage unit 3 is sufficient to operate a charge controller present in the signal processing unit 6 or not.
  • FIG. 4 an output stage of a hearing aid is shown schematically, which according to normal hearing aid mode with a digital pulse-width-modulated signal already cited laid-open publication WO 97/40644 is driven.
  • the coil 5 is connected to the energy storage unit 3 via four low-loss switches 20 to 23 - shown as field-effect transistors in FIG. 3.
  • the circuit arrangement corresponds to the known bridge circuit.
  • switches 20 to 23 are actuated alternately with the pulse width modulated signal. If this signal is low (low level), switches 20 and 23 are closed, for example, while switches 21 and 22 are open. If the signal is high, switches 20 and 23 are open accordingly, while switches 21 and 22 are closed.
  • This circuit arrangement makes it possible in the simplest way to couple the coil 5 to the energy storage unit 3 with a very low resistance with a maximum voltage swing.
  • the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 4 simultaneously allows the energy storage unit 3 to be charged via the coil 5.
  • this can be done by actively switching the switches 20 and 23 or 21 and 22 such that the voltage U ind induced in the coil 5 leads to a unipolar voltage across the energy storage unit 3 .
  • a known comparator circuit not shown in FIG. 4 Detect, with positive voltage U ind switches 20 and 23 open and switches 21 and 22 closed. If the voltage U ind is negative, the switching states of the switches 20 to 23 are reversed, ie the switches 20 and 23 are closed and the switches 21 and 22 are open.
  • FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a circuit arrangement for charging the energy storage unit 3, a passive charging process also being possible in this embodiment.
  • the switches 20 to 23 are again provided, which are controlled in accordance with the statements relating to FIG. 4.
  • a diode D1 or D2 or D3 or D4 is now provided in parallel for each of the switches 20 to 23.
  • the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 5 corresponds to the known classic bridge circuit, which is used in particular when the residual charge of the energy storage unit 3 is not sufficient to feed the charge controller.
  • Energy storage unit 3 must then take place passively at least until there is sufficient energy to supply the charge controller and thus to actuate switches 20 to 23.
  • the switches 20 to 23 are in the open state, even if the voltage U E across the energy storage unit 3 is small and the charging controller is at best in an undefined state Condition.
  • FIG. 6 An embodiment of the circuit according to FIG. 5 with field effect transistors as switches 20 to 23 is shown in FIG. 6.
  • the switches 20 and 23 are p-channel field effect transistors and the switches 21 and 22 are n-channel field effect transistors. Furthermore, the gate connections of the switches 20 to 23 are led to the respective base connection potential via high-resistance resistors 30 to 33. The switch positions of the switches 20 to 23 are thus defined even with a low supply voltage U E of the charge controller.
  • the diodes D1 to D4 shown in FIG. 5 are in the embodiment according to FIG. 6 between the base connection and the drain or. Source connection of the respective field effect transistors available.
  • Accumulators (secondary cells), such as lead accumulators, NiCd accumulators, Ni-metal hydride accumulators or lithium systems (Li-ion, Li-metal hydride, Li-polymer) as well as super and ultracapacitors can be used as energy storage unit 3.
  • Accumulator systems are preferably used, which as Hollow cylinders can be realized, that is to say in particular energy storage units wound from foils, which do not require any further sheathing and thus enable an optimal energy density to be achieved and the available volume to be utilized.
  • the energy storage unit can consist of one or more energy storage cells which are connected together in series and / or in parallel.
  • the energy storage unit has been explained in connection with hearing aids, their applicability is in no way limited to hearing aids. Rather, the energy storage unit according to the invention is particularly suitable for a number of other applications, in particular for those in which space is limited and in which a network-independent energy supply is required at the same time.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Storing, Repeated Paying-Out, And Re-Storing Of Elongated Articles (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates first of all to an energy storage unit (3) for receiving or storing or supplying electrical energy. The unit consists at least partially of a film. According to the invention, this film is arranged in or wound into the shape of a hollow cylinder. Extremely high energy densities can be obtained with the novel energy storage unit (3). The invention also relates to a hearing aid, comprising at least one electro-acoustic transducer which functions as a microphone (1) and at least one electro-acoustic transducer which functions as a loudspeaker (2), a signal processing unit (6) which is connected to the electro-acoustic transducers (1, 2), and an energy storage unit (3) for supplying electrical energy to the signal processing unit (6).

Description

Energiespeichereinheit, vorzugsweise für ein Hörgerät, Verfahren zum Aufladen der Energiespeichereinheit und eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des VerfahrensEnergy storage unit, preferably for a hearing aid, method for charging the energy storage unit and a device for carrying out the method
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Energiespeichereinheit nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1, ein Hörgerät mit derThe present invention relates to an energy storage unit according to the preamble of claim 1, a hearing aid with the
Energiespeichereinheit, ein Verfahren zum Aufladen einer im Hörgerät vorhandenen aufladbaren Energiespeichereinheit sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens .Energy storage unit, a method for charging a rechargeable energy storage unit present in the hearing aid and a device for carrying out the method.
Hörgeräte dienen zur Verbesserung der Hδrleistung von hörgeschädigten Patienten, wobei grundsätzlich zwischen HdO- (Hinter-dem-Ohr) - und IdO- (In-dem-Ohr) -Hörgeräten unterschieden wird. Zum zweit genannten Hδrgerätetyp gehören auch die sogenannten CIC- (Completely-in-t e-Canal) - Hörgeräte, die vollständig in den Gehörgang des Patienten aufgenommen werden.Hearing aids serve to improve the hearing performance of hearing-impaired patients, whereby a fundamental distinction is made between BTE (behind-the-ear) and ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids. The second type of hearing aid includes the so-called CIC (Completely-in-t e-Canal) hearing aids, which are completely absorbed into the patient's auditory canal.
Aus der deutschen Gebrauchsmusterschrift mit der Nummer G 87 13 369.5 ist ein IdO-Hörgerät bekannt, das allerdings aufgrund der Erweiterung infolge des Batteriefachs nicht vollständig in den Gehδrgang eingelassen werden kann.An ITE hearing aid is known from the German utility model with the number G 87 13 369.5, but because of the expansion due to the battery compartment, it cannot be completely inserted into the hearing passage.
Des weiteren ist aus der EP-0 831 674-A2 ein Hörgerät bekannt, das vollständig implantierbar ist, wobei ein portables Ladegerät und eine ebenfalls portable drahtlose Fernbedienung vorgesehen sind, um einerseits einen im Hörgerät vorhandenen Akkumulator aufzuladen und um anderseits das Hörgerät wunschgemäss zu programmieren. Zum induktiven Nachladen des Akkumulators wird temporär eine über eine Leitung an das Ladegerät angeschlossene Sendespule hinter das Aussenohr über die Empfangseinrichtung im Hörgerät gebracht. Mit Hilfe der Fernbedienung lassen sich überdies die Betriebsparameter des Hörgerätes verändern und den alltäglich akustischen Umgebungsbedingungen anpassen.Furthermore, EP-0 831 674-A2 discloses a hearing aid that can be completely implanted, a portable charger and a portable wireless remote control being provided in order to charge an accumulator in the hearing aid on the one hand and to program the hearing aid as desired on the other hand . To the inductive recharging of the rechargeable battery is temporarily brought behind the outer ear via the receiver in the hearing aid a transmission coil connected to the charger via a line. With the help of the remote control, the operating parameters of the hearing aid can also be changed and adapted to the everyday acoustic ambient conditions.
Nachteilig bei dieser bekannten Hörhilfe ist, dass als Akkumulatoren eine oder mehrere der herkömmlichen Nickel-, Cadmium-, Nickel-Metall-Hybrid- , Lithium- oder Lithium- Ionen-Zellen verwendet werden, die verhältnismässig viel Platz benötigen bzw. bei kleiner Ausführung eine geringe Ladekapazität aufweisen.A disadvantage of this known hearing aid is that one or more of the conventional nickel, cadmium, nickel-metal hybrid, lithium or lithium-ion cells are used as accumulators, which require a relatively large amount of space or, in the case of a small version, one have low loading capacity.
In der WO 97/34443 ist ein Hörgerät offenbart, das zylinderfδrmig und gegen Aussen vollständig abgeschlossen aufgebaut ist, wobei eine herkömmliche, nicht wiederaufladbare Batterie als Energiespeicher vorgesehen ist, die sich im Inneren des zylinderfδrmigen Hörgerätes befindet. Demzufolge ist dieses bekannte Hörgerät nicht weiter verwendbar, wenn die Energie der Batterie aufgebraucht ist. Das Hörgerät muss also als ganzes ersetzt werden, wenn die Batterie leer ist.WO 97/34443 discloses a hearing aid which is constructed in the form of a cylinder and is completely sealed off from the outside, a conventional, non-rechargeable battery being provided as an energy store which is located in the interior of the cylindrical hearing device. As a result, this known hearing aid can no longer be used if the energy of the battery is used up. The hearing aid must therefore be replaced as a whole when the battery is empty.
Eine noch andere bekannte Ausführungsform eines Hörgerätes ist in der WO 95/28817 offenbart. Das bekannte Hörgerät weist einen Energiespeicher in Form eines Kondensators auf, der mit einer Spule gekoppelt ist . Ausserhalb des Hörgerätes ist eine weitere Spule vorgesehen, die mit einer Wechselspannungsquelle verbunden ist. Entsprechend der Funktionsweise eines Transformators wird eine Spannung in die Spule des Hörgerätes induziert. Eine zwischen die Spule und den Kondensator geschaltete Gleichrichterschaltung im Hörgerät sorgt für die Gleichrichtung der induzierten WechselSpannung.Yet another known embodiment of a hearing aid is disclosed in WO 95/28817. The known hearing device has an energy store in the form of a capacitor which is coupled to a coil. A further coil is provided outside the hearing aid and is connected to an AC voltage source. According to the Operation of a transformer induces a voltage in the coil of the hearing aid. A rectifier circuit in the hearing device connected between the coil and the capacitor ensures the rectification of the induced alternating voltage.
Schliesslich ist in EP-0 909 113-A2 ein Hörgerät offenbart, das einen Hδrgeräte-Ladeschaltkreis aufweist, der aus einem Gleichrichter, einem herkömmlichen Akkumulator und einer Sekundärspule besteht, die mit einer mit dem Ladekreis verbundenen Primärspule im Ladebehälter bei eingelegtem Hörgerät induktiv gekoppelt ist, wobei die Sekundärspule als eine den Akkumulator umgebenden kernlosen Spule aufgeführt ist .Finally, EP-0 909 113-A2 discloses a hearing aid which has a hearing aid charging circuit which consists of a rectifier, a conventional rechargeable battery and a secondary coil which is inductively coupled to a primary coil connected to the charging circuit in the charging container when the hearing aid is inserted , wherein the secondary coil is listed as a coreless coil surrounding the accumulator.
Allen bekannten Hδrgeräthilfen weisen somit nachteilige Eigenschaften betreffend die Energiespeieher auf. So führen die relativ grossen Abmessungen der Energiespeicher zu entsprechend grossen Hörgeräten oder aber die Kapazitäten der Energiespeicher ist ausserst gering, so dass derAll known hearing aid aids thus have disadvantageous properties with regard to the energy storage devices. Thus, the relatively large dimensions of the energy stores lead to correspondingly large hearing aids, or the capacities of the energy stores are extremely low, so that the
Betrieb der Hörgeräte nur für kurze Zeit gewährleistet ist. Auch schränken notwendige Empfangsspulen im Hörgerät die Platzverhältnisse weiter ein.Operation of the hearing aids is only guaranteed for a short time. Necessary receiver coils in the hearing aid further restrict the space available.
Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Energiespeichereinheit bzw. ein Kleinsthörgerät mit einer solchen Energiespeichereinheit zu schaffen, welches die vorstehend genannten Nachteile nicht aufweist . Diese Aufgabe wird durch die im kennzeichnenden Teil des Patentanspruchs 1 angegebenen Massnahmen gelöst . Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung, ein Hörgerät mit der Energiespeichereinheit, ein Verfahren zum Aufladen der Energiespeichereinheit und eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens sind in weiteren Ansprüchen angegeben.The present invention is therefore based on the object of creating an energy storage unit or a small hearing device with such an energy storage unit which does not have the disadvantages mentioned above. This object is achieved by the measures specified in the characterizing part of patent claim 1. Advantageous refinements of the invention, a hearing aid with the energy storage unit, a method for charging the energy storage unit and a device for carrying out the method are specified in further claims.
Die Erfindung weist folgende Vorteile auf: Indem die Energiespeichereinheit aus einer Folie besteht, die Hohlzylinder-fδrmig aufgebaut bzw. gewickelt ist, wird eine überaus hohe Energiedichte erreicht . Dies ist insbesondere für Kleinstsysteme mit eigener Energieversorgung von grösster Bedeutung.The invention has the following advantages: Because the energy storage unit consists of a film which is constructed or wound in the form of a hollow cylinder, an extremely high energy density is achieved. This is of the greatest importance, especially for the smallest systems with their own energy supply.
Wird eine wiederaufladbare Energiespeichereinheit verwendet, so wird erfindungsgemäss eine Spule vorgesehen, welche die Hohlzylinder-fδrmige Folie umgibt. In die Spule wird zum Aufladen der Energiespeichereinheit eine Spannung induziert, wobei die Spannungsinduktion aufgrund eines Wechselfeldes in bekannter Weise erfolgt. Die für die Spannungsgleichrichtung und -regelung notwendigen Schaltkreise als auch die bei einem Hörgerät überdies notwendigen Signalverarbeitungseinheiten können dabei erfindungsgemäss in den Hohlzylinder aufgenommen werden.If a rechargeable energy storage unit is used, a coil is provided according to the invention, which surrounds the hollow cylinder-shaped film. A voltage is induced in the coil to charge the energy storage unit, the voltage being induced in a known manner due to an alternating field. The circuits necessary for voltage rectification and regulation as well as the signal processing units also required for a hearing aid can be accommodated in the hollow cylinder according to the invention.
Die erfindungsgemässe Spule eignet sich in vorteilhafter Weise auch zur Kommunikation mit dem Hörgerät. Damit kann das Hörgerät, ohne dass Kontaktstellen für Programmierleitungen am Hörgerät vorgesehen sind, programmiert werden, d.h., dass verschiedene Parameter und Algorithmen, die einen spezifischen Hörverlust eines Patienten charakterisieren, über die Spule im Hörgerät - und damit in einen Speicher in einerThe coil according to the invention is also advantageously suitable for communication with the hearing aid. This means that the hearing aid can be used without contact points for Programming lines are provided on the hearing aid are programmed, that is to say that various parameters and algorithms that characterize a specific hearing loss of a patient are transmitted via the coil in the hearing aid - and thus into a memory in one
Signalverarbeitungseinheit - übertragen werden können. Das Hörgerät kann somit vollständig verkapselt und ohne Kontaktstellen aufgebaut werden.Signal processing unit - can be transmitted. The hearing aid can thus be completely encapsulated and set up without contact points.
Die Energiespeichereinheit und insbesondere auch die Spule können platzsparend ausgebildet werden, wobei sich eine Ausführungsform als Hohlzylinder, in dem alle Hörgerätekomponenten enthalten sind, besonders vorteilhaft ist. So dient die Mantelfläche des Hohlzylinders neben der Funktion eines Energiespeichers gleichzeitig auch als Hδrgerätgehäuse .The energy storage unit and in particular also the coil can be designed to be space-saving, an embodiment as a hollow cylinder in which all hearing aid components are contained is particularly advantageous. In addition to the function of an energy store, the outer surface of the hollow cylinder also serves as a hearing aid housing.
Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von Zeichnungen beispielsweise näher erläutert. Dabei zeigenThe invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings, for example. Show
Fig. 1 eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Hörgerätes in schematischer Darstellung,1 shows an embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention in a schematic representation,
Fig. 2 eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Hörgerätes, ebenfalls in schematischer Darstellung,2 shows a further embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention, likewise in a schematic illustration,
Fig. 3 eine noch weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Hörgerätes, ebenfalls in schematischer Darstellung, Fig. 4 eine Ausführungsform einer Schaltungsanordnung zum Aufladen einer im Hörgerät vorhandenen Energiespeichereinheit bzw. zum Programmieren einer im Hörgeräte vorhandenen Signalverarbeitungseinheit,3 shows yet another embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention, likewise in a schematic illustration, 4 shows an embodiment of a circuit arrangement for charging an energy storage unit present in the hearing aid or for programming a signal processing unit present in the hearing aid,
Fig. 5 eine weitere Ausführungsform derFig. 5 shows another embodiment of the
Schaltungsanordnung gemass Fig. 3 undCircuit arrangement according to Fig. 3 and
Fig. 6 eine noch weitere Ausführungsform der Schaltungsanordnung gemass Fig. 3.6 shows yet another embodiment of the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 3.
Fig. 1 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Hörgerätes, bestehend aus zwei elektro- akustischen Wandlern, nämlich einem Mikrofon 1 und einem Lautsprecher 2, aus einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit 6 und aus einer Energiespeichereinheit 3, in schematischer, zum Teil aufgeschnittener Darstellung. Erfindungsgemäss ist eine Spule 4 vorgesehen, über welche die Energiespeichereinheit 3 aufladbar ist.1 shows a first embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention, consisting of two electro-acoustic transducers, namely a microphone 1 and a loudspeaker 2, a signal processing unit 6 and an energy storage unit 3, in a schematic, partially cut-away representation. According to the invention, a coil 4 is provided, via which the energy storage unit 3 can be charged.
Das stabfδrmige Hörgerät gemass Fig. 1 wird vollständig in den Gehörgang eines Patienten eingeführt, wobei das mit dem Mikrofon 1 versehene Ende nach aussen und das mit dem Lautsprecher 2 versehene Ende ins Innere des Ohres gerichtet ist . Eine spezifische Anpassung des stabförmigen, die Hörgerätekomponenten enthaltenden Moduls an den Gehδrkanal des Patienten kann auf verschiedene Weise erfolgen. Diesbezüglich wird beispielsweise auf die Veröffentlichungen EP-0 855 847-A2 und WO 97/34443 verwiesen.The rod-shaped hearing aid according to FIG. 1 is inserted completely into the ear canal of a patient, the end provided with the microphone 1 being directed outwards and the end provided with the loudspeaker 2 being directed inside the ear. The rod-shaped module containing the hearing aid components can be specifically adapted to the patient's auditory canal in various ways. In this regard, reference is made, for example, to publications EP-0 855 847-A2 and WO 97/34443.
Zwischen den elektro-akustischen Wandlern 1 und 2 und mit diesen verbunden ist ein vorzugsweise Hohlzylinder-fδrmiger Körper, der durch die Energiespeichereinheit 3 und dieBetween the electro-acoustic transducers 1 and 2 and connected to them is a preferably hollow cylinder-shaped body, which by the energy storage unit 3 and
Spule 4 gebildet ist und in dem die auf einem Trägerelement 7 befestigte SignalVerarbeitungseinheit 6 enthalten ist . Die Trägereinheit 7 ist dabei vorzugsweise ein elektrische Leiterbahnen aufweisendes Substrat, auf welches die Signalverarbeitungseinheit 6 als elektrische Komponente - beispielsweise unter Verwendung der Hybridtechnologie - befestigt ist. Über Kontaktstellen 8 bzw. 11 sind der Lautsprecher 2 bzw. das Mikrofon 1 mit dem Trägerelement 7 bzw. mit den auf diesem vorgesehenen Leiterbahnen verbunden. In der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 6 wird das mit dem Mikrofon 1 aufgenommene Signal verarbeitet bzw. aufbereitet, damit es in gewünschter Form dem Lautsprecher 2 beaufschlagt werden kann.Coil 4 is formed and in which the signal processing unit 6 fastened on a carrier element 7 is contained. The carrier unit 7 is preferably an electrical conductor substrate on which the signal processing unit 6 is attached as an electrical component - for example using hybrid technology. The loudspeaker 2 or the microphone 1 are connected to the carrier element 7 or to the conductor tracks provided thereon via contact points 8 or 11. The signal recorded by the microphone 1 is processed or processed in the signal processing unit 6 so that it can be applied to the loudspeaker 2 in the desired form.
Zum Aufladen der Energiespeichereinheit 3 ist erfindungsgemäss die erwähnte Spule 4 vorgesehen, die vorzugsweise eine Hohlzylinderform aufweist. Ein in dieser Spule 4 induzierte Wechselspannung aufgrund eines äusseren elektromagnetischen Wechselfeldes wird mit Hilfe eines herkömmlichen Gleichrichters, entsprechenden Glättungsschaltungen und allenfalls eines Spannungsreglers aufbereitet und der Energiespeichereinheit 3 beaufschlagt, womit die Energiespeichereinheit 3 mit Energie versorgt wird.According to the invention, the aforementioned coil 4 is provided for charging the energy storage unit 3 and preferably has a hollow cylindrical shape. An AC voltage induced in this coil 4 due to an external electromagnetic alternating field is corresponding with the aid of a conventional rectifier Smoothing circuits and, if necessary, a voltage regulator prepared and applied to the energy storage unit 3, whereby the energy storage unit 3 is supplied with energy.
Fig. 2 zeigt - wiederum in schematischer Darstellung - eine weitere Ausführungsform der Erfindung. Bei dieser erstreckt sich die Energiespeichereinheit 3 über die ganze Länge des Hörgerätes und bildet somit gleichzeitig dessen Gehäuse. Ebenfalls erstreckt sich die Spule 4 über einen grosseren Bereich der Hohlzylindermanteloberfläche der Energiespeichereinheit 3 , womit eine grδssere elektromagnetische Kopplung beim Laden der Energiespeichereinheit 3 erreicht werden kann. Der Ladevorgang kann somit entweder erheblich beschleunigt werden oder aber das zum Aufladen benötigte Wechselfeld kann deutlich schwächer sein.Fig. 2 shows - again in a schematic representation - a further embodiment of the invention. In this case, the energy storage unit 3 extends over the entire length of the hearing aid and thus simultaneously forms its housing. The coil 4 also extends over a larger area of the hollow cylinder surface of the energy storage unit 3, with which a greater electromagnetic coupling can be achieved when the energy storage unit 3 is being charged. The charging process can either be accelerated considerably or the alternating field required for charging can be significantly weaker.
Das Hohlzylinder-fδrmige Hörgerät weist an den beiden Enden Deckel 9 und 10 aus einem akustisch transparenten Material auf, das vorzugsweise Spritzwasser und Schmutz (Cerumen, Staub, Fett, etc.) abhält. Grundsätzlich kommen für die Deckel 9 und 10 somit feinporige Filter, geätzte Gitter oder gesinterte Polyethylen-Teile in Frage. Eine Verbesserung der Schutzmδglichkeit wird dadurch erreicht, indem ein wasser- und fettabstossendes Material für die Deckel 9 und 10 gewählt wird oder indem das verwendete Material derart behandelt wird, dass Wasser- und/oder Fetteile abgestossen werden. Die bevorzugte Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Hörgerätes weist den weiteren Vorteil auf, dass durch die Energiespeichereinheit 3 die im Inneren angeordneten elektronischen Bauteile, insbesondere diejenigen in der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 6, von elektromagnetischen Einflüssen.,abgeschirmt sind. Die Störanfälligkeit der Hörgeräte ist damit gegenüber bekannten Ausführungsformen gleichzeitig reduziert worden. Darüber hinaus wird durch die erfindungsgemässe Anordnung der Energiespeichereinheit 3 und der Spule 4 die Steifigkeit des Hörgerätes insgesamt erhöht.The hollow-cylinder-shaped hearing aid has covers 9 and 10 made of an acoustically transparent material at the two ends, which preferably keeps splash water and dirt (cerumen, dust, grease, etc.) away. Basically, fine-pored filters, etched grids or sintered polyethylene parts are therefore suitable for the covers 9 and 10. An improvement in the possibility of protection is achieved in that a water- and fat-repellent material is selected for the covers 9 and 10 or in that the material used is treated in such a way that water and / or fat parts are repelled. The preferred embodiment of the hearing aid according to the invention has the further advantage that the electronic components arranged in the interior, in particular those in the signal processing unit 6, are shielded from electromagnetic influences by the energy storage unit 3. The susceptibility to interference of the hearing aids has thus been reduced at the same time compared to known embodiments. In addition, the arrangement of the energy storage unit 3 and the coil 4 increases the overall rigidity of the hearing aid.
Um die Induktivität der Spule 4 zu erhöhen, wird weiter vorgeschlagen, als äusserste Schicht in derIn order to increase the inductance of the coil 4, it is further proposed as the outermost layer in the
Energiespeichereinheit 3 ein dünnes Blech eines hochpermeablen Materials (z.B. metallische Spingläser, Vitrovac oder Permalloy-ähnliche Legierungen) einzulaminieren, welches als metallische Ummantelung gleichzeitig die mechanische Form des Hörgerätes weiter verbessert .Energy storage unit 3 to laminate a thin sheet of a highly permeable material (e.g. metallic spin glasses, Vitrovac or Permalloy-like alloys), which at the same time further improves the mechanical shape of the hearing aid as a metallic sheathing.
In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsvariante des Hörgerätes gemass Fig. 1 wird anstelle der Spule 4 die im Lautsprecher 2 ohnehin vorhandene LautSprecherspule 5 zum Aufladen der Energiespeichereinheit 3 verwendet . Bei dieser Ausführungsvariante, die in Fig. 3 dargestellt ist, ist die Spule 4 somit nicht erforderlich. Damit besteht bei dieser Ausführungsvariante eine weitere Miniaturisierungsmδglichkeit gegenüber den Ausführungsformen gemass den Fig. 1 und 2, was insbesondere bei den kleinsten Hörgeräten, den erwähnten CIC-Hörgeräten, einen wesentlichen Vorteil darstellt. Zudem ist bei digitalen Hörgeräten, bei denen der Hörer, d.h. der Lautsprecher, mit einer pulsbreitenmodulierten Spannung angesteuert wird (hierzu wird auf die Veröffentlichung der internationalen Patentanmeldung WO 97/40644 verwiesen) , ein Digital/Analog-Wandler nicht benötigt, denn die bestehende Schaltung wird gleichzeitig als aktiver und passiver Gleichrichter ausgenutzt.In a preferred embodiment of the hearing aid according to FIG. 1, the speaker coil 5, which is present in the loudspeaker 2 anyway, is used instead of the coil 4 for charging the energy storage unit 3. In this embodiment variant, which is shown in FIG. 3, the coil 4 is therefore not necessary. In this embodiment variant, there is therefore a further possibility of miniaturization compared to Embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2, which represents a significant advantage in particular in the smallest hearing aids, the CIC hearing aids mentioned. In addition, a digital / analog converter is not required in digital hearing aids, in which the receiver, ie the loudspeaker, is controlled with a pulse-width-modulated voltage (reference is made to the publication of the international patent application WO 97/40644), because the existing circuit is used simultaneously as an active and passive rectifier.
Im folgenden wird der Ladevorgang erläutert:The charging process is explained below:
Das Hörgerät und damit auch die Spule 4 werden während des Ladens einem magnetischem Wechselfeld ausgesetzt.The hearing aid and thus also the coil 4 are exposed to an alternating magnetic field during charging.
Übersteigt eine in der Spule 4 induzierte Spannung Uind einen Schwellwert Umin, der sich aus der Summe der momentanen Spannung UE über der Energiespeichereinheit 3 und einer durch die Ladeelektronik bestimmte Schwellspannung Uth ergibt, so setzt der Ladevorgang des Energiespeichereinheit 3 ein.If a voltage U ind induced in the coil 4 exceeds a threshold value U min , which results from the sum of the instantaneous voltage U E across the energy storage unit 3 and a threshold voltage U th determined by the charging electronics, the charging process of the energy storage unit 3 begins.
Die Grδsse der induzierten Spannung Uind hängt dabei in bekannter Weise von folgenden Gegebenheiten ab:The size of the induced voltage U ind depends in a known manner on the following conditions:
Amplitude des magnetischen Wechselfeldes; Frequenz des magnetischen Wechselfeldes; Abstand zwischen Quelle des magnetischen Wechselfeldes und der Spule 4; Geometrie und Auslegung der Spule 4 (Induktivität, DC-Widerstand, Querschnittsfläche, Anzahl Windungen) ;Amplitude of the alternating magnetic field; Frequency of the alternating magnetic field; Distance between the source of the alternating magnetic field and the coil 4; Geometry and design of coil 4 (inductance, DC resistance, cross-sectional area, number of turns);
Dämpfung des magnetischen Wechselfeldes durch das Gehäuse des Hörgerätes;Damping of the alternating magnetic field through the housing of the hearing aid;
Um ein effizientes Laden der Energiespeichereinheit 3 erreichen zu können, wird vorgeschlagen, zwischen zwei Ladeverfahren zu unterscheiden, wobei zwischen den beiden Verfahren in Abhängigkeit des Ladezustandes derIn order to be able to achieve efficient charging of the energy storage unit 3, it is proposed to differentiate between two charging methods, the two depending on the state of charge between the two methods
Energiespeichereinheit 3 umgeschaltet wird. Das Kriterium der Umschaltung ergibt sich dabei daraus, ob die momentane Spannung UE der Energiespeichereinheit 3 ausreicht, um einen in der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 6 vorhandenen Ladekontroller zu betreiben oder nicht.Energy storage unit 3 is switched. The criterion of the switchover arises from whether the instantaneous voltage U E of the energy storage unit 3 is sufficient to operate a charge controller present in the signal processing unit 6 or not.
Reicht die Spannung UE der Energiespeichereinheit 3 aus, um den Ladekontroller ausreichend mit Energie zu versorgen, so ist eine optimale aktive Steuerung des Ladevorganges in noch zu beschreibender Art und Weise möglich.If the voltage U E of the energy storage unit 3 is sufficient to supply the charging controller with sufficient energy, optimal active control of the charging process is possible in a manner to be described.
Reicht die Spannung UE der Energiespeichereinheit 3 nicht aus, um den Ladekontroller ausreichend mit Energie zu versorgen, so ist lediglich eine passive Steuerung des Ladevorganges möglich.If the voltage U E of the energy storage unit 3 is not sufficient to supply the charging controller with sufficient energy, only passive control of the charging process is possible.
Zunächst wird der aktive Ladevorgang anhand Fig. 4 beschrieben, in der schematisch eine Ausgangsstufe eines Hörgerätes gezeigt ist, das im normalen Horgeratbetrieb mit einem digitalen pulsbreitenmodulierten Signal gemass der bereits zitierten Offenlegungsschrift WO 97/40644 angesteuert wird. Dabei ist die Spule 5 über vier verlustarme Schalter 20 bis 23 - in Fig. 3 als Feldeffekttransistoren dargestellt - mit der Energiespeichereinheit 3 verbunden. Die Schaltungsanordnung entspricht der bekannten Brückenschaltung. Im normalen Betrieb des Hörgerätes werden die Schalter 20 bis 23 mit dem pulsbreitenmodulierten Signal abwechselnd angesteuert. Ist dieses Signal tief (low level) , so werden beispielsweise die Schalter 20 und 23 geschlossen, während die Schalter 21 und 22 geöffnet sind. Ist das Signal hoch (high level) , so sind entsprechend die Schalter 20 und 23 geöffnet, während die Schalter 21 und 22 geschlossen sind. Damit wird das Signal, welches zwischen hoch und tief variiert wird, in ein Signal verwandelt, welches zwischen - UE und +UE variiert . Diese Schaltungsanordnung erlaubt es auf einfachste Art, die Spule 5 sehr niederohmig mit einem maximalen Spannungshub an die Energiespeichereinheit 3 anzukoppeln.First, the active charging process will be described with reference to FIG. 4, in which an output stage of a hearing aid is shown schematically, which according to normal hearing aid mode with a digital pulse-width-modulated signal already cited laid-open publication WO 97/40644 is driven. The coil 5 is connected to the energy storage unit 3 via four low-loss switches 20 to 23 - shown as field-effect transistors in FIG. 3. The circuit arrangement corresponds to the known bridge circuit. In normal operation of the hearing aid, switches 20 to 23 are actuated alternately with the pulse width modulated signal. If this signal is low (low level), switches 20 and 23 are closed, for example, while switches 21 and 22 are open. If the signal is high, switches 20 and 23 are open accordingly, while switches 21 and 22 are closed. This converts the signal that is varied between high and low into a signal that varies between - U E and + U E. This circuit arrangement makes it possible in the simplest way to couple the coil 5 to the energy storage unit 3 with a very low resistance with a maximum voltage swing.
Erfindungsgemäss erlaubt es die Schaltungsanordnung gemass Fig. 4 gleichzeitig, die Energiespeichereinheit 3 über die Spule 5 aufzuladen. Dies kann im Fall, in dem die Restladung zur Energieversorgung des Ladekontrollers ausreicht, durch aktives Schalten der Schalter 20 und 23 bzw. 21 und 22 derart erfolgen, dass die in der Spule 5 induzierte Spannung Uind zu einer unipolaren Spannung über der Energiespeichereinheit 3 führt. Dazu ist es nötig, die Polarität über der Spule 5 mittels einer bekannten Komparatorschaltung (in Fig. 4 nicht dargestellt) zu detektieren, wobei bei positiver Spannung Uind die Schalter 20 und 23 offen und die Schalter 21 und 22 geschlossen sind. Bei negativer Spannung Uind sind die Schaltzustände der Schalter 20 bis 23 genau umgekehrt, d.h. die Schalter 20 und 23 sind geschlossen und die Schalter 21 und 22 sind offen.According to the invention, the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 4 simultaneously allows the energy storage unit 3 to be charged via the coil 5. In the case in which the remaining charge is sufficient to supply the charge controller with energy, this can be done by actively switching the switches 20 and 23 or 21 and 22 such that the voltage U ind induced in the coil 5 leads to a unipolar voltage across the energy storage unit 3 . For this it is necessary to increase the polarity across the coil 5 by means of a known comparator circuit (not shown in FIG. 4) Detect, with positive voltage U ind switches 20 and 23 open and switches 21 and 22 closed. If the voltage U ind is negative, the switching states of the switches 20 to 23 are reversed, ie the switches 20 and 23 are closed and the switches 21 and 22 are open.
In Fig. 5 ist eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Schaltungsanordnung zum Aufladen der Energiespeichereinheit 3 dargestellt, wobei bei dieser Ausführungsform auch ein passiver Ladevorgang möglich ist. Für den aktiven Ladevorgang, d.h. bei ausreichender Restenergie in der Energiespeichereinheit 3 zur Versorgung des Ladekontrollers, sind wiederum die Schalter 20 bis 23 vorgesehen, die entsprechend den Ausführungen zu Fig. 4 angesteuert werden. Darüber hinaus sind nunmehr für jeden der Schalter 20 bis 23 eine Diode Dl bzw. D2 bzw. D3 bzw. D4 in Parallelschaltung vorgesehen.5 shows a further embodiment of a circuit arrangement for charging the energy storage unit 3, a passive charging process also being possible in this embodiment. For the active charging process, i.e. if there is sufficient residual energy in the energy storage unit 3 for supplying the charge controller, the switches 20 to 23 are again provided, which are controlled in accordance with the statements relating to FIG. 4. In addition, a diode D1 or D2 or D3 or D4 is now provided in parallel for each of the switches 20 to 23.
Sind die Schalter 20 bis 23 im geöffneten Zustand, entspricht die Schaltungsanordnung gemass Fig. 5 der bekannten klassischen Brückenschaltung, welche insbesondere dann zum Einsatz kommt, wenn die Restladung der Energiespeichereinheit 3 nicht ausreicht, den Ladekontroller zu speisen. Der Ladevorgang derIf the switches 20 to 23 are in the open state, the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 5 corresponds to the known classic bridge circuit, which is used in particular when the residual charge of the energy storage unit 3 is not sufficient to feed the charge controller. The loading process of the
Energiespeichereinheit 3 muss dann zumindest so lange passiv erfolgen, bis genügend Energie zur Versorgung des Ladekontrollers und damit zur Ansteuerung der Schalter 20 bis 23 vorhanden ist. Beim passiven Ladevorgang mit der Schaltungsanordnung gemass Fig. 5 muss dafür gesorgt werden, dass die Schalter 20 bis 23 im offenen Zustand sind, und zwar auch dann, wenn die Spannung UE über der Energiespeichereinheit 3 klein ist und sich der Ladekontroller allenfalls in einem Undefinierten Zustand befindet.Energy storage unit 3 must then take place passively at least until there is sufficient energy to supply the charge controller and thus to actuate switches 20 to 23. In the passive charging process with the circuit arrangement according to FIG. 5, it must be ensured that the switches 20 to 23 are in the open state, even if the voltage U E across the energy storage unit 3 is small and the charging controller is at best in an undefined state Condition.
Eine Ausführungsform der Schaltung gemass Fig. 5 mit Feldeffekttransistoren als Schalter 20 bis 23 ist in Fig. 6 dargestellt. Dabei sind die Schalter 20 und 23 p-Kanal- Feldeffekttransistoren und die Schalter 21 und 22 n-Kanal- Feldeffekttransistoren. Des weiteren sind die Gate- Anschlüsse der Schalter 20 bis 23 über hochohmige Widerstände 30 bis 33 auf das jeweilige Basis-Anschluss- Potential geführt . Damit sind die Schalterstellungen der Schalter 20 bis 23 auch bei geringer Versorgungsspannung UE des Ladekontrollers definiert.An embodiment of the circuit according to FIG. 5 with field effect transistors as switches 20 to 23 is shown in FIG. 6. The switches 20 and 23 are p-channel field effect transistors and the switches 21 and 22 are n-channel field effect transistors. Furthermore, the gate connections of the switches 20 to 23 are led to the respective base connection potential via high-resistance resistors 30 to 33. The switch positions of the switches 20 to 23 are thus defined even with a low supply voltage U E of the charge controller.
Die in Fig. 5 dargestellten Dioden Dl bis D4 sind bei der Ausführungsform gemass Fig. 6 zwischen dem Basis-Anschluss und dem Drain- resp. Source-Anschluss des jeweiligen Feldeffekttransistoren vorhanden.The diodes D1 to D4 shown in FIG. 5 are in the embodiment according to FIG. 6 between the base connection and the drain or. Source connection of the respective field effect transistors available.
Als Energiespeichereinheit 3 kommen Akkumulatoren (Sekundärzellen) , wie Bleiakkumulatoren, NiCd- Akkumulatoren, Ni-Metallhydrid- kkumulatoren oder Lithiumsysteme (Li-Ion, Li-Metallhydrid, Li-Polymer) sowie Super- und Ultrakondensatoren in Frage. Vorzugsweise verwendet man Akkumulatoren-Systeme, welche als Hohlzylinder realisiert werden können, d.h. insbesondere aus Folien gewickelte Energiespeichereinheiten, die keine weitere Ummantelung benötigen und damit die Erzielung einer optimalen Energiedichte und Ausnützung des vorhandenen Volumens ermöglichen. Die Energiespeichereinheit kann dabei aus einer oder mehreren Energiespeicherzellen bestehen, die in Serie und/oder parallel zusammen geschaltet sind.Accumulators (secondary cells), such as lead accumulators, NiCd accumulators, Ni-metal hydride accumulators or lithium systems (Li-ion, Li-metal hydride, Li-polymer) as well as super and ultracapacitors can be used as energy storage unit 3. Accumulator systems are preferably used, which as Hollow cylinders can be realized, that is to say in particular energy storage units wound from foils, which do not require any further sheathing and thus enable an optimal energy density to be achieved and the available volume to be utilized. The energy storage unit can consist of one or more energy storage cells which are connected together in series and / or in parallel.
Obwohl die Energiespeichereinheit im Zusammenhang mit Hörgeräten erläutert wurde, ist deren Anwendbarkeit keinesfalls auf Hörgeräte beschränkt. Vielmehr eignet sich die erfindungsgemässe Energiespeichereinheit vorzüglich für eine Reihe von anderen Anwendungen, insbesondere für solche, bei denen geringe Platzverhältnisse vorliegen und bei denen gleichzeitig eine Netz-unabhängige Energieversorgung gefordert wird. Although the energy storage unit has been explained in connection with hearing aids, their applicability is in no way limited to hearing aids. Rather, the energy storage unit according to the invention is particularly suitable for a number of other applications, in particular for those in which space is limited and in which a network-independent energy supply is required at the same time.

Claims

Patentansprüche: Claims:
1. Energiespeichereinheit (3) zum Aufnehmen bzw. Speichern bzw. Abgeben von elektrischer Energie, bestehend aus mindestens einer Energiespeicherzelle, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Hohlzylinder-förmiger Körper durch die Energiespeicherzelle bzw. Energiespeicherzellen gebildet ist, indem diese auf der Mantelfläche des Hohlzylinder-förmigen Körpers angeordnet ist bzw. sind.1. Energy storage unit (3) for receiving or storing or delivering electrical energy, consisting of at least one energy storage cell, characterized in that a hollow cylinder-shaped body is formed by the energy storage cell or energy storage cells by this on the outer surface of the hollow cylinder shaped body is or are arranged.
2. Energiespeichereinheit (3) nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Energiespeicherzellen als Folie realisiert sind.2. Energy storage unit (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy storage cells are realized as a film.
3. Energiespeichereinheit (3) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass als äusserste Schicht ein Blech, vorzugsweise aus hochpermeablem Material, vorgesehen ist.3. Energy storage unit (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a sheet, preferably made of highly permeable material, is provided as the outermost layer.
4. Energiespeichereinheit (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Spule (4) vorgesehen ist, welche die Energiespeicherzellen umgibt.4. Energy storage unit (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a coil (4) is provided which surrounds the energy storage cells.
5. Hδrgerät mit mindestens einem als Mikrofon (1) arbeitenden und mindestens einem als Lautsprecher (2) arbeitenden elektro-akustischen Wandler, mit einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit (6) , die mit den elektro- akustischen Wandlern (1, 2) wirkverbunden ist, und mit einer Energiespeichereinheit (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei im Inneren der Hohlzylinder-förmigen Energiespeichereinheit (3) zumindest ein Teil der Hörgerätekomponenten (1, 2, 5, 6, 7), vorzugsweise zumindest die Signalverarbeitungseinheit (6) , enthalten ist.5. hearing aid with at least one working as a microphone (1) and at least one as a loudspeaker (2) working electro-acoustic transducer, with a signal processing unit (6) which is operatively connected to the electro-acoustic transducers (1, 2), and with an energy storage unit (3) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least part of the hearing aid components (1, 2, 5, 6, 7), preferably at least the signal processing unit (6), is contained in the interior of the hollow cylinder-shaped energy storage unit (3).
6. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in der Energiespeichereinheit (3) bzw. in dessen Hohlzylinder alle Hörgerätekomponenten (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7) enthalten sind.6. Hearing aid according to claim 5, characterized in that all the hearing aid components (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7) are contained in the energy storage unit (3) or in the hollow cylinder thereof.
7. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 5 oder 6 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Enden des Hohlzylinders durch Deckel (9, 10) aus einem akustisch transparenten Material, insbesondere aus gesintertem Polyethylen, abdeckbar sind, wobei das Material vorzugsweise Wasser und/oder Fett abstossend ist .7. Hearing aid according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the ends of the hollow cylinder can be covered by covers (9, 10) made of an acoustically transparent material, in particular sintered polyethylene, the material preferably being water and / or fat repellent.
8. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass als Spule zum Aufladen der Energiespeichereinheit (3) eine Spule (5) des als8. Hearing aid according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that as a coil for charging the energy storage unit (3), a coil (5) of the as
Lautsprecher arbeitenden elektro-akustischen Wandlers (2) verwendbar ist.Speaker working electro-acoustic transducer (2) can be used.
9. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Energiespeichereinheit (3) gleichzeitig das Gehäuse des Hörgerätes bildet, wobei zur individuellen Anpassung an die Gehδrganggeometrie eines Patienten ein Ohrpassstück (12) zumindest in Bereiche des Hδrgerätgehäuses vorgesehen ist . 9. Hearing aid according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the energy storage unit (3) at the same time forms the housing of the hearing aid, an earmold (12) being provided at least in areas of the hearing aid housing for individual adaptation to the hearing duct geometry of a patient.
10. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es vom Typ CIC- (Completely-In-the- Canal) ist.10. Hearing aid according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that it is of the type CIC- (Completely-In-the-Canal).
11. Verfahren zum Aufladen einer in einem Hörgerät vorhandenen Energiespeichereinheit (3) , indem ausserhalb des Hörgerätes ein magnetisches Wechselfeld erzeugt wird, aufgrund dessen innerhalb des Hörgerätes eine Spannung (uin<_) erzeugt wird, mit Hilfe derer die11. A method for charging an energy storage unit (3) present in a hearing aid by generating an alternating magnetic field outside the hearing aid, on the basis of which a voltage ( u i n < _) is generated within the hearing aid, with the aid of which the
Energiespeichereinheit (3) aufgeladen wird, wobei die Energiespeichereinheit (3) in Abhängigkeit ihres Ladezustandes geladen wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass passive Schaltelemente zur Erzeugung einer Ladespannung vorgesehen werden, sofern die in der Energiespeichereinheit (3) gespeicherte Energie unterhalb einem vorgebbaren Schwellwert liegt, und dass aktive Schaltelemente zur Erzeugung der Ladespannung vorgesehen werden, sofern die in der Energiespeichereinheit (3) gespeicherte Energie oberhalb des vorgebbaren Schwellwertes liegt.Energy storage unit (3) is charged, the energy storage unit (3) being charged as a function of its state of charge, characterized in that passive switching elements are provided for generating a charging voltage, provided that the energy stored in the energy storage unit (3) is below a predefinable threshold value, and that active switching elements are provided for generating the charging voltage, provided that the energy stored in the energy storage unit (3) is above the predefinable threshold value.
12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die im Hörgerät erzeugte Spannung (Uind) durch magnetische Induktion in einer im Hörgerät vorhandenen Spule (4, 5), vorzugsweise in der Lautsprecherspule (4), erzeugt wird.12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the voltage (U ind ) generated in the hearing aid is generated by magnetic induction in a coil (4, 5) present in the hearing aid, preferably in the loudspeaker coil (4).
13. Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens nach Anspruch 11 oder 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Brückenschaltung mit vier Schaltern (20, ..., 23) vorgesehen ist.13. Device for performing the method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a bridge circuit with four switches (20, ..., 23) is provided.
14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jeder Schalter (20, ..., 23) aus einem aktiven und einem passiven Schaltteil (20, ..., 23; Dl, ..., D4) besteht .14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that each switch (20, ..., 23) consists of an active and a passive switching part (20, ..., 23; Dl, ..., D4).
15. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schalter (20, ..., 23) Feldeffekttransistoren sind.15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the switches (20, ..., 23) are field effect transistors.
16. Verfahren zum Programmieren einer in einem Hörgerät vorhandenen Signalverarbeitungseinheit (6) mit Patientenspezifischen Daten bzw. Algorithmen, indem vorzugsweise modulierte Programmierimpulse über eine als Lautsprecher arbeitende Spule (4) eines elektro-akustischen Wandlers (2) in das Hörgerät übertragen werden. 16. A method for programming a signal processing unit (6) present in a hearing aid with patient-specific data or algorithms, in that preferably modulated programming pulses are transmitted into the hearing aid via a coil (4) of an electro-acoustic transducer (2) working as a loudspeaker.
PCT/CH1999/000421 1999-09-08 1999-09-08 Energy storage unit, preferably for a hearing aid, method for charging said energy storage unit, and a device for carrying out the method WO1999055131A2 (en)

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AU54054/99A AU5405499A (en) 1999-09-08 1999-09-08 Energy storage unit, preferably for a hearing aid, method for charging said energy storage unit, and a device for carrying out the method

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