Hearing device and battery unit for a hearing device

Abstract

A hearing device and a battery unit for a hearing device are provided, the battery unit having a main axis and comprising an adapter and a battery at least partially housed in a battery cavity formed by the adapter, the adapter comprising: a body; a first contact configured to contact a first battery terminal of the hearing device; and an electronic circuit connected to the first contact and comprising a memory connected to the first contact, in which the battery cell has an outer surface configuration configured to fit a battery cartridge of the hearing device in a first orientation in a first direction parallel to the main axis, and is configured to not fit the battery case of the hearing device in a second orientation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hearing devices and related methods, including methods of operating hearing devices. Background Art

[0002] The development of the hearing industry requires that rechargeable batteries be replaceable by independent service providers or end users. This requirement can create challenges for hearing device manufacturers, for example, due to different battery sizes and configurations, which may reduce the performance of the hearing device or ultimately damage the hearing device. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for hearing device and battery solutions that facilitate fail-safe and user-friendly replacement of batteries in hearing devices.

[0004] A battery unit for a hearing device is disclosed, the battery unit having a main axis and comprising an adapter and a battery at least partially accommodated in a battery cavity formed by the adapter. The adapter comprises a body; a first contact, which is optionally configured to contact a first battery terminal of the hearing device; and an electronic circuit connected to the first contact. The electronic circuit may include a memory connected to the first contact. The battery unit has an outer surface configuration, which is configured to fit in a battery compartment of the hearing device in a first orientation in a first direction parallel to the main axis. The outer surface configuration may be configured to not fit in the battery compartment of the hearing device in a second orientation in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0005] Furthermore, a hearing device is disclosed, the hearing device comprising a housing forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the hearing device; a frame arranged in the housing; and a battery compartment comprising a first battery terminal, a second battery terminal, and a third battery terminal. The first battery terminal, the second battery terminal, and the third battery terminal are configured to contact corresponding contacts of the battery cell when the battery cell has a first orientation in the battery compartment. At least one of the first battery terminal, the second battery terminal, and the third battery terminal may be configured to not contact the contacts of the battery cell when the battery cell has a second orientation in the battery compartment.

[0006] An important advantage of the hearing device is that the hearing device can use batteries with different geometrical and / or electrical properties, thereby reducing the requirements on the battery. And increasing the life of both the hearing device and the battery cell. In addition, the present disclosure improves the electrical contacts between the battery terminals and the battery cell, thereby providing a reliable and fail-safe power supply to the hearing device.

[0007] The present disclosure allows an independent service provider to perform battery replacement in a manner that does not damage the hearing device, for example by reducing the risk of misplacement and avoiding damage to the hearing device electronic circuitry. In addition, the hearing device can accommodate and use batteries from different manufacturers, for example using different battery configurations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 schematically showing a cross-sectional view of an example hearing device with a battery unit in a first orientation,

[0010] Figure 2 Schematically showing a battery cell in a second orientation Figure 1 hearing devices,

[0011] Figure 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary hearing device,

[0012] Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an adapter of a battery cell,

[0013] Figure 5 is a top view of an example adapter with battery cells,

[0014] Figure 6 showing parts of a circuit diagram of a hearing device having a battery cell in a battery compartment,

[0015] Figure 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an example hearing device,

[0016] Figure 8 An example adapter for a battery cell is schematically shown, and

[0017] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the adapter is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings when relevant. It should be noted that the drawings may be drawn to scale or may not be drawn to scale, and elements of similar structure or function are represented by similar reference numerals throughout the drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended to serve as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the 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 particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment, and may be practiced in any other embodiment, even if not shown as such, or even if not so explicitly described.

[0019] A hearing device is disclosed. The hearing device may be configured to be worn at an ear of a user and may be a hearable device or a hearing aid, wherein a processor is configured to compensate for a hearing loss of the user.

[0020] The hearing device may be a behind-the-ear (BTE) type, an in-the-ear (ITE) type, an in-the-ear-canal (ITC) type, a receiver-in-the-ear-canal (RIC) type, or a receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) type. The hearing aid may be a binaural hearing aid. The hearing device may include a first earphone and a second earphone, wherein the first earphone and / or the second earphone are the earphones disclosed herein.

[0021] A battery unit for a hearing device is disclosed, the battery unit having a main axis and comprising an adapter and a battery at least partially accommodated in a battery cavity formed by the adapter. The adapter comprises a body; one or more contacts, such as a first contact and an optional second contact; and an electronic circuit connected to the first contact.

[0022] The battery may be a rechargeable battery.

[0023] One or more contacts or connectors are configured to contact corresponding battery terminals in a battery compartment of the hearing device. A first contact may be configured to contact a first battery terminal of the hearing device, for example, at least in a first orientation of the battery cell in the battery compartment of the hearing device.

[0024] The body may be made of a non-conductive material, such as a plastic material.

[0025] The electronic circuit may include one or more electronic components, such as a memory. The memory may be connected to the first contact and / or the second contact.

[0026] The memory may include one or more battery identifiers indicating one or more battery characteristics. The one or more battery identifiers may include a battery model identifier indicating the model or type of the battery. The one or more battery identifiers may include a battery size identifier indicating the size and / or shape of the battery. The one or more battery identifiers may include a battery capacity identifier indicating the capacitance of the battery. The one or more battery identifiers may include a battery voltage identifier indicating the voltage supplied by the battery.

[0027] In one or more examples, the battery unit has an outer surface configuration that is configured to fit into a battery compartment of a hearing device in a first orientation, such as in a first direction parallel to the main axis. The outer surface configuration can be configured to not fit into a battery compartment of a hearing device in a second orientation, such as in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0028] A battery cell / external surface configuration configured to mate with a battery case may include: the battery cell's first contact, second contact, and third contact (if present) contacting corresponding first, second, and third battery terminals in the battery case.

[0029] The battery cell / external surface configuration configured to not fit into a battery compartment may include the battery cell having an external shape that prevents the battery cell from being inserted into the battery compartment. In other words, the external surface configuration may be configured to prevent the battery cell from being inserted into the battery compartment of the hearing device in a second orientation, such as in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0030] The battery cell / external surface configuration configured to not fit into a battery compartment may include: one or both of the first contact and the second contact of the battery cell not contacting a battery terminal in the battery compartment of the hearing device. In other words, the external surface configuration may be configured to: in a second orientation, such as in a second direction opposite to the first direction, prevent one or both of the first contact and the second contact of the battery cell from contacting a battery terminal in the battery compartment of the hearing device.

[0031] The battery cell / external surface configuration configured to not fit into a battery compartment may include: one or both of the first electrode of the battery and the second electrode of the battery not contacting a battery terminal in the battery compartment of the hearing device. In other words, the external surface configuration may be configured to: in a second orientation, such as in a second orientation opposite to the first orientation, prevent one or both of the first electrode of the battery and the second electrode of the battery from contacting a battery terminal in the battery compartment of the hearing device.

[0032] In one or more examples, a battery unit has a main axis and includes an adapter and a battery at least partially accommodated in a battery cavity formed by the adapter, the adapter including: a body; a first contact configured to contact a first battery terminal of a hearing device; and an electronic circuit connected to the first contact and including a memory connected to the first contact, wherein the battery unit has an outer surface configuration configured to: mate with a battery compartment of the hearing device in a first orientation in a first direction parallel to the main axis, and configured to: not mate with the battery compartment of the hearing device in a second orientation in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0033] In one or more examples, the adapter (e.g., a body) has a first sidewall having a first outer side surface and a first diameter. The adapter (e.g., a body or a cover) may have a second sidewall having a second outer side surface and a second diameter. The second diameter may be smaller than the first diameter. The first sidewall and the second sidewall may provide a varying diameter along the main axis, which may be used, for example, with one or more guide elements of the battery compartment to ensure that the battery cell only fits the battery compartment in a first orientation.

[0034] The first outer surface and / or the second outer surface may be cylindrical (eg, having a circular cross-section) along the main axis. This may facilitate insertion of the battery cell, eg, without requiring a specific orientation that is rotated stepwise around the main axis.

[0035] The adapter may include an intermediate outer surface. The intermediate outer surface may be perpendicular to the main axis and may form at least a portion of a transition between the first side wall and the second side wall. The body may include an end wall, for example forming a portion of the intermediate outer surface. The end wall of the body may be perpendicular to the main axis.

[0036] In one or more examples, the first sidewall has a first inner surface that forms part of the battery cavity. The first sidewall has a first height. The first height is measured along the main axis of the battery cell. The first height can be less than the height of the battery. In one or more examples, the difference between the first height and the height of the battery is at least 1 mm, such as at least 1.5 mm, such as about 2.0 mm. The first sidewall can have one or more openings and / or one or more slits or cutouts. In other words, the battery can be radially exposed from the main axis, for example, so that the battery terminals of the battery case can contact the sidewalls of the battery, and the sidewalls of the battery can optionally form electrodes (e.g., negative electrodes or positive electrodes) of the battery.

[0037] In one or more examples, the first contact comprises a metal ring having a first contact radius. The first contact may comprise one or more arched segments, for example forming a generally annular profile having a first contact radius. The first contact may be arranged on an outer surface of the adapter. In one or more examples, the first contact is arranged on an intermediate outer surface and / or on a first outer side surface.

[0038] In one or more examples, the adapter includes a second contact configured to contact a second battery terminal (eg, negative or ground) of the hearing device. The second contact may be electrically connected to a first electrode of the battery (eg, a negative electrode of the battery).

[0039] In one or more examples, the second contact is connected to the electronic circuit.The second contact may form a ground connection for the electronic circuit.

[0040] In one or more examples, the second contact comprises a metal ring having a second contact radius. The second contact may comprise one or more arched segments, for example forming a generally annular profile having a second contact radius. The second contact may be arranged on an outer surface of the adapter. In one or more examples, the second contact is arranged on an intermediate outer surface and / or on a first outer surface. The first contact and the second contact may be concentric rings, for example when the second contact is inside the first contact. Thus, a large distance is provided between the second contact and the third contact, for subsequently reducing the risk of creep currents in the hearing device.

[0041] In one or more examples, the second contact radius is smaller than the first contact radius. In other words, the second contact is optionally arranged inside the first contact.

[0042] In one or more examples, the adapter includes a third contact configured to contact a third battery terminal of the hearing device, wherein the third contact is electrically connected to a second electrode of the battery (eg, a positive electrode of the battery).

[0043] In one or more examples, the third contact comprises a metal ring having a third contact radius. The third contact may include one or more arched segments, for example forming a generally annular profile having a third contact radius. The third radius may be greater than the first radius. The third contact may be arranged on an outer surface of the adapter. In one or more examples, the third contact is arranged on the intermediate outer surface and / or the first outer side surface.

[0044] In one or more examples, the adapter includes a printed circuit board assembly PCBA, which includes a printed circuit board PCB, an electronic circuit, and one or more contacts including a first contact. The printed circuit board may include a flexible PCB. In one or more examples, the PCB forms at least a portion of the body. One or more contacts may be arranged on the PCB, for example, on an outer surface of the PCB. The PCBA may include one or more inner contacts arranged on an inner surface of the PCB, for example, including a first inner contact. The first inner contact may be connected to the second contact via a conductor in the PCB, and may be connected to a first electrode of the battery, for example, by welding, bonding with a conductive adhesive, or by a conductive paste.

[0045] The PCB includes an inner surface facing the battery and an outer surface facing the periphery. The electronic circuit can be arranged on the outer surface of the PCB.

[0046] The printed circuit board assembly may include, for example, a cover that covers the electronic circuit. The cover may be a plastic cover. The cover may be bonded to the PCB.

[0047] In one or more examples, the cover forms a second side wall and / or a top wall of the adapter. The cover may form a guiding element for the battery cell during insertion into the battery compartment.

[0048] The electronic circuit may be arranged on the inner surface of the PCB. In other words, the electronic circuit may be arranged between the PCB and the battery.

[0049] In one or more examples, the printed circuit board assembly includes a test pad or a plurality of test pads, the plurality of test pads including a first test pad and a second test pad.

[0050] A hearing device is disclosed.

[0051] In one or more examples, a hearing device is disclosed, the hearing device comprising: a shell forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the hearing device; a frame arranged in the shell; and a battery box, including a first battery terminal, a second battery terminal and a third battery terminal, which are configured to: contact a corresponding contact of a battery cell when the battery cell has a first orientation, wherein at least one of the first battery terminal, the second battery terminal and the third battery terminal is configured to: not contact a contact of the battery cell when the battery cell has a second orientation.

[0052] In one or more examples, the battery compartment includes a guide element configured to prevent the battery cell from being inserted in the second orientation. The guide element optionally includes a recess in the inner surface of the battery compartment. The guide element may include or be formed as one or more protrusions in the battery compartment (e.g., in one or more of the first wall, the second wall, and the third wall).

[0053] In one or more examples, the battery case includes a resilient element configured to press the battery cell toward the first battery terminal and / or toward the second battery terminal, for example, to ensure good electrical contact between the battery terminals and corresponding contacts.

[0054] In one or more examples, a hearing device includes a battery unit as disclosed herein.

[0055] The housing of the hearing device may include one or more housings or external components. The hearing device includes a frame arranged in the housing. The frame may be configured to carry a printed circuit board PCB (e.g., a flexible PCB). In other words, the PCB or PCBA of the hearing device may be mounted on the frame. One or more electrical components of the hearing device (e.g., one or more of a processor, a radio transceiver, a power module, and a microphone) may be mounted on the PCB.

[0056] The hearing device includes a battery compartment. The battery compartment includes a plurality of (e.g., three, four, or more) battery terminals. The battery compartment includes a first battery terminal and a second battery terminal. The battery compartment may include a third battery terminal and an optional fourth battery terminal. The battery terminals are configured to electrically connect corresponding contacts of the battery cell and electrodes of the battery to the hearing device PCB / PCBA when the battery cell is inserted in a first orientation.

[0057] The hearing device may comprise an inner case. The battery case is optionally separate from the inner case, for example sealed.

[0058] The hearing device may be configured for wireless communication with one or more devices (e.g., with another hearing device (e.g., as part of a binaural hearing system)), and / or with one or more accessory devices (e.g., a smartphone and / or a smartwatch). The hearing device may optionally include an antenna for converting one or more wireless input signals (e.g., a first wireless input signal and / or a second wireless input signal) into an antenna output signal. The wireless input signal may originate from an external source, such as a paired microphone device, a wireless TV audio transmitter, and / or a distributed microphone array associated with a wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal may originate from, for example, another hearing device that is part of a binaural hearing system, and / or from one or more accessory devices.

[0059] The hearing device optionally comprises a radio transceiver coupled to the antenna for converting the antenna output signal into a transceiver input signal. Wireless signals from different external sources may be multiplexed in the radio transceiver as the transceiver input signal or provided as separate transceiver input signals at separate transceiver output terminals of the radio transceiver. The hearing device may comprise a plurality of antennas and / or an antenna which may be configured to operate in one or more antenna modes. The transceiver input signal optionally comprises a first transceiver input signal representing a first wireless signal from a first external source.

[0060] The hearing device comprises a set of microphones. The set of microphones may comprise one or more microphones. The set of microphones may comprise a first microphone for providing a first microphone input signal and / or a second microphone for providing a second microphone input signal. The set of microphones may comprise N microphones for providing N microphone signals, wherein N is an integer in the range from 1 to 10. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the number of microphones N is two, three, four, five or more. The set of microphones may comprise a third microphone for providing a third microphone input signal.

[0061] The hearing device comprises a processor for processing input signals from a microphone and / or a radio transceiver. The processor provides an electrical output signal based on the input signal to the processor. The input terminals of the processor are optionally connected to corresponding output terminals of the microphone and / or the radio transceiver.

[0062] The hearing device comprises a processor for processing an input signal (eg a transceiver input signal and / or a microphone input signal). The processor is optionally configured to compensate for a hearing loss of a user of the hearing device. The processor provides an electrical output signal based on the input signal to the processor.

[0063] The battery terminals of the hearing device are configured to connect the battery / battery cell arranged in the battery compartment to the PCBA of the hearing device (e.g., the power module and other electrical components of the hearing device), for example, via conductors (e.g., traces and / or wires of the PCB, such as litz wires). One or more of the battery terminals may be a metal elastic member.

[0064] The first battery terminal may be arranged in a wall of the battery compartment, such as a wall of the frame and / or the housing. For example, the first battery terminal may extend through a wall of the frame and / or the housing. The first battery terminal may be configured to contact a first contact or a first connector element of the battery cell when the battery cell is assembled (e.g., inserted in a first orientation) in the battery compartment.

[0065] The second battery terminal may be arranged in a wall of the battery compartment, such as a wall of the frame and / or housing. For example, the second battery terminal may extend through a wall of the frame and / or housing. The second battery terminal may be configured to contact a second contact or a second connector element of the battery cell when the battery cell is assembled (e.g., inserted in a first orientation) in the battery compartment.

[0066] The battery box may include a third battery terminal. The third battery terminal may be arranged in a wall of the battery box, such as a wall of the frame and / or the housing. For example, the third battery terminal may extend through a wall of the frame and / or the housing. The third battery terminal may be configured to contact an electrode of the battery when the battery cell is assembled (e.g., inserted in a first orientation) in the battery box. The third battery terminal may be configured to contact a third contact or a third connector element of the battery cell when the battery cell is assembled (e.g., inserted in a first orientation) in the battery box.

[0067] In one or more examples, the battery box includes a first wall, a second wall and a third wall, and the third wall connects the first wall and the second wall. The first wall and the second wall can be planar walls. The first wall and the second wall can be parallel or extend in parallel planes. An elastic element configured to press the battery cell toward the first battery terminal and / or toward the second battery terminal can be arranged on the second wall of the battery box.

[0068] The battery compartment may be formed by at least a portion of the frame and / or by at least a portion of the housing. The frame may form the first wall or at least a portion thereof. The frame may form the second wall or at least a portion thereof. The frame may form the third wall or at least a portion thereof. The housing may form the first wall or at least a portion thereof. The housing may form the second wall or at least a portion thereof. The housing may form the third wall or at least a portion thereof. In one or more examples, the housing forms at least a portion of the first wall and / or the second wall, and the frame forms at least a portion of the third wall.

[0069] The first battery terminal is optionally arranged on the first wall and can be configured to contact a first contact on an outer surface of the battery cell. In the battery box, when the battery cell is correctly inserted into the battery box, i.e., in the first orientation, the top wall / surface and the middle surface of the battery cell optionally face the first wall of the battery box. The first battery terminal can be arranged on the third wall and can be configured to contact a first contact arranged on a first outer side surface of the battery cell.

[0070] In one or more examples, the second battery terminal is arranged on the first wall, the second wall, or the third wall. The second battery terminal can be arranged on the same wall as the first battery terminal. The second battery terminal can be configured to: contact a second contact on an outer surface of the battery cell or contact an electrode on a bottom surface of the battery.

[0071] In one or more examples, the hearing device includes a power module configured to charge a rechargeable battery. The power module is connected to the battery unit via one or more battery terminals (eg, a first battery terminal and a third battery terminal).

[0072] In one or more examples, the hearing device has a battery opening in an outer surface, and the hearing device includes a battery cover configured to close the battery opening. The battery cover may also be referred to as a battery door.

[0073] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary hearing device is shown, wherein a battery cell is arranged in a battery compartment in a first orientation. The hearing device 2 comprises: a housing 4 forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the hearing device 2; a frame 6 arranged in the housing 4; and a battery compartment 10 comprising a first battery terminal 12, a second battery terminal 14 and a third battery terminal 16. The first battery terminal 12 is configured as follows: Figure 1 As shown, with the battery cell 18 having a first orientation in the battery case, the first contact 20 of the battery cell 18 is contacted. The second battery terminal 14 is configured to contact the second contact 22 of the battery cell 18, and the third battery terminal 16 is configured to contact the third contact 24 of the battery cell 18. The battery cell 18 includes a battery 26 having a first electrode 28 (negative) connected to the second battery terminal 14. The battery 26 has a second electrode 30 (positive) forming the third contact 24 of the battery cell 18.

[0074] The battery case 10 includes a resilient element 32 configured to press the battery cell 18 toward the first and second battery terminals 12 , 14 , for example, to ensure good electrical contact between the battery terminals 12 , 14 and the corresponding contacts 20 , 22 .

[0075] The battery unit 18 has a main axis X and comprises an adapter 34 and a battery 26 at least partially accommodated in a battery cavity formed by the adapter 34. The adapter 34 comprises: a body 36; a first contact 20 configured to contact the first battery terminal 12 of the hearing device 2; and an electronic circuit 38 connected to the first contact 20 and comprising a memory (not shown) connected to the first contact 20. The battery unit has an outer surface configuration that is configured to: Figure 1 The first orientation in the first direction of the main axis X shown mates with the battery holder 10 of the hearing device, ie the contacts 20 , 22 , 24 of the battery cells 18 contact the corresponding battery terminals 12 , 14 , 16 of the battery holder 10 and form an electrical connection therewith.

[0076] Figure 2 The battery cell 18 is shown in FIG. Figure 1In a second orientation in a second direction opposite to the first direction shown, the battery unit 18 does not fit into the battery compartment 10 of the hearing device 2 because the battery terminals 12, 14, 16 do not contact the corresponding contacts 20, 22, 24. Therefore, the third battery terminal 16 is configured as follows: Figure 2 As shown, when the battery cell has a second orientation in the battery compartment, the contacts of the battery cell are not contacted.

[0077] In addition, the outer surface configuration of the battery cell 18 is configured as follows: Figure 2 In the second orientation shown, one or both of the first contact 20 and the second contact 22 of the battery (unit 18 ) are prevented from contacting the battery terminals in the battery compartment 10 of the hearing device 2 .

[0078] Figure 3 The hearing device 2 is shown without the battery unit 18. The battery compartment 10 comprises or is defined by a first wall 40, a second wall 42 and a third wall 44, the third wall 44 connecting the first wall 40 and the second wall 42. In the hearing device 2, the frame 6 constitutes these walls 40,42,44.

[0079] The first battery terminal 12 and the second battery terminal are arranged on the first wall 40. The third battery terminal 16 is arranged on the third wall 44. Depending on the battery cell design, the third battery terminal 16 can be arranged on the first wall 40. In one or more examples, the battery terminals are arranged on the same wall, such as the first wall 40 or the third wall 44.

[0080] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an example adapter 34 for a battery cell (e.g., battery cell 18) is shown. The adapter 34 / body 36 has a first side wall 46 formed as a hollow cylinder having a first outer side surface 48 and a first diameter D_1, the first side wall 46 has a first inner surface 50 forming a portion of a battery cavity 52, and the first side wall 46 has a first height H_1 that is less than the height H_bat of the battery (see Figure 1 ). In addition, the adapter 34 includes a printed circuit board 54 (PCB) and a cover 56 covering the electronic circuit. The cover 56 forms a second side wall 58 having a second outer side surface 60, which is a cylindrical surface and has a second diameter D_2 smaller than the first diameter D_1. In addition, the cover 56 forms a top wall 61 of the adapter 34.

[0081] exist Figure 4 In FIG. 5 , the electronic circuit 38 and the cover 56 are arranged on the outer surface 54B of the PCB, however, it should be understood that the electronic circuit 38 and / or the cover 56 may be arranged on the inner surface 54A of the PCB 54.

[0082] In one or more examples of the adapter, D_1 is in the range of 5.0 mm to 13 mm. In one or more examples of the adapter, D_2 can be in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm. The contacts 20, 22 are arranged on the middle outer surface 62 of the adapter 34, and the middle outer surface 62 is perpendicular to the main axis X.

[0083] Figure 5 Shows that there is Figure 4 Top view of the battery unit of the adapter. The adapter 34 includes a printed circuit board assembly 64 that includes a printed circuit board 54 , electronic circuitry 38 mounted on the PCB 54 , and a cover 56 covering the electronic circuitry 38 .

[0084] The electronic circuit 38 includes one or more electronic components, including a protector A, a memory B in the form of an EEPROM, a diode C, a resistor D and a capacitor E.

[0085] The PCBA 64 comprises a first contact 20 formed as a metal ring on the outer surface 54B of the PCB 54 and having a first contact radius CR_1, and arranged on the middle outer surface 62 of the adapter. The first contact 20 is a data connection and is connected to the EEPROM via one or more conductors in the PCB 54. In other words, the hearing device can read data (e.g., one or more battery identifiers) stored on the EEPROM via the first contact 20.

[0086] The PCBA 64 includes a second contact 22 formed as a metal ring on the outer surface 54B of the PCB 54 and having a second contact radius CR_2 less than CR_1, and arranged on the middle outer surface 62 of the adapter. The second contact 22 is a negative contact or ground connected to the ground of the electronic circuit. In addition, the second contact 22 is connected to the inner surface 54A of the PCB 54 opposite to the outer surface 54B, for example, via one or more conductors in the PCB and a first inner contact 68 (such as Figure 4 Thus, the second contact 22 is electrically connected to the first electrode of the battery and the electronic circuit 38.

[0087] Optionally, the PCBA includes test pads 66 on the outer surface 54B of the PCB 54 .

[0088] Figure 6 Portions of a circuit diagram of a hearing device with a battery cell in a battery compartment are shown. The hearing device PCBA 70 is connected to the battery cell 18 via the battery terminals 12, 14, 16 and the contacts 20, 22, 24. The electronic circuit is mounted on the PCB 54 and comprises a protector A and an EEPROM B. In other words, the electronic circuit comprises a protection and identification circuit which advantageously protects the battery from overcharging and / or discharging.

[0089] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an example hearing device 2A without a battery cell is shown. The battery compartment 10 of the hearing device comprises a guide element 72 which is configured to prevent the battery cell 18 from being inserted in the second orientation. The guide element 72 is formed as a protrusion in the first wall 40 and provides a recess for covering the battery cell and the battery terminals 12, 14. The guide element ensures that the battery cell is prevented from being inserted into the battery compartment 10 in the second orientation. Figure 2 In one or more examples, the guide element protrudes from the third wall 44, for example, as shown by the optional guide element 74. The guide elements 72, 74 can be integrated into one or more of the walls 40, 42, 44.

[0090] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An example adapter 34A for a hearing device is shown, which has three battery terminals arranged in the third wall. The contacts 20, 22, 24 of the flexible PCB 54 forming the body are arranged on the outer surface 54B of the side 76 of the PCB 54, which is formed as a cylinder forming the first side wall 46 of the adapter 34A. The PCB includes a bend 77, which is folded or bent so that the top part 78 of the PCB 54 with the electronic circuit 38 and the cover 56 is folded to contact the first electrode of the battery (not shown) via the first inner contact 68 on the inner surface 54A, the first inner contact is electrically connected to the second contact 22 and the electronic circuit 38 via the conductor in the PCB 54. The adapter 34A includes a second inner contact 69 on the inner surface 54A of the PCB, which is electrically connected to the second electrode of the battery and is electrically connected to the third contact 24 via the conductor in the PCB 54. Therefore, the third contact 24 is electrically connected to the second electrode of the battery. The contacts 20, 22, 24 form a metal ring element on a first outer side surface of the adapter 34A. The adapter may be bonded to the battery.

[0091] The contacts 20 , 22 , 24 are arranged on the outer surface 54B such that when the battery unit with the adapter 34A has the second orientation, at least one of the contacts 20 , 22 , 24 does not contact a battery terminal in a battery compartment of the hearing device.

[0092] The use of the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "a," "b," "c," etc. does not imply any particular order, but is included to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the use of the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "a," "b," "c," etc. does not indicate any order or importance, but rather the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "a," "b," "c," etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the use of the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "a," "b," "c," etc., here and elsewhere, is for labeling purposes only and is not intended to indicate any particular spatial or temporal ordering.

[0093] Furthermore, the marking of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

[0094] It will be appreciated that the drawings include some modules or operations shown in solid lines and some modules or operations shown in dashed lines. The modules or operations included in the solid lines are the modules or operations included in the broadest example embodiment. The modules or operations included in the dashed lines are example embodiments that may be included in the solid line example embodiments, or are a part of the solid line example embodiments, or are further modules or operations that may be taken in addition to the modules or operations of the solid line example embodiments. It should be appreciated that these operations need not be performed in the order presented.

[0095] Furthermore, it should be understood that not all operations need to be performed. The exemplary operations may be performed in any order and in any combination.

[0096] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0097] It should be noted that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0098] It should be further noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least partially by both hardware and software, and that several "means", "units" or "means" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0099] Various exemplary methods, devices, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps, which in one aspect can be implemented by a computer program product, which is embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer executable instructions such as program code, and is executed by a computer in a networked environment. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), etc. In general, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program codes for performing the steps of the methods disclosed herein. A particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding behavior for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0100] Although features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention as claimed, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention as claimed is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

[0101] Reference numerals list

[0102] 2.2A hearing aids

[0103] 4 Housing

[0104] 6 Framework

[0105] 10 Battery Box

[0106] 12 First battery terminal

[0107] 14 Second battery terminal

[0108] 16 Third battery terminal

[0109] 18 Battery Cells

[0110] 20 First contact

[0111] 22 Second contact

[0112] 24 Third contact

[0113] 26 Batteries

[0114] 28 The first electrode of the battery

[0115] 30 Second electrode of the battery

[0116] 32 Elastic element

[0117] 34, 34A adapter

[0118] 36 Main Body

[0119] 38 Electronic Circuits

[0120] 40 First Wall

[0121] 42 Second Wall

[0122] 44 The Third Wall

[0123] 46 First side wall

[0124] 48 first outer surface

[0125] 50 First inner surface

[0126] 52 Battery cavity

[0127] 54 Printed Circuit Board, PCB

[0128] 54A Inner surface of PCB

[0129] 54B PCB outer surface

[0130] 56 Cover

[0131] 58 Second side wall

[0132] 60 Second outer surface

[0133] 61 Top wall

[0134] 62 Intermediate outer surface

[0135] 64 Printed Circuit Board Assembly, PCBA

[0136] 66 Test pads

[0137] 68 First inner contact

[0138] 69 Second inner contact

[0139] 70 Hearing equipment PCBA

[0140] 72 Guide element

[0141] 74 Guide element

Claims

1. A battery unit for a hearing device, the battery unit having a main axis and comprising an adapter and a battery at least partially accommodated in a battery cavity formed by the adapter, the adapter comprising: main body; a first contact configured to: contact a first battery terminal of the hearing device; and an electronic circuit connected to the first contact and comprising a memory connected to the first contact, Wherein, the battery unit has an outer surface configuration, which is configured to: cooperate with the battery box of the hearing device in a first orientation in a first direction parallel to the main axis, and is configured to: not cooperate with the battery box of the hearing device in a second orientation in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter has a first sidewall having a first outer side surface and a first diameter and a second sidewall having a second outer side surface and a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.

3. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The first side wall has a first inner surface forming a portion of the battery cavity, and the first side wall has a first height that is less than a height of the battery.

4. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first contact includes a metal ring having a first contact radius and disposed on an outer surface of the adapter.

5. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The adapter comprises a second contact configured to contact a second battery terminal of the hearing device, wherein the second contact is electrically connected to a first electrode of the battery.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein: The second contact is connected to the electronic circuit.

7. The battery cell according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein: The second contact includes a metal ring having a second contact radius and disposed on an outer surface of the adapter.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7 as appended to claim 4, wherein: The second contact radius is smaller than the first contact radius.

9. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The adapter includes a printed circuit board assembly including a printed circuit board, the electronic circuit, the first contact, and a cover.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9 as appended to claim 2, wherein: The cover forms the second side wall and the top wall of the adapter.

11. The battery cell according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein: The printed circuit board assembly includes a test pad.

12. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The adapter comprises a third contact configured to contact a third battery terminal of the hearing device, wherein the third contact is electrically connected to a second electrode of the battery.

13. A hearing device comprising: a housing forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the hearing device; a frame arranged in the housing; and A battery box, comprising a first battery terminal, a second battery terminal and a third battery terminal, wherein the first battery terminal, the second battery terminal and the third battery terminal are configured to contact the corresponding contact of the battery cell when the battery cell has a first orientation in the battery box, wherein at least one of the first battery terminal, the second battery terminal and the third battery terminal is configured to not contact the contact of the battery cell when the battery cell has a second orientation in the battery box.

14. The hearing device according to claim 13, wherein The battery compartment includes a guide element configured to prevent insertion of a battery unit in the second orientation, wherein the guide element includes a protrusion from an inner surface of the battery compartment.

15. The hearing device according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein: The battery case includes an elastic element configured to press the battery cell toward the first battery terminal.

16. The hearing device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising a battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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