Charging interface for electrical devices

Abstract

A charging interface (18) for an electrical device (4), in particular a hearing device, is proposed, comprising a housing section (20) having a central first through-hole (40) and at least one second through-hole (42) radially offset with respect to the first through-hole, a contact member (34) for contacting a first counter contact (24) of a counter charging interface (22), the contact member being mounted in the first through-hole (40), a contact element (38) having at least one contact protrusion (36) for contacting a second counter contact (26) of the counter charging interface (22), the contact protrusion being mounted in the second through-hole (42), a permanent magnetic magnetic element (46) axially aligned with the central contact member (34), wherein the contact element (38) is made of magnetizable material and is magnetized by the magnetic element (46) such that the contact protrusion (36) exerts a magnetic attractive force on the counter charging interface (22) as a magnetic pole. Furthermore, a charging system (2) and an electrical device (4) are proposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a charging interface for electrical equipment, particularly for hearing devices. The invention also relates to an electrical device and a charging system comprising the electrical device and a charger. Background Technology

[0002] Hearing aids are portable hearing devices, especially for people with hearing impairments or hearing loss. To meet a wide range of individual needs, hearing aids are available in different structural forms, such as behind-the-ear (HdO) hearing aids, receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids, and in-the-ear (IdO, ITE) hearing aids, such as in-the-conch or in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids.

[0003] The exemplary hearing aid is worn on the outer ear or inside the ear canal of the hearing aid user. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or tactile hearing aids are also available on the market. These mechanically or electrically stimulate the damaged auditory system. Such hearing aids mainly consist of three core components: an input converter, an amplifier, and an output converter. The input converter is typically an electroacoustic converter, such as a microphone. The output converter is typically implemented as an electroacoustic converter, such as a miniature speaker (earpiece), or as a motorized converter, such as a bone conduction earpiece. The amplifier is usually integrated into a signal processing unit.

[0004] Hearing devices are typically battery-powered. Their operating time is limited by the battery's energy density and the performance requirements of the hearing device. Given the prevailing trend towards miniaturization, smaller batteries are preferred, which further limits their energy capacity. To avoid frequent replacements of depleted batteries, hearing devices can be powered by rechargeable batteries (rechargeable batteries), such as nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries.

[0005] Hearing devices powered by rechargeable batteries typically feature a charging port to establish an electrical connection with a charger, allowing charging directly within the device without removing the battery. Proprietary charging interfaces are usually used here. However, as is known in the mobile phone industry, many manufacturers have begun to adopt standardized systems. Some devices equipped with rechargeable batteries also use so-called "plug-in connectors." A common drawback of these systems is that the insertion path required to establish contact is often relatively long, making it difficult to "blindly plug in" and easily connect the corresponding interfaces in charging docks. Therefore, this field often uses relatively flat spring contacts (Pogo-Pins). The latter, for example, is widely known in the cordless phone industry.

[0006] In order to ensure a safe electrical connection between the hearing device and the charger during the charging process, when the battery is charged by the charging current of the charger, a holding force can be applied to secure the electrical contact.

[0007] For example, chargers for hearing devices are known from documents EP 3 771 225 A1 and EP 4 387 272 A1, wherein the charging contact interface on the charger side is provided with a permanent magnet to generate a magnetic holding force in the contact state.

[0008] The charging port on the hearing device side has, for example, a magnetizable metal surface that can be correspondingly magnetized by a permanent magnet on the charger side. Thus, during charging, the hearing device is held on the charger by the magnetic holding force formed between the permanent magnet on the charger side and the metal surface on the hearing device side.

[0009] Therefore, the metal surface on the hearing device side will be magnetized, at least temporarily, by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. In other words, this creates induced magnetization, resulting in a passive attraction between the charging ports. The magnetization of the metal surface is typically relatively weak and less stable, and the holding force is usually oriented so that the metal surface is attracted to the direction of the permanent magnet along the shortest path. Thus, while this holding force creates a magnetic attraction between the charging ports, it does not usually ensure that the contact elements used for electrical connection and the contact elements are correctly positioned relative to each other.

[0010] Here, for example, it is conceivable to set up mechanical guide contours that can align the charging interfaces with each other under magnetic attraction and place them in the contact position or contact state required to perform the charging process. For example, the charging interface on the hearing device side can be designed as a funnel-shaped or hemispherical groove, such as a spherical recess, as a guide contour, so that when the charging interface on the charger side is inserted into the groove, the charging contacts will be mechanically aligned.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to place permanent magnets (corresponding magnets) on the charging port on the hearing device side. The two permanent magnets on the charging port interact as independent magnetic field sources, each with a defined polarity. The permanent magnets within the hearing device and charger are aligned such that the north pole of one permanent magnet faces the south pole of the other during contact or charging. When the two approach each other, due to their fixed magnetization, the charging port automatically aligns, causing the north and south poles to come into contact (generating an attractive force). This self-alignment is very stable because each of the two magnets constitutes a constant magnetic field source. Therefore, through magnetic self-alignment, the contact points of the charging port can automatically adjust to their ideal relative positions, thereby reducing or completely eliminating the need for additional mechanical guide profiles.

[0012] Typically, the permanent magnet on the hearing aid side is located inside the hearing aid and positioned behind the charging contacts of the charging interface. A circuit board connected to the charging contacts is usually also located between the charging contacts and the permanent magnet. Therefore, the charging contacts and the permanent magnet are located on different sides of the circuit board. The resulting spatial distance must be bridged by the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet. This design is not ideal because it significantly reduces magnetic attraction, holding force, or self-alignment capability. Therefore, a correspondingly strong permanent magnet must be used, resulting in high cost and a large footprint for such permanent magnet charging interfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a charging interface particularly suitable for electrical devices. In particular, the magnetic holding force used to ensure electrochemical charging connection should be improved. Furthermore, it is preferable to enable magnetic self-alignment between the charging interface and its corresponding counterpart. In addition, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is also to provide a particularly suitable electrical device and a particularly suitable charging system.

[0014] Regarding the charging interface, the technical problem is solved by a feature of a charging interface for electrical equipment, particularly for hearing equipment; and regarding the electrical equipment, the technical problem is solved by a feature of an electrical device; and regarding the charging system, the technical problem is solved by a feature of a charging system. Advantageous embodiments and improvements are the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0015] The advantages and design schemes described regarding the charging interface also apply to electrical equipment and / or charging systems, and vice versa.

[0016] The conjunction “and / or” in this context and below should be understood as: the features connected by this conjunction can coexist or serve as alternatives to each other.

[0017] The charging interface according to the invention is designed for electrical devices and is suitable for and provided for such electrical devices. The electrical devices are, in particular, hearing devices, preferably hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.

[0018] The charging interface according to the present invention is designed and configured to establish electrical contact with a corresponding charging interface of the charger in order to perform a charging process for the energy storage device (device battery) within the device. Therefore, the charging interface and the corresponding charging interface have complementary electrical contacts or contact points that mechanically contact each other during charging. For example, the corresponding charging interface described in the applicant's European applications EP 3 771 225 A1 or EP 4 872 272 A1 can be used. The disclosure of those documents, and in particular their claims (together with related descriptions), is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0019] The electrical equipment has a housing, which has housing segments. Here, the housing segment is specifically a section of the outer housing wall (outer wall) of the housing. The housing segment has a central first through-hole and at least one second through-hole radially offset relative to the first through-hole. These perforated through-holes are designed as through-holes or through-holes connecting the interior of the housing to the external environment.

[0020] In this context and hereinafter, "axial" or "axial direction" specifically refers to a direction parallel (coaxial) to the central axis of the first through hole, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the opening face of the first through hole. Correspondingly, in this context and hereinafter, "radial" or "radial direction" specifically refers to an orientation perpendicular (transverse) to the central axis of the first through hole and along the radial direction of the first through hole. In this context and hereinafter, "tangential" or "tangential direction" specifically refers to a direction along the outer periphery (circumferential, azimuth direction) of the first through hole, i.e., a direction perpendicular to both the axial and radial directions.

[0021] In order to establish electrical contact with the corresponding charging interface and to transfer energy during the charging process, the charging interface is provided with contact pieces and contact elements that serve as charging contacts (connecting contacts).

[0022] The contact element is designed to contact the first corresponding contact of the corresponding charging interface. The contact element is disposed within the first through-hole. In other words, the contact element is radially and engagingly embedded in the through-hole.

[0023] In this context and below, "shape engagement" or "shape-engaged connection" means the engagement between at least two interconnected parts, achieved either by direct engagement along the contours of the parts in at least one direction, or by indirect engagement through additional connecting elements. Thus, relative movement in that direction is locked by shape constraints.

[0024] The contact element has at least one contact protrusion designed to contact a second corresponding contact of the corresponding charging interface. According to the invention, the contact element is also designed and configured to generate a magnetic attraction with the corresponding charging interface. The contact protrusion is embedded in a second through-hole. In other words, the contact protrusion is at least partially inserted into or penetrates the second through-hole. The contact element, particularly the contact protrusion, is made of a magnetizable material. This means that the contact element or contact protrusion has a specific magnetic permeability and is made of a ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or paramagnetic material.

[0025] The charging interface also features a permanent magnet element that is axially aligned with the central contact element. Therefore, this magnetic element is designed to be a permanent magnet.

[0026] According to the present invention, the contact element is magnetized by a magnetic element, such that the contact protrusion acts as a magnetic pole to apply a magnetic attraction force to the corresponding charging interface. Therefore, the magnetic element causes the contact element, particularly the contact protrusion, to produce a substantially persistent induced magnetization, thereby guiding or focusing the magnetic flux of the magnetic element onto the contact surface or abutment surface of the contact protrusion to act on the second corresponding contact. Thus, the contact surface acts as an independent and stable magnetic field source for the second corresponding contact. This achieves a charging interface particularly suitable for electrical devices. In particular, the magnetic field source is located directly on the electrical contact point of the charging interface, thereby providing a reliable magnetic holding force for the charging process.

[0027] By magnetizing the contact protrusion, a magnetic pole is created on the housing section on the device side, with a particularly small distance between the magnetic pole and the second corresponding contact. This is especially advantageous for applications using a corresponding charging interface, which also has a permanent magnet (corresponding magnet) for magnetic attraction, thus enabling magnetic self-alignment between the contact protrusion and the second corresponding contact based on the orientation of the magnetic pole.

[0028] Preferably, the contact element has several contact protrusions, i.e., multiple contact protrusions, such as three contact protrusions, which are respectively located in the corresponding second through hole and distributed tangentially around the first through hole. Magnetic self-alignment between the contact protrusions and at least one second corresponding contact is also achieved through the magnetic self-alignment of the contact element and the first corresponding contact. Therefore, when the charging interface approaches the corresponding charging interface, the charging interface can automatically align and make safe and reliable contact with it. Thus, the housing segment does not need to have a mechanical guiding profile, such as a funnel-shaped or hemispherical groove, allowing the housing segment to be designed without bends or bulges in the contact point area. In other words, the housing segment can be designed as planar or flat, thus providing greater freedom in housing design.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the contact element and the contact protrusion project upwards from the housing segment at least partially along the axial direction. The contact element and the contact protrusion each have a height relative to the housing segment extending axially outwards from the housing. Therefore, the contact points between the charging interface and the corresponding charging interface, i.e., the contact element and at least one contact protrusion, are accessible from outside the housing and can be easily cleaned if necessary, i.e., the removal of dirt, such as earwax.

[0030] In a suitable design, the axial height of the contact element is substantially the same as the axial height of the contact protrusion. In other words, the contact point protrudes upward from the housing section in the same manner. The contact surfaces of the contact element and the contact protrusion are particularly arranged in the same plane. Therefore, cleaning the contact point becomes especially simple, particularly in the case of a housing section without additional mechanical guide contours.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic element and the contact element are in mechanical contact. That is, the magnetic element is at least partially in contact with the contact element. Therefore, there is direct or indirect contact between the magnetic element and the contact element. Consequently, there is essentially no net distance or gap between the magnetic element and the contact element that needs to cross the magnetic field. This allows the contact element to be magnetized by the magnetic element, thereby enabling a higher magnetic holding force through the contact protrusion. For example, a magnetic element with a lower magnetic field strength can be used, which effectively reduces manufacturing costs and reduces adverse interactions with energized components.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the contact element is designed as an annular yoke, i.e., a collar surrounding or encircling the magnetic element, or as a hollow cylinder (tube). Thus, the magnetic element is at least partially radially engaged in the central (annular) opening of the annular yoke and defined peripherally or tangentially by the annular yoke. The annular yoke is particularly designed as a circular cylinder, wherein the magnetic element is particularly designed as a cylinder and fits as closely as possible to the opening of the annular yoke. Here, the magnetic element can be held or fixed in position, for example, based on the magnetic attraction generated by the induced magnetization around the annular yoke. Additionally or alternatively, the magnetic element can also be held by adhesive connections of mechanical structures and / or material bonds.

[0033] Here, on the side facing the housing section, at least one contact protrusion is formed axially upward on the annular yoke. This contact protrusion is formed in one piece, i.e., a single piece or an integral structure, on the end face of the annular yoke. This contact protrusion is particularly designed as an annular yoke segment protruding upward from the end face.

[0034] By arranging the magnetic elements within the annular yoke, reliable and uniform magnetization of the contact elements or each contact protrusion is ensured. In particular, the annular inner wall along the central opening provides a large-area, flush-as-a-surface contact surface with the magnetic elements.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the charging interface includes a circuit board located inside a housing between the magnetic element and the contact element. Therefore, the contact element is arranged on the bottom surface of the circuit board facing the housing section, and the magnetic element and preferably the contact element are arranged on the opposite top side.

[0036] This stacked arrangement allows for a particularly compact structure of the charging ports within the housing. The reduced space requirements within the housing provide greater freedom in terms of the housing's dimensions and design.

[0037] For example, the circuit board is surrounded by contact protrusions on its edge or outer periphery. Therefore, the contact protrusions bypass the circuit board to insert into a second through-hole in the housing segment. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the circuit board has a third through-hole for the contact protrusions, axially aligned with the second through-hole.

[0038] The circuit board establishes an electrical connection with the contacts and contact elements and connects them to the device battery. Here, the contacts and contact elements, especially the annular yoke, are preferably directly attached to the circuit board and, for example, soldered to it. Preferably, the contacts and / or contact elements are mounted or contacted on the printed circuit board as surface-mount devices (SMDs). This further reduces the installation space required for the charging interface.

[0039] For the design of surface mount components with axially stacked charging interfaces, the axial protrusion of the charging contacts (contact elements, contact protrusions) relative to the housing segment can be determined relatively accurately, because this makes simple tolerance control possible, which mainly adjusts the dimensions of the contact elements or contact protrusions relative to the housing segment.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the housing segment has a one-piece molded retaining device for holding the contact element axially and radially. By holding the contact element, the magnetic element, circuit board, and contact pieces are also indirectly held radially and axially relative to the housing segment. This achieves a defined mounting position of the charging interface within the device housing.

[0041] In one feasible embodiment, the retaining device has at least one hook for axially locking or engaging with the edge of the contact element. The hook is integrally formed on the inner surface of this housing segment and projects axially upward. This simplifies installation on the housing segment because no separate fixing or mounting elements (e.g., screws) are required.

[0042] The hook, in its relaxed state, has an axially extending locking plate with a wedge-shaped locking crossbar at its free end. The hook or locking plate is designed as a radially flexible bending structure, meaning that the locking plate can overcome radial rebound forces and deflect elastically.

[0043] This makes axial insertion of the charging interface into the housing particularly simple. For this purpose, the magnetic element, contact element, circuit board, and contact piece are moved axially toward the housing section as (pre-assembled) components, causing the latch to contact the free end of the contact protrusion. Here, the latching crossbar slides along the edge or ridge of the contact protrusion, resulting in radial displacement or deflection. This creates mechanical tension on the latching plate, and once the latching crossbar has completely passed the edge or ridge of the contact element, it springs radially inward by the resulting restoring force. Subsequently, the latching crossbar hooks onto the edge or ridge of the contact element, causing the latch to lock or clamp with the corresponding contour of the contact element edge through axial form engagement and / or friction engagement.

[0044] In this context and below, "frictional engagement" or "frictional connection" between at least two interconnected parts is understood in particular as a situation where the frictional force of the interaction between the at least two interconnected parts prevents them from sliding against each other. If the "connecting force" that generates this friction (even the force that presses the parts together, such as screw force or gravity itself) is lacking, the frictional connection cannot be maintained, resulting in the connection becoming loose.

[0045] The retaining device for the contact element achieves radial shape engagement through a plurality of tangentially distributed hooks. Preferably, the retaining device has a number of hooks corresponding to the number of contact protrusions.

[0046] In a practical design, the hook is formed on the edge of the second through hole, so that the outer side of the hook contacts the edge of the second through hole tangentially. In other words, the hook, and especially the snap-fit ​​plate, is axially aligned with the edge of the second through hole. At this point, the snap-fit ​​crossbar covers the through hole radially. Therefore, there is no undercut between the hook and the second through hole. This makes demolding of the housing segment particularly easy during injection molding. This especially enables the manufacture of injection molds with particularly simple structures.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the charging interface includes a sealing element for sealing the first and second through holes from the inside of the housing. This sealing element is particularly positioned between the inner surface of the housing segment and the circuit board. This effectively prevents contaminants (e.g., earwax) from entering the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element is also configured and designed to prevent liquids and / or gaseous substances from entering the housing.

[0048] The sealing element, for example, can be elastically compressed axially and is at least partially compressed axially in the mounting position. Therefore, the sealing element generates an axial rebound force in the mounting position, pushing the components (circuit board, contact elements, magnetic elements, contact components) away from the inside of the housing section, thereby ensuring axial form engagement between the contact element and the retaining device's latch through tensile stress. Thus, the axial frictional engagement of the form-fitting latch of the contact element is secured by the compressible sealing element. This makes the mounting position of the charging interface particularly stable, further simplifying the installation process.

[0049] The electrical device according to the invention is particularly designed as a hearing device, preferably a hearing aid. The electrical device has a housing with a casing section. The aforementioned charging interface is disposed on the casing section. This realizes a particularly suitable electrical device. Therefore, a particular electrical device is realized in which an electrochemical charging connection can be ensured during charging by enhanced magnetic attraction.

[0050] The charging system according to the invention includes the aforementioned electrical device and a charger for charging the device's battery. The charger has a corresponding charging interface for making electrical and electrochemical contact with the charging interface. The corresponding charging interface has a first corresponding contact for electrical contact with a contact element, and a second corresponding contact for contacting a contact protrusion of the contact element. The charger also has a permanent magnetic element that generates a magnetic field in the direction of the second corresponding contact.

[0051] By utilizing the magnetized contact protrusions and the magnetic field directed towards the second corresponding contact, the magnetic interaction between the two magnetic poles is effectively achieved. This not only enhances the magnetic holding force but also enables magnetic self-alignment between the electrical contact interfaces. Consequently, a particularly suitable charging system is realized. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0053] Figure 1 A charging system is schematically shown, comprising electrical equipment and a charger shaped like a hearing aid.

[0054] Figure 2 A perspective view of the electrical device as seen from the charging port is shown.

[0055] Figure 3 A 3D view of the charging port as seen from the outside is shown.

[0056] Figure 4 A perspective view of the charging port as seen from the inside is shown.

[0057] Figure 5 A 3D view of the charging port in its disassembled state is shown.

[0058] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 3 A 3D view of the charging interface with the VI-VI split cable.

[0059] Figure 7 Showing according to Figure 3 A 3D view of the charging interface with magnetic field distribution along the VI-VI cross-section.

[0060] All corresponding parts and dimensions in all drawings use the same reference symbols. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Figure 1 The charging system 2, which includes electrical equipment 4 and charger 6, is shown in a schematic and simplified view.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical device 4 is designed as a hearing device, particularly a behind-the-ear hearing device (HdO, BTE). Alternatively, the device 4 may also be designed as an in-the-ear hearing device (IdO, ITE), particularly a wearable type or one with a customized (shell) cover.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, device 4 includes a (hearing) device housing (housing cover) 8, within which multiple microphones, also referred to as (audio-electric) input converters 10, are installed. In this embodiment, device 4 has, for example, two input converters 10.

[0064] Input converter 10 is used to acquire (airborne) sound waves or acoustic signals from the surrounding environment of device 4 and convert them into electrical signals, especially multi-channel input signals. Signal processing unit 12, also integrated within device housing 8, processes the input signals and generates output signals for use by output converter 14, particularly an electroacoustic converter, designed as, for example, a speaker or earpiece, and outputs acoustic signals. In device 4, the acoustic signals can be transmitted to the eardrum of the hearing system user via a sound tube (not described in detail) or an external earpiece that works in conjunction with an earmold placed in the ear canal. However, it is also conceivable to use an electromechanical output converter as the earpiece, such as a bone conduction earpiece.

[0065] Power to device 4, particularly to signal processing unit 12, is provided by a rechargeable device battery 16 integrated within device housing 8. For charging device battery 16, device 4 also includes a charging interface 18, which serves as a charging port. Charging interface 18 is located on housing segment 20 of device housing 8. Charging electronics, paired with charging interface 18, for performing the charging process, are integrated, for example, within signal processing unit 12.

[0066] The charger 6 has a corresponding charging interface 22 for establishing electrical contact with the charging interface 18. The corresponding charging interface 22 includes a first corresponding contact 24, a second corresponding contact 26, and a permanent magnet element 28, which generates a magnetic field toward the second corresponding contact 26.

[0067] Corresponding contacts 24 and 26 are arranged concentrically with each other. Here, the centrally located corresponding contact 24 is designed as a contact pin, especially a spring contact pin or a Pogo pin, wherein the annular corresponding contact 26 surrounds the corresponding contact 24 circumferentially. The corresponding contact 26 has an annular contact surface 30 on its end face.

[0068] During the charging process of device battery 16, charger 6 inputs electrical energy into device 4 or device battery 16, and the electrical contact between charging interface 18 and the corresponding charging interface 22 is maintained. Figure 1 The line 32 is used to represent it schematically.

[0069] Figure 2 A perspective view of electrical device 4 is shown, with the line of sight directed toward housing section 20 and charging interface 18 arranged therein.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, the charging interface 18 is located on the outside of the housing section 20 and has four contact surfaces for corresponding protrusions of contacts 24 and 26. Here, the central circular contact surface is surrounded by three fan-shaped contact surfaces. These fan-shaped contact surfaces are staggered from each other at 120° intervals and surround the circular contact surface. Each fan-shaped contact surface substantially corresponds to an arc segment of a larger imaginary circle.

[0071] The central circular contact surface of the charging interface 18 is composed of cylindrical contact elements 34, wherein the fan-shaped contact surface is composed of contact elements 38. Figure 4 The figure consists of three contact protrusions 36. Only one contact protrusion 36 is marked with a reference numeral in the figure as an example.

[0072] The contact element 34 and the contact protrusion 36 pass through through holes 40 and 42 respectively provided in the housing section 20. Here, the contact element 34 is located in the central through hole 40, and the contact protrusion 36 is located in one of the through holes 42.

[0073] The following section provides explanations regarding spatial orientation, particularly the coordinate system of the charging interface 18. In this context and below, "axial" or "axial direction A" is understood as a direction parallel to (coaxial with) the central axis of the through-hole 40, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the opening surface of the through-hole 40. Correspondingly, in this context and below, "radial" or "radial direction R" is understood as an orientation perpendicular to (laterally) the central axis of the through-hole 40 and along the radial direction of the through-hole 40. In this context and below, "tangential" or "tangential direction T" is understood as a direction along the circumference (circumferential and azimuthal directions) of the through-hole 40, i.e., a direction perpendicular to both axial direction A and radial direction R.

[0074] The following will combine Figures 4 to 7 The structure of charging interface 18 is described in detail.

[0075] In addition to the contact 34 and the contact element 38, the charging interface 18 also includes a circuit board 44, a permanent magnet magnetic element 46, a sealing element 48, and a retaining device 50.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic element 46 is particularly cylindrical.

[0077] The contact element 38 has a hollow cylindrical or sleeve-shaped annular yoke 52 with a central annular opening, into which the magnetic element 46 is inserted in the assembled state. On the end side of the annular yoke 52 facing the housing section 20, a contact protrusion 36 is formed protruding upwards along the axial direction. In particular, the contact protrusion 36 is integrally formed with the annular yoke 52, i.e., it is a one-piece or single-piece design. Therefore, the contact protrusion 36 is designed as an annular segment protruding upwards from the end face of the annular yoke 52.

[0078] In the assembled state, the magnetic element 46 is radially surrounded by the annular yoke 52. In particular, the magnetic element 46 forms mechanical contact with the inner periphery of the annular opening.

[0079] In the assembled state, the contact element 34, contact element 38, circuit board 44, magnetic element 46, and sealing element 48 are arranged as assembly 54, at least partially stacked axially. Figure 5 As shown, the magnetic element 46 and the contact element 34 are aligned axially. In particular, the central axes of the magnetic element 46 and the contact element 34 are coaxially aligned with each other.

[0080] In assembly 54, circuit board 44 is located between contact element 38 and contact member 34. Here, contact member 34 is arranged on the bottom side of circuit board 44 facing housing section 20, while magnetic element 46 and contact element 38 are arranged on the opposite top surface of circuit board 44. Contact member 34 and contact element 38 are mounted on circuit board 44 as surface-mount devices (SMD). Therefore, circuit board 44 establishes an electrical connection with contact member 34 and contact element 38, and connects them to charging electronic components. For example, circuit board 44 here at least partially constitutes signal processing unit 12.

[0081] For example, the circuit board 44 is surrounded by three contact protrusions 36 on its edge or outer periphery. In other words, the axially extending contact protrusions 36 pass through the side of the circuit board 44 such that the contact protrusions are inserted into the through-holes 42 of the housing segment 20 at their free ends. In this embodiment, the circuit board 44 has, for example, a notch-like groove on its edge side (not described in detail), into which the contact protrusions 36 are guided. In another embodiment (not shown), the circuit board 44 has three through-holes axially aligned with the through-holes 42, and the contact protrusions 36 pass through the through-holes.

[0082] In the assembled state, a disc-shaped sealing element 48 is located between the circuit board 44 and the housing segment 20. The sealing element 48 is configured and designed to seal the interior of the housing for the through holes 40, 42. The sealing element 48 has a hole-like notch for the center of the contact member 34. In addition, the sealing element 48 also has a groove-like notch, for example, for contact protrusion 36.

[0083] The retaining device 50 is integrally formed with the housing segment 20, and its design and arrangement are for securing the component 54 to the mounting position on the housing segment 20.

[0084] The retaining device 50 has three axially projecting hooks 56 from the inside of the housing section 20, which are axially shaped to engage or hook-connect with the components 54, particularly the contact element 38. By retaining the contact element 38, the other components 54, namely the magnetic element 46, the circuit board 44, the contact element 34, and the sealing element 48, are also indirectly secured relative to the housing section 20.

[0085] Each latch 56 has an axially extending and radially flexible latching plate 58. Each latching plate 58 has a radially inwardly extending latching crossbar 60 at its free end. The latching plates 58 are formed on the edge of one of the through holes 42. Specifically, the latching plates 58 are axially aligned with the edge of their respective through holes 42. Here, the wedge-shaped latching crossbar 60 is formed on the latching plate 58 such that it radially spans the corresponding through hole 42.

[0086] To install the charging interface 18, the assembly 54 is moved axially from inside the housing toward the housing segment 20, causing the hook 56 to contact the free end of the contact protrusion 36. Here, the corresponding locking crossbar 60 slides along the contact protrusion 36, causing the hook 56 or locking plate 58 to move or deflect radially outward. This mechanically tensions the locking plate 58. Once the locking crossbar 60 has completely passed the edge or ridge of the end side of the contact element 38, the hook 56 and the locking crossbar 60 will spring back radially inward due to the resulting restoring force. Thus, the locking crossbar 60 hooks the end side of the contact element 38 away from the housing segment 20, thereby axially fixing the assembly 54 to the housing segment 20. Due to the tangential distribution of the hooks 56, the assembly 54 can still be radially fixed by the retaining device 50 in the locked or clamped state.

[0087] The sealing element 48 is elastically compressible along the axial direction and is at least partially compressed axially when the assembly 54 is in the locked state. As a result, the sealing element 48 generates an axial restoring force, pushing the assembly 54 away from the inside of the housing section 20, thereby ensuring axial form engagement between the contact element 38 and the hook 56 of the retaining device 50 through tensile stress.

[0088] Figure 6 The charging interface 18 is shown along Figure 3The cross-sectional view obtained by section line VI-VI is shown. As can be seen relatively clearly in the cross-sectional view, the contact element 34 and the contact protrusion 36 protrude from the outside of the housing segment 20 along the axial direction A by an axial projection U. At this time, the dimension of the axial projection U of the contact element 34 is substantially the same as the axial projection U of the contact protrusion 36. Therefore, all contact surfaces of the contact element 34 and the contact protrusion 36 lie in a common (contact) plane.

[0089] The contact element 38, namely the annular yoke 52 and the contact protrusion 36, is made of a magnetizable material. Therefore, the magnetic element 46 magnetizes the surrounding annular yoke 52, thereby fixing the magnetic element 46 within the annular yoke 52 by the resulting magnetic attraction. Subsequently, the contact protrusion 36 is magnetized along the axial direction A. This is in Figure 7 A schematic diagram is shown. Here, the magnetization process of the magnetic element 46 and the shown contact protrusion 36 is schematically shown using a bar magnet. Furthermore, Figure 7 The direction of the magnetic field lines of the magnetized contact protrusion 36 is also shown.

[0090] Therefore, the contact protrusion 36 is magnetized by the magnetic element 46, so that the contact surfaces of the contact protrusion 36 protruding axially upward from the housing section 20 on the end side serve as magnetic poles to generate a magnetic attraction force on the corresponding charging interface 22. Thus, three magnetic field sources are directly realized at the electrical contact point of the charging interface 18, thereby providing a reliable magnetic holding force for the charging process. This allows the charging interface 18 or the housing section 20 to operate without a mechanically guided profile, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown.

[0091] Furthermore, due to the orientation of the magnetic poles, the magnetized contact protrusion 36 and the corresponding magnetic element 28 of the charging interface 22 work together to achieve magnetic self-alignment between the contact protrusion 36 and the magnetic element 28. Since the magnetic element 28 is designed to align its magnetic field towards the corresponding contact 26, self-alignment occurs, and during this process, the contact surface of the contact protrusion 36 makes contact with the contact surface 30 of the corresponding contact 26. Due to the centered arrangement of the contact element 34 and the corresponding contact 24, they also come into contact with each other during the self-alignment process.

[0092] Thus, a magnetically fixed charging system 2 with magnetic self-alignment and electrical contact was realized.

[0093] The invention claimed is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. Rather, those skilled in the art can derive other variations of the invention within the framework of the disclosed claims, as long as they do not depart from the technical solution of the invention. In particular, all the individual technical features described in the various embodiments can be combined with each other in other ways within the framework of the disclosed claims, as long as they do not depart from the technical solution of the invention.

[0094] List of reference numerals

[0095] 2 Charging System

[0096] 4 devices

[0097] 6 chargers

[0098] 8 Equipment Housing

[0099] 10-input converter

[0100] 12 signal processing units

[0101] 14 Output Converter

[0102] 16 Device Batteries

[0103] 18 charging ports

[0104] 20 shell sections

[0105] 22 corresponding charging port

[0106] 24 corresponding contacts

[0107] 26 corresponding contacts

[0108] 28 magnetic components

[0109] 30 contact surface

[0110] 32 lines

[0111] 34 contact components

[0112] 36 contact protrusions

[0113] 38 contact elements

[0114] 40 through hole

[0115] 42 through holes

[0116] 44 circuit boards

[0117] 46 magnetic components

[0118] 48 sealing elements

[0119] 50 Holding Device

[0120] 52 Circular Yoke

[0121] 54 components

[0122] 56 hooks

[0123] 58 card connector board

[0124] 60 card connecting crossbar

[0125] Axial axis

[0126] R radial

[0127] T-tangential direction

[0128] U is higher than the distance

Claims

1. A charging interface (18) for electrical equipment (4), particularly for hearing devices, said charging interface comprising: - A housing segment (20) having a central first through hole (40) and at least one second through hole (42) radially offset relative to the first through hole. - A contact element (34) for contacting a first corresponding contact (24) of a corresponding charging interface (22), the contact element being installed within the first through hole (40). - A contact element (38) having at least one contact protrusion (36) for contacting a second corresponding contact (26) of a corresponding charging interface (22), the contact protrusion being mounted within the second through hole (42). - A permanent magnetic element (46), which is axially aligned with the central contact element (34). -in, The contact element (38) is made of a magnetizable material and is magnetized by the magnetic element (46), such that the contact protrusion (36) acts as a magnetic pole to apply a magnetic attraction force to the corresponding charging interface (22).

2. The charging interface (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact element (34) and the contact protrusion (36) protrude upward from the housing section (20) at least partially along the axial direction.

3. The charging interface (18) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The contact element (38) makes mechanical contact with the magnetic element (46).

4. The charging interface (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The contact element (38) is designed as an annular yoke (52) surrounding the magnetic element (46), at least one contact protrusion (36) being integrally formed at the annular yoke, protruding axially upward at the end side.

5. The charging interface (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A circuit board (44) is arranged between the magnetic element (46) and the contact element (34).

6. The charging interface (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The housing segment (20) has a one-piece molded retaining device (50) for retaining the contact element (38) in the axial and radial directions.

7. The charging interface (18) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The retaining device (50) has at least one upwardly projecting hook (56) for axially locking onto the edge of the contact element (38).

8. The charging interface (18) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The hook (56) is formed on the edge of the second through hole (42).

9. The charging interface (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, A sealing element (48) is provided for sealing the first through hole (40) and the second through hole (42) from the inside of the housing.

10. An electrical device (4), particularly a hearing device, having a device housing (8) having a housing section (20) and a charging interface (18) disposed on the housing section (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A charging system (2) comprising an electrical device (4) according to claim 10 and a charger (6), the charger having a corresponding charging interface (22) for electrical contact with a charging interface (18), wherein, The corresponding charging interface (22) has a first corresponding contact (24) for contacting the contact member (34), a second corresponding contact (26) for contacting the contact protrusion (36) of the contact element (38), and a permanent magnet magnetic element (28) that generates a magnetic field toward the second corresponding contact (26).

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