Method for producing a hearing aid and hearing aid

Abstract

The invention relates to a hearing aid (1), in particular an ITE hearing aid, comprising a housing (2) in which an antenna module (7) is arranged, the antenna module having a winding (12) and a receiving space (11) in which an electrical component (8), in particular an earpiece, is arranged. The antenna module (7) is prefabricated by providing a mounting body (40) on which the winding (12) is at least indirectly mounted and which defines the receiving space (11) and for this purpose is optionally designed as a sleeve-shaped hollow body having a cavity forming the receiving space (11), or alternatively, the mounting body is removed so that the receiving space is formed by removal. Subsequently, the electrical component (8) is inserted into the receiving space (11) of the prefabricated antenna module (7), and the unit consisting of the component (8) and the antenna module (7) is placed in the housing (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a hearing aid and a hearing aid, in particular an ITE hearing aid device. Background Art

[0002] A "hearing aid" is generally understood to be a device designed to process and present sound or sound signals to a person. The present invention specifically relates to a hearing aid device. This is understood to be a hearing aid that provides an acoustic environment signal to a hearing-impaired person. The acoustic environment signal is processed and, in particular, amplified to compensate for or treat the corresponding hearing impairment. Such a hearing aid device generally consists of one or more input transducers, a signal processing device, an amplification device, and an output transducer. The input transducer is typically a sound receiver, such as a microphone and / or an electromagnetic receiver, such as an induction coil. The output transducer is typically designed as an electroacoustic transducer, such as a microspeaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, such as a bone conduction earpiece. These are also referred to as earpieces or receivers. The output transducer generates an output signal that is directed to the hearing organ of the hearing-impaired person and is intended to produce an auditory perception in the patient. The amplifier is typically integrated into the signal processing device. The hearing aid is powered by a battery integrated into the hearing aid housing. Typically, the components are arranged on or connected to a printed circuit board, which serves as a circuit carrier.

[0003] Hearing aids, in particular hearing assistance devices, exist in various embodiments. These include, in particular, ITE hearing aids (in-the-ear), BTE hearing aids (behind the ear), RiC hearing aids (receiver in canal), and CiC hearing aids (completely in canal). CiC hearing aids are similar to ITE hearing aids, but are worn completely in the ear canal. In ITE hearing aids, the housing containing all functional components (including microphone and receiver) is at least partially worn in the ear canal. Consequently, ITE or CiC hearing aids, in particular, have a very small design.

[0004] Hearing aids, in particular assistive listening devices, typically have an antenna assembly, for example, for wirelessly transmitting data signals or acoustic signals. The antenna assembly can be configured for various applications. For example, it can be used for wireless communication with other devices, such as other assistive listening devices in the case of binaural power supply. Furthermore, such an antenna assembly can also be designed for wireless communication with other external devices, such as music and speech playback devices. Furthermore, the antenna assembly can also be used for wireless, in particular inductive, charging of batteries in assistive listening devices. Due to limited space requirements, shielding between the antenna assembly and other electrical components is often necessary and desirable in order to prevent unwanted mutual interference.

[0005] EP 2 811 761 A1 discloses an ITE hearing aid device in which a shield is arranged between an earpiece and an antenna arrangement having a coil, said shield being designed integrally with the coil core.

[0006] A further hearing aid device is known from EP 3 413 587 A1, in which the windings of an antenna arrangement are arranged on an energy storage device (battery) with an intermediate layer having a film shield.

[0007] Especially with small hearing aids, it is essential to arrange the hearing aid components as compactly as possible. Mutual influence of components due to electromagnetic influences can be problematic. In particular, the electromagnetic output transducer (earpiece) generates strong radiation. The goal is generally to achieve the highest possible sensitivity of the antenna assembly while minimizing mutual influence.

[0008] If a winding designed as a coil, which is wound around a component such as an earpiece, is used for the antenna device, this requires a certain outlay during production, since the coil must be wound around the earpiece. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a hearing aid having an antenna arrangement that is compact and easy to produce.

[0010] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned technical problem is solved by a method for manufacturing a hearing aid, in particular an ITE or RIC hearing aid device. The hearing aid comprises a housing in which an antenna module is arranged, the antenna module having a winding and a receptacle in which an electrical component, in particular an earpiece, is arranged. To manufacture the hearing aid, the antenna module is first prefabricated. For this purpose, a mounting body is provided, and the winding is then at least indirectly mounted on the mounting body. The mounting body defines the receptacle. According to a first alternative, the mounting body is designed as a hollow body, in particular in the form of a sleeve, wherein the cavity forms the receptacle. According to a second alternative, the receptacle forms the receptacle because the mounting body is removed after the winding is formed, and the resulting free space forms the receptacle. Subsequently, the electrical component, in particular the earpiece, is inserted, in particular pushed, into the receptacle. In the final assembled state, the structural unit consisting of the components and the antenna module is placed in the housing. Preferably, the structural unit is first prefabricated and then placed in the housing. Alternatively, it is also possible in principle to first place the antenna module in the housing and only then insert the components into the receiving space of the antenna module.

[0011] It is particularly important to provide a prefabricated antenna module with a receiving space and a prepared winding. A winding is currently understood to be a coil, which is wound around the electrical component. Therefore, the coil is wound around the mounting body during the manufacture of the antenna module. It is important that the coil is formed on the mounting body, while the component is not present during the construction of the winding. This is based on the following considerations: the components, especially the earpiece, are relatively expensive, and in the event of an installation error, the entire structural unit with the earpiece must be deemed scrap. The method according to the invention, using a wound mounting body, allows the functionality of the antenna module to be tested after the prefabrication stage, that is, before the component is installed. In the event of an installation error, the antenna module simply needs to be discarded.

[0012] The antenna module is generally produced as an independent structural unit in a prefabrication phase. Accordingly, according to the invention, the above-mentioned technical problem is also solved by producing such an antenna module, which is subsequently installed in a hearing aid.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the antenna module generally comprises a magnetic layer, in particular a magnetic film layer, and in particular a ferrite film. In a preferred embodiment, this magnetic layer is first applied to the mounting body before the winding is subsequently mounted. Thus, the mounting body is typically wrapped with the magnetic film layer, and the coil wire is subsequently wound around this film layer to form the winding.

[0014] The receiving space and the electrical component each extend in the longitudinal direction and each have a length. Furthermore, the magnetic layer has at least one tab that extends beyond the length of the receiving space and / or beyond the length of the electrical component. Preferably, a plurality of tabs are provided, wherein mutually opposing tabs enclose and define an intermediate space between them, which is formed within the hearing aid housing. The intermediate space preferably expands in the longitudinal direction from the receiving space, i.e., its cross-sectional area increases perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0015] Finally, in a preferred embodiment, an electrical shielding layer is also arranged, which is in particular designed as a metal film, in particular a copper foil.

[0016] The electrical shielding layer and the magnetic layer advantageously form a multilayer shielding film, in particular a shielding film having a metallic (Cu) film layer and a magnetic film layer. The magnetic layer can also be formed by a plurality of strips, wherein preferably one strip is attached to each side of a component having a rectangular cross section. Preferably, a slotted film is used, whereby the slotted film forms individual webs in a front subregion with longitudinal slots.

[0017] Overall, the magnetic layer is functionally designed in the manner of a coil core, thereby positively influencing the sensitivity of the antenna arrangement overall. Extending the magnetic layer beyond the component primarily enhances this function of the coil core. Furthermore, the magnetic field lines are guided into and through the at least one protruding magnetic web, resulting in the intermediate space being less loaded with the magnetic field than would be the case without the at least one web.

[0018] A particular advantage of this arrangement is that the web connected to the electrical component forms an (additional) intermediate space which, due to the web, defines an additional "shielded" sub-area within the housing. This intermediate space is suitable for arranging further hearing aid components.

[0019] The electrical shield effectively shields the central area, thus reducing interference effects.

[0020] An "electrical shielding layer" is generally understood to be a highly conductive layer, whose electrical conductivity is particularly significantly greater (e.g., at least five times greater) than that of the magnetic layer. Conversely, the magnetic permeability of the magnetic layer is preferably greater, particularly significantly greater (at least five times greater) than that of the electrical shielding layer.

[0021] This (film) structure achieves good shielding and, on the other hand, high sensitivity of the antenna module that forms the antenna arrangement. In particular, this structure ensures that only slight eddy currents are induced in the shielding film, resulting in only very low heating. Furthermore, the magnetic field lines run within the magnetic layer.

[0022] In general, when considering external fields, the intermediate space is largely field-free (H-field, E-field) and is particularly suitable for arranging components. Conversely, components that may be arranged in the intermediate space are shielded from the outside and therefore have little or no influence on the performance of the antenna module / antenna arrangement.

[0023] The shielding of the intermediate space is particularly advantageous in the design of antenna modules for inductive charging. During inductive charging, eddy currents are often induced in the battery housing, which can, for example, lead to undesirable heating of the battery. Therefore, the preferred arrangement of the battery in the intermediate space allows the battery to be arranged in a field-free space to a certain extent, preventing the induction of eddy currents.

[0024] The permeability value of the magnetic layer depends in particular on the frequency (resonant frequency) at which the antenna arrangement is tuned for transmitting / receiving (data) signals. In particular, in the present case, the antenna arrangement is designed for data transmission at frequencies in the megahertz range, in particular in the range between 1 and 20 MHz, and in particular in the range of 3 MHz. However, in principle, the antenna arrangement can also be designed for transmission / reception in the double-digit or triple-digit megahertz range (e.g., up to 300 MHz). For other applications, the antenna array is tuned to a resonant frequency in the gigahertz range.

[0025] In alternative variants, the antenna arrangement is used for other applications, for example for inductive charging, typically at frequencies in the kHz range, or also as a telecoil antenna for frequencies up to the Hertz range.

[0026] Preferably, in particular for antenna devices tuned to the megahertz range, in particular to a range between 1 and 20 MHz, the magnetic layer has a magnetic permeability in the range between 40 and 700, preferably between 100 and 300. As the frequency of the antenna device increases, lower permeability values ​​are selected for the magnetic film. However, the permeability value is at least >1, so that the magnetically conductive material used is at least paramagnetic. Preferably, the permeability value is significantly greater than 1 (at least 5, preferably at least 10), so that the magnetically conductive material is generally ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic.

[0027] The electrical shielding layer is particularly thinner than the magnetic layer. The magnetic layer preferably has a thickness in the range of at least 25 μm, preferably at least 50 μm or at least 100 μm. The thickness is, for example, a maximum of 500 μm, preferably a maximum of 200 μm or a maximum of 300 μm. In particular, in some embodiments, the thickness of the magnetic layer, in particular the thickness of the ferrite film, is in the range of between 200 μm and 300 μm. This achieves good performance and high sensitivity of the antenna device (compared to very thin layers, for example, in the range of 25 μm to 100 μm). At the same time, this reduces the (bending) flexibility of the magnetic layer and, consequently, the (bending) flexibility of the entire shielding film. The thickness of the electrical shielding layer, in particular the copper foil or copper layer, is typically in the range of between 5 μm and 50 μm, preferably typically in the range of between 15 μm and 35 μm. For applications in the low-frequency range, such as for inductive charging, thicker films are also preferably used, for example films with a thickness of between 40 μm and 80 μm.

[0028] To produce the antenna module, a mounting body is preferably used that is longer than the electrical component. Advantageously, the mounting body is at least as long as the magnetic layer including the tabs (as viewed in the longitudinal direction). This allows the magnetic layer, in particular the magnetic ferrite film, to be completely attached to the mounting body.

[0029] The mounting body typically has a winding region and a connecting tab region. The winding region accommodates the winding and thus the coil, while the tab region serves to store or support the tabs of the magnetic layer. In this tab region, the individual tabs are preferably placed on the mounting body in the form of strips.

[0030] Preferably, on its side, in particular in the web area, there are edge-side ridges or grooves in which the individual strip-shaped webs are located. The width of the grooves corresponds to the width of the respective webs.

[0031] The mounting body (like the electrical component) is typically rectangular in cross section and is generally cuboid in shape.

[0032] At its end, which is located opposite the web area, the mounting body has a radially extending stop. This means that a ridge extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction adjoins the end of the winding area and forms the stop. The magnetic layer is mounted on this stop.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the stop portion is part of a separate stop element that is reversibly connected to the remaining mounting body, i.e., the stop element can be removed from the remaining mounting body and fixed to the mounting body again. In particular, the stop element has a plug-in element that is inserted into the remaining mounting body.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, an adapter housing is also provided, which (particularly after removing the stop element) is pushed onto at least a portion of the winding area and the winding located therein. This is done, in particular, before the receiver is arranged in the receiving space, i.e., when forming the prefabricated antenna module.

[0035] As an alternative to this variant in which the adapter housing is pushed onto the winding, the adapter housing itself forms the mounting body and the winding is mounted on the circumference around this mounting body in the winding region of the adapter housing.

[0036] In both cases, if the electrical component is designed as a receiver, it is inserted into the adapter housing with the end face facing forward. The receiver has a sound outlet on this end face. Therefore, the adapter housing preferably also has an opening, in particular a sound outlet connection, at the end face.

[0037] The sound outlet socket is usually formed as a connecting element for connecting, in particular, an ear fitting, which is typically shaped specifically for the user. When using a hearing aid, the hearing aid is inserted into the user's ear canal with the ear fitting in front.

[0038] The adapter housing is usually passed through the wall of the hearing aid housing, at least in the region of its sound outlet, in order to be able to attach the ear fitting from the outside.

[0039] For simple installation of the adapter housing in the housing of the hearing aid, the adapter housing further comprises a stop which, in the installed end position, rests against a wall of the housing of the hearing aid.

[0040] Windings typically have two winding ends that are electrically contacted to connect the windings and to further electronic components, such as amplifiers, filters, analog-to-digital converters, and signal processors. To simplify the electrical contacting of the winding ends and coils, a printed circuit board, in particular a flexible printed circuit board, is advantageously provided. This printed circuit board preferably has two contact surfaces, on which the respective winding ends are contacted.

[0041] Advantageously, viewed in the longitudinal direction, the winding and thus the coil has a winding length. The two contact surfaces are spaced apart from each other in particular in the longitudinal direction by at least the winding length, so that at each end a winding end can contact the corresponding contact surface.

[0042] The printed circuit board is preferably placed onto the mounting body, more precisely preferably directly onto the mounting body, ie before the magnetic layer and / or the winding are mounted.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the printed circuit board has a winding section and a tab section. The winding is then mounted in the region of the winding section, and the tab section connected thereto in the longitudinal direction is then arranged in the region of the tabs of the magnetic layer. The tabs are therefore preferably mounted on the tab section.

[0044] The contact surfaces are preferably arranged in the region of the winding section. Suitably, a conductor track is guided from the respective contact surface in the longitudinal direction, the conductor track extending into the web section and terminating at the end at a connection point (so-called connection pad), and the conductor track is particularly configured for connecting the conductors.

[0045] Here, these connection pads for wiring are preferably arranged on the inward lower side of the circuit board, and the contact surface is arranged on the opposite outer side of the circuit board.In this regard, for example according to the form of through-hole known per se, electrical connection is led from the contact surface through the circuit board to the connection pad.

[0046] The contacting of the winding ends, and often also the connection of the wires, is achieved, for example, by soldering or welding. In both cases, heat is introduced. To prevent damage, good heat dissipation is required during this process. This applies particularly to the contact surface area. To ensure the best possible heat dissipation, the contact surfaces are preferably designed to be large. This means that they occupy a significantly larger area than is actually required for contact. For example, the contact surfaces may each occupy 5-10% of the area of ​​the printed circuit board in the winding area.

[0047] According to a variant embodiment, the printed circuit board is arranged on only one of the longitudinal sides of the component or the mounting body. This is sufficient for electrical contacting. Alternatively, the printed circuit board, particularly in the case of a flexible printed circuit board embodiment, can also be arranged around the mounting body or at least around the component.

[0048] Furthermore, it is often provided that further electrical or electronic components are arranged on the printed circuit board, in particular on its tab sections that extend beyond the electrical components. These are arranged facing the intermediate space, on the inside and / or also on the outside, i.e., between the tab sections and the wall (outer wall) of the hearing aid housing. For example, an integrated circuit, such as for a charging circuit, may be arranged directly on the printed circuit board.

[0049] In a suitable embodiment, the circuit board itself has the aforementioned electrical shielding layer. In particular, the circuit board has a continuous metal plane for this purpose. Here, the circuit board is in particular a circuit board with multiple planes, so that one of these planes forms the electrical shielding layer.

[0050] In a configuration in which the magnetic shielding layer is arranged between the winding and the printed circuit board, the magnetic layer preferably has windows, ie, recesses, in the region of the contact surface, thereby enabling contact between the winding head and the contact surface.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the hollow body prepared with the winding is pushed onto the component or inserted into the hollow body, for example also in the embodiment as an adapter housing. In some embodiments, the magnetic layer is located between the hollow body and the component. Therefore, in these embodiments, the magnetic layer is not mounted on the mounting body. The magnetic layer is mounted, for example, before the hollow body is pushed. In this case, the magnetic layer, in particular a ferrite film or a combined shielding film, is first mounted on the earpiece (electrical component) before the hollow body is pushed. Alternatively, the magnetic layer is only subsequently positioned, i.e., pushed between the component and the hollow body. For this purpose, there is at least a slight free space between the hollow body and the component. Specifically, in this case, the strip element is pushed in on each longitudinal side of the cuboid-shaped component. Alternatively, the magnetic layer is constructed in the form of a sheath and is itself pushed in.

[0052] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the hollow body itself has connection locations or connection pads for connecting, in particular, wires, so that the winding can be electrically connected to further electronic components, as already described above.

[0053] According to a first embodiment variant, the hollow body is made of a non-conductive material and is in particular designed as a plastic sleeve. Alternatively, it is made of a conductive material and is in particular designed as a metal sleeve. In this respect, effective electrical shielding of the earpiece is already achieved.

[0054] Furthermore, the aforementioned technical problem is also solved by a hearing aid having a housing. Such hearing aids typically have an interior space that varies in one direction. In the case of an ITE housing, the interior space typically expands from the eardrum side of the housing toward the side facing away. "Eardrum side" is understood to mean the side of the housing that is inserted into the hearing canal so that it faces the eardrum.

[0055] A hearing aid includes at least one electrical component disposed in a housing and extending in a longitudinal direction. The electrical component is typically a hearing aid component, i.e., a hearing aid component that performs hearing aid functions. Preferably, the electrical component is an earpiece. Furthermore, an antenna module, also referred to as an antenna assembly, is integrated into the housing. The antenna module includes a winding disposed on the electrical component. Furthermore, a magnetic layer composed of a magnetic, i.e., magnetically conductive, material is disposed between the component and the winding. The winding is wound around the electrical component, particularly in a coil-like manner, with an intermediate layer of the magnetic layer. The magnetic layer includes a subsection extending along the electrical component. In a preferred embodiment, the subsection is disposed circumferentially around the electrical component. Furthermore, the magnetic layer includes at least one, and preferably multiple, tabs connected to the subsection in the longitudinal direction, and thus also to the electrical component. Thus, at least one tab, and preferably multiple tabs, protrude beyond the electrical component. The at least one protruding tab defines an intermediate space formed by at least a subspace of the interior of the housing. The intermediate space is for example limited on one side by at least one web, and is limited on the other side by the (opposite) inner wall of the housing. In the case of a plurality of webs, these webs preferably surround the intermediate space between them.

[0056] This measure allows for the most efficient use of space, particularly in ITE hearing aids. In such ITE hearing aids, the device typically comprises a first housing section with a small cross-sectional area that fits within the auditory canal. This first housing section is adjoined by an enlarged second housing section in which several further hearing aid components are arranged. Electrical components, surrounded by a shielding film, are arranged in the first housing section with a small cross-section. Consequently, the enlarged webs provide particularly effective shielding of the enlarged interior space in the second housing section.

[0057] The advantages and preferred embodiments listed in conjunction with the method for producing a hearing aid can also be applied analogously to the hearing aid.

[0058] The intermediate space, in particular the intermediate space formed between two webs, is preferably enlarged in the longitudinal direction. The distance between at least one web and, for example, the opposite inner wall of the housing, or the distance between two, in particular opposite webs, increases when viewed in the longitudinal direction.

[0059] Further components, such as a battery, an electronic circuit, a signal processing device, or additional coils, such as a charging coil or a telecoil, are preferably arranged in this intermediate space.

[0060] Generally speaking, hearing aids are ITE hearing devices, especially ITE hearing assistive devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Figure 1 A diagram showing a housing of an ITE hearing aid device with an antenna arrangement inserted therein,

[0063] Figure 2A-2G shows a diagram for explaining a first variant for producing an antenna module,

[0064] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B shows a diagram for explaining a second variant for producing an antenna module,

[0065] Figures 4A-4D shows a diagram for explaining a third variant for producing an antenna module,

[0066] Figures 5A-5D A diagram illustrating a fourth variant for producing an antenna module is shown, and

[0067] Figures 6A-6D A diagram is shown to illustrate a fifth variant for producing an antenna module.

[0068] In the figures, components with the same function are provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Figure 1 A partial view of an ITE hearing aid 1 is shown. It includes a housing 2. The housing 2 comprises a first housing section 2A and a second housing section 2B connected to the first housing section. The first housing section 2A extends from the end on the eardrum side toward the second housing section 2B, which terminates on the side facing away from the eardrum. The first housing section 2A is designed to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal, particularly of a hearing-impaired person. The second housing section 2B adjoins the first housing section 2A and expands overall, thereby forming an enlarged interior space 4.

[0070] The second housing section 2B has a relatively large opening at the end. This is typically closed by a so-called faceplate, i.e., a component carrier, on which connectors, operating elements, or hearing aid components are often located. Further components (not shown here) such as a battery, signal processing, microphone, etc. are located in the housing 2 .

[0071] The first housing section 2A has an opening 6 at the end on the eardrum side, from which the sound leaves in the direction of the eardrum. In the first housing section 2A, there is usually an earpiece 8 as an electrical component, which extends at least in one piece into the opening 6 (the earpiece 8 is in the Figure 1(Not shown in the figure). Inside the housing 2, there is an antenna module 7, also known as an antenna assembly. This antenna module has as its main components a shielding film 10 and a winding 12 designed as a coil. The winding 12 and a portion of the shielding film 10 enclose a receiving space 11, in which the earpiece 8 is arranged when installed. The winding 12 is arranged only in the area of ​​the earpiece 8. This receiving space, and thus the receiving space 11 enclosed by the winding 12, extends in a longitudinal direction 14, which is oriented away from the eardrum side of the housing 2.

[0072] The shielding film 10 typically has a subsection 16 that is placed around the receiver 8 on its circumference. Viewed approximately in the longitudinal direction 14, individual (shielding) tabs 18 are connected to this subsection 16, in which the shielding film 10 is guided. In the typical design of the receiver 8 as a cuboid component, each side of the cuboid is guided further by a corresponding tab 18. The individual tabs 18 are separated from one another at least outside the subsection 16. The winding 12 is arranged around the shielding film 10 only in the region of the subsection 16.

[0073] Following the subsection 16, the webs 18 widen, thereby widening the intermediate space 20 (seen in the longitudinal direction 14) formed between the webs 18. To achieve this, the respective webs 18 are closed, for example bent or curved at the transition between the respective web 18 and the subsection 16.

[0074] In particular, the individual webs 18 bear against the inner wall 24 of the housing 2, in particular in the region of the enlarged second housing section 2B. Preferably, the webs 18 are fixed to the inner wall at least in points or over a large area, in particular by adhesive bonding.

[0075] Shielding film 10 is a multilayered structure with at least two layers: a magnetic layer 26, typically formed from one or more ferrite films, and an electrical shielding layer 28, typically formed from a film or layer with good electrical conductivity. The conductive material is, in particular, copper. The electrical shielding layer is oriented toward earpiece 8, and magnetic layer 26 is arranged between electrical shielding layer 28 and winding 12.

[0076] In a first embodiment variant, shielding film 10 is formed by an electrical shielding layer 28, in particular a copper foil, and a magnetic layer 26, in particular adhesively bonded thereto. The electrical shielding layer is, for example, applied over the entire surface of shielding layer 28. Preferably, however, magnetic layer 26 is formed by individual strips extending in the longitudinal direction, which are individually applied to electrical shielding layer 28 (in particular a copper foil). These individual strips are film-like strips, in particular ferrite film strips.

[0077] The following is based on Figure 2A-2G to Figures 6A-6DThe production of the antenna module 7 and different embodiment variants of the antenna module 7 are explained in detail.

[0078] In all the variants described below, a mounting body 40 is used which either serves as a purely auxiliary element and is removed again after the antenna module 7 is manufactured (depending on the Figure 2A-2G variant), or is part of the antenna module 7 (according to Figure 3A-Figure 3B to Figures 6A-6D In principle, the antenna module 7 is manufactured here without the receiver 8. However, as an alternative to this, Figure 2A-2G to Figures 6A-6D As shown in FIG, in principle, different configurations can also be achieved by using the handset 8 during production.

[0079] exist Figure 2A-2G In a variant embodiment, a particularly solid mounting body 40 is used, which extends in the longitudinal direction 14. At its end on the eardrum side, it has a stop 42, to which first a wrap-around region 44 and then a tab region 46 follow. The mounting body 40 has a length L1, which is longer than the length L2 of the earpiece 8. In the tab region 46, the cuboid mounting body 40 has ridges on each longitudinal edge, so that a groove or recess 48 is formed in the tab region 46 on each cuboid side.

[0080] In a first step, the shielding film 10 is placed around the mounting body 40. The shielding film 10 is particularly Figure 2A The shielding film 10 shown in FIG is a similar slotted film. The drum-side subsection 16 is circumferential and has a free web 18 protruding on each cuboid side.

[0081] In the embodiment shown, the stop portion 42 is part of a stop element which can be inserted into the remaining mounting body 40 by means of a pin. This stop element is inserted in the next mounting step ( Figure 2D ) is removed. Thereafter, the adapter housing 50 is pushed onto the wrapping area 44 from the end on the eardrum side. The adapter housing 50 has a sound outlet connection 52 at the end on the eardrum side. Figure 2F In the next step shown in FIG, the mounting body 40 is finally removed, thereby forming the antenna module 7. Subsequently, the earpiece 8 is inserted into the receiving space 11 now freed by the mounting body 40. The cross-sectional profile of the receiving space 11 and therefore the cross-sectional profile of the mounting body 40 is matched to the cross-sectional profile of the earpiece 8, so that the earpiece 8 is placed in the receiving space 11 with an exact fit, except for the necessary installation tolerances.

[0082] The thus prepared assembly consisting of antenna module 7 and receiver 8 is then inserted into housing 2. Here, sound outlet socket 52 is passed through opening 6 on the eardrum side of housing 2. Inner wall 24 of housing 2 surrounds adapter housing 50 on the circumference in the region of opening 6.

[0083] The antenna module 7, in particular the winding 12, must in principle be electrically connected to further electronic components not shown in detail here. Figure 3A-Figure 3B In the embodiment variant, a circuit board 54 ( Figure 3B ), the circuit board is for example Figure 3B The strip-shaped element shown in the figure is arranged along the longitudinal direction 14 and is designed only for placement on the side surfaces of the cuboid. The circuit board 54 has a wraparound section 56 on the drumhead side and a web section 58 connected thereto in the longitudinal direction 14. The circuit board 54 is, in particular, a flexible circuit board film. In particular, the web section 58 can be bent or folded relative to the wraparound section 56, as indicated by the dashed lines.

[0084] For production, the circuit board 54 is first placed on the mounting body 40. The mounting body may be, for example, Figure 2A-2G The embodiment variant shown is shown. Subsequently, the magnetic layer 26 is applied and then the winding 12. The magnetic layer 26 is, for example, a slotted ferrite film or individual ferrite strips.

[0085] Preferably, the printed circuit board 54 has contact surfaces 60 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction 14. The distance between the two contact surfaces 60 is greater than or equal to the winding length L3 of the winding 12. The winding ends (not shown in detail here) of the winding 12 are electrically contacted at these contact surfaces 60 by welding or soldering.

[0086] A conductor track 62 originates from each contact surface 60 and extends in the longitudinal direction 14 to the web section 58, where it terminates at the end, in particular at a connection location 64 designed as a connection pad. The connection location 64 is arranged, in particular, at the same height, but on the opposite side of the printed circuit board 4 to the contact surface 60. Thus, in the installed state, the connection location 64 is oriented inwardly toward the intermediate space 20. They are typically used to connect contact wires, which are then routed to further electronic components.

[0087] In particular, combined Figure 3A It can be seen that the magnetic layer 26 has a window 66 in the region of the contact surface 60 in order to enable contact between the winding head and the contact surface 60 .

[0088] According to a preferred variant, the printed circuit board 54 has a metal layer, in particular a copper layer, over the entire surface, ie is constructed in multiple layers. Here, the copper layer in particular forms the electrical shielding layer 28 , so that for example a simple (ferrite) film is used for the magnetic layer 26 .

[0089] according to Figures 4A-4D to Figures 6A-6D The following embodiment variants each show a mounting body 40 designed as a hollow body, which remains in the antenna module 7 .

[0090] In accordance with Figures 4A-4D In a manufacturing variant, the mounting body 40 is constructed as a sleeve ( Figure 4B ), which is made, in particular, of an insulating material (a plastic sleeve), around which the winding 12 is wound, with connection points 64 being formed on the sides of the cuboid. In this embodiment variant, the magnetic layer 26, in particular the shielding film 10, is placed directly around the receiver 8. The thus prepared unit consisting of the receiver 8 and the shielding film 10 is then inserted into the antenna module 7.

[0091] exist Figure 4C The end face of the eardrum-side receiver 8 can be seen in the figure. In this position, the receiver 8 has a sound outlet connection 53. On the opposite end, which is oriented toward the intermediate space 20 in the installed state, a connection side with a plurality of contact terminals is formed. These contact terminals are also electrically connected to the control unit and the receiver 8 is controlled via the contact terminals.

[0092] exist Figures 5A-5D Shown in the Figures 4A-4D Deformed implementation variant. The mounting body 40 is again constructed as a sleeve-shaped hollow body, which in this embodiment is preferably made of a conductive material, in particular metal. Then, the shielding film 10 is first placed around the mounting body, and then the winding 12 is placed. Figures 4A-4D As in the variant of FIG. 4 , the receiver 8 is inserted into the receiving space 7 formed by the cavity of the mounting body 40 . Figure 4D and Figure 5D A sectional view is shown for each of these two variants of antenna module 7 .

[0093] If special help Figure 4D As can be seen, in a preferred embodiment, the winding length L3 of the winding 12 is provided to be smaller in some embodiments than the length L2 of the earpiece 8. In this case, the winding 12 is arranged in particular at the inner end of the earpiece 8. This is understood to be the end of the earpiece 8 that is oriented toward the intermediate space 20, i.e., the end facing away from the eardrum.

[0094] The winding 12 is thus spaced apart from the eardrum-side end of the earpiece 8. As a result, the structural unit with the antenna module 7 and the earpiece 8 remains compact at the eardrum-side end, so that in this area, the housing 2 also surrounding the structural unit is also as compact as possible, so that as little structural space as possible is required in the area of ​​the ear canal. This variant is particularly suitable for Figures 4A-4D and Figures 5A-5D The variant in which the mounting body 40 remains as an additional component in the antenna module is of particular interest.

[0095] Figures 6A-6D A special variant is shown in which the adapter housing 50 simultaneously defines the mounting body 40, which is designed as a hollow body. In this case, the winding 12 is wound onto the outside of the adapter housing 50. In this variant, a printed circuit board 54 is preferably provided for contacting the winding 12, which has end-side connection locations 64.

[0096] Especially from Figure 6D As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of , the connection location 64 and the printed circuit board 54 are preferably mounted only at the end side on the adapter housing 50 and preferably on a slightly raised ridge.

[0097] The adapter housing 50 has, on the side facing the eardrum, a particularly circumferential stop 68 that defines a stop for the housing 2. This means that the antenna module 7 is inserted from the front into the opening 6 of the housing 2 up to the circumferential stop 68. The remainder of the antenna module 7 thus protrudes from the housing 2. In this exemplary embodiment, for example, ¼ or more of the length of the adapter housing 50 protrudes from the housing 2.

[0098] The winding 12 is mounted in the region between the stop 68 and the opposite end of the adapter housing 80. In this exemplary embodiment, a circumferential recess is formed in the adapter housing, into which recess the winding 12 is inserted.

[0099] The adapter housing 50 in turn has a sound outlet socket 52, into which a sound outlet socket 53 of the earpiece 8 is inserted. An ear fitting is particularly mounted on the sound outlet socket 52 of the adapter housing 50. The sound outlet socket 52 is preferably a separate component that is inserted into the end face of the adapter housing 50. Alternatively, the sound outlet socket 52 is designed as an injected component.

[0100] The present invention is now described in more detail in conjunction with an ITE hearing aid. In principle, the antenna module 7 described herein can also be applied to other hearing aids, and in general, hearing aids specifically designed to be worn on the head. These include, in particular, headphones, wearable devices, and the like. The electrical component accommodated by the antenna module 7 does not necessarily have to be an earpiece 8. The antenna module 7 described herein is preferably used for data transmission in the megahertz range. Furthermore, it can be used, in addition or alternatively, for inductive charging or as a telecoil.

[0101] Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, other variants can be derived therefrom without departing from the subject matter of the present invention. In particular, all individual features described in conjunction with the embodiments can be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the present invention.

[0102] Reference Signs List

[0103] 1. Hearing aid

[0104] 2 Housing

[0105] 2A, 2B First shell section, second shell section

[0106] 4 Internal Space

[0107] 6 Opening

[0108] 7 Antenna device

[0109] 8. Earpiece

[0110] 10 Shielding film

[0111] 11 Accommodation Space

[0112] 12 Winding

[0113] 14 Vertical direction

[0114] 16 sub-segments

[0115] 18 splices

[0116] 20 In-between Space

[0117] 24 inner wall

[0118] 26 Magnetic layer

[0119] 28 electrical shielding layer

[0120] 40 Mounting body

[0121] 42 stopper

[0122] 44 entanglement area

[0123] 46 Splice area

[0124] 48 recess

[0125] 50 Adapter housing

[0126] 52 Sound outlet connection for adapter housing

[0127] 53 Handset audio outlet

[0128] 54 circuit boards

[0129] 56 winding section

[0130] 58 splice section

[0131] 60 contact surface

[0132] 62 printed conductors

[0133] 64 Connection Location

[0134] 66 Window

[0135] 68 Surrounding stop

[0136] L1 Length of the mounting body

[0137] L2 Length of the handset

[0138] L3 winding length

Claims

1. A method for producing a hearing aid (1), the hearing aid having a housing (2), in which an antenna module (7) is arranged, the antenna module having a winding (12) and a receiving space (11), in which an electrical component (8) is arranged, wherein: The antenna module (7) is prefabricated in the following manner: - providing a mounting body (40), - the winding (12) is at least indirectly mounted on the mounting body (40), the mounting body (40) defines the receiving space (11) and is designed for this purpose as a sleeve-shaped hollow body, which has a cavity forming the receiving space (11), or alternatively the mounting body (40) is removed and the free space resulting from the removal forms the receiving space (11), - Subsequently, the electrical component (8) is inserted into the receiving space (11) of the prefabricated antenna module (7), - a unit consisting of the electrical components and the antenna module is placed in the housing (2), wherein The antenna module (7) has a magnetic layer (26), which is first mounted on the mounting body (40) before the winding (12) is mounted.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The electrical component (8) is a receiver.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The receiving space (11) and the electrical component (8) extend in a longitudinal direction (14) and each have a length (L2), and the magnetic layer (26) has at least one web (18) which extends beyond the length (L2) of the receiving space (11) or the electrical component and defines an intermediate space (20) in the housing (2).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein An electrical shielding layer (28) is arranged in the housing (2).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A mounting body (40) having a length (L1) longer than the electric component (8) is used.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein: A mounting body (40) having a length (L1) longer than the electric component (8) is used.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: A mounting body (40) is used which has a wrap-around region (44) and a web region (46) connected to the wrap-around region, in which the at least one web (18) is placed in a strip-shaped manner.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Opposite the web region (46) and adjoining the wrap-around region (44), the mounting body (40) has a stop (42) projecting in the radial direction.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein: An adapter housing (50) is arranged, which is pushed onto the winding area (44) and the winding (12) located therein, or around which the winding (12) is mounted.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein First, a printed circuit board (54) having a contact surface (60) is placed on the mounting body (40), and then the winding (12) is placed and the winding (12) is brought into contact with the contact surface (60).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: A circuit board (54) having a shielding layer (28) is used.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The mounting body (40) is designed as a hollow body and is pushed onto the electric component, and the magnetic layer (26) is arranged between the hollow body and the electric component (8).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The hollow body has a connection location (64) for connecting a conductor.

14. A method for producing an antenna module (7) for a hearing aid (1), the hearing aid having a winding (12) and a receiving space (11) provided for arranging an electrical component (8), wherein - providing a mounting body (40), - the winding (12) is at least indirectly mounted on the mounting body (40), - the mounting body (40) defines the receiving space (11) and is designed for this purpose as a hollow body having a cavity forming the receiving space (11), or alternatively the mounting body (40) is removed and the free space resulting from the removal forms the receiving space (11), and The antenna module (7) has a magnetic layer (26), which is first mounted on the mounting body (40) before the winding (12) is mounted.

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