經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 488180 A7 __ B7 五、發明說明（/ ) [發明背景] 槪括而Η，助聽器（hearing aid)係使用習用之鋅-空 氣鈕扣式電池，因爲該等電池之固有的高能量儲存以及便 利性。鋅-空氣電池係可以數種不同尺寸而供商業利用。所 有該等鋅-空氣電池係均爲狀似薄餅（pancake)者，其直徑 係數倍於高度。最小之鈕扣式電池係用於管內式（in_the_ canal)之助聽器。此形式因數係並非永遠適用於耳朵中所 需之方位，使得此係隨著助聽器之變得愈小而愈增加其重 要性。 一鋅-空氣電池系統係由四個基本元件所組成，即陽極 、陰極、空氣-陰極與電解質（electrolyte)。於·一鋅-空氣 電池系統中，該陰極係於空氣中之氧氣，且該空氣陰極將 促進氧氣與電解質之反應。該電解質係液體，一般而言爲 氫氧化鉀。該氧極係一般爲金屬，諸如鋅。由於該鋅-空氣 電池係暴露於空氣以供活化，該系統之電解質係因蒸發而 耗盡。雖然可經控制該蒸發以提供所需之受限壽命，該電 池係必須於儲存期間作密封。使用習用之助聽器電池，具 有壓力靈敏之黏著劑的一金屬箔係施加於電池中之小孔上 ，以防止空氣之進入。當欲使用電池時，該箔係移除以允 許空氣之進入電池中，且該反應係開始。 助聽器係已經製作得更小，以提供耳內式且完全於管 中之助聽器。助聽器若係愈小，電池則係必須愈小。因爲 係使用小尺寸之電池於助聽器，當電池用完時係難於且受 挫於更換電池。小型電池係難以掌握，尤其是對於年長者 3 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） — — — — — — — — — — II — — — — — — II ·11111111 I AW — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1. (請先閱讀背面之注音？事項再填寫本頁) 488180 A7 B7 ---------- 五、發明說明o) ’其係助聽器之大多數的使用者。 爲了克服必須更換助聽器中的電池之問壞，彳系已，經硏 發出一種拋棄式（disposable)助聽器。拋棄式助聽器係一 種製造成本不昂貴之結構，俾使當電池用完時彳系可單單更 換整個助聽器而非僅是更換電池。因此，一抛棄式助聽器 之壽命係視電池壽命而定。電池壽命愈長，則愈不須經常 更換助聽器，且拋棄式助聽器之使用係愈不昂貴。是以， 將係令人滿意的是，使得用於一拋棄式助聽器之電池具有 較長之壽命。 [發明槪論] 本發明係關於一種電子電路與電池組件，且尤指其使 用於諸如助聽器之裝置的一種電池，且其係用於該裝置之 電子電路的整體構件。 本發明係針對一種電子電路組件，其包括具有一電子 電路於其內之一封閉殼體。該殻體係塡充以一電解質/陽極 溶液。該殻體之一端係包括一空氣-陰極/分離器組件。一 電氣接點係於該殼體中，且接觸於該電解質/陽極溶液。該 電解質/陽極溶液以及空氣-陰極/分離器組件係一起構成一 電池，其係連接至該電子電路並且操作該電子電路。 本發明係亦針對一種助聽器，其包括具有相對端之一 封閉殻體。一喇叭係於該殻體中，且延伸通過殻體之一端 。一麥克風係於該殻體中，且延伸通過殻體之另一端。一 電子電路係於該殻體中，且係連接至該喇叭與麥克風。該 威體係填以一^電解質/陽極溶液與一‘空氣-陰極/分離益組件 4 ϋ張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印制衣 訂---------線·! !! 488180 A7 B7 五、發明說明（i) ，其構成一電池以供操作該電子電路。相較於使用習用電 池，塡充於該殼體中之所有可利用空間係顯著於容積上較 爲有效率，且提供一種具有操作壽命比較長之助聽器。 [圖式簡單說明] 由以下如隨附圖式所示之本發明較佳實施例的較爲特 定說明，本發明之上述及其他目的、特點與優點將係更爲 顯明，其中相同之元件符號係指不同圖式中之相同元件。 該等圖式係無須標出尺寸，而係強調在說明本發明之主旨 。本發明之揭示內容係可易於理解，藉著考慮結合隨附圖 式之以下的詳細說明，其中： 第1A圖係本發明之助聽器的一種形式之電氣部分截 面圖； 第1B圖係使用於第1A圖中之一空氣-陰極/分離器組 件的詳圖； 第2圖係整個助聽器之槪略圖； 第3圖係用於一助聽器之電氣電路的槪略圖； 第4A圖係本發明之助聽器的另一種形式之截面圖； 第4B圖係使用於第4A圖中之一空氣-陰極/分離器組 件的詳圖;及 第5圖係沿著第4A圖之線5-5所取之截面圖。 爲了有助於瞭解，相同之元件符號係儘可能被使用以 表示該等圖式中之共同的相同元件。 [元件符號說明] 10 助聽器之電子組件 5 _ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂ί 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 -線— ---------------- 488180 A7 B7 五、發明說明（f ) 12 14 16、18 20 21 22 24 26 27 28 30 31 32 34 36 38 39 39a 39b 39c 39d 40 42 44 撓性印刷電路 基底 直立臂部 電子裝置 金屬電極（接點） 麥克風 喇叭 殼體 保護性共形覆層 外壁 端壁 陽極/電解質混合物 開口 蓋部 開口 孔 空氣-陰極/分離器組件 疏水層 催化層 分離器 金屬網幕 箔片 耳模 內道（電氣電路） 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 6 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） _____________0^________^_________—I#________________________ (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 488180 A7 B7 五、發明說明（f) 46 助聽器 47 印刷電路板 48 喇叭 50 麥克風 52 電子裝置 54 殼體 56 管狀套筒 58 杯形端蓋 62 、 64 、 68 孔 70 耳模 72 大致徑向突出翼部 75 空氣-陰極/分離器組件 75a 疏水層 75b 催化層 75c 分離器 75d 金屬網幕 76 電解質/陽極溶液 (請先閱讀背面之注音？事項再填寫本頁) [較佳實施例詳細說明] 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 開始參考第1A圖，本發明之助聽器的電子組件部分 係槪括表示爲10。組件10包含一可撓印刷電路12，其包 括一可撓絕緣材料（諸如塑膠）薄片，並具有一導體圖案 於其至少一表面上。如圖所示，可撓印刷電路12係爲U 之形式，具有一基底14以及於其末端之二直立臂部16與 18。然而，應係瞭解的是，可撓印刷電路12可係爲任何所 7 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 488180 A7 B7 五、發明說明（t) 欲之形狀者。諸如積體電路、電阻器、電容器、電感器等 等之各種電子裝置20係安裝於可撓印刷電路12，並組成 用於助聽器之電子電路。該等電子裝置20係電氣連接於可 撓印刷電路12之上的導體圖案，以係電氣連接於所欲之電 路。一金屬電極21係亦於該可撓印刷電路。一小型麥克風 22係安裝於可撓印刷電路12之臂部16，且一小型喇叭24 係安裝於可撓印刷電路12之臂部18。 具有電子裝置20於其上之可撓印刷電路12係於殻體 26之內。殼體26係較佳爲由電氣絕緣材料所構成，其係 不會受到電解質31所損壞。聚氨酯橡膠（urethane)係適 用於此目的。殼體26包括一外壁28與一端壁30。外壁28 係較佳爲圓柱形者，雖然其係可爲任何形狀者。端壁30具 有一開口 32，喇叭24係以緊密裝配而延伸穿過於開口 32 。一蓋部34係延伸跨於且係密封於外壁28之另一端。蓋 部34具有一開口 36，麥克風22係以緊密裝配而延伸穿過 於開口 36。蓋部34亦具有複數個小孔38，空氣係可通過 於該等小孔38。一箔（f01l)片40具有一黏著劑於一表面 上，係於蓋部34之外表面上，且延伸於該等小孔38之上 〇 殻體26係塡充（較佳爲達其體積之80-90%)以一陽 極/電解質混合物31。該電解質係可爲氫氧化鉀或者氫氧化 鈉，其允許電流藉著氫氧化物離子之移動而流通於電池。 該金屬性之陽極材料（典型爲鋅）係與氫氧化物離子作反 應，以構成一金屬氧化物並且產生一電位。該殼體係非完 8 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） --------------------訂· — (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) -線 IIP·----------------------- 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 488180 A7 B7 五、發明說明（j ) 全塡滿，藉以允許供例如鋅至鋅氧化物之膨脹。由於該電 解質係有毒之腐蝕性材料，於可撓印刷電路12之上的電子 裝置20與導線係塗覆以一保護性共形（conformal)覆層 27，其係不受到電解質所侵害之材料者，諸如一塑膠或者 例如聚對亞苯基二甲基（Parylene® )之含氟聚合物（ fluoropolymer)。接點21係可藉著貴金屬之一覆層而保護 免於該電解質。 亦參考第1B圖，空氣-陰極/分離器組件39係典型爲 由三層所組成:疏水（hydrophobic)層39a (典型爲聚四氟 乙烯（Teflon®))、催化（catalyst)層39b、與一分離器 39c，該催化層係由一金屬網幕（典型爲鎳）39d所支承。 槪括而言，該組件39係提供典型爲用於氧氣與水之一反應 位置，以構成過氧化物（peroxide)與氫氧化物，如下文中 將進而說明者。一第二反應係接著轉換該過氧化物爲氫氧 化物與氧氣。該空氣-陰極材料係可由諸如Alupower、 Pawcatuck公司、CT等等公司所商用取得。 疏水層39a係允許氧氣通過至催化層39b，但禁止電 解質由殼體26所洩漏出。催化層39b提供用於陰極之一反 應位置。金屬網幕39d係提供用於催化層39b之機械支撐 ，並且提供用於陰極之低阻抗的電氣連接。催化層39b係 典型爲由碳與催化性化合物所組成。催化物係促進過氧化 物成爲氫氧化物與氧氣之轉換反應。 分離層39c係提供介於在電解質/陽極溶液31中的金 屬性陽極材料（典型爲鋅）與空氣-陰極組件39之間的電 9 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） -—a— ϋ ϋ n i·— I 一 ον ϋ »1 ϋ (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 線 _♦!----------------- 488180 A7 B7 五、發明說明（& ) 氣分離，但允許通過典型爲氫氧化鉀或者氫氧化鈉之電解 質。 欲使用該組件10於一助聽器中，該組件10係安裝於 一耳模42，如第2圖所示。耳模42係較佳爲一柔軟、耐 久且依順之材料，諸如一冷硬化之異丁烯酸（methacrylate )、熱硬化之異丁烯酸、熱硬化之聚矽氧（silicone)、聚 氯乙烯（PVC)共聚物、或者聚乙烯（PE)共聚物。耳模 42具有一內道44，該組件10係插入於內道44。耳模42之 外部結構（諸如形狀與尺寸）係俾使其可易於插入於使用 者之耳管中，且將適合於耳管之形狀。由於耳模42係一依 順之材料，耳模42抵於耳管壁之壓力將產生所需之一良好 接合，以防止聲音回授，並有助將該助聽器保持於耳朵中 〇 無論是在剛插入該組件10於耳模42之前或之後，箔 片40係移除以使得空氣透過該等孔38而進入殼體26。進 入殻體26之空氣係於催化層39b之中與電解質起反應，以 提供一電流之流動。該電流係流動至接點21，以操作助聽 器之電路。該電流路徑係較佳爲由介於組件39與麥克風 22的導電殼之間的一電氣連接所完成。相較於同等尺寸之 習用助聽器，此組件及助聽器係提供較大量之電解質/陽極 31，且因此提供一較長之壽命。 用於助聽器之一電氣電路44的槪要圖係顯示於第3圖 中。主要之電氣構件係一麥克風Ml (由美國伊利諾州芝加 哥市之Knowles電子公司所製之一型號EM3046)、一喇口八 10 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂--- 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 !線_鲁！ -------------- 488180 A7 B7 五、發明說明（^) S1 (由Knowles電子公司所製之一型號EM3126)、一積體 電路U1 (由加拿大多倫多市之Gennum公司所製之一型號 GC514)及一 1.3伏特之電池B1。麥克風Ml將一聲音訊號 轉換成一電氣訊號。此訊號係由積體電路U1所放大及處 理。積體電路U1之輸出將驅動喇叭S1。喇叭S1係將電氣 訊號轉換回到一聲音訊號，其將振動耳膜。電氣電路44之 其他構件的功能係如後： 電容器C1與C9，提供電源供應去耦合； 電容器C3及電阻器R2與R3，設定低頻道之增益及頻 率響應； 電容器C2，設定高頻道之半功率點（corner)頻率； 電阻器R1，設定壓縮之臨限値（threshold); 電容器C4及電阻器R7，設定緩慢平均値檢測器之時 間常數； 電容器C5及電阻器R8，設定快速平均値檢測器之時 間常數； 電容器C6，耦合訊號至整流電路以偵測訊號位準； 電阻器R4與R5及電容器C7，合計該低頻道與高頻道 電阻器R6，設定電路之整體增益;及 電容器C8，耦合積體電路輸出至喇叭S1。 除非另作指明，所有電阻器之値均係歐姆者，且所有 電容器之値均係微法拉第者。所示之構件値係僅爲典型者 。實際之値係視所欲之頻道數目、增益及頻率響應而定。 11 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 --------訂---------線-#ί——一----------------- 488180 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（/ ο ) 參考第4A、4B與5圖’本發明之助聽器的另一^種形 式係槪括表示爲46。助聽器46係包含一印刷電路板47 ’ 於其上安裝有一喇叭48、一麥克風50與各種電子裝置52 ，其構成助聽器46之電子電路。喇卩八48與麥克風50係於 印刷電路板47之相對端處。印刷電路板47係於一殼體54 之內，殼體54係構成爲一管狀套筒56與一杯狀端蓋58。 如第5圖所示，管狀套筒56與杯狀端蓋58係較佳爲橢圓 形之橫截面，以較佳裝配於一使用者之耳朵中。端蓋58係 由諸如金屬、導電性聚合物、或者覆有金屬之聚合物的一 導電材料所構成，而套筒56係諸如塑膠或者聚氨酯橡膠之 一絕緣材料者。端蓋58係緊密配接於套筒56之端部，且 係固定於套筒56。喇叭48係延伸通過且緊密配接於耳模 70之端蓋58的一孔62，而麥克風50係延伸通過且緊密配 接於耳模70之一孔64。該端蓋58係爲導電性，作用爲一 電極，如下文中將進而解說。 殼體54係塡充以一陽極/電解質混合物76。舉例而言 ，該電解質係可爲氫氧化鉀或者氫氧化鈉。舉例而言，該 陽極係鋅。耳模70亦具有一或多個孔68，如以前文所述 之方式，空氣係可透過孔68而進入殼體54，並與空氣-陰 極/分離器組件75之中的電解質起反應。如第4B圖所示， 該組件75具有疏水層75a、催化層75b (包括金屬網幕75d )、與分離器75c。當該裝置係未使用時，一黏著片（未 顯示）係可置放於該等孔68之上。殼體54係封閉於一耳 模70，其爲一柔軟、耐用且依順之材料。如圖所示，耳模 12 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) - -ϋ ϋ I ϋ ϋ ϋ 一SJ I I I mmBmm Λ— I I I I ϋ II ϋ I I n 1 I I I ϋ ϋ n ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 488180 A7 ______ B7 五、發明說明（ί I) 70具有實質上爲徑向突出之翼部72，其有助於固持助聽器 於使用者之耳朵中。 於助聽器46之使用中，喇叭48係電氣連接至端蓋58 。端蓋58係由承載電流之材料所作成。喇叭48之框架係 亦由承載電流之材料所構成。舉例而言，產生於電解質/陽 極溶液76之中的電流係流通過端蓋58至喇叭48之金屬殻 體’透過電路板47與其上之構件，並經由麥克風50之承 載電流殻而至空氣-陰極/分離器組件75。一電氣絕緣材料 (例如含氟聚合物parylene®)係較佳使用以保護被暴露於 電解質/陽極溶液76之所有的構件。殻體54之套筒56係 塑膠者以係爲可撓。此舉允許殼體54可彎曲，俾使其將可 配接種種之內耳管形狀者。當助聽器係愈爲可撓，該助聽 器將係於使用者之耳朵中愈爲舒適。 因此’本發明係提供一種用於助聽器之電子組件，其 係小且緊密，但含有用以操作助聽器之整個電路，包括電 路構件、麥克風與喇叭。該電子組件係足夠小以插入至用 於助聽器之一耳模，其係可完全插入至一使用者之耳朵中 。然而，該組件亦包括一整體之電池，其實質上塡於該組 件之殼體中，以提供具有較長壽命之體積上較具效率的電 池。雖然§4組件之尋命係較長’其並未對於該裝置之整體 成本增加許多，且並未增大該裝置之尺寸。因此，運用該 組件之助聽器係仍不昂貴以製造，以係爲可拋棄式，但具 有一較長之壽命期間。 將可理解的是，在此揭示之裝置與操作方法係用以說 13 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） ---------------------訂· — (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 線 _♦!---------------- 488180 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（|ι) 明本發明。在未偏離本發明之精神或範疇之下，修改係可 由熟悉此技藝之人士所易於思及。雖然本發明之電子組件 係已經關於在助聽器之其應用而作敘述，此組件係可適當 修改而问樣應用於需有一*電池之其他裝置，當緊密度與體 積效率之其優點將係有用時。舉例而言，於某些應用中， 可能係不需要該喇D八與麥克風’而是僅有與輸出電 氣連接。其他之電極-電解質系統係可 本紙張尺錢种關家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公愛]〜 -----------— 4------- —訂---------線— #!!!----------------- (請先閱讀背面之注音3事項再填寫本頁)Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 488180 A7 __ B7 V. Description of Invention (/) [Background of the Invention] Hearing aids use conventional zinc-air button batteries because these batteries The inherent high energy storage and convenience. Zinc-air batteries are commercially available in several different sizes. All of these zinc-air batteries are pancake-like, with a diameter factor that is twice the height. The smallest button-type battery is for in-the-canal hearing aids. This form factor system is not always suitable for the required orientation in the ear, making it more important as hearing aids become smaller. A zinc-air battery system is composed of four basic elements, namely anode, cathode, air-cathode, and electrolyte. In a zinc-air battery system, the cathode is oxygen in the air, and the air cathode will promote the reaction between oxygen and the electrolyte. This electrolyte-based liquid is generally potassium hydroxide. The oxygen electrode system is generally a metal, such as zinc. Since the zinc-air battery is exposed to air for activation, the electrolyte of the system is depleted by evaporation. Although the evaporation can be controlled to provide the required limited life, the battery must be sealed during storage. With conventional hearing aid batteries, a metal foil with a pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to a small hole in the battery to prevent air from entering. When the battery is to be used, the foil is removed to allow air into the battery, and the reaction begins. Hearing aids have been made smaller to provide hearing aids that are in-the-ear and completely in the tube. The smaller the hearing aid, the smaller the battery must be. Because it uses a small-sized battery for hearing aids, it is difficult and frustrated to replace the battery when the battery runs out. Small batteries are difficult to grasp, especially for seniors. 3 This paper is sized to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm). — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — II — 11111111 I AW — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1. (Please read the note on the back? Matters before filling out this page) 488180 A7 B7 -------- -5. Description of the invention o) 'It is the majority of users of hearing aids. In order to overcome the problem of having to replace the battery in the hearing aid, we have already issued a disposable hearing aid. Disposable hearing aids are a structure that is not expensive to manufacture, so that when the battery is used up, the entire hearing aid can be replaced solely rather than just the battery. Therefore, the life of a disposable hearing aid depends on the battery life. The longer the battery life, the less often hearing aids need to be replaced, and the less expensive the use of disposable hearing aids. Therefore, it would be satisfactory to make a battery for a disposable hearing aid have a longer life. [Inventive Discussion] The present invention relates to an electronic circuit and a battery pack, and more particularly to a battery used in a device such as a hearing aid, and it is an integral component of the electronic circuit used in the device. The present invention is directed to an electronic circuit assembly including a closed housing having an electronic circuit therein. The case is filled with an electrolyte / anode solution. One end of the housing includes an air-cathode / separator assembly. An electrical contact is in the housing and is in contact with the electrolyte / anode solution. The electrolyte / anode solution and the air-cathode / separator assembly together constitute a battery that is connected to the electronic circuit and operates the electronic circuit. The invention is also directed to a hearing aid comprising a closed housing having one of the opposite ends. A horn is tied in the casing and extends through one end of the casing. A microphone is tied in the casing and extends through the other end of the casing. An electronic circuit is housed in the housing and is connected to the speaker and microphone. The Wei system is filled with a electrolyte / anode solution and an air-cathode / separation module 4 sheets. The Chinese standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) is applicable. (Please read the precautions on the back first. (Fill in this page) Printing of clothes order by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs --------- Line ·! 488180 A7 B7 V. Invention Description (i), which constitutes a battery for operating the electronics Circuit. Compared to the use of conventional batteries, all available space in the housing is significantly more efficient in volume and provides a hearing aid with a longer operating life. [Brief description of the drawings] From the following more specific description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention as shown in the accompanying drawings, the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more obvious, in which the same component symbols Refers to the same elements in different drawings. These drawings are not required to be dimensioned but emphasized to explain the gist of the present invention. The disclosure of the present invention is easy to understand, by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of an electrical part of a form of the hearing aid of the present invention; FIG. 1B is used in the first Figure 1A is a detailed view of an air-cathode / separator assembly; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the entire hearing aid; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit for a hearing aid; Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of the hearing aid of the present invention Sectional view in another form; Figure 4B is a detailed view of an air-cathode / separator assembly used in Figure 4A; and Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4A . To facilitate understanding, identical component symbols have been used whenever possible to denote identical components that are common in the drawings. [Explanation of component symbols] 10 Electronic components of hearing aids 5 _ This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Order Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by the Bureau's Consumer Cooperatives-Line----------------- 488 180 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (f) 12 14 16, 18 20 21 22 24 26 27 28 30 31 32 34 36 38 39 39a 39b 39c 39d 40 42 44 Flexible printed circuit substrate Upright arm electronic device metal electrode (contact) Microphone speaker housing Protective conformal coating Outer wall end wall Anode / electrolyte mixture opening cover opening hole air -Cathode / separator assembly Hydrophobic layer catalytic layer separator Metal mesh curtain foil ear mold (electrical circuit) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 6 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X (297 mm) _____________ 0 ^ ________ ^ _________— I #________________________ (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) 488180 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (f) 46 Hearing aid 47 Printed circuit board 48 Horn 50 Microphone 52 Electronic device 54 Housing 56 Tubular sleeve 58 Cup-shaped end caps 62, 64, 68 Holes 70 Ear molds 72 Radially protruding wings 75 Air-cathode / separator assembly 75a Hydrophobic layer 75b Catalytic layer 75c separation 75d metal screen 76 electrolyte / anode solution (please read the note on the back? Matters before filling out this page) [Detailed description of the preferred embodiment] Printing started by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, referring to Figure 1A, the present invention The electronic component part of the hearing aid is indicated as 10 inclusive. The module 10 includes a flexible printed circuit 12 including a thin sheet of flexible insulating material (such as plastic) and having a conductor pattern on at least one surface thereof. As shown, the flexible printed circuit 12 is in the form of a U, and has a base 14 and two upright arm portions 16 and 18 at its ends. However, it should be understood that the flexible printed circuit 12 can be any standard. This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm). Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. 488180 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (t) Those who desire the shape. Various electronic devices 20 such as integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc. are mounted on the flexible printed circuit 12 and constitute electronic circuits for hearing aids. The electronic devices 20 are conductor patterns electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit 12 so as to be electrically connected to a desired circuit. A metal electrode 21 is also on the flexible printed circuit. A small microphone 22 is mounted on the arm portion 16 of the flexible printed circuit 12, and a small speaker 24 is mounted on the arm portion 18 of the flexible printed circuit 12. A flexible printed circuit 12 having an electronic device 20 thereon is housed in a housing 26. The case 26 is preferably made of an electrically insulating material and is not damaged by the electrolyte 31. Urethane is suitable for this purpose. The casing 26 includes an outer wall 28 and an end wall 30. The outer wall 28 is preferably cylindrical, although it may be of any shape. The end wall 30 has an opening 32, and the horn 24 extends through the opening 32 in a tight fit. A cover portion 34 extends across and is sealed to the other end of the outer wall 28. The cover portion 34 has an opening 36 through which the microphone 22 extends in a tight fit. The cover 34 also has a plurality of small holes 38 through which air can pass. A foil (f01l) sheet 40 has an adhesive on a surface, is attached to the outer surface of the cover portion 34, and extends above the small holes 38. The housing 26 is filled (preferably to its volume) 80-90%) with an anode / electrolyte mixture 31. The electrolyte may be potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, which allows a current to flow through the battery by the movement of hydroxide ions. The metallic anode material (typically zinc) reacts with hydroxide ions to form a metal oxide and generate a potential. The case is not finished. The paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm). -------------------- Order · — (Please (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) -Line IIP · ----------------------- Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Consumer Cooperatives 488180 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (j) Full capacity to allow for expansion of zinc to zinc oxide, for example. Since the electrolyte is a toxic and corrosive material, the electronic device 20 and the lead wire on the flexible printed circuit 12 are coated with a protective conformal coating 27, which is a material that is not affected by the electrolyte. , Such as a plastic or a fluoropolymer such as Parylene®. The contact 21 is protected from the electrolyte by coating with a precious metal. Referring also to FIG. 1B, the air-cathode / separator assembly 39 is typically composed of three layers: a hydrophobic layer 39a (typically Teflon®), a catalytic layer 39b, and A separator 39c, the catalytic layer is supported by a metal mesh (typically nickel) 39d. To put it in a nutshell, the module 39 provides a site typically used for one of oxygen and water reaction to constitute a peroxide and a hydroxide, as will be described further below. A second reaction system then converts the peroxide to hydroxide and oxygen. The air-cathode material is commercially available from companies such as Alupower, Pawcatuck, CT, and the like. The hydrophobic layer 39a allows oxygen to pass through to the catalytic layer 39b, but prohibits leakage of electrolyte from the casing 26. The catalytic layer 39b provides a reaction site for the cathode. The metal screen 39d provides mechanical support for the catalytic layer 39b, and provides a low impedance electrical connection for the cathode. The catalytic layer 39b is typically composed of carbon and a catalytic compound. The catalytic system promotes the conversion reaction of peroxide to hydroxide and oxygen. The separation layer 39c provides electricity between the metallic anode material (typically zinc) in the electrolyte / anode solution 31 and the air-cathode assembly 39. This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) -—a— ϋ ϋ ni · — I I ον ϋ »1 ϋ (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Thread _ ♦! ------------- ---- 488180 A7 B7 V. & Description of the invention Gas separation, but it is allowed to pass through the electrolyte which is typically potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. To use the component 10 in a hearing aid, the component 10 is mounted on an ear mold 42 as shown in FIG. 2. The ear mold 42 is preferably a soft, durable and compliant material, such as a cold-hardened methacrylate, a heat-hardened methacrylate, a heat-hardened silicone, and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Copolymer, or polyethylene (PE) copolymer. The ear mold 42 has an inner channel 44 into which the assembly 10 is inserted. The external structure (such as shape and size) of the ear mold 42 is such that it can be easily inserted into a user's ear canal and will fit the shape of the ear canal. Since the ear mold 42 is a compliant material, the pressure of the ear mold 42 against the wall of the ear canal will produce one of the necessary joints to prevent sound feedback and help maintain the hearing aid in the ear. Immediately after inserting the component 10 before or after the ear mold 42, the foil 40 is removed so that air passes through the holes 38 and enters the housing 26. The air entering the casing 26 reacts with the electrolyte in the catalytic layer 39b to provide a current flow. This current flows to contact 21 to operate the hearing aid circuit. The current path is preferably completed by an electrical connection between the component 39 and the conductive case of the microphone 22. Compared to conventional hearing aids of the same size, this assembly and hearing aid provide a larger amount of electrolyte / anode 31 and therefore provide a longer life. An essential view of one of the electrical circuits 44 for the hearing aid is shown in FIG. The main electrical components are a microphone Ml (a model EM3046 manufactured by Knowles Electronics Co., Chicago, Illinois, USA), and a mouthpiece. 10 This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 male) Li) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) Order --- Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs! Line_ 鲁! -------------- 488180 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (^) S1 (a model EM3126 manufactured by Knowles Electronics), an integrated circuit U1 (gennum from Toronto, Canada) One of the models manufactured by the company is GC514) and a 1.3 volt battery B1. The microphone M1 converts an audio signal into an electrical signal. This signal is amplified and processed by the integrated circuit U1. The output of the integrated circuit U1 will drive the horn S1. The horn S1 converts the electrical signal back into a sound signal, which will vibrate the eardrum. The functions of the other components of the electrical circuit 44 are as follows: Capacitors C1 and C9 provide power supply decoupling; Capacitor C3 and resistors R2 and R3 set the gain and frequency response of the low channel; Capacitor C2 sets the half power of the high channel Corner frequency; resistor R1, set the threshold of compression; capacitor C4 and resistor R7, set the time constant of the slow average detector; capacitor C5 and resistor R8, set the fast average detector Capacitor C6, which couples the signal to the rectifier circuit to detect the signal level; resistors R4 and R5 and capacitor C7, which adds the low-channel and high-channel resistor R6, to set the overall gain of the circuit; and capacitor C8, which The integrated circuit is output to the speaker S1. Unless otherwise specified, all resistors are ohmic and all capacitors are micro-Faraday. The components shown are only typical. The actual frequency depends on the desired number of channels, gain, and frequency response. 11 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs ------- -Order --------- 线-# ί—— 一 ----------------- 488180 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (/ ο) Referring to Figs. 4A, 4B and 5 'another form of the hearing aid of the present invention is shown as 46 inclusive. The hearing aid 46 includes a printed circuit board 47 ′ on which a speaker 48, a microphone 50 and various electronic devices 52 are mounted, which constitute the electronic circuit of the hearing aid 46. The Laba 48 and the microphone 50 are attached to opposite ends of the printed circuit board 47. The printed circuit board 47 is contained in a casing 54, which is configured as a tubular sleeve 56 and a cup-shaped end cap 58. As shown in Fig. 5, the tubular sleeve 56 and the cup-shaped end cap 58 are preferably oval-shaped in cross-section for better fitting in a user's ear. The end cap 58 is made of a conductive material such as metal, conductive polymer, or metal-coated polymer, and the sleeve 56 is made of an insulating material such as plastic or polyurethane rubber. The end cap 58 is tightly coupled to the end of the sleeve 56 and is fixed to the sleeve 56. The horn 48 extends through and is closely fitted to a hole 62 of the end cover 58 of the ear mold 70, and the microphone 50 extends through and is closely fitted to a hole 64 of the ear mold 70. The end cap 58 is conductive and functions as an electrode, as will be explained further below. The case 54 is filled with an anode / electrolyte mixture 76. For example, the electrolyte system may be potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. For example, the anode is zinc. The ear mold 70 also has one or more holes 68, and air can pass through the holes 68 into the housing 54 and react with the electrolyte in the air-cathode / separator assembly 75, as previously described. As shown in FIG. 4B, the module 75 includes a water-repellent layer 75a, a catalytic layer 75b (including a metal mesh curtain 75d), and a separator 75c. When the device is not in use, an adhesive sheet (not shown) can be placed over the holes 68. The casing 54 is enclosed in an ear mold 70, which is a soft, durable and compliant material. As shown in the figure, this paper size of ear mold 12 is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)--ϋ ϋ I ϋ ϋ S One SJ III mmBmm Λ— IIII ϋ II ϋ II n 1 III ϋ ϋ n ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ ϋ Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau Staff Consumer Cooperatives of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 488180 A7 ______ B7 V. Description of the Invention (ί I) 70 has essentially the same meaning The protruding wings 72 help to hold the hearing aid in the ear of the user. In use of the hearing aid 46, the horn 48 is electrically connected to the end cap 58. The end cap 58 is made of a material carrying a current. The frame of the horn 48 is also made of a material that carries current. For example, the current generated in the electrolyte / anode solution 76 flows through the metal cover of the end cover 58 to the speaker 48 through the circuit board 47 and its components, and through the current carrying case of the microphone 50 to the air- Cathode / separator assembly 75. An electrically insulating material (such as fluoropolymer parylene®) is preferably used to protect all components that are exposed to the electrolyte / anode solution 76. The sleeve 56 of the casing 54 is made of plastic so as to be flexible. This allows the housing 54 to be bent so that it will fit a seeded inner ear canal shape. The more flexible the hearing aid, the more comfortable the hearing aid will be in the ear of the user. Therefore, the present invention provides an electronic component for a hearing aid that is small and compact but contains the entire circuit for operating the hearing aid, including circuit components, a microphone, and a speaker. The electronic component is small enough to be inserted into an ear mold for a hearing aid, which is fully insertable into a user's ear. However, the module also includes an integral battery that is substantially housed in the module's case to provide a more efficient battery with a longer life. Although the § 4 component has a longer life-span, it does not add much to the overall cost of the device, and does not increase the size of the device. Therefore, the hearing aid system using the component is still not expensive to manufacture and is disposable, but has a long life span. It will be understood that the devices and operating methods disclosed herein are used to say that 13 paper sizes are applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) ------------ --------- Order · — (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Line _ ♦! ---------------- 488180 Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 printed by the Bureau's Consumer Cooperatives V. Invention Description (| ι) This invention is explained. Modifications can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Although the electronic component of the present invention has been described in terms of its application in hearing aids, this component can be appropriately modified and applied to other devices that require a battery. When the advantages of compactness and volume efficiency will be useful . For example, in some applications, the microphone and the microphone 'may not be needed but only connected to the output electrical. Other electrode-electrolyte systems are available in this paper rule (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 public love) ~ ------------- 4 -------- Order --------- line — # !!! ----------------- (Please read the note 3 on the back before filling this page)