System comprising a hearing device and a charging device, charging device and method of charging a hearing device

Abstract

A system comprising a hearing device and a charging device is disclosed. The hearing device includes a hearing device antenna, a hearing device wireless communication unit coupled to the hearing device antenna, the hearing device wireless communication unit and the hearing device antenna configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals at a first frequency. The hearing device further comprises a rechargeable battery configured to be charged by the charging device. The charging device is configured to receive a hearing device to enable charging of the hearing device. The charging device includes a charging device wireless communication unit that is interconnected with the coupling structure. The coupling structure includes a conductive element and a ground plane located within a first distance of the conductive element. The coupling structure is configured such that a frequency response of the conductive element is modified when the hearing device is housed in the charging device, thereby enabling near-field coupling of the hearing device antenna to the conductive element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to rechargeable hearing devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a hearing device and a charging device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to determining a state of a hearing device in a charging device. Background Art

[0002] Hearing devices capable of wireless communication are well known in the art, and such hearing devices typically comprise a wireless transceiver and one or more antennas.

[0003] Such hearing devices are usually powered by rechargeable batteries, so the rechargeable batteries need to be charged. Such charging can be performed by removing the batteries from the hearing device for charging. Alternatively, the hearing device including the rechargeable batteries can be arranged in a housing for charging the rechargeable batteries of the hearing device.

[0004] In some cases, the hearing device should be turned off before inserting the hearing device into the case for charging. In other cases, the hearing device communicates with the charging case and ensures that the charging of the hearing device battery does not cause any problems, such as overcharging, overheating, etc. Typically, during charging, information is transmitted between the hearing device and the charging case, and this information includes the charging status.

[0005] However, there is a need for an improved method of charging a hearing device in a charging device and an improved hearing device and charging case system, thereby improving the charging of a rechargeable battery of a hearing device. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to recognize that a hearing device is inserted into a charging device.

[0007] Another object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a system of a hearing device and a charging device, which is capable of identifying a charging field when the hearing device is inserted into the charging device, thereby sending an insertion signal to the hearing aid.

[0008] Yet another object of the disclosed embodiments is to avoid feedback howling when a hearing device is plugged into a charging device.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a system comprising a hearing device and a charging device is disclosed. The hearing device comprises a hearing device antenna and a hearing device wireless communication unit coupled to the hearing device antenna. The hearing device wireless communication unit and the hearing device antenna are configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals at a first frequency. The hearing device also comprises a rechargeable battery configured to be charged by the charging device. The charging device is configured to accommodate the hearing device to enable charging of the hearing device. The charging device comprises a charging device wireless communication unit interconnected with a coupling structure. The coupling structure comprises a conductive element and a ground plane. The ground plane is located within a first distance of the conductive element. The coupling structure is configured such that when the hearing device is accommodated in the charging device, the frequency response of the conductive element is modified, thereby enabling the hearing device antenna to be near-field coupled to the conductive element.

[0010] In some embodiments the hearing device antenna is an electrical antenna.

[0011] The system includes a pairable hearing device and a charging device. In some embodiments, pairing is performed via a standard protocol, such as via a Bluetooth protocol. In some embodiments, pairing is performed when the hearing device and the charging device are set up. In some embodiments, pairing is performed before the hearing device is charged using the charging device. The charging device may be a housing for the hearing device. The charging device may also be referred to as a charger.

[0012] A hearing device may be hearable, such as a headset, headphones, earplugs, a hearing aid, a personal sound amplification product (PSAP), an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing device, a hearing protection device, a one-size-fits-all hearing device, a custom hearing device, or another head-worn hearing device. Hearing devices may include prescription devices and over-the-counter devices.

[0013] In an embodiment, the hearing device is configured to be worn by a user. The hearing device may be arranged at the user's ear, on the user's ear, above the user's ear, in the user's ear, in the user's ear canal, behind the user's ear and / or in the user's outer ear, that is, the hearing device is configured to be worn in the user's ear, on the ear, above the ear and / or at the ear. The user may wear two hearing devices, one hearing device at each ear. The two hearing devices may be connected, such as wirelessly and / or wired, such as a binaural hearing device system, such as a binaural hearing aid system. The hearing device may be configured to communicate with one or more other devices, such as being configured to communicate with another hearing device or with an accessory device or with a peripheral device.

[0014] Hearing devices may be embodied in various housing types or form factors. Some of these form factors are behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing devices, receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing devices, receiver-in-the-ear (RIE) hearing devices, or microphone-in-the-ear (MaRIE) hearing devices. These devices may include a BTE unit configured to be worn behind the user's ear and an in-the-ear (ITE) unit configured to be partially or fully inserted into the user's ear canal. Typically, a BTE unit may include at least one input transducer, a power supply, and a processing unit. The term BTE hearing device refers to a hearing device in which a receiver, i.e., an output transducer, is included in the BTE unit, and sound is directed to the ITE unit via a sound conduit connecting the BTE and ITE units, while the terms RIE, RIC, and MaRIE hearing devices refer to hearing devices in which an output transducer may be included in an ITE unit, which is coupled to the BTE unit via a connector cable or wire / conduit configured to transmit electrical signals between the BTE and ITE units.

[0015] Some of these form factors are in-the-ear (ITE) hearing devices, completely in-the-canal (CIC) hearing devices, or invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing devices. These hearing devices may include an ITE unit, wherein the ITE unit may include at least one input transducer, a power supply, a processing unit, and an output transducer. These form factors may be custom devices, meaning that the ITE unit may include a housing having a shell made of a hard material such as a hard polymer or metal, or a soft material such as a rubbery polymer, which is molded to have an outer shape that conforms to the shape of a specific user's ear canal.

[0016] Some of these form factors are earplugs, headphones on the ear or over the ear headphones. The skilled person is well aware of different kinds of hearing devices and different options for arranging the hearing device in the ear, on the ear, head mounted and / or at the ear of the hearing device wearer. The hearing device (or a pair of hearing devices) may be custom fitted, standard fitted, open fitted and / or closed fitted.

[0017] The hearing device comprises a hearing device antenna, a hearing device wireless communication unit and a rechargeable battery.

[0018] The hearing device antenna may be configured for wireless communication. The hearing device wireless communication unit and the hearing device antenna are configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals at a first frequency. In this context, the first frequency may be understood as a center frequency of a first frequency range. The first frequency may correspond to an operating frequency of the hearing device antenna.

[0019] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include one or more antennas. The hearing device antenna(s) may include an electrical antenna. The hearing device antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a first frequency. The first frequency may be above 800 MHz, preferably a frequency between 900 MHz and 6 GHz. The first frequency may be in the range of 902 MHz to 928 MHz. The first frequency may be in the range of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz. The first frequency may be in the range of 5.725 GHz to 5.875 GHz. The hearing device antenna, such as an electrical hearing device antenna may be any antenna capable of operating at these frequencies, and the hearing device antenna may be a resonant antenna; the hearing device antenna may be a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, etc. The hearing device antenna, such as a resonant hearing device antenna, may have a length of λ / 4±10% or any multiple thereof, λ being the wavelength corresponding to the frequency of the transmitted / received electromagnetic field.

[0020] The hearing device may further comprise another antenna, such as a magnetic antenna. The magnetic antenna may comprise a magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may comprise a coil. The coil may be wound around the magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may be configured to communicate wirelessly at a second frequency. The second frequency may be lower than 100 MHz. The second frequency may be between 9 MHz and 15 MHz.

[0021] The hearing device wireless communication unit is coupled to the hearing device antenna. The hearing device wireless communication unit may include one or more wireless receivers, one or more wireless transmitters, one or more transmitter-receiver pairs and / or one or more transceivers. At least one of the one or more hearing device wireless communication units may be coupled to the one or more antennas. The hearing device wireless communication unit may be configured to convert a wireless signal received by at least one of the one or more antennas into a second electrical input signal. The hearing device may be configured for wired / wireless audio communication, for example to enable a user to listen to media such as music or radio and / or to enable a user to make a telephone call.

[0022] In an embodiment, the wireless signal may originate from one or more external sources and / or external devices, such as a spouse microphone device(s), a wireless audio transmitter(s), a smart computer(s), and / or a distributed microphone array(s) associated with a wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal(s) may originate from another hearing device, for example as part of a binaural or bilateral hearing device system and / or from one or more accessory devices, such as a charging device, a smartphone, and / or a smartwatch.

[0023] The rechargeable battery may form part of a power supply and / or a hearing device charging circuit for the hearing device and is typically arranged inside the hearing device and configured to provide a first voltage to various components of the hearing device. The power supply and / or the hearing device charging circuit may include a power management unit, such as a hearing device power management unit. The hearing device power management unit may be configured to convert the first voltage into a second voltage. The power supply and / or the hearing device charging circuit may include a receiver charging element, such as a receiver charging coil. The receiver charging coil may be provided by a magnetic antenna. The rechargeable battery may be a replaceable battery. The rechargeable battery is configured to be charged by a charging device. The charging device may only start charging the hearing device when the hearing device is inserted into the charging device. The charging device may be a charging case for the hearing device.

[0024] The charging device is configured to receive a hearing device to enable charging of the hearing device. The charging device may include a cavity for placing the hearing device, or alternatively, the hearing device may be placed onto the charging device and the charging may be performed by transmitting charging pulses to the hearing device. The charging device may include a charging device charging circuit. The charging device charging circuit may include a power management unit, such as a charging device power management unit. The charging device power management unit may be configured to convert a third voltage into a first voltage, wherein the third voltage is received by the charging device and the first voltage is provided by the charging device to the hearing device. The charging device charging circuit may include a transmitter charging element, such as a transmitter charging coil. The transmitter charging coil may be provided by another magnetic antenna. The charging device may be plugged into an electrical socket, thereby enabling charging of the hearing device. Alternatively, the charging device may be configured to store power, which is subsequently transferred to the hearing device once charging is initiated. The charging device may be configured to receive two hearing devices and enable them to be charged simultaneously or alternately.

[0025] The charging device includes a charging device wireless communication unit and a coupling structure.

[0026] The charging device wireless communication unit is coupled to the coupling structure. Specifically, the charging device wireless communication unit may be coupled to the conductive element of the coupling structure. The charging device wireless communication unit typically includes a wireless receiver, a wireless transmitter, a transmitter-receiver pair and / or a transceiver. The charging device wireless communication unit may also be modified to include more than one of the above components. The charging device wireless communication unit may be configured to convert a wireless signal received by the coupling structure into an electrical input signal. In an embodiment, the charging device wireless communication unit receives a wireless signal originating from a hearing device (i.e., originating from the hearing device wireless communication unit). The charging device wireless communication unit and the conductive structure may be configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals at a first frequency equal to the operating frequency of the hearing device antenna.

[0027] The coupling structure includes a conductive element and a ground plane, the ground plane being located within a first distance of the conductive element. The first distance may depend on an expected operating frequency of the coupling structure and the wireless communication unit of the charging device. The first distance may also depend on a dielectric constant of a substrate on which the coupling structure is disposed. The first distance may be defined based on a first frequency.

[0028] The conductive element may be an elongated conductive element. The conductive element may be understood as an antenna of the charging device, which has low performance and operates as an antenna only when the hearing device is inserted into the charging device. The charging device wireless communication unit may be interconnected with the conductive element of the coupling structure.

[0029] The conductive element may have an elongated shape, such as a wire. The conductive element may have a length and a width; the width is less than 5 mm, such as less than 2 mm, such as less than 1 mm. The length may correspond to a quarter wavelength of the first frequency, however, the length may be smaller or larger. In some embodiments, the length of the conductive element is between λ / 4-10% and λ / 4+10%, λ being the wavelength corresponding to the first frequency, which may correspond to the operating frequency of the hearing device wireless communication unit and the expected operating frequency of the charging device wireless communication unit.

[0030] The ground plane is a conductive surface that is typically larger than the operating wavelength (corresponding to the first frequency).The ground plane is connected to the electrical ground of the charging device and typically acts as a reflective surface for radio waves received at the charging device.

[0031] The coupling structure is configured such that when the hearing device is accommodated in the charging device, the frequency response of the conductive element is modified, thereby enabling near-field coupling of the hearing device antenna to the conductive element. In other words, when the hearing device is brought closer to the charging device, the hearing device antenna causes a modification of the frequency response. The frequency response of the conductive element may be modified in particular around a first frequency.

[0032] An advantage of a charging device with a simple coupling structure is that the coupling structure frequency response may be modified under the influence of the hearing device being plugged into the charging device. By detecting the modification of the frequency response it is possible to detect that the hearing device is plugged into the charging device. The hearing device may then operate in accordance with this detection. The state of the hearing device may be "plugged into the charging device" and the hearing device may operate in accordance with this state. Another advantage is that the state of the hearing device may be determined by using a measurement of the frequency response of the conductive element, such as a simple measurement. Another advantage is that the hearing device may be prevented from whistling when it is plugged into the charging device.

[0033] One advantage is the use of a coupling structure to determine that a hearing device is in a charging device, since such a coupling structure and the determination of the modified frequency response are less sensitive to environmental parameters, such as a conventional antenna located in the charging device.

[0034] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include one or more input transducers. The one or more input transducers may include one or more microphones. The one or more input transducers may include one or more vibration sensors configured to detect bone vibrations. The one or more input transducers (one or more) may be configured to convert an acoustic signal into a first electrical input signal. The first electrical input signal may be an analog signal. The first electrical input signal may be a digital signal. The one or more input transducers (one or more) may be coupled to one or more analog-to-digital converters (one or more) configured to convert the analog first input signal into a digital first input signal.

[0035] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include a processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to process the first and / or second electrical input signal (one or more). The processing may include compensating for the user's hearing loss, i.e., applying a frequency-dependent gain to the input signal according to the user's frequency-dependent hearing impairment. The processing may include performing feedback cancellation, beamforming, tinnitus reduction / masking, noise reduction, noise cancellation, speech recognition, bass adjustment, treble adjustment, and / or user input processing. The processing unit may be a processor, an integrated circuit, an application, a functional module, etc. The processing unit may be implemented in a signal processing chip or a printed circuit board (PCB). The processing unit may be configured to provide a first electrical output signal based on the processing of the first and / or second electrical input signal (one or more). The processing unit may be configured to provide a second electrical output signal. The second electrical output signal may be based on the processing of the first electrical input signal and / or the second electrical input signal (one or more).

[0036] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include an output transducer. The output transducer may be coupled to a processing unit. The output transducer may be a receiver. Note that in this context, the receiver may be a speaker, and the wireless receiver may be a device configured to process wireless signals. The receiver may be configured to convert the first electrical output signal into an acoustic output signal. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit via a magnetic antenna. The output transducer may be included in an ITE unit or earphone of the hearing device, such as an in-ear receiver (RIE) unit or an in-ear microphone and receiver (MaRIE) unit. One or more of the input transducer(s) may be included in an ITE unit or earphone.

[0037] In an embodiment, the hearing device wireless communication unit may be configured to convert the second electrical output signal into a wireless output signal. The wireless output signal may include synchronization data. The hearing device wireless communication unit may be configured to transmit the wireless output signal via at least one of the one or more hearing device antennas.

[0038] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the first electrical output signal, the second electrical output signal and / or the wireless output signal into an analog signal.

[0039] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include a vent. The vent is a physical passage, such as a pipe or tube, primarily placed to provide pressure equalization through a housing placed in the ear, such as an ITE hearing device, an ITE unit of a BTE hearing device, a CIC hearing device, a RIE hearing device, a RIC hearing device, a MaRIE hearing device, or a dome / ear mold. The vent may be a pressure vent with a small cross-sectional area, which is preferably acoustically sealed. The vent may be an acoustic vent configured to eliminate occlusion. The vent may be an active vent that can be opened or closed during use of the hearing device. The active vent may include a valve.

[0040] In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise memory including both volatile and non-volatile forms of memory.

[0041] In some embodiments, enabling coupling of the hearing device antenna to the conductive element (such as near field coupling) may initiate communication between the hearing device wireless communication unit and the charging device wireless communication unit. The communication between the hearing device wireless communication unit and the charging device wireless communication unit may first include a handshake, and then once the handshake is complete, the communication may include device identification, charging initiation, charging status, charging settings, and charging instructions.

[0042] In some embodiments, near-field coupling may occur when the hearing device antenna and the conductive element of the charging device are within each other's near field and operate at the same frequency. The hearing device antenna and the conductive element of the charging device may, for example, be within a distance of 1 / 4 wavelength, such as within 1 / 8 wavelength, such as within 1 / 16 wavelength, of each other, which wavelength corresponds to the expected operating frequency of the hearing device antenna. In some embodiments, near-field coupling between the hearing device antenna and the conductive element of the charging device is effective when the distance between the hearing device antenna and the conductive element of the charging device is less than 1 / 4 wavelength, such as less than 1 / 8 wavelength, such as less than 1 / 16 wavelength, which wavelength corresponds to the expected operating frequency of the hearing device antenna. In some embodiments, communication between the hearing device and the charging device is achieved via near-field coupling between the hearing device antenna and the conductive element of the charging device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the presence of a hearing device in the charging device may be detected when a modification of the frequency response is detected. In some embodiments, when a modification of the frequency response is detected, it may be determined that the hearing device is close to the charging device. When the presence of a hearing device in the charging device is detected, the settings of the hearing device may be controlled so that, for example, the hearing device may be muted or change state, thereby reducing any possible howling when the hearing device is plugged into the charging device. One advantage is the ability to detect the state (i.e. presence / proximity) of a hearing device in a charging device and thereby operate the hearing device to such a state. Another advantage is that the state of the hearing device may be determined by detecting a modification of the frequency response. Another advantage is that the hearing device may be prevented from howling when plugged into a charging device.

[0044] In some embodiments, the charging device wireless communication unit further comprises a detector configured to detect power reflected from the conductive element into the charging device wireless communication unit. The reflected power may indicate the frequency response of the conductive element. The reflected power (i.e., the power reflected back to the charging device wireless communication unit) may be understood as the supplement of the power transmitted from the charging device and received at the hearing device. The transmitted power is usually quantified by a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or a received channel power indicator (RCPI). The charging device wireless communication unit may comprise a circuit configured to measure RSSI or RCPI. The reflected power, such as a reflected power level, may indicate, for example, the degree of match between the charging device wireless communication unit and the conductive element. In some embodiments, when the hearing device is placed in the charging device, for example, taken out of the intended operating position in or at the ear of the user and placed in the charging device, as the surrounding environment of the conductive element changes, the power reflected from the conductive element into the charging device wireless communication unit will change, resulting in a reduction in the power reflected into the charging device wireless communication unit. One advantage is that by detecting the reflected power signal, the state of the hearing device may be determined based on the reflected power signal. The state of the hearing device comprises a first state in which the hearing device is inserted into the charging device. In some embodiments, the RSSI is measured based on a broadcast signal transmitted from a charging device wireless communication unit, such as a broadcast signal continuously transmitted from the wireless communication unit. In some embodiments, the RSSI of any signal received at the charging device is measured in response to a broadcast signal transmitted from the charging device, such as a broadcast signal transmitted from the charging device wireless communication unit via a charging device antenna.

[0045] In some embodiments, the modification of the frequency response is determined by determining the power reflected from the conductive element into the wireless communication unit of the charging device. A reflected power above a first threshold indicates that the hearing device is not accommodated in the charging device. When the hearing device is far from the charging device, most of the power transmitted from the conductive element is reflected back to the wireless communication unit of the charging device. A reflected power below the first threshold indicates that the hearing device is received in the charging device. When the hearing device is received in the charging device, the power reflected into the wireless communication unit of the charging device is less than when the hearing device is far away, because the proximity of the hearing device changes the frequency response of the conductive element, thereby improving the matching between the conductive element and the wireless communication unit of the charging device. In some embodiments, the first threshold may be the difference in reflected power when the hearing device is inserted and not inserted into the charging device. In this case, the first threshold may be 3dB. Typically, a reflected power of 100% (0db) to 25% (-6db) may indicate that the hearing device is not inserted into the charging device, while a reflected power of less than 25% (-6db) (up to 0% (-100dB)) may indicate that the hearing device is inserted into the charging device. Generally, if the reflected power is less than 10% (-3dB), the antenna is well matched.

[0046] In some embodiments, the conductive element is disposed on a first surface of the supporting substrate and extends over a first area, and a ground plane may be disposed on an opposite second surface of the supporting substrate and at least partially covers the first area. In this way, coupling between the conductive element and the ground plane is ensured. Alternatively, the conductive element may be disposed on the first surface of the supporting substrate, and the ground plane may be disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the conductive element and surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element. Bringing the ground plane very close to the conductive element causes the conductive element to act as an inefficient antenna, i.e., the structure is not very efficient in terms of radiation, so that the communication distance to the hearing device must be small to ensure detection of the hearing device. The conductive element and the ground plane may be designed so that the conductive element is coupled to the hearing device antenna only when the hearing device is less than 10 cm from the charging device, such as less than 5 cm from the charging device, such as less than 1 cm from the charging device, such as within the charging device.

[0047] The substrate may be defined by its dielectric constant (relative dielectric constant). Substrates with dielectric constants below 20, such as below 10, may be used. Typically, materials with dielectric constants from 3 to 6 are used. The substrate may be made of materials such as plastic, flexible printing, ceramics, semiconductors, etc. The support substrate may also be characterized by its thickness. When a ground plane is provided on a surface opposite to the surface on which the conductive elements are arranged, the thickness of the support substrate may define the coupling between the conductive elements and the ground plane. The thickness of the support substrate may depend on the dielectric constant and the operating wavelength of the hearing device antenna.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first distance between the conductive element and the ground plane may be less than 1 / 20 of the first wavelength, such as less than 1 / 40 of the first wavelength, such as less than 1 / 100 of the first wavelength. The first wavelength corresponds to a first frequency. The first frequency may be 2.4 GHz, which corresponds to a first wavelength of 125 mm. The first distance may be shorter than 200 μm, such as shorter than 100 μm, such as shorter than 50 μm. Such close proximity between the conductive element and the ground plane ensures low efficiency of the coupling structure, thereby ensuring accurate detection of the hearing device in or near the charging device.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first distance depends on the first frequency of the hearing device antenna and / or the dielectric constant of the substrate. When designing a coupling structure conductive element (which is designed for low power radiation), a substrate with a high dielectric constant value is desired so that the field is more tightly contained (fewer edges), resulting in less radiation. In general, the larger the dielectric constant, the larger the distance between the conductive element and the ground plane may be.

[0050] In some embodiments, the conductive element has a first end interconnected to the charging device wireless communication unit and a second end that is an open end. The first end interconnected to the charging device wireless communication unit may thereby form a feed point for the conductive element. Alternatively, the conductive element may have a first branch and a second branch, and wherein the first end of each of the first branch and the second branch is interconnected to the charging device wireless communication unit, and wherein the second end of each of the first branch and the second branch is an open end.

[0051] In some embodiments, the conductive element has an elongated conductive shape, a meandering shape, or a patch shape. The conductive element may be in the form of a copper element. The area occupied by the conductive element on the substrate may be less than the area occupied by the ground plane. Implementing the conductive element as a simple conductive trace, patch, or strip simplifies the design of the coupling structure.

[0052] In some embodiments, the conductive element is configured to be non-resonant at a first frequency, such as a frequency range around the first frequency of the hearing device antenna. To obtain a non-resonant structure, the length of the conductive element can be configured to be different from a quarter wavelength (corresponding to the first frequency) and any multiple thereof at the expected operating frequency of the hearing device.

[0053] In some embodiments, the charging device is configured to initiate charging without further current connection.Once the hearing device is in close proximity to the charging device, the charging device may start wirelessly charging the hearing device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the charging device comprises a first cavity configured to accommodate the hearing device, wherein when the hearing device is inserted into the first cavity, the hearing device antenna is close to the conductive element. By providing the conductive element close to the hearing device antenna, effective coupling between the two is ensured. The closer the conductive element is to the hearing device antenna, the more flexible the design of the coupling structure is allowed when the hearing device is inserted into the charging device.

[0055] In some embodiments, the charging device wireless communication unit is configured to initiate communication with the hearing device when a frequency response modification is detected. The charging device may be configured to transmit a presence signal to the hearing device, the presence signal indicating the presence of the hearing device in the charging device. Once communication between the two devices is initiated and the presence signal is received at the hearing device, charging of the hearing device may begin. Furthermore, once communication between the hearing device and the charging device has been initiated, the hearing device may be set to a first state and the settings of the hearing device may be changed, for example such that a receiver or a speaker of the hearing device may be disabled. In an alternative, the hearing device may be configured to transmit a presence signal to the charging device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the hearing device further comprises a processing unit configured to control at least one hearing device setting upon receiving the presence signal. In an alternative embodiment, when the presence signal is generated at the hearing device, the hearing device may transmit the presence signal to the charging device, and the processing unit may control one or more hearing device settings upon transmitting the presence signal. It is advantageous to provide a system in which only one or more hearing device settings may be controlled, as charging of the hearing device may then continue without any interruption.

[0057] In some embodiments, the hearing device comprises at least one hearing device transducer, and wherein the hearing device setting is an on / off setting of the at least one transducer. One advantage is that when the hearing device is inserted into a charging device, the on / off setting of the at least one transducer can be controlled. For example, the hearing device can be operated such that, for example, the gain of a speaker is significantly reduced, or such that an output transducer, such as a receiver or a speaker, is turned off. One advantage is that the hearing device is not completely turned off in the first state, but only turns off or significantly reduces the output sound from the hearing device, such as the output sound from the transducer, such as the output sound from the output transducer, such as the receiver or the speaker, while the hearing device is still able to communicate, for example, with a charging device, such as a charging device for charging a battery of the hearing device. Thus, in an embodiment, the hearing device can be located in a charging device, such as a charging device, without hearing howling, and even the user does not have to manually adjust the hearing device to be in an idle mode or a charging mode. An advantage of not turning off the hearing device is that, for example, charging information can be switched between the charging device and the hearing device.

[0058] In some embodiments, at least one hearing device setting is a gain setting. According to this embodiment, the gain of the transducer may be controlled such that the gain is controlled to be reduced, such as to zero or close to zero, thereby preventing the transducer from producing any audible sound.

[0059] In some embodiments, the proximity of the hearing device to the charging device is determined by detecting a modification of the frequency response. Once the hearing device and its antenna are close to the charging device and its coupling structure, the hearing device antenna will affect the electric field around the coupling structure and the frequency response will modify the frequency response of the coupling structure, which in turn may indicate the presence of the hearing device in or near the charging device. Making the coupling structure primarily sensitive to the presence of the hearing device antenna means that such a coupling structure may not be interfered by other signals present in the environment surrounding the coupling structure.

[0060] In some embodiments, coupling of the hearing device antenna to the conductive element is enabled when the level of modification of the frequency response is above a first threshold level. The closer the hearing device antenna is to the conductive element of the charging device, the more the frequency response of the coupling structure is modified. In order to couple to the hearing device antenna, i.e. in order to achieve a match between the antenna and the conductive element, the frequency response of the coupling structure may need to be modified to a certain extent, i.e. above the first threshold level. When the hearing device is at a distance of about 5 cm, the conductive structure may experience resonance at the operating frequency of the antenna and thus the frequency response will be modified. In some embodiments, coupling between the antenna and the conductive element may be established even before the conductive element starts to resonate. One advantage is that coupling is established and may be detected when the frequency response is just above the first threshold level, because the settings of the hearing device can be controlled before the hearing device is engaged in the charging device.

[0061] In some embodiments, the modification of the frequency response is determined by detecting a reflected power level below a first threshold.

[0062] In some embodiments, the proximity of the hearing device to the charging device is determined by detecting a modification of the frequency response of the conductive element. The charging device wireless communication unit may be configured to detect the modification of the frequency response. The charging device wireless communication unit may then transmit the detected modification of the frequency response to a processing unit of the charging device, which may then derive the distance between the hearing device and the charging device or the range of the hearing device relative to the charging device.

[0063] In some embodiments, the charging device further comprises an impedance matching circuit. The impedance matching circuit may be configured to match an impedance of the charging device wireless communication unit to the conductive element when the hearing device is inserted into the charging device.

[0064] In some embodiments, the impedance matching circuit is configured to set the impedance of the conductive element as seen from the wireless communication unit. For example, the reflected power may be determined by the degree of matching between the charging device wireless communication unit and the conductive element, such as the level of the reflected power, and vice versa, the reflected power reflects the degree of matching between the charging device wireless communication unit and the conductive element. Generally, like any other antenna, the conductive element is sensitive to its surroundings, and the performance of the charging device including the charging device wireless communication unit and the coupling structure may be configured to be optimized when the hearing device is inserted in the charging device. The impedance matching circuit may be configured to match the impedance of the conductive element to the charging device communication unit when the conductive element is affected by the hearing device antenna.

[0065] In some embodiments, the impedance of the conductive element as seen by the charging device wireless communication unit determines a reflection coefficient of the conductive element and the impedance matching circuit.

[0066] In some embodiments, the reflection coefficient determines the proportion of power transmitted from the wireless communication unit of the charging device that is reflected back to the wireless communication unit of the charging device. The reflection coefficient is a function of frequency and also a function of the proximity of the hearing device. The reflection coefficient can be detected and a modification of the frequency response can be determined based on the reflection coefficient. In some embodiments, the change in the reflection coefficient can be used to determine the state of the hearing device, i.e., whether the hearing device is in the charging device or far away from the charging device, so that a connection cannot be established between the two devices.

[0067] In some embodiments, the impedance matching circuit is configured such that when the reflection coefficient is above a second threshold, the hearing device is not in the charging device. In this case, most of the power transmitted from the wireless communication unit of the charging device is reflected back. In this case, the conductive element does not act as an antenna because it typically receives less than 10% of the power transmitted from the wireless communication unit of the charging device.

[0068] In some embodiments, the impedance matching circuit is configured such that when the reflection coefficient is below a second threshold, the hearing device is in the charging device.

[0069] In some embodiments, the charging device wireless communication unit has a first impedance, and wherein the conductive element has a second impedance, and wherein when the hearing device is not inserted into the charging device, the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance is at least 30%. In other words, when the impedance of the conductive element does not match the wireless communication unit of the charging device, the hearing device is not in the charging device. In this case, the reflection coefficient is relatively high. The wireless communication unit of the charging device can be designed to have a predetermined impedance at a first frequency. The conductive element itself has another impedance value at the first frequency. Although the impedance of the wireless communication unit of the charging device may not change when its surrounding environment changes, the impedance of the conductive element will change when its surrounding environment changes. In particular, the impedance of the conductive element may be affected by the hearing device, in particular by the hearing device antenna. When the hearing device is not in the charging device, the conductive element is designed to have an impedance value that differs by at least 30% from the predetermined impedance of the wireless communication unit of the charging device. In other words, in this case the two impedances do not match, and the matching circuit may not affect the matching.

[0070] In some embodiments, the charging device wireless communication unit has a first impedance, and wherein the conductive element has a second impedance, and wherein when the hearing device is accommodated in the charging device, the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance is less than 10%. The closer the hearing device is to the charging device, the more the impedance of the conductive element is affected and changes. When the hearing device is very close to the conductive element, the impedance of the conductive element changes so that its value is closer to the impedance of the charging device wireless communication unit.

[0071] In some embodiments, the system includes a first hearing device and a second hearing device. The charging device may be configured to accommodate the first hearing device and the second hearing device in a first cavity and a second cavity of the charging device, respectively. When the first hearing device is inserted into the first cavity, the antenna of the first hearing device may approach the first portion of the conductive element, thereby coupling to the conductive element. When the second hearing device is inserted into the second cavity, the antenna of the second hearing device may approach the second portion of the conductive element, thereby coupling to the conductive element. In other words, the coupling structure may be designed and positioned in the charging device so that it at least partially overlaps with the first cavity and the second cavity, thereby also overlapping with the antennas of the first hearing device and the second hearing device. The modification of the frequency response of the conductive element may then be affected by the presence of the first hearing device and the second hearing device. The processing unit of at least one of the hearing devices may be configured to control at least one setting of both the first hearing device and the second hearing device. The at least one setting may be a gain of an output transducer of the first hearing device and the second hearing device. In this way, the two hearing devices may be muted simultaneously. The at least one setting may be an on / off setting of at least one transducer of both the first hearing device and the second hearing device.

[0072] In some embodiments, the coupling of the antenna of the first hearing device and the antenna of the second hearing device is configured to have the same coupling strength. This can be achieved by providing a coupling structure that is symmetrical with respect to the antennas of the first hearing device and the second hearing device when the hearing device is plugged into the charging device. By having the two antennas have the same coupling strength, it is ensured that the first hearing device and the second hearing device contribute equally to the modification of the frequency response of the coupling structure.

[0073] In some embodiments, the same coupling is achieved by positioning a further ground plane around the first portion of the conductive element. The first portion of the conductive element may for example be the portion of the conductive element closest to the first end, i.e. the portion closest to the wireless communication unit of the charging device. This is particularly applicable to antennas of elongated shape. The further ground plane further reduces the coupling efficiency of the first portion of the conductive element, resulting in the coupling structure being more sensitive to the presence of the hearing device.

[0074] In some embodiments, the second distance between the conductive element and the other ground plane may be the same as or different from the first distance. The second distance may be between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm. The second distance may meet the minimum distance required by the design of the support substrate. The second distance may extend in a direction parallel to the first layer of the support substrate, such as perpendicular to the normal of the first layer of the support substrate.

[0075] According to a second aspect, a method for charging a hearing device in a charging device is disclosed. The hearing device comprises a hearing device antenna, a hearing device wireless communication unit and a rechargeable battery, the hearing device wireless communication unit being coupled to the hearing device antenna, the hearing device wireless communication unit and the hearing device antenna being configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals at a first frequency, and the rechargeable battery being configured to be charged by the charging device. The method comprises: accommodating the hearing device in the charging device, the charging device comprising the charging device wireless communication unit, the charging device wireless communication unit being interconnected with a coupling structure, the coupling structure comprising a conductive element and a ground plane, the ground plane being located within a first distance of the conductive element, and configuring the conductive element for near-field coupling with the hearing device antenna.

[0076] In some embodiments, the conductive element is coupled to a ground plane. The conductive element may be disposed on a first surface of the support substrate and extend over a first region, and the ground plane is disposed on an opposite second surface of the support substrate and at least partially covers the first region. The method may also include:

[0077] Position the hearing device in the charging station.

[0078] coupling the coupling structure of the charging device to the antenna of the hearing device,

[0079] modifying a frequency response of the conductive element to enable the hearing device antenna to couple to the conductive element,

[0080] Communication between the hearing device wireless communication unit and the charging device wireless communication unit is initiated.

[0081] According to a third aspect, a charging device for charging a hearing device is disclosed. The charging device is configured to accommodate a hearing device. The charging device includes a charging device wireless communication unit interconnected with a coupling structure. The coupling structure includes a conductive element and a ground plane, the ground plane being located within a first distance of the conductive element such that the conductive element is coupled to the ground plane. When the hearing device antenna is brought into proximity with the conductive element, a frequency response of the conductive element is modified, thereby detecting the presence of the hearing device in the charging device.

[0082] The present disclosure relates to different aspects, including a system comprising a hearing device and a charging device, the systems described above and below, and corresponding charging devices and methods of charging a hearing device in a charging device, each of which produces one or more benefits and advantages described in conjunction with the first-mentioned aspect, and each of which has one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in conjunction with the first-mentioned aspect and / or disclosed in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] The above and other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0084] Figure 1a and Figure 1b An exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0085] Figure 2 Another exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0086] Figure 3 Yet another exemplary embodiment of a system according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0087] Figure 4 The dependence of the reflected power on frequency is shown.

[0088] Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c Various exemplary embodiments of the coupling structure according to the present disclosure are schematically illustrated.

[0089] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to the present disclosure.

[0090] Reference Numbers List

[0091] 2 System

[0092] 100 hearing aids, first hearing aids

[0093] 100a Second hearing device

[0094] 102 Hearing Equipment Antenna

[0095] 102a Second hearing device antenna

[0096] 104 Hearing device wireless communication unit

[0097] 104a Second hearing device wireless communication unit

[0098] 106 Rechargeable batteries

[0099] 106a Second hearing device rechargeable battery

[0100] 108 processing units

[0101] 108a Second hearing device processing unit

[0102] 110 Transducer

[0103] 110a Second hearing device transducer

[0104] 115 Hearing Device Power Management Unit

[0105] 116 Receiver Charging Element

[0106] 200 Charging equipment

[0107] 202 Conductive element

[0108] 202a First end portion of the conductive element

[0109] 202b The second end of the conductive element

[0110] 204 Charging equipment wireless communication unit

[0111] 206 Coupling structure

[0112] 208 Ground Plane

[0113] 209 Another ground plane

[0114] D1 First distance

[0115] D2 Second distance

[0116] 210 First cavity

[0117] 210a Second cavity

[0118] 212 Detector

[0119] 213 Impedance Matching Circuit

[0120] 214 Support substrate

[0121] 214a first surface of the supporting substrate

[0122] 214b The second surface of the supporting substrate

[0123] 215 Charging device power management unit

[0124] 216 Transmitter Charging Element

[0125] 300 Method for charging a hearing device in a charging device

[0126] 302-308 Methods and Steps DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0127] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the text. Therefore, for the description of each figure, the same elements will not be described in detail. It should also be noted that the drawings are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments. They are not an exhaustive description of the claimed invention, nor are they a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the illustrated embodiments do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a specific embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment, and may be implemented in any other embodiment, even if not shown or not so explicitly described.

[0128] Figure 1a and Figure 1b An exemplary embodiment of a system 2 according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0129] Figure 1aThe system 2 is shown to include a hearing device 100 and a charging device 200. The hearing device 100 includes a hearing device antenna 102, a hearing device wireless communication unit 104. The hearing device wireless communication unit 104 is coupled to the hearing device antenna 102. The hearing device wireless communication unit 104 and the hearing device antenna 102 are configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals at a first frequency. The hearing device also includes a rechargeable battery 106 configured to be charged by the charging device 200. The charging device 200 is configured to accommodate the hearing device 100 to enable charging of the hearing device 100. The charging device 200 includes a charging device wireless communication unit 204. The charging device wireless communication unit 204 is interconnected with a coupling structure 206. The coupling structure 206 includes a conductive element 202 and a ground plane 208. The ground plane 208 is located within a first distance D1 of the conductive element 202. The coupling structure 206 is configured such that when the hearing device 100 is received in the charging device 200 , the frequency response of the conductive element 202 is modified, thereby enabling near-field coupling of the hearing device antenna 102 to the conductive element 202 .

[0130] Figure 1b Shows Figure 1a The system further includes a hearing device charging circuit in the hearing device 100 , a charging device charging circuit in the charging device 200 , and an impedance matching circuit 213 in the charging device 200 .

[0131] The hearing device charging circuit comprises a rechargeable battery 106, a hearing device power management unit 115 and a receiver charging element 116. The receiver charging element 116 may be provided by a magnetic antenna. The hearing device power management unit 115 is connected to the hearing device wireless communication unit 104. The receiver charging element 116 may be a receiver charging coil.

[0132] The charging circuit of the charging device includes a charging device power management unit 215 and a transmitter charging element 216. The charging device power management unit 215 is connected to the charging device wireless communication unit 204. The transmitter charging element 216 can be provided by a magnetic antenna. The transmitter charging element 216 can be a transmitter charging coil.

[0133] The receiver charging element 116 and the transmitter charging element 216 can be configured for wired or wireless power transmission. For wireless power transmission, a variety of different technologies can be used, such as inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, magnetodynamic coupling, microwaves, light waves, etc.

[0134] The impedance matching circuit may be configured to match the impedance of the charging device wireless communication unit 204 to the conductive element 202 when the hearing device 100 is inserted into the charging device 200 .

[0135] exist Figure 1a and Figure 1b , the conductive element 202 and the ground plane 208 are shown arranged side by side in a first plane separated by a first distance D1, wherein the first distance D1 extends in a direction parallel to the plane. Figure 5a As shown, the conductive element 202 and the ground plane 208 are arranged in two different planes, preferably two parallel planes, such as a first plane and a second plane, separated by a first distance D1, wherein the first distance D1 extends in a direction perpendicular to the planes. The first plane may be parallel to and / or coincide with the first surface 214a of the support substrate 214, such as Figure 5a As shown, the second plane may be parallel to and / or coincide with the second surface 214b of the support substrate 214, as shown in FIG. Figure 5a shown.

[0136] Figure 2 Another exemplary embodiment of a system 2 according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 2 1 , and further illustrates additional components that may form part of the system 2. The charging device 200 may include a first cavity 210 configured to accommodate the hearing device 100. When the hearing device 100 is inserted into the first cavity 210, the hearing device antenna 102 may be accessible to the conductive element 202. In some embodiments, the conductive element 202 has a first end 202a interconnected to the charging device wireless communication unit 204 and a second end 202b that is an open end.

[0137] The charging device wireless communication unit 204 may include a detector 212 configured to detect power reflected from the conductive element 202 into the charging device wireless communication unit 204. The frequency response modification may then be determined based on the power reflected from the conductive element 202 into the charging device wireless communication unit 204, the reflected power being measured by the detector 212. A reflected power above a first threshold indicates that the hearing device 100 is not accommodated in the charging device 200. A reflected power below the first threshold indicates that the hearing device 100 is accommodated in the charging device 200. The charging device wireless communication unit 204 may be configured to initiate communication with the hearing device 100 upon detecting the frequency response modification. The charging device 200 may be configured to transmit a presence signal to the hearing device 100, the presence signal indicating the presence of the hearing device 100 in the charging device 200. The presence signal may be received by the hearing device antenna 102 and / or the hearing device communication unit 104.

[0138] The hearing device 100 may further comprise a processing unit 108. The processing unit may be interconnected with the hearing device antenna 102 and / or the hearing device communication unit 104. The processing unit 108 may be configured to control at least one hearing device setting upon receiving the presence signal. The hearing device 100 may further comprise a transducer 110. The transducer 110 may be interconnected with the processing unit 108. The hearing device setting may then be an on / off setting and / or a gain setting of the at least one transducer.

[0139] One advantage is to have a charging device 200 with a simple coupling structure 206, the frequency response of which can be modified under the influence of the hearing device 100 being inserted into the charging device 200. By detecting the modification of the frequency response, it is possible to detect the state of the hearing device 100 being inserted into the charging device. The hearing device 100 can then operate according to this state. Another advantage is that the state of the hearing device 100 can be determined by a frequency response measurement using a conductive element, such as by a simple measurement of the detector 212. Another advantage is that the hearing device 100 can be prevented from whistling when inserted into the charging device.

[0140] Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment of the system 2 according to the present disclosure is schematically shown. In this embodiment, in addition to combining Figure 2 In addition to the elements described, the system 2 includes a first hearing device 100 and a second hearing device 100a. The second hearing device 100a may include the same components as the first hearing device 100, which are labeled with corresponding numbers and an additional mark "a". The charging device 200 is configured to accommodate the first hearing device 100 in a first cavity 210 of the charging device 200, and to accommodate the second hearing device 100a in a second cavity 210a of the charging device 200. When the first hearing device 100 is inserted into the first cavity 210, the antenna 102 of the first hearing device 100 can approach the first portion of the conductive element 202 (left side). When the second hearing device 100a is inserted into the second cavity 210a, the antenna 102a of the second hearing device 100a can approach the second portion of the conductive element 102 (right side).

[0141] Figure 4The dependence of reflected power on frequency is shown. The frequency response modification can be determined by detecting the power reflected from the conductive element into the wireless communication unit of the charging device. A reflected power above a first threshold (such as above -6 dB) indicates that the hearing device is not accommodated in the charging device. When the hearing device is far away from the charging device, most of the power transmitted from the conductive element is reflected back to the wireless communication unit of the charging device. The lower figure shows the power reflected to the communication unit of the charging device when the hearing device is far away from the charging device (such as 90 cm from the charging device). It can be seen that the conductive element is designed so that most of the power sent from the communication unit of the charging device is reflected back to the wireless communication unit of the charging device. The middle figure shows the case where the hearing device is 7 cm away from the charging device. The reflected power is still relatively high, -22 dB (about 80%). When the hearing device is accommodated in the charging device (and when all the power is reflected back to the wireless communication unit of the charging device), the power reflected into the wireless communication unit of the charging device is less than when the hearing device is far away. The upper figure illustrates the case where the hearing device is in the charging device. In this case, only about -4 dB of power (15%) of the power is reflected back to the communication unit of the charging device. A reflected power below a first threshold, such as less than -6 dB, indicates that the hearing device is accommodated in the charging device. If less than 10% (-3 db) of the power is reflected back to the communication unit of the charging device, the hearing device antenna and the conductive element are well matched.

[0142] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates various exemplary embodiments of a coupling structure 206 according to the present disclosure. Figure 5a to Figure 5b All three coupling structures 206 shown may be Figures 1a to 3 is implemented in the system shown.

[0143] Figure 5a A cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a coupling structure 206 is shown, wherein the conductive element 202 is disposed on a first surface 214a of a support substrate 214 and extends over a first region. In this embodiment, a ground plane 208 is disposed on an opposite second surface 214b of the support substrate 214 and at least partially covers the first region.

[0144] Figure 5b A top view of another embodiment of a coupling structure 206 is shown, wherein the conductive element 202 and / or the ground plane 208 are disposed on the first surface 214 a of the support substrate 214 , and the ground plane 208 is disposed adjacent to and / or around at least a portion of the conductive element 202 .

[0145] Figure 5cA top view of yet another embodiment of a coupling structure 206 is shown, wherein a conductive element 202 is disposed on a first surface 214a of a first layer of a support substrate 214, and a ground plane 208 is disposed on / in a second layer of the support substrate 214. The location of the ground plane 208 provided on / in the invisible second layer of the support substrate 214 is indicated by a dotted line. The conductive element 202 extends over a first area on the first surface 214a of the support substrate 214, and the ground plane 208 at least partially covers the first area.

[0146] In this embodiment, the system includes a first hearing device and a second hearing device (not shown), and the charging device is configured to accommodate the first hearing device and the second hearing device in a first cavity 210 and a second cavity 210a of the charging device, respectively. The positions of the first cavity 210 and the second cavity 210a relative to the coupling structure are shown with dotted lines. When the first hearing device is inserted into the first cavity 210, the antenna of the first hearing device is close to the first part of the conductive element 202, such as the first end of the conductive element 202a. When the second hearing device is inserted into the second cavity 210a, the antenna of the second hearing device is close to the second part of the conductive element 202, such as the second end 202b of the conductive element. The first end 202a is interconnected with a wireless communication unit of the charging device (not shown), and the second end 202b is an open end.

[0147] The coupling structure 206 further includes another ground plane 209 arranged around the first portion / end of the conductive element 202. The conductive element 202 and the another ground plane 209 may be arranged on / in the first layer of the support substrate 214, such as on the first surface 214a of the first layer of the support substrate 214. The first layer of the support substrate may be parallel to the second layer of the support substrate. The first layer of the support substrate and the second layer of the support substrate may be flexible layers. The first layer of the support substrate and the second layer of the support substrate may be arranged between the first cavity and / or the second cavity, respectively. The ground plane 208 and the another ground plane 209 may be connected by a through hole.

[0148] The ground plane 208 is located at a first distance D1 (eg, Figure 5a 2 ), wherein the first distance D1 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first layer and the second layer. Another ground plane 209 is located within a second distance D2 of the conductive element 202, wherein the second distance D2 extends in a direction parallel to the first layer. The second distance D2 may be the same as the first distance D1. The second distance D2 may be different from the first distance D1.

[0149] The coupling structure 206 thereby provides a coupling of the antenna of the first hearing device and the antenna of the second hearing device, which are configured to have the same coupling strength.

[0150] Figure 6 3 is a flow chart showing a method 300 according to the present disclosure. The method for charging a hearing device in a charging device comprises:

[0151] Accommodating a hearing device in a charging device, 302,

[0152] Positioning the hearing device in the charging device, 304,

[0153] coupling the coupling structure of the charging device to the hearing device antenna, 306,

[0154] modifying a frequency response of the conductive element to enable the hearing device antenna to couple to the conductive element, 308,

[0155] Communication between the hearing device wireless communication unit and the charging device wireless communication unit is initiated, 310 .

[0156] Although specific features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and that it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0157] project:

[0158] 1. A system comprising a hearing device and a charging device, the hearing device comprising:

[0159] Hearing equipment antennas,

[0160] a hearing device wireless communication unit coupled to the hearing device antenna, the hearing device wireless communication unit and the hearing device antenna being configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals at a first frequency, and

[0161] a rechargeable battery configured to be charged by a charging device,

[0162] The charging device is configured to receive a hearing device to enable charging of the hearing device, and the charging device comprises:

[0163] A charging device wireless communication unit, the charging device wireless communication unit is interconnected with the coupling structure, the coupling structure includes:

[0164] a conductive element and a ground plane, the ground plane being located within a first distance of the conductive element,

[0165] Wherein the coupling structure is configured such that when the hearing device is received in the charging device, a frequency response of the conductive element is modified, thereby enabling near-field coupling of the hearing device antenna to the conductive element.

[0166] 2. The system of item 1, wherein enabling the hearing device antenna to couple to the conductive element enables communication between the hearing device wireless communication unit and the charging device wireless communication unit.

[0167] 3. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the presence of a hearing device in the charging device is detected when the modification of the frequency response is detected.

[0168] 4. The system of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the charging device wireless communication unit further comprises a detector configured to detect power reflected from the conductive element into the charging device wireless communication unit.

[0169] 5. A system as described in item 4, wherein the frequency response modification is determined by determining power reflected from the conductive element into the wireless communication unit of the charging device, and wherein the reflected power above a first threshold indicates that the hearing device is not accommodated in the charging device; and wherein the reflected power below the first threshold indicates that the hearing device is accommodated in the charging device.

[0170] 6. A system as described in any preceding claim, wherein the conductive element is disposed on a first surface of the support substrate and extends over a first area, and the ground plane is disposed on an opposite second surface of the support substrate and at least partially covers the first area; or

[0171] The conductive element is disposed on the first surface of the supporting substrate, and the ground plane is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the conductive element and surrounds at least a portion of the conductive element.

[0172] 7. A system as described in any preceding claim, wherein the first distance is less than 1 / 100 of the first wavelength.

[0173] 8. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first distance depends on a first frequency of the hearing device antenna and / or a dielectric constant of the supporting substrate.

[0174] 9. A system as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the conductive element has a first end interconnected with the charging device wireless communication unit and a second end that is an open end; or wherein the conductive element has a first branch and a second branch, and wherein the first end of each of the first branch and the second branch is interconnected with the charging device wireless communication unit, and wherein the second end of each of the first branch and the second branch is an open end.

[0175] 10. A system as described in any preceding claim, wherein the conductive element has an elongated conductive shape, a meandering shape or a patch shape.

[0176] 11. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the conductive element is configured to be non-resonant at a first frequency, such as a frequency range around a first frequency of the hearing device antenna.

[0177] 12. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the charging device is configured to initiate charging without a further current connection.

[0178] 13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the charging device comprises a first cavity configured to accommodate the hearing device, and wherein the hearing device antenna is proximate to the conductive element when the hearing device is inserted into the first cavity.

[0179] 14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the charging device wireless communication unit is configured to initiate communication with the hearing device upon detecting the frequency response modification, and wherein the charging device is configured to transmit a presence signal to the hearing device indicating the presence of the hearing device in the charging device.

[0180] 15. The system of item 14, wherein the hearing device further comprises a processing unit configured to control at least one hearing device setting upon receiving the presence signal.

[0181] 16. The system of item 15, wherein the hearing device comprises at least one hearing device transducer, and wherein the hearing device setting is an on / off setting of the at least one transducer.

[0182] 17. The system of any of items 15 to 16, wherein at least one hearing device setting is a gain setting.

[0183] 18. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the proximity of the hearing device to the charging device is determined by detecting a modification of the frequency response.

[0184] 19. The system of any preceding claim, wherein coupling of the hearing device antenna to the conductive element is enabled when the level of modification of the frequency response is above a first threshold level.

[0185] 20. The system of clause 19, wherein modification of the frequency response is determined by detecting a power level below a first threshold.

[0186] 21. The system of any one of items 2 to 20, wherein the proximity of the hearing device to the charging device is determined by detecting a modification of the frequency response, and wherein the charging device wireless communication unit is configured to detect the modification of the frequency response.

[0187] 22. A system as described in any preceding claim, wherein the charging device further comprises an impedance matching circuit.

[0188] 23. The system of clause 22, wherein the impedance matching circuit is configured to set the impedance of the conductive element as seen by the charging device wireless communication unit.

[0189] 24. The system of clause 23, wherein the impedance of the conductive element as seen by the charging device wireless communication unit determines a reflection coefficient of the conductive element and the impedance matching circuit.

[0190] 25. The system of item 24, wherein the reflection coefficient determines a proportion of power transmitted from the charging device wireless communication unit that is reflected back to the charging device wireless communication unit.

[0191] 26. The system of any of items 24 to 25, wherein the impedance matching circuit is configured such that when the reflection coefficient is above a second threshold, the hearing device is not in the charging device.

[0192] 27. The system of any of items 24 to 26, wherein the impedance matching circuit is configured such that when the reflection coefficient is below a second threshold, the hearing device is in the charging device.

[0193] 28. The system of any of items 22 to 27, wherein the charging device wireless communication unit has a first impedance, and wherein the conductive element has a second impedance, and wherein a difference between the first impedance and the second impedance is at least 30% when the hearing device is not inserted into the charging device.

[0194] 29. A system as described in any of items 22 to 28, wherein the charging device wireless communication unit has a first impedance, and wherein the conductive element has a second impedance, and wherein when the hearing device is received in the charging device, the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance is less than 10%.

[0195] 30. A system as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the system includes a first hearing device and a second hearing device, and wherein the charging device is configured to accommodate the first hearing device and the second hearing device in a first cavity and a second cavity of the charging device, respectively, and wherein when the first hearing device is inserted into the first cavity, the antenna of the first hearing device is close to the first part of the conductive element; and wherein when the second hearing device is inserted into the second cavity, the antenna of the second hearing device is close to the second part of the conductive element.

[0196] 31. The system of item 30, wherein the coupling of the antenna of the first hearing device and the antenna of the second hearing device is configured to have the same coupling strength.

[0197] 32. The system of item 31, wherein the same coupling is achieved by positioning another ground plane around the first portion of the conductive element.

[0198] 33. A method for charging a hearing device in a charging device,

[0199] The hearing device comprises a hearing device antenna, a hearing device wireless communication unit and a rechargeable battery, the hearing device wireless communication unit is coupled to the hearing device antenna, the hearing device wireless communication unit and the hearing device antenna are configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals at a first frequency, the rechargeable battery is configured to be charged by a charging device, the method comprising:

[0200] The hearing device is accommodated in a charging device, the charging device includes a charging device wireless communication unit, the charging device wireless communication unit is interconnected with a coupling structure, the coupling structure includes a conductive element and a ground plane, the ground plane is located within a first distance of the conductive element, and the conductive element is configured to couple with the near field of the hearing device antenna.

[0201] 34. The method of item 33, wherein the conductive element is coupled to a ground plane, the conductive element being disposed on a first surface of the support substrate and extending over the first region, and the ground plane being disposed on an opposite second surface of the support substrate and at least partially covering the first region,

[0202] The method includes:

[0203] Position the hearing device in the charging station.

[0204] coupling the coupling structure of the charging device to the antenna of the hearing device,

[0205] modifying a frequency response of the conductive element to enable the hearing device antenna to couple to the conductive element,

[0206] Communication between the hearing device wireless communication unit and the charging device wireless communication unit is initiated.

[0207] 35. A charging device for charging a hearing device, the charging device being configured to receive the hearing device, the charging device comprising

[0208] A charging device wireless communication unit, the charging device wireless communication unit is interconnected with a coupling structure, the coupling structure includes

[0209] A conductive element and a ground plane, the ground plane being located within a first distance of the conductive element such that the conductive element couples to the ground plane, wherein a frequency response of the conductive element is modified when a hearing device antenna is brought into proximity with the conductive element to detect the presence of the hearing device in the charging device.

Claims

1. A system comprising a hearing device and a charging device, The hearing device comprises: Hearing equipment antennas, a hearing device wireless communication unit coupled to the hearing device antenna, the hearing device wireless communication unit and the hearing device antenna being configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals at a first frequency, and a rechargeable battery configured to be charged by the charging device, The charging device is configured to accommodate the hearing device to enable charging of the hearing device, and the charging device comprises: a charging device wireless communication unit, the charging device wireless communication unit being interconnected with the coupling structure, The coupling structure comprises: a conductive element and a ground plane, the ground plane being located within a first distance of the conductive element, Wherein the coupling structure is configured such that when the hearing device is received in the charging device, a frequency response of the conductive element is modified, thereby enabling near-field coupling of the hearing device antenna to the conductive element.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the hearing device antenna is enabled to couple to the conductive element to enable communication between the hearing device wireless communication unit and the charging device wireless communication unit.

3. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the presence of the hearing device in the charging device is detected when the modification of the frequency response is detected.

4. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device wireless communication unit further comprises a detector configured to detect power reflected from the conductive element into the charging device wireless communication unit, and wherein, The frequency response modification is determined by determining a power reflected from the conductive element into the charging device wireless communication unit, and wherein a reflected power above a first threshold indicates that the hearing device is not accommodated in the charging device; and wherein a reflected power below the first threshold indicates that the hearing device is accommodated in the charging device.

5. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive element is arranged on a first surface of a support substrate and extends over a first area, and the ground plane is arranged on an opposite second surface of the support substrate and at least partially covers the first area; or The conductive element is disposed on the first surface of the supporting substrate, and the ground plane is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the conductive element and surrounds at least a portion of the conductive element.

6. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive element has a first end interconnected with the charging device wireless communication unit and a second end as an open circuit end; or wherein the conductive element has a first branch and a second branch, and wherein, A first end of each of the first branch and the second branch is interconnected with the charging device wireless communication unit, and wherein a second end of each of the first branch and the second branch is an open end.

7. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device comprises a first cavity configured to accommodate the hearing device, and wherein the hearing device antenna is brought into proximity with the conductive element when the hearing device is inserted into the first cavity.

8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device wireless communication unit is configured to initiate communication with the hearing device upon detecting the frequency response modification, wherein the charging device is configured to transmit a presence signal to the hearing device, the presence signal indicating the presence of the hearing device in the charging device, and wherein the hearing device further comprises a processing unit configured to control at least one hearing device setting upon receiving the presence signal, wherein the hearing device setting is an on / off setting of the at least one transducer.

9. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein coupling of the hearing device antenna to the conductive element is enabled when the modification level of the frequency response is above a first threshold level.

10. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device further comprises an impedance matching circuit, wherein the impedance matching circuit is configured such that when the reflection coefficient is above a second threshold, the hearing device is not in the charging device, and wherein the impedance matching circuit is configured such that when the reflection coefficient is below the second threshold, the hearing device is in the charging device.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the charging device wireless communication unit has a first impedance, and wherein the conductive element has a second impedance, and wherein when the hearing device is not inserted into the charging device, the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance is at least 30%, and wherein the charging device wireless communication unit has a first impedance, and wherein the conductive element has a second impedance, and wherein when the hearing device is received in the charging device, the difference between the first impedance and the second impedance is less than 10%.

12. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a first hearing device and a second hearing device, and wherein the charging device is configured to accommodate the first hearing device and the second hearing device in a first cavity and a second cavity of the charging device, respectively, and wherein, When the first hearing device is inserted into the first cavity, the antenna of the first hearing device is close to the first portion of the conductive element; wherein, when the second hearing device is inserted into the second cavity, the antenna of the second hearing device is close to the second portion of the conductive element, and wherein the coupling between the antenna of the first hearing device and the antenna of the second hearing device is configured to have the same coupling strength.

13. A method for charging the hearing device in the charging device, The hearing device comprises a hearing device antenna, a hearing device wireless communication unit and a rechargeable battery, wherein the hearing device wireless communication unit is coupled to the hearing device antenna, the hearing device wireless communication unit and the hearing device antenna are configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals at a first frequency, and the rechargeable battery is configured to be charged by the charging device, and the method comprises: The hearing device is accommodated in the charging device, the charging device includes a charging device wireless communication unit, the charging device wireless communication unit is interconnected with a coupling structure, the coupling structure includes a conductive element and a ground plane, the ground plane is located within a first distance of the conductive element, and the conductive element is configured to be near-field coupled to the hearing device antenna.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the conductive element is coupled to the ground plane, the conductive element is disposed on a first surface of the support substrate and extends over a first area, and the ground plane is disposed on an opposite second surface of the support substrate and at least partially covers the first area, The method comprises: positioning the hearing device in the charging device, coupling the coupling structure of the charging device to the hearing device antenna, modifying a frequency response of the conductive element to enable the hearing device antenna to couple to the conductive element, Communication between the hearing device wireless communication unit and the charging device wireless communication unit is initiated.

15. A charging device for charging a hearing device, the charging device being configured to accommodate the hearing device, the charging device comprising: A charging device wireless communication unit, the charging device wireless communication unit is interconnected with a coupling structure, the coupling structure comprises: a conductive element and a ground plane, the ground plane being located within a first distance of the conductive element such that the conductive element is coupled to the ground plane, Wherein a frequency response of the conductive element is modified when the hearing device antenna is brought into proximity with the conductive element, thereby detecting the presence of the hearing device in the charging device.

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