Hearing device, electronic circuit, electronic circuit board and associated manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention discloses a hearing device, an electronic circuit, an electronic circuit board and a related method, in particular a method of manufacturing an electronic circuit for a hearing device, the hearing device comprising: an electronic circuit board comprising a first section and a second section; one or more first electronic components, the one or more first electronic components configured to operate at a first voltage, the one or more first electronic components mounted on or in the first section; and one or more second electronic components configured to operate at a second voltage, the one or more second electronic components mounted on or in the second section; wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hearing devices, electronic circuits, electronic circuit boards and related methods, in particular to methods of manufacturing electronic circuits for hearing devices. Background Art

[0002] Rechargeable devices, such as hearing devices including electronic circuits with electronic components, may often be exposed to electromagnetic fields, thereby generating unwanted noise that interferes with the operation of the electronic components of the electronic circuit. It is therefore desirable to reduce this noise that interferes with the operation of the electronic components of the electronic circuit. Today, noise reduction is achieved by providing additional ground connections on the electronic circuit. However, these ground connections may be bulky and cumbersome in hearing devices. Summary of the invention

[0003] Nowadays, electronic components of hearing instruments, such as those with different voltages, are arranged next to each other. This leads to unwanted electrical noise and requires additional ground connections.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a hearing device and a method of manufacturing a hearing device having improved noise reduction functionality.

[0005] The present invention discloses a hearing device, which is configured to be worn on the ear of a user. The hearing device comprises: an electronic circuit board, which comprises a first section and a second section; one or more first electronic components, which are configured to operate at a first voltage, and which are mounted on or in the first section; and one or more second electronic components, which are configured to operate at a second voltage, and which are mounted on or in the second section; wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

[0006] The present invention also discloses an electronic circuit for a hearing device. The electronic circuit comprises: an electronic circuit board, the electronic circuit board comprises a first section and a second section; one or more first electronic components, the one or more first electronic components are configured to operate at a first voltage, the one or more first electronic components are mounted on or in the first section; and one or more second electronic components, the one or more second electronic components are configured to operate at a second voltage, the one or more second electronic components are mounted on or in the second section; wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage and the first section is separated from the second section.

[0007] The present invention also discloses an electronic circuit board for a hearing device. The electronic circuit board comprises: a first section, the first section comprises a plurality of first electrical connector pads for mounting one or more first electronic components; a second section, the second section comprises a plurality of second electrical connector pads for mounting one or more second electronic components; wherein the plurality of first electrical connector pads are configured to be connected to the one or more first electrical components operating at a first voltage, and the plurality of second electrical connector pads are configured to be connected to the one or more second electrical components operating at a second voltage, wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention discloses a method for manufacturing an electronic circuit for a hearing device, the method comprising: providing an electronic circuit board; mounting one or more electronic components on or in a first section of the electronic circuit board; mounting one or more second electronic components on or in a second section of the electronic circuit board; wherein the one or more first electronic components are configured to operate at a first voltage and the one or more second electronic components are configured to operate at a second voltage, wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage and wherein the first section is separated from the second section, for example, the one or more first electronic components are separated from the one or more second electronic components.

[0009] An advantage of the present disclosure is that noise (such as electrical noise) in a hearing device is reduced while reducing the number of ground connections. It will be appreciated that greater noise reduction may be provided while achieving greater design flexibility for hearing devices.

[0010] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that corrosion is reduced in the most exposed areas of hearing devices, electronic circuits, and electronic circuit boards.

[0011] Furthermore, an advantage of the present disclosure is that a more compact hearing device is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Those skilled in the art will easily understand the above and other features and advantages of the present invention through the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary electronic circuit of a hearing device according to the present disclosure,

[0014] Figure 2 schematically shows an exemplary electronic circuit of a hearing device according to the present disclosure,

[0015] Figure 3 schematically shows an exemplary electronic circuit of a hearing device according to the present disclosure, and

[0016] Figure 4 An exemplary electronic circuit of a hearing device according to the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0017] Reference Mark List

[0018] 2Hearing equipment

[0019] 4 Shell

[0020] 6 Electronic Circuits

[0021] 8 Electronic circuit boards

[0022] 10First area / segment

[0023] 12 Second area / segment

[0024] 14First Primary Area / Segment

[0025] 16First secondary area / segment

[0026] 18 First and third level areas / segments

[0027] 20 Primary Areas / Segments

[0028] 22 sub-areas / segments

[0029] 24 Secondary first area / segment

[0030] 26 Secondary Second Area / Segment

[0031] 28 Secondary third area / segment

[0032] 30 First bending area / segment

[0033] 31 First bend

[0034] 32 Second bending area / segment

[0035] 33 Second bend

[0036] 34Third bending area / segment

[0037] 35Third bend

[0038] 36 Fourth bending area / segment

[0039] 37 Fourth bend

[0040] 38 Electrical connector pads

[0041] 40 Voltage Converter

[0042] 42 Output transducer connector

[0043] 44 Command button / power switch

[0044] 46One or more processors

[0045] 48 first input transducer, first microphone, rear microphone

[0046] 50 Second input transducer, second microphone, front microphone

[0047] 52 Charger coil connector pads

[0048] 54 Frequency Regulator

[0049] 56 Temperature Sensor

[0050] 58 Accelerometer

[0051] 60 LED modules

[0052] 62 Antenna

[0053] 64 Fifth Bend Area

[0054] 65 Fifth bend

[0055] 66 Sixth Bend Area

[0056] 67 Sixth bend

[0057] L vertical axis

[0058] PFirst plane

[0059] S1 First Surface

[0060] S2 Second Surface DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described below with reference to the associated drawings. It should be noted that these figures may be drawn to scale or may not be drawn to scale, and throughout the figures, elements of similar structure or function are represented by the same reference numerals. It should also be noted that these figures are intended only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of the invention or a limitation of the scope of the invention. In addition, the embodiments shown do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described together with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment and may be practiced in any other embodiment, even if not shown or not so explicitly described.

[0062] These figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they only show details that are helpful for understanding the present disclosure, while other details have been omitted. Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts.

[0063] A hearing device is disclosed. The hearing device is configured to be worn at the ear of a user. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the hearing device includes a memory, one or more interfaces (such as one or more wired interfaces and / or one or more wireless interfaces), one or more processors, one or more microphones, and one or more receivers and / or speakers. The hearing device may be a hearable device or a hearing aid, wherein the one or more processors may be configured to compensate for the hearing loss of the user. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the hearing device may be considered an audio device (such as a headphone).

[0064] The hearing device may be a behind-the-ear (BTE) type, an in-the-ear (ITE) type, an in-the-canal (ITC) type, a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) type, or a receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) type. The hearing aid may be a binaural hearing aid. The hearing device may include a first earphone and a second earphone, wherein the first earphone and / or the second earphone are the earphones disclosed herein.

[0065] The hearing device may be configured to communicate wirelessly with one or more devices, such as with another hearing device (e.g., as part of a binaural hearing system) and / or with one or more accessory devices (e.g., a smart phone and / or a smart watch). The hearing device optionally includes an antenna for converting one or more wireless input signals (e.g., a first wireless input signal and / or a second wireless input signal) into an antenna output signal. The wireless input signal may originate from an external source, such as a spouse microphone device, a wireless television audio transmitter, and / or a distributed microphone array associated with a wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal may originate from another hearing device (e.g., as part of a binaural hearing system) and / or from one or more accessory devices.

[0066] The hearing device optionally comprises a radio transceiver coupled to the antenna for converting the antenna output signal into a transceiver input signal. Wireless signals from different external sources may be multiplexed in the radio transceiver as transceiver input signals, or provided as separate transceiver input signals on separate transceiver output terminals of the radio transceiver. The hearing device may comprise multiple antennas and / or the antenna may be configured to operate in one or more antenna modes. The transceiver input signal optionally comprises a first transceiver input signal representing a first wireless signal from a first external source.

[0067] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the hearing device comprises a microphone group. The microphone group may include one or more microphones. The microphone group comprises a first microphone for providing a first microphone input signal and / or a second microphone for providing a second microphone input signal. The microphone group may comprise N microphones for providing N microphone signals, where N is an integer in the range of 1 to 10. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the number of microphones N is two, three, four, five or more. The microphone group may comprise a third microphone for providing a third microphone input signal.

[0068] The hearing device optionally comprises a pre-processing unit. The pre-processing unit may be connected to the radio transceiver for pre-processing the transceiver input signal. The pre-processing unit may be connected to the first microphone for pre-processing the first microphone input signal. The pre-processing unit may be connected to the second microphone (if present) for pre-processing the second microphone input signal. The pre-processing unit may comprise one or more A / D converters for converting the analog microphone input signal into a digital pre-processed microphone input signal.

[0069] In one or more hearing devices, the hearing device comprises a processor for processing an input signal, such as a preprocessed transceiver input signal and / or a preprocessed microphone input signal. The processor provides an electrical output signal to the processor based on the input signal. An input terminal of the processor is optionally connected to a corresponding output terminal of a preprocessing unit. For example, a transceiver input terminal of the processor may be connected to a transceiver output terminal of the preprocessing unit. One or more microphone input terminals of the processor may be connected to corresponding one or more microphone output terminals of the preprocessing unit.

[0070] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the hearing device includes a processor for processing an input signal, such as a preprocessed transceiver input signal and / or a preprocessed microphone input signal. The processor is optionally configured to compensate for the hearing loss of a user of the hearing device. The processor provides an electrical output signal to the processor based on the input signal. The input terminal of the processor is optionally connected to a corresponding output terminal of the preprocessing unit. For example, the transceiver input terminal of the processor may be connected to the transceiver output terminal of the preprocessing unit. One or more microphone input terminals of the processor may be connected to corresponding one or more microphone output terminals of the preprocessing unit.

[0071] A hearing device comprises an electronic circuit board comprising a first section and a second section. The electronic circuit board disclosed herein may be considered as a board configured to mount one or more electronic components in or on a board. For example, the electronic circuit board may be considered as a printed circuit board PCB, such as a flexible PCB. In other words, the electronic circuit board may, for example, be configured to mechanically support and electrically connect one or more electronic components or electrical components using, for example, conductive tracks or pads. The electronic circuit board may include one or more plies of conductive layers, laminates or films (such as copper), for example laminated on and / or between plies of a non-conductive substrate. The electronic circuit disclosed herein may be designated as a system-in-package electronic circuit, comprising the electronic circuit board disclosed herein and one or more electronic components disclosed herein. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the hearing device comprises a housing configured to accommodate an electronic circuit as disclosed herein.

[0072] The segments disclosed herein may be considered as defined portions of an electronic circuit board, such as a delineated area of ​​the electronic circuit board. For example, a first segment may be considered as a defined first portion of an electronic circuit board, such as a first delineated area of ​​the electronic circuit board. The first segment may be considered as a first subdivision of the electronic circuit board. The second segment may be considered as a second portion defined by the electronic circuit board, such as a second delineated area of ​​the electronic circuit board. The second segment may be considered as a second subdivision of the electronic circuit board.

[0073] The hearing device (such as an electronic circuit board and / or an electronic circuit) may comprise one or more ground connections. The ground connection may be, for example, a ground connection of the electronic circuit board, such as a ground connection, a ground pad ring (e.g., at least partially surrounding the electronic component) through which one or more electronic components may be connected to a circuit board ground connection. The ground connection may comprise one or more ground pad elements.

[0074] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, power supply lines of the electronic circuit board are arranged in one single layer. An advantage of separating the first section from the second section (such as separating one or more first electrical components from one or more second electrical components) is that the power supply lines of the electronic circuit board can be arranged in one single layer of the electronic circuit board. In currently known hearing devices, electronic components with different voltages are arranged adjacent to each other. This requires that the power supply lines of components with different voltages are located in different layers of the electronic circuit board. As a result, more layers of the electronic circuit board are occupied by power supply lines, which results in the electronic circuit board comprising more layers and a thicker electronic circuit board (which is less flexible).

[0075] Therefore, an advantage of the present disclosure is that fewer layers are required in an electronic circuit board, and in turn, a thinner and more flexible electronic circuit board can be provided.

[0076] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the electronic circuit board is a 4-layer or 5-layer circuit board. In other words, the electronic circuit board may have less than 6 layers but at least 4 layers, such as 5 layers or 4 layers. An advantage of having the electronic circuit board be a 4-layer or 5-layer circuit board is that the electronic circuit board is more flexible than an electronic circuit board having more than 5 layers. Subsequently, the electronic circuit board being a 4-layer or 5-layer circuit board may be bent at a greater angle than an electronic circuit board having more than 5 layers.

[0077] The hearing device comprises one or more first electronic components configured to operate at a first voltage. In other words, the one or more first electrical components may be configured to use or operate with a specific first potential difference or first voltage level. Voltage, usually measured in volts (V), is a measure of the electrical potential energy per unit charge in a circuit. Operating at a first voltage may be understood as one or more first electrical components, a first section of an electronic circuit board, and / or a first region of an electronic circuit being configured to operate within a specific voltage range or specified voltage level, such as being configured to operate at a first voltage range (e.g., one or more first voltages). The voltage level may vary depending on the application, system requirements, or design limitations of a specific component.

[0078] The one or more first electronic components are mounted on or in the first section. For example, the one or more first electronic components may be considered to be physically mounted and / or embedded within a specific area or subdivision of the electronic circuit board (e.g., as a first section). Mounting the one or more first electronic components may involve securely attaching or attaching them to the designated first section, typically by welding, adhesive bonding, and / or mechanical fastening techniques. This may ensure that the components are physically connected to the electronic circuit board and are fixed in place to withstand environmental conditions, vibrations, and other operating factors.

[0079] The hearing device comprises one or more second electronic components configured to operate at a second voltage. In other words, the one or more second electrical components may be configured to use or operate with a specific second potential difference or second voltage level. Operating at a second voltage may be understood as one or more second electrical components, a second section of an electronic circuit board and / or a second area of ​​an electronic circuit being configured to operate within a specific voltage range or a specified voltage level, such as being configured to operate at a second voltage range (e.g., one or more second voltages). The voltage level may vary depending on the application, system requirements or design limitations of a specific component.

[0080] The one or more second electronic components are mounted on or in the second section. For example, the one or more second electronic components may be considered to be physically mounted and / or embedded within a specific area or subdivision of the electronic circuit board (e.g., as a second section). Mounting the one or more second electronic components may involve securely attaching or attaching them to the designated second section, typically by welding, adhesive bonding, and / or mechanical fastening techniques. This may ensure that the components are physically connected to the electronic circuit board and fixed in place to withstand environmental conditions, vibrations, and other operating factors.

[0081] The second voltage is lower than the first voltage. The second voltage lower than the first voltage may be considered as a second voltage range lower than the first voltage range. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the one or more second electrical components are configured to operate at a second voltage, such as in a second voltage range, lower than a first voltage (such as a first voltage range) at which the one or more first electrical components are configured to operate. It is understood that different sections of the electronic circuit board may have different characteristics and functions. For example, a first section may have a first function and a second section may have a second function.

[0082] By separating the first section from the second section, an advantage of the present disclosure is that noise (such as electrical noise) in the hearing device is reduced while reducing the number of ground connections. It will be appreciated that greater noise reduction can be provided while achieving greater design flexibility for hearing devices.

[0083] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the second voltage is in the range of 0.5 V to 2.0 V. In other words, the one or more second electrical components may be configured to operate at a second voltage in the range of 0.5 V to 2.0 V.

[0084] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first voltage may be lower than the second voltage.

[0085] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first voltage is in the range of 3.5V to 4.5V.

[0086] In other words, the one or more first electrical components may be configured to operate at a first voltage in the range of 3.5 V to 4.5 V. The first voltage may be 4 V, for example.

[0087] The first section is separated from the second section. In other words, the electronic circuit board of the hearing device is divided into the first section and the second section which are separated from each other. For example, by separating the first section from the second section, it is allowed to organize and divide the electronic components of the hearing device, such as to organize and divide the first electronic components and the second electronic components, respectively, in or on the electronic circuit board of the hearing device.

[0088] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, in an unfolded state, the electronic circuit board and / or the electronic circuit extend along the longitudinal axis and the first plane intersects the longitudinal axis, such that one or more first electrical components are connected to the electronic circuit board (such as mounted on or in the electronic circuit board) on one side of the first plane, and one or more second electrical components are connected to the electronic circuit board (such as mounted on or in the electronic circuit board) on the other side of the first plane. In other words, the electronic components of the hearing device are divided into two groups of electrical components, such as a first group including or consisting of the first electrical components and a second group including or consisting of the second electrical components, wherein the first group is arranged on one side of the first plane and the second group is arranged on the other side of the first plane. It is understood that the first electrical component and the second electrical component are separated or isolated on each side of the first plane. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first plane may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The unfolded state of the electronic circuit board may be regarded as an unmounted state of the electronic circuit board and / or the electronic circuit in the hearing device, such as removed from the housing of the hearing device. In other words, the unfolded state may be regarded as an unbent electronic circuit board and / or the electronic circuit. The longitudinal axis of the electronic circuit board may be considered to be the longitudinal axis along which the electronic circuit board generally extends. The longitudinal axis of the electronic circuit board may be considered to be the axis along which the largest dimension of the electronic circuit board extends.

[0089] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the electronic circuit board includes a first bending area forming a first bend, wherein the first bend is formed between the first section and the second section. It is understood that the first bend may be formed in an installed state (such as a folded state) of the electronic circuit board in the hearing device, for example in a housing of the hearing device. For example, the electronic circuit is accommodated in the housing by being folded or bent in an assembled state of the hearing device.

[0090] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first bending region is deprived from the electronic components. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first section may include a first primary section and a second secondary section. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first bend may be formed between the first primary section and the primary section, as disclosed herein. It is understood that one or more first electrical components may be arranged on one side of the first bend and one or more second electrical components may be arranged on the other side of the first bend. The first bending region may be considered as a portion of an electronic circuit board in which the first bend is performed or created.

[0091] The first bend may start at the first section and end at the second section. Thus, the first bend may separate the first section from the second section.

[0092] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first bend has a bend in the range of 130° to 210°. It is understood that the first bend has a bend angle in the range of 130° to 210°. For example, the first bend has a bend in the range of 140° to 200°, such as 150° to 190°, preferably 160° to 190°, more preferably 175° to 185°, and such as 180°. The first bend may cause a portion of the first segment and a portion of the second segment to substantially face each other, such as a surface of the first segment and a surface of the second segment to face each other. The bend angle may be measured from a plane parallel to a surface of the first segment or the second segment.

[0093] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the second section includes a primary region and a secondary region. The electronic circuit board includes a second curved region forming a second curved portion, wherein the second curved portion is formed between the primary region and the secondary region.

[0094] It is understood that the second bend may be formed in an installed state (such as a folded state) of the electronic circuit board in the hearing device, for example in a housing of the hearing device. For example, the electronic circuit is accommodated in the housing by being folded or bent in the assembled state of the hearing device.

[0095] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the second bending region is peeled off from the electronic component. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the second bending portion may be formed between the primary region and the secondary region. It is understood that the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the primary region and the secondary region. The primary portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in one side of the second bending portion, and the secondary portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the other side of the second bending portion.

[0096] The second bending area may be considered as the portion in the electronic circuit board where the second bend is performed or created.

[0097] The second bend may start at the primary region (such as at the end of the primary region) and end at the secondary region (such as at the beginning of the secondary region).Thus, the second bend may separate the primary region from the secondary region.

[0098] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the electronic circuit (such as an electronic circuit board) is folded such that a first section (such as a first primary section) is arranged between the primary region and the secondary region.

[0099] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the second bend has a bend in the range of 130° to 210°. It is understood that the second bend has a bend angle in the range of 130° to 210°. For example, the second bend has a bend in the range of 140° to 200°, such as 150° to 190°, preferably 160° to 190°, more preferably 175° to 185°, and such as 180°. The second bend may cause a portion of the first segment and a portion of the primary region to substantially face each other, such as a first surface of the first segment and a first surface of the primary region to face each other. The second bend may cause a portion of the first segment and a portion of the secondary region to substantially face each other, such as a second surface of the first segment and a first surface of the secondary region to face each other. The bend angle may be measured from a plane parallel to a surface of the first segment or the second segment. The second bend may cause a portion of the first segment to be sandwiched between the primary region and the secondary region.

[0100] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the secondary region includes a secondary first region and a secondary second region, and wherein the electronic circuit board includes a third bending region forming a third bending portion, wherein the third bending portion is formed between the secondary first region and the secondary second region.

[0101] It is understood that the third bend may be formed in an installed state (such as a folded state) of the electronic circuit board in the hearing device, for example in a housing of the hearing device. For example, the electronic circuit is accommodated in the housing by being folded or bent in the assembled state of the hearing device.

[0102] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the third bending region is peeled off from the electronic component. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the third bending portion may be formed between the secondary first region and the secondary second region. It is understood that the secondary first portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the secondary first region, and the secondary second portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the secondary second region. The secondary first portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on one side of the third bending portion or in one side of the third bending portion, and the secondary second portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the other side of the third bending portion.

[0103] The third bend area may be considered as the portion in the electronic circuit board where the third bend is performed or created.

[0104] The third bend may start at the secondary first region (such as at the end of the secondary first region) and end at the secondary second region (such as at the beginning of the secondary second region). Thus, the third bend may separate the secondary first region from the secondary second region.

[0105] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the electronic circuit (such as an electronic circuit board) is folded so that a first section (such as a first primary section) is arranged between the primary region and secondary regions (such as secondary first region, secondary second region and secondary third region).

[0106] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the third bend has a bend in the range of 10° to 90°. It is understood that the third bend has a bend angle in the range of 10° to 90°. For example, the third bend has a bend in the range of 20° to 80°, such as 30° to 70°, preferably 40° to 60°, more preferably 40° to 50°, and such as 45°. The third bend may cause the upper part of the hearing device (such as the secondary second area) to be wedge-shaped, which in turn reduces the size of the hearing device. The bend angle may be measured from a plane parallel to the surface of the secondary first area. The third bend may cause the voltage converter to be shielded by the secondary second area.

[0107] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the secondary region includes a secondary third region, and wherein the electronic circuit board includes a fourth bend region forming a fourth bend, wherein the fourth bend is formed between the secondary second region and the secondary third region.

[0108] It is understood that the fourth bend may be formed in an installed state (such as a folded state) of the electronic circuit board in the hearing device, for example in a housing of the hearing device. For example, the electronic circuit is accommodated in the housing by being folded or bent in an assembled state of the hearing device.

[0109] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the fourth bending region is peeled off from the electronic component. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the fourth bend may be formed between the secondary second region and the secondary third region. It is understood that the secondary third portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the secondary third region. The secondary second portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on one side of the fourth bend or in one side of the fourth bend, and the secondary third portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the other side of the fourth bend.

[0110] The fourth bending area may be considered as the portion in the electronic circuit board where the fourth bend is performed or created.

[0111] The fourth bend may start at the secondary second region (such as at the end of the secondary second region) and end at the secondary third region (such as at the beginning of the secondary third region). Thus, the fourth bend may separate the secondary second region from the secondary third region.

[0112] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the fourth bend has a bend in the range of 10° to 90°. It is understandable that the fourth bend has a bend angle in the range of 10° to 90°. For example, the fourth bend has a bend in the range of 20° to 80°, such as 30° to 70°, preferably 40° to 60°, more preferably 40° to 50°, and such as 45°. The fourth bend may cause the upper portion of the hearing device (such as the secondary second region) to be wedge-shaped, which in turn reduces the size of the hearing device. The bend angle may be measured from a plane parallel to the surface of the secondary second region. The fourth bend may cause the voltage converter to be shielded by the secondary second region and the secondary third region.

[0113] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, at least a portion of the first section is sandwiched between the primary region and the secondary region. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the electronic circuit (such as an electronic circuit board) is folded so that the first section (such as the first primary section) is arranged between the primary region and the secondary region. In other words, in an assembled state of the hearing device, at least a portion of the first section is sandwiched between the primary region and the secondary region due to the first bend and / or the second bend. An advantage of sandwiching the first section between the primary region and the secondary region is that one or more second electrical components can be shielded from one or more first electrical components, or at least partially shielded from one or more first electrical components. For example, one or more second electrical components can be shielded from a power management component, such as from a voltage converter.

[0114] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first section includes an electrical connector pad for connecting a battery. It is understood that the battery provides power to the first section and the second section (e.g., via the first section). The first section and the second section may be electrically connected to each other (e.g., via an electronic circuit board). The electrical connector pad may include one or more electrical connector pads, for example, for connecting the battery at one or more connection points on the first section. The battery may be soldered to the electronic circuit board via the first section and the electrical connector pad. The first section may include a first tertiary section. The first tertiary section may be arranged between the first primary section and the first secondary region. The electrical connector pad may be arranged on the first tertiary section or in the first tertiary section. Thus, the electrical connector pad may be arranged between the first primary section and the first secondary section. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, a fifth bend is formed between the first primary section and the first tertiary section. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, a sixth bend is formed between the first secondary section and the first tertiary section.

[0115] An advantage of connecting the battery at or to the first section is that the hearing device may be divided into a first section having a first voltage and a second section having a second voltage.The first voltage may substantially be the voltage of the battery.

[0116] The battery may form part of the one or more first electrical components. The electrical connector pads may be considered as connection areas for connecting the battery to the electronic circuit board. The electrical connector pads may be considered as battery connector pads.

[0117] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the hearing device includes a battery configured to provide a battery voltage, wherein the battery voltage is closer to the first voltage than the second voltage. For example, the first voltage may be within 30% of the battery voltage, such as within 20% of the battery voltage or within 10% of the battery voltage. The battery voltage may be, for example, in the range of 3.5V to 4.5V, such as 4V.

[0118] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the battery is electrically connected to the electronic circuit board via the electrical connector pads such that the battery is located upstream of the first section and the second section is located downstream of the first section.

[0119] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, one or more first electronic components include a voltage converter configured to step down the battery voltage and / or the first voltage to the second voltage. In other words, the voltage converter is configured to step down the battery voltage from the battery voltage to the first voltage, from the battery voltage to the second voltage, and / or from the first voltage to the second voltage. It is understood that one or more first electrical components may be arranged on one side of the voltage converter and one or more second electrical components may be arranged on the other side of the voltage converter. For example, the voltage converter may be arranged or positioned between an end portion of the first section and a beginning portion of the second section. The voltage converter may form part of one or more power management components.

[0120] A voltage converter can be considered as a voltage regulator or a power converter. A voltage converter can be considered as an electronic device or circuit that converts a potential difference (voltage) from one level to another. The function of a voltage converter can be to convert the voltage of a power source (such as a battery) to a different voltage level required by a specific electronic device or system.

[0121] Voltage converters are used to ensure compatibility between different electrical systems or devices. Voltage converters enable efficient transfer of electrical power while maintaining a consistent and stable voltage output.

[0122] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the voltage converter may be a step-down voltage converter (such as a buck converter). This type of converter steps down an input voltage to a lower output voltage level. It is used when the target device or system operates at a voltage lower than the available input source. For example, one or more second electrical components operate at a second voltage lower than a first voltage of one or more first electrical components.

[0123] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the voltage converter may be a step-up voltage converter (such as a boost converter). This type of converter increases an input voltage to a higher output voltage level. It is used when a target device or system requires a voltage higher than the available input source. For example, one or more second electrical components operate at a second voltage that is higher than a first voltage of one or more first electrical components.

[0124] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the one or more second electronic components include one or more processors.The one or more processors may be arranged on or in the first surface of the primary region and may be arranged between the first section and the primary region.

[0125] The first primary region of the electronic circuit board may shield one or more processors of the second section from a voltage converter mounted in or on the first section, such as shielding one or more processors mounted on or in the primary region of the second section from a voltage converter mounted on or in the first primary section. For example, by sandwiching the first section between the primary region and the secondary region, one or more second electrical components may be shielded from, or at least partially shielded from, one or more first electrical components. By mounting the voltage converter on or in a second surface of the first section (such as a second surface of the first primary section or region), a portion of the circuit board of the first primary section may shield the one or more processors from the voltage converter because a portion of the circuit board is arranged between the voltage converter and the one or more processors.

[0126] The voltage converter may include a shielding layer (such as a shielding shell) that at least partially encapsulates the voltage converter. The combination of the shielding layer and the arrangement of the electronic circuit board improves shielding separation of the one or more second electrical components from the one or more first electrical components and reduces exposure to electrical noise (e.g., noise from the voltage converter).

[0127] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, at least some of the one or more first electronic components are provided with an anti-corrosion coating. The anti-corrosion coating may be considered as an anti-corrosion seal applied on at least some of the one or more first electrical components. It is understood that the first electronic components located in or on the first section operate at a higher voltage than the second electrical components and are more susceptible to corrosion risks. Therefore, the anti-corrosion coating may protect the first electrical components that are most susceptible to corrosion.

[0128] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the one or more first electronic components comprise a command button.The command button may be considered as a power switch.

[0129] For example, the one or more first electrical components may include a power switch located near the battery and interfacing with the exterior of the hearing device, e.g. so that a user can switch the hearing device on and off. The power switch may be particularly susceptible to corrosion risks and is therefore coated with an anti-corrosion coating. It will be appreciated that the anti-corrosion layer is in addition to an existing protective layer of the electronic circuit. The arrangement of the electronic circuit board and / or the electronic circuit in the installed state of the hearing device allows for isolating electronic components operating at higher voltages and closer to the battery and, in turn, minimizing the number of electronic components exposed to corrosion risks and protecting electronic components exposed to higher corrosion risks.

[0130] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, one or more second electronic components include an output transducer connector arranged at the primary region and an input transducer arranged at the secondary region. The output transducer connector can be configured to be connected to one or more output transducers of the hearing device. It is understandable that the output transducer connector can be configured to be connected to the earphone portion of the hearing device including the output transducer. The output transducer can be regarded as a receiver and / or speaker of the hearing device. The arrangement of the output transducer connector at the primary region allows the output transducer to face the outside of the hearing device, which in turn improves the accessibility of the output transducer connector while reducing the size of the hearing device and providing a compact hearing device. This can also reduce the size of the housing of the hearing device. The output transducer connector can be arranged at the second surface of the primary region.

[0131] The one or more second electrical components may include one or more input transducers arranged at the secondary region. As disclosed herein, the input transducer may be considered as a microphone.

[0132] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the one or more second electronic components include a first microphone and a second microphone.

[0133] For example, the hearing device may comprise a rear microphone and a front microphone, which serve as the first microphone and the second microphone, respectively. The arrangement of the input transducer at the secondary region allows the input transducer to be arranged on or in the first surface of the secondary region, which in turn improves the characteristics of the input transducer while reducing the size of the hearing device and providing a compact hearing device (see, for example, Figure 4 ). This can also reduce the size of the housing of the hearing device. The rear microphone can be arranged on or in the secondary first area and the front microphone can be arranged on or in the secondary third area.

[0134] An electronic circuit is disclosed. The electronic circuit can be used in a hearing device as disclosed herein. The electronic circuit comprises: an electronic circuit board (such as the electronic circuit board disclosed herein), the electronic circuit board comprising a first section and a second section; one or more first electronic components, the one or more first electronic components are configured to operate at a first voltage, the one or more first electronic components are mounted on the first section or in the first section; and one or more second electronic components, the one or more second electronic components are configured to operate at a second voltage, the one or more second electronic components are mounted on the second section or in the second section; wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

[0135] Also disclosed is an electronic circuit board, such as the electronic circuit board for a hearing device disclosed herein. The electronic circuit board comprises: a first section, the first section comprising a plurality of first electrical connector pads for mounting one or more first electronic components; a second section, the second section comprising a plurality of second electrical connector pads for mounting one or more second electronic components; wherein the plurality of first electrical connector pads are configured to be connected to the one or more first electrical components operating at a first voltage, and the plurality of second electrical connector pads are configured to be connected to the one or more second electrical components operating at a second voltage, wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

[0136] It is understood that an electronic circuit as disclosed herein may include an electronic circuit board as disclosed herein and one or more electronic components as disclosed herein. When referring to a section, it may be understood to include a corresponding area of ​​the electronic circuit board and an electronic component configured to be mounted on or in the area. When referring to an area, it may be understood to include an area of ​​the electronic circuit board but not the electronic components.

[0137] The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing an electronic circuit for a hearing device, the method comprising: providing an electronic circuit board; installing one or more electronic components on or in a first section of the electronic circuit board; installing one or more second electronic components on or in a second section of the electronic circuit board; wherein the one or more first electronic components are configured to operate at a first voltage and the one or more second electronic components are configured to operate at a second voltage, wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage and wherein the first section is separated from the second section, for example, the one or more first electronic components are separated from the one or more second electronic components. It can be understood that the present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a hearing device, the method comprising the steps of the method for manufacturing an electronic circuit disclosed herein.

[0138] It shall be understood that description of features relating to the hearing device also applies to corresponding features in the electronic circuit / electronic circuit board / method and vice versa.

[0139] Figure 1 An exemplary electronic circuit, such as the electronic circuit 6 , of a hearing device, such as the hearing device 2 , according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary electronic circuit in an unfolded state is shown. It will be appreciated that Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary hearing device is shown in an unfolded or unassembled state.

[0140] The hearing device 2 is configured to be worn at the ear of the user. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the hearing device 2 includes a memory, one or more interfaces (such as one or more wired interfaces and / or one or more wireless interfaces, for example, one or more of the following: electrical connector pads 38, output transducer connector 42, command button 44, charger coil connector pads 52 and one or more antennas 62), one or more processors (such as one or more processors 46), one or more microphones (such as first input transducer 48 and / or second input transducer 50) and one or more receivers and / or speakers. The hearing device 2 can be a hearing device or a hearing aid, wherein the one or more processors can be configured to compensate for the hearing loss of the user. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the hearing device can be considered as an audio device (such as a headset).

[0141] The hearing device 2 (such as the electronic circuit 6) comprises an electronic circuit board 8, which comprises a first section 10 and a second section 12. The hearing device 2 comprises one or more electronic components mounted in or on the electronic circuit board 8. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the hearing device comprises a housing configured to house an electronic circuit as disclosed herein. The housing is not shown in the figures. The electronic circuit board 8 (such as the electronic circuit 6) comprises a first surface S1 and a second surface S2.

[0142] The first section 10 may be considered as a defined first portion of the electronic circuit board 8, such as a first delimited area of ​​the electronic circuit board 8. The first section 10 may be considered as a first subdivision of the electronic circuit board 8. The second section 12 may be considered as a defined second portion of the electronic circuit board 8, such as a second delimited area of ​​the electronic circuit board 8. The second section 12 may be considered as a second subdivision of the electronic circuit board 8.

[0143] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the power supply lines of the electronic circuit board 8 are arranged in a single layer. An advantage of separating the first section 10 and the second section 12 (such as separating one or more first electrical components and one or more second electrical components) is that the power supply lines of the electronic circuit board 8 can be arranged in a single layer of the electronic circuit board 8 (such as a single layer of the electronic circuit 6).

[0144] Therefore, an advantage of the present disclosure is that fewer layers are required in an electronic circuit board, and in turn, a thinner and more flexible electronic circuit board can be provided.

[0145] The hearing device 2 , such as the electronic circuit 6 , comprises one or more first electronic components configured to operate at a first voltage.

[0146] One or more first electronic components are mounted on or in the first section 10 .

[0147] The hearing device 2 , such as the electronic circuit 6 , comprises one or more second electronic components configured to operate at a second voltage.

[0148] One or more second electronic components are mounted on or in the second section 12. The second voltage is lower than the first voltage. The first section 10 is separated from the second section 12. In other words, the electronic circuit board 8 of the hearing device 2 is divided into the first section 10 and the second section 12 that are separated from each other. For example, by separating the first section 10 from the second section 12, it is possible to organize and divide the electronic components of the hearing device 2, such as organizing and dividing the first electronic components and the second electronic components in or on the electronic circuit board 8 of the hearing device 2, respectively.

[0149] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the second section 12 includes a primary region 20 and a secondary region 22. The electronic circuit board 8 includes a second curved portion ( Figure 3-4 The second curved portion 33 is formed between the primary region 20 and the secondary region 22 .

[0150] It is understood that the second bend 33 may be formed in an installed state (such as a folded state) of the electronic circuit board 8 in the hearing device 2, for example in a housing of the hearing device 2. For example, the electronic circuit 6 is accommodated in the housing by being folded or bent in the assembled state of the hearing device 2.

[0151] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the second bending region 32 is deprived of electronic components. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the second bending region 32 includes one or more electronic components, such as a second electrical component arranged in or on the second bending region 32. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, a second bend 33 may be formed between the primary region 20 and the secondary region 22. It is understood that one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the primary region 20 and the secondary region 22. The primary portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in one side of the second bend 33, and the secondary portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the other side of the second bend 33.

[0152] The second bending area 32 may be considered as the portion in the electronic circuit board 8 where the second bend 33 is performed or created.

[0153] The second bend 33 may start at the primary region 20 , such as at the end of the primary region 20 , and end at the secondary region 22 , such as at the beginning of the secondary region 22 .

[0154] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the electronic circuit 6 (such as the electronic circuit board 8) is folded so that the first section 10 (such as the first primary section 14) is arranged between the primary region 20 and the secondary region 22 (see Figure 3-4 ).

[0155] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the secondary region 22 includes a secondary first region 24 and a secondary second region 26, and wherein the electronic circuit board 8 includes a third curved portion (see Figure 3-4 The third bending portion 35) of the third bending area 34 (see Figure 2-4 ), wherein the third bend 35 is formed between the secondary first region 24 and the secondary second region 26.

[0156] It is understood that the third bend 35 may be formed in an installed state (such as a folded state) of the electronic circuit board 8 in the hearing device 2, for example in a housing of the hearing device 2. For example, the electronic circuit 6 is accommodated in the housing by being folded or bent in the assembled state of the hearing device 2.

[0157] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the third bending region 34 is peeled off from the electronic component. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, a third bend 35 may be formed between the secondary first region 24 and the secondary second region 26. It is understood that the secondary first portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the secondary first region 24, and the secondary second portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the secondary second region 26. The secondary first portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on one side of the third bend 35 or in one side of the third bend, and the secondary second portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the other side of the third bend.

[0158] The third bending area 34 may be considered as the portion in the electronic circuit board 8 where the third bend 35 is performed or created.

[0159] The third bend 34 may start at the secondary first region 24 (such as at the end of the secondary first region 24) and end at the secondary second region 26 (such as at the beginning of the secondary second region 26). Thus, the third bend 35 may separate the secondary first region 24 from the secondary second region 26.

[0160] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the electronic circuit 6 (such as the electronic circuit board 8) is folded so that the first section 10 (such as the first primary section 14) is arranged between the primary area 20 and the secondary areas 22 (such as the secondary first area 24, the secondary second area 26 and the secondary third area 28).

[0161] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the secondary region 22 includes a secondary third region 28 , and wherein the electronic circuit board 8 includes a fourth bend region 36 forming a fourth bend 37 , wherein the fourth bend 37 is formed between the secondary second region 26 and the secondary third region 28 .

[0162] It is understood that the fourth bend 37 may be formed in an installed state (such as a folded state) of the electronic circuit board 8 in the hearing device 2, for example in a housing of the hearing device 2. For example, the electronic circuit 6 is accommodated in the housing by being folded or bent in the assembled state of the hearing device 2.

[0163] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the fourth bending region 36 is peeled off from the electronic component. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, a fourth bend 37 may be formed between the secondary second region 26 and the secondary third region 28. It is understood that the secondary third portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the secondary third region 28. The secondary second portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on one side of the fourth bend 37 or in one side of the fourth bend, and the secondary third portion of the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on or in the other side of the fourth bend 37.

[0164] The fourth bending area 36 may be regarded as the portion in the electronic circuit board 8 in which the fourth bend 37 is performed or created.

[0165] The fourth bend 37 may start at the secondary second region 26 (such as at the end of the secondary second region 26) and end at the secondary third region 28 (such as at the beginning of the secondary third region 28). Thus, the fourth bend 37 may separate the secondary second region 26 from the secondary third region 28.

[0166] Figure 2 An exemplary electronic circuit, such as the electronic circuit 6 , of a hearing device, such as the hearing device 2 , according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1 The same exemplary electronic circuit as in FIG. 1 is used herein, but different features are described therein. It is understood that Figure 1 Can include Figure 2 Some or all of the features described in , and vice versa. Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary electronic circuit in an unfolded state is shown. It will be appreciated that Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary hearing device is shown in an unfolded or unassembled state.

[0167] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, in the unfolded state, the electronic circuit board 8 and / or the electronic circuit 6 extend along the longitudinal axis L and the first plane P intersects the longitudinal axis L, so that one or more first electrical components are connected to the electronic circuit board 8 (such as mounted on or in the electronic circuit board) on one side of the first plane P, and one or more second electrical components are connected to the electronic circuit board 8 (such as mounted on or in the electronic circuit board) on the other side of the first plane P. In other words, the electronic components of the hearing device 2 are divided into two groups of electrical components, such as a first group including or consisting of the first electrical components and a second group including or consisting of the second electrical components, wherein the first group is arranged on one side of the first plane P and the second group is arranged on the other side of the first plane P. It is understood that the first electrical components and the second electrical components are separated or isolated on each side of the first plane P. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first plane P may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The unfolded state of the electronic circuit board 8 may be regarded as an unmounted state of the electronic circuit board 8 and / or the electronic circuit 6 in the hearing device 2, such as removed from the housing of the hearing device 2. In other words, the unfolded state may be considered as an unbent electronic circuit board 8 and / or electronic circuit 6. The longitudinal axis L of the electronic circuit board 8 may be considered as the longitudinal axis along which the electronic circuit board 8 generally extends. The longitudinal axis L of the electronic circuit board 8 may be considered as the axis along which the largest dimension of the electronic circuit board 8 extends.

[0168] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the electronic circuit board 8 comprises a first bending region 30 forming a first bend (see FIG. 1 in the folded state of the electronic circuit board 6). Figure 3 The first bend 31 is formed between the first section 10 and the second section 12. It is understood that the first bend 31 may be formed in an installed state (such as a folded state) of the electronic circuit board 8 in the hearing device 2, for example in a housing (not shown) of the hearing device 2. For example, the electronic circuit 6 is accommodated in the housing by being folded or bent in the assembled state of the hearing device 2.

[0169] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first bending region 30 is peeled away from the electronic component. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first section 10 may include a first primary section (see Figure 1 The first primary section 14 in the Figure 1 In one or more exemplary hearing devices, a first bend 31 may be formed between the first primary section 14 and the primary region / section (see Figure 1The primary region / section 20 of the first bend 31 is as disclosed herein. It is understood that one or more first electrical components may be arranged on one side of the first bend 31 and one or more second electrical components may be arranged on the other side of the first bend 31. The first bend region 30 may be considered as the portion of the electronic circuit board 8 in which the first bend 31 is performed or created.

[0170] The first bend 31 may start at the first section 10 and end at the second section 12. Therefore, the first bend 31 may separate the first section 10 from the second section 12.

[0171] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first section 10 includes an electrical connector pad 38 (such as one or more electrical connector pads 38) for connecting a battery (not shown). It is understood that the battery is configured to provide power to the first section 10 and the second section 12, for example, via the first section 10 (such as via the voltage converter 40). The electrical connector pads may be arranged at the first surface S1 and / or the second surface S2 of the electronic circuit board 8. The first section 10 and the second section 12 may be electrically connected to each other (for example, via the electronic circuit board 8). The electrical connector pads 38 may include one or more electrical connector pads, for example, for connecting the battery at one or more connection points on the first section 10. The battery may be soldered to the electronic circuit board 8 via the first section 10 and the electrical connector pads 38. The first section 10 may include a first tertiary section 18. The first tertiary section 18 may be arranged between the first primary section 14 and the first secondary region 16. The electrical connector pads 38 may be arranged on or in the first tertiary section 18. Thus, the electrical connector pad 38 may be arranged between the first primary section 14 and the first secondary section 16. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, a fifth bend 65 is formed between the first primary section 14 and the first tertiary section 18. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, a sixth bend 67 is formed between the first secondary section 16 and the first tertiary section 18. In other words, the electronic circuit board 8 may include a fifth bend region 64 and a sixth bend region 66. The description associated with the bend regions (such as the first bend region 30, the second bend region 32, etc.) may also apply to the fifth bend region 64 and the sixth bend region 66.

[0172] An advantage of connecting the battery at or to the first section 10 is that the hearing device 2 may be divided into the first section 10 having a first voltage and the second section 12 having a second voltage. The first voltage may substantially be the voltage of the battery.

[0173] The battery may form part of the one or more first electrical components. The electrical connector pads 38 may be considered as connection areas for connecting the battery to the electronic circuit board 8. The electrical connector pads 38 may be considered as battery connector pads.

[0174] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the battery is configured to be electrically connected to the electronic circuit board 8 via the electrical connector pads 38 such that the battery is located upstream of the first section 10 and the second section 12 is located downstream of the first section 10 .

[0175] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the one or more first electronic components include a voltage converter 40, which is configured to step down and convert the battery voltage and / or the first voltage into a second voltage. It is understood that the one or more first electrical components may be arranged on one side of the voltage converter 40 and the one or more second electrical components may be arranged on the other side of the voltage converter 40. For example, the voltage converter 40 may be arranged or positioned between the end portion of the first section 10 and the beginning portion of the second section 12. The voltage converter 40 may form part of the one or more power management components. Figure 1-4 In FIG. 4 , the voltage converter 40 is shown as being shielded by a shielding case.

[0176] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the one or more second electronic components include one or more processors 46 . The one or more processors 46 may be arranged on or in the first surface S1 of the primary region 20 and may be arranged between the first section 10 and the primary region 20 .

[0177] The first primary region 14 of the electronic circuit board 8 can shield one or more processors 46 of the second section 12 from the voltage converter 40 mounted in or on the first section 10, such as shielding one or more processors 46 mounted on the primary region 20 of the second section 12 or in the primary region of the second section from the voltage converter 40 mounted on or in the first primary section 14. For example, by sandwiching the first section 10 between the primary region 20 and the secondary region 22, one or more second electrical components can be shielded from one or more first electrical components, or at least partially shielded from one or more first electrical components. By mounting the voltage converter 40 on or in a second surface S2 of the first section 10 (such as the second surface S2 of the first primary section 14 or region), a portion of the circuit board 8 of the first primary section 14 can shield one or more processors 46 from the voltage converter 40 because a portion of the circuit board 8 is arranged between the voltage converter 40 and the one or more processors 46.

[0178] The voltage converter 40 may include a shielding layer (such as a shielding shell) that at least partially encloses the voltage converter. The combination of the shielding layer and the arrangement of the electronic circuit board 8 improves the shielding separation of the one or more second electrical components from the one or more first electrical components and reduces exposure to electrical noise (e.g., noise from the voltage converter 40).

[0179] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, at least some of the one or more first electronic components are provided with an anti-corrosion coating. The anti-corrosion coating may be considered as an anti-corrosion seal applied on at least some of the one or more first electrical components. It is understood that the first electronic components located in or on the first section operate at a higher voltage than the second electrical components and are more susceptible to corrosion risks. Therefore, the anti-corrosion coating may protect the first electrical components that are most susceptible to corrosion.

[0180] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the one or more first electronic components comprise a command button 44. The command button 44 may be considered as a power switch.

[0181] For example, the one or more first electrical components may include a power switch located near the battery and interfacing with the exterior of the hearing device 2, e.g. so that the user can turn the hearing device 2 on and off. The power switch may be particularly susceptible to corrosion risks and is therefore coated with an anti-corrosion coating. It will be appreciated that the anti-corrosion layer is in addition to the existing protective layer of the electronic circuit 6. The arrangement of the electronic circuit board 8 and / or the electronic circuit 6 in the installed state of the hearing device 2 allows for the isolation of electronic components operating at higher voltages and closer to the battery, and in turn minimizes the number of electronic components exposed to corrosion risks and protects electronic components exposed to higher corrosion risks. The command button may be arranged at the first surface S1 of the electronic circuit board 8.

[0182] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the one or more second electronic components include an output transducer connector 42 arranged at the primary region 20 and an input transducer (such as a first input transducer 48 and / or a second input transducer 50) arranged at the secondary region 22. The arrangement of the output transducer connector 42 at the primary region 20 allows the output transducer to face the outside of the hearing device 2, which in turn improves the accessibility of the output transducer connector 42 while reducing the size of the hearing device 2 and providing a compact hearing device 2. This may also reduce the size of the housing of the hearing device 2. The output transducer connector 42 may be arranged at the second surface S2 of the primary region 20.

[0183] The one or more second electrical components may include one or more input transducers, such as the first input transducer 48 and / or the second input transducer 50, arranged at the secondary region 22. As disclosed herein, the input transducers may be considered microphones.

[0184] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the one or more second electronic components include a first microphone and a second microphone, such as the first input transducer 48 and the second input transducer 50, respectively.

[0185] For example, the hearing device 2 may include a rear microphone and a front microphone, which serve as the first microphone and the second microphone, respectively. The arrangement of the input transducer at the secondary region 22 allows the input transducer to be arranged on or in the first surface S1 of the secondary region 22, which in turn improves the characteristics of the input transducer while reducing the size of the hearing device 2 and providing a compact hearing device (see, for example, Figure 4 , wherein the electronic circuit 6 is in a folded state). This can also reduce the size of the housing of the hearing device 2. The rear microphone 48 can be arranged on or in the secondary first area 24 and the front microphone 50 can be arranged on or in the secondary third area 28.

[0186] Figure 3 An exemplary electronic circuit, such as the electronic circuit 6 , of a hearing device, such as the hearing device 2 , according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 3 Shown with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same exemplary electronic circuit as in, but wherein the electronic circuit is in a folded state or an assembled state. It is understood that Figure 3 Can include Figure 1-2 Some or all of the features described in , and vice versa. Figure 3 A perspective view of an exemplary electronic circuit in a folded state is shown. It will be appreciated that Figure 3 A perspective view of an exemplary hearing device in a folded or assembled state is shown.

[0187] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, at least a portion of the first section 10 is sandwiched between the primary region 20 and the secondary region 22. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the electronic circuit 6 (such as the electronic circuit board 8) is folded so that the first section 10 (such as the first primary section 14) is arranged between the primary region 20 and the secondary region 22. In other words, in the assembled state of the hearing device 2, at least a portion of the first section 10 is sandwiched between the primary region 20 and the secondary region 22 due to the first bend 31 and / or the second bend 33. An advantage of sandwiching the first section 10 between the primary region 20 and the secondary region 22 is that one or more second electrical components can be shielded from one or more first electrical components, or at least partially shielded from one or more first electrical components. For example, one or more second electrical components can be shielded from a power management component, such as shielded from a voltage converter (such as shielded from the voltage converter 40).

[0188] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the first bend 31 has a bend in the range of 130° to 210°. It is understood that the first bend 31 has a bend angle in the range of 130° to 210°. For example, the first bend 31 has a bend in the range of 140° to 200°, such as 150° to 190°, preferably 160° to 190°, more preferably 175° to 185°, and such as 180°. Figure 3-4 , the first bend 31 has a bend of about 180°. The first bend 31 may cause a portion of the first segment 10 and a portion of the second segment 12 to substantially face each other, such as a surface of the first segment 10 and a surface of the second segment 12 to face each other. The bend angle may be measured from a plane parallel to the surface of the first segment 10 or the second segment 12.

[0189] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the second bend 33 has a bend in the range of 130° to 210°. It is understood that the second bend 33 has a bend angle in the range of 130° to 210°. For example, the second bend 33 has a bend in the range of 140° to 200°, such as 150° to 190°, preferably 160° to 190°, more preferably 175° to 185°, and such as 180°. The second bend 33 may cause a portion of the first segment 10 and a portion of the primary region 20 to substantially face each other, such as the first surface S1 of the first segment 10 and the first surface S1 of the primary region 20 to face each other. The second bend 33 may cause a portion of the first segment 10 and a portion of the secondary region 22 to substantially face each other, such as the second surface S2 of the first segment 10 and the first surface S1 of the secondary region 22 to face each other. The bend angle may be measured from a plane parallel to a surface of the first segment 10 or the second segment 12. The second bend 33 may result in a portion of the first section 10 being sandwiched between the primary region 20 and the secondary region 22 .

[0190] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the third bend 35 has a bend in the range of 10° to 90°. It is understood that the third bend 35 has a bend angle in the range of 10° to 90°. For example, the third bend 35 has a bend in the range of 20° to 80°, such as 30° to 70°, preferably 40° to 60°, more preferably 40° to 50°, and such as 45°. The third bend 35 may cause the upper portion of the hearing device 2, such as the secondary second region 26, to be wedge-shaped, which in turn reduces the size of the hearing device 2. The bend angle may be measured from a plane parallel to the surface of the secondary first region 24. The third bend 35 may cause the voltage converter 40 to be shielded by the secondary first region 24, the secondary second region 26 and / or the secondary third region 28.

[0191] In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the fourth bend 37 has a bend in the range of 10° to 90°. It is understood that the fourth bend 37 has a bend angle in the range of 10° to 90°. For example, the fourth bend 37 has a bend in the range of 20° to 80°, such as 30° to 70°, preferably 40° to 60°, more preferably 40° to 50°, and such as 45°. The fourth bend 37 may cause the upper portion of the hearing device 2, such as the secondary second region 26, to be wedge-shaped, which in turn reduces the size of the hearing device 2. The bend angle may be measured from a plane parallel to the surface of the secondary second region 26. The fourth bend 37 may cause the voltage converter 40 to be shielded by the secondary second region 26 and the secondary third region 28.

[0192] Figure 4 An exemplary electronic circuit, such as the electronic circuit 6 , of a hearing device, such as the hearing device 2 , according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 4 Shown with Figure 3 The same exemplary electronic circuit as in FIG. 1 is used herein, but different features are described therein. It is understood that Figure 3 Can include Figure 4 Some or all of the features described in , and vice versa. Figure 4 Shown with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same exemplary electronic circuit as in, but wherein the electronic circuit is in a folded state or an assembled state. It is understood that Figure 4 Can include Figure 1-2 Some or all of the features described in , and vice versa. Figure 4 A perspective view of an exemplary electronic circuit in a folded state is shown. It will be appreciated that Figure 4 A perspective view of an exemplary hearing device in a folded or assembled state is shown.

[0193] Exemplary methods, hearing devices, electronic circuit boards and electronic circuits according to the present disclosure are set forth in the following items:

[0194] Item 1. A hearing device configured to be worn at an ear of a user, the hearing device comprising:

[0195] - an electronic circuit board comprising a first section and a second section;

[0196] - one or more first electronic components, the one or more first electronic components being configured to operate at a first voltage, the one or more first electronic components being mounted on or in the first section; and

[0197] - one or more second electronic components, the one or more second electronic components being configured to operate at a second voltage, the one or more second electronic components being mounted on or in the second section;

[0198] Wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage, and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

[0199] Item 2. A hearing device according to Item 1, wherein in an unfolded state, the electronic circuit board extends along a longitudinal axis, and a first plane intersects the longitudinal axis, so that the one or more first electrical components are connected to the circuit board on one side of the first plane, and the one or more second electrical components are connected to the circuit board on the other side of the first plane.

[0200] Item 3. The hearing device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the circuit board includes a first bending region forming a first bend, wherein the first bend is formed between the first section and the second section.

[0201] Item 4. A hearing device according to Item 3, wherein the second section includes a primary region and a secondary region, and wherein the electronic circuit board includes a second curved region forming a second curved portion, wherein the second curved portion is formed between the primary region and the secondary region.

[0202] Item 5. The hearing device of Item 4, wherein at least a portion of the first section is sandwiched between the primary region and the secondary region.

[0203] Item 6. The hearing device of any one of the preceding items, wherein the first section comprises electrical connector pads for connecting a battery.

[0204] Item 7. A hearing device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the hearing device comprises a battery configured to provide a battery voltage, wherein the battery voltage is closer to the first voltage than to the second voltage.

[0205] Item 8. A hearing device according to Item 6 and Item 7 dependent on Item 6, wherein the battery is electrically connected to the electronic circuit board via the electrical connector pads so that the battery is located upstream of the first section and the second section is located downstream of the first section.

[0206] Item 9. The hearing device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the one or more first electronic components include a voltage converter configured to step down the battery voltage and / or the first voltage to the second voltage.

[0207] Item 10. The hearing device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least some of the one or more first electronic components are provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0208] Item 11. A hearing device according to any of the preceding items as appended to item 5, wherein the one or more second electronic components include an output transducer connector arranged at the primary region and an input transducer arranged at the secondary region.

[0209] Item 12. The hearing device of any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more first electronic components include a command button.

[0210] Item 13. The hearing device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the power supply lines of the electronic circuit board are arranged in a single layer.

[0211] Item 14. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the electronic circuit board is a 4-layer or 5-layer circuit board.

[0212] Item 15. The hearing device of any one of the preceding items, wherein the first voltage is in the range of 3.5V to 4.5V.

[0213] Item 16. The hearing device of any one of the preceding items, wherein the second voltage is in the range of 0.5V to 2.0V.

[0214] Item 17. A hearing device according to any one of Items 3-15, wherein the first curved portion has a curvature in the range of 130° to 210°.

[0215] Item 18. A hearing device according to any one of Items 4-16, wherein the second curved portion has a curvature in the range of 130° to 210°.

[0216] Item 19. A hearing device according to any one of Items 4-18, wherein the secondary region includes a secondary first region and a secondary second region, and wherein the electronic circuit board includes a third bending region forming a third bending portion, wherein the third bending portion is formed between the secondary first region and the secondary second region.

[0217] Item 20. The hearing device of Item 19, wherein the third bend has a bend in the range of 10° to 90°.

[0218] Item 21. A hearing device according to any one of Items 4-20, wherein the secondary region includes a secondary third region, and wherein the electronic circuit board includes a fourth bending region forming a fourth bending portion, wherein the fourth bending portion is formed between the secondary third region and the secondary second region.

[0219] Item 22. The hearing device of any one of the preceding items, wherein the one or more second electronic components include a first microphone and a second microphone.

[0220] Item 23. The hearing device of any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more second electronic components include one or more processors.

[0221] Item 24. An electronic circuit for a hearing device, the electronic circuit comprising:

[0222] - an electronic circuit board comprising a first section and a second section;

[0223] - one or more first electronic components, the one or more first electronic components being configured to operate at a first voltage, the one or more first electronic components being mounted on or in the first section; and

[0224] - one or more second electronic components, the one or more second electronic components being configured to operate at a second voltage, the one or more second electronic components being mounted on or in the second section;

[0225] wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

[0226] Item 25. An electronic circuit board for a hearing device, the electronic circuit board comprising:

[0227] - a first section comprising a plurality of first electrical connector pads for mounting one or more first electronic components;

[0228] - a second section comprising a plurality of second electrical connector pads for mounting one or more second electronic components;

[0229] wherein the plurality of first electrical connector pads are configured to connect to the one or more first electrical components operating at a first voltage, and the plurality of second electrical connector pads are configured to connect to the one or more second electrical components operating at a second voltage, wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage and wherein the first segment is separated from the second segment.

[0230] Item 26. A method of manufacturing an electronic circuit for a hearing device, the method comprising:

[0231] -Provide electronic circuit boards;

[0232] - mounting one or more first electronic components on or in a first section of the electronic circuit board;

[0233] - mounting one or more second electronic components on or in a second section of the electronic circuit board;

[0234] Wherein the one or more first electronic components are configured to operate at a first voltage, and the one or more second electronic components are configured to operate at a second voltage, wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage, and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

[0235] The use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not imply any particular order, but rather is intended to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not imply any order or importance, but rather the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. It should be noted that the words "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. are used here and elsewhere for labeling purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular spatial or temporal order.

[0236] Furthermore, the reference of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element, and vice versa.

[0237] Understandably, Figure 1-4 Include some modules or operations shown with solid lines and some modules or operations shown with dotted lines. The modules or operations included in the solid lines are modules or operations included in the broadest exemplary embodiment. The modules or operations included in the dotted lines are exemplary embodiments, which may be included in the modules or operations of the solid line exemplary embodiments, or as a part thereof, or may be used as other modules or operations except the modules or operations of the solid line exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these operations do not need to be performed in the order shown. In addition, it should be understood that not all operations need to be performed. The exemplary operations may be performed in any order and in any combination.

[0238] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0239] It should be noted that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0240] It should also be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least partially by hardware and software, and that several "means," "units," or "devices" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0241] The various exemplary methods, devices, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method step processes, which can be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer executable instructions, such as program code executed by a computer in a networked environment. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disks (CD), digital versatile disks (DVD), etc. In general, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program codes for performing the method steps disclosed herein. A specific sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0242] Although features have been shown and described, it should be understood that these features are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A hearing device configured to be worn at an ear of a user, the hearing device comprising: - an electronic circuit board comprising a first section and a second section; - one or more first electronic components, the one or more first electronic components being configured to operate at a first voltage, the one or more first electronic components being mounted on or in the first section; as well as - one or more second electronic components, the one or more second electronic components being configured to operate at a second voltage, the one or more second electronic components being mounted on or in the second section; Wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage, and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

2. The hearing device according to claim 1 , wherein in an unfolded state, the electronic circuit board extends along a longitudinal axis and a first plane intersects the longitudinal axis, such that the one or more first electronic components are connected to the circuit board on one side of the first plane and the one or more second electronic components are connected to the circuit board on the other side of the first plane. 3 . The hearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic circuit board comprises a first bending region forming a first bend, wherein the first bend is formed between the first section and the second section. 4 . The hearing device according to claim 3 , wherein the second section comprises a primary region and a secondary region, and wherein the electronic circuit board comprises a second curved region forming a second curved portion, wherein the second curved portion is formed between the primary region and the secondary region. 5 . The hearing device according to claim 4 , wherein at least a portion of the first section is sandwiched between the primary region and the secondary region.

6. The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first section comprises electrical connector pads for connecting a battery. 7 . The hearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the hearing device comprises a battery, the battery being configured to provide a battery voltage, wherein the battery voltage is closer to the first voltage than to the second voltage.

8. A hearing device according to claim 6 and claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein the battery is electrically connected to the electronic circuit board via the electrical connector pads such that the battery is located upstream of the first section and the second section is located downstream of the first section.

9. The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more first electronic components comprise a voltage converter configured to step down the battery voltage and / or the first voltage to the second voltage.

10. The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the one or more first electronic components are provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

11. A hearing device according to any of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 5, wherein the one or more second electronic components comprise an output transducer connector arranged at the primary region and an input transducer arranged at the secondary region.

12. The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply lines of the electronic circuit board are arranged in one single layer.

13. An electronic circuit for a hearing device, the electronic circuit comprising: - an electronic circuit board comprising a first section and a second section; - one or more first electronic components, the one or more first electronic components being configured to operate at a first voltage, the one or more first electronic components being mounted on or in the first section; as well as - one or more second electronic components, the one or more second electronic components being configured to operate at a second voltage, the one or more second electronic components being mounted on or in the second section; Wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage, and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

14. An electronic circuit board for a hearing device, the electronic circuit board comprising: - a first section comprising a plurality of first electrical connector pads for mounting one or more first electronic components; - a second section comprising a plurality of second electrical connector pads for mounting one or more second electronic components; wherein the plurality of first electrical connector pads are configured to connect to the one or more first electrical components operating at a first voltage, and the plurality of second electrical connector pads are configured to connect to the one or more second electrical components operating at a second voltage, wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage, and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

15. A method of manufacturing an electronic circuit for a hearing device, the method comprising: -Provide electronic circuit boards; - mounting one or more first electronic components on or in a first section of the electronic circuit board; - mounting one or more second electronic components on or in a second section of the electronic circuit board; Wherein the one or more first electronic components are configured to operate at a first voltage, and the one or more second electronic components are configured to operate at a second voltage, wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage, and wherein the first section is separated from the second section.

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