EP1915030A1 - Hearing device with conducting metal clip - Google Patents

Hearing device with conducting metal clip Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1915030A1
EP1915030A1 EP07117731A EP07117731A EP1915030A1 EP 1915030 A1 EP1915030 A1 EP 1915030A1 EP 07117731 A EP07117731 A EP 07117731A EP 07117731 A EP07117731 A EP 07117731A EP 1915030 A1 EP1915030 A1 EP 1915030A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
electrical conductor
antenna
supply unit
faceplate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP07117731A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1915030B1 (en
Inventor
Volker Gebhardt
Peter Nikles
Erika Radick
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Sivantos GmbH
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Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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Application filed by Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH filed Critical Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
Publication of EP1915030A1 publication Critical patent/EP1915030A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/49—Reducing the effects of electromagnetic noise on the functioning of hearing aids, by, e.g. shielding, signal processing adaptation, selective (de)activation of electronic parts in hearing aid

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing aid with an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting inductive signals, a signal processing device to which the antenna is connected, a power supply unit for powering the signal processing device and an electrical conductor for electrically connecting the power supply unit with the signal processing device.
  • antenna for receiving and / or transmitting inductive signals
  • signal processing device to which the antenna is connected
  • power supply unit for powering the signal processing device
  • electrical conductor for electrically connecting the power supply unit with the signal processing device.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired.
  • different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO) and Concha hearing aids are provided.
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • IDO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • Concha hearing aids are provided.
  • the hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal.
  • bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.
  • Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is shown in FIG 1 using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear are one or more microphones 2 to Built-in sound recording from the environment.
  • a signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal.
  • the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier.
  • the power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • Electromagnetic interferences generated within the hearing aid burden the receiving path of the transmission system, so that only those external signals can be received whose signal strength is above the signal strength of the interference signals.
  • Typical sources of electromagnetic interference are, for example, the handset, which is designed as a magnetic transducer, or the hearing aid electronics, which itself emits electromagnetic interference signals.
  • all connecting lines between the components of the hearing aid, which act as inductive antennas by the flow of current through these lines as sources of interference are mentioned.
  • the receiving antenna or a receiving coil of a wireless signal transmission system which uses the inductive range or the typical RF range, the superposition of these numerous, emanating from the different noise sources electromagnetic interference signals is received.
  • a corresponding hearing aid with a line loop to compensate for inductive interference is from the patent DE 10 2004 051 226 B3 known. Specifically, there is proposed to lay a line loop so that its axis is parallel to that of a transmitting / receiving coil.
  • the compensation of inductive interference fields has the disadvantage that the size of the interference fields must be known, at least on the order of magnitude.
  • Another disadvantage of this cable routing is that the line when closing the hearing aid can be clamped, chipped or bent. In addition, this cable routing requires sufficient space, for example, around the battery of the hearing aid.
  • the antennas are mounted in a hearing aid so that they touch a battery of the hearing aid as large as possible.
  • the battery shields the antenna from electromagnetic radiation emanating from other components of the hearing aid, for example from the loudspeaker.
  • the object of the present invention is to keep the effect of interference fields in hearing aids with simple means low.
  • a hearing aid with an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting inductive signals, a signal processing device to which the antenna is connected, a power supply unit for powering the signal processing device and an electrical conductor for electrically connecting the power supply unit with the signal processing device, said the electrical conductor is L- or U-shaped nestled to the power supply unit and the electrical conductor forms part of a round or rectangular ring whose axis has a main direction component perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the antenna.
  • an interference field of a current-carrying electrical conductor is minimized in that it is aligned so that its interference field is aligned perpendicular to the maximum sensitivity of susceptible components of the hearing aid.
  • the interference between interference field and effective field are thereby minimized and not intentionally sought as in the case of compensation.
  • the hearing aid can be designed as in-the-ear hearing aid with a faceplate, wherein the longitudinal axis of the antenna is arranged perpendicular to the faceplate, and a leg of the electrical conductor is also formed perpendicular to the faceplate.
  • the electrical conductor is essentially made of a metal band. This can be arranged to save space compared to a round conductor with the same cable cross-section at the given orientation.
  • the power supply unit has a circular-cylindrical battery, it is favorable to allow the electrical conductor to run partially in the radial direction and partially in the axial direction of the battery. As a result, a short electrical conductor can be realized, which runs around the battery.
  • the electrical conductor may be welded to a battery contact.
  • the electrical conductor may also be part of a battery contact. In the latter case, a partial reduction results in an advantageous manner.
  • the invention is based on the finding that the spatial orientation of a receiving coil moves within certain angular limits. This is due to the fact that on the one hand the function of a radio transmission must be ensured and on the other hand, the available space in the ear canal is physiognomically limited.
  • the interference of the magnetic field with the receiving antenna depends on the amplitude and direction of the magnetic field with respect to the orientation of the receiving antenna.
  • lines can now be geometrically guided such that coupling of the magnetic field into the receiving antenna is minimized becomes.
  • the interference of the magnetic field on a receiving coil can be kept as small as possible by this measure not only locally, but over a larger spatial area.
  • transmitter and receiver coils are to be arranged parallel to each other.
  • the antennas or coils are therefore within certain limits, due to the orientation of the auditory canal, to align perpendicular to the faceplate level. If, as is usually the case, leads are guided in in-the-ear hearing aids in the faceplate level, these lines span a current loop and generate a magnetic field which is oriented predominantly parallel to the receiving antenna. This would result in a maximum Störfeldeinkopplung.
  • FIG 2 is a faceplate 10 again, which is equipped with a battery 11 and a printed circuit board 12.
  • the axis of the battery 11 is parallel to the faceplate plane, d. H.
  • a metal bracket 13 serves to direct the current from the battery 11 to the circuit board 12. It is rigid and consists of a band-shaped conductor material. He is not carried out here isolated because he touches no electronic components other than the one pole of the battery 11th
  • the metal bracket is L-shaped.
  • One of its legs 131 extends from the axis of the battery in the radial direction of the battery and is perpendicular to the faceplate plane.
  • the other leg 132 of the metal bracket 13 extends along the lateral surface of the battery 11 along its axial direction.
  • the first leg 131 is integral with a Battery contact 133 connected and held in a special section of the faceplate 10.
  • the second leg 132 is connected at its free end to the circuit board 12, which is not apparent in FIG.
  • the metal bracket 13 thus forms part of a substantially rectangular ring whose axis is parallel to the faceplate plane. AC components in this metal bracket 13 thus lead to a magnetic field with a main component parallel to the faceplate level.
  • a receiving antenna as mentioned above, is usually arranged almost perpendicular to the faceplate 10, d. H. its main directional component is perpendicular to the faceplate plane, the magnetic interference field caused by the metal strap 13 is substantially perpendicular to the receiving antenna. As a result, the interference field is minimized.
  • the metal bracket is a sturdy component and is welded to the battery contact or is part of the battery terminal 133 itself, the structural tolerance to laying loose wire lines is reduced.
  • the clearly defined position of the metal bracket is essential for the function of the transmission system.
  • the location of the receiving coil can be varied within the hearing aid, since the interference was minimized over a larger spatial area according to the invention.
  • a construction technique of hearing aids in which the receiving antenna is independent can be implemented by the other components.
  • the solution according to the invention furthermore eliminates the expense of additional line loops, which generally generate a counter field only locally. Furthermore, due to the greater freedom with respect to the spatial placement of the receiving antenna, it is possible to construct smaller in-the-ear hearing aids.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Support Of Aerials (AREA)

Abstract

The aid has an antenna for receiving and/or transmitting inductive signals, and a signal processing device (12), to which the antenna is attached. A current supply unit (11) supplies a current to the signal processing device. An electrical conductor (13) is provided for electrical connection of the current supply unit with the processing device. The conductor is nested in a shape of L or u to the current supply unit, and forms a part of a round or rectangular ring, whose axis possesses a main direction component perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the antenna.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Hörgerät mit einer Antenne zum Empfangen und/oder Senden induktiver Signale, einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung, an die die Antenne angeschlossen ist, einer Stromversorgungseinheit zur Stromversorgung der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung und einem elektrischen Leiter zur elektrischen Verbindung der Stromversorgungseinheit mit der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung. Unter dem Begriff "Antenne" werden hier insbesondere auch Spulenteile und Spulen verstanden.The present invention relates to a hearing aid with an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting inductive signals, a signal processing device to which the antenna is connected, a power supply unit for powering the signal processing device and an electrical conductor for electrically connecting the power supply unit with the signal processing device. The term "antenna" is understood here in particular coil parts and coils.

Hörgeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, die zur Versorgung von Schwerhörenden dienen. Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörgeräten wie Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO), In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO) und Concha-Hörgeräte bereitgestellt. Die beispielhaft aufgeführten Hörgeräte werden am Außenohr oder im Gehörgang getragen. Darüber hinaus stehen auf dem Markt aber auch Knochenleitungshörhilfen, implantierbare oder vibrotaktile Hörhilfen zur Verfügung. Dabei erfolgt die Stimulation des geschädigten Gehörs entweder mechanisch oder elektrisch.Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired. To meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO) and Concha hearing aids are provided. The hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.

Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Dieser prinzipielle Aufbau ist in FIG 1 am Beispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts dargestellt. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 1 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die Mikrofonsignale und verstärkt sie. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen. Die Stromversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5.Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is shown in FIG 1 using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear are one or more microphones 2 to Built-in sound recording from the environment. A signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. The sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. The power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Bei der Verwendung induktiver Übertragungssysteme in Hörhilfegeräten ist es notwendig, den Einfluss interner, d. h. im Hörhilfegerät selbst erzeugter Störungen gering zu halten. Elektromagnetische Störsignale, die innerhalb des Hörhilfegeräts erzeugt werden, belasten den Empfangspfad des Übertragungssystems, so dass nur solche externe Signale empfangen werden können, deren Signalstärke über der Signalstärke der Störsignale liegen.When using inductive transmission systems in hearing aids, it is necessary to reduce the influence of internal, d. H. to keep the hearing aid itself generated interference low. Electromagnetic interferences generated within the hearing aid burden the receiving path of the transmission system, so that only those external signals can be received whose signal strength is above the signal strength of the interference signals.

Typische Quellen elektromagnetischer Störung sind beispielsweise der Hörer, der als magnetischer Wandler ausgeführt ist, oder die Hörgeräteelektronik, die selbst elektromagnetische Störsignale emittiert. Darüber hinaus sind alle Verbindungsleitungen zwischen den Komponenten des Hörhilfegeräts, die durch den Stromfluss durch diese Leitungen als induktive Antennen fungieren als Störquellen zu erwähnen. Am Ort der Empfangsantenne oder einer Empfangsspule eines drahtlosen Signalübertragungssystems, das den induktiven Bereich oder den typischen HF-Bereich nutzt, wird die Überlagerung dieser zahlreichen, von den unterschiedlichen Störsignalquellen ausgehenden elektromagnetischen Störsignale empfangen.Typical sources of electromagnetic interference are, for example, the handset, which is designed as a magnetic transducer, or the hearing aid electronics, which itself emits electromagnetic interference signals. In addition, all connecting lines between the components of the hearing aid, which act as inductive antennas by the flow of current through these lines as sources of interference are mentioned. At the location of the receiving antenna or a receiving coil of a wireless signal transmission system, which uses the inductive range or the typical RF range, the superposition of these numerous, emanating from the different noise sources electromagnetic interference signals is received.

Unter der Annahme, dass die lokale Anordnung aller Komponenten in einem Hörhilfegerät fest ist, können bewusst Leitungsschleifen gelegt werden, die von einem Strom durchflossen werden und das entsprechende Gegenfeld am Ort der Empfangsantenne erzeugen. Ein entsprechendes Hörhilfegerät mit einer Leitungsschleife zur Kompensation induktiver Störfelder ist aus der Patenschrift DE 10 2004 051 226 B3 bekannt. Konkret wird dort vorgeschlagen, eine Leitungsschleife so zu verlegen, dass ihre Achse parallel zu der einer Sende-/Empfangsspule verläuft. Die Kompensation induktiver Störfelder hat jedoch den Nachteil, dass die Größe der Störfelder zumindest größenordnungsmäßig bekannt sein muss. Ein weiterer Nachteil dieser Leitungsverlegung besteht darin, dass die Leitung beim Schließen des Hörgeräts eingeklemmt, abgescheuert oder abgeknickt werden kann. Außerdem beansprucht diese Leitungsverlegung ausreichend Platz beispielsweise um die Batterie des Hörgeräts.Assuming that the local arrangement of all components in a hearing aid is fixed, it is possible deliberately to lay cable loops through which a current flows and the corresponding counter field at the location of the receiving antenna produce. A corresponding hearing aid with a line loop to compensate for inductive interference is from the patent DE 10 2004 051 226 B3 known. Specifically, there is proposed to lay a line loop so that its axis is parallel to that of a transmitting / receiving coil. However, the compensation of inductive interference fields has the disadvantage that the size of the interference fields must be known, at least on the order of magnitude. Another disadvantage of this cable routing is that the line when closing the hearing aid can be clamped, chipped or bent. In addition, this cable routing requires sufficient space, for example, around the battery of the hearing aid.

In der WO 2005/081583 A1 sind verschiedene Formen von sich in einer Ebene erstreckenden Antennen beschrieben. Die Antennen werden in einem Hörgerät so montiert, dass sie möglichst großflächig eine Batterie des Hörgeräts berühren. Dadurch schirmt die Batterie die Antenne vor elektromagnetischer Strahlung ab, die von anderen Bauteilen des Hörgeräts, beispielsweise von dem Lautsprecher, ausgeht.In the WO 2005/081583 A1 various forms of in-plane antennas are described. The antennas are mounted in a hearing aid so that they touch a battery of the hearing aid as large as possible. As a result, the battery shields the antenna from electromagnetic radiation emanating from other components of the hearing aid, for example from the loudspeaker.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, die Wirkung von Störfeldern in Hörgeräten mit einfachen Mitteln gering zu halten.The object of the present invention is to keep the effect of interference fields in hearing aids with simple means low.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Hörgerät mit einer Antenne zum Empfangen und/oder Senden induktiver Signale, einer Signalverarbeitungsreinrichtung, an die die Antenne angeschlossen ist, einer Stromversorgungseinheit zur Stromversorgung der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung und einem elektrischen Leiter zur elektrischen Verbindung der Stromversorgungseinheit mit der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung, wobei der elektrische Leiter L- oder U-förmig an die Stromversorgungseinheit angeschmiegt ist und der elektrische Leiter einen Teil eines runden oder rechteckförmigen Rings bildet, dessen Achse eine Hauptrichtungskomponente senkrecht zu der Längsachse der Antenne besitzt.According to the invention this object is achieved by a hearing aid with an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting inductive signals, a signal processing device to which the antenna is connected, a power supply unit for powering the signal processing device and an electrical conductor for electrically connecting the power supply unit with the signal processing device, said the electrical conductor is L- or U-shaped nestled to the power supply unit and the electrical conductor forms part of a round or rectangular ring whose axis has a main direction component perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the antenna.

In vorteilhafter Weise wird die Wirkung eines Störfelds eines stromdurchflossenen elektrischen Leiters dadurch minimiert, dass er so ausgerichtet wird, dass sein Störfeld senkrecht zum Empfindlichkeitsmaximum störempfindlicher Komponenten des Hörgeräts ausgerichtet ist. Die Interferenzen zwischen Störfeld und Wirkfeld werden dadurch minimiert und nicht wie bei der Kompensation bewusst angestrebt.Advantageously, the effect of an interference field of a current-carrying electrical conductor is minimized in that it is aligned so that its interference field is aligned perpendicular to the maximum sensitivity of susceptible components of the hearing aid. The interference between interference field and effective field are thereby minimized and not intentionally sought as in the case of compensation.

Das Hörgerät kann als In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät mit einem Faceplate ausgebildet sein, wobei die Längsachse der Antenne senkrecht zu dem Faceplate angeordnet ist, und ein Schenkel des elektrischen Leiters ebenfalls senkrecht zu dem Faceplate ausgebildet ist. Durch diese Anordnung kann häufig eine Raumeinsparung erzielt werden, da in der Richtung senkrecht zu dem Faceplate in der Regel am meisten Raum in dem Hörgerät zur Verfügung steht.The hearing aid can be designed as in-the-ear hearing aid with a faceplate, wherein the longitudinal axis of the antenna is arranged perpendicular to the faceplate, and a leg of the electrical conductor is also formed perpendicular to the faceplate. With this arrangement, a space saving can often be achieved because in the direction perpendicular to the faceplate usually the most space is available in the hearing aid.

Vorzugsweise ist der elektrische Leiter im Wesentlichen aus einem Metallband gefertigt. Dieses kann verglichen mit einem runden Leiter mit gleichem Leitungsquerschnitt bei der gegebenen Ausrichtung platzsparend angeordnet werden.Preferably, the electrical conductor is essentially made of a metal band. This can be arranged to save space compared to a round conductor with the same cable cross-section at the given orientation.

Wenn die Stromversorgungseinheit eine kreiszylinderförmige Batterie aufweist, ist es günstig, den elektrischen Leiter teilweise in radialer Richtung und teilweise in axialer Richtung der Batterie verlaufen zu lassen. Dadurch kann ein kurzer elektrischer Leiter realisiert werden, der um die Batterie verläuft.If the power supply unit has a circular-cylindrical battery, it is favorable to allow the electrical conductor to run partially in the radial direction and partially in the axial direction of the battery. As a result, a short electrical conductor can be realized, which runs around the battery.

Entsprechend einer speziellen Ausführungsform kann der elektrische Leiter an einem Batteriekontakt angeschweißt sein. Alternativ kann der elektrische Leiter aber auch Teil eines Batteriekontakts sein. Im letzteren Fall ergibt sich in vorteilhafter Weise eine Teilereduktion.According to a specific embodiment, the electrical conductor may be welded to a battery contact. Alternatively, the electrical conductor may also be part of a battery contact. In the latter case, a partial reduction results in an advantageous manner.

Besondere Vorteile bringt die erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung und Anordnung des elektrischen Leiters bei einem modular aufgebauten Hörgerät, wobei eine Signalverarbeitungskomponente einschließlich des elektrischen Leiters und der Stromversorgungseinheit an ein Faceplate montiert sind und ein erstes Modul bilden, während eine Hörgeräteschale mit einem Hörer ein zweites Modul bilden. Da bei derartigen modularen Hörhilfegeräten die Empfangsspulen unabhängig von der übrigen Hörgeräteelektronik platziert werden, ist es günstiger, nicht auf die Qualität einer Kompensation von Störfeldern angewiesen zu sein, sondern die Interferenzen durch die senkrechte Anordnung von vornherein möglichst gering zu halten.Particular advantages brings the inventive design and arrangement of the electrical conductor in a modular hearing aid, wherein a signal processing component including the electrical conductor and the power supply unit are mounted on a faceplate and form a first module, while a hearing aid shell with a handset form a second module. Since in such modular hearing aids, the receiving coils are placed independently of the other hearing aid electronics, it is cheaper not to rely on the quality of compensation of interference fields, but to keep the interference from the outset as low as possible by the vertical arrangement.

Die vorliegende Erfindung ist anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
einen prinzipiellen Aufbau eines Hörgeräts mit seinen wesentlichen Komponenten und
FIG 2
das Faceplate eines In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts mit erfindungsgemäß angeordnetem, elektrischem Leiter.
The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
a basic structure of a hearing aid with its essential components and
FIG. 2
the faceplate of an in-the-ear hearing aid with inventively arranged, electrical conductor.

Die nachfolgend näher geschilderten Ausführungsbeispiele stellen bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiments described in more detail below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Der Erfindung liegt die Erkenntnis zugrunde, dass die räumliche Ausrichtung einer Empfangsspule sich innerhalb bestimmter Winkelgrenzen bewegt. Dies ist dadurch bedingt, dass einerseits die Funktion einer Funkübertragung sichergestellt werden muss und andererseits auch der zur Verfügung stehende Raum im Gehörgang physiognomisch begrenzt ist. Alle Leitungen im Hörgerät bzw. Hörhilfegerät, durch die elektrischer Strom fließt, wirken als induktive Antennen, die ein magnetisches Störfeld erzeugen. Der Störeinfluss des Magnetfelds auf die Empfangsantenne hängt von der Amplitude und der Richtung des Magnetfelds in Bezug auf die Ausrichtung der Empfangsantenne ab. Leitungen können je nach räumlicher Ausrichtung der Empfangsspule nun geometrisch so geführt werden, dass eine Einkopplung des Magnetfelds in die Empfangsantenne minimiert wird. Der Störeinfluss des Magnetfelds auf eine Empfangsspule kann durch diese Maßnahme nicht nur lokal, sondern über einen größeren Raumbereich so gering wie möglich gehalten werden.The invention is based on the finding that the spatial orientation of a receiving coil moves within certain angular limits. This is due to the fact that on the one hand the function of a radio transmission must be ensured and on the other hand, the available space in the ear canal is physiognomically limited. All lines in the hearing aid or hearing aid, through which electrical current flows, act as inductive antennas, which generate a magnetic interference field. The interference of the magnetic field with the receiving antenna depends on the amplitude and direction of the magnetic field with respect to the orientation of the receiving antenna. Depending on the spatial orientation of the receiving coil, lines can now be geometrically guided such that coupling of the magnetic field into the receiving antenna is minimized becomes. The interference of the magnetic field on a receiving coil can be kept as small as possible by this measure not only locally, but over a larger spatial area.

Um eine optimale Funkübertragung auch bei Hörgeräten zu gewährleisten, sind Sende- und Empfangsspulen zueinander parallel anzuordnen. Bei In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräten sind die Antennen bzw. Spulen innerhalb gewisser Grenzen, bedingt durch die Ausrichtung des Hörkanals, daher senkrecht zur Faceplate-Ebene auszurichten. Würden nun, wie dies üblicherweise der Fall ist, Zuleitungen bei In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräten in der Faceplate-Ebene geführt werden, spannen diese Leitungen eine Stromschleife auf und erzeugen ein Magnetfeld, das vorwiegend parallel zur Empfangsantenne orientiert ist. Dies hätte eine maximale Störfeldeinkopplung zur Folge.In order to ensure optimal radio transmission even with hearing aids, transmitter and receiver coils are to be arranged parallel to each other. In in-the-ear hearing aids, the antennas or coils are therefore within certain limits, due to the orientation of the auditory canal, to align perpendicular to the faceplate level. If, as is usually the case, leads are guided in in-the-ear hearing aids in the faceplate level, these lines span a current loop and generate a magnetic field which is oriented predominantly parallel to the receiving antenna. This would result in a maximum Störfeldeinkopplung.

Entsprechend der vorliegenden Erfindung ist jedoch nicht vorgesehen, mit den Zuleitungen eine Stromschleife parallel zu der Faceplate-Ebene, sondern wie in FIG 2 dargestellt ist, senkrecht zu der Faceplate-Ebene aufzuspannen.According to the present invention, however, it is not provided with the supply lines a current loop parallel to the faceplate level, but as shown in FIG 2, aufzuspannen perpendicular to the faceplate level.

Konkret gibt FIG 2 ein Faceplate 10 wieder, das mit einer Batterie 11 und einer Leiterplatte 12 bestückt ist. Die Achse der Batterie 11 befindet sich parallel zu der Faceplate-Ebene, d. h. der Hauptausdehnungsebene des Faceplate 10. Ein Metallbügel 13 dient zur Leitung des Stroms von der Batterie 11 zu der Leiterplatte 12. Er ist starr ausgebildet und besteht aus einem bandförmigem Leitermaterial. Er ist hier nicht isoliert ausgeführt, da er keine anderen Elektronikkomponenten berührt als den einen Pol der Batterie 11.Specifically, FIG 2 is a faceplate 10 again, which is equipped with a battery 11 and a printed circuit board 12. The axis of the battery 11 is parallel to the faceplate plane, d. H. The main extension plane of the faceplate 10. A metal bracket 13 serves to direct the current from the battery 11 to the circuit board 12. It is rigid and consists of a band-shaped conductor material. He is not carried out here isolated because he touches no electronic components other than the one pole of the battery 11th

In dem gewählten Beispiel ist der Metallbügel L-förmig ausgebildet. Einer seiner Schenkel 131 erstreckt sich von der Achse der Batterie in radialer Richtung der Batterie und steht auf der Faceplate-Ebene senkrecht. Der andere Schenkel 132 des Metallbügels 13 erstreckt sich an der Mantelfläche der Batterie 11 entlang in deren axialer Richtung. An seinem freien Ende ist der erste Schenkel 131 einstückig mit einem Batteriekontakt 133 verbunden und in einem speziellen Abschnitt des Faceplates 10 gehalten. Der zweite Schenkel 132 ist an seinem freien Ende mit der Leiterplatte 12 verbunden, was in FIG 2 nicht erkennbar ist. Der Metallbügel 13 bildet somit einen Teil eines im Wesentlichen rechteckförmigen Rings, dessen Achse parallel zu der Faceplate-Ebene verläuft. Wechselstromanteile in diesem Metallbügel 13 führen also zu einem Magnetfeld mit einer Hauptkomponente parallel zu der Faceplate-Ebene.In the example chosen, the metal bracket is L-shaped. One of its legs 131 extends from the axis of the battery in the radial direction of the battery and is perpendicular to the faceplate plane. The other leg 132 of the metal bracket 13 extends along the lateral surface of the battery 11 along its axial direction. At its free end, the first leg 131 is integral with a Battery contact 133 connected and held in a special section of the faceplate 10. The second leg 132 is connected at its free end to the circuit board 12, which is not apparent in FIG. The metal bracket 13 thus forms part of a substantially rectangular ring whose axis is parallel to the faceplate plane. AC components in this metal bracket 13 thus lead to a magnetic field with a main component parallel to the faceplate level.

Da eine Empfangsantenne, wie oben erwähnt, in der Regel nahezu senkrecht auf dem Faceplate 10 angeordnet ist, d. h. ihre Hauptrichtungskomponente befindet sich senkrecht zu der Faceplate-Ebene, steht das von dem Metallbügel 13 hervorgerufene magnetische Störfeld im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Empfangsantenne. Hierdurch wird die Störfeldbeeinflussung minimiert.Since a receiving antenna, as mentioned above, is usually arranged almost perpendicular to the faceplate 10, d. H. its main directional component is perpendicular to the faceplate plane, the magnetic interference field caused by the metal strap 13 is substantially perpendicular to the receiving antenna. As a result, the interference field is minimized.

Da es sich bei dem Metallbügel um ein stabiles Bauelement handelt und dieser an den Batteriekontakt angeschweißt oder ein Teil des Batteriekontakts 133 selbst ist, wird die Aufbautoleranz gegenüber einem Verlegen von losen Drahtleitungen verringert. Für den Aufbau von so genannten "semimodularen" In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräten, bei denen wie erwähnt das Faceplate mit der Signalverarbeitungselektronik ein erstes Modul und die Schale mit dem Hörer ein zweites Modul bilden und bei denen die Empfangsspule unabhängig von der übrigen Hörgeräteelektronik platziert wird, ist die klar definierte Lage des Metallbügels essentiell für die Funktion des Übertragungssystems.Since the metal bracket is a sturdy component and is welded to the battery contact or is part of the battery terminal 133 itself, the structural tolerance to laying loose wire lines is reduced. For the construction of so-called "semimodular" in-the-ear hearing aids, in which, as mentioned, the faceplate with the signal processing electronics form a first module and the shell with the listener a second module and where the receiving coil placed independently of the other hearing aid electronics is, the clearly defined position of the metal bracket is essential for the function of the transmission system.

Unter der technischen Voraussetzung, dass die Ausrichtung der Empfangsantenne innerhalb bestimmter Grenzen beibehalten werden muss, kann der Ort der Empfangsspule innerhalb des Hörgeräts variiert werden, da der Störeinfluss über einen größeren Raumbereich erfindungsgemäß minimiert wurde. Eine Aufbautechnik von Hörgeräten, bei denen die Empfangsantenne unabhängig von den anderen Komponenten platziert wird, kann dadurch umgesetzt werden.Under the technical condition that the orientation of the receiving antenna must be maintained within certain limits, the location of the receiving coil can be varied within the hearing aid, since the interference was minimized over a larger spatial area according to the invention. A construction technique of hearing aids in which the receiving antenna is independent can be implemented by the other components.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Lösung entfällt weiterhin der Aufwand von zusätzlichen Leitungsschleifen, die im Allgemeinen nur lokal ein Gegenfeld erzeugen. Weiterhin ist es durch die größere Freiheit in Bezug auf die räumliche Platzierung der Empfangsantenne möglich, kleinere In-dem-Ohr-Hörhilfegeräte aufzubauen.The solution according to the invention furthermore eliminates the expense of additional line loops, which generally generate a counter field only locally. Furthermore, due to the greater freedom with respect to the spatial placement of the receiving antenna, it is possible to construct smaller in-the-ear hearing aids.

Claims (7)

Hörgerät mit - einer Antenne zum Empfangen und/oder Senden induktiver Signale, - einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (3, 12), an die die Antenne angeschlossen ist, - einer Stromversorgungseinheit (5, 11) zur Stromversorgung der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung und - einem elektrischen Leiter (13) zur elektrischen Verbindung der Stromversorgungseinheit (5, 11) mit der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (3, 12), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass - der elektrische Leiter (13) L- oder U-förmig an die Stromversorgungseinheit (5, 11) angeschmiegt ist und - der elektrische Leiter (13) einen Teil eines runden oder rechteckförmigen Rings bildet, dessen Achse eine Hauptrichtungskomponente senkrecht zu der Längsachse der Antenne besitzt. Hearing aid with an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting inductive signals, a signal processing device (3, 12) to which the antenna is connected, - A power supply unit (5, 11) for powering the signal processing device and an electrical conductor for electrically connecting the power supply unit to the signal processing device, characterized in that - The electrical conductor (13) L- or U-shaped to the power supply unit (5, 11) is nestled and - The electrical conductor (13) forms part of a round or rectangular ring whose axis has a main direction component perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the antenna. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, das als In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät mit einem Faceplate (10) ausgebildet ist, wobei die Längsachse der Antenne senkrecht zu dem Faceplate (10) angeordnet ist, und ein Schenkel (131) des elektrischen Leiters (13) ebenfalls senkrecht zu dem Faceplate (10) ausgebildet ist.Hearing aid according to claim 1, which is formed as in-the-ear hearing aid with a faceplate (10), wherein the longitudinal axis of the antenna is arranged perpendicular to the faceplate (10), and a leg (131) of the electrical conductor (13). is also formed perpendicular to the faceplate (10). Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der elektrische Leiter (13) aus einem Metallband gefertigt ist.Hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical conductor (13) is made of a metal band. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Stromversorgungseinheit (5, 11) eine kreiszylinderförmige Batterie aufweist und der elektrische Leiter (13) teilweise in radialer Richtung und teilweise in axialer Richtung der Batterie verläuft.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply unit (5, 11) has a circular cylindrical battery and the electrical conductor (13) extends partially in the radial direction and partially in the axial direction of the battery. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der elektrische Leiter (13) an einem Batteriekontakt (133) angeschweißt ist.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical conductor (13) is welded to a battery contact (133). Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei der elektrische Leiter (13) Teil eines Batteriekontakts (133) ist.Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrical conductor (13) is part of a battery contact (133). Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das modular aufgebaut ist, wobei eine Signalverarbeitungskomponente (12) einschließlich des elektrischen Leiters (13) und der Stromversorgungseinheit (5, 11) an ein Faceplate (10) montiert sind und ein erstes Modul bilden, während eine Geräteschale mit einem Hörer ein zweites Modul bilden.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, which is modular, wherein a signal processing component (12) including the electrical conductor (13) and the power supply unit (5, 11) are mounted on a faceplate (10) and form a first module while a device shell form a second module with a handset.
EP07117731A 2006-10-16 2007-10-02 Hearing device with conducting metal clip Revoked EP1915030B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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DE102006049469A DE102006049469B4 (en) 2006-10-16 2006-10-16 Hearing aid with live metal strap

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EP1915030A1 true EP1915030A1 (en) 2008-04-23
EP1915030B1 EP1915030B1 (en) 2012-06-27

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EP1583395A2 (en) * 2004-03-31 2005-10-05 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH All-in-the-ear hearing-aid for binaural treatment of a patient
EP1587343A2 (en) * 2004-04-13 2005-10-19 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH Hearing-aid
DE102004051226B3 (en) * 2004-10-20 2006-01-19 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Hearing aid with a loop to compensate for inductive interference

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102009007233A1 (en) * 2009-02-03 2010-08-12 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing device with noise compensation and design method
DE102009007233B4 (en) * 2009-02-03 2012-07-26 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing device with noise compensation and design method
US8396235B2 (en) 2009-02-03 2013-03-12 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing aid with interference compensation and method for configurating the hearing aid

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CN101166376A (en) 2008-04-23
EP1915030B1 (en) 2012-06-27
DE102006049469A1 (en) 2008-04-24
DE102006049469B4 (en) 2010-04-15
DK1915030T3 (en) 2012-09-24
CN101166376B (en) 2011-07-06

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