EP2932559B1 - Modular antenna for hearing aids - Google Patents

Modular antenna for hearing aids Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2932559B1
EP2932559B1 EP13733991.7A EP13733991A EP2932559B1 EP 2932559 B1 EP2932559 B1 EP 2932559B1 EP 13733991 A EP13733991 A EP 13733991A EP 2932559 B1 EP2932559 B1 EP 2932559B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
arm
hearing aid
frame
transmitting
plane
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13733991.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2932559A1 (en
Inventor
Jan Bauer
Johannes Kuhn
Hans Adel
Thomas Fischer
Frank Naumann
Mario Schühler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Publication date
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Publication of EP2932559A1 publication Critical patent/EP2932559A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/609—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of circuitry
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/273—Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/36—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith
    • H01Q1/38—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/52—Means for reducing coupling between antennas; Means for reducing coupling between an antenna and another structure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49016—Antenna or wave energy "plumbing" making
    • Y10T29/49018—Antenna or wave energy "plumbing" making with other electrical component

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an antenna device for a hearing aid device, the antenna device being designed to receive and / or transmit electromagnetic waves with a predetermined wavelength lambda, the antenna device having a frame for receiving assemblies of the hearing aid device.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing devices that are used to care for the hard of hearing.
  • different types of hearing aid devices such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aids with an external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE), for example Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC) provided.
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • RIC hearing aids with an external receiver
  • ITE in-the-ear hearing aids
  • ITE Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids
  • CIC Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids
  • the hearing aids listed as examples are worn on the outer ear or in the auditory canal.
  • bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The damaged hearing is stimulated either mechanically or electrically.
  • hearing aids have an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer as essential components.
  • the input transducer is usually an acoustoelectric transducer, e.g. B. a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, e.g. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually an electroacoustic transducer, e.g. B. miniature speakers, or as an electromechanical converter, e.g. B. bone conduction receiver realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing device.
  • hearing aids were often viewed as individual systems that appropriately modified and amplified acoustic signals picked up by microphones.
  • Magnetic inductive radio systems have combined these individual systems into an overall system which, in addition to binaural coupling of the hearing aids, also allows wireless connection to external components such as mobile devices, multimedia units or programming devices.
  • this connection only works via an intermediate or relay station that converts the 2.4 GHz far-field connection of the external devices to the magnetic inductive near-field systems via Bluetooth. This relay station must always be in the vicinity of the hearing aid wearer because the range of the magnetic system in the near field is severely limited.
  • a hearing aid device which has a hearing device housing, an antenna device and a signal processing device with a transmitting and receiving device for generating and detecting electromagnetic waves.
  • the antenna device is designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves with a predetermined wavelength lambda.
  • the antenna device is here as an electrically conductive structure on a - partially made of polymer material or other flexible dielectric material - flexible circuit carrier (flex circuit) formed and thus an integral part of the circuit carrier.
  • the flexible circuit carrier is laid around assemblies of the hearing aid device, in particular around the transmitting and receiving device.
  • the transmitting and receiving device is electrically connected to the electrically conductive structure in order to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves.
  • the pamphlet US 7450078 B2 also describes a loop antenna that is implemented by a single-layer conductor loop in the hearing aid.
  • this object is achieved by a hearing aid device according to claim 1.
  • the invention relates to a hearing aid device according to claim 1.
  • the antenna device according to the invention can be installed with the frame in a large number of different housings for hearing aids and does not require the antenna device to be adapted to the geometry of the housing for each housing in order to achieve the same advantageous reception and transmission properties.
  • the antenna device according to the invention makes it possible to provide hearing aid devices with the aforementioned advantageous transmission and reception properties in a cost-effective manner.
  • the conductive structure is arranged on the frame in such a way that the antenna device has a reception characteristic that is essentially symmetrical to a first plane through the frame, the first plane being aligned parallel to a second plane when the hearing aid device is worn according to the application which is a plane of symmetry to the wearer's head.
  • a hearing aid device with an antenna device according to the invention can be designed in such a way that it can advantageously be worn on both sides of the head without affecting the transmission properties worsens or changes significantly by means of the electromagnetic waves.
  • the electrically conductive structure has a first arm and a second arm. At a base point, the first arm and the second arm are in electrical connection with one another.
  • the first arm extends from the base point in a first direction and the second arm extends from the base point in a second direction.
  • the first direction and the second direction form a substantially right angle.
  • “essentially include a right angle” is to be understood as meaning that the angle between the two directions assumes values in a range from 85 to 95 degrees or in a range from 70 to 110 degrees, for example.
  • extending an arm in one direction not only means that the arm corresponds to a route on a straight line, but also that the arm follows the contours of the surface and also bypasses obstacles such as recesses in the frame.
  • the direction of the arm can deviate from the direction at individual points of the extension by a small angle, for example up to 10 degrees or also up to 20 degrees.
  • the direction of a connecting line between end points of the arm can also be considered as the direction of extension.
  • the second arm is at least twice as long as the first arm, but it can also be at least three times as long or four times as long as the first arm.
  • Such a structure advantageously has a shape which can be arranged on a usually elongated shape of a frame.
  • the first arm has a coupling point spaced from the base point for coupling to the transmitting device and / or receiving device in order to couple electrical energy in or out.
  • the coupling to the first arm advantageously reduces the length which is required for the second arm in order to achieve coupling and decoupling of an electromagnetic wave comparable to a monopole.
  • the base point has a direct electrical connection for coupling to an electrical ground of a transmitting device and / or receiving device of a hearing aid device.
  • this connection provides an electrical connection for a high-frequency signal to the ground of the transmitting device and / or receiving device of the hearing aid device.
  • Such a short circuit to ground advantageously leads to a transformation of the impedance at the coupling point, so that the characteristic impedance of the antenna device can be transformed to an impedance at the coupling point that corresponds to the impedance of a couplable transmitting or receiving device and thus advantageously a particularly high sensitivity or efficiency of the antenna device in connection with the transmitting or receiving device provides.
  • the antenna device is arranged on the frame in such a way that the second direction when the hearing aid device is worn in accordance with the application, it is oriented essentially parallel to a second plane which forms a plane of symmetry of the wearer's head.
  • the alignment of the second direction in the frame enables a hearing aid device with the antenna device, when worn on the head, to advantageously have comparable reception and transmission properties on both sides
  • Fig. 1 only the essential elements of a hearing aid device 100 according to the invention are shown without faithfully reproducing their position, connections or shape.
  • the in Fig. 1 The hearing aid device 100 shown is a hearing aid device 100 to be worn behind the ear.
  • the invention is also conceivable for in-the-ear hearing aid devices, with a different arrangement of the components shown then resulting
  • One or more microphones 2 for picking up the sound or acoustic signals from the environment are arranged in the frame 11.
  • the microphones 2 are acousto-electrical converters 2 for converting the sound into first audio signals.
  • a signal processing device 3, which is also integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 processes the first audio signals.
  • the output signal of the signal processing device 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. If necessary, the sound is transmitted to the eardrum of the device wearer via a sound tube that is fixed in the ear canal with an otoplastic.
  • the power supply of the hearing aid and in particular that of the signal processing device 3 is provided by a battery 5, which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1.
  • the signal processing device 3, earpiece 4 and battery 5 are also arranged in the frame 11, so that the frame with the components arranged therein is simply removed from the hearing aid housing can be, for example, to be able to replace the hearing aid housing 1.
  • the signal processing device 3 is also designed for processing electromagnetic waves.
  • the signal processing device 3 has a transmitting and / or receiving device 6 for generating and detecting electromagnetic waves and / or for decoding.
  • the transmitting and / or receiving device 6 is electrically connected to an electrically conductive structure 12 of the antenna device 10 in order to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves.
  • Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of an antenna device 10 according to the invention in a perspective top view.
  • the antenna device 10 has a frame 11.
  • the frame 11 is made of a non-conductive material, for example plastic.
  • the frame 11 is provided to accommodate assemblies of the hearing aid device 1 and to fix them in a position relative to one another.
  • an opening 30 is provided on the top, under which a microphone 2 can be arranged.
  • the recess 31 is for receiving of the earpiece 4 and the recess 32 for receiving a signal processing device 3.
  • a battery compartment with a battery 5 can be arranged.
  • the frame 11 is intended to be attached to a hearing aid housing 1 (in Fig. 2 not shown) in order to be worn as a behind-the-ear hearing aid device 1 on the ear of a wearer.
  • a hearing aid housing 1 in Fig. 2 not shown
  • the tip 35 to which a tube for an otoplastic (not shown) can be connected.
  • the tip 35 is directed with the second direction 21 frontally in the viewing direction of the wearer.
  • An electrically conductive structure 12 is arranged on the upper surface of the frame 11.
  • the electrically conductive structure 14, as an integral part of the frame 11, is firmly connected to the surface of the frame 11 and is not spaced from the surface. As a result, the electrically conductive structure 14 can no longer be detached from the frame and is already provided with the frame 11.
  • the method for producing the electrically conductive structure 14 on the frame 11 is to the Figures 7 and 8 described below.
  • the electrically conductive structure 12 is divided into two electrically conductively connected arms 13, 14.
  • the first arm 13 extends across the top of the frame 11 in the first direction 20.
  • the second arm 14 extends essentially in the second direction 21 , the second arm 14 following the curvature of the surface of the frame 11 and also bypassing the opening 30 for the microphone 2.
  • an imaginary connecting line between end points of the second arm 14 only deviates from the direction 21 by a few degrees, deviations of 5, 10 or 20 degrees being conceivable.
  • the second arm 14 extends substantially along it a center line of the frame on the upper side, which results from a section of the upper side with a plane of symmetry of the frame, parallel to direction 21 and perpendicular to direction 20. Deviations arise only from the fact that the second arm 14 bypasses openings on the upper side of the frame.
  • the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 meet at a base point 15 at which a further electrical connection 16 is arranged, which is provided to establish an electrical connection between the base point 15 and an electrical ground of the signal processing device 3.
  • the electrical connection can be ohmic, capacitive or inductive, so that a high-frequency alternating current can flow from the base to the ground of the signal processing device.
  • the angle between the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 or between their directions of extension 20, 21 is essentially 90 degrees, a deviation of a few degrees such as 5 degrees, 10 degrees or 15 degrees being conceivable.
  • a coupling point 17 is arranged, at which an electrical conductor is provided for coupling the transmitting and / or receiving device 6, via which the transmitting and / or receiving device 6 transmits high-frequency electrical energy to the antenna device can couple for sending or decoupling for receiving.
  • the ground connection at the base 15 or the short circuit of the antenna device 10 at this point results in a transformation of the wave resistances between the coupling point 17 and the second arm 14, so that coupling and decoupling at the coupling point with a lower impedance can take place than a monopole with a length comparable to the second arm 14 would require, which is a simpler and more effective design the circuit in the transmitting and receiving unit 6 is allowed.
  • the ratio of the wave resistances is dependent on the distance of the coupling point 17 from the base point 15 and the wavelength lambda, while the length of the second arm depends essentially on the wavelength lambda.
  • the second arm 14 is at least twice as long as the first arm 13, but it can also be 3 times or 5 times as long.
  • the first arm 13 is 7.7 mm long and the second arm 14 is 21.8 mm.
  • Fig. 3 shows a hearing aid device 100 according to the invention with an antenna device 10 according to the invention. All elements except for the electrically conductive structure 12 of the antenna device 10 are shown semitransparently in order to emphasize them. In particular, the position of the antenna device 10 within the housing 1 can thus be seen more clearly.
  • Fig. 4 shows a further possible embodiment of a hearing aid device 100 with an antenna device 10.
  • the same reference symbols denote the same objects.
  • the subject of Fig. 4 differs from the subject of the Fig. 3 in that no electrical connection 16 to an electrical ground of the signal processing device 3 is provided from the base point 15 at which the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are electrically connected to one another.
  • the first arm 13, the second arm 14 and / or the transmitting and receiving device 6 must therefore be designed differently in order to achieve an adaptation. For example, a transformation of the signals and an adaptation of the impedances can already take place in the transmitting and receiving device 6 by means of inductances or capacitances.
  • Fig. 5 shows a further possible embodiment of a hearing aid device 100 with an antenna device 10 in a plan view from above Fig. 5 the same elements are again denoted by the same reference symbols.
  • the embodiment of the Fig. 5 differs from the subject of the Fig. 4 in that the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are of equal length and are arranged symmetrically to the plane of symmetry of the frame 11 and the hearing aid device 1 on the surface of the frame 11.
  • the symmetry of the two arms 13, 14 advantageously also results in a high degree of symmetry of the resulting antenna characteristic with respect to the plane of symmetry of the hearing aid device.
  • the antenna device 10 of Fig. 5 furthermore does not have a separate base point 15, but rather the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 meet at the coupling point 17.
  • a symmetrical waveguide can couple in RF energy from the transmitting device 6 or couple it out to a receiving device 6.
  • the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are not in ohmic contact with each other.
  • inductive coupling by means of a coil is also conceivable, in which case the first arm 13 and second arm 14 would be electrically connected to one another.
  • various combinations of inductances and capacitances are conceivable for adaptation
  • Fig. 6 shows another possible embodiment of a hearing aid device 100 with an antenna device 10 in one Top view. Also in Fig. 6 the same elements are again denoted by the same reference symbols.
  • the embodiment of the Fig. 6 differs from the one in Fig. 4 depicted object in that the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are of equal length and are arranged symmetrically to the plane of symmetry of the frame 11 and the hearing aid device 100 on the surface of the frame 11.
  • the two arms meet at the coupling point 17, at which, for example, a symmetrical waveguide couples in RF energy from the transmitting device 6 or decouples it to a receiving device 6.
  • the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are not in ohmic contact with one another at the coupling point 17.
  • inductive coupling by means of a coil is also conceivable, in which case the first arm 13 and second arm 14 would be electrically connected to one another at the coupling point.
  • the antenna device 10 has an electrical connection between the two arms 13, 14 at the end spaced from the coupling point 17, so that the arms 13, 14 form an electrically conductive loop which encloses an area on the surface of the frame.
  • the symmetry of the two arms 13, 14 advantageously also results in a high degree of symmetry of the resulting antenna characteristic with respect to the plane of symmetry of the hearing aid device.
  • Fig. 7 shows a flow chart of a method for producing an antenna device 10.
  • the antenna device 10 is produced as an injection-molded circuit carrier (molded interconnect device, MID).
  • a frame 11 is first manufactured.
  • the frame 11 preferably consists of a thermoplastic material which is brought into the desired shape by injection molding.
  • other manufacturing methods are also conceivable, for example by chemically curing a plastic in a mold. Milling would also be possible from a plastic block or printing with a 3D printer.
  • the surface of the frame 11 is structured.
  • the plastic of the frame is designed to form nuclei on the surface for subsequent metallization when treated with laser beams. This can be achieved, for example, by adding metal particles to the plastic.
  • the surface is created according to the in Figures 3 to 6 presented geometries for the electrically conductive structure 12 irradiated with a laser, so that metal particles are exposed on the surface.
  • Another method of structuring can be milling or embossing the surface. It is also conceivable that the structuring of the surface already takes place in step 100 during the injection molding of the frame 11 a high proportion of metal particles. During the second injection molding, a structure is produced which corresponds to the shape of the electrically conductive structure 12.
  • a conductive metal layer is then applied. This can take place, for example, in an electroplating bath, with a metal layer only being deposited around the metal particles in the areas structured by the laser beam and forming a closed, electrically conductive structure 12. The same applies if a second plastic was applied as a substrate for the metallization.
  • a metal foil with the desired conductive structure is permanently connected to the surface, for example by hot stamping.
  • FIG. 11 shows a flow chart for an alternative method for producing an antenna device 10.
  • the method of FIG Fig. 8 differs essentially from the method of Fig. 7 by first applying a conductive layer and only then structuring it.
  • step 200 a frame 11 is first provided. Step 200 corresponds to this Fig. 7 step 100 shown.
  • a conductive layer is applied to the frame 11 at least in the areas in which the conductive structure 12 is to be located later.
  • the conductive layer can, for example, be glued on as a film, applied by galvanic deposition or by a spray, sputter or vapor deposition process.
  • this layer is then structured in such a way that it forms the shape of the desired electrically conductive structure 12.
  • Structuring can be done by direct material removal by laser or mechanically, or by chemical methods by applying a mask (photo-technical or direct) and subsequent etching.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Support Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Antenneneinrichtung für ein Hörhilfegerät, wobei die Antenneneinrichtung ausgelegt ist, elektromagnetische Wellen mit einer vorbestimmten Wellenlänge Lambda zu empfangen und/oder auszusenden, wobei die Antenneneinrichtung einen Rahmen zur Aufnahme von Baugruppen des Hörhilfegeräts aufweist.The invention relates to an antenna device for a hearing aid device, the antenna device being designed to receive and / or transmit electromagnetic waves with a predetermined wavelength lambda, the antenna device having a frame for receiving assemblies of the hearing aid device.

Hörhilfegeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, die zur Versorgung von Schwerhörenden dienen. Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörhilfegeräten wie Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO), Hörgerät mit externem Hörer (RIC: receiver in the canal) und In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO), z.B. auch Concha-Hörgeräte oder Kanal-Hörgeräte (ITE, CIC), bereitgestellt. Die beispielhaft aufgeführten Hörgeräte werden am Außenohr oder im Gehörgang getragen. Darüber hinaus stehen auf dem Markt aber auch Knochenleitungshörhilfen, implantierbare oder vibrotaktile Hörhilfen zur Verfügung, Dabei erfolgt die Stimulation des geschädigten Gehörs entweder mechanisch oder elektrisch.Hearing aids are portable hearing devices that are used to care for the hard of hearing. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aid devices such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aids with an external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE), for example Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC) provided. The hearing aids listed as examples are worn on the outer ear or in the auditory canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The damaged hearing is stimulated either mechanically or electrically.

Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein akustoelektrischer Wandler, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung integriert.In principle, hearing aids have an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer as essential components. The input transducer is usually an acoustoelectric transducer, e.g. B. a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, e.g. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually an electroacoustic transducer, e.g. B. miniature speakers, or as an electromechanical converter, e.g. B. bone conduction receiver realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing device.

In der Vergangenheit wurden Hörhilfegeräte oft als Einzelsysteme betrachtet, die durch Mikrofone aufgenommene akustische Signale entsprechend modifiziert und verstärkt wiedergeben. Magnetisch induktive Funksysteme haben diese Einzelsysteme zu einem Gesamtsystem zusammengefasst, welches neben binauraler Kopplung der Hörhilfegeräte auch die drahtlose Anbindung an externe Komponenten wie Mobilgeräte, Multimediaeinheiten oder Programmiergeräte erlaubt. Allerdings funktioniert diese Anbindung nur über eine Zwischen- oder Relaisstation, die die 2.4 GHz Fernfeld-Anbindung der externen Gerate über Bluetooth auf die magnetischen induktiven Nahfeldsysteme umsetzt. Diese Relaisstation muss sich dabei immer in der Nähe des Hörhilfsgeräteträgers befinden, weil die Reichweite des magnetischen Systems im Nahfeld stark beschränkt ist.In the past, hearing aids were often viewed as individual systems that appropriately modified and amplified acoustic signals picked up by microphones. Magnetic inductive radio systems have combined these individual systems into an overall system which, in addition to binaural coupling of the hearing aids, also allows wireless connection to external components such as mobile devices, multimedia units or programming devices. However, this connection only works via an intermediate or relay station that converts the 2.4 GHz far-field connection of the external devices to the magnetic inductive near-field systems via Bluetooth. This relay station must always be in the vicinity of the hearing aid wearer because the range of the magnetic system in the near field is severely limited.

Die direkte Anbindung im 2.4 GHz Fernfeld war lange Zeit durch Stromverbrauch und Größe derartiger Systeme begrenzt. Moderne Chipsysteme haben aber mittlerweile einen Stromverbrauch, der einen Einsatz im Hörhilfegerät zulässt. Die Sensitivität der Chipsysteme stellt aber immer noch hohe Anforderungen an das Antennendesign.For a long time, the direct connection in the 2.4 GHz far field was limited by the power consumption and size of such systems. However, modern chip systems meanwhile have a power consumption that allows them to be used in hearing aids. However, the sensitivity of the chip systems still places high demands on the antenna design.

Aufgrund der Freiraumwellenlange Lambda von mehr als 10 cm in diesem Bereich und dem elektrisch kleinen Volumen des Hörhilfegeräts, kann ein Standardantennendesign nicht ohne Weiteres verwendet werden. Antennen in Hörhilfegeräten sind daher individuelle, nichtmodulare Lösungen, die speziell auf das Hörhilfegerät angepasst werden müssen.Due to the free space wavelength lambda of more than 10 cm in this area and the electrically small volume of the hearing aid device, a standard antenna design cannot be used without further ado. Antennas in hearing aids are therefore individual, non-modular solutions that have to be specially adapted to the hearing aid.

In der Druckschrift US 2010/0158293 A1 ist ein Hörhilfegerät beschrieben, das ein Hörgerätegehäuse, eine Antenneneinrichtung und eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung mit einer Sendeund Empfangseinrichtung zum Erzeugen und zur Detektion von elektromagnetischen Wellen aufweist. Die Antenneneinrichtung ist dabei ausgelegt, elektromagnetische Wellen mit einer vorbestimmten Wellenlänge Lambda zu empfangen und auszusenden. Die Antenneneinrichtung ist hier als elektrisch leitfähige Struktur auf einem - teilweise aus Polymermaterial oder sonstigem flexiblem dielektrischen Material bestehenden - flexiblen Schaltungsträger(flex circuit) ausgebildet und somit ein integraler Bestandteil des Schaltungsträgers. Der flexible Schaltungsträger ist in bestimmten Ausführungsformen um Baugruppen des Hörhilfegeräts, insbesondere um die Sende- und Empfangseinrichtung, herum verlegt. Die Sende- und Empfangseinrichtung ist elektrisch mit der elektrisch leitfähigen Struktur verbunden, um elektromagnetische Wellen auszusenden und zu empfangen.In the pamphlet US 2010/0158293 A1 describes a hearing aid device which has a hearing device housing, an antenna device and a signal processing device with a transmitting and receiving device for generating and detecting electromagnetic waves. The antenna device is designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves with a predetermined wavelength lambda. The antenna device is here as an electrically conductive structure on a - partially made of polymer material or other flexible dielectric material - flexible circuit carrier (flex circuit) formed and thus an integral part of the circuit carrier. In certain embodiments, the flexible circuit carrier is laid around assemblies of the hearing aid device, in particular around the transmitting and receiving device. The transmitting and receiving device is electrically connected to the electrically conductive structure in order to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves.

In der Druckschrift US 7593538 B2 wird eine Antenne beschrieben, die durch eine flexible PCB eine ein- oder mehrlagige Schleifenantenne bildet und an die Hauptleiterplatte des Hörgeräts angeschlossen wird.In the pamphlet US 7593538 B2 describes an antenna which forms a single or multi-layer loop antenna by means of a flexible PCB and is connected to the main circuit board of the hearing aid.

Die Druckschrift US 7450078 B2 beschreibt ebenfalls eine Schleifenantenne, die durch eine einlagige Leiterschleife im Hörgerät realisiert wird.The pamphlet US 7450078 B2 also describes a loop antenna that is implemented by a single-layer conductor loop in the hearing aid.

In der Druckschrift EP 1851823 B1 ist eine Antenne für ein Hörgerät beschrieben, bei der zwei Strahler in Spiralform verkürzt auf dem Hörgerätegehäuse angeordnet sind.In the pamphlet EP 1851823 B1 describes an antenna for a hearing aid in which two radiators are arranged in a shortened spiral shape on the hearing aid housing.

In der Druckschrift EP 1587343 A2 ist ein Hörgerät mit einer Antenne als leitende Schicht im Material des Hörgerätegehäuses offenbart.In the pamphlet EP 1587343 A2 discloses a hearing aid with an antenna as a conductive layer in the material of the hearing aid housing.

Bei den kurzen Wellenlängen, die bei 2,4 GHz im Bereich von 10 cm liegt, ist der Einfluss des Kopfes des Trägers auf die Antennencharakteristik erheblich.With the short wavelengths, which at 2.4 GHz is in the range of 10 cm, the influence of the wearer's head on the antenna characteristics is considerable.

Es ist daher die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, die sende- und/oder Empfangseigenschaften beim anwendungsgemäßen Tragen des Hörgeräts am Kopf des Trägers zu verbessern.It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve the transmission and / or reception properties when the hearing aid is worn on the wearer's head according to the application.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Hörhilfsgerät nach Anspruch 1.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a hearing aid device according to claim 1.

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1.The invention relates to a hearing aid device according to claim 1.

Auf vorteilhafte Weise kann die erfindungsgemäße Antenneneinrichtung mit dem Rahmen in eine Vielzahl von unterschiedlichen Gehäusen für Hörhilfegeräte eingebaut werden und erfordert es nicht für jedes Gehäuse, die Antenneneinrichtung der Geometrie des Gehäuses anzupassen, um gleiche vorteilhafte Empfangs- bzw. Sendeeigenschaften zu erlangen.Advantageously, the antenna device according to the invention can be installed with the frame in a large number of different housings for hearing aids and does not require the antenna device to be adapted to the geometry of the housing for each housing in order to achieve the same advantageous reception and transmission properties.

Die erfindungsgemäße Antenneneinrichtung ermöglicht es, Hörhilfegeräte mit den genannten vorteilhaften Sende- und Empfangseigenschaften kostengünstig bereitzustellen.The antenna device according to the invention makes it possible to provide hearing aid devices with the aforementioned advantageous transmission and reception properties in a cost-effective manner.

Weitere vorteilhafte Fortbildungen der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.Further advantageous developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

Bei einer Ausführungsform ist die leitende Struktur derart an dem Rahmen angeordnet, dass die Antenneneinrichtung eine Empfangscharakteristik aufweist, die im Wesentlichen symmetrisch zu einer ersten Ebene durch den Rahmen ist, wobei die erste Ebene bei einem anwendungsgemäßen Tragen des Hörhilfegeräts parallel zu einer zweiten Ebene ausgerichtet ist, die eine Symmetrieebene zu dem Kopf des Trägers ist.In one embodiment, the conductive structure is arranged on the frame in such a way that the antenna device has a reception characteristic that is essentially symmetrical to a first plane through the frame, the first plane being aligned parallel to a second plane when the hearing aid device is worn according to the application which is a plane of symmetry to the wearer's head.

Indem die Struktur so an dem Rahmen angeordnet ist, dass sie eine symmetrische Empfangs- bzw. Sendcharakteristik aufweist, kann ein Hörhilfsgerät mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Antenneneinrichtung so ausgebildet werden, dass es vorteilhafter Weise auf beiden Seiten des Kopfes getragen werden kann, ohne dass sich die übertragungseigenschaften mittels der elektromagnetischen Wellen verschlechtert bzw. wesentlich ändert.By arranging the structure on the frame in such a way that it has a symmetrical reception or transmission characteristic, a hearing aid device with an antenna device according to the invention can be designed in such a way that it can advantageously be worn on both sides of the head without affecting the transmission properties worsens or changes significantly by means of the electromagnetic waves.

Erfindungsgemäß weist die elektrisch leitende Struktur einen ersten Arm und einen zweiten Arm auf. An einem Fußpunkt stehen der erste Arm und der zweite Arm in elektrischer Verbindung miteinander. Der erste Arm erstreckt sich von dem Fußpunkt in eine erste Richtung und der zweite Arm erstreckt sich von dem Fußpunkt in eine zweite Richtung. Die erste Richtung und die zweite Richtung schließen einen im Wesentlichen rechten Winkel ein. Unter "im wesentlich einen rechten Winkel einschließen" ist hierbei zu verstehen, dass der Winkel zwischen den beiden Richtungen beispielsweise Werte in einem Bereich von 85 bis 95 Grad oder auch in einem Bereich von 70 bis 110 Grad annimmt. Weiterhin schließt das Erstrecken eines Arms in eine Richtung nicht nur ein, dass der Arm einer Strecke auf einer Geraden entspricht, sondern auch, dass der Arm den Konturen der Oberfläche folgt und dabei auch Hindernisse wie Ausnehmungen im Rahmen umgeht.According to the invention, the electrically conductive structure has a first arm and a second arm. At a base point, the first arm and the second arm are in electrical connection with one another. The first arm extends from the base point in a first direction and the second arm extends from the base point in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction form a substantially right angle. In this context, “essentially include a right angle” is to be understood as meaning that the angle between the two directions assumes values in a range from 85 to 95 degrees or in a range from 70 to 110 degrees, for example. Furthermore, extending an arm in one direction not only means that the arm corresponds to a route on a straight line, but also that the arm follows the contours of the surface and also bypasses obstacles such as recesses in the frame.

Dabei kann die Richtung des Arms an einzelnen Punkten der Erstreckung um einen geringen Winkel, beispielsweise bis zu 10 Grad oder auch bis zu 20 Grad von der Richtung abweichen. Als Erstreckungsrichtung kann dabei auch die Richtung einer Verbindungslinie zwischen Endpunkten des Arms betrachtet werden. Dabei ist der zweite Arm mindestens doppelt so lang ist wie der erste Arm, er kann aber auch mindestens drei Mal so lang oder vier Mal so lang wie der erste Arm sein.The direction of the arm can deviate from the direction at individual points of the extension by a small angle, for example up to 10 degrees or also up to 20 degrees. The direction of a connecting line between end points of the arm can also be considered as the direction of extension. The second arm is at least twice as long as the first arm, but it can also be at least three times as long or four times as long as the first arm.

Eine derartige Struktur weist auf vorteilhafte Weise eine Form auf, die auf einer üblicherweise langestreckten Form eines Rahmens angeordnet werden kann.Such a structure advantageously has a shape which can be arranged on a usually elongated shape of a frame.

Der erste Arm weist einen von dem Fußpunkt beabstandeten Koppelpunkt zur Ankopplung an die Sendeeinrichtung und/oder Empfangseinrichtung auf, um elektrische Energie ein- bzw. auszukoppeln.The first arm has a coupling point spaced from the base point for coupling to the transmitting device and / or receiving device in order to couple electrical energy in or out.

Erfindungsgemäß besteht über diesen Koppelpunkt eine elektrische Verbindung für ein Hochfrequenzsignal zu einem Signaleingang bzw. Signalausgang der Sendeeinrichtung und/oder Empfangseinrichtung des Hörhilfegeräts.According to the invention, there is an electrical connection for a high-frequency signal to a signal input or signal output of the transmitting device and / or receiving device of the hearing aid device via this coupling point.

Die Ankopplung an dem ersten Arm verringert auf vorteilhafte Weise die Länge, die für den zweiten Arm benötigt wird, um eine zu einem Monopol vergleichbare Ein- bzw. Auskopplung einer elektromagnetischen Welle zu erreichen.The coupling to the first arm advantageously reduces the length which is required for the second arm in order to achieve coupling and decoupling of an electromagnetic wave comparable to a monopole.

Erfindungsgemäß weist der Fußpunkt eine direkte elektrische Verbindung zum Ankoppeln an eine elektrischen Masse einer Sendeeinrichtung und/oder Empfangseinrichtung eines Hörhilfegeräts auf.According to the invention, the base point has a direct electrical connection for coupling to an electrical ground of a transmitting device and / or receiving device of a hearing aid device.

In einem erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegerät besteht über diese Verbindung eine elektrische Verbindung für ein Hochfrequenzsignal zu der Masse der Sendeeinrichtung und/oder Empfangseinrichtung des Hörhilfegeräts.In a hearing aid device according to the invention, this connection provides an electrical connection for a high-frequency signal to the ground of the transmitting device and / or receiving device of the hearing aid device.

Ein derartiger Kurzschluss nach Masse führt auf vorteilhafte Weise zu einer Transformation der Impedanz am Einkoppelpunkt, sodass der Wellenwiderstand der Antenneneinrichtung auf eine Impedanz am Ankoppelpunkt transformierbar ist, die der Impedanz einer ankoppelbaren Sende- bzw. Empfangseinrichtung entspricht und so auf vorteilhafte Weise eine besonders hohe Empfindlichkeit oder Wirkungsgrad der Antenneneinrichtung in Verbindung mit der Sende- bzw. Empfangseinrichtung bereitstellt.Such a short circuit to ground advantageously leads to a transformation of the impedance at the coupling point, so that the characteristic impedance of the antenna device can be transformed to an impedance at the coupling point that corresponds to the impedance of a couplable transmitting or receiving device and thus advantageously a particularly high sensitivity or efficiency of the antenna device in connection with the transmitting or receiving device provides.

In einer denkbaren Ausführungsform ist die Antenneneinrichtung derart an dem Rahmen angeordnet, dass die zweite Richtung bei einem anwendungsgemäßen Tragen des Hörhilfegeräts im Wesentlichen parallel zu einer zweiten Ebene ausgerichtet ist, die eine Symmetrieebene des Kopfes des Trägers bildet. Die Ausrichtung der zweiten Richtung in dem Rahmen ermöglicht es, dass ein Hörhilfegerät mit der Antenneneinrichtung beim Tragen am Kopf auf vorteilhafte Weise an beiden Seiten vergleichbare Empfangs- und Sendeeigenschaften aufweistIn a conceivable embodiment, the antenna device is arranged on the frame in such a way that the second direction when the hearing aid device is worn in accordance with the application, it is oriented essentially parallel to a second plane which forms a plane of symmetry of the wearer's head. The alignment of the second direction in the frame enables a hearing aid device with the antenna device, when worn on the head, to advantageously have comparable reception and transmission properties on both sides

Die oben beschriebenen Eigenschaften, Merkmale und Vorteile dieser Erfindung sowie die Art und Weise, wie diese erreicht werden, werden klarer und deutlicher verständlich im Zusammenhang mit der folgenden Beschreibung der Ausführungsbeispiele, die im Zusammenhang mit den Zeichnungen näher erläutert werden.The properties, features and advantages of this invention described above and the manner in which they are achieved will become clearer and more clearly understandable in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in connection with the drawings.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts;
Fig. 2
eine Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Antenneneinrichtung;
Fig. 3
eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts;
Fig. 4
eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts;
Fig. 5
eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts;
Fig. 6
eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts;
Fig. 7
ein Ablaufschema eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer Antenneneinrichtung; und
Fig. 8
ein Ablaufschema eines alternativen Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer Antenneneinrichtung.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a schematic representation of a hearing aid according to the invention;
Fig. 2
an embodiment of an antenna device according to the invention;
Fig. 3
an embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention;
Fig. 4
an embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention;
Fig. 5
an embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention;
Fig. 6
an embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention;
Fig. 7
a flow chart of a method for producing an antenna device; and
Fig. 8
a flow chart of an alternative method for producing an antenna device.

In Fig. 1 sind lediglich die wesentlichen Elemente eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegeräts 100 dargestellt, ohne deren Position, Verbindungen oder Form naturgetreu wiederzugeben.In Fig. 1 only the essential elements of a hearing aid device 100 according to the invention are shown without faithfully reproducing their position, connections or shape.

Bei dem in Fig. 1 dargestellten Hörhilfegerät 100 handelt es sich um ein Hörhilfegerät 100 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr. Die Erfindung ist aber auch für In-dem-Ohr Hörhilfegeräte denkbar, wobei sich dann eine andere Anordnung der dargestellten Komponenten ergibtThe in Fig. 1 The hearing aid device 100 shown is a hearing aid device 100 to be worn behind the ear. However, the invention is also conceivable for in-the-ear hearing aid devices, with a different arrangement of the components shown then resulting

In einem Hörgerätegehäuse 1 befindet sich ein Rahmen 11, der Teil einer Antenneneinrichtung 10 ist. In dem Rahmen 11 sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls bzw. akustischer Signale aus der Umgebung angeordnet. Die Mikrofone 2 sind akusto-elektrische Wandler 2 zur Umwandlung des Schalls in erste Audiosignale. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die ersten Audiosignale. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen. Die Energieversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5. Die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3, Hörer 4 und Batterie 5 sind ebenfalls in dem Rahmen 11 angeordnet, sodass der Rahmen mit den darin angeordneten Komponenten einfach dem Hörgerätegehäuse entnommen werden kann, um beispielsweise das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 austauschen zu können.A frame 11, which is part of an antenna device 10, is located in a hearing aid housing 1. One or more microphones 2 for picking up the sound or acoustic signals from the environment are arranged in the frame 11. The microphones 2 are acousto-electrical converters 2 for converting the sound into first audio signals. A signal processing device 3, which is also integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 processes the first audio signals. The output signal of the signal processing device 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. If necessary, the sound is transmitted to the eardrum of the device wearer via a sound tube that is fixed in the ear canal with an otoplastic. The power supply of the hearing aid and in particular that of the signal processing device 3 is provided by a battery 5, which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1. The signal processing device 3, earpiece 4 and battery 5 are also arranged in the frame 11, so that the frame with the components arranged therein is simply removed from the hearing aid housing can be, for example, to be able to replace the hearing aid housing 1.

Die erfindungsgemäße Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 ist auch zur Verarbeitung von elektromagnetischen Wellen ausgelegt. Die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 weist eine Sendeund/oder Empfangseinrichtung 6 zum Erzeugen und Detektion von elektromagnetischen Wellen und/oder zur Dekodierung auf. Die Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung 6 ist elektrisch mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen Struktur 12 der Antenneneinrichtung 10 verbunden, um elektromagnetische Wellen auszusenden und zu empfangen.The signal processing device 3 according to the invention is also designed for processing electromagnetic waves. The signal processing device 3 has a transmitting and / or receiving device 6 for generating and detecting electromagnetic waves and / or for decoding. The transmitting and / or receiving device 6 is electrically connected to an electrically conductive structure 12 of the antenna device 10 in order to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves.

Die Darstellung bezüglich Form und Anordnung in Fig. 1 ist hier nur symbolisch und wird zu den nachfolgenden Figuren näher erläutert.The representation in terms of shape and arrangement in Fig. 1 is only symbolic here and is explained in more detail in relation to the following figures.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Antenneneinrichtung 10 in einer perspektivischen Aufsicht. Die Antenneneinrichtung 10 weist einen Rahmen 11 auf. Der Rahmen 11 ist aus einem nichtleitenden Material, beispielsweise aus Kunststoff gefertigt. Der Rahmen 11 ist dazu vorgesehen, Baugruppen des Hörhilfegeräts 1 aufzunehmen und in einer Position relativ zueinander zu fixieren. So ist auf der Oberseite eine Öffnung 30 vorgesehen, unter der ein Mikrofon 2 angeordnet werden kann. Die Ausnehmung 31 ist zur Aufnahme des Hörers 4 vorgesehen und die Ausnehmung 32 zur Aufnahme einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3. In dem mit 34 gekennzeichneten Bereich kann ein Batteriefach mit einer Batterie 5 angeordnet werden. Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of an antenna device 10 according to the invention in a perspective top view. The antenna device 10 has a frame 11. The frame 11 is made of a non-conductive material, for example plastic. The frame 11 is provided to accommodate assemblies of the hearing aid device 1 and to fix them in a position relative to one another. For example, an opening 30 is provided on the top, under which a microphone 2 can be arranged. The recess 31 is for receiving of the earpiece 4 and the recess 32 for receiving a signal processing device 3. In the area marked 34, a battery compartment with a battery 5 can be arranged.

Der Rahmen 11 ist dazu vorgesehen, von einem Hörgerätegehäuse 1 (in Fig. 2 nicht dargestellt) aufgenommen zu werden, um als Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörhilfegerät 1 am Ohr eines Trägers getragen zu werden. Dabei ist die mit 35 bezeichnete Spitze, an der ein Schlauch für eine nicht dargestellte Otoplastik anschließbar ist. Die Spitze 35 ist, wenn das Hörhilfegerät anwendungsgemäß am Ohr getragen wird, mit der zweiten Richtung 21 frontal in Blickrichtung des Trägers gerichtet.The frame 11 is intended to be attached to a hearing aid housing 1 (in Fig. 2 not shown) in order to be worn as a behind-the-ear hearing aid device 1 on the ear of a wearer. Here is the tip designated 35, to which a tube for an otoplastic (not shown) can be connected. When the hearing aid device is worn on the ear according to the application, the tip 35 is directed with the second direction 21 frontally in the viewing direction of the wearer.

Auf der oberen Oberfläche des Rahmens 11 ist eine elektrisch leitende Struktur 12 angeordnet. Dabei ist die elektrisch leitende Struktur 14 als integraler Bestandteil des Rahmens 11 fest mit der Oberfläche des Rahmens 11 verbunden und ist nicht von der Oberfläche beabstandet. Dadurch ist die elektrisch leitende Struktur 14 nicht mehr von dem Rahmen lösbar und wird bereits mit dem Rahmen 11 bereitgestellt. Das Verfahren zur Erzeugung der elektrisch leitenden Struktur 14 auf dem Rahmen 11 ist zu den Figuren 7 und 8 nachfolgend beschrieben.An electrically conductive structure 12 is arranged on the upper surface of the frame 11. The electrically conductive structure 14, as an integral part of the frame 11, is firmly connected to the surface of the frame 11 and is not spaced from the surface. As a result, the electrically conductive structure 14 can no longer be detached from the frame and is already provided with the frame 11. The method for producing the electrically conductive structure 14 on the frame 11 is to the Figures 7 and 8 described below.

Die elektrisch leitende Struktur 12 gliedert sich in zwei elektrisch leitend miteinander verbundene Arme 13, 14. Der erste Arm 13 erstreckt sich quer über die Oberseite des Rahmens 11 in die erste Richtung 20. Der zweite Arm 14 erstreckt sich im Wesentlichen in die zweite Richtung 21, wobei der zweite Arm 14 der Krümmung der Oberfläche des Rahmens 11 folgt und auch die Öffnung 30 für das Mikrofon 2 umgeht. Insgesamt weicht jedoch eine gedachte Verbindungslinie zwischen Endpunkten des zweiten Arms 14 nur um wenige Grad von der Richtung 21 ab, wobei Abweichungen von 5, 10 oder 20 Grad denkbar sind.The electrically conductive structure 12 is divided into two electrically conductively connected arms 13, 14. The first arm 13 extends across the top of the frame 11 in the first direction 20. The second arm 14 extends essentially in the second direction 21 , the second arm 14 following the curvature of the surface of the frame 11 and also bypassing the opening 30 for the microphone 2. Overall, however, an imaginary connecting line between end points of the second arm 14 only deviates from the direction 21 by a few degrees, deviations of 5, 10 or 20 degrees being conceivable.

Der zweite Arm 14 erstreckt sich im Wesentlichen entlang einer Mittellinie des Rahmens auf der Oberseite, die durch einen Schnitt der Oberseite mit einer Symmetrieebene des Rahmens, parallel zur Richtung 21 und senkrecht zu Richtung 20 ergibt. Abweichungen ergeben sich lediglich dadurch, dass der zweite Arm 14 Öffnungen auf der Oberseite des Rahmens umgeht.The second arm 14 extends substantially along it a center line of the frame on the upper side, which results from a section of the upper side with a plane of symmetry of the frame, parallel to direction 21 and perpendicular to direction 20. Deviations arise only from the fact that the second arm 14 bypasses openings on the upper side of the frame.

Der erste Arm 13 und der zweite Arm 14 treffen sich an einem Fußpunkt 15, an dem eine weitere elektrische Verbindung 16 angeordnet ist, welche dazu vorgesehen ist, eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen dem Fußpunkt 15 und einer elektrischen Masse der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 herzustellen. Die elektrische Verbindung kann dabei ohmsch, kapazitiv oder induktiv erfolgen, sodass ein hochfrequenter Wechselstrom vom Fußpunkt zur Masse der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung fließen kann.The first arm 13 and the second arm 14 meet at a base point 15 at which a further electrical connection 16 is arranged, which is provided to establish an electrical connection between the base point 15 and an electrical ground of the signal processing device 3. The electrical connection can be ohmic, capacitive or inductive, so that a high-frequency alternating current can flow from the base to the ground of the signal processing device.

Der Winkel zwischen dem ersten Arm 13 und dem zweiten Arm 14 bzw. zwischen deren Erstreckungsrichtungen 20, 21 beträgt im Wesentlichen 90 Grad, wobei eine Abweichung um einige Grad wie beispielsweise um 5 Grad, 10 Grad oder 15 Grad denkbar ist.The angle between the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 or between their directions of extension 20, 21 is essentially 90 degrees, a deviation of a few degrees such as 5 degrees, 10 degrees or 15 degrees being conceivable.

An dem vom Fußpunkt 15 gegenüberliegende Ende des ersten Arms 13 ist ein Koppelpunkt 17 angeordnet, an dem ein elektrischer Leiter zur Ankopplung der Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung 6 vorgesehen ist, über die die Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung 6 elektrische Hochfrequenzenergie in die Antenneneinrichtung zum Senden einkoppeln oder zum Empfangen auskoppeln kann.At the end of the first arm 13 opposite from the base 15, a coupling point 17 is arranged, at which an electrical conductor is provided for coupling the transmitting and / or receiving device 6, via which the transmitting and / or receiving device 6 transmits high-frequency electrical energy to the antenna device can couple for sending or decoupling for receiving.

Dabei ist es von besonderem Vorteil, dass durch die Masseverbindung am Fußpunkt 15 bzw. den Kurzschluss der Antenneneinrichtung 10 an dieser Stelle sich eine Transformation der Wellenwiderstände zwischen Koppelpunkt 17 und dem zweiten Arm 14 ergibt, sodass eine Ein- bzw. Auskopplung am Koppelpunkt mit einer niedrigeren Impedanz erfolgen kann, als es ein Monopol mit einer zu dem zweiten Arm 14 vergleichbaren Länge erfordern würde, was eine einfachere und effektivere Auslegung der Schaltung in der Sende- und Empfangseinheit 6 erlaubt.It is particularly advantageous that the ground connection at the base 15 or the short circuit of the antenna device 10 at this point results in a transformation of the wave resistances between the coupling point 17 and the second arm 14, so that coupling and decoupling at the coupling point with a lower impedance can take place than a monopole with a length comparable to the second arm 14 would require, which is a simpler and more effective design the circuit in the transmitting and receiving unit 6 is allowed.

Dabei ist das Verhältnis der Wellenwiderstände von dem Abstand des Koppelpunktes 17 von dem Fußpunkt 15 sowie der Wellenlänge Lambda abhängig, während die Länge des zweiten Arms wesentlich von der Wellenlänge Lambda abhängt. Dabei ist der zweite Arm 14 mindestens doppelt so lang wie der erste Arm 13, er kann aber auch 3 Mal oder 5 Mal so lang sein.The ratio of the wave resistances is dependent on the distance of the coupling point 17 from the base point 15 and the wavelength lambda, while the length of the second arm depends essentially on the wavelength lambda. The second arm 14 is at least twice as long as the first arm 13, but it can also be 3 times or 5 times as long.

In einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Antenneneinrichtung 10 für eine Frequenz von 2,4 GHz ist der erste Arm 13 7,7 mm lang und der zweite Arm 14 21,8 mm.In an exemplary embodiment of the antenna device 10 according to the invention for a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the first arm 13 is 7.7 mm long and the second arm 14 is 21.8 mm.

Weiterhin ist durch den im Wesentlichen rechten Winkel zwischen erstem Arm 13 und zweiten Arm 14 eine geringere Länge des zweiten Arms 14 im Vergleich zu einem Monopol möglich, was bei den begrenzen Dimensionen des Rahmens von Vorteil ist.Furthermore, due to the essentially right angle between the first arm 13 and the second arm 14, a shorter length of the second arm 14 compared to a monopole is possible, which is advantageous given the limited dimensions of the frame.

Fig. 3 stellt ein erfindungsgemäßes Hörhilfegerät 100 mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Antenneneinrichtung 10 dar. Dabei sind alle Elemente bis auf die elektrisch leitende Struktur 12 der Antenneneinrichtung 10 halbtransparent dargestellt, um diese hervorzuheben. Insbesondere wird so die Lage der Antenneneinrichtung 10 innerhalb des Gehäuses 1 besser ersichtlich. Fig. 3 shows a hearing aid device 100 according to the invention with an antenna device 10 according to the invention. All elements except for the electrically conductive structure 12 of the antenna device 10 are shown semitransparently in order to emphasize them. In particular, the position of the antenna device 10 within the housing 1 can thus be seen more clearly.

Fig. 4 stellt eine weitere mögliche Ausführungsform eines Hörhilfegeräts 100 mit einer Antenneneinrichtung 10 dar. Die gleichen Referenzzeichen bezeichnen die gleichen Gegenstände. Fig. 4 shows a further possible embodiment of a hearing aid device 100 with an antenna device 10. The same reference symbols denote the same objects.

Der Gegenstand der Fig. 4 unterscheidet sich von dem Gegenstand der Fig. 3 dadurch, dass von dem Fußpunkt 15, an dem der erste Arm 13 und der zweite Arm 14 miteinander elektrisch verbunden sind, keine elektrische Verbindung 16 zu einer elektrischen Masse der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 3 vorgesehen ist. Somit ist an dem Fußpunkt 15 kein Kurzschluss der Antenneneinrichtung 10 vorhanden und die beschriebene Transformation der Wellenwiderstände zwischen Koppelpunkt 17 und der Antenneneinrichtung 10 findet nicht statt. Es sind daher der erste Arm 13, der zweite Arm 14 und/oder die Sendeund Empfangseinrichtung 6 anders auszuführen, um eine Anpassung zu erreichen. Beispielsweise kann bereits in der Sendeund Empfangseinrichtung 6 durch Induktivitäten oder Kapazitäten eine Transformation der Signale und eine Anpassung der Impedanzen erfolgen.The subject of Fig. 4 differs from the subject of the Fig. 3 in that no electrical connection 16 to an electrical ground of the signal processing device 3 is provided from the base point 15 at which the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are electrically connected to one another. Thus, there is no short circuit of the antenna device 10 at the base point 15 and the described transformation of the wave resistances between the coupling point 17 and the antenna device 10 does not take place. The first arm 13, the second arm 14 and / or the transmitting and receiving device 6 must therefore be designed differently in order to achieve an adaptation. For example, a transformation of the signals and an adaptation of the impedances can already take place in the transmitting and receiving device 6 by means of inductances or capacitances.

Fig. 5 stellt eine weitere mögliche Ausführungsform eines Hörhilfegeräts 100 mit einer Antenneneinrichtung 10 in einer Aufsicht von oben dar. Auch in Fig. 5 sind gleiche Elemente wieder mit gleichen Referenzzeichen bezeichnet. Fig. 5 shows a further possible embodiment of a hearing aid device 100 with an antenna device 10 in a plan view from above Fig. 5 the same elements are again denoted by the same reference symbols.

Die Ausführungsform der Fig. 5 unterscheidet sich von dem Gegenstand der Fig. 4 dadurch, dass der erste Arm 13 und der zweite Arm 14 gleich lang sind und symmetrisch zu der Symmetrieebene des Rahmens 11 und des Hörhilfegeräts 1 auf der Oberfläche des Rahmens 11 angeordnet sind. Durch die Symmetrie der beiden Arme 13, 14 ist vorteilhafter Weise auch eine hohe Symmetrie der resultierenden Antennencharakteristik bezüglich der Symmetrieebene des Hörhilfsgeräts gegeben.The embodiment of the Fig. 5 differs from the subject of the Fig. 4 in that the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are of equal length and are arranged symmetrically to the plane of symmetry of the frame 11 and the hearing aid device 1 on the surface of the frame 11. The symmetry of the two arms 13, 14 advantageously also results in a high degree of symmetry of the resulting antenna characteristic with respect to the plane of symmetry of the hearing aid device.

Die Antenneneinrichtung 10 der Fig. 5 weist weiterhin keinen separaten Fußpunkt 15 auf, sondern der erste Arm 13 und der zweite Arm 14 treffen an dem Koppelpunkt 17 aufeinander. An diesem Koppelpunkt 17 kann beispielsweise ein symmetrischer Wellenleiter HF-Energie von der Sendeeinrichtung 6 einkoppeln oder zu einer Empfangseinrichtung 6 auskoppeln. In diesem Fall sind der erste Arm 13 und der zweite Arm 14 nicht in ohmschen Kontakt miteinander. Es ist aber auch eine induktive Kopplung durch eine Spule denkbar, wobei dann der erster Arm 13 und zweiter Arm 14 miteinander elektrisch verbunden wären. Je nach Zuleitung sind verschiedene Kombinationen von Induktivitäten und Kapazitäten zur Anpassung denkbarThe antenna device 10 of Fig. 5 furthermore does not have a separate base point 15, but rather the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 meet at the coupling point 17. At this coupling point 17, for example, a symmetrical waveguide can couple in RF energy from the transmitting device 6 or couple it out to a receiving device 6. In this case, the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are not in ohmic contact with each other. However, inductive coupling by means of a coil is also conceivable, in which case the first arm 13 and second arm 14 would be electrically connected to one another. Depending on the supply line, various combinations of inductances and capacitances are conceivable for adaptation

Fig. 6 stellt eine andere mögliche Ausführungsform eines Hörhilfegeräts 100 mit einer Antenneneinrichtung 10 in einer Aufsicht von oben dar. Auch in Fig. 6 sind gleiche Elemente wieder mit gleichen Referenzzeichen bezeichnet. Fig. 6 shows another possible embodiment of a hearing aid device 100 with an antenna device 10 in one Top view. Also in Fig. 6 the same elements are again denoted by the same reference symbols.

Die Ausführungsform der Fig. 6 unterscheidet sich von dem in Fig. 4 abgebildeten Gegenstand dadurch, dass der erste Arm 13 und der zweite Arm 14 gleich lang sind und symmetrisch zu der Symmetrieebene des Rahmens 11 und des Hörhilfegeräts 100 auf der Oberfläche des Rahmens 11 angeordnet sind. Die beiden Arme treffen an dem Koppelpunkt 17 aufeinander, an dem beispielsweise ein symmetrischer Welleneiter HF-Energie von der Sendeeinrichtung 6 einkoppelt oder zu einer Empfangseinrichtung 6 auskoppelt. In diesem Fall sind der erste Arm 13 und der zweite Arm 14 am Koppelpunkt 17 nicht in ohmschen Kontakt miteinander. Es ist aber auch eine induktive Kopplung durch eine Spule denkbar, wobei dann der erster Arm 13 und zweiter Arm 14 an dem Koppelpunkt miteinander elektrisch verbunden wären.The embodiment of the Fig. 6 differs from the one in Fig. 4 depicted object in that the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are of equal length and are arranged symmetrically to the plane of symmetry of the frame 11 and the hearing aid device 100 on the surface of the frame 11. The two arms meet at the coupling point 17, at which, for example, a symmetrical waveguide couples in RF energy from the transmitting device 6 or decouples it to a receiving device 6. In this case, the first arm 13 and the second arm 14 are not in ohmic contact with one another at the coupling point 17. However, inductive coupling by means of a coil is also conceivable, in which case the first arm 13 and second arm 14 would be electrically connected to one another at the coupling point.

Darüber hinaus weist die Antenneneinrichtung 10 an dem vom Koppelpunkt 17 beabstandeten Ende eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen den beiden Armen 13, 14 auf, sodass die Arme 13, 14 eine elektrisch leitende Schleife bilden, die eine Fläche auf der Oberfläche des Rahmens umschließt. Durch die Symmetrie der beiden Arme 13, 14 ist vorteilhafter Weise auch eine hohe Symmetrie der resultierenden Antennencharakteristik bezüglich der Symmetrieebene des Hörhilfsgeräts gegeben.In addition, the antenna device 10 has an electrical connection between the two arms 13, 14 at the end spaced from the coupling point 17, so that the arms 13, 14 form an electrically conductive loop which encloses an area on the surface of the frame. The symmetry of the two arms 13, 14 advantageously also results in a high degree of symmetry of the resulting antenna characteristic with respect to the plane of symmetry of the hearing aid device.

Fig. 7 zeigt ein Ablaufschema eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer Antenneneinrichtung 10. Dabei wird die Antenneneinrichtung 10 als spritzgegossener Schaltungsträger (engl. molded interconnect device, MID) hergestellt. Fig. 7 shows a flow chart of a method for producing an antenna device 10. The antenna device 10 is produced as an injection-molded circuit carrier (molded interconnect device, MID).

In einem Schritt S100 wird zunächst ein Rahmen 11 gefertigt. Der Rahmen 11 besteht bevorzugter Weise aus einem thermoplastischen Kunststoffe, der durch Spritzguss in die gewünschte Form gebracht wird. Es sind aber auch andere Verfahren zur Herstellung denkbar, beispielsweise durch chemisches Aushärten eines Kunststoffes in einer Form. Auch wäre ein Fräsen aus einem Kunststoffblock möglich oder ein Drucken mittels eines 3D-Druckers.In a step S100, a frame 11 is first manufactured. The frame 11 preferably consists of a thermoplastic material which is brought into the desired shape by injection molding. However, other manufacturing methods are also conceivable, for example by chemically curing a plastic in a mold. Milling would also be possible from a plastic block or printing with a 3D printer.

In einem Schritt S110 wird die Oberfläche des Rahmens 11 strukturiert. In einer Ausführungsform ist der Kunststoff des Rahmens dazu ausgelegt, bei einer Behandlung mit Laserstrahlen an der Oberfläche Keime für eine spätere Metallisierung auszubilden. Dies kann beispielsweise durch eine Beimischung von Metallpartikeln in dem Kunststoff erreicht werden. Die Oberfläche wird entsprechend der in Fig. 3 bis 6 vorgestellten Geometrien für die elektrisch leitende Struktur 12 mit einem Laser bestrahlt, sodass an der Oberfläche Metallpartikel freiliegen.In a step S110, the surface of the frame 11 is structured. In one embodiment, the plastic of the frame is designed to form nuclei on the surface for subsequent metallization when treated with laser beams. This can be achieved, for example, by adding metal particles to the plastic. The surface is created according to the in Figures 3 to 6 presented geometries for the electrically conductive structure 12 irradiated with a laser, so that metal particles are exposed on the surface.

Ein anderes Verfahren zur Strukturierung kann ein Fräsen oder Prägen der Oberfläche sein. Es ist dabei auch denkbar, dass das Strukturieren der Oberfläche schon in Schritt 100 bei dem Spritzguss des Rahmens 11 erfolgt, Es kann beispielsweise ein zweiter Spritzguss mit einem zweiten Kunststoff erfolgen, der geeignet ist, für eine nachfolgende Metallisierung als Substrat zu dienen, z.B. durch einen hohen Anteil an Metallpartikeln. Bei dem zweiten Spritzguss wird eine Struktur erzeugt, die der Form der elektrisch leitenden Struktur 12 entspricht.Another method of structuring can be milling or embossing the surface. It is also conceivable that the structuring of the surface already takes place in step 100 during the injection molding of the frame 11 a high proportion of metal particles. During the second injection molding, a structure is produced which corresponds to the shape of the electrically conductive structure 12.

In einem Schritt S120 wird anschließend eine leitende Metallschicht aufgebracht. Dies kann beispielsweise in einem galvanischen Bad erfolgen, wobei sich eine Metallschicht nur in den durch den Laserstrahl strukturierten Bereichen um die Metallpartikel herum abscheidet und eine geschlossene elektrisch leitende Struktur 12 ausbildet. Gleiches gilt, wenn ein zweiter Kunststoff als Substrat für die Metallisierung aufgebracht wurde.In a step S120, a conductive metal layer is then applied. This can take place, for example, in an electroplating bath, with a metal layer only being deposited around the metal particles in the areas structured by the laser beam and forming a closed, electrically conductive structure 12. The same applies if a second plastic was applied as a substrate for the metallization.

Denkbar wäre auch, dass eine Metallfolie mit der gewünschten leitenden Struktur dauerhaft mit der Oberfläche verbunden wird, zum Beispiel durch Heißprägen.It would also be conceivable that a metal foil with the desired conductive structure is permanently connected to the surface, for example by hot stamping.

Fig. 8 zeigt ein Ablaufschema für ein alternatives Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Antenneneinrichtung 10. Das Verfahren der Fig. 8 unterscheidet sich im Wesentlichen von dem Verfahren der Fig. 7 dadurch, dass zunächst eine leitende Schicht aufgebracht wird, und dann erst strukturiert wird. Fig. 8 FIG. 11 shows a flow chart for an alternative method for producing an antenna device 10. The method of FIG Fig. 8 differs essentially from the method of Fig. 7 by first applying a conductive layer and only then structuring it.

In Schritt 200 wird zunächst ein Rahmen 11 bereitgestellt. Der Schritt 200 entspricht dem zu Fig. 7 dargestellten Schritt 100.In step 200, a frame 11 is first provided. Step 200 corresponds to this Fig. 7 step 100 shown.

In Schritt S210 wird auf den Rahmen 11 zumindest in den Bereichen, in denen sich später die leitende Struktur 12 befinden soll, eine leitende Schicht aufgebracht. Die leitende Schicht kann zum Beispiel als Folie aufgeklebt werden, durch galvanische Abscheidung oder durch ein Sprüh-, Sputter- oder Aufdampfverfahren aufgebracht werden.In step S210, a conductive layer is applied to the frame 11 at least in the areas in which the conductive structure 12 is to be located later. The conductive layer can, for example, be glued on as a film, applied by galvanic deposition or by a spray, sputter or vapor deposition process.

In Schritt 220 wird anschließend diese Schicht derart strukturiert, sodass sie die Form der gewünschten elektrisch leitenden Struktur 12 ausbildet. Eine Strukturierung kann durch direkten Materialabtrag mittels Laser oder mechanisch erfolgen, oder auch durch chemische Verfahren mittels Aufbringen einer Maske (fototechnisch oder direkt) und anschließendem Ätzen.In step 220, this layer is then structured in such a way that it forms the shape of the desired electrically conductive structure 12. Structuring can be done by direct material removal by laser or mechanically, or by chemical methods by applying a mask (photo-technical or direct) and subsequent etching.

Obwohl die Erfindung im Detail durch das bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiel näher illustriert und beschrieben wurde, so ist die Erfindung nicht durch die offenbarten Beispiele eingeschränkt und andere Variationen können vom Fachmann hieraus abgeleitet werden, ohne den Schutzumfang der Erfindung zu verlassen, der durch die nachfolgenden Ansprüche definiert ist.Although the invention has been illustrated and described in more detail by the preferred exemplary embodiment, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention, which is defined by the following claims .

Claims (3)

  1. Hearing aid device (100) with a hearing aid housing (1), with an antenna assembly (10) and with a signal processing assembly (3), which has a transmitting and receiving assembly (6) for generating and detecting electromagnetic waves, wherein the antenna assembly (10) is designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves with a predetermined wavelength lambda,
    wherein the antenna assembly (10) has a frame (11) mounted in the hearing aid housing (1) for receiving structural components of the hearing aid device (100), wherein the frame is made of a non-conductive material and has an electrically conductive structure (13, 14, 15, 16, 17), wherein the transmitting and receiving assembly (6) is electrically connected to the electrically conductive structure (12) for transmitting and receiving electro-magnetic waves, and wherein the electrically conductive structure (12) is an integral part of the frame (11), wherein the electrically conductive structure (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) has a first arm (13) and a second arm (14), wherein the first arm (13) extends in a first direction (20) and the second arm (14) extends in a second direction (21) from a base point (15), where the first arm (13) and the second arm (14) are in electrical connection, and the first direction (20) and the second direction (21) include a substantially right angle, wherein the second arm (14) is at least twice as long as the first arm (13),
    characterized in that
    the first arm (13) has a coupling point (17) spaced from the base point (15), said coupling point (17) being coupled to the transmitting and receiving assembly (6), wherein the base point (15) has a direct electrical connection (16) to an electrical ground of the transmitting and receiving assembly (6).
  2. Hearing aid device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the conductive structure (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) is arranged on the frame (11) in such a way that the antenna assembly (10) has a reception characteristic, which is substantially symmetrical to a first plane through the frame (11), wherein the first plane is oriented parallel to a second plane, which is a plane of symmetry to the head of the wearer when the hearing aid device (100) is worn according to the application.
  3. Hearing aid device (100) according to claim 1 or 2,
    wherein the antenna assembly (10) is arranged on the frame (11) in such a way that the second direction (21) is aligned substantially parallel to a second plane, which is a plane of symmetry of the head of the wearer when the hearing aid device (100) is worn according to the application.
EP13733991.7A 2012-12-12 2013-06-21 Modular antenna for hearing aids Active EP2932559B1 (en)

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PCT/EP2013/063025 WO2014090419A1 (en) 2012-12-12 2013-06-21 Modular antenna for hearing devices

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US9571944B2 (en) 2017-02-14

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