Antenna from shielded miniature cable

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cable (1) and a method of manufacturing such cable. The cable defines an axial length, the axial length depending on the use of said cable. The cable comprises a plurality of wound inner conductors, the inner conductors surrounded by an inner insulation tube (20). The cable further comprises an electrically conducting layer (30) surrounding the inner insulation tube, the electrically conducting layer surrounded by an outer jacket (40), the outer jacket defining the outer surface of the cable. Further, the cable comprises an antenna (30'), the antenna defined by a portion of the electrically conducting layer being exposed, due to a gap in the outer jacket.

Description

[0001] Antenna from shielded miniature cable

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to auxiliary equipment for electronics, such as cables for electronics. In particular, the present invention relates to a cable for audiology equipment, such as but not limited to hearing aids and wearables requiring wireless communication.

[0004] Background of invention

[0005] In the field of modern audiology equipment, there is a constant push towards reducing the size and weight of the equipment in order to reduce the visual and haptic impression made by the equipment.

[0006] Typically, the equipment comprises a receiver placed in the ear canal and a body placed outside the ear canal, most commonly behind the ear, with a cable connecting the body and the receiver. A modern hearing aid comprises a microphone for receiving sound and transducing it into electrical signals, a power source, an amplifier for boosting the electrical signals, a processor for digitally processing the signal, an antenna for wireless communication such as telecoil and / or for controlling the hearing aid, and a receiver for relaying the signal as sound waves in the ear canal.

[0007] Two important requirements to a user, when using a hearing aid, are a minimalist / discrete design, and low weight, for the device to be comfortable to wear, and to not discourage the user from wearing the hearing aid.

[0008] A further requirement is obviously the need for the hearing aid to provide clear sound to the user, from the environment around the user.

[0009] The above requirements continuously push for the components to be smaller and weigh less, in order to ensure user satisfaction. An issue when decreasing the size and weight of the components and the device as a whole, may be a decrease in sound quality, signal-to-noise ratio and or uptime of the device between charges / battery replacement.

[0010] Object of the invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved component to a hearing aid or other audiological equipment such as in-ear monitors or in-ear headphones, relative to the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a component for a hearing aid, in which at least two components are made into a single component, so as to reduce weight and optimize the manufacturing of a hearing aid, without compromising sound quality and / or uptime of the device.

[0012] Summary of invention

[0013] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a cable comprising

[0014] - An inner insulation tube made from an electrically insulating material containing a plurality of electrically conductive inner conductors,

[0015] - The plurality of inner conductors extending inside the inner insulation tube,

[0016] - An outer jacket being made from an electrically insulating material and with a maximum outer diameter being at the most 3 mm,

[0017] - An electrically conducting layer positioned between the inner insulation tube and the outer jacket,

[0018] Wherein at least one portion of the electrically conducting layer defines an antenna and at least a portion of the antenna is not covered by the outer jacket, to allow for establishing electrical contact to the antenna. Preferably the cable comprises a singular antenna, so as to avoid noise from interference between antenna units and / or a capacitive effect between the antennas.

[0019] The present invention relates to a cable, preferably a miniature cable, having an electrically conducting layer, at least a portion of which defines at least one antenna, preferably a singular antenna. The electrically conducting layer is positioned on the external circumference of an inner insulation tube made from an electrically insulating material.

[0020] The thickness of the electrically conductive layer may by way of example be between 0,01-0,15 mm, such as between 0,02-0,14 mm, such as between 0,02- 0,13 mm, such as between 0,02-0,12 mm, such as between 0,02-0,10 mm, such as between 0,02-0,09 mm, such as between 0,02-0,08 mm, 5 such as between 0,02-0,07 mm, such as between 0,03-0,06 mm, such as between 0,04- 0,05 mm.

[0021] The inner conductors may be independent metal threads, litz wires or wound cables.

[0022] The invention is particularly advantageous as it allows for a more compact design of wearable audio equipment as it eliminates the need for a separate antenna entity in the audio equipment, such as a hearing aid, an in-ear monitor, or in-ear headphones.

[0023] The antenna may, byway of example, be used for receiving signals associated with controlling the hearing aid, such as the noise filtering algorithms used, or for reception of a wirelessly transmitted audio signal such as in a telecoil system.

[0024] As a further advantage, it also increases the signal-to-noise ratio of the antenna signal by separating the antenna from other electronic components in the audiology equipment, since different electrical components located in near vicinity may act as a source of noise to each other unless shielded properly.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, shielded properly is to be understood as the components being shielded, i.e. protected from electromagnetic radiation, static noise, magnetic noise, common mode noise or crosstalk, from other nearby components.

[0026] The cable is preferably between 35-65 mm in length when used with a hearing aid and has a diameter of up to 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. The cable is however manufactured in much longer lengths that are later cut to fit the intended application, such as a hearing aid.

[0027] Longer and shorter lengths than the preferred length of 35-65 mm, are therefore highly plausible without modifying the invention, such as between 10-2000mm, such as 20-1900 mm, such as 25-1800 mm, such as 30-1700 mm. Such as 35- 1600 mm, such as 40-1500 mm, such as 45-1400 mm, such as 50-1300 mm, such as 55-1200 mm, such as 60-1100 mm, such as 65-1000 mm, such as 70- 900 mm, such as 75-800 mm, such as 80-700 mm, such as 85-600 mm, such as 90-550 mm, such as 100-500 mm, such as 110-450 mm, such as 120-400 mm, such as 130-350 mm, such as 140-300 mm, such as 150-250 mm, such as 160- 200 mm.

[0028] Thus, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other lengths or diameters of such cable, for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the teaching of the following description nor the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims. Examples of different use cases where a longer or shorter cable is used includes in-ear monitors. For this application the cable must at least be long enough to reach from a sound source in the user’s pocket and to the ear, or from a stationary sound source. When used with a stationary sound source the cable must be long enough to allow relatively unrestricted movement of the user relative to the stationary sound source. Short cables may be used for wireless in-ear headphones, where the cable is used for connecting different components inside the headphones.

[0029] The cable comprises the inner insulation tube made from an electrically insulating material, a plurality of inner conductors made from an electrically conductive material for transmitting an electrical signal, an outer jacket made from an electrically insulating material, and the electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive layer may in a preferred embodiment be made from a composite material comprising a plurality of overlapping nano- or microscale structures made from an electrically conductive material nested in a flexible polymer matrix. By nano- or microscale is meant structures having dimensions in the range 1 nm up to 100 pm. Examples of a flexible polymer material includes dimethylsuccinate, silicone and natural rubber. By use of any such material, a flexible yet conductive layer is achieved. Therefore, the cable can undergo multiple bending cycles or similar deformation processes without breaking or losing conductivity due to remodelling of the materials structure, such as deformation hardening or microcrack propagation. Preferably the polymer material has a glass transition temperature below ambient temperature, so that the nano- or microscale structures can easily move within the matrix without breaking. This enhances the above-mentioned benefits of the material, since intermolecular forces will then act to reestablish the electrical contact between the nano- or microscale structures within the matrix.

[0030] The electrically conductive layer may form a stretchable conducting material. In one or more examples, the stretchable conducting material may be stretched by more than 50%, such as more than 100%, such as more than 200% without breaking.

[0031] The nanoscale or microscale structures may be nanoparticles, such as nanowires. Also, the nanoscale or microscale structures in the shield layer may be flakes, the nanoscale or microscale structures thereby forming a flake- structured layer comprising a multiple of conducting flakes arranged in an overlapping manner in the multiple of sub-layers. The conducting flakes may each have an average thickness being less than 10% of the average length and / or average width of the nanoscale or microscale structures being flake structures.

[0032] The inner conductors may in addition to the electrical signal or as an alternative transfer the electrical energy used to power the device it is used with or parts of this device.

[0033] The invention is compatible with a range of audiology equipment, such as receiver in canal hearing aids, receiver in ear hearing aid, behind the ear hearing aids, in-ear monitors, and in-ear headphones, including wireless variants of these, such as in ear headphones for consumer use. When used with a such equipment, the antenna may be adapted to receive wireless signals from e.g. auxiliary equipment, while the inner conductors of the cable send / receive signals between components of said hearing aid. The antenna is therefore electrically connected to a receiving or transmitting unit in the equipment used with the cable that receives and / or transmits the signal transmitted by the antenna. In orderto do this, the outer jacket is removed from a part of the antenna in order to facilitate such an electrical contact.

[0034] The portion defining an antenna corresponds in length to 1 ,1 / 2 or % of the wavelength to be received or transmitted. In a preferred embodiment the antenna receives a signal with a frequency between 2.4000 GHz and 2.4835 GHz with a bandwidth of 1 MHz and has a length corresponding to 1 of the wavelength, so that the antenna has a length of 30-32 mm, preferably 30.6 mm. This type of signals is commonly known under the trademark “Bluetooth”.

[0035] In one or more examples, the inner non-conducting insulation tube is a polymer-based tube comprising one or more polymers selected from the list of:

[0036] • Polyethylene (PE);

[0037] • Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX);

[0038] • Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE);

[0039] • Polyvinylchloride (PVC);

[0040] • Polyurethane (PUR);

[0041] • Ethylene propylene rubber (EPR);

[0042] • Neoprene;

[0043] • Polyamide (PA);

[0044] • Polyether block amide (PEBA). The choice of polymer may depend on requirements to flexibility of the shielded cable or requirements to the production of the same.

[0045] In one or more examples, the outer non-conducting jacket is a polymer-based jacket comprising one or more polymers selected from the list of:

[0046] • Polyethylene (PE);

[0047] • Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX);

[0048] • Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE);

[0049] • Polyvinylchloride (PVC);

[0050] • Polyurethane (PUR);

[0051] • Ethylene propylene rubber (EPR);

[0052] • Neoprene;

[0053] • Polyamide (PA);

[0054] • Polyether block amide (PEBA)

[0055] In a second aspect of the invention, the cable is produced by winding the inner conductors , optionally around a fibre and then extruding the inner insulation tubes onto the inner conductors. The fibre is included when it is necessary to increase the cable’s ability to withstand tensile stress. Conversely the fibre is omitted in cases where the cable is only intended to sustain minor tensile stresses, as it may make the handling of the cable more difficult. The inner conductors may be coated with a protective and / or coloured lacquer to ease identification and prevent short circuiting. The electrically conductive layer is then coated onto the inner insulation tube and cured, such as by heat curing, UV-curing and / or by adding a curing agent. The electrically conductive layer is then stripped off the cable, leaving sections corresponding to the length of the antenna. The stripped portions may in a preferred embodiment be between 0.1- 3.0 mm in length, other lengths are possible such as 0,05mm, 0.075 mm, such as 0.15 mm, such as 0.20 mm, such as 0.25 mm, such as 0.30 mm, such as 0.40 mm, such as 0,50 mm, such as 0.60 mm such as 0.70 mm, such as 0.80 mm, such as 0.90. mm such as 1.00 mm, such as 1.10 mm, such as 1.20 mm, such as 1 .30 mm, such as 1 .40 mm, such as 1 .50 mm, such as 1 .60 mm, such as 1 .70 mm, such as 1 .80 mm, such as 1 .90 mm, such as 2.00 mm, such as 2.10 mm, such as 2.20 mm, such as 2.30 mm, such as 2.40 mm, such as 2.50 mm, such as 2.60 mm, such as 2.70 mm, such as 2.80 mm, such as 2.90 mm, such as 3.50 mm such as 4.00 mm, such as 4.50 mm, such as 5 mm or even longer lengths. The length of the stripped portion can be arbitrarily long within the constraints of the total length of the cable.

[0056] Individual cables are then cut-off to the required length in sections comprising at least one antenna. Preferably a singular antenna. After the individual cables have been cut, the outer jacket is applied such as by extrusion. A protective lacquer is optionally applied to the electrically conductive layer to protect it during removal of the outer jacket. This could be done to expose a portion of the electrically conductive layer for connecting it electrically to a signal receiver and / or transmitter thus creating an antenna.

[0057] It is an additional advantage of the invention that in a third aspect of the invention the cable may be thermoformed to retain a desired shape, such as a coil or a shape fitting a contour of an ear, so as to improve the ergonomics of the cable and / or a device used with the cable. The cable may also be thermoformed to shapes like a coil, that allows long length of cables to be conveniently handled like a shorter length of cable unless actively stretched.

[0058] It is a further advantage, that thermoforming of the cable may also be used for shaping the portion defining the antenna to various antenna designs. This may be particularly advantageous for providing improved antenna designs and reducing signal-to-noise ratio. A further advantage may be a reduced need of processing power needed to process the signal received, thus prolonging uptime of the device, such as a hearing aid, in-ear monitor, or in-ear headphones.

[0059] In a fourth aspect of the invention, the cable according to the first, second and / or third aspect is part of a device, such as audiological equipment, such as receiver in canal hearing aids, receiver in ear hearing aid, behind the ear hearing aids, in-ear monitors, and in-ear headphones, including wireless variants of these, such as in ear headphones for consumer use.

[0060] For hearing aids, the cable is used for connecting the body of the hearing aid which may comprise the power source, processors and possibly the microphone with the receiver which comprises at least the speaker.

[0061] For in-ear monitors and in-ear headphones, the cable is used for connecting the device to an external sound source, possibly with intermediary equipment such as an amplifier in between the device and the sound source. The sound source may either be for relaying prerecorded sound or for live transmitted sound. These types of devices may include a pair, or a single speaker placed in the ear of a user.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the miniaturized shielded cable at the first end and / or at the second end further comprises:

[0063] • a conducting spring part electrically connected to the shield layer and

[0064] • an outer conductive bushing positioned around and connected to the spring part, wherein the outer conductive bushing is configured for providing electrical connection of the shield layer to a receivable part, such as e.g. a print circuit board.

[0065] The conducting spring part may comprise a ring part from where a number of flexible fingers extend, wherein the flexible fingers provide an electrical connection to the shield layer and the ring part provides an electrical connection to the outer conductive bushing.

[0066] As an alternative to the above termination construction using a conducting spring part and an outer conductive bushing, a conductive layer may be used for adhering the shield layer directly to e.g. a print circuit board.

[0067] Brief description of drawings

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a section of the cable including the antenna.

[0069] Fig. 2a and 2b show cross sections of the of the cable. Fig. 2a shows a cross section where the electrically conductive layer is surrounding the cable and fig. 2b shows a cross section of the cable without the electrically conductive layer.

[0070] Fig. 3 shows a terminal end of the cable.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows the cable as used to connect the body and receiver of a hearing aid.

[0072] Fig. 5 show an example of a longer cable including multiple potential antennas from which individual cables may be cut to include at least one antenna.

[0073] Detailed description of examples

[0074] An example of the cable is shown on fig. 1 . The cable 1 comprises an optional fibre 5 surrounded by the inner conductors 10 made from an electrically conductive material, which are wound around the fibre 5. The inner conductors 10 are used for transmitting an electrical signal. The inner conductors 10 are surrounded by the inner insulation tube 20 made from an electrically insulating material. The electrically conductive layer 30 surrounds the inner insulation tube 20 along at least a part of the length of the cable 1. The outer jacket 40 made from an electrically insulating material surrounds the electrically conductive layer 30. In order to create the antenna 30’, a portion of the electrically conductive layer 30 is stripped from the cable 1 around the circumference of the cable 1 creating a stripped portion 25, thereby delimiting the antenna 30’ to a length corresponding to 1 , 1 / 2 or 14 of the wavelength. Preferably the received signal has a frequency range of 2.4000 GHz to 2.4835 GHz with a bandwidth of 1 MHz and the antenna length is 14 of the wavelength, so in the range 30-32 mm, such as 31 .25 mm, preferably 30.6 mm.

[0075] Other communication protocols may be used such as communication protocols according to the IEEE 802.11 ah standard also known as WiFi HaLow which uses frequencies below 1 GHz in bandwidths of 900 Hz such as frequency ranges of 755-787 MHz, 863-868 MHz, 916.5-927.5 MHz, 917.5-923.5 MHz, 866-869 MHz, 920-925 MHz, or 902-928 MHz.

[0076] In another embodiment (not shown) the electrically conductive layer may be delimited by only applying it to a portion of the cable, corresponding in length to the antenna 30’. The antenna 30’ is electrically connected to a device receiving and / or generating the signal transmitted by the antenna 30’, such as a hearing aid body 60 and / or the receiver 50 of a hearing aid.

[0077] In the embodiments where the antenna 30’ is delimited by stripping a portion of the electrically conductive layer 30 of the cable 1 , the portion of the electrically conductive layer 30 on the opposite side of the stripped portion 25 from the antenna 30’ may be electrically connected to a ground to provide a shielding and / or grounding effect, protecting the cable 1 from electromagnetic interference.

[0078] The portion of the electrically conductive layer 30 opposite of the antenna 30’ may also be electrically connected to a different device or a different part of the device and thus constitute a second antenna.

[0079] On fig. 2 the layer structure of the cable is more easily visible.

[0080] The electrically conductive layer 30 may in a preferred embodiment be made from a composite material comprising a flexible matrix, such as a flexible polymer matrix, containing particles of a metal or a metal alloy. The metal is preferably a metal with good electrical conductivity such as copper, silver, aluminium, or gold. Alternatively, a conductive material such as graphene or graphite may be used instead of a metal, either alone or in combination. The metal particles may consist purely of a metal or a metal alloy or they may contain other materials, such as being metal coated particles. Preferably the metal particles are in the form of flakes having an average thickness that is 10% or less of their average width and / or average length.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment the composite material used for the electrically conductive layer is comprised of at least 50% silver by weight. The flexible matrix may in the preferred embodiment be dimethylsuccinat or another polymer capable of large elastic deformations and with a glass transition temperature below ambient temperature. The polymer may by way of example be a thermosetting, thermoplastic or elastomeric polymer. In a preferred embodiment the polymer is cured on the cable, such as by exposure to heat, UV-radiation and / or a curing agent.

[0082] The composite material is therefore oversaturated with metal particles and since the matrix is highly ductile, due to being above its glass transition temperature, intermolecular forces between the silver particles cause them to reassemble after the cable 1 has been deformed thereby reestablishing the electrical contact between the silver flakes once the cable 1 is unstressed. This creates a highly flexible cable 1 which is able to retain the conductivity of the electrically conductive layer 30 and antenna 30’, even after a large number of deformations. As an additional benefit the cable 1 remains flexible as it does not undergo deformation hardening.ln another embodiment the electrically conductive layer 30, especially the antenna 30’, is inserted or moulded into the inner insulation tube 20, possibly eliminating the need for the outer jacket 40.

[0083] While the electrically conductive layer 30 is preferably made from a composite material as previously described, it may alternatively be made from an electrically conductive material, such as a metal sheet or metal foil wrapped around the cable 1.

[0084] In all embodiments, the cable 1 may be thermoformed to hold a desired shape by bending it into the desired shape in a fixture and heating it to 120-130 degrees Celsius for 15-25 minutes, preferably 20 minutes, while in the fixture.

[0085] Afterwards the cable 1 is allowed to cool to room temperature before removing it from the fixture. In order to reach the desired shape, it may be necessary to thermoform the cable 1 iteratively. The cable 1 may also be held for longer time periods with departing from this teaching. Notably the holding time may be decreased by increasing the temperature and vice versa.

[0086] Fig. 4 show how the cable 1 may be used in the fourth aspect of the invention to connect the body 60 and receiver 50 of a hearing aid.

[0087] Fig. 5 show a longer length of cable 1 from which several smaller cables 1 is cut each comprising at least one antenna 30’.

[0088] In short, the present invention relates to a cable 1 and a method of manufacturing such cable. The cable defines an axial length, the axial length depending on the use of said cable. The cable comprises a plurality of wound inner conductors, the inner conductors surrounded by an inner insulation tube 20. The cable further comprises an electrically conducting layer 30 surrounding the inner insulation tube, the electrically conducting layer surrounded by an outer jacket 40, the outer jacket defining the outer surface of the cable. Further, the cable comprises an antenna 30’, the antenna defined by a portion of the electrically conducting layer being exposed, due to a gap in the outer jacket.

[0089] The following is an itemized list of embodiments according to the invention (Items 1 -22)

[0090] Item 1 : A cable 1 comprising

[0091] - An inner insulation tube 20 made from an electrically insulating material containing a plurality of electrically conductive inner conductors 10,

[0092] - The plurality of inner conductors 10 extending inside the inner insulation tube 20,

[0093] - An outer jacket 40 being made from an electrically insulating material and with a maximum outer diameter being at the most 3 mm,

[0094] - An electrically conducting layer 30 positioned between the inner insulation tube 20 and the outer jacket 40,

[0095] Wherein at least one portion of the electrically conducting layer 30 defines an antenna 30’ and at least a portion of the antenna 30’ is not covered by the outer jacket 40, for establishing electrical contact to the antenna 30’. Item 2: The cable 1 according to item 1 wherein the maximum outer diameter is at the most 2 mm.

[0096] Item 3: The cable 1 according to any of the preceding items, wherein the electrically conducting layer 30 is comprised of a composite material comprising a plurality of overlapping nano- or microscale structures made from an electrically conductive material nested in a flexible polymer matrix.

[0097] Item 4: The cable 1 according to any of the preceding items, wherein the composite material used for the electrically conducting layer 30 comprise a cured polymer coating.

[0098] Item 5: The cable 1 according to any of the preceding items, wherein the nano- or microscale structures of the composite material used for the electrically conducting layer 30 are flakes having an average thickness of 10% or less of their average width and or average length.

[0099] Item 6: The cable 1 according to any of the preceding items, wherein the portion defining the antenna 30’ has a length corresponding to 1 , 1 / 2, or 1 / 4 of the wavelength to be received and / or transmitted.

[0100] Item 7: The cable 1 according to any of the preceding items, wherein the matrix of the composite material used for the electrically conductive layer 30 has a glass transition temperature below ambient temperature.

[0101] Item 8: The cable 1 according to any of the preceding items, wherein the portion defining the antenna 30’ has a length suitable for transmitting and / or receiving a signal with a frequency between 2.4000 GHz to 2.4835 GHz with a bandwidth of 1 MHz, such as 30-32 mm, such as 31 .25 mm, such as 30.6 mm.

[0102] Item 9: The cable 1 according to any of the preceding items, wherein the portion defining the antenna 30’ has a length suitable for transmitting and / or receiving a signal with a frequency in the sub-GHz range such as 755-787 MHz, 863-868 MHz, 916.5-927.5 MHz, 917.5-923.5 MHz, 866- 869 MHz, 920-925 MHz, or 902-928 MHz. Item 10: The cable 1 according to any of the preceding items, wherein the antenna 30’ is separated from another portion of electrically conductive layer 30 by at least 0.1 mm.

[0103] Item 11 : The cable 1 according to any of the preceding items, said cable having a length between 20-100 mm.

[0104] Item 12: The cable 1 according to any of the preceding items, wherein the nano- or microscale structures of the composite material used for the electrically conductive layer 30 are comprised of at least one of the following materials

[0105] - Copper,

[0106] - Silver,

[0107] - Gold,

[0108] - Aluminium,

[0109] - Graphene,

[0110] - Graphite.

[0111] Item 13: Use of the cable 1 according to any preceding items, for a hearing aid, such as a receiver-in-canal hearing aid, behind the ear hearing aid and / or receiver in ear hearing aid.

[0112] Item 14: A hearing aid comprising a body 60 and a receiver 50 being connected by the cable 1 according to any of items 1 to 12, with the body comprising at least the power source, and the receiver comprising at least the speaker of the hearing aid.

[0113] Item 15: An in-ear monitor or in-ear headphone comprising the cable 1 according to any of items 1 to 12, the cable adapted for connecting the in-ear monitor or in-ear headphones to an external sound source for relaying prerecorded and / or live transmitted sound.

[0114] Item 16: A method of manufacturing two or more cables 1 according to any of items 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps;

[0115] - providing and winding a plurality of inner conductorsl 0 along an axial length, - applying an inner insulation tube 20 around the inner conductors 10 along the axial length,

[0116] - coating an electrically conductive layer 30 onto the inner insulation tube 20 along the axial length,

[0117] - curing the electrically conductive layer 30,

[0118] - stripping the electrically conductive layer 30 creating stripping portions 25 defining several potential antennas 30’,

[0119] - applying one or more outer jackets 40 along the axial length,

[0120] - cutting along the axial length at defined lengths, each defined length constituting a cable 1 . item 17: The method according to item 16 further comprising the following step:

[0121] -providing one or more fibres 5 along the axial length; and winding the plurality of inner conductors 19 around said one or more fibres.

[0122] Item 18: The method according to any of items 16 or 17 wherein the curing step is performed by exposing the electrically conductive layer 30 to one or more of: heat, UV-radiation, IR-radiation, or a curing agent.

[0123] Item 19: The method according to any of items 16 to 18, the method further comprising the following step:

[0124] -shaping the cable 1 to a predefined shape by:

[0125] -mounting the cable in a fixture, the fixture adapted with said predefined shape,

[0126] -heating the cable above ambient temperature,

[0127] -cooling the cable, and

[0128] -releasing the cable from the fixture, when cooled to ambient temperature.

[0129] Item 20: The cable 10 according to any preceding item, wherein the inner insulation tube 20 is made from at least one of the following materials;

[0130] - polyethylene PE;

[0131] - cross-linked polyethylene PEX;

[0132] - chlorinated polyethylene CPE;

[0133] - polyvinylchloride PVC;

[0134] - polyurethane PUR; - ethylene propylene rubber EPR;

[0135] - neoprene;

[0136] - polyamide PA;

[0137] - polyether block amide PEBA.

[0138] Item 21 : The cable 1 according to any preceding item, wherein the outer jacket 40 is made from at least one of the following materials;

[0139] - polyethylene PE;

[0140] - cross-linked polyethylene PEX;

[0141] - chlorinated polyethylene CPE;

[0142] - polyvinylchloride PVC;

[0143] - polyurethane PUR;

[0144] - ethylene propylene rubber EPR;

[0145] - neoprene;

[0146] - polyamide PA;

[0147] - polyether block amide PEBA.

[0148] Item 22: Method of alleviating hearing loss in patients suffering from moderate to severe hearing loss using the hearing aid according to item 14 comprising the following steps

[0149] - providing the hearing aid [to a user / patient],

[0150] - placing the receiver 50 of the hearing aid in the ear canal

[0151] - placing the body 60 of the hearing aid behind the ear.

[0152] Reference list

[0153] 1 cable

[0154] 5 fibre

[0155] 10 inner conductors

[0156] 20 inner insulation tube

[0157] 25 stripped portion

[0158] 30 electrically conducting layer ’ antenna outer jacket receiver hearing aid body

Claims

1. A cable (1) comprising- An inner insulation tube (20) made from an electrically insulating material containing a plurality of electrically conductive inner conductors (10),- The plurality of inner conductors (10) extending inside the inner insulation tube (20),- An outer jacket (40) being made from an electrically insulating material and with a maximum outer diameter being at the most 3 mm,- An electrically conducting layer (30) positioned between the inner insulation tube (20) and the outer jacket (40),Wherein at least one portion of the electrically conducting layer (30) defines an antenna (30’) and at least a portion of the antenna (30’) is not covered by the outer jacket (40), for establishing electrical contact to the antenna (30’).

2. The cable (1 ) according to claim 1 wherein the maximum outer diameter is at the most 2 mm.

3. The cable (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conducting layer (30) is comprised of a composite material comprising a plurality of overlapping nano- or microscale structures made from an electrically conductive material nested in a flexible polymer matrix4. The cable (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composite material used for the electrically conducting layer (30) comprise a cured polymer coating.

5. The cable (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nano- or microscale structures of the composite material used for the electrically conducting layer (30) are flakes having an average thickness of 10% or less of their average width and or average length.

6. The cable (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portion defining the antenna (30’) has a length corresponding to 1, 1 / 2, or1 / 4 of the wavelength to be received and / or transmitted.

7. The cable (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the matrix of the composite material used for the electrically conductive layer (30) has a glass transition temperature below ambient temperature.

8. The cable (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portion defining the antenna (30’) has a length suitable for transmitting and / or receiving a signal with a frequency between 2.4000 GHz to 2.4835 GHz with a bandwidth of 1 MHz, such as 30-32 mm, such as 31.25 mm, such as 30.6 mm.

9. The cable (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portion defining the antenna (30’) has a length suitable for transmitting and / or receiving a signal with a frequency in the sub-GHz range such as 755-787 MHz, 863-868 MHz, 916.5-927.5 MHz, 917.5-923.5 MHz, 866- 869 MHz, 920-925 MHz, or 902-928 MHz.

10. The cable (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (30’) is separated from another portion of electrically conductive layer (30) by at least 0.1 mm.11 . The cable (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, said cable having a length between 20-100 mm.

12. The cable (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nano- or microscale structures of the composite material used for the electrically conductive layer (30) are comprised of at least one of the following materials- Copper,- Silver,- Gold,- Aluminium,- Graphene,- Graphite.

13. Use of the cable (1 ) according to any preceding claims, for a hearing aid, such as a receiver-in-canal hearing aid, behind the ear hearing aid and / or receiver in ear hearing aid.

14. A hearing aid comprising a body (60) and a receiver (50) being connected by the cable (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 12, with the body comprising at least the power source, and the receiver comprising at least the speaker of the hearing aid.

15. An in-ear monitor or in-ear headphone comprising the cable (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, the cable adapted for connecting the in-ear monitor or in-ear headphones to an external sound source for relaying prerecorded and / or live transmitted sound.

16. A method of manufacturing two or more cables (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps;- providing and winding a plurality of inner conductors(10) along an axial length,- applying an inner insulation tube (20) around the inner conductors (10) along the axial length,- coating an electrically conductive layer (30) onto the inner insulation tube (20) along the axial length,- curing the electrically conductive layer (30),- stripping the electrically conductive layer (30) creating stripping portions (25) defining several potential antennas (30’),- applying one or more outer jackets (40) along the axial length,- cutting along the axial length at defined lengths, each defined length constituting a cable (1 ).

17. The method according to claim 16 further comprising the following step: -providing one or more fibres (5) along the axial length; and winding the plurality of inner conductors (19) around said one or more fibres.

18. The method according to any of claims 16 or 17 wherein the curing step is performed by exposing the electrically conductive layer (30) to one or more of: heat, UV-radiation, IR-radiation, or a curing agent.

19. The method according to any of claims 16 to 18, the method further comprising the following step:-shaping the cable (1 ) to a predefined shape by:-mounting the cable in a fixture, the fixture adapted with said predefined shape,-heating the cable above ambient temperature,-cooling the cable, and-releasing the cable from the fixture, when cooled to ambient temperature.

20. The cable (10 according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner insulation tube (20) is made from at least one of the following materials;- polyethylene (PE);- cross-linked polyethylene (PEX);- chlorinated polyethylene (CPE);- polyvinylchloride (PVC);- polyurethane (PUR);- ethylene propylene rubber (EPR);- neoprene;- polyamide (PA);- polyether block amide (PEBA).21 . The cable (1 ) according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer jacket (40) is made from at least one of the following materials;- polyethylene (PE);- cross-linked polyethylene (PEX);- chlorinated polyethylene (CPE);- polyvinylchloride (PVC);- polyurethane (PUR);- ethylene propylene rubber (EPR);- neoprene;- polyamide (PA);- polyether block amide (PEBA).

22. Method of alleviating hearing loss in patients suffering from moderate to severe hearing loss using the hearing aid according to claim 14 comprising the following steps- providing the hearing aid to a patient,- placing the receiver (50) of the hearing aid in the ear canal- placing the body (60) of the hearing aid behind the ear.

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