Charger antenna unit, charger device, and device to be charged

Abstract

The present application discloses a charger antenna unit, a charger device and a device to be charged, wherein the charger configured to charge the device to be wirelessly charged includes: an antenna unit for charging the device to be inductively charged, the antenna unit including an excitation coil made of an electrical conductor, the electrical conductor being wound around an annular magnetic core to excite a magnetic field within the annular magnetic core; the annular magnetic core having an air gap between its two end faces; wherein the two end faces are opposite to each other; and the winding density of the excitation coil along the annular length of the annular magnetic core is higher near the corresponding end face than the rest of the annular magnetic core; the charger also includes a shell having an opening suitable for aligning with the device to be inductively charged, so that the receiving antenna of the device to be inductively charged can be at least partially inserted into the air gap of the annular magnetic core of the charger antenna unit, wherein at least a portion of the shell is provided with a magnetic shielding member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charger antenna unit, a charger device and a device to be inductively charged. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile device with a rechargeable battery that can be charged using an external charging device. Background Art

[0002] Recently, mobile electrical devices such as handheld devices have become increasingly popular. Due to their portability, these devices are typically characterized by batteries that provide the electrical energy required for the mobile device to operate. In many cases, rechargeable batteries are used as these batteries for user convenience.

[0003] However, rechargeable batteries need to be recharged from time to time depending on usage, power consumption, and battery capacity.

[0004] However, getting energy into a mobile device to charge its battery is challenging. Wired connections are cumbersome and fragile, requiring exposed connectors on the mobile device. Furthermore, connecting the mobile device to the charger requires precise placement and positive pressure on the connector, which can lead to premature failure of the mobile device.

[0005] For wireless charging of rechargeable batteries, various options are available, one of which is inductive charging. To do this, the mobile device is placed in the charging area of ​​a charger device, which generates an alternating magnetic field extending into the charging area, for example using one or more excitation coils. When the magnetic field enters a receiver coil included in the mobile device, a current is induced in the receiver coil, which can then be converted into a charging current for recharging the battery. To describe the efficiency of energy transfer, a coupling factor k can be defined.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a trend in designing mobile devices to reduce their size in order to make them more compact and therefore more attractive. However, the smaller design of the mobile devices necessitates the use of smaller coils, which tends to reduce the efficiency of the charging process, thereby increasing the charging time required to recharge the rechargeable battery to a full state, which also conflicts with the trend of making mobile devices more attractive.

[0007] Furthermore, as the size of mobile devices decreases, batteries and other electrical components may be exposed to strong magnetic fields while the mobile device is being charged within the charging area of ​​a charger device. Such strong magnetic fields may cause internal components in the mobile device to heat up, which in turn may reduce the efficiency of the mobile device due to increased resistance, battery degradation, etc.

[0008] Furthermore, due to regulatory requirements for electromagnetic emissions (battery compatibility, EMC), the goal is also to reduce electromagnetic emissions from electrical devices. Since charging time decreases as more energy is received in the mobile device's receiver coil, and at the same time, the increase in received energy is achieved with a stronger magnetic field generated by the excitation coil, the increase in magnetic field strength conflicts with the reduction of electromagnetic emissions and thus the EMC requirements.

[0009] In view of the above reasons, there is a need to provide a solution that solves at least some of the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention at least provides an alternative to the prior art.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a charger antenna unit for charging a device to be inductively charged includes an excitation coil made of an electrical conductor, the electrical conductor being wound around an annular magnetic core to excite a magnetic field within the annular magnetic core, the annular magnetic core having an air gap between two end surfaces thereof, wherein the two end surfaces are opposite to each other, and a winding density of the excitation coil along the annular length of the annular magnetic core is higher near the corresponding end surface than in the rest of the annular magnetic core.

[0012] The use of a toroidal core structure enables a higher magnetic field density to be contained within the toroidal core's air gap, while also resulting in a more uniform magnetic field within the toroidal core's air gap. If the magnetic field density can be increased, charging efficiency can be increased, which in turn enables a reduction in the size of the toroidal core structure or reduces the charging time of a rechargeable battery included in a device to be inductively charged. Because the winding density of the excitation coil along the toroidal length of the toroidal core is higher near the respective end faces than in the remainder of the toroidal core, a higher magnetic field density can be achieved between the two respective end faces, thereby contributing to the aforementioned effects of the present invention. Furthermore, almost negligible magnetic field leakage around the toroidal core can be achieved, thereby helping to meet EMC requirements.

[0013] The end faces may be parallel to each other.

[0014] This enables a more homogeneous magnetic field shape to be obtained in the air gap of the annular core. Consequently, this enables a more homogeneous magnetic field density to be obtained and thus a more efficient use of the magnetic field for charging the device to be inductively charged.

[0015] A toroidal core may consist of one or more core sections adjoining each other.

[0016] This enables more efficient and flexible manufacturing of the toroidal core and a more flexible toroidal core shape. Consequently, this allows for more compact mobile devices and, consequently, higher charging efficiency. Furthermore, by having one or more core sections adjacent to one another, the magnetic field can be more efficiently guided within the toroidal core because, in addition to the air gap between the two end faces of the toroidal core, additional air gaps between the one or more core sections can be avoided.

[0017] The one or more core parts can be arranged relative to each other so that the gap width of the air gap can be adjusted. The contact surfaces of two adjacent core parts of the one or more core parts can be formed to have matching shapes, preferably circular, cylindrical or spherical shapes with matching radii.

[0018] The adjustable air gap enables provision of a charger antenna whose air gap is adjustable for its size, which enables efficient charging of the device to be inductively charged and enables efficient charging of different inductively charged devices having different shapes and sizes. The matching shapes provide a large contact area between the two core parts while still allowing the two core parts to move relative to each other, preferably rotationally.

[0019] Combining the toroidal core with one or more core sections allows for more efficient and flexible manufacturing of the toroidal core, as well as greater flexibility in the shape of the toroidal core. Consequently, this allows for more compact mobile devices, leading to higher charging efficiency. Furthermore, by having one or more core sections adjacent to one another, the magnetic field can be more efficiently guided within the toroidal core because, in addition to the air gap between the two end faces of the toroidal core, additional air gaps between the one or more core sections can be avoided.

[0020] The air gap of the annular magnetic core may be formed such that a receiving antenna of a device to be inductively charged may be at least partially inserted therein.

[0021] This enables better coupling between the magnetic field excited by the toroidal core and the receiver coil of the device to be inductively charged, and enables the device to be inductively charged to be charged more efficiently.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a charger unit may be provided, comprising a charger antenna unit according to any of the aspects mentioned above, and a housing having an opening adapted to be aligned with a device to be inductively charged, such that a receiving antenna of the device to be inductively charged can be at least partially inserted into an air gap of the annular core of the charger antenna unit.

[0023] This enables the charger antenna unit to be included in the charging unit, wherein the charger antenna unit provides the above-mentioned effects. The housing has an opening adapted to be aligned with the device to be inductively charged, which enables the device to be inductively charged to be at least partially inserted into the air gap of the annular core of the charger antenna unit.

[0024] An insert can be placed within the air gap of the toroidal core to position a device to be inductively charged, such as a hearing aid, so that the inductive field of the device's telecoil aligns with the inductive field of the charger antenna. When these are aligned, coupling efficiency is optimal. Alternatively, the insert and the device to be inductively charged can include magnets made of ferromagnetic material or metal parts comprising materials of opposite magnetic polarity. The attractive force between the magnets and the metal parts aligns the inductive field of the telecoil with the inductive field of the charger antenna.

[0025] The insert may include a temperature detection device configured to measure a temperature around the rechargeable battery, and the processor unit of the charger unit is configured to estimate the battery temperature by a table value including a temperature difference between a previously measured battery temperature and a previously measured temperature around the rechargeable battery.

[0026] At least a portion of the housing, or a portion formed within the housing, may be provided with a magnetic shield.

[0027] This enables better guidance of the magnetic field within the annular core, thereby increasing the efficiency of the charging process. It also reduces magnetic fields outside the housing, other than those emitted into the annular core's air gap. Consequently, magnetic field emissions other than those emitted into the annular core's air gap can be reduced, making it easier to meet regulatory compliance requirements for electrical equipment while further improving the efficiency of the charger unit. Such shielding can be achieved by positioning a shielding plate on one side of the annular core, such as the top or bottom. A second shielding plate can be positioned on the other side of the annular core, sandwiching the annular core between the two shielding plates. Furthermore, one or both of these shielding plates may include an opening. Such an opening may correspond completely, substantially, or partially to the central opening of the annular core. An inner shield may be provided or disposed within the central opening of the annular core. This may be combined with one, two, or more of the aforementioned shielding plates. The annular core may be encapsulated, for example, in a box-like structure. The encapsulation unit may typically be made of a non-conductive plastic material. The encapsulation unit and / or the shielding member may be made of an ABS material, such as an ABS resin core, and coated with a metallic material. The coating may consist of several layers. When several layers are used, some or all of the layers may be of the same material or of different materials. An outer coating may be applied, for example a layer that passivates the device. The packaging unit may be made by injection molding, other molding processes, or any other appropriate process. The packaging unit may then be coated or plated with a conductive material in whole or in part or on the surface. The coating or plating may be formed on one or more surfaces. The coating or plating may be formed by plating such as electroplating or other appropriate processes. Advantageously, the packaging unit may be formed by more than two parts. In addition, a slit or opening may be formed in the packaging unit. Such a slit may be achieved, for example, by positioning the two parts so that there is an area or volume without contact between the two parts. Two electrically separated parts may be established in the packaging unit, i.e. a shield or shielding unit, as generally described herein, by positioning an insulating material at the interface between the two packaging or shielding parts, which may be an area or part configured to be adjacent to the other part.

[0028] The shield can be configured to reduce magnetic and / or electric fields radiated at unwanted portions of the toroidal core.The shield can help confine or concentrate the magnetic field to desired areas, such as gaps or openings in the toroidal core.

[0029] Advantageously, the windings can be more densely packed in certain sections of the toroidal core than in other sections. This can be achieved through a winding ratio, such as 70-100% of the windings being positioned closer to the opening of the toroidal core, i.e., at a relatively shorter distance than the remaining 30% or less of the windings. As an example, 75% of the windings may occupy less than 25% of the total length or circumference of the toroidal core. Other ratios are also possible. For example, the windings may be placed over a length corresponding to 5-25% of the full circumference of the toroidal core. The length in which the windings are placed may occupy two areas on either side of the opening in the toroidal core, which together may constitute the stated length. The majority of the windings may be placed over a length corresponding to 5-25% of the full circumference of the toroidal core, with a smaller portion being placed over the remainder of the circumference of the toroidal core, excluding any openings in the toroidal core. The stated length may be a measurement that includes or excludes one or more openings. As mentioned elsewhere herein, the toroidal core can include an opening for receiving a device to be charged, or at least a portion thereof, such as a portion of the device to be charged that includes a receiving coil or antenna. A portion of the toroidal core can have no windings, or at least only one or a few windings. This can be achieved by confining the windings to the end of the toroidal core near the opening and only connecting the wires along the remaining circumference of the toroidal core.

[0030] The shield may include a portion extending into the center of the annular core. The portion may be formed integrally with the top and / or bottom of the shield. The shield may be a magnetic shield.

[0031] The magnetic shield may be made of at least one material selected from the following group: copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or a material with high electrical conductivity that enables eddy currents to appear in the material; or the magnetic shield may be made of at least one material selected from the following group: nickel-iron high-permeability alloy, Permalloy, nickel-iron-molybdenum superconducting magnetic alloy, soft ferromagnetic alloy, or a material with high magnetic permeability and low magnetic resistance.

[0032] The magnetic field leakage around the coil induces eddy currents in the magnetic shield. The high electrical conductivity of the magnetic shield material, such as copper, increases the intensity of the eddy currents in the shield. This, in turn, leads to an improvement in the shielding effect.

[0033] According to Faraday and Lenz's laws, the eddy currents induced in the copper shield oppose the leakage field. As a result, the field becomes more concentrated in the toroidal core and the air gap, resulting in an increased efficiency of the charging process.

[0034] Materials with high magnetic permeability enhance the effectiveness of magnetic shielding, thereby reducing unwanted stray magnetic field emissions (i.e., magnetic fields outside the housing, which are different from those in the air gap of the toroidal core). This, in turn, increases the efficiency of the charging process. Materials with low magnetic coercivity reduce material losses caused by alternating magnetic fields, thereby increasing the efficiency of the charging process. Consequently, the coupling factor increases accordingly.

[0035] Furthermore, these features enable better guidance of the magnetic field within the toroidal core, thus increasing the efficiency of the charging process (thus increasing the coupling coefficient k). They also reduce spurious emissions. Consequently, magnetic field emissions other than those within the toroidal core's air gap can be reduced, making it easier to meet regulatory compliance requirements for electrical equipment while further improving the efficiency of the charger unit.

[0036] The magnetic shield may be composed of a first magnetic shield portion and a second magnetic shield portion, and the first magnetic shield portion and the second magnetic shield portion are separated from each other by a slit and have an annular shape in a plane parallel to a plane of the annular core of the charger antenna unit.

[0037] This enables unwanted eddy currents to be avoided in the magnetic shield (which could block or reduce the magnetic field induced in the toroidal core), thus increasing the efficiency of the charging process.

[0038] The first magnetic shield portion and the second magnetic shield portion may be galvanically connected.

[0039] This enables avoiding voltage differences between the first and second magnetic shielding parts, further enabling increasing the efficiency of the charging process.

[0040] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a charger device is provided, comprising a charger unit according to any of the aforementioned aspects, a detection device configured to detect the presence of a device to be inductively charged, a receiving device configured to receive information regarding the charge state of a rechargeable battery of the device to be inductively charged, a driving device configured to supply power to a charger antenna unit of the charger unit, and a control device configured to control the driving device in response to the information received by the receiving device, wherein the control device is configured to control the driving device to supply power to the charger antenna unit only if the detection device has detected the presence of the device to be inductively charged. Alternatively, the detection device may be implemented by a mechanical contact, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, or the like.

[0041] This enables provision of a charger device comprising a charger unit according to any of the aforementioned aspects. The detection means enable operation of the charger antenna unit to be avoided or interrupted when the device to be inductively charged is not present or is removed. The receiving means enable information regarding the charge state of the rechargeable battery of the device to be inductively charged to be provided to the control means. The driving means enable operation of the charger antenna unit. The control means enable control of the charging process based on the charge state of the rechargeable battery of the device to be inductively charged and based on the information received by the receiving means. Thus, the control means enables the charge state of the rechargeable battery to be detected when the device to be inductively charged is present, thereby improving the efficiency of the charging process.

[0042] The charger device may be provided with transmitting means configured to transmit, ie communicate, information to the device to be inductively charged, and wherein receiving means are configured to receive information from the device to be inductively charged.

[0043] This enables information to be transmitted to the device to be inductively charged, such as a request to transmit the charge state of the rechargeable battery to the charger unit, and it also enables further information about the device to be inductively charged to be received, such as the temperature within the device to be inductively charged, the temperature of the rechargeable battery, etc. In principle, this enables a set of commands to be implemented, such as requesting information from the device to be inductively charged or transmitting information to the device to be inductively charged.

[0044] The transmitting means and the receiving means may be configured to transmit and receive information using the charger antenna unit.

[0045] This enables the use of the same charger antenna unit used to charge the inductively charged device to transmit and receive information to and from the inductively charged device. This, in turn, avoids the use of additional transmission and reception devices, further enabling a reduction in the size of the inductively charged device and the charger unit. Consequently, the charging process can be made more efficient, and the energy consumption of the inductively charged device can be reduced.

[0046] The charger device may be provided with shielding means to protect at least a portion of the device to be inductively charged from electromagnetic energy emitted by the charger antenna unit.

[0047] This allows the magnetic field density within the air gap of the toroidal core to be adapted to the shape and size of the device to be inductively charged, so that the magnetic field can be confined to the air gap where the receiver coil is located. This increases the efficiency of the charging process. Furthermore, this prevents the magnetic field in the air gap of the toroidal core from undesirably entering parts of the device to be inductively charged, thereby preventing damage to electrical components that may be affected by strong magnetic fields.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a device to be inductively charged, comprising a rechargeable battery storing energy for operating the device to be inductively charged, a charge state detecting device for detecting a charge state of the rechargeable battery, a receiving antenna configured to receive electromagnetic energy from a charger device to charge the rechargeable battery, a receiving device configured to receive information from the charger device, a transmitting device configured to transmit information to the charger device, and a control device configured to control the transmitting device to transmit the charge state detected by the rechargeable battery charge state detecting device to the charger device.

[0049] In addition, a temperature detection device for detecting the temperature of the rechargeable battery or another element within the device to be inductively charged may be provided in the device to be inductively charged.

[0050] The rechargeable battery enables the inductively charged device to be used mobile. The charge state detection means enables detection of the charge state of the rechargeable battery and, when the rechargeable battery is being charged, detection of the charging speed. The receiving antenna enables reception of electromagnetic energy from the charger device, and also enables reception of information from the charger device via the receiving means, and also enables transmission of information to the charger device via the transmitting means. The temperature detection means enables determination of the temperature inside the inductively charged device and enables the control means to control the charging process based on the determined temperature.

[0051] The device to be inductively charged may be provided with a shielding unit configured to shield the rechargeable battery from external electromagnetic fields.

[0052] This enables reducing heating of the rechargeable battery due to electrical losses caused by the alternating magnetic field in the rechargeable battery, thereby reducing the possibility of damaging the rechargeable battery, reducing losses in the rechargeable battery, and thus increasing the efficiency of the charging process.

[0053] The shielding unit in the device to be inductively charged may be provided directly on the rechargeable battery.

[0054] This enables reducing the size of the shielding unit in the device to be inductively charged, thereby enabling reducing the size of the device to be inductively charged, thereby enabling increasing the efficiency of the charging process.

[0055] The shielding unit may be provided at least partially on a housing of the device to be inductively charged.

[0056] This enables efficient manufacturing of the shielding element in the device to be inductively charged, for example by attaching a metal coating to the housing of the device to be inductively charged, thereby reducing the thickness of the metal coating and, consequently, the weight of the device to be inductively charged. Furthermore, this enables protection of other components within the device to be inductively charged from heating associated with electrical losses caused by the alternating magnetic field.

[0057] The device to be inductively charged may further comprise an electroacoustic transducer for emitting an audible signal, wherein the electroacoustic transducer serves as a receiving antenna for the device to be inductively charged.

[0058] The electroacoustic transducer enables the emission of an audible signal outside the device to be inductively charged. In the case where a coil is used to excite the audible signal, the coil can serve as a receiving antenna for the device to be inductively charged. This makes it possible to save a separate receiving antenna unit and thus reduce the size of the device to be inductively charged.

[0059] The device to be inductively charged may further comprise an electroacoustic transducer for emitting an audible signal, wherein a receiving antenna of the device to be inductively charged is located in an air cavity of the electroacoustic transducer.

[0060] This enables a more compact design of the electroacoustic transducer and the receiving antenna of the device to be inductively charged. The size of the device to be inductively charged can thus be further reduced and the efficiency of the charging process can be further increased.

[0061] The device to be inductively charged may further comprise a telecoil for detecting electromagnetic signals, wherein the telecoil serves as a receiving antenna for the device to be inductively charged.

[0062] In many mobile devices, a telecoil is used to receive information that is inductively transmitted to the device to be inductively charged. This therefore enables the telecoil to be used as a receiving antenna, thereby enabling the size of the device to be inductively charged to be further reduced.

[0063] The device to be inductively charged may further comprise a coil for high frequency communication, wherein the coil serves as a receiving antenna for the device to be inductively charged.

[0064] In many mobile devices, the coil can be used to transmit information to and receive information from a coupled device, for example, transmitting information between two hearing instruments for the left and right ears of the same person, transmitting information between a headset and a mobile phone, etc. Therefore, using the coil as a receiving antenna for the device to be inductively charged enables further reduction in the size of the device to be inductively charged, thereby enabling an increase in the efficiency of the charging process.

[0065] According to another aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a dual charger device including first and second charger devices, and further including a control device configured to control operations of the first and second charger devices, wherein the control device is configured to control a phase of a driving signal supplied to a charger antenna unit of the second charger device to be shifted by 180 degrees relative to a phase of a driving signal supplied to the charger antenna unit of the first charger device.

[0066] This reduces the conducted and radiated electromagnetic emissions of the dual charger device, thereby enabling compliance with regulatory requirements for electromagnetic stray field emissions. Furthermore, lower emissions also reduce the energy consumed during charging, thereby increasing the efficiency of the charging process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Various aspects of the present invention will be best understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the drawings are schematic and simplified, showing only the details necessary for understanding the present invention and omitting other details. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts. The various features of each aspect may be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects will be apparent from and elucidated in conjunction with the following figures, in which:

[0068] Figure 1AA charging antenna unit having a ring-shaped magnetic core according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0069] Figure 1B Another charging antenna unit having another annular core according to a modification is shown.

[0070] Figure 1C Another charging antenna unit having another annular core according to a modification is shown.

[0071] Figure 1D Another charging antenna unit having another annular core according to a modification is shown.

[0072] Figure 2A A charging arrangement using a charging antenna unit according to the present invention is shown.

[0073] Figure 2B Another charging arrangement according to a modification is shown.

[0074] Figure 3A A charger unit according to another aspect of the invention is shown.

[0075] Figure 3B Another charger unit according to a modification is shown.

[0076] Figure 3C Another charger unit according to a modification is shown.

[0077] Figure 3D Another charger unit according to a modification is shown.

[0078] Figure 4A A magnetic shield used in a charger unit according to a modification is shown.

[0079] Figure 4B Another magnetic shield is shown for use in another charger unit according to a modification.

[0080] Figure 4C Another magnetic shield according to a modification is shown.

[0081] Figure 5 A charger device according to another aspect of the invention is schematically shown.

[0082] Figure 6 A device to be inductively charged according to another aspect of the invention is schematically shown.

[0083] Figure 7A A telecoil in a device to be inductively charged according to a variant is schematically shown.

[0084] Figure 7BThe coil arrangement in a device to be inductively charged according to a variant is schematically shown.

[0085] Figure 8A A shielding arrangement in a device to be inductively charged according to a variant is schematically shown.

[0086] Figure 8B A shielding arrangement in a device to be inductively charged according to a variant is schematically shown.

[0087] Figure 9A A dual charger arrangement according to another aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0088] Figure 9B Driving signals of a dual charger device according to a modification are shown.

[0089] Figure 10 A curve showing the relationship between frequency and coupling factor in an example is shown.

[0090] Figure 11 A curve showing the relationship between frequency and coupling factor in an example is shown.

[0091] Figure 12 A graph showing the relationship between frequency, charging efficiency and battery temperature in an example is shown.

[0092] Figure 13 Graphs are shown which illustrate the temporal development of certain temperatures and battery charging currents in one example.

[0093] Figure 14 A curve is shown which illustrates the temporal development of the temperature difference in one example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] The detailed description given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings serves as a description of a variety of different configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of a plurality of different concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. Several aspects of the apparatus and method are described by a plurality of different blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). Depending on the specific application, design limitations or other reasons, these elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer programs or any combination thereof.

[0095] The electronic hardware may include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gating logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other appropriate hardware configured to perform the many different functions described in this specification. A computer program should be broadly construed as instructions, an instruction set, code, a code segment, program code, a program, a subroutine, a software module, an application, a software application, a software package, a routine, a subroutine, an object, an executable, an execution thread, a program, a function, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, a hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0096] The device to be charged may be a hearing device, which may include a hearing aid adapted to improve or enhance a user's hearing ability by receiving acoustic signals from the user's environment, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals, and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one ear of the user. A "hearing device" may also refer to a device, such as an earphone or headset, adapted to electronically receive an audio signal, possibly modify the audio signal, and provide the possibly modified audio signal as an audible signal to at least one ear of the user. The audible signals may be provided in the form of acoustic signals radiated into the user's outer ear, acoustic signals transmitted to the user's inner ear as mechanical vibrations through bony structures of the user's head and / or through portions of the middle ear, and electrical signals transmitted directly or indirectly to the user's cochlear nerve and / or auditory cortex.

[0097] The hearing device is adapted to be worn in any known manner. This may include: i) arranging the hearing device unit behind the ear (with a tube directing airborne acoustic signals into the ear canal or with a receiver / speaker arranged close to or in the ear canal), such as a behind-the-ear hearing aid; and / or ii) arranging the hearing device wholly or partially in the pinna and / or ear canal of the user, such as an in-the-ear hearing aid or an in-the-canal / deep-in-the-canal hearing aid; or iii) arranging the hearing device unit to be connected to a fixture implanted in the skull, such as a bone-anchored hearing aid or a cochlear implant; or iv) arranging the hearing device unit as a wholly or partially implanted unit, such as a bone-anchored hearing aid or a cochlear implant.

[0098] A "hearing system" refers to a system that includes one or two hearing devices. A "binaural hearing system" refers to a system that includes two hearing devices, wherein the hearing devices are adapted to cooperatively provide audible signals to both ears of a user. A hearing system or binaural hearing system may also include an auxiliary device that communicates with at least one hearing device, wherein the auxiliary device affects the operation of the hearing device and / or benefits from the functionality of the hearing device. A wired or wireless communication link is established between the at least one hearing device and the auxiliary device to enable information (such as control and status signals, and possibly audio signals) to be exchanged therebetween. The auxiliary device may include at least one of the following: a remote control, a remote microphone, an audio gateway device, a mobile phone, a broadcast system, a car audio system, a music player, or a combination thereof. The audio gateway device is adapted to receive multiple audio signals, such as from an entertainment device such as a TV or music player, from a telephone device such as a mobile phone, or from a computer such as a PC. The audio gateway device is further adapted to select and / or combine appropriate signals from the received audio signals (or signal combinations) for transmission to the at least one hearing device. The remote control is adapted to control the functions and operation of the at least one hearing device. The functionality of the remote control may be implemented in a smartphone or another electronic device, which may be running an application for controlling the functionality of the at least one hearing device.

[0099] Generally, a hearing device includes i) an input unit, such as a microphone, for receiving acoustic signals from the user's surroundings and providing a corresponding input audio signal; and / or ii) a receiving unit for electronically receiving the input audio signal. The hearing device also includes a signal processing unit for processing the input audio signal and an output unit for providing an audible signal to the user based on the processed audio signal.

[0100] The input unit may comprise a plurality of input microphones, for example for providing direction-dependent audio signal processing. The aforementioned directional microphone system is suitable for enhancing a target sound source among a plurality of sound sources in the user's environment. In one aspect, the directional system is suitable for detecting (such as adaptively detecting) from which direction a particular portion of the microphone signal originates. This can be achieved using conventionally known methods. The signal processing unit may comprise an amplifier adapted to apply a frequency-dependent gain to the input audio signal. The signal processing unit may also be adapted to provide other suitable functions such as compression, noise reduction, etc. The output unit may comprise an output transducer such as a speaker / receiver for providing an air-borne sound signal to the skull percutaneously, or a vibrator for providing a structure-borne or liquid-borne sound signal. In some hearing devices, the output unit may comprise one or more output electrodes for providing an electrical signal, such as in a cochlear implant.

[0101] In the drawings and the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements, so that the description of the same elements is omitted in other embodiments.

[0102] Figure 1AA charging antenna unit 10 having a ring-shaped magnetic core 11 according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown. Figure 1A The charging antenna unit 10 is shown as having a toroidal magnetic core 11 and an excitation coil 12 wound around the toroidal magnetic core. The toroidal magnetic core 11 is characterized by having a toroidal shape. The excitation coil 12 is formed by winding an insulated electrical conductor around the toroidal magnetic core 11. By connecting two electrical contacts (not shown) of the excitation coil 12 to a current source (not shown), a magnetic field can be excited in the toroidal magnetic core 11 by driving current through the electrical conductor of the excitation coil 12. By driving an alternating current, an alternating magnetic field can be excited in the toroidal magnetic core 11, which can be used to charge a device to be inductively charged, which is inserted into the air gap 13 of the toroidal magnetic core 11.

[0103] The electrical conductor is made of a highly conductive material such as wire or metal strip of copper or copper alloy to reduce the resistance of the excitation coil 12. The electrical conductor is insulated to prevent the conductor from short-circuiting within the excitation coil or shorting to the annular core 11.

[0104] The annular core 11 is made of a material suitable for guiding the magnetic field, such as laminated steel plates, non-conductive magnetic ceramics, ferrite, etc.

[0105] As used herein, "annular shape" describes a circular or substantially circular shape. A substantially circular shape may differ from a circular shape by having edges or corners, straight portions, and protruding portions, as long as the substantially circular shape encloses a bounded area. An annular shape may be interrupted by air gaps, such as a split ring shape, as long as the annular shape substantially encloses a bounded area.

[0106] Since the core is made of suitable material, the magnetic field is guided in the toroidal core and, due to the shape of the toroidal core, enters and is confined in the air gap of the toroidal core. In this air gap, a receiver coil can be placed, which will be described later.

[0107] In contrast to the poloidal length, the "toroidal length" is the length of the toroidal direction of the toroidal core, describing the circumferential length of the toroidal core's cross section. The toroidal length can be measured, for example, along the outer or inner circumference, or defined as the average of the outer and inner circumferences, or as the length along the magnetic field, etc.

[0108] Furthermore, the annular core 11 has an air gap 13 , which is a cutout portion of the substantially circular shape of the annular core 11 , ranging from one end face 14 of the annular core 11 to the other end face 14 of the annular core 11 .

[0109] The toroidal core 11 may have a circular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, or a cross-section having a more complex shape, as long as the toroidal core 11 is suitable for guiding the magnetic field within the toroidal core substantially perpendicular to the cross-section of the toroidal core. Furthermore, the cross-section of the toroidal core 11 may vary along the length of the toroidal core 11 to adapt the toroidal core 11 to, for example, manufacturing or installation.

[0110] The excitation coil 12 extends along the annular core 11 from one end face 14 of the annular core 11 to the other end face 14 of the annular core 11. The excitation coil 12 can have an electrical conductor wound in one or more layers around the annular core 11. The two electrical contacts of the excitation coil 12 can be provided at either end of the excitation coil 12, at both ends of the excitation coil 12 (one at each end), or at any position along the coil.

[0111] In the following, a coil having only one winding layer is considered, wherein one electrical contact of the coil is provided at one end of the coil and another electrical contact is provided at the other end of the coil.

[0112] The field coil can be defined in terms of its coil length.

[0113] Thereby, the winding density WD of the excitation coil 12 is defined as the number N of windings of the excitation coil 12 in a certain portion of the excitation coil 12 having a non-zero length (toroidal length) L. In this case, the winding density is determined by Formula 1:

[0114] WD=N / L (Formula 1)

[0115] Thus, the winding density WD varies along the coil length of the excitation coil 12, that is, along the length of the toroidal surface of the annular core 11, such that the winding density is higher at either end of the excitation coil 12 than in the middle portion of the excitation coil 12. Thus, when considering the winding density WD of the excitation coil 12 from one end to the other end of the coil, the winding density at one end of the coil is a first winding density value WD1, the winding density in the middle portion of the excitation coil 12 is a second winding density value WD2, and the winding density at the other end of the excitation coil 12 is the first winding density value WD1.

[0116] Preferably, the winding density of the excitation coil 12 along the toroidal length of the annular magnetic core 11 is symmetrical relative to the central portion of the excitation coil 12. The winding density WD may vary abruptly or gradually along the toroidal length of the annular magnetic core 11. In certain portions, the winding density WD may even be zero or close to zero. Therefore, it can be said that the winding density of the excitation coil 12 along the toroidal length of the annular magnetic core 11 is higher near the corresponding end surface 14 of the annular magnetic core 11 than in the rest of the annular magnetic core 11.

[0117] The higher winding density WD near the end face 14 offers the advantage that the magnetic field density in the air gap 13 for a charging antenna unit with a given number of windings is increased compared to an arrangement with a uniform winding density along the annular core 11 .

[0118] By concentrating the windings close to the edge, the magnetic field will become more concentrated in the area of ​​the air gap 13 and the coupling factor k will increase. This fact leads to better energy transfer and thus shorter charging times and less battery temperature rise, as mentioned above.

[0119] Figure 10 The measured and simulated coupling coefficient k is disclosed as a function of the frequency of the alternating magnetic field, i.e., the resonant frequency of the charger antenna 10. For example, at 2.5 MHz, the coupling coefficient was measured to be 0.21, and the simulated value was 0.205. The measured and simulated coupling coefficients are based on a specific toroidal core material. In this specific example, the rechargeable battery is a lithium-ion battery.

[0120] Figure 11 The energy transfer efficiency measured as a function of the resonant frequency of the charger antenna is shown, and the cases of three different examples of the charger unit 31 are shown. In the case of a coupling coefficient of 0.19 at 2.5 MHz (i.e., the resonant frequency), the magnetic shield portion is made of copper; in the case of a coupling coefficient of 0.16 at 2.5 MHz (i.e., the resonant frequency), the magnetic shield portion is made of aluminum; and in the case of a coupling coefficient of 0.13 at 2.5 MHz (i.e., the resonant frequency), the magnetic shield portion and the charger antenna are not in a ring shape.

[0121] In a preferred example, where the magnetic shield portion is made of copper, the resonant frequency range of the charger antenna may be between 1.7 MHz and 8 MHz, such as between 2 MHz and 7 MHz, such as between 2.5 MHz and 4 MHz, or approximately 2.5 MHz.

[0122] In this particular example, the rechargeable battery is a lithium-ion battery.

[0123] Each of the end surfaces 14 can be a flat surface or have a more complex shape. Flat surfaces are preferred because they facilitate the manufacture of the annular magnetic core 11. Preferably, the end surfaces 14 are parallel surfaces so that the magnetic field in the annular magnetic core 11 enters the air gap 13 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the end surfaces 14, and the magnetic field density within the air gap 13 of the annular magnetic core 11 is as uniform as possible.

[0124] Figure 1B 、 1C 1D shows another charging antenna unit 10 having another annular core 11 according to a number of modifications. Figure 1BFIG. 1 shows a ring-shaped core 11 having a substantially circular shape according to a modification. Therefore, the charging antenna unit 10 is similar to the charging antenna unit 10 according to FIG. Figure 1A The charging antenna unit 10. Figure 1B The annular core 11 has a substantially circular shape consisting of a straight portion 15 and end portions 16. In this case, the number of edge portions 16 is four, but the number of edge portions 16 may be any number.

[0125] Figure 1C A ring-shaped core 11 having a substantially circular shape according to a modification is shown. Figure 1C The charging antenna unit 10 is similar to the Figure 1A and 1B The charging antenna unit 10. Figure 1C The annular core 11 has a substantially circular shape consisting of several straight sections 15. Figure 1C In the case of , the number of straight portions 15 is 5, but the number of straight portions 15 may be any number as long as the straight portions 15 together resemble the annular core 11 .

[0126] according to Figure 1C An advantage of the toroidal core 11 is that it is easy to manufacture, for example by having the toroidal core 11 consist of several straight core parts, such as rods, which can be glued together so that the core parts abut each other.

[0127] It is important that the toroidal core 11 abuts as closely as possible from the parts from which it is manufactured, as it is important to maintain the magnetic field from one end face 14 to the other end face 14.

[0128] If the core sections were separated by additional gaps, some of the magnetic field would be dispersed, resulting in reduced efficiency and increased electromagnetic emissions from the toroidal core 11. Consequently, less energy would be transferred to the receiver coil, and the coupling factor k would be reduced. Furthermore, some fringing fields could reach components of the device being charged, which could have undesirable effects on the device being charged. For example, the battery of the device 21 being charged could heat up. Furthermore, in the case of fringing fields, the shielding requirements required to meet EMC requirements may be higher. Therefore, this is not a preferred solution, and additional gaps (other than the air gap 13) should be avoided.

[0129] Figure 1D A ring-shaped core 11 having a substantially circular shape according to a modification is shown, which enables adjustment of the length of the air gap 13. Thus, Figure 1D The charging antenna unit 10 is similar to the Figures 1A-1C The charging antenna unit 10. Figure 1DThe annular magnetic core 11 is formed from two parts, a left part 11A and a right part 11B, which are brought together so that parts 11A and 11B contact each other but are not permanently fixed to each other. In other words, parts 11A and 11B can easily move a predetermined amount relative to each other. For example, left part 11A can rotate relative to right part 11B. It should be understood that "left" and "right" are relative terms and are not intended to be limiting. For example, if the annular magnetic core is viewed from the other side, these terms are interchangeable.

[0130] However, additional gaps should be avoided so that the shapes of the contact surfaces of the two parts 11A and 11B must have an appropriate shape so that if the two parts 11A and 11B move relative to each other, these surfaces remain in contact with each other, i.e. the two parts 11A and 11B abut each other in every predetermined position, except for small air gaps caused by tolerances etc.

[0131] Therefore, it is preferred that the contact surfaces of the left part 11A and the right part 11B have, for example, a circular, cylindrical or spherical shape, so that these surfaces have matching radii, ie the same center of rotation, as in a cylindrical joint or a spherical joint.

[0132] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that according to Figure 1D The electric conductor of the exciting coil 12 of the annular core 11 must be arranged so that it does not restrict the two parts 11A and 11B from moving a predetermined amount.

[0133] The possibility of moving the two parts 11A and 11B relative to each other makes the gap width of the air gap 13 adjustable. This enables the charging antenna unit 10 to be adapted to the size of the device 21 to be inductively charged.

[0134] It is emphasized again that the two parts 11A and 11B should be as close to each other as possible to avoid fringing fields and reduced coupling efficiency, as described above.

[0135] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that Figures 1A-1D The modifications shown in can be freely combined with one another, e.g. according to Figure 1A The annular core 11 can be made of Figure 1C It consists of several parts as shown in Figure 1B The annular core 11 may be provided as Figure 1D The cylindrical section shown in , and so on.

[0136] Figure 2A FIG. 2 shows a charging arrangement of a charging antenna unit 10 and a device 21 to be inductively charged. Figure 2A As shown in FIG, the device to be inductively charged can be inserted completely into the air gap 13 of the annular core 11 of the charging antenna unit 10. This offers the advantage of a very compact arrangement.

[0137] However, parts of the device 21 to be inductively charged may be negatively affected by the strong magnetic field or may be affected by side effects of the alternating magnetic field, such as heating due to induced currents (eddy currents) in conductive materials.

[0138] Figure 2B Shown according to Figure 2A A modification of the charging arrangement. Figure 2B As shown in FIG, device 21 to be inductively charged is only partially introduced into air gap 13 of annular core 11 of charging antenna unit 10. This has the advantage of allowing some parts of device 21 to be inductively charged to be completely within the magnetic field of air gap 13, while the remaining parts of device 21 to be inductively charged are only partially inserted into this magnetic field and are therefore unaffected by the magnetic field excited in annular core 11. Preferably, the portion of device 21 to be inductively charged introduced into air gap 13 includes a receiving antenna. In other words, the air gap of annular core 11 is designed so that the receiving antenna of the device to be inductively charged can be at least partially inserted therein.

[0139] Figure 3A A charger unit 30 according to another aspect of the present invention is shown. Figure 3A The charger unit 30 is provided with a housing 31 having an opening 32, which surrounds the charger antenna unit 10 according to any of the previously described embodiments. The housing 31 is provided to protect the charging antenna unit from dust and to give the charger unit 30 an aesthetic appearance. The housing 31 enables a device to be inductively charged to be at least partially inserted into the air gap 13 of the annular core 11.

[0140] Figure 3B Shown Figure 3A A modification of the charger unit 30 shown in FIG. Figure 3B The charger unit 30 is provided with an additional magnetic shield 33 in the housing 31, which surrounds the annular core 11 to reduce stray magnetic fields outside the air gap 13 of the annular core 11. The magnetic shield has openings so that the magnetic field is not shielded in the air gap 13, and these openings are designed so that they enable the device to be inductively charged to be at least partially inserted into the air gap 13.

[0141] The magnetic shield 33 may be made of at least one material selected from the following group: copper, copper alloy, aluminum, a material having high electrical conductivity enabling eddy currents to occur in the material, nickel-iron high-permeability alloy, permalloy, nickel-iron-molybdenum superconducting magnetic alloy, soft ferromagnetic alloy, or a material having high magnetic permeability and low magnetic resistivity.

[0142] If a magnetic shield 33 made of copper is used, a copper layer thickness of at least 70 μm is preferred for high electrical conductivity. Depending on the type of material used for the magnetic shield, the metal layer thickness can be approximately 40-50 μm or even thicker. The required thickness also depends on the field strength emitted by the toroidal core.

[0143] If another material such as aluminum is used, the magnetic shield has lower performance and different key parameters may be reduced.

[0144] Preferably, there is a magnetic field only in the air gap 13 of the annular core 11, and no magnetic field outside the housing 31. This enables reduction of stray emissions to meet regulatory requirements for electromagnetic field emissions emitted by electrical equipment.

[0145] Figure 3C Shown Figure 3A However, in accordance with Figure 3C In the charger unit 30, a shielding element is incorporated into the air gap 13 of the toroidal core 11. Shielding element 34 protects the components of the device being inductively charged from the magnetic field induced in the toroidal core 11 and the air gap 13. Shielding element 34 can be made of any material with high magnetic permeability and low magnetic resistance, or any material with high electrical conductivity. As a result, the magnetic field can be better guided within the toroidal core 11, increasing the efficiency of the charger unit 30.

[0146] For the same reasons as mentioned above, the shielding element 34 may be made of the same material as the magnetic shield 33 .

[0147] Figure 3D Shown Figure 3A A modification of the charger unit 30 shown in FIG. Figure 3D In the variant shown, the shielding element 34 is included in the device to be inductively charged 21. This enables the size of the shielding element 34 to be reduced, while still enabling sensitive parts of the device to be inductively charged 21 to be protected from the magnetic field of the charger unit 30.

[0148] In accordance with Figure 4A In a modification of the present invention, the magnetic shield may be composed of an upper magnetic shield portion 33A and a lower magnetic shield portion 33B. The magnetic shield portion 33A and the magnetic shield portion 33B are separated by a slit to prevent circular eddy currents from surrounding the annular magnetic core 11. The slit 41 may be established by a single slit or may be composed of several slits. Figure 3BIn the magnetic shield 33 shown in FIG, poloidal circular eddy currents can be induced by the magnetic field excited in the annular core 11, thereby reducing the magnetic field excited in the annular core 11. Upper magnetic shield portion 33A and lower magnetic shield portion 33B can be configured so that upper magnetic shield portion 33A abuts a portion of lower magnetic shield portion 33B, with an electrically insulating material interposed therebetween. Slits can advantageously be formed where the resulting magnetic shield 33 is divided into two or more sections.

[0149] Therefore, it is preferred to use Figure 4B A modification in which a slit 41 is provided to separate the magnetic shield 33 into the upper magnetic shield portion 33A and the lower magnetic shield portion 33B so as to avoid excitation of a circular eddy current.

[0150] It should be noted that Figure 4A The toroidal core 11 is shown to have a cross section 43, which in this case is a circular cross section 43. However, the cross section 43 of the toroidal core 11 may also be, for example, rectangular, oval, polygonal or the like.

[0151] The slit 41 has an annular shape in the same plane as the annular core 11 or in a plane parallel to the plane of the annular core 11. However, the slit 41 may have any shape as long as it avoids the excitation of the polar circular eddy current surrounding the annular core 11, and the slit 41 may be designed to facilitate the installation of the annular core 11. For example, Figure 4B A modification of the magnetic shield 33 is shown, which has two slits 41 that facilitate mounting of the annular core 11 in the magnetic shield 33 .

[0152] However, if the two housing parts 33A and 33B are electrically separated, a voltage difference can be established between the upper magnetic shield part 33A and the lower magnetic shield part 33B, so that the upper magnetic shield part 33A and the lower magnetic shield part 33B are preferably galvanically connected, for example, by a wired conductive connection, a rigid conductive connection or by Figure 4C The central connecting portion 42 is shown in FIG. The insert 100 may be Figure 4C Seen in.

[0153] It is important that the galvanic connection passes through the interior of the toroidal core 11 because if there is a possibility of current flowing around the toroidal core 11 in the polar direction, the magnetic field may be short-circuited and a lower magnetic field strength will be received, so that the coupling factor k will be reduced.

[0154] Therefore, it is preferred that the galvanic connection be provided at the center of the upper magnetic shield portion 33A and the lower magnetic shield portion 33B to comply with EMC requirements.

[0155] Figure 5A charger device 50 according to another aspect of the present invention is schematically shown. The charger device 50 may include a charger unit 30 according to any of the above-described aspects, a detection device 51, a receiving device 52, a driving device 54 and a control device 55. In addition, it may include a transmitting device 53.

[0156] Detection means 51 are provided to detect the presence of device 21 to be inductively charged and to transmit information regarding the presence of the device to be inductively charged to control means 55. Detection means 51 may be implemented using a mechanical switch, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, etc. Once device 21 to be inductively charged is inserted into air gap 13 for charging, the detection means are designed to detect the presence of device 21 to be inductively charged.

[0157] Receiving means 52 are provided to receive information about the charge state of the rechargeable battery of the device 21 to be inductively charged and to transmit this information to the control means 55 .

[0158] Transmitting means 53 may be provided to transmit information to the device 21 to be inductively charged.

[0159] The driving device 54 is provided to operate the charging antenna unit 10 and to supply power to the charger unit 30 to excite a magnetic field in the annular core 11 .

[0160] The control device 55 is provided to control the operation of the charging antenna unit 10 based on the information related to the charge state of the rechargeable battery of the device 21 to be inductively charged received by the receiving device 52, wherein the operation of the charging antenna unit is driven by the driving device 54, and the control device 55 is configured to make the charger unit 30 inoperative when the detection device does not detect the presence of the device 21 to be inductively charged.

[0161] Furthermore, if the detection means 51 detects that the device 21 to be inductively charged is removed from the charger unit 30, the control means 55 is configured to interrupt the operation of the charger unit 30. Thus, it is possible to achieve that the charger unit 30 operates only when the device 21 to be inductively charged is present.

[0162] Furthermore, the control device 55 may be configured to control the transmitting device 53 to transmit information to the device to be inductively charged 21, so that the device to be inductively charged 21 determines the charge state of the rechargeable battery and sends back information related to the charge state of the rechargeable battery, which is received by the receiving device 52. Only when the charge state of the rechargeable battery indicates that the battery needs to be charged, the control device 55 will control the driving device 54 to operate the charger device 50.

[0163] Furthermore, the device 21 to be inductively charged can transmit information to enable the control device 55 to stop an ongoing charging process or not start a charging process when it is inactive. Such information can be related to the temperature of the device to be inductively charged or the temperature of the rechargeable battery, for example.

[0164] Further, the transmitting device 53 and the receiving device 52 may be configured to transmit and receive information using the charging antenna unit 10 of the charger unit 30 .

[0165] The charging antenna unit 10 can be driven not only by the driving device 54 to charge the device 21 to be inductively charged, but also by the transmitting device 53 to transmit information to the device 21 to be inductively charged. In addition, the charging antenna unit 11 can be connected to the receiving device 52 so that information from the device to be inductively charged can be received using the charging antenna unit 10. However, the transmitting device 53 and the receiving device 52 can use different antenna structures or separate antenna structures.

[0166] Figure 6 A device 21 to be inductively charged according to another aspect of the invention is schematically shown. Figure 6 The device to be inductively charged 21 comprises a rechargeable battery 61, charging means 62, charge state detection means 63, transmitting means 64, receiving means 65, receiving antenna 66 and control means 67. The device to be inductively charged 21 is adapted to be charged using a charger device 50 according to any of the aspects described above.

[0167] The rechargeable battery 61 is a battery for storing electric energy and supplying electric energy to a device to be inductively charged. In addition, the rechargeable battery 61 can be recharged.

[0168] The charging device 62 is a circuit that enables the device to be inductively charged 21 to recharge the rechargeable battery 61 .

[0169] The charge state detection device 63 is a circuit for measuring the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61. The charge state detection device 63 may be, for example, a circuit that measures the output voltage of the rechargeable battery 61. The charge state detection device 63 may constantly detect the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61, may detect the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61 from time to time, or may detect the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61 upon request. Alternatively, the control device 67 may control the charge state detection device 63 to measure the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61.

[0170] The energy required to recharge the rechargeable battery 61 can be provided via the receiving antenna 66 .

[0171] The transmitter 64 is used to transmit information to the charger device 50. For example, the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61 can be transmitted to the charger device 50. Furthermore, information can be transmitted to start or stop the charging operation, and other information can also be transmitted. This additional information may be related to the temperature of the rechargeable battery 61 or the internal temperature of the device 21 to be charged.

[0172] When the rechargeable battery 61 is fully charged, the charger device 50 is configured to reduce the energy used for recharging based on measurement results or communication from the device being charged. The energy is reduced to a level at which the device being charged, such as a hearing aid device, remains powered but does not use the energy of the rechargeable battery 61.

[0173] The receiving device 65 is used to receive information from the charger device 50. For example, the receiving device 65 may be provided to receive information from the charger device 50 that triggers the charge state detection device 63 to measure the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61.

[0174] Furthermore, the transmitting device 64 and the receiving device 65 can be used to communicate with another device, such as a smartphone. This communication can occur while the inductively charged device 21 is being charged, or can occur independently of the charging operation. The purpose of this communication can be, for example, to communicate the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61 to the smartphone, as well as other information.

[0175] Furthermore, information, such as new firmware, firmware upgrades or updates, program settings, and / or configuration settings for the inductively charged device 21, can be transmitted from the charger device 50 to the inductively charged device 21. To accomplish this, information can be received from the inductively charged device 21 to identify the firmware status, configuration settings, and the like. This information is forwarded to a predetermined server, a description of which is beyond the scope of this application. However, client / server architecture solutions and solutions for determining whether a device, such as the inductively charged device 21, requires an update, firmware upgrade, new settings, and / or other adjustments are well known in the art. Thus, the new firmware, program settings, and the like can be downloaded from the predetermined server to the charger device 50, which in turn uploads the new firmware, program settings, and the like to the inductively charged device 21.

[0176] Furthermore, the charger device 50 is configured to upload data from the hearing aid device to the server while the hearing aid device is in the charger device 50. The data may be configuration data, setting data, fitting data, etc. The charger device 50 may be configured to upload its configuration data or setting data.

[0177] Furthermore, the charger device 50 can be triggered or controlled by an IFTTT trigger via a wireless interface in the charger device. The wireless interface can include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The wireless charger can then be controlled by a smartphone or any object within a building via the wireless interface. This object can be a light, a power switch, a door, etc.

[0178] Furthermore, the information transmission between charger device 50 and device 21 to be inductively charged may also include information that triggers a test of the functionality of device 21 to be inductively charged.

[0179] The update process and testing procedures described above may also be performed using another device that can communicate with the apparatus 21 to be inductively charged, such as a smartphone, computer, or the like.

[0180] Communication from the charger device 50 to the inductively charged device 21 can be performed via a charging link between the charging antenna unit 10 of the charger device 50 and the receiving antenna 66 of the inductively charged device 21. This charging link used for the charging process can also be used to transmit additional information, which can be modulated into the charging link. Thus, communication from the inductively charged device 21 to the charger device 50 and vice versa can be transmitted using an RF link, but more energy can be transferred to the inductively charged device 21, and the power used by the transceiver of the inductively charged device 21 for communication via the RF link is reduced. Charging time can be reduced.

[0181] The receiving antenna 66 is used to receive electromagnetic energy from the charging antenna unit 10. Since the charging antenna unit 10 provides an alternating magnetic field in the air gap 13 of the annular core 11, an alternating current is induced in the receiving antenna 66. Therefore, the receiving antenna may include a rectifying device to convert the alternating current into a direct current, which can then be used to provide energy to the charging device 62.

[0182] The control device 67 is configured to control the charging device 62 to charge the rechargeable battery 61, control the charge state detection device 63 to measure the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61, and control the transmission device 64 to transmit information to the charger device 50. If, for example, the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61 indicates that further charging is not required, the control device 67 sends information to the charger device 50 to stop or interrupt the charging process.

[0183] A coupling factor k can be defined to describe the efficiency of energy transfer from the charger device 50 to the device to be charged 21. The coupling factor can be defined as the ratio of received energy to excitation energy, where excitation energy is the energy applied to the excitation coil and received energy can be defined as the corresponding energy received in the receiver coil.

[0184] The higher the amplitude of the AC excitation voltage applied to the excitation coil, the higher the excitation energy. Higher excitation energy reduces the resistance of the excitation coil, resulting in a larger excitation current in the excitation coil. The higher the excitation frequency of the AC excitation voltage, the higher the excitation energy.

[0185] The received energy may be considered in similar terms to the receiver coil, for example the amplitude of the induced AC voltage or current, or the product of the two.

[0186] Furthermore, a temperature detection device 68 for detecting the temperature of the rechargeable battery 61 may be provided in the device 21 to be inductively charged.

[0187] As mentioned above, the temperature of the battery 61 is a concern. Preferably, the temperature of the battery 61 of the device 21 to be inductively charged must remain below 45 degrees Celsius while receiving the charge and at the end of charging.

[0188] Figure 12 The measured energy transfer efficiency and battery temperature are shown as a function of the resonant frequency of the charger antenna. It is important to keep the battery temperature as low as possible, so the resonant frequency cannot be lowered below 1.7 MHz, otherwise the battery temperature will be too high.

[0189] In this particular example, the rechargeable battery is a lithium-ion battery.

[0190] Of course, the temperatures of other components that are sensitive to strong alternating magnetic fields are also of concern, and therefore, multiple temperature detection devices 68 may be provided.

[0191] If the battery 61 is located in or near a magnetic field during charging, the battery temperature may increase. For example, in a comparative example, a temperature increase of more than 12° C. has been measured. Therefore, the battery or other components may be damaged due to inductive heating.

[0192] Therefore, it is important to observe the temperature of the battery 61 and / or other components, which can be provided by a temperature sensing device 68 that measures the temperature of the battery 61 and / or other components. The temperature sensing device 68 can be a resistor, a diode, etc. that varies with temperature, or it can be a plurality of single temperature sensing devices 68. Information about the temperature of the battery 61 and other components can be transmitted to the control device 67, and the control device 67 can then control the charging process based on the temperature provided by the temperature sensing device 68, for example, interrupting charging if the temperature of the battery 61 becomes too high.

[0193] Thus, the control device 67 of the device to be inductively charged 21 can regulate the charging current entering the battery 61 , but it cannot in any case inhibit the transfer of energy from the charger device 50 .

[0194] Therefore, the control device 67 can also transmit information to the charger device 50 via the transmitter 64 to stop or interrupt the ongoing charging process, or send information to the charger device 50 to prevent it from starting when the charging process is not running.

[0195] Furthermore, an additional temperature sensor may be integrated near the air gap 13 of the field coil 11 of the charger device 50, with the device 21 to be inductively charged being placed in the air gap 13 during charging. The correlation between the temperature sensor and the temperature of the battery 61 is characterized, and the monitored temperature is used to adjust the power delivered to the device 21 to be inductively charged or disable it entirely.

[0196] Figure 13 Two temperature measurement results are shown, namely the battery temperature marked as "battery" and the temperature around the battery marked as "insert", where the temperature around the battery is measured by a temperature detection device arranged in the insert located in the air gap of the annular magnetic core. Figure 14 The temperature difference between the temperature of the battery to be inductively charged and the temperature surrounding the battery is shown.

[0197] In addition, Figure 13 In FIG. 1 , it can be seen that when the battery temperature begins to increase, the energy delivered to the rechargeable battery is reduced by reducing the "battery current".

[0198] In the event that too much energy is received by receiving device 65, or in the event that battery 61 is full or unable to accept energy, it is important to dissipate any excess energy. However, as mobile devices tend to become smaller, using a heating resistor or shunt resistor to dissipate energy is not preferred. Such resistors take up space, which is a disadvantage, as mentioned above, and may further heat battery 61 or other components, thereby reducing the life of the battery or other components, because the resistor must be close to the battery, which is because the device 21 to be inductively charged must be compact.

[0199] Mobile devices often include a speaker—an electroacoustic transducer for emitting audible signals. Therefore, passing a DC current through the speaker can consume energy. Such speakers typically have an ohmic resistance, which can be used to dissipate energy. Furthermore, the inductive resistance of the receiver coil can be used to pass an AC current through it, thereby emitting acoustic energy.

[0200] To avoid the aforementioned consumption of energy generating audible noise during charging, the frequency can be selected to be outside the audible spectrum of the human ear, ie, in the range of approximately 20 Hz to 20 kHz. One or more frequencies can be used as long as it is optimal.

[0201] However, it is also possible to signal the charge state of the rechargeable battery 61 to the user of the device 21 to be inductively charged by selecting one or more audible frequencies. This can be achieved by the receiver generating a louder or higher-pitched tone as the battery 61 is fuller. Audible frequencies have the advantage of being in the range in which the amplifier used to operate the loudspeaker is optimally operated.

[0202] According to a variant, the device to be inductively charged 21 may also comprise an electroacoustic transducer for emitting an audible signal, wherein the receiving antenna of the device to be inductively charged is located in the air cavity of the electroacoustic transducer.

[0203] However, in another modification, the loudspeaker can be used in reverse, ie the electroacoustic transducer can be used to receive energy for charging. In the case of a loudspeaker with an induction coil, this coil can be used to convert the mechanical movement into an electrical voltage.

[0204] This solution is particularly suitable for devices 21 having a battery 61 of small capacity, since in this case also low-efficiency charging methods can be used.

[0205] That is, the loudspeaker's receiver coil acts as an inverse converter, thus converting mechanical energy (motion) into electrical energy. Feeding energy "backwards" into the loudspeaker for charging purposes can be achieved in several ways:

[0206] A speaker can be used as a microphone. Instead of emitting a magnetic field, charger device 50 generates a loud sound and transmits it to a receiver. The loud sound causes the speaker's diaphragm to move, inducing a voltage in the speaker's coil. This voltage can be rectified and used to charge battery 61. Thus, device 21 can be inductively charged.

[0207] Furthermore, by mechanically moving the speaker's diaphragm back and forth, the speaker can be used as a linear generator. Thus, the charger device 50 is provided with a piston that causes the speaker's diaphragm to vibrate. The device 21 can be charged inductively.

[0208] Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the speaker coil can be used to pick up the changing magnetic field produced by the charger device 50. This induces a current in the speaker coil and the device 21 can thus be inductively charged.

[0209] As mobile devices need to become smaller to be more attractive, any available space can be used to house components within the inductively charged device 21. Such space can also be found in the speaker's acoustic path, enabling a more compact design of the electroacoustic transducer and receiving antenna of the inductively charged device 21. Consequently, the size of the inductively charged device 21 can be further reduced, thereby further increasing the efficiency of the charging process. This also has the benefit of enabling the emitted sound to be modified.

[0210] Additionally, other coils such as telecoil 71 or coil 72 may be present in device 21 to be inductively charged.

[0211] Figure 7A Schematically shows a telecoil 71 in a device 21 to be inductively charged according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7B A coil 72 in a device 21 to be inductively charged according to another embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0212] Telecoil 71 (also known as a T-coil or phone coil) is a coil installed, for example, in a hearing aid or cochlear implant. External magnetic fields generated by a stationary induction coil, for example, in a room, can be detected by telecoil 71 in the hearing aid, allowing audio signals to be transmitted directly to the hearing aid. However, it is also possible to use telecoil 71 as a receiving antenna 66.

[0213] Furthermore, the coil 72 may be installed in the device 21, for example for use between different devices 21. Communication or communication to other devices such as smartphones. Like the pickup coil 71 mentioned above, the coil 72 can also be used as a receiving antenna 66. Since no additional components are required in this case, a smaller device 21 can be realized. Of course, the frequency of the alternating magnetic field must be adjusted accordingly to enable efficient energy transfer.

[0214] As mentioned above, it is important that the rechargeable battery 61 be protected from the magnetic field used for charging, so that the increase in the temperature of the battery 61 during the charging process must be minimized.

[0215] Figure 8A The arrangement of a magnetic shield 81 in a device 21 to be inductively charged is schematically shown. The magnetic shield 81 may be provided directly on the battery 61 .

[0216] For example, the aforementioned magnetic shield 81 can be provided as part of the battery connection, which includes, for example, a flexible printed circuit board having copper areas arranged in different shapes. In addition, the aforementioned magnetic shield 81 can be implemented by the outer or inner housing of the device 21 to be inductively charged, such as Figure 8B As shown in . Further, the magnetic shielding member 81 can be Figure 3D The magnetic shield 33 shown in and described in conjunction with it is implemented.

[0217] The magnetic shield 81 may be made of a highly conductive material, like the magnetic shield 33, and may be provided to cover as much as possible of the surface of the battery 61. The thickness of the magnetic shield 81 may vary from less than 5 um to 100 um, depending on the shielding performance that needs to be achieved.

[0218] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided Figure 9AThe dual charger 91 may include two separate charger devices 50A and 50B according to any of the aspects described above. In addition to the two separate charger devices 50A and 50B, the dual charger 91 may further include a control device 92 that controls the control devices 55 of the two charger devices 50A and 50B to coordinate the charging process of the two charger devices 50A and 50B.

[0219] In the dual charger device 91, depending on the positioning of the two charger antenna units 10, when the charger antenna unit 10 of the first charger device 50A begins charging the device 21 to be inductively charged, a magnetic field may be induced in the second charger antenna unit 10 of the second charger device 50B. This may have an impact on the charger antenna unit 10 of the second charger device 50B, causing the resonant frequency of the charger antenna unit 10 of the second charger device 50B to be affected and thus detuned. It is important to consider the impact of one charger antenna unit 10 on the other charger antenna unit 10 and design the dual charger device 91 in a manner that minimizes these impacts.

[0220] For example, the magnetic field orientations in the air gaps 13 of the two annular cores 11 may be set so that the directions of the magnetic fields are orthogonal to each other, so as to reduce cross-coupling between the charger antenna units 10 .

[0221] Furthermore, another magnetic shield 81 may be provided between the two charger antenna units 10 to reduce the influence of one charger antenna unit 10 on the other charger antenna unit 10 .

[0222] In addition, the control device 92 may control the two charger devices 50A and 50B so that the phases of the alternating currents in the charger antenna unit 10 are shifted by 180°. Figure 9B There are shown respective graphs showing the amplitude of the alternating current in the charger antenna unit 10 of the first charger device 50A and the second charger device 50B. In each graph, the ordinate 93 represents the amplitude A of the alternating current, and the abscissa 94 represents time.

[0223] In non-preferred cases, such as Figure 9B As shown in the left part of , the signals in the charger antenna unit 10 are synchronized and therefore have a phase shift of 0 degrees or no phase shift. It should be noted that the abscissa 94 is the same for both the upper and lower curves.

[0224] In the preferred case, Figure 9B As shown in the right part of FIG, the phase of the signal is shifted by 180 degrees, so that the common mode noise of the dual charger 91 as a whole can be reduced. It should be noted that the abscissa 94 is the same for both the upper and lower curves.

[0225] Since large voltages and currents are transmitted in the excitation coils of the charger antenna unit 10, dual chargers may produce side effects in the form of conducted and radiated emissions. In the case where both excitation coils receive current, e.g. Figure 9B As shown in the left portion of the diagram, these currents are in phase, which can generate large common-mode noise. Since the main phenomenon is common-mode emissions and since the amplitude of these emissions depends largely on the magnitude of the in-phase peak current flowing in the excitation coils of the charger antenna unit, there is a clear advantage in inverting the phase by 180 degrees in one of the excitation coils of the charger antenna unit 10, so that the two excitation coils are driven 180 degrees out of phase. As a result, the resultant currents flowing in the dual charger 91 become balanced, canceling each other to a certain extent. After inverting the phase of one of the charging antenna units 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 9B As shown in the right part of FIG, a 15dB reduction in conducted emissions has been measured on the dual charger 91.

[0226] Structural features of the apparatus described above, described in detail in the "Detailed Description of the Invention" and / or defined in the claims may be combined with the steps of the method of the present invention when appropriately replaced by corresponding processes.

[0227] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the singular forms "a", "the" and "the" used herein include the plural form (i.e., having the meaning of "at least one"). It should be further understood that the terms "having", "including" and / or "comprising" used in the specification indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. It should be understood that, unless expressly stated otherwise, when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate intervening element. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more listed related items. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed.

[0228] It should be understood that references in this specification to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an aspect," or features that "may" include, mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined as appropriate in one or more embodiments of the present invention. The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0229] The claims are not limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather have the full scope consistent with the claim language in which, unless expressly stated otherwise, elements referred to in the singular do not mean "one and only one" but rather "one or more." Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "some" means one or more.

[0230] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be judged based on the claims.

[0231] Reference Signs List

[0232] 10 Charging antenna unit

[0233] 11 Toroidal core

[0234] 11A Split the left side of the toroidal core

[0235] 11B Split the right side of the toroidal core

[0236] 12 Excitation coil

[0237] 13 Air Gap

[0238] 14 End face

[0239] 15 straight part

[0240] 16 Edge

[0241] 21 Device to be inductively charged

[0242] 30 Charger Unit

[0243] 31 housing

[0244] 32 Opening

[0245] 33 Magnetic shielding parts

[0246] 34 Shielding elements

[0247] 41 Slit

[0248] 42 Central connecting part

[0249] 43 cross section

[0250] 50 charger device

[0251] 50A, 50B charger unit

[0252] 51 Detection device

[0253] 52 receiving device

[0254] 53 Launcher

[0255] 54 drive unit

[0256] 55 Control device

[0257] 61 Rechargeable batteries

[0258] 62 Charging device

[0259] 63 Charge state detection device

[0260] 64 Launcher

[0261] 65 receiving device

[0262] 66 Receiving Antenna

[0263] 67 Control Device

[0264] 68 Temperature detection device

[0265] 71 Telecoil

[0266] 72 Coil

[0267] 81 Magnetic Shielding Parts

[0268] 91 Dual Charger

[0269] 92 Control Device

[0270] 93 vertical coordinate

[0271] 94 horizontal axis

Claims

1. A charger configured to charge a device to be wirelessly charged, the charger comprising: An antenna unit for charging a device to be inductively charged, the antenna unit comprising an excitation coil made of an electric conductor wound around the annular magnetic core to excite a magnetic field within the annular magnetic core; The annular magnetic core has an air gap between its two end faces; wherein the two end surfaces are opposite to each other; and The winding density of the excitation coil along the toroidal length of the toroidal core is higher near the corresponding end face than in the rest of the toroidal core; and A housing having an opening adapted to be aligned with a device to be inductively charged such that a receiving antenna of the device to be inductively charged can be at least partially inserted into an air gap of an annular core of a charger antenna unit, wherein at least a portion of the housing is provided with a magnetic shield, wherein the antenna unit is located within the housing, and the opening of the housing is insertable with the receiving antenna of the device to be inductively charged. 2 . The charger according to claim 1 , wherein the end surfaces of the antenna units are arranged parallel to each other. 3 . The charger according to claim 1 , wherein the annular magnetic core of the antenna unit is composed of one or more magnetic core parts adjacent to each other.

4. The charger of claim 3, wherein the one or more core portions are arranged relative to each other such that a gap width of the air gap can be adjusted.

5. The charger according to claim 1, wherein the air gap of the annular magnetic core is designed so that a receiving antenna of a device to be inductively charged can be at least partially inserted therein.

6. The charger according to claim 1, wherein The magnetic shield is made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of copper, copper alloys, aluminum, or a material having a high electrical conductivity that enables eddy currents to occur in said material; or The magnetic shield is made of at least one material selected from the following group: nickel-iron high-permeability alloy, permalloy, nickel-iron-molybdenum superconducting magnetic alloy, soft iron magnetic alloy, or a material with high magnetic permeability and low magnetic resistivity.

7. The charger according to claim 6, wherein The magnetic shield is composed of a first magnetic shield portion and a second magnetic shield portion, and The first magnetic shield portion and the second magnetic shield portion are separated from each other by a slit and have an annular shape in a plane parallel to a plane of the annular magnetic core of the charger antenna unit. 8 . The charger according to claim 7 , wherein the first magnetic shield portion and the second magnetic shield portion are galvanically connected.

9. The charger according to claim 1, further comprising: a detector configured to detect the presence and / or absence of a device to be inductively charged; a receiver configured to receive information related to a state of charge of a rechargeable battery of a device to be inductively charged; a driver configured to supply power to a charger antenna unit of the charger unit; a controller configured to control the driver in response to information received by the receiver; Wherein the controller is configured to control the driver to supply power to the charger antenna unit only if the detector has detected the presence of the device to be inductively charged.

10. The charger according to claim 9, further comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit information to a device to be inductively charged, and Wherein the receiver is configured to receive information from a device to be inductively charged.

11. The charger of claim 10, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are configured to transmit and receive information using the charger antenna unit.

12. A system comprising the charger according to claim 1 and a device to be inductively charged, wherein the device to be inductively charged comprises: a rechargeable battery that stores energy for operating the device to be inductively charged; a state of charge detector for detecting a state of charge of the rechargeable battery; a receiving antenna configured to receive electromagnetic energy from the charger device to charge the rechargeable battery; a receiver configured to receive information from the charger device; a transmitter configured to transmit information to the charger device; and The controller is configured to control the transmitter to transmit the charge status detected by the rechargeable battery charge status detector to the controller of the charger device.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the device to be inductively charged further comprises: A shielding unit is configured to magnetically shield the rechargeable battery from an external electromagnetic field from the charger during a charging process.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the shielding unit in the device to be inductively charged is provided directly on the rechargeable battery.

15. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the device to be inductively charged further comprises a coil for high frequency communication, wherein the coil serves as a receiving antenna for the device to be inductively charged.

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