EP3177039B1 - Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method - Google Patents

Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3177039B1
EP3177039B1 EP15197184.3A EP15197184A EP3177039B1 EP 3177039 B1 EP3177039 B1 EP 3177039B1 EP 15197184 A EP15197184 A EP 15197184A EP 3177039 B1 EP3177039 B1 EP 3177039B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printed circuit
circuit board
terminal
board
normal
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
EP15197184.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3177039A1 (en
Inventor
Benny Rasmussen
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.)
GN Hearing AS
Original Assignee
GN Hearing AS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GN Hearing AS filed Critical GN Hearing AS
Priority to EP15197184.3A priority Critical patent/EP3177039B1/en
Priority to EP21179286.6A priority patent/EP3902290A1/en
Priority to DK15197184.3T priority patent/DK3177039T3/en
Priority to US14/962,543 priority patent/US10277996B2/en
Priority to CN202011561124.9A priority patent/CN112616114A/en
Priority to CN201680070317.XA priority patent/CN108293169B/en
Priority to JP2018528047A priority patent/JP6875399B2/en
Priority to PCT/EP2016/079368 priority patent/WO2017093369A1/en
Publication of EP3177039A1 publication Critical patent/EP3177039A1/en
Priority to US16/294,096 priority patent/US11026029B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3177039B1 publication Critical patent/EP3177039B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • H04R25/55—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
    • 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
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/51—Aspects of antennas or their circuitry in or for hearing aids

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a hearing aid with an antenna, and in particular to a hearing aid with an antenna formed on a flexible carrier. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing an electrical assembly for a hearing aid
  • Patent document US 2015/0036854 A1 discloses such a hearing device comprising a main circuit board connected to a flexible circuit board carrying a parallel-loop antenna.
  • a hearing aid comprising an electrical assembly.
  • the electrical assembly comprises a printed circuit board having a first board surface and a second board surface, the printed circuit board having a first pad in a first pad region on the first board surface, the first pad region having a first board normal.
  • the electrical assembly comprises a flexible printed circuit board comprising an antenna, e.g. denoted first antenna, having a first terminal in a first terminal region on a first flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the first terminal region having a first terminal normal.
  • the electrical assembly comprises first electrically conductive material connecting the first pad and the first terminal, and the first terminal normal and the first board normal forms a first angle in the range from 30° to 150°.
  • the printed circuit board has a first indentation in a first edge part of the printed circuit board, the first indentation accommodating at least a part of the first terminal.
  • the electrical assembly comprises a printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having a first board surface and a second board surface, the printed circuit board having a first pad in a first pad region on the first board surface, the first pad region having a first board normal.
  • the flexible printed circuit board has a first flexfilm surface and a second flexfilm surface, the flexible printed circuit board comprising an antenna, e.g. denoted first antenna, having a first terminal in a first terminal region on the first flexfilm surface, the first terminal region having a first terminal normal.
  • the method comprises arranging the printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit board such that the first terminal normal and the first board normal form a first angle in the range from 30° to 150°; and connecting the first pad and the first terminal with a first electrically conductive material, wherein arranging the printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit board comprises arranging at least a part of the first terminal in a first indentation, the printed circuit board having the first indentation in a first edge part.
  • the hearing aid and method as disclosed provide increased design flexibility in the design of the electrical assembly of a hearing device.
  • the printed circuit board may have a simpler routing and/or reduced size.
  • the hearing aid comprises an electrical assembly.
  • the hearing aid may be a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid.
  • BTE Behind-The-Ear
  • the electrical assembly, e.g. in a BTE hearing aid is typically supported by a frame structure on which one or more shell parts are mounted.
  • the electrical assembly comprises a printed circuit board having a first board surface and a second board surface.
  • the second board surface may be parallel to the first board surface.
  • the printed circuit board has one or more pads including a first pad in a first pad region on the first board surface, the first pad region having a first board normal.
  • the one or more pads may include a second pad in a second pad region on the first board surface and/or on the second board surface.
  • the second pad may be connected to a ground plane of the printed circuit board.
  • the second pad region has a second board normal.
  • the first board normal and the second board normal may be parallel.
  • the first board normal and the second board normal may form an angle less than 45 degrees or in the range from 135 degrees to 225 degrees.
  • the one or more pads may include a third pad in a third pad region on the first board surface and/or on the second board surface.
  • the third pad region has a third board normal.
  • the first board normal and the third board normal may be parallel.
  • the first board normal and the third board normal may form an angle less than 45 degrees or in the range from 135 degrees to 225 degrees.
  • the electrical assembly comprises a flexible printed circuit board, also denoted flexible carrier.
  • the flexible printed circuit board may have a thickness in the range from 5 ⁇ m to 1,000 ⁇ m.
  • the flexible printed circuit board may be a sheet.
  • the flexible printed circuit board has a thickness in the range from 12 ⁇ m to 600 ⁇ m, such as 50 ⁇ m, 100 ⁇ m, 200 ⁇ m, 300 ⁇ m, 400 ⁇ m, 500 ⁇ m or any ranges therebetween.
  • the flexible printed circuit board has a first flexfilm surface and a second flexfilm surface.
  • the flexible printed circuit board comprises one or more antennas including an antenna (first antenna) having a first terminal in a first terminal region on the first flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the first terminal region having a first terminal normal.
  • the antenna (first antenna) may have a second terminal in a second terminal region on the first flexfilm surface and/or on the second flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the second terminal region having a second terminal normal.
  • the first terminal region may be at least partly arranged in a first tab of the flexible printed circuit board.
  • the second terminal region may be at least partly arranged in a second tab of the flexible printed circuit board.
  • the flexible printed circuit board may comprise a second antenna having a first terminal in a second terminal region on the first flexfilm surface or a second flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the second terminal region having a second terminal normal.
  • the electrical assembly comprises electrically conducting material connecting a pad of the printed circuit board and a terminal of an antenna of the flexible printed circuit board.
  • the electrically conducting material may be solder material such as a solder alloy, e.g. comprising one or more of zinc, tin, silver, copper and lead.
  • the electrical assembly may comprise first electrically conductive material connecting the first pad and the first terminal.
  • the first terminal normal and the first board normal may form a first angle in the range from 30° to 150°.
  • the first angle formed by the first terminal normal and the first board normal may be in the range from 45° to 135°.
  • the first angle formed by the first terminal normal and the first board normal may be in the range from 80° to 100°.
  • the electrical assembly may comprise second electrically conductive material connecting the second pad and the second terminal.
  • the second terminal normal and the second board normal may form a second angle in the range from 30° to 150°.
  • the second angle formed by the second terminal normal and the second board normal may be in the range from 45° to 135°.
  • the second angle formed by the second terminal normal and the second board normal may be in the range from 80° to 100°.
  • the electrical assembly may comprise one or more electrical components, such as a first electrical component and/or a second electrical component.
  • the electrial component(s) may respectively be mounted on the first board surface or on the second board surface.
  • the first electrical component may be a radio transceiver connected to the first pad, e.g. via a balun element or other (antenna) matching element/circuit.
  • the radio transceiver may be configured for 2.4 GHz communication.
  • the electrical assembly may comprise an antenna matching element, such as a balun element.
  • the printed circuit board may comprise a first conductor to form an electrical connection between the first pad and a first terminal of the first electrical component (radio transceiver) or to form an electrical connection between the first pad and an antenna matching element.
  • the printed circuit board may comprise a second conductor to form an electrical connection between the second pad and a second terminal of the first electrical component (radio transceiver) or to form an electrical connection between the second pad and an antenna matching element.
  • the electrical assembly may comprise a second electrical component, such as a processing unit, such as a hearing aid processor.
  • a processing unit such as a hearing aid processor.
  • the electrical assembly may comprise a third electrical component, such as a microphone.
  • the printed circuit board has an edge and the printed circuit board may have one or more indentations in the edge.
  • the printed circuit board may have a first indentation in a first edge part of the printed circuit board.
  • the first indentation may accommodate at least a part of the first terminal.
  • the printed circuit board may have a second indentation in a second edge part of the printed circuit board.
  • the second indentation may accommodate at least a part of the second terminal.
  • Arranging parts of the flexible printed circuit board within indentation(s) of the printed circuit board may reduce the risk of production errors, e.g. the risk of breaking the electrical assembly during hearing aid manufacture may be reduced.
  • An indentation such as the first indentation and/or the second indentation, may have a maximum depth of at least 0.5 mm, such as about 1 mm.
  • the first electrically conductive material may connect at least a part of the first flexfilm surface to an edge part, e.g. a first edge part, of the printed circuit board. Connecting electrically conductive material to an edge part increases the strength of the mechanical connection between the printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit board.
  • the flexible printed circuit board may have a third terminal, e.g. of first antenna or second antenna, in a third terminal region on the first flexfilm surface or on the second flexfilm surface, the third terminal region having a third terminal normal.
  • the electrical assembly may comprise third electrically conducting material connecting the third pad and the third terminal.
  • the third terminal normal and the third board normal may form a third angle in the range from 30° to 150°.
  • a plurality of terminals on the flexible printed board enables more complex antenna types and/or configuration of antenna properties.
  • the printed circuit board may have a third indentation in a third edge part of the printed circuit board. The third indentation may accommodate at least a part of the third terminal.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary electrical assembly 2 of a hearing aid.
  • the electrical assembly 2 comprises a printed circuit board 4 having an edge 6, a first board surface 8 and a second board surface (not visible on Fig. 1 ).
  • the printed circuit board 4 has a first pad 12 in a first pad region on the first board surface 8, the first pad region having a first board normal.
  • the electrical assembly 2 comprises a first electrical component 16 mounted on the first board surface 8.
  • the first electrical component 16 may in another exemplary hearing aid be mounted on the second board surface.
  • the first electrical component 16, in Fig. 1 being a radio transceiver, is electrically connected to the first pad 12 by a first conductor, e.g. via a balun element (not shown).
  • the electrical assembly 2 comprises a second electrical component 17 in the form of a hearing aid processor configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user.
  • the second electrical component (hearing aid processor) 17 is mounted on the first board surface 8 and is connected to the first electrical component 16 (radio transceiver) via one or more conductors (not shown) in the printed circuit board.
  • the electrical assembly 2 optionally comprises a third electrical component 17A in the form of a microphone or microphone assembly.
  • the third electrical component (microphone) 17A is mounted on the first board surface 8 and is connected to the second electrical component 17 (hearing aid processor) via one or more conductors (not shown) in the printed circuit board 4, 4A.
  • the electrical assembly 2 comprises a flexible printed circuit board 18 comprising an antenna having a first terminal in a first terminal region on a first flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the first terminal region having a first terminal normal.
  • the electrical assembly 2 comprises first electrically conductive material 30 connecting the first pad 12 and the first terminal.
  • the first terminal normal and the first board normal forms a first angle of 90° ⁇ 5°.
  • the printed circuit board 4, 4A has a first indentation 31 in a first edge part of the printed circuit board. The first indentation 31 accommodating at least a part of the first terminal arranged in a first tab 33 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-section of the electrical assembly of Fig. 1 taken along dotted line A.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 18 comprises an antenna 24 having a first terminal 26 in a first terminal region on a first flexfilm surface 20 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • the first terminal region has a first terminal normal 32.
  • the first electrically conductive material 30 connects the first pad 12 and the first terminal 26 such that the first terminal normal 32 and the first board normal 14 forms a first angle ⁇ 1 of 90° ⁇ 5°.
  • Fig. 3 shows a more detailed view of the electrical assembly 2 in Fig. 2 .
  • the first pad 12 extends on the first board surface 8.
  • the printed circuit board 4 comprises a first conductor 34 connecting the first pad 12 and a pad connectable to a first terminal of an electrical component, e.g. first electrical component 16, mounted on the printed circuit board 4.
  • Fig. 4 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical assembly 2A.
  • the first pad 12 extends on the first board surface 8 and on the edge 6 of the printed circuit board.
  • a first pad extending on the edge may reduce the required first pad area on the first board surface 8, in turn further enabling reduced size of the printed circuit board 4A.
  • the printed circuit board 4A comprises a first conductor 34 connecting the first pad 12 and a pad connectable to a first terminal of an electrical component, e.g. first electrical component 16, mounted on the printed circuit board 4.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary electrical assembly 102 of a hearing aid.
  • the electrical assembly 102 comprises a printed circuit board 4B having an edge 6, a first board surface 8 and a second board surface (not visible on Fig. 5 ).
  • the printed circuit board 4B has a first pad 12 in a first pad region on the first board surface 8, the first pad region having a first board normal.
  • the electrical assembly 102 comprises a first electrical component 16 mounted on the first board surface 8.
  • the first electrical component 16 may in another exemplary hearing aid be mounted on the second board surface.
  • the first electrical component 16, in Fig. 5 being a radio transceiver, is electrically connected to the first pad 12 by a first conductor, e.g. via a balun element (not shown).
  • the electrical assembly 102 comprises a second electrical component 17 in the form of a hearing aid processor configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user.
  • the second electrical component (hearing aid processor) 17 is mounted on the first board surface 8 and is connected to the first electrical component 16 (radio transceiver) via one or more conductors (not shown) in the printed circuit board 4B.
  • the electrical assembly 102 optionally comprises a third electrical component 17A in the form of a microphone or microphone assembly.
  • the third electrical component (microphone) 17A is mounted on the first board surface 8 and is connected to the second electrical component 17 (hearing aid processor) via one or more conductors (not shown) in the printed circuit board 4B.
  • the electrical assembly 102 comprises a flexible printed circuit board 18 comprising an antenna having a first terminal in a first terminal region on a first flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the first terminal region having a first terminal normal. Further, the antenna has a second terminal in a second terminal region on the first flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the second terminal region having a second terminal normal.
  • the electrical assembly 102 comprises first electrically conductive material 30 connecting the first pad 12 and the first terminal.
  • the first terminal normal and the first board normal forms a first angle of 90° ⁇ 5°.
  • the printed circuit board 102 has a first indentation 31 in a first edge part of the printed circuit board 4B.
  • the first indentation 31 accommodates at least a part of the first terminal arranged in a first tab 33 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • the printed circuit board 4B comprises a second pad 50 in a second pad region on the first board surface 8, the second pad region having a second board normal.
  • the electrical assembly 102 comprises second electrically conductive material 52 connecting the second pad 50 and the second terminal of the antenna.
  • the flexible printed circuit board comprises a first and second antenna, wherein the second pad is connected to a first terminal of the second antenna.
  • the second terminal normal and the second board normal forms a second angle in the range from 30° to 150°.
  • the printed circuit board 4B has a second indentation 54 in a second edge part of the printed circuit board 4B, the second indentation 54 accommodating at least a part of the second terminal arranged in a second tab 56 of the flexible printed circuit board.
  • the first electrical component 16 is electrically connected to the second pad 50 by a second conductor, e.g. via a balun element (not shown).
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-section of the electrical assembly of Fig. 5 taken along dotted line A.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 18 comprises an antenna 24 having a first terminal 26 in a first terminal region on a first flexfilm surface 20 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • the first terminal region has a first terminal normal 32.
  • the first electrically conductive material 30 connects the first pad 12 and the first terminal 26 such that the first terminal normal 32 and the first board normal 14 forms a first angle ⁇ 1 of 90° ⁇ 5°.
  • the antenna 24 has a second terminal 58 in a second terminal region on the first flexfilm surface 20 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • the second terminal region has a second terminal normal 64.
  • the second electrically conductive material 52 connects the second pad 50 and the second terminal 58 such that the second terminal normal 64 and the second board normal 62 forms a second angle ⁇ 2 of 90° ⁇ 5°.
  • Fig. 7 shows an exemplary hearing aid 1.
  • the illustrated hearing aid 1 comprises a housing 100 accommodating an electrical assembly as described herein.
  • Fig. 8 shows an exemplary flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 18 has a first flexfilm surface 20 and a second flexfilm surface (not shown). During assembly of a hearing aid, the flexible printed circuit board 18 is folded to fit inside the hearing aid housing.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 18 comprises an antenna 24 having a first terminal 26 in a first terminal region 28 arranged in a first tab 33 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • the first tab 33 is configured to be at least partly accomodated in a first indentation of a printed circuit board.
  • the antenna 24 has a second terminal 58 in a second terminal region 60 arranged in a second tab 56 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • the second tab 56 is configured to be at least partly accomodated in a second indentation of a printed circuit board.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 18 is a sheet having a thickness of about 500 ⁇ m.
  • Fig. 9 shows an exemplary flexible printed circuit board 18A.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 18A may be implemented as the flexible printed circuit board 18 in the electrical assembly 102. During assembly of a hearing aid, the flexible printed circuit board 18A is folded to fit inside the hearing aid housing.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 18A has a first flexfilm surface 20 and a second flexfilm surface (not shown).
  • the flexible printed circuit board 18A comprises a first antenna 24 having a first terminal 26 in a first terminal region 28 arranged in a first tab 33 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • the first tab 33 is configured to be at least partly accomodated in a first indentation of a printed circuit board.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 18A comprises a second antenna 66 having a first terminal 68 in a second terminal region 60 arranged in a second tab 56 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • the second tab 56 is configured to be at least partly accomodated in a second indentation of a printed circuit board.
  • the flexible printed circuit board 18A is a sheet having a thickness of about 500 ⁇ m.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Structure Of Printed Boards (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Description

  • The present disclosure relates to a hearing aid with an antenna, and in particular to a hearing aid with an antenna formed on a flexible carrier. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing an electrical assembly for a hearing aid
    • BACKGROUND
  • The developments within wireless technologies for hearing devices and the continuous efforts to make hearing devices smaller and more cost effective to manufacture has led to the use of flexible carriers incorporating one or more antennas in hearing devices.
  • Patent document US 2015/0036854 A1 discloses such a hearing device comprising a main circuit board connected to a flexible circuit board carrying a parallel-loop antenna.
    • SUMMARY
  • There is a desire for reducing the size of the electrical assembly of a hearing device. Disclosed herein is a hearing aid comprising an electrical assembly. The electrical assembly comprises a printed circuit board having a first board surface and a second board surface, the printed circuit board having a first pad in a first pad region on the first board surface, the first pad region having a first board normal. The electrical assembly comprises a flexible printed circuit board comprising an antenna, e.g. denoted first antenna, having a first terminal in a first terminal region on a first flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the first terminal region having a first terminal normal. The electrical assembly comprises first electrically conductive material connecting the first pad and the first terminal, and the first terminal normal and the first board normal forms a first angle in the range from 30° to 150°. The printed circuit board has a first indentation in a first edge part of the printed circuit board, the first indentation accommodating at least a part of the first terminal.
  • Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing an electrical assembly for a hearing aid. The electrical assembly comprises a printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having a first board surface and a second board surface, the printed circuit board having a first pad in a first pad region on the first board surface, the first pad region having a first board normal. The flexible printed circuit board has a first flexfilm surface and a second flexfilm surface, the flexible printed circuit board comprising an antenna, e.g. denoted first antenna, having a first terminal in a first terminal region on the first flexfilm surface, the first terminal region having a first terminal normal. The method comprises arranging the printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit board such that the first terminal normal and the first board normal form a first angle in the range from 30° to 150°; and connecting the first pad and the first terminal with a first electrically conductive material, wherein arranging the printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit board comprises arranging at least a part of the first terminal in a first indentation, the printed circuit board having the first indentation in a first edge part.
  • The hearing aid and method as disclosed provide increased design flexibility in the design of the electrical assembly of a hearing device. In particular, the printed circuit board may have a simpler routing and/or reduced size.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
    • Fig. 1
    is a schematical top view of an electrical assembly
    Fig. 2
    is a schematical cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrical assembly,
    Fig. 3
    shows a more detailed view of an electrical assembly,
    Fig. 4
    shows a more detailed view of an electrical assembly,
    Fig. 5
    is a schematical top view of an electrical assembly,
    Fig. 6
    is a schematical cross-sectional view of an exemplary electrical assembly,
    Fig. 7
    is a perspective view of a hearing aid,
    Fig. 8
    shows an exemplary flexible printed circuirt board, and
    Fig. 9
    shows an exemplary flexible printed circuirt board.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.
  • The hearing aid comprises an electrical assembly. The hearing aid may be a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid. The electrical assembly, e.g. in a BTE hearing aid is typically supported by a frame structure on which one or more shell parts are mounted.
  • The electrical assembly comprises a printed circuit board having a first board surface and a second board surface. The second board surface may be parallel to the first board surface. The printed circuit board has one or more pads including a first pad in a first pad region on the first board surface, the first pad region having a first board normal. The one or more pads may include a second pad in a second pad region on the first board surface and/or on the second board surface. The second pad may be connected to a ground plane of the printed circuit board. The second pad region has a second board normal. The first board normal and the second board normal may be parallel. The first board normal and the second board normal may form an angle less than 45 degrees or in the range from 135 degrees to 225 degrees.
  • The one or more pads may include a third pad in a third pad region on the first board surface and/or on the second board surface. The third pad region has a third board normal. The first board normal and the third board normal may be parallel. The first board normal and the third board normal may form an angle less than 45 degrees or in the range from 135 degrees to 225 degrees.
  • The electrical assembly comprises a flexible printed circuit board, also denoted flexible carrier. The flexible printed circuit board may have a thickness in the range from 5 µm to 1,000 µm. The flexible printed circuit board may be a sheet. In an exemplary electrical assembly, the flexible printed circuit board has a thickness in the range from 12 µm to 600 µm, such as 50 µm, 100 µm, 200 µm, 300 µm, 400 µm, 500 µm or any ranges therebetween. The flexible printed circuit board has a first flexfilm surface and a second flexfilm surface. The flexible printed circuit board comprises one or more antennas including an antenna (first antenna) having a first terminal in a first terminal region on the first flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the first terminal region having a first terminal normal. The antenna (first antenna) may have a second terminal in a second terminal region on the first flexfilm surface and/or on the second flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the second terminal region having a second terminal normal. The first terminal region may be at least partly arranged in a first tab of the flexible printed circuit board. The second terminal region may be at least partly arranged in a second tab of the flexible printed circuit board.
  • The flexible printed circuit board may comprise a second antenna having a first terminal in a second terminal region on the first flexfilm surface or a second flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the second terminal region having a second terminal normal.
  • The electrical assembly comprises electrically conducting material connecting a pad of the printed circuit board and a terminal of an antenna of the flexible printed circuit board. The electrically conducting material may be solder material such as a solder alloy, e.g. comprising one or more of zinc, tin, silver, copper and lead.
  • For example, the electrical assembly may comprise first electrically conductive material connecting the first pad and the first terminal. The first terminal normal and the first board normal may form a first angle in the range from 30° to 150°. The first angle formed by the first terminal normal and the first board normal may be in the range from 45° to 135°. In one or more exemplary electrical assemblies, the first angle formed by the first terminal normal and the first board normal may be in the range from 80° to 100°. Thereby, the required surface area for pads is reduced, which ultimately may lead to simpler routing on the printed circuit board and/or smaller printed circuit board.
  • The electrical assembly may comprise second electrically conductive material connecting the second pad and the second terminal. The second terminal normal and the second board normal may form a second angle in the range from 30° to 150°. The second angle formed by the second terminal normal and the second board normal may be in the range from 45° to 135°. In one or more exemplary electrical assemblies, the second angle formed by the second terminal normal and the second board normal may be in the range from 80° to 100°. Thereby, the required surface area for pads is reduced, which ultimately may lead to simpler routing on the printed circuit board and/or smaller printed circuit board.
  • The electrical assembly may comprise one or more electrical components, such as a first electrical component and/or a second electrical component. The electrial component(s) may respectively be mounted on the first board surface or on the second board surface.
  • The first electrical component may be a radio transceiver connected to the first pad, e.g. via a balun element or other (antenna) matching element/circuit. The radio transceiver may be configured for 2.4 GHz communication. The electrical assembly may comprise an antenna matching element, such as a balun element. The printed circuit board may comprise a first conductor to form an electrical connection between the first pad and a first terminal of the first electrical component (radio transceiver) or to form an electrical connection between the first pad and an antenna matching element. The printed circuit board may comprise a second conductor to form an electrical connection between the second pad and a second terminal of the first electrical component (radio transceiver) or to form an electrical connection between the second pad and an antenna matching element.
  • The electrical assembly may comprise a second electrical component, such as a processing unit, such as a hearing aid processor.
  • The electrical assembly may comprise a third electrical component, such as a microphone.
  • The printed circuit board has an edge and the printed circuit board may have one or more indentations in the edge. The printed circuit board may have a first indentation in a first edge part of the printed circuit board. The first indentation may accommodate at least a part of the first terminal. By arranging a part of the first terminal - and thus also a part of the flexible printed circuit board within a first indentation, the mechanical stress on the flexible printed circuit board, e.g. from shell parts or other hearing aid components, is reduced or avoided.
  • The printed circuit board may have a second indentation in a second edge part of the printed circuit board. The second indentation may accommodate at least a part of the second terminal. By arranging a part of the second terminal - and thus also a part of the flexible printed circuit board within a second indentation, the mechanical stress on the flexible printed circuit board, e.g. from shell parts or other hearing aid components, is reduced or avoided.
  • Arranging parts of the flexible printed circuit board within indentation(s) of the printed circuit board may reduce the risk of production errors, e.g. the risk of breaking the electrical assembly during hearing aid manufacture may be reduced.
  • An indentation, such as the first indentation and/or the second indentation, may have a maximum depth of at least 0.5 mm, such as about 1 mm. An indentation, such as the first indentation and/or the second indentation, may have a width of at least 1.0 mm, such as in the range from 2 mm to 8 mm.
  • The first electrically conductive material may connect at least a part of the first flexfilm surface to an edge part, e.g. a first edge part, of the printed circuit board. Connecting electrically conductive material to an edge part increases the strength of the mechanical connection between the printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit board.
  • The flexible printed circuit board may have a third terminal, e.g. of first antenna or second antenna, in a third terminal region on the first flexfilm surface or on the second flexfilm surface, the third terminal region having a third terminal normal. The electrical assembly may comprise third electrically conducting material connecting the third pad and the third terminal. The third terminal normal and the third board normal may form a third angle in the range from 30° to 150°. A plurality of terminals on the flexible printed board enables more complex antenna types and/or configuration of antenna properties. The printed circuit board may have a third indentation in a third edge part of the printed circuit board. The third indentation may accommodate at least a part of the third terminal.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary electrical assembly 2 of a hearing aid. The electrical assembly 2 comprises a printed circuit board 4 having an edge 6, a first board surface 8 and a second board surface (not visible on Fig. 1). The printed circuit board 4 has a first pad 12 in a first pad region on the first board surface 8, the first pad region having a first board normal. The electrical assembly 2 comprises a first electrical component 16 mounted on the first board surface 8. The first electrical component 16 may in another exemplary hearing aid be mounted on the second board surface. The first electrical component 16, in Fig. 1 being a radio transceiver, is electrically connected to the first pad 12 by a first conductor, e.g. via a balun element (not shown). The electrical assembly 2 comprises a second electrical component 17 in the form of a hearing aid processor configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user. The second electrical component (hearing aid processor) 17 is mounted on the first board surface 8 and is connected to the first electrical component 16 (radio transceiver) via one or more conductors (not shown) in the printed circuit board. The electrical assembly 2 optionally comprises a third electrical component 17A in the form of a microphone or microphone assembly. The third electrical component (microphone) 17A is mounted on the first board surface 8 and is connected to the second electrical component 17 (hearing aid processor) via one or more conductors (not shown) in the printed circuit board 4, 4A.
  • The electrical assembly 2 comprises a flexible printed circuit board 18 comprising an antenna having a first terminal in a first terminal region on a first flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the first terminal region having a first terminal normal. The electrical assembly 2 comprises first electrically conductive material 30 connecting the first pad 12 and the first terminal. The first terminal normal and the first board normal forms a first angle of 90°±5°. The printed circuit board 4, 4A has a first indentation 31 in a first edge part of the printed circuit board. The first indentation 31 accommodating at least a part of the first terminal arranged in a first tab 33 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-section of the electrical assembly of Fig. 1 taken along dotted line A. The flexible printed circuit board 18 comprises an antenna 24 having a first terminal 26 in a first terminal region on a first flexfilm surface 20 of the flexible printed circuit board 18. The first terminal region has a first terminal normal 32. The first electrically conductive material 30 connects the first pad 12 and the first terminal 26 such that the first terminal normal 32 and the first board normal 14 forms a first angle α1 of 90°±5°.
  • Fig. 3 shows a more detailed view of the electrical assembly 2 in Fig. 2. The first pad 12 extends on the first board surface 8. The printed circuit board 4 comprises a first conductor 34 connecting the first pad 12 and a pad connectable to a first terminal of an electrical component, e.g. first electrical component 16, mounted on the printed circuit board 4.
  • Fig. 4 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical assembly 2A. The first pad 12 extends on the first board surface 8 and on the edge 6 of the printed circuit board. A first pad extending on the edge may reduce the required first pad area on the first board surface 8, in turn further enabling reduced size of the printed circuit board 4A. The printed circuit board 4A comprises a first conductor 34 connecting the first pad 12 and a pad connectable to a first terminal of an electrical component, e.g. first electrical component 16, mounted on the printed circuit board 4.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary electrical assembly 102 of a hearing aid. The electrical assembly 102 comprises a printed circuit board 4B having an edge 6, a first board surface 8 and a second board surface (not visible on Fig. 5). The printed circuit board 4B has a first pad 12 in a first pad region on the first board surface 8, the first pad region having a first board normal. The electrical assembly 102 comprises a first electrical component 16 mounted on the first board surface 8. The first electrical component 16 may in another exemplary hearing aid be mounted on the second board surface. The first electrical component 16, in Fig. 5 being a radio transceiver, is electrically connected to the first pad 12 by a first conductor, e.g. via a balun element (not shown). The electrical assembly 102 comprises a second electrical component 17 in the form of a hearing aid processor configured to compensate for hearing loss of a user. The second electrical component (hearing aid processor) 17 is mounted on the first board surface 8 and is connected to the first electrical component 16 (radio transceiver) via one or more conductors (not shown) in the printed circuit board 4B. The electrical assembly 102 optionally comprises a third electrical component 17A in the form of a microphone or microphone assembly. The third electrical component (microphone) 17A is mounted on the first board surface 8 and is connected to the second electrical component 17 (hearing aid processor) via one or more conductors (not shown) in the printed circuit board 4B.
  • The electrical assembly 102 comprises a flexible printed circuit board 18 comprising an antenna having a first terminal in a first terminal region on a first flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the first terminal region having a first terminal normal. Further, the antenna has a second terminal in a second terminal region on the first flexfilm surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the second terminal region having a second terminal normal. The electrical assembly 102 comprises first electrically conductive material 30 connecting the first pad 12 and the first terminal. The first terminal normal and the first board normal forms a first angle of 90°±5°. The printed circuit board 102 has a first indentation 31 in a first edge part of the printed circuit board 4B. The first indentation 31 accommodates at least a part of the first terminal arranged in a first tab 33 of the flexible printed circuit board 18.
  • The printed circuit board 4B comprises a second pad 50 in a second pad region on the first board surface 8, the second pad region having a second board normal. The electrical assembly 102 comprises second electrically conductive material 52 connecting the second pad 50 and the second terminal of the antenna. In another exemplary electrical assembly, the flexible printed circuit board comprises a first and second antenna, wherein the second pad is connected to a first terminal of the second antenna. The second terminal normal and the second board normal forms a second angle in the range from 30° to 150°. The printed circuit board 4B has a second indentation 54 in a second edge part of the printed circuit board 4B, the second indentation 54 accommodating at least a part of the second terminal arranged in a second tab 56 of the flexible printed circuit board. The first electrical component 16 is electrically connected to the second pad 50 by a second conductor, e.g. via a balun element (not shown).
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-section of the electrical assembly of Fig. 5 taken along dotted line A. The flexible printed circuit board 18 comprises an antenna 24 having a first terminal 26 in a first terminal region on a first flexfilm surface 20 of the flexible printed circuit board 18. The first terminal region has a first terminal normal 32. The first electrically conductive material 30 connects the first pad 12 and the first terminal 26 such that the first terminal normal 32 and the first board normal 14 forms a first angle α1 of 90°±5°. The antenna 24 has a second terminal 58 in a second terminal region on the first flexfilm surface 20 of the flexible printed circuit board 18. The second terminal region has a second terminal normal 64. The second electrically conductive material 52 connects the second pad 50 and the second terminal 58 such that the second terminal normal 64 and the second board normal 62 forms a second angle α2 of 90°±5°.
  • Fig. 7 shows an exemplary hearing aid 1. The illustrated hearing aid 1 comprises a housing 100 accommodating an electrical assembly as described herein.
  • Fig. 8 shows an exemplary flexible printed circuit board 18. The flexible printed circuit board 18 has a first flexfilm surface 20 and a second flexfilm surface (not shown). During assembly of a hearing aid, the flexible printed circuit board 18 is folded to fit inside the hearing aid housing. The flexible printed circuit board 18 comprises an antenna 24 having a first terminal 26 in a first terminal region 28 arranged in a first tab 33 of the flexible printed circuit board 18. The first tab 33 is configured to be at least partly accomodated in a first indentation of a printed circuit board. The antenna 24 has a second terminal 58 in a second terminal region 60 arranged in a second tab 56 of the flexible printed circuit board 18. The second tab 56 is configured to be at least partly accomodated in a second indentation of a printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board 18 is a sheet having a thickness of about 500 µm.
  • Fig. 9 shows an exemplary flexible printed circuit board 18A. The flexible printed circuit board 18A may be implemented as the flexible printed circuit board 18 in the electrical assembly 102. During assembly of a hearing aid, the flexible printed circuit board 18A is folded to fit inside the hearing aid housing. The flexible printed circuit board 18A has a first flexfilm surface 20 and a second flexfilm surface (not shown). The flexible printed circuit board 18A comprises a first antenna 24 having a first terminal 26 in a first terminal region 28 arranged in a first tab 33 of the flexible printed circuit board 18. The first tab 33 is configured to be at least partly accomodated in a first indentation of a printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board 18A comprises a second antenna 66 having a first terminal 68 in a second terminal region 60 arranged in a second tab 56 of the flexible printed circuit board 18. The second tab 56 is configured to be at least partly accomodated in a second indentation of a printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board 18A is a sheet having a thickness of about 500 µm.
  • Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made, the scope of the claimed invention being only defined by the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
    • LIST OF REFERENCES
    • 1
    hearing aid
    2, 2A, 102
    electrical assembly
    4, 4A, 4B
    printed circuit board
    6
    edge
    8
    first board surface
    10
    second board surface
    12
    first pad
    14
    first board normal
    16
    first electrical component
    17
    second electrical component
    17A
    third electrical component
    18
    flexible printed circuit board
    20
    first flexfilm surface
    22
    second flexfilm surface
    24
    (first) antenna
    26
    first terminal
    28
    first terminal region
    30
    first electrically conductive material
    31
    first indentation
    32
    first terminal normal
    33
    first tab of flexible printed circuit board
    34
    first conductor
    50
    second pad
    52
    second electrically conductive material
    54
    second indentation
    56
    second tab of flexible printed circuit board
    58
    second terminal
    60
    second terminal region
    62
    second board normal
    64
    second terminal normal
    66
    second antenna
    68
    first terminal of second antenna
    α1
    first angle
    α2
    second angle

Claims (9)

  1. A hearing aid (1) comprising an electrical assembly (2, 2A, 102) comprising
    - a printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B) having a first board surface (8) and a second board surface (10), the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B) having a first pad (12) in a first pad region on the first board surface (8), the first pad region having a first board normal (14);
    - a flexible printed circuit board (18) comprising an antenna (24) having a first terminal (26) in a first terminal region (28) on a first flexfilm surface (20) of the flexible printed circuit board (18), the first terminal region (28) having a first terminal normal (32);
    wherein the electrical assembly (2, 2A, 102) comprises first electrically conductive material (30) connecting the first pad (12) and the first terminal (26), and wherein the first terminal normal (32) and the first board normal (14) form a first angle (α1) in the range from 30° to 150°; characterised in that the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B) has a first indentation (31) in a first edge part of the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B), the first indentation (31) accommodating at least a part of the first terminal (26).
  2. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical assembly (2, 2A, 102) comprises an electrical component (16, 17) mounted on the first board surface (8) or on the second board surface (10).
  3. A hearing aid (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first angle (α1) is in the range from 80° to 100°.
  4. A hearing aid (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrically conductive material (30) connects at least a part of the first flexfilm surface (20) to the first edge part of the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B).
  5. A hearing aid (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B) comprises a second pad (50) in a second pad region on the first board surface (8) or on the second board surface (10), the second pad region having a second board normal (62), wherein the flexible printed circuit board (18) has a second terminal (58) in a second terminal region (60) on the first flexfilm surface (20) or on a second flexfilm surface (22) of the flexible printed circuit board (18), the second terminal region (60) having a second terminal normal (64), wherein the electrical assembly (2, 2A, 102) comprises second electrically conductive material (52) connecting the second pad (50) and the second terminal (58), and wherein the second terminal normal (64) and the second board normal (62) forms a second angle (α2) in the range from 30° to 150°.
  6. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 5, wherein the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B) has a second indentation (54) in a second edge part of the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B), the second indentation (54) accommodating at least a part of the second terminal (58).
  7. A hearing aid (1) according to any of the claims 5-6, wherein the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B) comprises a third pad in a third pad region on the first board surface or on the second board surface, the third pad region having a third board normal, wherein the flexible printed circuit board has a third terminal in a third terminal region on the first flexfilm surface or on the second flexfilm surface, the third terminal region having a third terminal normal, wherein the electrical assembly (2, 2A, 102) comprises third electrically conducting material connecting the third pad and the third terminal, and wherein the third terminal normal and the third board normal forms a third angle in the range from 30° to 150°.
  8. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 7, wherein the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B) has a third indentation in a third edge part of the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B), the third indentation accommodating at least a part of the third terminal.
  9. A method for manufacturing an electrical assembly (2, 2A, 102) for a hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, the method comprising:
    - arranging the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B) and the flexible printed circuit board (18) such that the first terminal normal (32) and the first board normal (14) form the first angle (α1) in the range
    from 30° to 150°;
    - connecting the first pad (12) and the first terminal (26) with the first electrically conductive material (30); characterised in that at least a part of the first terminal (26) is arranged in the first indentation (31), the printed circuit board (4, 4A, 4B) having the first indentation (31) in the first edge part.
EP15197184.3A 2015-12-01 2015-12-01 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method Active EP3177039B1 (en)

Priority Applications (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP15197184.3A EP3177039B1 (en) 2015-12-01 2015-12-01 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method
EP21179286.6A EP3902290A1 (en) 2015-12-01 2015-12-01 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method
DK15197184.3T DK3177039T3 (en) 2015-12-01 2015-12-01 HEARING AID WITH A FLEXIBLE CARRIER ANTENNA AND ASSOCIATED PROCEDURE
US14/962,543 US10277996B2 (en) 2015-12-01 2015-12-08 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method
CN202011561124.9A CN112616114A (en) 2015-12-01 2016-12-01 Hearing aid with flexible carrier antenna and related method
CN201680070317.XA CN108293169B (en) 2015-12-01 2016-12-01 Hearing aid with flexible carrier antenna and related method
JP2018528047A JP6875399B2 (en) 2015-12-01 2016-12-01 Hearing aids with flexible board antennas and related methods
PCT/EP2016/079368 WO2017093369A1 (en) 2015-12-01 2016-12-01 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method
US16/294,096 US11026029B2 (en) 2015-12-01 2019-03-06 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP15197184.3A EP3177039B1 (en) 2015-12-01 2015-12-01 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21179286.6A Division-Into EP3902290A1 (en) 2015-12-01 2015-12-01 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method
EP21179286.6A Division EP3902290A1 (en) 2015-12-01 2015-12-01 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3177039A1 EP3177039A1 (en) 2017-06-07
EP3177039B1 true EP3177039B1 (en) 2021-09-29

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Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21179286.6A Pending EP3902290A1 (en) 2015-12-01 2015-12-01 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method
EP15197184.3A Active EP3177039B1 (en) 2015-12-01 2015-12-01 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21179286.6A Pending EP3902290A1 (en) 2015-12-01 2015-12-01 Hearing aid with a flexible carrier antenna and related method

Country Status (2)

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EP (2) EP3902290A1 (en)
DK (1) DK3177039T3 (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3616773A1 (en) 1986-05-17 1987-11-19 Bosch Gmbh Robert Hearing aid
EP1681903A2 (en) 2006-03-30 2006-07-19 Phonak AG Wireless audio signal receiver device for a hearing instrument
EP2229009A1 (en) 2009-03-09 2010-09-15 Oticon A/S Hearing aid
WO2011137099A1 (en) 2010-04-26 2011-11-03 Tyco Electronics Services Gmbh Pcb antenna layout
EP2680366A1 (en) 2012-06-25 2014-01-01 GN Resound A/S Antenna system for a wearable computing device
US20150036854A1 (en) 2013-05-01 2015-02-05 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Hearing assistance device with balanced feed-line for antenna
EP2849282A1 (en) 2013-08-16 2015-03-18 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Embedded tuning capacitance for hearing assistance device flex antenna
WO2015127972A1 (en) 2014-02-27 2015-09-03 Sonova Ag Hearing instrument comprising an rf antenna

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3616773A1 (en) 1986-05-17 1987-11-19 Bosch Gmbh Robert Hearing aid
EP1681903A2 (en) 2006-03-30 2006-07-19 Phonak AG Wireless audio signal receiver device for a hearing instrument
EP2229009A1 (en) 2009-03-09 2010-09-15 Oticon A/S Hearing aid
WO2011137099A1 (en) 2010-04-26 2011-11-03 Tyco Electronics Services Gmbh Pcb antenna layout
EP2680366A1 (en) 2012-06-25 2014-01-01 GN Resound A/S Antenna system for a wearable computing device
US20150036854A1 (en) 2013-05-01 2015-02-05 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Hearing assistance device with balanced feed-line for antenna
EP2849282A1 (en) 2013-08-16 2015-03-18 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Embedded tuning capacitance for hearing assistance device flex antenna
WO2015127972A1 (en) 2014-02-27 2015-09-03 Sonova Ag Hearing instrument comprising an rf antenna

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3177039A1 (en) 2017-06-07
DK3177039T3 (en) 2021-12-13
EP3902290A1 (en) 2021-10-27

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