Hearing device comprising a battery module and method of manufacturing a hearing device battery module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hearing device comprising a battery module and a method of manufacturing a battery module for a hearing device. The disclosed hearing device (20) comprises a battery module (10). The battery module (10) comprises a battery (2) for powering the hearing device (20), a conductor unit (4) for providing an electrical connection to the battery (2), a conductive adhesive (6) arranged between the battery (2) and the conductor unit (4) for connecting the conductor unit (4) with the battery (2) to form a battery assembly (12), and a coating (8) at least partially arranged around the battery assembly (12) to form the battery module (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hearing device including a battery module and a method for manufacturing a battery module for a hearing device. Background Technology

[0002] Hearing devices, such as wireless hearing aids and earbuds, have become increasingly popular in recent years. These wireless hearing devices typically include at least one battery to power them. However, batteries can lose contact with the hearing device, leak, or need to be replaced or reused in another hearing device. Therefore, there has been a persistent need for improved battery assemblies for hearing devices. Furthermore, there is a need for improved methods of manufacturing battery assemblies for hearing devices to address the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to hearing devices. The hearing device includes a battery module. The battery module includes a battery for powering the hearing device. The battery module includes conductor units for providing electrical connection to the battery. The battery module includes a conductive adhesive disposed between the battery and the conductor units for connecting the conductor units and the battery to form a battery assembly. The battery module includes a coating at least partially disposed around the battery assembly to form the battery module.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a battery module for a hearing device. The method includes the steps of providing a battery for powering the hearing device, conductive units for providing electrical connection to the battery, and a conductive adhesive. The method includes the step of attaching the conductive adhesive to the battery. The method includes the step of attaching the conductive units to the conductive adhesive to form a battery assembly. The method includes the step of coating the battery assembly to form a battery module.

[0005] The disclosed hearing device and method provide a simple, compact, cost-effective, and robust battery module, and thus a hearing device. The conductive adhesive and coating enable the battery module to be mechanically secured in a simple, compact, and cost-effective manner. Therefore, the conductive adhesive and coating prevent or at least mitigate the loss of contact between the battery and the conductor unit, and consequently, the hearing device. In conventional battery modules for hearing devices, there are typically additional support components, such as foam and / or springs for mechanical fixation, which are more expensive, require more components, are more complex, and occupy more space than the conductive adhesive and coating.

[0006] Furthermore, the disclosed hearing devices and methods provide improved protection for the battery module against factors such as water, moisture, earwax, and other bodily secretions and dirt. In other words, the coating on the battery module provides improved protection against factors such as water, moisture, earwax, and other bodily secretions and dirt that may enter the battery module. One example of the advantages of the coating is that it prevents or at least mitigates corrosion or malfunctions, such as battery short circuits. Therefore, the coating increases battery life and thus enables a more cost-effective battery module. In addition, the disclosed hearing devices and methods provide improved protection for the user wearing the hearing device, i.e., providing a safer battery module, and therefore a safer hearing device. For example, the coating prevents or at least mitigates potential battery leakage, i.e., electrolyte leakage.

[0007] The disclosed hearing devices and methods further facilitate the repair and replacement of various parts of the battery module, thus facilitating the repair and replacement of the hearing device. For example, if the battery needs to be replaced, it can be replaced by, for example, removing the battery module from the hearing device housing or removing the battery from the conductive adhesive and connecting another battery. Therefore, other parts of the battery module can be reused. Another example is that the battery module or its battery can be reused when the hearing device housing is replaced. Therefore, this replacement and reuse of the battery module or battery achieves a further reduction in the cost of the battery module and the hearing device.

[0008] The battery module includes a battery for powering the hearing device. The battery may include one or more cells. The battery can be any type of battery suitable for hearing devices. The battery can be rechargeable. The battery can be a button cell with round positive and negative terminals. The battery can be charged using wireless power transmission, and various different technologies can be used, such as inductive coupling, resonant inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, magneto-dynamic coupling, microwaves, light waves, etc. The rechargeable battery can be, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a silver-zinc battery, a solid-state battery, etc. The battery can be charged using terminal or contact charging. For terminal or contact power transmission, various different technologies and battery types can be used, such as alkaline batteries, primary battery charging, etc.

[0009] The battery module includes conductor units for providing electrical connections to the battery, such as for battery use and charging. The conductor units can be of any type. The conductor unit may have two portions disposed on conductive adhesive portions of the positive and negative terminals of the battery. These portions of the conductor unit may be circular or may have any other suitable shape. The conductor unit may include a printed circuit board, such as a printed circuit board for a battery, hereinafter referred to as a battery printed circuit board. The battery printed circuit board may be flexible. The battery printed circuit board may be rigid. The battery printed circuit board may include a flexible board with a rigid panel or a rigid board with a flexible panel. For example, the battery printed circuit board may include two main panels connected by a flexible board. The battery printed circuit board may include other components, such as charging components. The battery printed circuit board can be used with other components, i.e., to provide electrical connections to said other components. Alternatively or in combination, the conductor unit may include a sheet or plate of metal. The conductor unit may be connected to the main printed circuit board of the hearing device.

[0010] The battery module includes a conductive adhesive disposed between a battery and conductor units for connecting the conductor units to the battery to form a battery assembly. The conductive adhesive electrically connects the battery to the conductor units. Furthermore, the conductive adhesive bonds the battery to the conductor units. The conductive adhesive can be a conductive tape. The conductive adhesive can be a conductive glue. The conductive adhesive can include any other type of conductive adhesive.

[0011] The battery module includes a coating at least partially disposed around the battery assembly to form the battery module. This coating provides external protection for the battery against factors such as water, moisture, dirt, earwax, and other bodily secretions that may enter the battery module. The coating also provides external protection for the user of the hearing device, for example, in the event of a leak, where there is no battery electrolyte or only a small amount of battery electrolyte leakage. The coating can be made of one or more non-conductive materials. The coating can include plastics. The coating can include polymers. The coating can include a combination of plastics and polymers. The coating can be rigid.

[0012] Hearing devices may include a housing or casing. The battery module may be housed within the housing, such as in a compartment or frame of the housing.

[0013] Hearing devices can include headphones, hearing aids, wearable devices, etc. They can also be in-the-ear (ITE) hearing devices, in-the-ear receiver (RIE) hearing devices, in-the-canal receiver (RIC) hearing devices, in-the-ear microphone and receiver (MaRIE) hearing devices, ear-hook (BTE) hearing devices, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices, and other general-purpose hearing devices.

[0014] The hearing aids are designed to be worn by the user. The hearing aids can be placed in the user's ear, on the ear, in the ear canal, behind the ear, etc. A user can wear two hearing aids, one in each ear. The two hearing aids can be connected, for example, wirelessly.

[0015] Hearing devices can be configured for audio communication, such as enabling a user to listen to media like music or radio, and / or enabling a user to make telephone calls. Hearing devices can be configured to perform hearing compensation for a user. Hearing devices can be configured to perform noise cancellation, etc.

[0016] Hearing devices may include a first input sensor, such as a microphone, for generating one or more microphone output signals based on received audio signals. The audio signal may be an analog signal. The microphone output signal may be a digital signal. Therefore, the first input sensor, such as a microphone or an analog-to-digital converter, can convert the analog audio signal into a digital microphone output signal. All signals may be sound signals or signals that include information about sound. Hearing devices may include a signal processor. One or more microphone output signals may be provided to a signal processor for processing one or more microphone output signals. The signals may be processed to compensate for the user's hearing loss or hearing impairment. The signal processor can provide a modified signal. All these components may be contained within the housing of an ITE unit or a BTE unit. Hearing devices may include a receiver, an output sensor, a speaker, or an amplifier. The receiver may be connected to the output of the signal processor. The receiver can output the modified signal to the user's ear. The receiver or digital-to-analog converter can convert the modified signal from the processor, which is a digital signal, into an analog signal. The receiver may be included in an ITE unit or earpiece, such as a RIE unit or a MaRIE unit. Hearing devices may include more than one microphone, and ITE units or BTE units may include at least one microphone, while RIE units may also include at least one microphone.

[0017] The signal processor for hearing aids may include components such as amplifiers, compressors, and / or noise reduction systems. The signal processor can be implemented in a signal processing chip or a printed circuit board (PCB). Hearing aids may also have filtering capabilities, such as compensation filters for optimizing the output signal.

[0018] Hearing devices may also include wireless communication units or chips, such as wireless communication circuits or magnetic induction chips, for wireless data communication interconnected with antennas, such as radio frequency (RF) antennas or magnetic induction antennas, for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic fields. The wireless communication unit, including a radio device or transceiver, can be connected to the hearing device's signal processor and antenna for communication with one or more external devices, such as one or more external electronic devices, including at least one smartphone, at least one tablet computer, at least one hearing accessory device including at least one spouse microphone, remote control, audio testing equipment, etc., or in some embodiments, for communication with another hearing device, such as another hearing device located in the other ear (typically in a binaural hearing device system).

[0019] Hearing devices can be any type of hearing device, such as any hearing device that compensates for the hearing loss of the wearer, or any hearing device that provides sound to the wearer, or a hearing device that provides noise cancellation, or a hearing device that provides tinnitus reduction / masking. Those skilled in the art are familiar with different types of hearing devices and different options for placing the hearing device in and / or on the ear of the wearer.

[0020] For example, the hearing device can be an in-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (RIC), or in-ear receiver (RIE or RITE) type hearing device, such as an in-ear microphone and receiver (MaRIE), where the receiver is located in the wearer's ear during use, for example, in the ear canal, as part of an ITE unit, while other hearing device components, such as a processor, wireless communication unit, battery, etc., are provided as components and housed in the housing of an over-the-ear (BTE) unit. Plug and socket connectors allow the BTE unit to be connected to an earbud, such as an RIE unit or a MaRIE unit.

[0021] Hearing devices may include a Resonant Electronic Component (RIE) unit. A RIE unit typically includes an earpiece, such as a housing, a plug connector, and a wire / tube connecting the plug connector and the earpiece. The earpiece may include an in-ear housing, a receiver configured to provide a receiver in the user's ear and / or configured to provide a receiver in the user's ear canal, and an open or closed dome. The dome may support proper placement of the earpiece in the user's ear. The RIE unit may include a microphone, a receiver, one or more sensors, and / or other electronic devices. Some electronic components may be housed in the earpiece, while others may be housed in the plug connector. The receiver may have different intensities, i.e., low power, medium power, or high power. The wire / tube provides electrical connection between the electronic components housed in the earpiece of the RIE unit and the electronic components housed in the BTE unit. The wire / tube and the RIE unit itself may have different lengths.

[0022] In some implementations, a coating may be provided to protect and secure the battery assembly. The coating can mechanically secure and electrically connect the conductor cells to the battery using a conductive adhesive. In other words, the coating allows for the use of a conductive adhesive to provide an electrical connection between the conductor cells and the battery by mechanically securing them together.

[0023] In another embodiment, the coating can be provided by depositing a polymer onto the battery assembly. The coating can be provided, for example, by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD). The coating thickness can range from 1 to 100 μm, for example, 2 to 50 μm, such as 25 μm. The coating thickness can be controlled in ways known in the art. For example, the coating thickness can be controlled by the deposition time and / or by the flow of precursors forming the coating during the deposition process. Examples of coating materials include any or any combination of parylene N, parylene C, etc.

[0024] In some embodiments, the step of coating the battery assembly may include depositing a polymer at least partially around the battery assembly. The coating step may include, for example, masking a portion of the battery assembly and depositing polymer around the remaining portion of the battery assembly, i.e., at least partially around the battery assembly. The masking of this portion of the battery assembly can be performed in a manner known in the art. For example, a portion of the battery assembly may be covered by a gel, tape, or plastic cover. Alternatively, the coating step may include completely depositing polymer around the battery assembly. A portion of the coating may then be removed to form a contact between that portion of the battery assembly and an external component, such as the main printed circuit board of a hearing device.

[0025] In some embodiments, the conductive adhesive may include conductive components disposed within the adhesive material. The conductive components may be conductive particles, such as nickel and / or copper particles. The conductive components may be conductive fibers. The conductive components may be conductive fillers. The conductive components can provide electrical connections between the battery and the conductor unit. The adhesive material, i.e., the matrix, may be an adhesive solution, such as a polymer matrix that can be compressed to provide connections between conductive components. The adhesive material may be a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive material. For example, conductive fibers may be embedded in the polymer matrix, such that the matrix can serve as a carrier for the conductive fibers. Another example is a pressure-sensitive adhesive transfer tape with anisotropic conductivity. This pressure-sensitive adhesive material may be filled with conductive particles. Such conductive particles can allow substrates to be interconnected through the adhesive thickness, i.e., along the normal plane of the adhesive material, and can be spaced sufficiently far apart to electrically insulate the product within the plane of the adhesive material, such as 3M 9703 tape.

[0026] Examples of conductive adhesives are conductive tapes and conductive adhesives, such as silicone-based tapes containing conductive components in the form of conductive particles. Other examples of conductive adhesives are braided structures, including randomly arranged metal fibers in an adhesive solution, such as tesa 60371. Another example is plastic wires coated with any one or any combination of nickel or copper materials, which can be randomly or orderly arranged, such as braided structures.

[0027] In some embodiments, a conductive adhesive may be disposed at least on the positive and / or negative terminals of the battery, such that the conductor unit is connected to at least the positive and / or negative terminals of the battery via the conductive adhesive. The conductor unit may extend between the positive and negative terminals.

[0028] In some embodiments, the step of connecting the conductive adhesive to the battery includes applying the conductive adhesive to at least the positive and / or negative terminals of the battery, such that the conductor unit is connected to at least the positive and / or negative terminals of the battery via the conductive adhesive.

[0029] Therefore, the conductive adhesive can be provided at least to contact the surface of the positive terminal and / or the surface of the negative terminal of the battery. The conductive adhesive can be on either the positive or negative terminal. In other words, the conductive adhesive can be provided to contact the surface of either the positive or negative terminal. The conductive adhesive can be provided on both the positive and negative terminals. In other words, the conductive adhesive can be provided to contact the surfaces of both the positive and negative terminals. A conductor unit can be provided on the conductive adhesive. The conductor unit can be provided to contact the conductive adhesive. The conductor unit can extend between the positive and negative terminals of the battery and can contact the battery at certain locations.

[0030] In some implementations, the conductor unit includes a tail portion. The hearing device may include a main printed circuit board. The tail portion of the conductor unit may be connected to the main printed circuit board.

[0031] In some implementations, the method may include connecting the tail of the conductor unit to the main printed circuit board.

[0032] Therefore, the conductor unit can be connected to the main printed circuit board of the hearing device via its tail. The tail of the conductor unit can be soldered to a portion of the main printed circuit board. The tail of the conductor unit can be connected to a portion of the main printed circuit board via flip contacts or spring contacts. The tail of the conductor unit can be connected to a portion of the main printed circuit board via conductive adhesive, such as conductive tape. The tail of the conductor unit can be connected to a portion of the main printed circuit board by any other means. The tail of the conductor unit can be located on the top, bottom, or side panel of the conductor unit. The tail of the conductor unit can be connected to the top, bottom, or side of the main printed circuit board of the hearing device.

[0033] The step of connecting the conductor unit tail to the main printed circuit board can be performed before the step of coating the battery assembly to form the battery module. In this case, the coating is applied to the battery assembly, the conductor unit tail connected to the main printed circuit board, and the main printed circuit board. The step of connecting the conductor unit tail to the main printed circuit board can be performed after the step of coating the battery assembly to form the battery module. In this case, the coating is applied to the battery assembly, and the battery module is formed.

[0034] The main printed circuit board may include input sensors (e.g., microphones), output sensors (e.g., receivers and / or speakers), integrated circuits (e.g., signal processing units), and discrete components (e.g., capacitors, resistors, and inductors). The main printed circuit board may include any other components. The main printed circuit board may be flexible. The main printed circuit board may be rigid. The main printed circuit board may include a flexible board with a rigid panel.

[0035] In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a battery module may include activating a conductive adhesive to electrically connect conductor cells to the battery. Thus, by activating the adhesive solution, the conductive adhesive can be activated, and an electrical connection can therefore be provided between the battery and the conductor cells. For example, the step of activating the conductive adhesive can be performed by compressing the conductive adhesive. Alternatively or in combination, the step of activating the conductive adhesive can be performed by heating the conductive adhesive. Compression of the conductive adhesive can connect the conductive components, and thus connect the conductor cells to the battery to form a battery assembly. Heating of the conductive adhesive can improve the connection between the conductor cells and the battery and can also reduce assembly time. The step of activating the conductive adhesive can be performed before the step of connecting the conductor cells to the conductive adhesive. The step of activating the conductive adhesive by compression can be performed by applying a pressure in the range of 2 to 50 N, for example, 5 N, to the conductive adhesive. The time for applying the pressure can range from 1 to 300 seconds, for example, 90 seconds. The step of activating the conductive adhesive by heating can be performed by heating the conductive adhesive in a temperature range of 40 to 100°C, for example, 60°C.

[0036] In some implementations, the method may include removing the coating from the tail of the conductor cell prior to the step of connecting the tail of the conductor cell to the main printed circuit board. For example, when the coating is fully deposited around the battery assembly, it may be removed from the tail of the conductor cell prior to the step of connecting the tail of the conductor cell to the main printed circuit board. Coating removal may be performed in a manner known in the art. For example, coating removal may be performed by scraping a portion of the coating at the tail of the conductor cell using a tool. In another example, a portion of the coating at the tail of the conductor cell may be removed using a laser. Yet another example is that a portion of the coating at the tail of the conductor cell may be removed using a soldering iron. The temperature of the soldering iron tip may be above the melting point of the coating to remove it.

[0037] The present invention relates to various aspects of the hearing device and the corresponding method of manufacturing the hearing device described above and below, as well as the corresponding device components and method steps, each of which, in combination with the first and second mentioned aspects, produces one or more of the described benefits and advantages, and each has one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in combination with the first and second mentioned aspects and / or as disclosed in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The above and other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0039] Figure 1A schematic perspective top view of an exemplary battery assembly is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 A side view of an exemplary battery assembly is shown schematically.

[0041] Figure 3 A side view of the battery module of an exemplary hearing device is shown schematically.

[0042] Figure 4 A side view of an exemplary hearing device including a battery module is schematically shown.

[0043] Figure 5 A side view of another exemplary hearing device including a battery module is schematically shown, and

[0044] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a method for manufacturing a battery module for hearing devices is shown schematically.

[0045] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0046] 2 batteries

[0047] 4 conductor units

[0048] 6 Conductive adhesives

[0049] 8 coatings

[0050] 10 battery modules

[0051] 12 battery packs

[0052] 14 tail

[0053] 16 main printed circuit boards

[0054] 18 Welding sections

[0055] 20 hearing devices

[0056] 21 components

[0057] S30 method

[0058] S31 provides battery 2, conductor unit 4, and conductive adhesive 6.

[0059] S32 connects conductive adhesive 6 to battery 2

[0060] S33 connects conductor unit 4 and conductive adhesive 6

[0061] S34 activates conductive adhesive 6

[0062] S35 coated battery assembly 12

[0063] S36 removes coating 8 from tail 14 of conductor unit 4.

[0064] S37 connects the tail 14 of conductor unit 4 to the main printed circuit board 16. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. Therefore, the description of each figure will not describe the same elements in detail. It should also be noted that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiments do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. Aspects or advantages described in connection with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiment, even if not so stated or explicitly described.

[0066] The same reference numerals are always used for the same or corresponding parts.

[0067] Figure 1 A perspective top view of an exemplary battery assembly 12 of the battery module 10 is shown schematically. Figure 2 Schematic illustration as follows Figure 1 The exemplary battery assembly 12 shown is a side view. The battery assembly 12 includes a battery 2 for powering a hearing device 20. The battery assembly 12 includes conductor units 4 for providing electrical connection to the battery 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The conductor unit 4 is shown to include a tail portion 14. The battery assembly 12 includes a conductive adhesive 6 disposed between the battery 2 and the conductor unit 4 for connecting the conductor unit 4 and the battery 2 to form the battery assembly 12. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery 2 shown is a button-type battery with round positive and negative terminals.

[0068] Figure 2 The conductive adhesive 6 is shown to consist of two parts, each of which is disposed on the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery 2, respectively. Figure 1 The conductor unit 4 is shown to have two circular portions disposed on the conductive adhesive 6 of the positive and negative terminals of the battery 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The conductor unit 4 is shown connecting the positive and negative terminals of the battery 2 via a conductive adhesive 6. The conductor unit 4 portion disposed on the conductive adhesive 6 portion can have any other shape. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The conductor unit 4 extends between the positive and negative terminals of the battery 2. The conductive adhesive 6 portion disposed between the battery 2 and the conductor unit 4 can have a circular shape. The conductive adhesive 6 portion disposed between the battery 2 and the conductor unit 4 can have any other shape.

[0069] Figure 2 The conductive adhesive 6 has been shown to have passed as follows Figure 2 The pressure applied in the directions of the two arrows shown is compressed in order to be activated.

[0070] Figure 3 A side view of an exemplary battery module 10 of a hearing device 20 is schematically shown. The battery module 10 includes a battery 2 for powering the hearing device 20. The battery module 10 includes a conductor unit 4 for providing electrical connection to the battery 2. The battery module 10 includes a conductive adhesive 6 disposed between the battery 2 and the conductor unit 4 for connecting the conductor unit 4 to the battery 2 to form a battery assembly 12. The battery module 10 includes a coating 8 at least partially disposed around the battery module 12 to form the battery module 10. Figure 3 The coating 8 is shown to be applied to the portion of the battery assembly 12 excluding the tail 14, i.e., the area around the tip of the tail 14.

[0071] Figure 4 A side view of an exemplary hearing device 20, including a battery module 10, is schematically shown. Figure 4 The battery module 10 shown is Figure 3 The battery module 10 shown is similar. Figure 4 The hearing device 20 shown includes a main printed circuit board 16. Figure 4 The tail 14 of the conductor unit 4 shown is connected to the main printed circuit board 16. Figure 4 The tail 14 of the conductor unit 4 shown is soldered to the main printed circuit board 16 at the soldering portion 18. Figure 4 The main printed circuit board 16 shown includes other components 21. Examples of these components 21 include microphones, receivers, speakers, integrated circuits (e.g., signal processing units), and discrete components (e.g., capacitors, resistors, and inductors). Figure 4 In this process, the step of connecting the tail 14 of the S37 conductor unit 4 to the main printed circuit board 16 is performed after the step of coating the S35 battery assembly 12 to form the battery module 10.

[0072] Figure 5 A side view of another exemplary hearing device 20, including a battery module 10, is schematically shown. Figure 5 The tail 14 of conductor unit 4 is shown to be connected to the main printed circuit board 16. Figure 5 The tail 14 of conductor unit 4 is shown to be soldered to the main printed circuit board 16 at the soldering portion 18. Figure 5 The image shows the coated battery assembly 12, the tail 14 of the conductor unit 4 connected to the main printed circuit board 16, and the main printed circuit board 16. Figure 5In this process, the step of connecting the tail 14 of the conductor unit 4 of S37 to the main printed circuit board 16 has been performed before the step of coating the battery assembly 12 of S35 to form the battery module 10.

[0073] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the steps of a method S30 for manufacturing a battery module 10 for a hearing device 20 is shown. Method S30 includes the steps of providing a battery 2 for powering the hearing device 20 (S31), a conductor unit 4 providing electrical connection to the battery 2, and a conductive adhesive 6. Method S30 includes the step of connecting the conductive adhesive 6 to the battery 2 (S32). Method S30 includes the step of connecting the conductor unit 4 and the conductive adhesive 6 (S33) to form a battery assembly 12. Method S30 may include activating the conductive adhesive 6 (S34) to electrically connect the conductor unit 4 to the battery 2. The step of activating S34 may be performed before the step of connecting the conductor unit 4 to the conductive adhesive 6 (S33). The step of activating S34 may be performed after the step of connecting the conductor unit 4 to the conductive adhesive 6 (S33).

[0074] Figure 6 The method S30 shown includes coating S35 of the battery assembly 12 to form a battery module 20. Figure 6 The method S30 may include removing the S36 coating 8 from the tail 14 of the conductor unit 4 before the step of connecting the tail 14 of the conductor unit 4 to the main printed circuit board 16. Figure 6 The method S30 shown may include the tail 14 connecting the conductor unit 4 of S37 to the main printed circuit board 16.

[0075] Although specific features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0076] project:

[0077] 1. A hearing device (20) comprising a battery module (10), the battery module (10) comprising:

[0078] Battery (2) for powering the hearing device (20);

[0079] Conductor unit (4) for providing an electrical connection with the battery (2);

[0080] A conductive adhesive (6) is disposed between the battery (2) and the conductor unit (4) to connect the conductor unit (4) and the battery (2) to form a battery assembly (12); and

[0081] A coating (8) is at least partially disposed around the battery assembly (12) to form the battery module (10).

[0082] 2. The hearing device (20) according to Item 1, wherein the coating (8) is configured to protect the battery assembly (12) and fix the battery assembly (12).

[0083] 3. The hearing device (20) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the coating (8) is provided by depositing a polymer onto the battery assembly (12).

[0084] 4. The hearing device (20) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the conductive adhesive (6) includes a conductive component disposed in the adhesive material.

[0085] 5. The hearing device (20) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the conductive adhesive (6) is disposed at least on the positive and / or negative terminals of the battery (2), such that the conductor unit (4) is connected at least to the positive and / or negative terminals of the battery (2) by the conductive adhesive (6), and wherein the conductor unit (4) extends between the positive and negative terminals.

[0086] 6. The hearing device (20) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the conductor unit (4) includes a tail (14), wherein the hearing device (20) includes a main printed circuit board (16), and wherein the tail (14) of the conductor unit (4) is connected to the main printed circuit board (16).

[0087] 7. The hearing device according to any of the foregoing items, wherein the conductor unit (4) includes a main printed circuit board.

[0088] 8. A method (S30) for manufacturing a battery module (10) for a hearing device (20), the method (S30) comprising the following steps:

[0089] Provide (S31) a battery (2) for powering the hearing device (20), a conductor unit (4) for providing electrical connection to the battery (2), and a conductive adhesive (6);

[0090] Connect (S32) the conductive adhesive (6) to the battery (2);

[0091] Connect (S33) the conductor unit (4) to the conductive adhesive (6) to form a battery assembly (12); and

[0092] The battery assembly (12) is coated (S35) to form the battery module (10).

[0093] 9. The method (S30) for manufacturing a battery module (10) according to item 8, the method (S30) comprising activating (S34) the conductive adhesive (6) to electrically connect the conductor unit (4) to the battery (2).

[0094] 10. A method (S30) for manufacturing a battery module (10) according to item 8 or 9, wherein the step of coating (S35) the battery assembly (12) includes depositing a polymer at least partially around the battery assembly (12).

[0095] 11. A method (S30) for manufacturing a battery module (10) according to any one of items 8-10, wherein the step of connecting (S32) the conductive adhesive (6) to the battery (2) comprises:

[0096] The conductive adhesive (6) is applied to at least the positive and / or negative terminals of the battery (2), such that the conductor unit (4) is connected to at least the positive and / or negative terminals of the battery (2) via the conductive adhesive (6).

[0097] 12. A method (S30) for manufacturing a battery module (10) according to any one of items 8-11, wherein the conductor unit (4) includes a tail (14), the hearing device (20) includes a main printed circuit board (16), and wherein the method (S30) includes connecting (S37) the tail (14) of the conductor unit (4) to the main printed circuit board (16).

[0098] 13. A method (S30) for manufacturing a battery module (10) according to item 12, wherein the method (S30) includes removing (S36) the coating (8) from the tail (14) of the conductor unit (4) before the step of connecting (S37) the tail (14) of the conductor unit (4) to the main printed circuit board (16).

Claims

1. A hearing device comprising a battery module, the battery module comprising: a battery for powering the hearing device; a conductor unit configured to provide an electrical connection to the battery; a conductive adhesive between the battery and the conductor unit, the conductive adhesive connecting the conductor unit to the battery, wherein the battery, the conductor unit and the conductive adhesive form a battery assembly; and a coating at least partially disposed around the battery assembly; wherein the hearing device comprises a housing, and wherein the coating of the battery module is inside the housing of the hearing device; wherein the conductive adhesive is arranged on at least the positive and / or negative terminal of the battery, such that the conductor unit is connected to at least the positive and / or negative terminal of the battery via the conductive adhesive, wherein the conductor unit extends between the positive and negative terminal; wherein the conductor unit comprises a tail, wherein the tail of the conductor unit is connected to a main printed circuit board of the hearing device; and wherein the coating mechanically secures and electrically connects the conductor unit to the battery via the conductive adhesive; the coating leaves a portion of the tail uncovered, fully coating the battery assembly.

2. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein, the coating is arranged to protect the battery assembly and secure the battery assembly.

3. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein, the coating comprises a polymer deposited on the battery assembly.

4. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein, the conductive adhesive comprises a conductive component in an adhesive material.

5. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein, in a process of manufacturing a battery module of a hearing device, when the coating is fully deposited around the battery assembly, the coating is removed from the tail of the conductor unit before the step of connecting the tail of the conductor unit to the main printed circuit board.

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