EP3427339B1 - Antenna - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an antenna for wireless radio communication. The antenna is in particular part of a hearing aid. The invention also relates to a method for producing an antenna and a hearing aid with an antenna. The hearing aid is preferably a hearing aid.

People who suffer from hearing impairment usually use a hearing aid. Ambient sound is usually recorded using an electromechanical sound transducer. The recorded electrical signals are processed by means of an amplifier circuit and introduced into the ear canal of the person by means of a further electromechanical transducer. Different types of hearing aid devices are known. The so-called "behind-the-ear devices" are worn between the skull and the auricle. The introduction of the amplified sound signal into the ear canal takes place here by means of a sound tube. Another common embodiment of a hearing aid device is an "in-the-ear device" in which the hearing aid device itself is inserted into the auditory canal. The auditory canal is consequently at least partially closed by means of this hearing aid device, so that apart from the sound signals generated by means of the hearing aid device, no further sound can penetrate the auditory canal - or only to a greatly reduced extent.

If the person suffers from impairment of the hearing ability in both ears, a hearing aid system with two such hearing aid devices is used. Here, one of the hearing aid devices is assigned to each of the ears. In order to enable the person to hear three-dimensionally, it is necessary that the audio signals recorded with one of the hearing aid devices are transmitted to the other hearing aid device to provide. In this case, the person's head acts as a damping device for high-frequency transmissions, which is why the transmission rate between the hearing aid devices is limited. In addition, because of the limited energy storage of the hearing aid devices, a transmission power is limited.

Out WO 2004/066438 A1 an antenna core is known which is formed as a laminate with or without an intermediate layer of insulating layers.

EP 2 009 518 A1 Fig. 13 shows a radio wave receiving apparatus having an antenna formed by a columnar magnetic core and a winding of a coil portion around the magnetic core. The antenna has a flat plate extension portion extending from one end portion of the magnetic core.

In EP 1 906 270 A2 discloses a timepiece having a motor and an antenna device comprising a magnetic core having a pair of ends and a coil wound around the magnetic core between the pair of ends.

Out DE 11 2004 000520 T5 an antenna is known which comprises a first antenna element including a tubular part and a second antenna element whose first end is opened. The antenna further comprises a wire-shaped element which is arranged along the tubular part of the first antenna element, which is insulated from the tubular part of the first antenna element.

US 2006/109071 A1 shows a circuit board with a magnetic component integrated therein.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable antenna for wireless radio communication and a particularly suitable method for producing an antenna as well as a particularly suitable hearing aid with an antenna, in particular improving the transmission and reception quality is, and wherein an energy requirement and / or a space requirement is preferably reduced.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the antenna by the features of claim 1 and with regard to the method by the features of claim 15 and with regard to the hearing aid by the features of claim 16. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject of the respective subclaims.

The antenna is suitable, in particular provided and / or set up, to be used in wireless radio communication. In other words, the antenna is used for wireless radio communication. The antenna is suitably part of a hearing aid. For example, the hearing aid is headphones or comprises headphones. However, the hearing aid is particularly preferably a hearing aid. The hearing aid is used to support a person suffering from a hearing loss. In other words, the hearing aid device is a medical device, by means of which, for example, a partial hearing loss is compensated for. The hearing aid device is, for example, a "receiver-in-the-canal" hearing aid device (RIC; Ex-Hörer- hearing aid device), an in-the-ear hearing aid device, such as an "in-the-ear" hearing aid device, an "in-the -canal "hearing aid (ITC) or a" complete-in-canal "hearing aid (CIC), hearing glasses, a pocket hearing aid, a bone conduction hearing aid or an implant. The hearing aid device is particularly preferably a behind-the-ear hearing aid device ("behind-the-ear" hearing aid device) that is worn behind an auricle.

The antenna has a coil core extending along a longitudinal direction. The coil core has a number of turns which are made of an electrically conductive material, for example copper-nickel, aluminum or copper. The turns are made in particular from an enamelled wire, such as an enamelled copper wire or a copper-nickel enamelled wire. Here, the windings surround the coil core, for example, on the circumference along the full extent in the longitudinal direction. Particularly preferably, however, the coil core stands at least on one side with respect to the turns in the longitudinal direction, preferably on both sides over. For example, the number of turns is between 2 turns and 200 turns, between 10 turns and 150 turns, between 20 turns and 100 turns, between 40 turns and 80 turns and, for example, essentially equal to 60 turns, with, for example, deviations from 5 turns, 2 turns or there is no turn. The turns expediently run essentially in planes that are parallel to one another and that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and / or all of the turns are preferably molded onto one another. In other words, the turns, in particular, are made in one piece from a component, preferably from a wire such as the enamelled wire. The windings are suitably electrically contacted with electronics.

The antenna furthermore has a flat first screen which is arranged on an end face of the coil core, the end face in particular forming a delimitation of the coil core in the longitudinal direction. The first screen extends essentially in one plane, in particular along a spatial direction. The first screen thus extends at least along a surface whose curvature is comparatively small or 0 (zero). At least the main extent of the first screen in one, preferably two directions, is greater than in a further spatial direction, in particular by at least twice, preferably five times or more than ten or twenty times. The directions are expediently perpendicular to one another. The surface of the first screen is preferably designed to be smooth.

The first screen is located on the end face of the coil core and is thus offset in the longitudinal direction with respect to the coil core. Suitably, when projected onto the first screen, the end face is completely or at least partially surrounded by the first screen in the longitudinal direction and is consequently imaged by the latter. In other words, a projection of the coil core in the longitudinal direction is at least partially, preferably completely covered by the first screen. The shape of the first screen is, for example, round, rectangular or otherwise configured. The first screen is angled to the longitudinal direction of the coil core. In other words, includes the level within which the screen is arranged at an angle to the longitudinal direction that is different from zero (0). In other words, the plane is not parallel to the longitudinal direction. The first screen is made of a ferrimagnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. For example, the first screen is made of the same material as the coil core.

Due to the first screen, the transmission and reception quality of the antenna is improved, since in the case of inductive transmission with the same volume of the antenna, the ratio of the length of the antenna to its diameter determines the performance and thus the quality of the antenna. Due to the first screen, the length of the antenna is increased, the diameter which is surrounded by the windings not being increased. Because of the first screen, the magnetic field lines are directed in such a way that they enclose an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the magnetic field feedback is changed due to the first screen. However, this effect is comparatively weak compared to the increase in quality due to the extension of the magnetic field lines in the ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material of the first screen. Here, due to the angling of the first screen with respect to the longitudinal direction, a space requirement in the longitudinal direction is reduced, so that a comparatively compact antenna is provided, which can thus also be used in a hearing aid.

If the antenna is used in a hearing aid, audio signals and / or setting data are preferably transmitted, for example between two hearing aids, each of which has such an antenna. Alternatively, for example, audio data and / or setting data are transmitted between a remote control and the hearing aid which has the antenna. Due to the improved quality, it is not necessary to operate the antenna with a comparatively large power, which is why the energy requirement is reduced. In particular, the antenna is operated with a power between 100 µW and 100 mW. The effective antenna area is preferably between 500 mm ² and 6,000 mm ² , and the inductance is preferably between 10 μH and 150 μH.

In particular, the antenna is used for inductive radio communication. The frequency range is preferably between 1 kHz and 300 MHz, and particularly preferably between 100 kHz and 30 MHz. For example, the frequency range is between 2 MHz and 5 MHz and is, for example, 3.2 MHz. In relation to a wavelength λ selected for radio communication, the first screen preferably has a length of λ / 4, material parameters such as a permittivity ε and / or a permeability μ _r being expediently taken into account. For example, the antenna is also used for inductive energy transmission or for energy transmission that uses radio waves. In other words, energy is transmitted by means of the antenna, which energy is used, for example, to charge an energy store. This use occurs in particular when the antenna is part of the hearing aid.

For example, the first screen is arranged at a distance of less than 300 μm, in particular less than 100 μm or preferably less than 30 μm, from the end face of the coil core. The distance here is, for example, greater than 10 μm or 50 μm. Particularly preferably, however, the first screen rests against the coil core without a gap. In particular, the first screen is in electrical contact with the coil core. Due to the comparatively small distance, in particular due to the lack of a distance in the gap-free system, the formation of the magnetic field lines is further improved, which is why the quality of the antenna and thus its quality is improved. In addition, the energy requirement is reduced. For example, the first screen is materially connected to the coil core, in particular by means of gluing or soldering. Alternatively, fastening means such as clips or the like are used. In this way, assembly is simplified, and space requirements are further reduced.

For example, the first screen is mortised to the end face of the coil core. In other words, either the first screen or the end face of the coil core has a pin, which in a corresponding exception of the Front face or the first screen rests / engages. In this way, the first screen is prevented from shifting with respect to the coil core, which increases robustness. The coil core preferably comprises the pin and thus engages in a corresponding recess in the first screen. The peg is suitably reduced in cross section, in particular with regard to the cross section of the coil core in the area of the turns. In other words, the coil core is designed step-like in the area of the end face, the height of the step preferably essentially corresponding to the thickness of the first screen. The size of the recess of the first screen expediently corresponds to the reduced cross section of the coil core and is expediently smaller than the cross section of the coil core with the exception of the pin. As a result, excessive insertion of the coil core into the exception of the first screen is avoided, which further simplifies assembly and increases robustness. In a further alternative, the first screen is placed essentially bluntly on the end face of the coil core or at least arranged there. In other words, the first screen and the coil core do not have any components which correspond to one another and which, for example, interlock. Production of the first screen and the coil core is thus simplified.

For example, the screen has a thickness between 0.05 mm and 0.7 mm. Here, the thickness in particular denotes an extension of the first screen perpendicular to the plane within which the flat first screen extends and / or which is parallel to the longitudinal direction. For example, the thickness is between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm and preferably equal to 0.2 mm. The first screen is particularly preferably provided by means of a film and is thus film-like. The first screen is expediently designed to be flexible, in particular elastically deformable, which simplifies installation of the antenna, in particular in a hearing aid. If the first screen is created using a film, production is also simplified.

The screen is preferably angled to the longitudinal direction, that is to say to the longitudinal direction of the coil core, at an angle between 45 ° and 135 °. With others In other words, the longitudinal direction and the plane within which the flat first screen extends an angle between 45 ° and 135 °. The angle is particularly preferably between 60 ° and 120 ° and suitably between 80 ° and 100 °. For example, the first screen is arranged essentially at right angles, that is to say at an angle of 90 °, to the longitudinal direction, with a deviation of up to 10 °, 5 °, 2 ° or 0 °, for example. In other words, the antenna is essentially L-shaped, at least in sections. Due to the comparatively large angle, the space requirement of the antenna in the longitudinal direction is comparatively small and is essentially only given due to the expansion of the coil core. The antenna can thus also be arranged in a confined space, as is the case, for example, with a hearing aid. In addition, parts of the antenna can be arranged in areas that would otherwise not be usable.

The material of the first screen preferably has an electrical conductivity that is less than 10 ⁶ S / m (Siemens per meter). The electrical conductivity, σ, is preferably less than 100 S / m and, for example, between 1 S / m and 50 S / m, between 5 S / m and 20 S / m and essentially equal to 10 S / m, with a deviation, for example of 5 S / m, 2 S / m, 1 S / m or 0 S / m is present. Because of the comparatively low electrical conductivity, the formation of eddy currents in the first screen is reduced, which reduces the power loss. Alternatively or in combination with this, the magnetic permeability, μ _r , of the first screen, which is a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material, is greater than 5. The magnetic permeability is greater than 200, and particularly preferably greater than 500 or 1,000. In this way, the formation of the magnetic field line by means of the first screen is comparatively efficient. The electrical conductivity is expediently less than 10 ⁶ S / m and the magnetic permeability greater than 5, and the material of the first screen suitably has an electrical conductivity of essentially 10 S / m and a magnetic permeability greater than 200. For example, the material of the first screen comprises a ferrite, that is to say in particular an oxidized iron, and for example MnZn ferrite. The material of the first screen, but at least the ferrite, is suitably a foil or at least forms a foil. In other words the ferrite is in foil form. This is also applied to a further component of the first screen, for example, or the first screen is formed by means of such a film.

The antenna has a first layer which is arranged on the underside of the first screen facing the coil core. In particular, the first layer is arranged essentially in the same plane or a plane parallel thereto as the first screen. The first layer is expediently attached to the underside. The first layer is made of a material with a magnetic permeability of μ _r less than 100. In particular, the permeability is less than or equal to 10 or less than or equal to 2. The material of the first layer is therefore different from that of the first screen. The first layer is in particular arranged in sections on the underside of the first screen or is arranged over the entire surface of this. Here, the first layer is particularly preferably cut out in the area of a projection of the end face of the coil core onto the first screen in the longitudinal direction. At least the area of the projection of the front side in the longitudinal direction onto the first screen is free of the first layer, regardless of the size of the first layer. In other words, the first layer is cut out at least there. For example, the circumferential extent of the first layer is essentially the same as the circumferential extent of the first screen. Alternatively, the first screen overlaps the first layer at the edge or vice versa.

Due to the first layer, the spreading of the magnetic field lines from the underside of the first screen in the direction of the coil core is reduced, which essentially prevents the return of the magnetic field, which is why an antenna efficiency is increased and thus an energy requirement is reduced. In addition, a shield is provided due to the first layer, so that any electrical and / or electronic components arranged on the underside of the first shield are not disturbed or only disturbed to a small extent due to the magnetic fields. Such components also do not interfere with a signal-to-noise ratio of the antenna during operation or only to a comparatively small extent. In particular, due to the first layer, any magnetic fields are shielded, which are caused, for example, due to an electrical conductor through which current flows, such as a conductor track of a printed circuit board, which is arranged between the underside and the coil core, so that this contributes comparatively little to interference with the antenna.

For example, the material of the first layer is a paramagnetic material and thus has a permeability greater than 1, ie μ _r > 1. Alternatively, the material is a diamagnetic material and has a permeability between 0 and 1, ie 0 μ _r <1 In this way, spreading of the magnetic field lines away from the underside of the first screen is avoided comparatively efficiently. Alternatively or particularly preferably in combination with this, the electrical conductivity of the material of the first layer is greater than 10 ⁶ S / m (Siemens per meter) and particularly preferably greater than 10 ⁷ S / m. The permeability of the first screen is preferably greater than the permeability of the first layer and the electrical conductivity of the material of the first layer is greater than the electrical conductivity of the first screen. As a result, eddy currents are essentially only generated in the first layer; whereas the magnetic field lines are forced into the first screen and thus essentially run there. Because of this, the antenna's sensitivity is increased. The quality of the antenna is also comparatively high if a metallic, additional component, in particular of the hearing aid, e.g. an electromechanical sound transducer (microphone), is arranged in the area of the underside, since there are essentially no eddy currents in the first screen and thus no eddy current losses arise.

The material of the first layer is expediently an aluminum or a copper, for example pure aluminum or pure copper, or an aluminum or copper alloy. In an alternative, the first layer is made of a low-permeability iron, a cobalt, a nickel or a low-permeability stainless steel or comprises this, for example MAGNADUR 3952, which has a permeability of 1.02. In a further alternative, the material is an alloy that includes, for example, copper, aluminum, low-permeability iron, low-permeability stainless steel, cobalt or nickel. Is particularly preferred the first layer made of a diamagnetic copper or a paramagnetic aluminum. These two materials meet the requirements and are comparatively inexpensive, which is why manufacturing costs are reduced.

The first layer is particularly preferably applied at a distance of less than 500 μm and preferably less than 100 μm and suitably at a distance of less than 50 μm on the underside of the first screen, the distance being greater than 10 μm or 20 μm, for example is. The first layer is particularly preferably attached to the underside of the first screen without any gaps. For example, the first layer is in electrical contact with the first screen. Because of the comparatively small distance, the propagation of the eddy currents within the first layer is improved, with the magnetic field lines predominantly running in the first screen. For example, the first layer is glued or vapor-deposited onto the first screen. In this way, production is further simplified. Alternatively, the first layer is materially connected to the first screen, for example by means of gluing or by means of metallization.

The thickness of the first layer is preferably between 5 μm and 0.7 mm, in particular between 15 μm and 150 μm, expediently between 30 μm and 100 μm or between 0.05 mm and 0.7 mm, the thickness expediently perpendicular to the main direction of propagation and / or is determined perpendicular to the plane within which the first slice is arranged. In particular, the direction in which the thickness is determined is parallel to the direction in which a thickness of the first screen is determined and / or parallel to the longitudinal direction. The thickness is particularly preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm and, for example, essentially equal to 0.2 mm, with a deviation of 10%, 5%, 2% or 0% in particular. The first layer is particularly preferably designed in the manner of a film and is expediently a film. For example, the first layer is designed to be elastically bendable and flexible. Due to the comparatively small dimensions, the space requirement is low, which is why assembly of the antenna is simplified. The first layer is particularly preferably made from a diamagnetic copper foil or a paramagnetic aluminum foil.

In particular, the first layer is used for electromagnetic radio communication. In other words, the antenna has two antenna systems, one (first antenna system) being at least partially formed by means of the windings. The remaining antenna system (second antenna system) is at least partially formed by means of the first layer. The frequency range of the second antenna system is expediently between 800 MHz and 50 GHz and, for example, between 1 GHz and 30 GHz. The length of the first layer in relation to the wavelength selected for radio communication, that is to say, for example, 3 GHz, preferably has a length of λ / 4, that is to say essentially between 2 and 2.5 cm. The length of the first screen is suitably essentially at least the same. In particular, a so-called patch antenna is partially formed by means of the first layer, that is to say in particular a flat monopole.

For example, the length of the coil core in the longitudinal direction is between 2.0 mm and 8.0 mm, preferably between 3.0 mm and 7.0 mm and particularly preferably between 3.5 mm and 5.5 mm. In this way, a comparatively compact antenna is created which can also be arranged in a hearing aid. Here, the longitudinal direction is, for example, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a viewing direction of the wearer of the hearing aid. For example, the coil core is designed to be hollow. In other words, the coil core is hollow-cylindrical, the recess running essentially in the longitudinal direction. The coil core is particularly preferably made from a soft magnetic material, such as a soft magnetic ferrite, and preferably consists of this. In particular, the coil core has a bevel which expediently runs in the longitudinal direction. The bevel makes it possible to influence the coupling of magnetic field lines into the coil core and thus to determine a preferred direction of the antenna.

The coil core is suitably cylindrical, a cross section of the coil core perpendicular to the longitudinal direction being, for example, round. In particular, the cross section is completely or partially by means of the coil core filled in so that either a hollow cylindrical or a fully cylindrical bobbin is provided. The diameter of the circle is for example between 0.05 mm and 3.0 mm and suitably between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm. For example, the diameter is between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm. Due to the round cross section, damage to the windings during assembly is essentially excluded, with a comparatively compact coil core being provided due to the diameter, which is why the space requirement is reduced. In addition, because of the small diameter, the ratio of the length of the antenna to the diameter is comparatively large, which is why the quality of the antenna is improved for a given volume of the antenna.

In one alternative, the coil core has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the coil core is thus essentially cuboid. Here, one side of the cross-section expediently has a length between 0.05 mm and 3.0 mm, for example between 0.05 mm and 2.5 mm, in particular between 0.1 mm and 2.0 mm and preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm. In particular, the height of the cuboid coil core is between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm. Alternatively or in combination with this, the other of the sides has a length between 0.3 mm and 8.0 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 6.0 mm and preferably between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm. In other words, the width of the cuboid coil core is between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm.

Particularly preferably, the antenna has a second screen, which is flat and is preferably made of a ferromagnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. The second screen is arranged on the end face of the coil core facing away from the first screen, and the second screen is angled to the longitudinal direction of the coil core. The second screen is designed to be flat and thus preferably extends essentially in one plane or has only comparatively small deviations from the plane. At least, however, the extension of the second screen in one, preferably two spatial directions, is greater than in a third spatial direction, the spatial directions being arranged perpendicular to one another. In particular, the expansion is double, Five times, ten times or twenty times larger. The projection of the end face in the longitudinal direction is preferably at least partially, preferably completely covered by the second screen. Due to the second screen, the transmission and reception quality of the antenna is improved.

For example, the second screen is structurally identical and / or symmetrical to the first screen, the plane of symmetry expediently running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction between the two screens. The second screen is particularly preferably made from the same material as the first screen. In particular, the angle that the second screen forms with respect to the longitudinal direction is equal to the angle of the first screen, a U-shape preferably being formed by means of the two screens and the coil core. At least, however, the two screens are arranged in a V-shape to one another and expediently not parallel, provided that at least one of the screens is not arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first screen and the second screen suitably extend, starting from the respective end face of the coil core, like wings along the same spatial direction. For example, the second screen is mortised to the coil core and expediently rests against the coil core without any gaps. The thickness of the second screen is preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.7 mm and the permeability is expediently greater than 5, the electrical conductivity being less than 10 ⁶ S / m. In particular, the second screen is designed like a film, and in particular a film.

Particularly preferably, a second layer made of a material with a magnetic permeability of less than 1,000 is also arranged, at least in sections, on the underside of the second screen facing the coil core. In particular, the conductivity of the material of the second layer is greater than 10 ⁶ S / m. The second layer is preferably attached without a gap to the underside of the second screen and / or preferably a film. The second layer is expediently essentially structurally identical to the first layer and suitably made of the same material as the first layer. The arrangement of the second layer with respect to the second screen is preferably essentially a mirror image of the arrangement of the first layer with respect to the first screen, the plane of symmetry expediently running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction between the two screens. In other words, the second layer is arranged symmetrically to the first layer with respect to a mirror plane running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Thus, a screened space area is created between the two screens by means of the two layers, so that any electrical and / or electronic components and electrical conductors positioned there are not or only comparatively slightly disturbed due to a magnetic field of the antenna. Such components also have a comparatively low interference effect on the antenna, which is why a signal-to-noise ratio is increased.

The first layer and the second layer are particularly preferably electrically connected to one another, in particular by means of a, preferably flat, short-circuit clip. Suitably the connection is arranged outside the turns. A second antenna system is expediently formed by means of the two layers and the connection, or the second antenna system comprises at least the two layers electrically connected to one another. These are preferably used for electromagnetic radio communication. The frequency range is expediently between 800 MHz and 50 GHz, preferably between 1 GHz and 6 GHz and in particular essentially between 2 GHz and 4 GHz and is, for example, 2.4 GHz or 3.2 GHz. Suitably, the or each screen or the or each layer has a length of λ / 4 based on a wavelength λ selected for the respective radio communication, taking into account material sizes, in particular the permittivity ε and / or the permeability μ _r . In the area of the coil core, the antenna preferably comprises a base point for (electrical) connection to ground, in particular to device ground, if the antenna is used in a hearing aid. Suitably, an electrical conductor, by means of which the two layers are in electrical contact with one another (short-circuit clip), is electrically connected to the base point or forms the base point. As a result, it is possible to adapt a resonance of the antenna, which is formed by means of the two screens, and thus adjust the efficiency of the second antenna system.

The first screen and the coil core are preferably designed as a cohesive film structure. For example, the first screen and the coil core are made from two foils that are joined together. Particularly preferably, however, the first screen and the coil core are made from a single film and are therefore integral with one another. The angling of the first screen with respect to the coil core is expediently implemented by means of folding. In other words, the film structure is folded. For example, the antenna has the second screen, which is also part of the film structure and is therefore connected to the first screen and the coil core. The film structure is, for example, a single-layer or multi-layer film, at least one of the layers expediently having a ferromagnetic and / or ferromagnetic material, in particular a metallic ferrite, and preferably consisting of this. For example, this layer is applied to a carrier material or the carrier material is formed by means of the ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic material. The film structure expediently has an electrically conductive area.

Particularly preferably, the antenna has a printed circuit board in the area of the windings which is connected to the coil core, preferably fastened to it. Here, the turns surround the circuit board and the film structure on the circumferential side, so that the circuit board is at least partially wound by means of the turns. Due to the printed circuit board, the coil core is stabilized, which simplifies the winding and thus the application of the windings. The circuit board is, for example, a glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin or a reinforced paper. The circuit board particularly preferably comprises an electrical connection, in particular two electrical connections, at least one of the turns, expediently two of the turns, being in electrical (direct) contact with the electrical connections, for example by means of bonding. In this way, an energization and / or a tapping of an electrical voltage on the windings is simplified and contacting with electronics is simplified.

In summary, in the area of the coil core there is a printed circuit board that supports the windings and carries the electrical connections connected to the windings.

In an alternative to this, the film structure has at least partially, in particular in the area of the coil core, a first layer, a second layer and a third layer. In other words, the film structure is designed with at least three layers. The three layers are stacked on top of one another and expediently attached to one another, for example by means of lamination. As an alternative to this, the layers are applied by means of coating, for example onto one of the layers or another carrier structure. Here, the second layer is arranged between the first layer and the third layer. The coil core is at least partially formed by means of the second layer. In particular, the second layer is made from a soft magnetic (permeable) material, in particular a soft magnetic ferrite, or at least includes this. The turns are preferably formed by means of the first layer and the third layer. Here, the first layer and the third layer particularly preferably have conductor tracks which are connected to one another by means of vias. The film structure preferably comprises one, preferably two, auxiliary layers which are arranged adjacent to the second layer between the first layer and the third layer and which surround the second layer, for example at the edge. The plated through-hole expediently runs in the auxiliary layers. The second layer is thus essentially completely surrounded, which is why damage is prevented. For example, the film structure is designed in three layers only in the area of the coil core. Particularly preferably, the film structure is designed to be completely three-layered, so that the film structure can be separated from a meter or sheet of goods without subsequently requiring comparatively large lamination processes or the like.

The method for producing the antenna provides that, in a first work step, a sheet-like sheet or piece of goods is provided. The sheet or yard goods are designed like films and have, for example, one or more layers. In particular, at least one of the layers or the complete one Sheets or yard goods made from a ferromagnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. In a further work step, the film structure is separated from the sheet or meter goods. For example, the film structure is punched or cut out of the sheet or piece goods, for example by means of laser cutting or a cutter. The film structure is designed in particular essentially L-shaped or U-shaped, the two legs parallel to one another forming the two shields of the antenna, and the central part expediently at least partially the coil core. For example, the turns are then applied to the film structure, in particular in the area that will form the coil core. In particular, the turns are also applied in the area which will form at least part of one of the screens, preferably each screen. The printed circuit board is suitably first attached to the film structure. Alternatively, for example, there is a through-connection between two of the layers of the film structure to form the turns. In a further work step, the first screen, in particular also the second screen, if it is present, is angled with respect to the longitudinal direction of the coil core. In other words, the film structure is angled, in particular kinked, so that the first screen and the coil core or the second screen are provided. For example, a fold is made in the film structure to form the first screen and the coil core.

For example, the hearing aid is headphones or comprises headphones. However, the hearing aid is particularly preferably a hearing aid. The hearing aid is used to support a person suffering from a hearing loss. In other words, the hearing aid device is a medical device, by means of which, for example, a partial hearing loss is compensated for. The hearing aid device is, for example, a "receiver-in-the-canal" hearing aid device (RIC; Ex-Hörer- hearing aid device), an in-the-ear hearing aid device, such as an "in-the-ear" hearing aid device, an "in-the -canal "hearing aid (ITC) or a" complete-in-canal "hearing aid (CIC), hearing glasses, a pocket hearing aid, a bone conduction hearing aid or an implant. The hearing aid device is particularly preferably a behind-the-ear hearing aid device ("Behind-the-Ear" hearing aid) that is worn behind the auricle.

The hearing aid includes an antenna for wireless radio communication. The antenna has a coil core that extends along a longitudinal direction and has a number of turns, as well as a flat first screen made of a ferrimagnetic and / or ferromagnetic material, which is angled to the longitudinal direction of the coil core, and is arranged on an end face of the coil core. The antenna preferably has the first layer, suitably both layers, and electrical and / or electronic components are arranged in a space between the layers made of the diamagnetic or paramagnetic material, which are in particular electromagnetically interfering components, in particular radiating conductor tracks, capacitances and / or a digital signal processor. As a result, installation space is used comparatively efficiently, with the influence of the antenna and the components being reduced due to the two layers. The antenna is suitably used for inductive radio communication, for which the windings are used. The frequency range is expediently between 1 kHz and 300 MHz, preferably between 100 kHz and 30 MHz. In addition, the antenna is used for electromagnetic radio communication, for which the two layers are used in particular, which are preferably electrically contacted with one another by means of the shorting clip. The frequency range here is expediently between 800 MHz and 50 GHz, preferably between 1 GHz and 6 GHz.

The antenna is suitably used, in particular independently of the hearing aid, but particularly preferably as a component of the hearing aid, for inductive radio communication, a frequency range between 1 kHz and 300 MHz, preferably between 100 kHz and 30 MHz, and at the same time being used for electromagnetic radio communication used, the frequency range here being between 800 MHz and 50 GHz, in particular between 1 GHz and 6 GHz. For example, the two radio communications are used simultaneously or successively over time. In other words will at the same time or subsequently transmitted inductively or electromagnetically data by means of the antenna.

The invention also relates to a hearing aid system which comprises, for example, two hearing aids with such an antenna, the two hearing aids being at least temporarily coupled to one another for signaling purposes. Wireless radio communication is preferably used here, by means of which, in particular, data and / or settings are transmitted between the two hearing aids. The data transmission is expediently carried out inductively, and the windings are preferably used for this. Alternatively or in combination with this, the hearing aid system comprises a remote control, which is coupled to at least one of the hearing aids or the hearing aid by means of the wireless radio communication. This expediently involves inductive transmission of data, such as configuration data or audio signals. The hearing aid system preferably comprises a smartphone or can be coupled with a smartphone for signaling purposes. A wireless radio communication with the smartphone is expediently carried out by means of the antenna, using, for example, the possibly present second antenna system, which suitably has at least one layer. In particular, this antenna system is essentially used to receive data, and the frequency range is expediently greater than 1 GHz. Since a comparatively high frequency is used, a comparatively large amount of data can be transmitted in a short time.

For example, the antenna is also used for inductive energy transmission, so that an energy store of the hearing aid can be charged in a specific operating mode by means of the antenna. The antenna thus suitably has three operating modes, the first operating mode including inductive radio communication, the second operating mode including electromagnetic radio communication and the third operating mode including inductive charging. Here, the second operating mode is carried out, for example, at the same time as the first operating mode and / or the third operating mode, whereby the first operating mode and the third operating mode expediently alternate.

The hearing aid system is particularly preferably a hearing aid system. The hearing aid system is used to support a person suffering from impaired hearing. In other words, the hearing aid system is a medical device, by means of which, for example, a partial hearing loss is compensated. The hearing aid system expediently comprises a behind-the-ear hearing aid which is worn behind an auricle, a "receiver-in-the-canal" hearing aid (RIC; Ex-listener hearing aid), an in-the-ear hearing aid, such as an "in-the-ear" hearing aid, an "in-the-canal" hearing aid (ITC) or a "complete-in-canal" hearing aid (CIC), hearing glasses, a pocket hearing aid, a bone conduction hearing aid or but an implant. The hearing aid system is in particular provided and set up to be worn on the human body. In other words, the hearing aid system preferably comprises a holding device, by means of which attachment to the human body is made possible. If the hearing aid system is a hearing aid system, at least one of the hearing aids is provided and set up, for example, to be arranged behind the ear or within an auditory canal. In particular, the hearing aid system is wireless and is provided and set up to be at least partially inserted into an auditory canal. The hearing aid system particularly preferably comprises an energy store, by means of which an energy supply is provided.

The developments and advantages described in connection with the antenna and / or the method can also be applied analogously to the hearing aid / hearing aid system or use, and vice versa.

Fig. 1

schematisch ein Hörgerätesystem mit zwei jeweils eine Antenne umfassenden Hörgeräten,

Fig. 2 - 16

jeweils Ausführungsformen der Antenne,

Fig. 17

ein Verfahren zur Herstellung der Antenne, und

Fig. 18

schematisch eine Bogen- oder Meterware.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Show in it:

Fig. 1

schematically a hearing aid system with two hearing aids each comprising an antenna,

Fig. 2-16

each embodiment of the antenna,

Fig. 17

a method of manufacturing the antenna, and

Fig. 18

schematically a sheet or yard goods.

Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

In Fig. 1 a hearing aid system 2 is shown with two identical hearing aid devices 4, which are provided and set up to be worn behind an ear of a user (wearer). In other words, it is each a behind-the-ear hearing aid device ("behind-the-ear" hearing aid device) which has a sound tube, not shown, which is inserted into the ear. Each hearing aid device 4 comprises a housing 6 which is made of a plastic. A microphone 8 with two electromechanical sound transducers 10 is arranged inside the housing 6. The two electromechanical sound transducers 10 make it possible to change a directional characteristic of the microphone 8 by changing a time offset between the acoustic signals detected by the respective electromechanical sound transducer 10. The two electromechanical sound transducers 10 are signal-technically coupled to a signal processing unit 12 which comprises an amplifier circuit. The signal processing unit 12 is formed by means of circuit elements such as electrical and / or electronic components.

Furthermore, a loudspeaker 14 is signal-technically coupled to the signal processing unit 12, by means of which the audio signals recorded with the microphones 8 and / or processed by the signal processing unit 12 are output as sound signals. These sound signals are passed into the ear of a user of the hearing aid system 2 by means of the sound tube (not shown in detail). The signal processing unit 12, the microphone 8 and the loudspeaker 14 of each hearing aid device 4 are supplied with current by means of a respective battery 16. Each of the hearing aid devices 4 also has an antenna 18, by means of which wireless radio communication 20 is established between the two hearing aids 4. The wireless radio communication 20 is used for exchange of data and is done inductively. The exchange of data makes it possible to convey a spatial hearing feeling to the wearer of the hearing aid system 2. In summary, the hearing aid system 2 is designed binaurally.

In addition, the hearing aid system 2 includes a further device 22, which is, for example, a remote control or a smartphone. This has a communication device, not shown in detail, by means of which a further wireless radio communication 24 with the two antennas 18 of the two hearing aids 4 is established. The wireless radio communication 24 is used to exchange data between the further device 22 and the hearing aid devices 4. In particular, audio signals are transmitted that were recorded by the further device 22. The wireless radio communication 24 is a radio link and thus electromagnetic. In other words, a far field is used for communication.

In Fig. 2 the antenna 18 is shown in more detail in a plan view, which is used in each of the two hearing aids 4. The antenna 18 has a coil core 26 which is made from a soft magnetic material or at least comprises a soft magnetic material, in particular a soft magnetic ferrite. The coil core 26 is cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal axis 28. The coil core 26 thus has a first end face 30 and a second end face 32, which delimit the coil core 26 in a longitudinal direction 34 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 28. The extension of the coil core 26 in the longitudinal direction 34 is between 4 mm and 6 mm and equal to 5 mm. The coil core 26 has a number of turns 36 which form a coil, the coil being located essentially centrally on the coil core 26, so that the two end faces 30, 32 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction 34 from the coil. The turns 36 are molded onto one another and the coil is in one piece. The coil is made of enamelled copper wire and comprises between 50 and 70 such turns 36, which are wound around the coil core 26.

A first screen 38 is bluntly placed on the first end face 30, the first end face 30 being completely covered by the first screen 38. Here, the first screen 38 rests against the coil core 26 without a gap. The first screen 38 is cohesively connected to the coil core 26, in particular glued. In other words, the first screen 38 rests against the coil core 26 without a gap. The first screen 38 is made from a film and has a flat design. In other words, the first screen 38 runs essentially in one plane. The plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34, so that the flat first screen 38 is angled at an angle of 90 ° to the longitudinal direction 34 of the coil core 26. The thickness of the first screen 38, that is to say its extent in the longitudinal direction 34, is essentially equal to 0.2 mm and the first screen is made from a MnZn ferrite film. The material of the first screen 38 thus has an electrical conductivity of essentially 10 S / m and a magnetic permeability μ _R greater than 200. In summary, the first screen 38 is made of a ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic material.

A second screen 40 is bluntly placed on the second end face 32. In other words, the distance between the first screen 38 and the second screen 40 and the coil core 26 in each case is less than 300 μm. The second screen 40 is structurally identical to the first screen 38 and is made of the same material. In other words, the second screen 40 has the same electrical and magnetic properties as the first screen 38. The second screen 40 is arranged symmetrically to the first screen 38, so that when the two screens 38, 40 are projected onto a mirror plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34, the two projections overlap. The second screen 40 is thus arranged parallel to the first screen 38. In summary, the second screen 40 is also made of the ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic material and is angled to the longitudinal direction 34 of the coil core 26. Here, the two screens 38, 40 extend from the respective end face 30, 32 like a wing along one spatial direction.

On the underside 42 of the first screen 38 facing the coil core 26, a first layer 44 is connected to the first screen 38 without a gap, in particular attached and preferably glued. In other words, the first layer 44 is arranged at a distance of less than 500 μm from the first screen 38. The first layer 44 is also designed to be flat and covers the underside 42 of the first screen 38 in an area which is spaced apart from the coil core 26. Here, the first layer 44 is applied flatly on the first screen 38 and has a thickness, that is to say an extension in the longitudinal direction 34, of 0.05 mm. The first layer 44 is made of a paramagnetic aluminum foil and thus has an electrical conductivity of 37.7 · 10 ⁶ S / m, the magnetic permeability being less than 2.

A copper foil, for example, is used as an alternative to aluminum foil. Thus, the material of the first layer 44 is a diamagnetic material. In further alternatives, the first layer 44 has low-permeability iron, low-permeability stainless steel, for example MAGNADUR 3952, cobalt and / or nickel or consists of these. At least, however, the magnetic permeability of the first layer 44 is less than 1,000 and the electrical conductivity is greater than 10 ⁶ S / m, and the material is either para- or diamagnetic.

The antenna 18 also has a second layer 46, which is made from the same material as the first layer 44 and thus has the same magnetic and electrical properties. The second layer 46 is also made from the same film as the first layer 44 and is attached to the second screen 40 in the same way as the first layer 44. The second layer 46 is thus attached to the underside 47 facing the coil core 26 and the first screen 38.

The second layer 46 is arranged symmetrically with respect to a mirror plane, which is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34, to the first layer 44. In other words, the two layers 44, 46 are opposite one another. The first layer 44 and the second layer 46 are in electrical contact with one another by means of a shorting clip 48 which runs along the underside 42 of the first screen 38 and the underside 47 of the second screen 40 and along the coil core 26 in the area that is free of the windings 36 is. The flat designed short-circuit clip 48 spans the turns 36 on the outside, which is why it does not run inside the coil formed by means of the turns 36.

A first antenna system, which is used to establish the inductive wireless radio communication 20, is formed by means of the coil core 26, the windings 36 and the first screen 38 and the second screen 40. In this case, the windings 36 are suitably energized with an alternating current, so that magnetic field lines 50 are formed, of which only two are shown by way of example. These are formed by means of the two screens 38, 40.

A gap 52 is formed between the two layers 44, 46 in which the number of magnetic field lines 50 is reduced due to the material of the two layers 44, 46. A further component 54 or further components which are electromagnetically disruptive, in particular conductor tracks, a capacitance or a digital signal processor, are arranged in the intermediate space 52. In one variant, part of the signal processing unit 12 is located in the space 52. In other words, the further component 54 is part of the signal processing unit 12. The magnetic field lines 50 are forced into the two screens 38, 40 due to the material of the two layers 44, 46 , which increases the transmission and reception quality of the antenna 18. Any eddy currents, however, develop predominantly within the layers 44, 46, and the two screens 38, 40 are essentially free of the eddy currents, which leads to a reduced energy requirement and an increased quality when a further component 54 is present.

By means of the two layers 44, 46 and the short-circuit clip 48, a second antenna system is provided, which is used for electromagnetic wireless radio communication 24. Both radio communications 20, 24 can be operated at the same time. In the inductive wireless radio communication 20, the selected frequency range is between 100 kHz and 30 MHz, and in the electromagnetic wireless radio communication 24 the frequency range between 1 GHz and 6 GHz is used. In another operating mode, the antenna 18, and in particular the turns 36 and the coil core 26, are used for inductive energy transmission and thus for charging the battery 16.

In Fig. 3 a modification of the antenna 18 is shown, wherein, for example, the two layers 44, 46 are omitted. However, these are available in a further alternative, just like the short-circuit bar 48 and the further component 54. The first screen 38 is angled at an angle of 80 ° with respect to the longitudinal direction 34, and the second screen 40 is also at an angle of 80 ° ° angled, with the two screens 38, 40 not being parallel to one another and consequently enclosing an angle of 20 ° to one another. The extent of the antenna 18 is thus increased in the longitudinal direction 34, so that the quality of the antenna 18 is further improved.

In Fig. 4 the antenna 18 is shown in perspective in a further embodiment. The first screen 38 and the second screen 40 are in turn arranged parallel to one another and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34 of the coil former 26, which has an increased number of turns 36. In addition, the first screen 38 and the second screen 40 have a circular cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34, and the coil core 26 also has a round cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34. The coil core 26 has a diameter between 1.0 and 1.5 mm, and the coil core 26 is arranged concentrically to the two screens 38, 40. In other words, the center points of the circular screens 38, 40 lie on the longitudinal axis 28, with respect to which the coil core 26 is rotationally symmetrical. In a further alternative, the coil core 26 is designed to be hollow. The two layers 44, 46 are not shown, but are present in a further alternative. Here, the two layers 44, 46 are designed to be annular and radially slotted so that they are not rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal direction 34. This avoids an excessive formation of eddy currents in the respective layers 44, 46, which would otherwise lead to a deterioration in quality. The length of the coil core 26 in the longitudinal direction 34 is also between 2 mm and 8 mm and, for example, equal to 5 mm.

In Fig. 5 a further embodiment of the antenna 18 is shown. As a modification of the in Fig. 4 The embodiment shown, the cross section of the mutually parallel screens 38, 40 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34 is rectangular or square. The cross section of the coil core 26 is also rectangular, and the coil core 26 is thus cuboid. The expansion of the coil core in the longitudinal direction 34 in the example shown is equal to 4 mm, and one of the sides of the rectangular cross section has a length between 0.05 mm and 3.0 mm or between 0.05 mm and 2.5 mm and the other the sides have a length between 0.3 mm and 8 mm. In particular, the lengths are between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm or between 1 mm and 5 mm.

In Fig. 6 a further embodiment of the antenna 18 is shown, the two screens 38, 40 being configured essentially elliptically. The two screens 38, 40 protrude perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34 in each direction over the coil body 26, and each underside 42, 47 is - with the exception of the direct contact with the coil body 26 and the essentially radial slot - with the layer 44 , 46 provided. As a result, an intermediate space 52 is formed which essentially runs around the coil body 26 and in which a plurality of further components 54 are arranged. The two electromechanical sound transducers 10 as well as parts of the signal processing unit 12 are among the further components 54. In addition, the coil body 26 has a bevel running in the longitudinal direction 34 and not shown, within which an edge of a circuit board of the signal processing unit 12 is arranged, which reduces the installation space efficiently exploits. The antenna 18 is also stabilized in this way.

In Figures 7 and 8 a further embodiment of the antenna 18 is shown in perspective. The coil core 26 is pentagonal in shape, and the first and second screens 38, 40 have an irregular shape. The two screens 38, 40 are parallel to one another and symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34. Furthermore, the antenna has two connections 56, each of which makes electrical contact with one of the turns 36 are. The connections 56 are copper strips and are used to make electrical contact between the antenna 18 and the signal processing unit 12.

In Fig. 9 an embodiment of the antenna 18 is shown partially in a sectional illustration along the longitudinal axis 28. The first screen 38 is placed butt on the coil core 26, the distance in the longitudinal direction 34 being less than 300 μm. The first screen 38 is, however, at a distance from the coil core 26, for example, in particular due to an adhesive layer. In the example shown, the first screen 38 is made of the low-permeability iron. However, a low-permeability stainless steel or some other ferro- or ferrimagnetic material can also be used. In addition, it is possible for the second screen 40 and the two layers 44, 46 to be present, which, however, are not shown, and neither are the windings 36.

In Fig. 10 is a modification of the in Fig. 9 Antenna 18 shown in detail is shown. The first screen 38 has a recess 58 into which the coil core 26 is inserted with the formation of a loose fit. The end face 30 is flush with the surface of the first screen 38 facing away from the underside 42. In other words, the first screen 38 is mortised to the end face 30 of the coil core 26.

In Fig. 11 is another variation of the in Fig. 10 antenna 18 shown. The recess 58, which is concentric to the longitudinal axis 28, is made smaller, and the coil core 26 has a pin 60 with a reduced cross-section at the end facing the end face 30 in the longitudinal direction 34. The cross section of the pin 60 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34 is reduced in comparison to the cross section of the coil core 26, which is spaced apart from the first screen 38. In other words, the coil core 26 has a stepped design in the area of the end face 30. The cross section of the peg 60 corresponds to the recess 58, and the extent of the peg 60 in the longitudinal direction 34 is equal to the thickness of the first screen 38, so that the coil core 34 is fixed to the first screen 38 in a comparatively stable manner.

In Fig. 12 is perspective in a plan view and in Fig. 13 Another embodiment of the antenna 18 is shown in a bottom view. The antenna 18 has a film structure 62 by means of which the coil core 26 and the first screen 38 and the second screen 40 are formed. The film structure 62 made from a ferrite has a single-layer design and is essentially made from a U-shape into which two folds 64 are made so that the two screens 38, 40 are angled to the longitudinal direction 34. In a further alternative, the first screen 38 and the coil core 26 are each provided by means of a separate film, which, however, were mechanically separated from one another and were connected to one another. A printed circuit board 66, which is made of a glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin, is connected to the coil core 36 in the area of the windings 36. The circuit board 66 is U-shaped and is arranged at a distance between the two screens 38, 40. The free ends of the U-shaped circuit board 66 protrude into the space 52, and the turns 36 surround the middle leg of the circuit board 66. The circuit board 66 has the connections 56, which make electrical contact with the coil formed by the turns 36 by means of conductor tracks 68 are. The circuit board 66 is glued in particular to the film structure 62.

The two layers 44, 46 are in electrical contact with one another by means of the short-circuit clip 58, which is also fastened to the circuit board 66 and is routed around the circumference of the turns 36, so that the short-circuit clip 58 runs outside the coil formed by the turns 36. Because of the printed circuit board 66, the coil core 26 is stabilized in the area of the turns 36. In other words, the coil core 26 is not limp in the area, which is why it is easier to attach the windings 36. In addition, due to the U-shape of the printed circuit board 66, which is spaced apart from the two shields 38, 40, the position of the turns 36 is stabilized.

In Fig. 14 one of the hearing aids 4 is shown in perspective without the housing 6 with a further embodiment of the antenna 18, this also being comprised of the film structure 62. The two umbrellas 38, 40 are wing-like and slightly curved, but are nevertheless flat. In Fig. 15 is the embodiment of the antenna shown in a further perspective. The antenna 18 has a ground connection 70, which is in electrical contact with the coil core 26 or the shorting clip 48. By means of the ground connection 70, the coil core 26 or the short-circuit clip 48 is electrically guided to a device ground of the hearing aid 4. The impedance can thus be set, which is why an oscillating circuit formed by means of the antenna 18 can be set to a specific resonance frequency. The ground connection 70 is in electrical contact with the signal processing unit 12, via which the device ground is provided.

In Fig. 16 A further embodiment of the antenna 18 is shown, only the coil core 26 being shown in a sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 34. The coil core 26 and the two screens 38, 40 are designed as the cohesive film structure 62 which, however, is designed in three layers. The film structure 62 thus has a first layer 72, a second layer 74 and a third layer 76, which are essentially flat and stacked on top of one another, the second layer 74 being arranged between the first layer 72 and the third layer 76. The first layer 72 and third layer 76 are congruent, whereas the second layer 74 is designed to be reduced in size and is spaced apart from an edge region of the film structure 62. The edge area is formed by means of two auxiliary layers 78, which are also arranged between the first layer 72 and the third layer 76. The composite of the second layer 74 and the auxiliary layers 78 is congruent with the first layer 72 and the third layer 76. The second layer 74 is thus completely shielded from the surroundings. The first layer 72, the second layer 74, the third layer 76 and the auxiliary layers 78 are attached to one another by means of lamination.

The second layer 74 consists of a magnetically soft ferrite and forms the coil core 26. The first layer 72 has conductor tracks 80 that are electrically insulated from one another and that are applied to an electrically insulating carrier of the first layer 72 and that are spaced from the second layer 74. The conductor tracks 80 of the first layer 72 run transversely to the longitudinal direction 34 and are designed essentially in a straight line. Each conductor 80 of the first layer 72 is at its end by means of vias 82, of which only one is shown, and which extend through the auxiliary layers 78, electrically contacted with conductor tracks of the third layer 76, which run perpendicular or also transversely to the longitudinal direction 34, but in the opposite direction to the conductor tracks 80 of the first layer 72 are inclined. The turns 36 are created by means of the conductor tracks 80 of the first layer 72 and the conductor tracks of the third layer 76 and the plated-through holes 82, and the antenna 18 is also designed to be flexible in the area of the coil core 26. One of the connections 56 is also at least partially formed by means of at least one of the conductor tracks. In a further alternative, the first screen 38 and the coil core 26 are provided by means of a film, which, however, are mechanically separated from one another.

In Fig. 17 A method 84 for producing the antenna 18 having the film structure 62 is shown. In a first work step 86, a sheet-like sheet or piece of goods 88 is provided, which is exemplified in Fig. 18 is shown. The dimensions of the sheet are, for example, greater than 30 cm by 30 cm, or the goods by the meter have a width of at least 10 cm and, for example, a length of over 1 m. The sheet or yard goods 88 are formed by means of a film. In other words, the film is in the form of sheets or yard goods 88. The sheet or yard goods 88 are either single-layer or multi-layer, for example three-layer, this being provided depending on the embodiment of the antenna. For example, the in Fig. 16 Antenna 18 shown, the sheet or yard goods executed in three layers.

In a second work step 90, the film structure 62 is separated from the sheet or meter goods 88 by means of punching. Following this, for example, the printed circuit board 66 is attached to the arched film structure 62 or the through-contacts 82 are created. In particular, the windings 36 are created in the second work step 90, these being suitably electrically contacted with the connections 56. In a subsequent third work step 92, the first screen 38 and the second screen 40, which are each formed by means of the two mutually parallel legs of the U-shaped film structure 62, are connected to the coil core 26 by means of of the connecting leg is formed, angled. The two screens 38, 40 are thus angled to the longitudinal direction 34 of the coil core 28. For this purpose, folds 64 are introduced into the film structure 62, for example.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention defined by the appended claims. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the individual exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways, without departing from the subject matter of the invention defined by the appended claims.

List of reference symbols

2

Hearing aid system

4th

Hearing aid

6th

casing

8th

microphone

10

electromechanical sound transducer

12

Signal processing unit

14th

speaker

16

battery

18th

antenna

20th

wireless radio communication

22nd

another device

24

wireless radio communication

26th

Coil core

28

Longitudinal axis

30th

first face

32

second face

34

Longitudinal direction

36

Twist

38

first screen

40

second screen

42

bottom

44

first layer

46

second layer

47

bottom

48

Shorting bar

50

Magnetic field line

52

Space

54

another component

56

connection

58

Recess

60

Cones

62

Foil structure

64

Fold

66

Circuit board

68

Track

70

Ground connection

72

first position

74

second layer

76

third layer

78

Relief situation

80

First layer track

82

Via

84

Procedure

86

first step

88

Sheets or yard goods

90

second step

92

third step

Claims (16)

1. Antenna (18) for wireless radio communication (20, 24), comprising a coil core (26), said coil core extending along a longitudinal direction (34) and comprising and carrying a number of turns (36), and a planar first shield (38) made of a ferrimagnetic and/or ferromagnetic material and arranged on the end face (30) of the coil core (26), which is angled relative to the longitudinal direction (34) of the coil core (26), wherein the antenna (18) furthermore comprises a first layer (44) of a material having a magnetic permeability of µ_r smaller than 100, which is arranged on the bottom side (42) of the first shield (38) facing the coil core (26), and wherein the material of the first shield (38) has a magnetic permeability of µ_r greater than 200.
2. Antenna (18) according to claim 1,
   wherein the first shield (38) rests against the coil core (26) without a gap.
3. Antenna (18) according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein the first shield (38) is mortised to the end face (30) of the coil core (26), in particular via a pin (60) of the coil core (26) which is reduced in cross-section.
4. Antenna (18) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   wherein the first shield (38) has a thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.7 mm, and/or that the first shield (38) is angled between 45° and 135° with respect to the longitudinal direction (34) of the coil core (26).
5. Antenna (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4,
   wherein the material of the first shield (38) has an electrical conductivity of σ < 10⁶ S/m.
6. Antenna (18) according to one of claims 1 to 5,
   wherein the material of the first layer (44) is a paramagnetic material with a magnetic permeability µ_r > 1 or a diamagnetic material with a magnetic permeability 0 ≤ µ_r < 1 and/or that the electrical conductivity of the material of the first layer (44) is greater than 10⁶ S/m.
7. Antenna (18) according to one of claims 1 to 6,
   wherein the first layer (44) is attached without a gap to the bottom side (42) of the first shield (38), and/or that the first layer (44) is a foil.
8. Antenna (18) according to one of claims 1 to 7,
   wherein the length of the coil core (26) in the longitudinal direction (34) is between 2.0 mm and 8.0 mm.
9. Antenna (18) according to one of claims 1 to 8,
   wherein the coil core (26) has a round cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (34), the diameter being between 0.05 mm and 3.0 mm.
10. Antenna (18) according to one of claims 1 to 8,
    wherein the coil core (26) has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (34), one of the sides having a length between 0.05 mm and 2.5 mm and the other of the sides having a length between 0.3 mm and 8.0 mm.
11. Antenna (18) according to one of claims 1 to 10,
    wherein the antenna (18) furthermore comprises a planar second shield (40), which is arranged on the end face (32) of the coil core (26) facing away from the first shield (38) and which is angled with respect to the longitudinal direction (34) of the coil core (26).
12. Antenna (18) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the first shield (38) and the coil core (26) are formed as a continuous, in particular folded, foil structure (62).
13. Antenna (18) according to claim 12,
    wherein the antenna (18) furthermore comprises a printed circuit board (66), which is connected to the coil core (26) in the region of the turns (36).
14. Antenna (18) according to claim 12,
    wherein the foil structure (62) comprises a first layer (72), a second layer (74) and a third layer (76), which are stacked on top of one another, the coil core (26) being formed by means of the second layer (74) and the turns (36) being formed by means of the first layer (72) and the third layer (76), which have conductor tracks (80) that are connected to one another by means of through-contacts (82).
15. A method (84) of manufacturing an antenna (18) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein

    - a foil-like sheet or metre product (88) is provided,

    - the foil structure (62) is removed from the sheet product, respectively metre product (88), and

    - the first shield (38) is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (34) of the coil core (26).
16. Hearing aid (4) comprising an antenna (18) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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