Antenna device for wireless signal transmission

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna arrangement (24) for wireless signal transmission, comprising an antenna element (26) and a planar substrate (28), the antenna element (26) being arranged on the substrate (28), the antenna element (26) having at least one antenna section (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d), the substrate (28) having at least two substrate sections (32a, 32b), the antenna section (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) being arranged on the substrate (28). The antenna section (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) has at least one substrate section (32a, 32b) which has different substrate types and is arranged in the region of the antenna section (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d), and wherein the antenna section (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) and / or the substrate section (32a, 32b) can be adjusted relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an antenna arrangement for wireless signal transmission and also to a hearing instrument having such an antenna arrangement. Background Art

[0002] Generally, electronic devices that support the hearing of people wearing hearing devices are called hearing devices. In particular, the present invention relates to the following hearing devices, which are configured to fully or partially compensate for the hearing loss of hearing-impaired users. Such hearing devices are also called "hearing aids (English: Hearing Aid, HA)". In addition, there are the following hearing devices, which protect or improve the hearing of users with normal hearing, for example, in complex hearing situations, it should be possible to improve speech understanding. These devices are also called "personal sound amplification products" (Personal Sound Amplification Product, abbreviated as: PSAP). Finally, the term "hearing device" in the sense used here also includes headphones worn on or in the ears (wired or wireless and with or without active noise suppression), headphones, etc., as well as implantable hearing devices, such as cochlear implants.

[0003] Generally speaking, hearing devices, specifically hearing aids, are usually configured to be worn on the head of a user, especially in or on the ear of the wearer, and are especially configured as behind-the-ear devices (English: behind the ear, BTE) or in-the-ear devices (English: in the ear, ITE). In terms of its internal structure, the hearing device usually has at least one output converter, which converts an output audio signal fed for output into a signal that the user can perceive as sound, and outputs the signal to the user.

[0004] In most cases, the output transducer is constructed as an electroacoustic transducer, which converts the (electrical) output audio signal into air-borne sound, wherein the output air-borne sound is output into the ear canal of the user. In the case of a hearing device worn behind the ear, the output transducer, also called a "earpiece" ("receiver"), is usually integrated into the housing of the hearing device outside the ear. In this case, the sound output by the output transducer is guided into the ear canal of the user by means of a sound hose. As an alternative to this, the output transducer can also be arranged in the ear canal, thus arranged outside the housing worn behind the ear. Such a hearing device is called an RIC device according to the English title "Receiver In Channel". Hearing devices worn in the ear (according to the English term "Completely in Canal") are also called CIC devices, and the size of these hearing devices is determined to be so small that they do not extend outward from the ear canal.

[0005] In other embodiments, the output transducer can also be designed as an electromechanical transducer, which converts the output audio signal into solid-borne sound (vibrations), wherein the solid-borne sound is output, for example, into the skull of the user. In addition, there are implantable hearing devices, in particular cochlear implants, and hearing devices whose output transducer directly stimulates the auditory nerve of the user.

[0006] In addition to the output transducer, the hearing device often also has at least one (acoustic-electrical) input transducer. During operation of the hearing device, the input transducer or each input transducer records the airborne sound from the environment of the hearing device and converts the airborne sound into an input audio signal (i.e. an electrical signal conveying information about the ambient sound). This input audio signal (also referred to as the "recorded sound signal") is regularly output to the user himself in raw or processed form, for example to achieve a so-called transparency mode in headphones, for active noise suppression or (for example in the case of hearing aids) to achieve an improved noise perception of the user.

[0007] Furthermore, the hearing instrument often has a signal processing unit (signal processor). The input audio signal or each input audio signal is processed in the signal processing unit (i.e. modified with respect to its sound information). In this case, the signal processing unit outputs a correspondingly processed audio signal (also called "output audio signal" or "modified sound signal") to an output converter and / or an external device.

[0008] Such hearing instruments also have, for example, an electromagnetic receiver, for example an antenna element as an RF antenna, by means of which the hearing instrument can be coupled, for example, to an operating element (remote control) and / or to another hearing instrument via signal technology. For space reasons, the same antenna element is usually used for sending and receiving data.

[0009] Hearing devices are preferably designed in a particularly space-saving and compact manner so that they can be worn by a user of the hearing device in a manner that is as visually inconspicuous as possible. This results in increasingly smaller hearing devices being produced that are increasingly comfortable to wear and are therefore barely noticeable to the user when worn on or in the ear. However, due to the reduced installation space thus provided, it is increasingly difficult to accommodate and / or install conventional antenna elements for wireless signal transmission in such hearing devices. Another problem is, for example, the desired variability and adjustability of the directivity of the antenna element for different transmission modes.

[0010] However, different arrangements or configurations of antenna elements usually result in the antenna parameters for operating the antenna elements having to be set anew each time. Therefore, a plurality of special antennas are often required in order to realize the desired functions in a hearing instrument, which results in a correspondingly increased installation space requirement.

[0011] Antennas are known, for example, from EP 2 916 385 A1 and EP 2 915 386 A1 in which an actuator moves one antenna arm relative to the other antenna arm in a settable manner. For reasons of precision and production, this method is not suitable for miniature antennas used in hearing instruments. Summary of the invention

[0012] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a particularly suitable antenna device. Such an antenna device should be designed to be as compact as possible, have a high degree of variability, be suitable for different transmission modes, and have adjustable directivity. In addition, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a particularly suitable hearing instrument having such an antenna device.

[0013] According to the present invention, the above technical problem is solved in the antenna device by using the features of the present invention and in the hearing device by using the features of the present invention. Advantageous designs and extensions are the subject of the following description. The advantages and designs listed for the antenna device can also be transferred to the hearing device, and vice versa.

[0014] The antenna device according to the invention is designed and adapted and configured for wireless signal transmission or radio signal transmission. The antenna device has an antenna element and an (antenna) substrate.

[0015] Here, an antenna element is to be understood as a radiating element (radiator element, exciter element, receiving element) of an antenna device, i.e., an antenna component of an antenna device which emits and / or receives radiation or electromagnetic waves when the antenna is in operation. The antenna element is designed in particular as a miniature antenna and can be implemented here, for example, as a patch antenna, a branched multifilar antenna (English: multifilar antenna), a planar antenna or as an antenna whose manufacturing steps include a deposition process. Therefore, the antenna element can preferably be produced by means of established production methods (for example, deposition methods for patch antennas).

[0016] The antenna element is arranged on the substrate. In particular, the antenna element extends substantially parallel to the substrate. That is, the substrate is arranged below the antenna element. The especially electrically insulating substrate thus acts as a ground plane or ground plate, for example, to influence the impedance and bandwidth of the antenna element by influencing the propagation speed of the electromagnetic waves.

[0017] A substrate is a substantially flat or planar base plate which has a base layer and a substrate layer arranged thereon. According to the invention, the substrate, in particular the substrate layer, has at least two substrate sections which have different substrate types and which are arranged in the region of at least one antenna section of the antenna element. In this context, the two substrate sections are also referred to as substrate section pairs.

[0018] Here and below, the term "substrate type" is to be understood in particular as a substrate material, i.e. a material composition of a substrate or a substrate layer, which influences the electrical properties of the antenna element, such as impedance, bandwidth and radiation characteristics. The substrate type is selected, for example, from the following group: dielectric materials, magneto-dielectric materials, fluoropolymers (e.g. PTFE), imides, ferrite materials, ceramic materials, ALX-507 from AGC or Sigma-Aldrich, MAGTREX 555 from Rogers Corporation, or substrate materials which, depending on their orientation relative to the main axis of the antenna element, change their modulation effect on high-frequency waves (e.g. a patch made of the same material, wherein the first substrate is rotated by 90° about its normal axis compared to the second substrate).

[0019] The antenna element has at least one, in particular free-end-side, antenna section (antenna arm, antenna branch), which is, for example, movable or displaceable and extends at least partially over at least one of the substrate sections.

[0020] The antenna device according to the invention thus has at least two substrate segments and at least one antenna segment, which have different substrate types. According to the invention, the antenna segments and / or the substrate segments can be adjusted relative to each other. As a result, the radio or high-frequency characteristics of the antenna element can be set or switched between different settings. A particularly suitable antenna device is thus achieved.

[0021] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and below to mean that the features connected by means of this conjunction can be designed to be common and to be alternatives to one another.

[0022] Thus, according to the invention, the antenna segment can be adjusted relative to the substrate segment, or the substrate segment can be adjusted relative to the antenna segment, or the antenna segment and the substrate segment are embodied as adjustable. In an embodiment in which only the substrate segment is embodied as adjustable, it is conceivable, for example, that the antenna segment is immovable or rigidly embodied. However, it is preferred that the antenna segment is embodied movably or deformably.

[0023] This results in a particularly reconfigurable antenna device with a plurality of operable antenna parts (antenna segments and / or substrate segments). The antenna device according to the invention thus has a particularly high variability in terms of directivity or has different transmission modes, for example, so that the antenna device can replace a plurality of individual (special) antennas. For example, in the case of an adjustable antenna segment or substrate segment, two settings / positions of the antenna parts are accordingly conceivable, wherein in the case of jointly adjustable two antenna segments, four possible configurations or settings are correspondingly enabled. Preferably, the displacement size of the substrate segment differs from the displacement size of the radiating antenna segment, so that their ratio is less than 0.5 or greater than 2.

[0024] For example, four different settings can be realized, wherein the extreme values ​​0.5 and 2 are produced when shifting on the same axis. For example, the antenna segment can be shifted by 1 mm (millimeters), wherein the substrate segment can be shifted by at least 2 mm, so that four different configurations can be adopted. The value range of less than 0.5 and greater than 2 is due to the fact that the two antenna parts also have an extension in the direction of the shift, so that an additional shift is required in order to compensate for the overlap. When the antenna parts are not shifted parallel to each other, that is, when the shift is performed at a certain angle relative to each other, the value of the displacement size ratio is less than or correspondingly close to 1, and when the antenna parts are shifted perpendicular to each other, the value of the displacement size ratio is minimal (that is, it is only related to the width of the antenna parts).

[0025] Due to the (re)configurability or variability of the antenna device, the antenna device can be implemented in a particularly compact manner, which is advantageous in the case of wearable devices, in particular wearable devices for use in hearing instruments, in particular with regard to structural space limitations and general form factors.

[0026] In this case, the variability of the antenna arrangement refers in particular to reconfiguration and not to fine tuning of antenna parameters. However, fine tuning can be performed as an initialization when the antenna arrangement is put into operation (for example by setting a series of voltage-tunable capacitors).

[0027] In order to selectively control parameters of high-frequency signals, or to control characteristics of antenna elements, parameter groups for reconfiguration or for each antenna segment-substrate segment setting can be stored or maintained in a memory of the antenna device, wherein each parameter group is associated with a specific situation or setting.

[0028] Preferably, the antenna section can be moved from one substrate section to another substrate section. The antenna section can thus be moved to different positions or locations. In other words, the geometry of the antenna element is changeable. In particular, the antenna section is designed to be bendable or deformable. Preferably, the antenna section is designed to be pivotable relative to the remaining antenna elements.

[0029] Different possibilities are conceivable for achieving adjustability or deformability of the antenna segment. For example, the cross-sectional profile of the deformable antenna segment is selected so that it corresponds to the mechanical requirements, high-frequency requirements and production requirements of the antenna device. For example, a metal wire with a circular cross section can be bent better, but it is difficult to produce using deposition methods. Antenna segments with rectangular cross sections best correspond to high-frequency requirements when they are placed flat and moved parallel to the substrate layer.

[0030] Mechanical properties for bending, for example, are more easily met when the surface of the antenna segment extends perpendicularly to the substrate layer, rather than parallel to it, i.e. when the long side of the rectangular cross section is oriented perpendicularly to the substrate layer. Therefore, different configurations are conceivable, such as bending the antenna segment in a U-shape or L-shape, so that the force required for deformation is reduced. Alternatively, the antenna segment can be implemented as a conductive strip with a 90° rotation (twist), so that the distal part extends parallel to the substrate and has a high degree of electromagnetic interaction with the substrate located below it, while the part close to the (antenna) feed point of the antenna element extends perpendicular to the substrate in order to enable deformability and movement parallel to the ground plane.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the antenna segments and / or the substrate segments are adjustable relative to one another by means of at least one actuator. This means that the variability of the antenna arrangement is controlled by activating the actuator, which, for example, causes a deformation and / or a change of position at at least one antenna part. The actuator is designed in particular as an electromechanical actuator, for example an electroactive polymer, a piezoelectric crystal or a MEMS actuator (MEMS: Micro-Electro-Mechanical System). The actuator can be switched, for example, between two states.

[0032] In a suitable extension, the antenna segment is adjustable or movable / deformable parallel to the substrate segment and substantially perpendicular to at least one other antenna segment of the antenna element, for example an antenna segment fixed to the substrate. The operation of the antenna segment thus results in a movement that is parallel to the base plate and the substrate layer and substantially perpendicular to at least one segment of the antenna element. As a result, the distance between the antenna segment and the substrate is not changed, and the antenna segment is only moved from one substrate segment to another. By moving, on the one hand, the substrate type of the antenna segment is changed. On the other hand, the shape or geometry of the antenna element itself is changed. As a result, even a slight movement of the antenna segment makes it possible to achieve large changes in the antenna parameters.

[0033] This means that only the antenna elements are adjusted parallel to the substrate, so that the antenna arrangement has a quasi-two-dimensional structure and is therefore designed in a particularly compact manner in terms of installation space.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the antenna segment is adjustable between at least two mechanically stable geometric states. That is, the antenna segment is bistable. "Bistable" is to be understood here and below in particular as the ability of the antenna segment to remain unchanged in two stable states without automatically entering another state. That is, the mechanically bistable property is used to achieve a well-defined antenna configuration, which does not need to be fine-tuned after each reconfiguration.

[0035] One geometric state differs from another geometric state in that a radiating part of the antenna element is adjacent to another substrate type and / or a radiating part of the antenna element has a different position or orientation relative to another radiating part of the antenna element. In this case, for each variable antenna section, at least two different mechanically stable states can be assumed, wherein a change in the geometric state corresponds to a change in the high-frequency characteristics of the antenna element by moving the radiating antenna section through another substrate type, which results in different high-frequency characteristics that change the position of the radiating antenna sections relative to each other. Different antenna configurations can be suitable for different scenarios generally used in hearing devices (e.g. different transmission modes or adaptive directivity).

[0036] The mechanical stability of the geometrical states ensures that the antenna element or antenna arrangement has well-defined radio frequency characteristics even with average manufacturing accuracy. Furthermore, fine tuning of the antenna arrangement is not necessary after each configuration change, since these states are electromagnetically well-defined due to the mechanically stable states. In order to take into account manufacturing inaccuracies, fine tuning can be performed when the antenna arrangement is first switched on or occasionally, for example every few hours / days / weeks.

[0037] Another advantage of the mechanically stable state is that no additional power consumption is required to maintain a specific configuration or setting. Preferably, the number of actuators for each variable antenna section is the same as the number of stable states. Therefore, energy is only required for switching, but not for maintaining a specific configuration.

[0038] An additional or further aspect of the invention provides that the antenna segment is connected or coupled to a mechanically deformable element, wherein the antenna segment is moved or adjusted when the element is deformed. In this case, the deformable element is deformed, in particular, by means of an (electromechanical) actuator, so that the antenna segment is operated by means of the actuator, in particular indirectly, by deformation of the element. The deformation may be, for example, bending, rotation (torsion), shrinkage, shearing or kinking. The mechanical element may be a deformable radiating part of the antenna element (deformable antenna segment) or a deformable fastening part on the radiating part of the antenna element.

[0039] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the antenna element has a plurality of movable antenna segments, i.e. several movable antenna segments, in particular at least two movable antenna segments, which are respectively adjustable relative to the associated substrate segment or substrate segment pair. This results in a particularly variable, reconfigurable antenna device which is particularly suitable for use as a miniature antenna for a portable, wearable or mobile computer device, which is configured for transmitting and / or receiving high-frequency signals. The antenna element has a plurality of variable segments, each of which is a radiating part of the antenna element, which can be switched between at least two mechanically stable geometric states by means of at least one electromechanical actuator.

[0040] In one conceivable embodiment, the substrate segment pairs are arranged in the same way for each variable antenna segment, and the antenna arrangement or antenna element is symmetrical, so that when switching all states in the same direction, only the underlying substrate is changed, without changing the relative positions of the antenna segments relative to each other.

[0041] In one possible embodiment, the antenna segments of the antenna element are arranged in a branched manner relative to one another. The “branched arrangement” or “branched arrangement” of the antenna segments is to be understood here and below in particular as a configuration in antenna technology in which the radiation-conducting element (antenna segment) of the antenna device is divided into a plurality of branches or segments extending in different directions. Such branches can be used to influence the radiation characteristics of the antenna device or antenna element by directing the radiation at different angles or directions.

[0042] In one suitable embodiment, the antenna device or the antenna element is designed as a multifilament antenna or a multifilament antenna.

[0043] The preferred antenna configuration or the branching of antenna segments is determined by a growth or evolutionary algorithm. In other words, the antenna geometry is the product of the growth algorithm, wherein the number of radiating antenna segments can be varied with respect to their geometrical properties.

[0044] For example, the geometric structure and its controllable changes are selected with the help of computer simulation, so that the antenna device can, for example, cover a wide spectrum radiation pattern optimized for a specific scenario. In particular, the antenna radiation guidance (English: antenna beam steering) can be controlled. Additionally or alternatively, the antenna device can adopt different configurations, wherein at least some configurations are optimized for specific antenna transmission modes. This achieves space saving in position or structure, because the switching between different transmission modes can be simply achieved by adjusting one or more antenna parts, so that different transmission modes do not require additional antennas. Additionally or alternatively, at least some configurations of the antenna device are optimized for specific signal strength indicator values, specific power consumption or a combination thereof within a given high-frequency environment (i.e., the distance from other transmitters, high-frequency noise, competing sources, obstacles). The power efficiency and signal strength of the antenna device are thereby optimized.

[0045] The antenna device according to the present invention is basically set up and suitable and configured for use in all portable electrical devices, in particular for audio devices, such as entertainment device earbuds (English: consumer electronics earbuds), or for mobile computing or sensor applications, such as smart phones, tablet computers, smart watches.

[0046] In a preferred application, the antenna device described above is part of a hearing device. In this case, the hearing device according to the invention is particularly used to provide hearing-impaired users (hearing aid). The hearing device is, for example, in one of the structural forms mentioned at the beginning, in particular as a BTE, RIC, ITE or CIC device. In addition, the hearing device can also be an implantable or vibrotactile hearing aid.

[0047] Here, the hearing device is configured to record sound signals from the environment and output them to the user. The hearing device has a (hearing) device housing, in which, for example, an input converter, a signal processing device and an output converter are accommodated. The device housing is configured so that it can be worn on the head by the user and near the ear, for example, in the ear, on the ear or behind the ear.

[0048] The input converter is implemented to collect sound information of a sound source and convert it into an input signal. The sound information can be a sound signal (noise, tone, speech, etc.) from the hearing device or the user's environment, which is converted into an electrical input signal (audio signal) by means of an input converter, such as an electroacoustic converter, in particular a microphone.

[0049] By modifying (processing, filtering) the input signal in the signal processing device, an electrical output signal (audio signal) is generated from the electrical input signal. In particular, the electroacoustic output converter is designed, for example, as a (micro) loudspeaker for generating an acoustic sound signal (output signal) based on the (modified, processed, filtered) output signal generated by the signal processing device.

[0050] The antenna device is, for example, part of a transceiver of a hearing device for data transmission via signal technology with an external additional device, for example with a smartphone or, in the case of a binaural implementation, with another hearing device. The antenna device can also be designed to receive the transmitted signal of an induction coil, so that the hearing device can be charged wirelessly.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the antenna device is implemented to be used for Bluetooth or Wifi connection. In other words, the antenna device is used as a Bluetooth or Wifi antenna.

[0052] In one conceivable extension, the configuration of the antenna device, i.e. the relative orientation of at least one antenna segment and at least two substrate segments, can be set with the aid of an orientation sensor, i.e. a motion sensor and / or an orientation sensor and / or a position sensor, of the hearing device. When the antenna device is used in a hearing device, it is conceivable, for example, to control the state or configuration switching of an adjustable antenna part (antenna segment, substrate segment) depending on the head or body movement of a user of the hearing device. For this purpose, for example, an orientation sensor, such as an inertial measurement unit, which is implemented as a motion sensor of the hearing device is provided and is correspondingly coupled to the antenna device or a controller that controls the adjustment or configuration.

[0053] In one possible extension, for example, a trained neural network is stored in the controller, which predicts or foresees future head / body movements from current head or body movements. In this case, the neural network is trained, for example, for different environmental situations and therefore for movement processes that have occurred in the past. In addition, predetermined maps of radio frequency signal strength indicators for specific locations are possible here, for example. This is possible in particular when the orientation sensor is implemented as a position and / or orientation sensor (for example a gyroscope, magnetometer, ultra-wideband technology, GPS, etc., ...), because it is set up and configured to determine the position and / or orientation in space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Below, the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail according to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, schematic and simplified diagrams are shown:

[0055] Figure 1 A hearing device is shown,

[0056] Figure 2 shows an antenna arrangement for a hearing instrument with a movable antenna section,

[0057] Figure 3 A first embodiment of a movable antenna section is shown,

[0058] Figure 4 A second embodiment of a movable antenna section is shown,

[0059] Figure 5 A third embodiment of a movable antenna section is shown,

[0060] Figure 6 A fourth embodiment of a movable antenna section is shown, and

[0061] Figure 7 An antenna arrangement with a multi-branched antenna section is shown.

[0062] Parts and variables which correspond to one another are always provided with the same reference symbols in all the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figure 1 The basic structure of a hearing device 2 according to the invention is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the hearing device 2 is implemented as a binaural hearing aid device, which has two hearing aid devices or individual devices 4a, 4b coupled via signal technology. Here, the individual devices 4a, 4b are designed as behind-the-ear hearing aids (HdO) by way of example. The individual devices 4a, 4b are coupled or can be coupled to each other via signal technology by means of a wireless communication connection 6.

[0064] The communication connection 6 is, for example, an inductive coupling between the individual devices 4a and 4b; alternatively, the communication connection 6 is, for example, implemented as a radio connection, in particular as an inductive connection, a Bluetooth connection or an RFID connection between the individual devices 4a and 4b.

[0065] In the following, the structure of the individual devices 4a, 4b is explained by way of example with reference to the individual device 4a. Figure 1 , a single device 4a comprises a device housing 8 in which one or more microphones, also referred to as (acoustic-electrical) input transducers 10, are mounted. The input transducers 10 are used to record acoustic information in the environment of the hearing device 2 and convert it into electroacoustic data as input signals 12.

[0066] The input signal 12 is processed by a controller of a signal processing device 14, which is also arranged in the device housing 10. The signal processing device 14 generates an output signal 16 as a function of the input signal 12, which is directed to a loudspeaker or receiver 18. The receiver 18 is designed as an (electroacoustic) output converter 18, which converts the electrical output signal 16 into an acoustic signal or sound signal and outputs it to the (hearing device) user. In the case of an HdO single device 4a, the acoustic signal is also transmitted to the eardrum of the hearing system user via a sound hose or an external receiver, which is not shown in detail and is connected to an ear mold (Otoplastik) located in the ear canal. However, it is also conceivable, for example, for an electromechanical output converter 18 to be a receiver, for example in the case of a bone conduction receiver.

[0067] The energy supply of the individual devices 4 a , in particular the signal processing device 14 , is provided by means of a battery 20 which is accommodated in the device housing 8 .

[0068] The signal processing device 14 is routed via signaling to a transceiver 22 . The transceiver 22 is used in particular to send and receive wireless signals by means of the communication link 6 .

[0069] The transceiver 22 is set and configured to implement different transmission modes and / or different transmission and / or reception characteristics. For example, the transceiver 22 is suitable for and configured to perform Bluetooth, RFID, Wifi or inductive connections. In addition, the transceiver 22 can be implemented as a T coil or implemented for receiving stream signals, for example. This means that, with the help of the transceiver 22, not only a communication connection 6 to a single device 4b can be realized, but also other radio connections, data connections, signal connections or communication connections to other devices (smart phones) or networks (such as the Internet) can be realized. For this purpose, the transceiver 22 has a reconfigurable antenna device 24, which is integrated into the device housing 8 as a miniature antenna.

[0070] exist Figure 2 2 shows a first specific embodiment of an antenna arrangement 24. In the following description, the antenna arrangement 24 is described in particular as a transmitting antenna. However, the antenna arrangement 24 can also be used as a receiving antenna or preferably as a combined transmitting and receiving antenna.

[0071] The antenna device 24 is designed and adapted and configured for wireless signal transmission or radio signal transmission. The antenna device 24 has at least one antenna element 26 and at least one (antenna) substrate 28 .

[0072] The antenna device 24 has a quasi-two-dimensional structure, wherein the antenna element 26 is arranged on a substrate 28. In particular, the antenna element 26 extends substantially parallel to the substrate 28.

[0073] The substrate 28 is a substantially flat or planar bottom plate having a base layer 30 and having a substrate layer arranged thereon. According to the invention, the substrate 28, in particular the substrate layer, has at least two substrate sections 32a, 32b of different basic types.

[0074] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of , the antenna element 26 has two antenna sections 34 and 36, which are integrally, that is, integrally or monolithically transformed into each other. Here, at least the antenna sections 34, 36 form the radiating (transmitting, receiving) part of the antenna element 26, and the transmission signals of the transceiver 22 are fed into the antenna element 26 at the feed point 38, which propagate along the antenna element 26 and are emitted / transmitted by the antenna sections 34, 36 as electromagnetic waves.

[0075] The antenna section 34 is fixed on the substrate 28 or on a substrate layer. In other words, the antenna section 34 is arranged or held on the substrate 28 in a rigid or immovable manner.

[0076] In this case, the antenna section 36 at the free end is arranged movably or movably on the substrate 28 or on a substrate layer. In other words, the antenna section 36 is arranged essentially loosely on the substrate 28 .

[0077] The antenna segment 36 is coupled to an actuator 40, in particular to an electromechanical actuator. By means of the actuator 40, the antenna segment 36 can be reversibly adjusted between a first (antenna) position (configuration) or geometric state Z1, in which the antenna segment 36 is arranged, for example, above the substrate segment 32b, and a second position or geometric state Z2, in which the antenna segment 36 is arranged, for example, above the substrate segment 32a. In particular, the antenna segment 36 is deformed, preferably bent or folded. The solid line shows the position of the antenna segment 36 in the first position or geometric state Z1 or geometric state Z2. Figure 2 The antenna section 36 is guided to a state Z1 above the substrate section 32b, wherein the dotted line shows the state Z2 of the antenna section 36. Figure 2 The middle antenna section 36 is guided to a state Z2 above the substrate section 32a.

[0078] Antenna section 36 can be adjusted or deformed or bent parallel to substrate sections 32a, 32b and substantially perpendicular to at least adjacent antenna section 34 by means of actuator 40. Actuation of actuator 40 thus results in a movement of antenna section 36, which movement of antenna section 36 takes place parallel to substrate 28 and substantially perpendicular to antenna section 34. Antenna element 26 is pivotably supported at the transition between antenna sections 34, 36 by means of substrate holder 42, so that free end-side antenna section 36 can be pivoted relative to fixed antenna section 34 between geometric positions Z1 and Z2.

[0079] In addition or alternatively thereto, the actuator 40 may be arranged or configured to move the substrate sections 32a, 32b so that, for example, in the state Z1, the substrate section 32a is moved below the antenna section 36. Figure 2 Schematically indicated by a double arrow 44. In other words, the antenna section 36 and / or the substrate sections 32a, 32b are adjustable relative to each other. Thus, the radio or high-frequency characteristics of the antenna element 26 can be set or switched between different settings.

[0080] By adjusting antenna section 36, on the one hand, the antenna geometry of antenna element 26 is changed. This changes the electrical properties of antenna element 26, in particular its impedance, bandwidth and radiation characteristics. In the transition from substrate section 32a to substrate section 32b and vice versa, the electrical properties of antenna element 26 are also changed due to the different substrate types.

[0081] Various possibilities are conceivable for realizing the adjustability or deformability of antenna section 36 . For example, the cross-sectional contour of deformable antenna section 36 may be selected such that it corresponds to the mechanical requirements, high-frequency requirements, and production requirements of antenna device 24 .

[0082] Below, according to Figures 3 to 7 Different embodiments of the antenna element 26 are described in detail. Figures 3 to 7 The actuator 40 and the base plate 28 , in particular the base plate segments 32 a , 32 b , are not shown.

[0083] Antenna element 26 or antenna section 36 can be designed, for example, as a round wire, ie, as a wire with a round cross section. As a result, antenna section 36 can be easily bent.

[0084] Figure 3An embodiment of an antenna element 26 is shown in which an antenna section 36 is made of a shaped wire, in particular a shaped wire with a rectangular cross section. Here, a rectangular cross-sectional shape corresponds best to the high-frequency requirements of the antenna device 24 when the rectangular cross-sectional shape is placed flat and moves parallel to the substrate layer. For example, mechanical properties for deformation or bending are more easily met when the surface of the antenna section 36 extends perpendicularly to the substrate layer, not parallel to the substrate layer, i.e. when the long side of the rectangular cross section is oriented perpendicular to the substrate layer. Therefore, different configurations are conceivable, for example, the antenna section 36 is bent in a U-shape or L-shape, so that the force required for bending is reduced.

[0085] Figure 4 An alternative embodiment of an antenna element 26 is shown, in which the antenna section 36 is designed as an electrically conductive strip which has a 90° rotation (twist) in the region of the holder 42. As a result, the distal (free end side) section extends parallel to the substrate 28, i.e. the long sides of the strip are arranged parallel to the substrate layer, thereby ensuring a high degree of electromagnetic interaction with the substrate sections 32a, 32b or substrate types located therebelow. In this case, the antenna section 34 is formed by an upright strip region extending perpendicularly to the substrate 28, i.e. its long sides are arranged perpendicularly to the substrate layer. This enables movement and deformability parallel to the substrate sections 32a, 32b.

[0086] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the invention, the antenna segment 36 is held or clamped on both sides, i.e. at both segment ends, by means of a holder 42. Here, the antenna segment 36 is designed to have two mechanically stable geometric states Z1, Z2 in a bistable manner and can be adjusted or switched between these two mechanically stable geometric states Z1, Z2. The antenna segment 36 is shown in state Z1 by a solid line and in state Z2 by a dotted line.

[0087] Here, the antenna section 36 is not swiveled, but rather bent or deformed so that the antenna section 36 extends between the holders 42 in a bent or curved manner, wherein a switch is made between a concave and a convex curvature during the transition between the states Z1 and Z2. In this embodiment, the antenna section 36 is preferably deformed or adjusted directly, i.e. directly, by means of the actuator 40. This means that the actuator 40 only needs to supply the deformation energy for switching between the states Z1, Z2, but in the states Z1, Z2 themselves, no energy needs to be applied to stabilize the states Z1, Z2.

[0088] exist Figure 6In the embodiment of the present invention, the antenna section 36 is fixed to a mechanically deformable element 46. In this case, the element 46 is arranged or clamped between two spaced-apart holders 42. The antenna section 36 is arranged on one of the holders 42 at the fixed end and is coupled to the element 46 at the free end.

[0089] The element 46 can be adjusted between two mechanically stable geometric states Z1, Z2, so that the coupled antenna segment 36 is correspondingly moved together between the states Z1, Z2. That is, the element 46 is designed to be bistable. The element 46 and the antenna segment 36 are shown in the state Z1 with a solid line and in the state Z2 with a dotted line (element) or a dashed line (antenna segment).

[0090] In this case, the mechanically deformable element 46 is (mechanically) deformed, in particular, by means of the actuator 40, so that the actuation of the antenna section 36 by means of the actuator 40 is carried out, in particular indirectly, by means of a deformation of the element 46. The deformation can be, for example, bending, rotation (torsion), contraction, shearing or kinking. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the deformation is a camber or bending of the element 46, wherein the states Z1 and Z2 are concave and convex cambers between the holders 42.

[0091] Figure 7 A multifilament design of antenna element 26 is shown, which has a plurality of branched antenna sections 34 , 36 .

[0092] exist Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 , the antenna element 26 has six antenna sections 34 a , 34 b , 34 c , 34 d , 34 e and 34 f which are fixedly or firmly arranged on the substrate 28 .

[0093] In addition, the antenna element 26 has four adjustable (bendable, deformable) antenna segments 36a, 36b, 36c and 36d, which can be adjusted between two preferably mechanically stable geometric states Z1, Z2. Preferably, an actuator 40 is assigned to each antenna segment 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d.

[0094] Antenna section 34a is guided to a feed point 38 on the feed side. Here, antenna section 34a branches into antenna sections 34b, 34c and 34d. Here, antenna section 34c extends straight and coaxially with antenna section 34a, wherein antenna sections 34d and 34b extend at an angle or tilt to different sides. Here, antenna section 34d branches into antenna sections 34e and 34f.

[0095] Antenna section 36a is arranged on the free end side on antenna section 34b. Antenna section 36b forms the free end of antenna section 34c. Antenna section 36c is arranged on the free end side on antenna section 34e, wherein antenna section 36d is positioned on the free end of antenna section 34f.

[0096] Preferably, each antenna segment 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d is associated with a substrate segment pair, for example, substrate segments 32a, 32b. Here, the substrate types of the substrate segment pairs can be different for antenna segments 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d.

[0097] The antenna segments 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d can be implemented differently. For example, the antenna segments 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d can have different lengths. The antenna segments 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d can also be configured differently, for example. Figure 5 or Figure 6 Implementation examples.

[0098] One or more of the antenna segments 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d can also be switchable or adjustable between more than two mechanically stable geometric states. In addition, the substrate segment associated with the antenna segment 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d can be adjustable, wherein one antenna segment 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d can also be associated with more than two different substrate segments or substrate types.

[0099] The antenna configuration or branch geometry of the antenna element 26 or antenna segments 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 34f and 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d is preferably the result of a growth or evolution algorithm, which selects or optimizes the configuration or state Z1, Z2 and arrangement of the antenna segments 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 34f and 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d so that the antenna device 24 can cover a wide spectrum of radiation patterns optimized for a specific scenario. For example, one or more of the following configurations are set, which are optimized for a specific antenna transmission mode and / or optimized for a specific signal strength indicator value, a specific power consumption, or a combination thereof within a given high frequency environment.

[0100] In one conceivable application, the configuration of the antenna device 24, i.e. the states Z1, Z2 of the antenna segments 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, is set by means of a motion sensor 48 of the hearing device 2. The state switching or configuration switching of the adjustable antenna parts (antenna segments, substrate segments) is preferably controlled as a function of the head or body movement of the hearing device user. For this purpose, an orientation sensor 48, such as an inertial measurement unit, which is implemented as a motion sensor, is arranged in the device housing 8. The orientation sensor 48 is coupled to the antenna device 24, for example, indirectly via the signal processing device 18 and the transceiver 22.

[0101] The claimed invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, a person skilled in the art can also derive other variants of the invention within the scope of the disclosed invention without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. In addition, all individual features described in particular in conjunction with the different embodiments can also be combined in other ways within the scope of the disclosed invention without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention.

[0102] Reference numerals list

[0103] 2 Hearing devices

[0104] 4a,4b Single device

[0105] 6 Communication Connection

[0106] 8 Equipment housing

[0107] 10 Input Converter

[0108] 12 Input Signal

[0109] 14 Signal Processing

[0110] 16 Output signal

[0111] 18 Earpiece / Output Converter

[0112] 20 Batteries

[0113] 22 Transceiver

[0114] 24 Antenna Device

[0115] 26 Antenna Elements

[0116] 28 substrate

[0117] 30 Basal layer

[0118] 32a, 32b substrate section

[0119] 34,34a…34f Antenna section

[0120] 36,36a…36d Antenna section

[0121] 38 Feed point

[0122] 40 Actuator

[0123] 42 Retaining parts

[0124] 44 Double Arrow

[0125] 46 Elements

[0126] 48 Position sensor

[0127] Z1,Z2 geometry status

Claims

1. An antenna device (24) for wireless signal transmission, comprising an antenna element (26) and a planar substrate (28), -in, The antenna element (26) is arranged on the substrate (28), - wherein the antenna element (26) has at least one antenna section (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d), wherein the substrate (28) has at least two substrate sections (32a, 32b) which have different substrate types and are arranged in the region of the antenna section (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d), and - wherein the antenna segments (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) and / or the substrate segments (32a, 32b) are adjustable relative to one another.

2. The antenna device (24) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The antenna segments (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) and / or the substrate segments (32a, 32b) are adjustable relative to one another by means of at least one actuator (40).

3. The antenna device (24) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The antenna section (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) is adjustable parallel to the base plate section (32a, 32b) and substantially perpendicular to at least one further antenna section (34, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 34f) of the antenna element (26).

4. The antenna device (23) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The antenna sections (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) are adjustable between two mechanically stable geometric states (Z1, Z2).

5. The antenna device (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The antenna sections (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) are connected to a mechanically deformable element (46) which adjusts the antenna sections (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) when deformed.

6. The antenna device (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that The antenna element (26) has a plurality of movable antenna sections (36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) which are each adjustable relative to an associated substrate section (32a, 32b).

7. The antenna device (24) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The antenna sections (36, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d) of the antenna element (26) are arranged in a branched manner relative to one another.

8. A hearing device (2), in particular an auxiliary hearing device, comprising an antenna device (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The hearing device (2) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The antenna device (24) is implemented for Bluetooth or Wifi connection.

10. The hearing device (2) according to claim 8 or 9, It is characterized in that The configuration of the antenna arrangement (24) can be adjusted by means of an orientation sensor (48).

Images