Charging system and charging device for a hearing device

By designing coaxially oriented primary and secondary charging windings and a magnetic layer in the ITE hearing aid, the problem of high charging loss in the ITE hearing aid was solved, and efficient inductive charging was achieved.

CN114498806BActive Publication Date: 2025-12-09SIVANTOS PTE LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202111239328.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-10-23
Filing Date
2021-10-25
Publication Date
2025-12-09
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies make it difficult to achieve efficient inductive charging with a simple structure in ITE hearing aids, resulting in high charging losses.

Method used

Design a charging device and hearing device system, wherein the hearing device has a secondary charging winding, the charging device has a primary charging winding and a magnetic layer, effective coupling is ensured through coaxial orientation design, and magnetic field lines are guided by the primary and secondary magnetic layers to reduce losses.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient inductive charging for ITE hearing aids, reducing charging losses and improving energy transmission efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a charging system (2) having a charging device (4) and a hearing device (6), wherein the hearing device (6) has a partial region (26) of the front in which a secondary charging winding (36) is arranged. The charging device (4) has a charging housing (8) which has an accommodation space (18) which extends in the longitudinal direction (12) along a central axis (10) and which has an opening (16) at least to one side in the longitudinal direction (12). Furthermore, the charging device (4) has a primary charging winding (20) which is designed in a ring around the central axis (10) and which surrounds an inner space (22). The hearing device (6) can be inserted into the inner space (22) with the partial region (26) of the front. The secondary charging winding (36) is wound around a component, in particular an earpiece (34). Furthermore, at least one magnetic layer, namely a primary magnetic layer (44), is arranged around the primary charging winding (20) and / or a secondary magnetic layer (38) is arranged between the component and the secondary charging winding (36). Efficient charging is thereby facilitated.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging system having a charging device and a hearing device and also to a charging device for a hearing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A "hearing device" is generally understood to be a device designed to process and provide sound or sound signals to a person. The present invention particularly relates to a hearing aid. This is understood to be a hearing device for providing an acoustical environmental signal to a person with impaired hearing. Here, the acoustical environmental signal is processed and, in particular, amplified to compensate for or treat the respective hearing impairment. Such a hearing aid essentially consists of one or more input transducers, a signal processing device, an amplification device and an output transducer. The input transducers are usually sound receivers, such as microphones, and / or electromagnetic receivers, such as induction coils. The output transducer is usually implemented as an electroacoustic transducer, such as a small loudspeaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, such as a bone conduction earpiece. The output transducer is also referred to as an earpiece or receiver. The output transducer generates an output signal, in particular a sound signal, which is conducted to the auditory system of the patient (person with impaired hearing) and generates a hearing in the patient. The amplifier is usually integrated in the signal processing device. The power supply of the hearing device is effected by means of a battery integrated in the housing of the hearing device. The components (of the hearing device) are usually arranged on or in connection with a printed circuit board as a circuit carrier.

[0003] There are different implementation variants of hearing devices, in particular hearing aids. These are, inter alia, ITE hearing devices (In-the-Ear), BTE hearing devices (Behind the Ear), RiC hearing devices (Receiver in Canal) and CiC hearing devices (Completely in Canal). CiC hearing devices are identical to ITE hearing devices, but are worn completely in the ear canal. In ITE hearing devices, the housing containing all functional components including the microphone and the receiver is at least partially worn in the ear canal. Thus, in particular, ITE hearing devices or CiC hearing devices have a very small configuration.

[0004] Hearing devices, in particular hearing aids, usually have an antenna arrangement, which is used, for example, for the wireless transmission of data signals or acoustic signals. The antenna arrangement can be provided for different purposes of use. The antenna arrangement is used, for example, for wireless communication with other devices, for example with other hearing aids in the case of binaural provision. Furthermore, such an antenna arrangement can also be designed for wireless communication with other external devices, for example with a playback device for music and speech. Furthermore, the antenna arrangement can also be used for wireless, in particular inductive, charging of a battery of the hearing aid. In the case of the use of an antenna arrangement, due to the limited space available, it is often necessary and desirable to provide a shielding between the antenna arrangement and other electrical components in order to avoid unwanted mutual interference.

[0005] A hearing device, in particular an ITE hearing device, having a particularly space-saving, efficient antenna is described in DE 10 2019 217 861 B3, published after the present application. In this hearing device, an earpiece designed as an electro-acoustic transducer is arranged in a partial region of the front of the housing. A magnetic layer, in particular in the form of a ferrite film, is arranged at least regionally around the earpiece, around which a secondary winding forming an antenna is in turn wound. The magnetic layer is formed in particular by individual separate connection tabs and extends beyond the earpiece into a widened housing region of the housing. In this widened housing region, other functional components of the hearing device, in particular components for signal processing, are arranged. The secondary winding described here, which is arranged around the earpiece, can be used to inductively charge a battery of the hearing device.

[0006] In the case of wireless, in particular inductive, charging, it is generally pursued that there is as good a coupling as possible between the primary charging winding and the secondary charging winding in order to keep the charging losses as low as possible. SUMMARY

[0007] Starting from this, the technical problem addressed by the present application is to achieve an as efficient as possible inductive charging with a simple structure for a hearing device, in particular for an ITE hearing aid and in particular for the hearing device described in DE 10 2019 27861.8.

[0008] The technical problem is solved by the invention by a charging system having a charging device and a hearing device, in particular a hearing aid, wherein the hearing device has a partial region of the front in which a secondary charging winding is arranged. The charging device has a charging housing which has an accommodation space which extends in the longitudinal direction along a central axis and which has an opening at least to one side in the longitudinal direction. The charging device also has a primary charging winding which is designed in a ring around the central axis and which surrounds the interior space. The hearing device can be inserted into the interior space with the partial region of the front. Thus, in the inserted state, the secondary charging winding is arranged inside and surrounded by the primary charging winding.

[0009] Thus, by this design of the hearing device on the one hand and the charging device on the other hand, the hearing device can be inserted into the charging device in a simple manner, namely in such a way that the two charging windings are automatically oriented coaxially to each other and thus ensure a particularly effective coupling and thus a particularly effective energy transfer.

[0010] The two charging windings are generally coils which have a coil or winding length in the longitudinal direction. The primary charging winding is a hollow coil into which the secondary charging winding is inserted.

[0011] The primary charging winding is arranged, for example, inside the accommodation space. It is generally connected and fixed to the charging housing by a support structure. Support elements are arranged, for example, on the bottom side and / or at least one radial holding arm is designed which extends from the side wall and holds the primary charging winding. The primary charging winding is generally wound, for example, on a cylindrical support which takes up (or rather intercepts) the mechanical holding forces via the support structure. The electrical connection of the two winding ends is also achieved, in particular, by the support structure. As an alternative to the support structure arranged inside the accommodation space, the primary charging winding is embedded, for example, cast into the wall which delimits the accommodation space.

[0012] A charging control device is generally also provided in the charging device and / or in the hearing device, which controls the charging process. Furthermore, a rechargeable battery is arranged in the hearing device.

[0013] The hearing device also has a component around which the secondary charging winding is arranged. The secondary charging winding is preferably wound around the component in the manner of a coil. The component can in particular be an electrical or electromagnetic component. The component is preferably an earpiece which is designed in particular as an electro-acoustic transducer and thus for outputting sound.

[0014] On the earpiece there is usually connected a sound channel or a sound outlet nozzle designed at the end of the hearing device. In particular in ITE hearing devices, the earpiece is arranged in a front partial region which defines an end-side partial region and which is designed in particular tapering, so that it can be inserted into the ear canal of the user. This tapering and thus substantially dome-shaped housing partial region thus inserts into the interior space of the primary charging winding.

[0015] The charging system also has at least one magnetic layer, namely a primary magnetic layer and / or a secondary magnetic layer. Preferably, two magnetic layers are provided.

[0016] The primary magnetic layer extends around the primary charging winding, namely preferably completely around the primary charging winding. It extends in particular over or in the surrounding wall of the accommodation space.

[0017] By means of this primary magnetic layer, the magnetic field lines are defined on the side of the charging apparatus and thus guided as loss-free as possible, and thus the magnetic flux, which facilitates the implementation of the pursued charging process with as great an efficiency as possible.

[0018] The secondary magnetic layer is arranged between the component and the secondary charging winding. This magnetic layer is in particular a film layer. Preferably, an electric shielding layer is also arranged, which is jointly designed, for example, as a multilayer, in particular a double-layer film, with the magnetic layer. The particular advantage of the arrangement of the magnetic layer in particular in combination with the electric shielding layer is that, during the charging process, the magnetic field lines and thus the magnetic field are purposefully guided by means of the magnetic layer. At the same time, shielding and thus protection of the component is achieved by means of the secondary magnetic layer in particular in combination with the secondary electric shielding layer. Thus, the component is protected by means of the secondary magnetic layer from the influence of the magnetic field during the charging process.

[0019] Whenever a magnetic layer is mentioned here, this is understood to be a layer made of or having a magnetically permeable material. The magnetic permeability value of the magnetic layer is at least greater than 1, so that the material is at least paramagnetic. The magnetic permeability value is preferably much greater than 1 (at least 5, preferably at least 10), so that the magnetically permeable material is generally ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic. The magnetic permeability value is preferably in the range between 40 and 700 and in particular in the range between 100 and 300. The magnetic layer is for example a suitable film layer or alternatively for example a cast or injection-molded body made of or at least having the magnetically permeable material.

[0020] According to a preferred design, the hearing device extends along a device longitudinal direction, which preferably also defines the longitudinal direction of the component and in particular of the earpiece. The hearing device has a housing which extends in the direction of this device longitudinal direction and which, hereinafter, has an expanded housing region in the area of the front portion. The first radial extension of the expanded housing region is greater than the second radial extension, in particular the diameter of the opening of the charging housing, onto which the hearing device is placed in the state of insertion into the charging device. The charging device is generally adapted to the hearing device in such a way that the hearing device enters the receiving space only with the front portion and places (or rather rests) the rear housing region on the opening edge. The relative axial position between the hearing device and the charging device is thus defined, which brings the two charging windings into a defined axial relative position with respect to one another. The axial relative position is here in particular chosen in such a way that a maximum axial overlap between the two charging windings is achieved. An axial self-alignment is thus achieved.

[0021] Furthermore, the housing of the hearing device and the charging housing are preferably adapted to one another, in particular in the area of the opening, in such a way that a radial self-alignment is also achieved. As an alternative to the radial self-alignment by means of the opening, the radial self-alignment is achieved by means of a complementary design between the front portion and the interior space surrounded by the primary charging winding. The primary charging winding is for example wound on a hollow support, into which the front portion of the hearing device is inserted for charging.

[0022] In a preferred extended design, the secondary magnetic layer extends along the device longitudinal direction beyond the component into the expanded housing region. The magnetic layer preferably expands and extends in the expanded housing region along or at least next to the expanded housing wall. The magnetic layer is preferably formed by or has a plurality of strip-like connection pieces. By means of this magnetic layer and the individual connection pieces, the magnetic field lines and thus the magnetic flux are guided in a defined manner during charging.

[0023] Preferably, the secondary magnetic layer has a higher magnetic permeability value than the primary magnetic layer of the charging device. The magnetic permeability value is for example at least 1.5 times greater.

[0024] The magnetic permeability value is generally selected in accordance with the frequency for which the respective winding is intended to be used, wherein a smaller magnetic permeability value is used in the case of higher frequencies. The secondary charging winding on the hearing device side is typically used for other functions in addition to charging, for example for wireless communication in hearing devices, for example binaural hearing devices. Here, communication frequencies in the megahertz range, in particular in the range of approximately 3 MHz or 10 MHz, are typically used. Frequencies in the range between a few hundred MHz and a few thousand MHz can also be used. During charging, a smaller, for example typical 102 In addition to this there are also charging solutions with frequencies in the range of two-digit MHz, for example by RFID at 13.56 MHz or also charging solutions with even higher frequencies, for example at 26 MHz.

[0025] The advantage of the higher permeability value of the secondary magnetic layer is in particular that the distance between the primary charging winding and the primary magnetic layer can be kept small and at the same time the magnetic flux is ensured to flow through the secondary magnetic layer and thus through the secondary charging winding.

[0026] The primary magnetic layer preferably forms the inner side of the accommodation space, thus lining the interior space or covering the interior space. According to one embodiment variant, the magnetic layer here lines the entire accommodation space.

[0027] In the preferred design, the magnetic layer is spaced apart from the primary charging winding in the radial direction, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Here, the distance is designed to be sufficiently large so that during charging the magnetic flux is ensured to be guided through the interior space of the secondary charging winding. The distance is for example between 0.3 cm and 1.5 cm or to 2 cm.

[0028] In the preferred design, the primary magnetic layer is designed at the opening edge of the opening. In this design, particular advantages are achieved in particular in combination with the secondary magnetic layer extending into the widened housing region of the hearing device, i.e. the two magnetic layers are arranged next to each other at the opening edge, thus the magnetic flux is largely completely guided through the magnetic layers and as little as possible through the air.

[0029] The primary magnetic layer preferably forms an annular flange at the opening edge, thus covering the edge of the end side in the region of the opening by the magnetic layer.

[0030] In the preferred extended design, an electrically conductive layer is arranged between the primary charging winding and the primary magnetic layer. The electrically conductive layer is made of or has a metal with a high electrical conductivity, in particular copper. This electrically conductive layer is arranged annularly around the primary charging winding. In particular, the electrically conductive layer defines the inner side of the accommodation space and is for example applied on the primary magnetic layer. This electrically conductive layer forms a kind of shielding layer which prevents a "short circuit" form of the magnetic flux and ensures that the magnetic flux flows through the interior of the secondary charging winding. The electrically conductive layer is arranged at least over the axial height of the primary charging winding and extends in the longitudinal direction preferably over an axial length corresponding to the axial length (winding length) of the primary charging winding. The electrically conductive layer preferably extends only in the region of the primary charging winding. The axial length of the electrically conductive layer is for example in the range of 0.7 times to 2 times the winding length of the primary charging winding.

[0031] Furthermore, the electrically conductive layer is preferably designed as an open ring or as an open cover. This is understood to mean that the electrically conductive layer is arranged in a ring around the central axis, however, the end regions thereof are not connected to one another, that is to say the electrically conductive layer is not electrically closed in the circumferential direction. Thereby, an eddy current is avoided in this layer. The electrically conductive layer is preferably designed as a film. The electrically conductive layer extends, for example, over an angle of at least 300° and preferably over at least 350°, thus forming a gap in the circumferential direction. As an alternative thereto, the end regions of the film overlap, but are not electrically connected to one another. In the region of the overlap, the end regions are thus electrically insulated from one another. This embodiment variant is used, in particular, at lower frequencies, for example in the range of 10 kHz. 2

[0032] In a preferred design, the primary magnetic layer is interrupted in the region of the primary charging winding, viewed in the longitudinal direction. The interruption has an axial length which is adapted to the axial winding length of the primary charging winding. This interruption extends, in particular, between 0.7 and 2 times the winding length. This interruption is arranged, in particular, as an alternative to the electrically conductive layer or in combination with the electrically conductive layer. Both the interruption and the electrically conductive layer serve to keep the distance between the primary charging winding and the inner side of the interior space, which is designed with a primary magnetic layer, as small as possible, without the risk of the aforementioned "magnetic short circuit".

[0033] In a suitable design, the charging housing also has a bottom, that is to say is designed as a pot. In the embodiment variant with a primary magnetic layer, the primary magnetic layer preferably also covers the bottom. The magnetic layer itself is thus likewise designed as a pot in the preferred design and can be said to be fitted into the pot-shaped accommodation space or to form a lining for the accommodation space.

[0034] In the embodiment variant with an interruption of the primary magnetic layer, the magnetic layer is generally designed in two parts with an upper part and a lower part. In the embodiment variant with a bottom, the lower part is in turn designed as a pot, the upper part being connected in a longitudinally spaced manner in a cover shape on the lower part and reaching, in particular, to the opening. In the embodiment variant with a ring-shaped flange, this upper part additionally also has a ring-shaped flange.

[0035] In a suitable design, the geometry of the accommodation space is preferably adapted to the geometry of the hearing device, in particular of the partial region of the front of the hearing device. This is understood to mean, in particular, that the inner contour of the accommodation space follows the outer contour of the partial region of the front of the hearing device.

[0036] In a particularly preferred design, it is provided that the accommodation space widens in the longitudinal direction, in particular in the region of the opening. In this widened end region, the inner wall preferably extends here parallel to the housing wall of the widened housing region of the hearing device.

[0037] ​The accommodation space preferably has a tapering towards the bottom. By this measure, the coupling between the two windings is further improved during the charging process.

[0038] The technical problem is also solved by a charging device for a hearing device, wherein the charging device has a charging housing with an accommodation space which extends in the longitudinal direction along a central axis and which has an opening at least to one side in the longitudinal direction, through which the hearing device can be at least partially inserted into the accommodation space. Furthermore, the charging device has a primary charging winding which is designed in a ring around the central axis and surrounds a free interior space in such a way that the hearing device can be inserted into the interior space with a partial region of its front. The charging device also has a primary magnetic layer which extends around the primary charging winding.

[0039] The advantages and preferred design solutions described with respect to the charging system apply likewise to the charging device and can be transferred to the charging device in a reasonable manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] The application is explained in detail below on the basis of the drawings. The drawings show partly strongly simplified views in which:

[0041] Figure 1 A sectional view is shown which results from a charging system according to a first variant with a charging device shown in a simplified manner and components of a hearing device shown in a simplified manner and only partially;

[0042] Figure 2 A simplified view of components of a hearing device relative to a primary charging winding is shown;

[0043] Figure 3 A simplified, not complete view of a hearing device is shown;

[0044] Figure 4 A sectional view is shown which results from a charging system according to a second variant and Figure 1 a similar sectional view which results from a charging system according to a third variant;

[0045] Figure 5 A sectional view is shown which results from a charging system according to a fourth variant and Figure 1 a similar sectional view which results from a charging system according to a third variant;

[0046] Figure 6 A sectional view is shown which results from a charging system according to a fourth variant and Figure 1 a similar sectional view which results from a charging system according to a third variant;

[0047] Figures 7A-7C Different simplified sectional views of a charging housing of a charging device are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In the accompanying drawings, components that function the same way are given the same reference numerals. Figure 1 as well as Figures 4 to 6 The charging system 2 shown includes a charging device 4 and a hearing device 6. The charging device 4 generally has a charging housing 8, which in this embodiment is designed as a can. The charging housing 8 has walls, which are typically made of plastic. The charging housing 8 extends longitudinally 12 along a central axis 10. The charging housing has a bottom 14 and an opening 16 opposite the bottom. The charging housing 8 has walls surrounding the central axis 10, which enclose a receiving space 18. In this embodiment, the receiving space is defined by the bottom 14, opposite to the longitudinal direction 12. In this embodiment, the receiving space 18 is designed as a cylinder. Alternatively, the receiving space may have a shape other than a cylinder and may be adapted to the geometry of the hearing device 6.

[0049] Furthermore, the charging device 4 has a primary charging winding 20, which is designed in the form of a coil and extends around the central axis 10 and is oriented longitudinally 12. The primary charging winding 20 surrounds the internal space 22. The primary charging winding has a primary winding length L1 in the longitudinal direction 12. This primary charging winding 20 is fixed inside the charging housing 8 by a support structure not shown in detail here. Electrical connection of the winding ends of the primary charging winding 20 is preferably also achieved by this support structure. In addition, the charging device 4 and the hearing device 6 have components required for the charging process, such as a charging control device, a current supply device, etc., which are not shown here.

[0050] The charging device 4 is used to inductively charge the battery in the hearing device 6, which is not shown in detail here.

[0051] Hearing device 6 is preferably a personalized ITE hearing device adapted to the specific user. Hearing device 6 has a housing 24 specifically designed for the user. The housing 24 is generally characterized by a gradually narrowing front portion 26, to which a widening housing portion 30 is connected along the device's longitudinal direction 28. A sound outlet channel or opening 32 is designed at the end of the front portion 26. An earpiece 34 is arranged in the front portion 26, extending along the device's longitudinal direction 28. The earpiece 34 outputs sound to the sound outlet 32 ​​during operation.

[0052] The secondary charging winding is wound around the earpiece 34. The secondary charging winding has a secondary winding length L2, which extends along the longitudinal direction 28 of the device.

[0053] A secondary magnetic layer 38 is arranged between the earpiece 34 and the secondary charging winding 36. This secondary magnetic layer preferably completely or at least almost completely surrounds the earpiece 34 in the circumferential direction. Here, the secondary magnetic layer 38 also extends into the widened housing region 30 along the device longitudinal direction 28. The secondary magnetic layer 38 for this purpose has, inter alia, connection tabs 40 which extend beyond the earpiece 34 and widen. In particular, a total of four connection tabs 40 are provided, which each start from one side of the square of the earpiece 34. The individual connection tabs 40 enclose an intermediate space between them, in which further components of the hearing device, such as a battery, a signal processing unit, etc., are arranged.

[0054] On the end facing away from the sound outlet opening 32, the housing 24 has a further opening into which a component holder, a so-called faceplate, is usually fitted. The secondary magnetic layer 38 and in particular the connection tabs 40 are in particular thin films, in particular ferrite films. A multi-layer film is expediently provided, which has a metal layer and a magnetic layer 38 arranged on the metal layer. The metal layer is in particular a copper layer.

[0055] The hearing device 6 shown in Figure 3 is fitted into the accommodation space 18, in particular the interior space 22, with the front partial region 26 in order to be charged. Since the secondary charging winding 36 is arranged in the front partial region, a defined relative position is formed between the primary charging winding 20 and the secondary charging winding 36. This is shown in Figure 2 . According to Figure 2 It can be recognized that the two charging windings 20, 36 are arranged coaxially with one another. By this arrangement, a very good inductive coupling is achieved during the charging process, so that a high- efficient energy transfer can be achieved.

[0056] This is in particular also assisted by the secondary magnetic layer 38, by means of which the magnetic field is purposefully guided, thereby assisting in achieving the desired good magnetic coupling between the two windings 20, 36.

[0057] As can be recognized from Figure 1 and Figure 3As can be seen from the overview, the housing 24 has a first radial extension b1 in the widened housing region 30, which is greater than a second radial extension b2 of the opening 16, which is determined by its diameter in the case of a circular opening. Thereby, the hearing device 6 is placed with its widened housing region 30 on the opening edge 42, so that the hearing device 6 is in a predefined charging position relative to the charging housing 8. Thereby, a defined relative position is automatically formed between the two charging windings 20, 36. Here, the two charging windings 20, 36 overlap maximally in the longitudinal direction 12. In the present embodiment, the primary winding length LI is smaller than the secondary winding length L2. The two winding lengths LI, L2 are preferably chosen to be equally long or at least close to equally long. Close to equally long is understood to mean that one winding length is longer or shorter by no more than 10% or 20%. Depending on the design of the primary charging winding 20, the primary charging winding can have different primary winding lengths LI. The primary charging winding is generally designed, for example, as a hollow coil. Such a hollow coil preferably has a short winding length LI.

[0058] In order to improve the inductive coupling, a primary magnetic layer 44 is provided, which surrounds the primary charging winding 20. In particular, the primary magnetic layer 44 forms a lining for the inner side of the accommodation space 18, i.e. can be said to form the inner side thereof. This primary magnetic layer 44 is preferably a ferrite film or another magnetically permeable film. Alternatively, instead of a film, an inherently rigid component made of a magnetically permeable material, for example ferrite, having a central hole defining the accommodation space 18 is used. It is also possible for the primary magnetic layer 44 to be formed by an inherently rigid tube having the plate forming the bottom 14. The primary magnetic layer 44 is generally designed in the form of a lining for the accommodation space 18 and in particular also as a pot. The primary magnetic layer has in particular a ring-shaped flange 46 at the opening edge, which covers the opening edge 42 on the end side. In the case of a solid design of the primary magnetic layer 44, the primary magnetic layer forms the charging housing 8, for example, at the same time.

[0059] As can in particular be recognized from the Figures 4 to 6 As can be recognized, the secondary magnetic layer 38 and the primary magnetic layer 44 are arranged immediately adjacent in the region of the opening edge 42 when the hearing device 6 is in the charging position. During the charging process, the magnetic field lines extend inside the magnetic layers, respectively, without having to pass over large air segments. Thus, almost all of the eddy currents of the magnetic field extend through both magnetic layers (ferrite films) in total and can be said to form a bundle in particular in the secondary magnetic layer 38 and thus under the secondary charging winding 36, i.e. they extend through the secondary charging winding 36. Thereby, a very good coupling is achieved between the two charging windings 20, 36. In the region of the bottom 14, the magnetic field lines couple from the bottom 14 lined with the primary magnetic layer 44 again into the secondary magnetic layer 38.

[0060] In order to ensure that the magnetic field lines are reliably guided through the secondary magnetic layer 38 and thus through the interior space of the secondary charging winding 36, in accordance with Figure 4 an embodiment variant, a sufficiently large distance a is provided radially between the primary charging winding 20 and the primary magnetic layer 44.

[0061] This distance a can be reduced here, for example, when the permeability value of the secondary magnetic layer 38 is higher than the permeability value of the primary magnetic layer 44.

[0062] Further possibilities for reducing this distance a are shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 :

[0063] In accordance with Figure 5 , an electrically conductive layer 48 is designed in the region of the primary charging winding 20, which electrically conductive layer surrounds the primary charging winding 20 annularly. This electrically conductive layer 48 is in particular a metal film, in particular a copper film. In terms of costs, less expensive metals can be used. This electrically conductive layer 48 preferably has a very low permeability, the permeability value of which is less than 1. The permeability value can also be greater than 1, for example a permeability value of not more than 30, for example, when less expensive metals are used. The electrically conductive layer 48 does not extend completely in the circumferential direction and is designed as an open ring. The electrically conductive layer 48 preferably extends only over a partial region in the longitudinal direction 12 of the accommodation space 18, in particular only in the region of the primary charging winding 20. The electrically conductive layer 48 has a first axial length L3, which first axial length in particular coincides at least with the primary winding length LI. The axial length L3 is for example in the range between 0.7 and 2 times the primary winding length LI or the secondary winding length L2. Alternatively, the electrically conductive layer has a greater length and can also line the entire accommodation space 18 in a mantle shape. A double-layer structure is thus designed in the region of the electrically conductive layer 48, which double-layer structure is formed by the primary magnetic layer 44 and the electrically conductive layer 48.

[0064] In accordance with Figure 6 , instead of the electrically conductive layer 48, an interruption 50 of the primary magnetic layer 44 is designed, which interruption is designed (completely) annularly around. This interruption 50 has a second axial length L4, which second axial length is preferably approximately between 0.7 and 2 times the primary winding length LI or the secondary winding length L2. The interruption 50 is in turn arranged on the axial height of the primary charging winding 20. In both cases, the primary charging winding 20 is thus preferably completely covered in the longitudinal direction 12 by the electrically conductive layer 48 or the interruption 50.

[0065] Further preferred geometrical shapes of the charging housing 8 and in particular of the accommodation space 18 are shown in a simplified manner in Figures 7A to 7C . Here, in accordance with Figure 7AIn the upper region a cylindrical wall is provided, which narrows towards the bottom and is constricted, for example, to a point there. According to Figure 7B , the cylindrical upper region is replaced by a region which widens conically in the longitudinal direction 12. Figure 7A

[0066] A particularly preferred variant is shown in Figure 7C , in which the accommodation space 18 widens continuously from the flat bottom 14 to the opening 16. Here, two mutually connected widened partial regions are provided in the present embodiment. In particular, the upper partial region which is oriented towards the opening 16 has a wall region which is preferably adapted to the wall region of the widened housing region 30 of the hearing device 6, in particular the respective angles of the walls with respect to the longitudinal direction 12 are adapted to one another and are identical. Thereby it is achieved that the outer wall of the widened housing region 30 extends essentially parallel to the wall of the accommodation space 18.

[0067] In a preferred design, the geometry of the accommodation space 18 is adapted in its entirety to the geometry of the housing 24 of the hearing device 6. Thereby an axial and radial self-centering is achieved. By the adapted geometry, the coupling between the two charging windings 20, 36 is positively influenced, in particular. This applies in particular to an embodiment variant with a primary magnetic layer 44 which is designed, for example, as a ferrite film. The primary magnetic layer thus follows the outer contour of the hearing device 6.

[0068] The hearing device 6 is held in the axial direction, in particular, such that it is arranged or placed with its end side of the front part next to or on the bottom 14 in the region of the sound outlet opening 32.

[0069] The application is explained in detail here in connection with a particularly designed ITE hearing aid 6. The charging system described here can in principle also be generally transferred to portable hearing devices, for example headphones, wearable devices, etc. The application is therefore not limited to the embodiments described here. Further variants can thus also be derived without departing from the technical teaching of the application. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the embodiments can be combined with one another in another way without departing from the technical teaching of the application.

[0070] List of reference signs

[0071] 2 charging system

[0072] 4 charging device

[0073] 6 hearing device

[0074] 8 charging housing

[0075] 10 median axis ​

[0076] 12 longitudinal

[0077] 14 bottom

[0078] 16 opening

[0079] 18 accommodation space

[0080] 20 primary charging winding

[0081] 22 inner space

[0082] 24 housing

[0083] 26 partial area of the front

[0084] 28 device longitudinal direction

[0085] 30 widened housing area

[0086] 32 sound outlet opening

[0087] 34 earpiece

[0088] 36 secondary charging winding

[0089] 38 secondary magnetic layer

[0090] 40 web

[0091] 42 opening edge

[0092] 44 primary magnetic layer

[0093] 46 annular flange

[0094] 48 electrically conductive layer

[0095] 50 interruption

[0096] L1 primary winding length

[0097] L2 secondary winding length

[0098] L3 first axial length

[0099] L4 second axial length

[0100] b1 radial extension

[0101] b2 radial extension

[0102] a distance

Claims

1. A charging system (2) with a charging device (4) and a hearing device (6), wherein - the hearing device (6) has a partial region (26) of the front in which a secondary charging winding (36) is arranged, and further - has a component and the secondary charging winding (36) is arranged around the component, wherein the charging device (4) has - a charging housing (8) which has an accommodation space (18) which extends in the longitudinal direction (12) along a central axis (10) and which has an opening (16) at least to one side in the longitudinal direction (12), - a primary charging winding (20) which is designed annularly around the central axis (10) and which encloses an inner space (22), wherein - the hearing device (6) can be fitted into the inner space (22) with the partial region (26) of the front, and wherein - at least one magnetic layer (38, 44) is provided which comprises a primary magnetic layer (44) which extends around the primary charging winding (20), and wherein an electrically conductive layer (48) is arranged radially between the primary charging winding (20) and the primary magnetic layer (44), and / or wherein the primary magnetic layer (44) is interrupted in the longitudinal direction (12) in the region of the primary charging winding (20).

2. The charging system (2) according to claim 1, wherein The at least one magnetic layer further comprises a secondary magnetic layer (38) which is arranged between the component and the secondary charging winding (36).

3. The charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The component is an earpiece (34).

4. The charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The hearing device (6) extends along a device longitudinal direction (28) and has a housing (24) which expands in the direction of the device longitudinal direction (28) and which here has a widened housing region (30) such that a first radial extension (bl) of the widened housing region (30) is greater than a second radial extension (b2) of the opening (16), as a result of which the hearing device (6) rests on an opening edge (42) of the opening (16) in the fitted state in the charging device (4).

5. The charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The secondary magnetic layer (38) extends beyond the component into the widened housing region (30) in the device longitudinal direction (28).

6. A charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The secondary magnetic layer (38) has a higher magnetic permeability value than the first magnetic layer (44) of the charging device (4).

7. A charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The primary magnetic layer (44) forms the inner side of the accommodation space (18).

8. A charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The primary magnetic layer (44) is designed at the opening edge (42) of the opening (16).

9. The charging system (2) according to claim 8, wherein The primary magnetic layer (44) forms an annular flange (46) at the opening edge (42) of the opening (16).

10. A charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The primary magnetic layer (44) is spaced radially from the primary charging winding (20).

11. A charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The electrically conductive layer (48) is designed as an open ring.

12. A charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The electrically conductive layer (48) extends in the longitudinal direction (12) only over a partial region (26) of the primary magnetic layer (44).

13. A charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The charging housing (8) has a bottom (12) and the primary magnetic layer (44) covers the bottom (12).

14. A charging system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The accommodation space (18) widens in the longitudinal direction (12).

15. A charging device (4) for a hearing device (6), wherein The charging device (4) has - a charging housing (8) having an accommodation space (18) which extends in a longitudinal direction (12) along a central axis (10) and which has an opening (16) at least to one side in the longitudinal direction (12), through which the hearing device (6) can be at least partially inserted into the accommodation space (18), - a primary charging winding (20) which is designed annularly around the central axis (10) and surrounds a free interior space (22) in such a way that the hearing device (6) can be inserted into the interior space (22) with a partial region (26) of its front part, - a primary magnetic layer (44) which extends around the primary charging winding (20), wherein an electrically conductive layer (48) is arranged radially between the primary charging winding (20) and the primary magnetic layer (44), and / or wherein the primary magnetic layer (44) is interrupted in the longitudinal direction (12) in the region of the primary charging winding (20).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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