Hearing device with antenna functionality in supporting structure

Abstract

Disclosed is a hearing device comprising: a microphone configured to receive sound; a processing unit configured to provide a processed audio signal for compensating for a hearing loss of a user; a wireless communication unit configured for wireless communication; a supporting structure; wherein the supporting structure comprises: an electrically conductive ground layer, an electrically non-conductive opening; a connecting line extending from the wireless communication unit provided at a first side of the opening across or along the opening to a second side of the opening and being interconnected with the electrically conductive ground layer at the second side of the opening; wherein the electrically conductive ground layer is configured to be excited by the connecting line, whereby the electrically conductive ground layer is configured to act as antenna for the wireless communication unit for emission and/or reception of an electromagnetic field.

Claims

1. A hearing device comprising: a microphone configured to receive sound; a processing unit configured to provide a processed audio signal for compensating for a hearing loss of a user; a wireless communication unit configured for wireless communication; a supporting structure; wherein the supporting structure comprises: an electrically conductive ground layer, an electrically non-conductive opening, and a connecting line extending from the wireless communication unit, wherein the wireless communication unit is located closer to a first side of the opening than to a second side of the opening, wherein the connecting line extends across or along the opening to the second side of the opening, the connecting line being coupled with the electrically conductive ground layer via a connection that is closer to the second side of the opening than to the first side of the opening; and wherein the electrically conductive ground layer is configured to be excited utilizing the connecting line, whereby the electrically conductive ground layer is configured to act as an antenna; and wherein an impedance of the antenna is based on a length L.sub.o of the opening and/or a distance z between an edge of the opening and the connecting line.

2. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting structure has an effective length L and an effective width W, wherein the opening is arranged at a location that is within 0.2 L from a centre part of the supporting structure.

3. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting structure comprises a feed area located closer to the first side of the opening than to the second side of the opening, the feed area being coupled with the wireless communication unit.

4. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the opening is arranged at a side/edge part of the supporting structure.

5. The hearing device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing accommodating the supporting structure, and wherein the supporting structure is folded or bended.

6. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting structure comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the opening is arranged in a third portion between the first portion and the second portion, and wherein, when the supporting structure is folded or bended, the first portion and the second portion are arranged opposite each other.

7. The hearing device according to claim 6, wherein the third portion is configured to be in a direction of an ear-to-ear axis when the hearing device is positioned in an intended operational position at an ear of the user.

8. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein a majority of the supporting structure is symmetric about a centre part of an effective length L of the supporting structure, and/or about an axis passing through the connecting line and the opening across a width of the supporting structure.

9. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is configured to be polarized by the supporting structure.

10. The hearing device according to claim 9, wherein the antenna is configured to be polarized by the supporting structure for ear-to-ear performance and phone-in-pocket performance.

11. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting structure comprises a feed area, and wherein the hearing device further comprises signal wires on the supporting structure, the signal wires being routed across the feed area.

12. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting structure is a carrier printed circuit board.

13. The hearing device according to claim 12, wherein the processing unit and the wireless communication unit are arranged in a hybrid, and wherein the hybrid is carried on the printed circuit board.

14. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting structure has at least a first layer and a second layer, and wherein the first layer is an electrically conductive layer, the first layer extending over at least 75% of the supporting structure, and wherein the wireless communication unit and the connecting line are at the second layer.

15. The hearing device according to claim 14, wherein the opening is in the first layer.

16. The hearing device according to claim 14, wherein the opening comprises a cut-out in the supporting structure.

17. The hearing device according to claim 16, wherein a length of the cut-out in the supporting structure corresponds to a length of a non-conductive part of the first layer; or wherein the length of the non-conductive part of the first layer is shorter than the length of the cut-out in the supporting structure.

18. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting line extends along the length L.sub.o of the opening.

19. The hearing device according to claim 1, connecting line extends across the opening at the distance z from the edge of the opening.

20. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein a length of the connecting line corresponds to the length of the opening.

21. The hearing device according to claim 20, wherein a difference between the length of the connecting line and the length of the opening is within 10%.

22. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein an effective length of the supporting structure corresponds to a half wavelength of an electromagnetic field to be emitted and/or received by the antenna.

23. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting structure comprises a polarization element for polarizing the antenna.

24. A method performed by a hearing device, the hearing device comprising: a microphone configured to receive sound; a processing unit configured to provide a processed audio signal for compensating for a hearing loss of a user; a wireless communication unit configured for wireless communication; a supporting structure; wherein the supporting structure comprises: an electrically conductive ground layer, an electrically non-conductive opening, and a connecting line extending from the wireless communication unit, wherein the wireless communication unit is located closer to a first side of the opening than to a second side of the opening, wherein the connecting line extends across or along the opening to the second side of the opening, the connecting line being coupled with the electrically conductive ground layer via a connection that is closer to the second side of the opening than to the first side of the opening; wherein the method comprises utilizing the connecting line to excite the electrically conductive ground layer to cause the electrically conductive ground layer to act as an antenna; and wherein an impedance of the antenna is based on a length L.sub.o of the opening and/or a distance z between an edge of the opening and the connecting line.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of components in a hearing device.

(3) FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a supporting structure for a hearing device.

(4) FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a supporting structure for a hearing device.

(5) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example of a supporting structure for a hearing device.

(6) FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of a supporting structure for a hearing device.

(7) FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device with a supporting structure arranged inside.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

(9) Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

(10) As used herein, the term “antenna” refers to an electrical device which converts electric power into radio waves. An electric antenna may comprise an electrically conductive material connected to e.g. a wireless communications unit, such as a radio chip, a receiver or a transmitter.

(11) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of components in hearing device. The hearing device comprises an audio tube 4, and a battery 3. The hearing device comprises a supporting structure 2, which may be a flex PCB. The hearing device may comprise a housing, and the supporting structure 2 may be arranged in the housing. The supporting structure 2 is folded or bended when arranged in the hearing device. The ear-to-ear (E2E) axis is shown in the figure. The supporting structure 2 comprises an opening 11. The supporting structure 2 comprises a first portion (A) and a second portion (B). The opening 11, which may be a cut-out, is arranged in a third portion (C) between the first portion (A) and the second portion (B). When the supporting structure 2 is folded to be accommodated in the hearing device, the first portion (A) and the second portion (B) are arranged opposite each other. The third portion part (C) may be configured to be in a direction of the ear-to-ear axis (E2E) when the hearing device is positioned in the intended operational position at an ear of the user.

(12) FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a supporting structure for a hearing device. The supporting structure may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The supporting structure 2 comprises an electrically conductive ground layer 7. The supporting structure 2 comprises an electrically non-conductive opening 11. The opening 11 may be a cut-out or an indentation in the supporting structure 2. The supporting structure 2 comprises a wireless communication unit 8 configured for wireless communication. The supporting structure 2 comprises a connecting line 10. The connecting line 10 extends from the wireless communication unit 8 provided at a first side of the opening 11. The connecting line 10 extends from the wireless communication unit 8 across or along the opening 11 to a second side of the opening 11. The connecting line 10 is interconnected at an interconnection 12, such as connected to ground/earth, with the electrically conductive ground layer 7 at the second side of the opening 11.

(13) The electrically conductive ground layer 7 is configured to be excited by the connecting line 10, whereby the electrically conductive ground layer 7 is configured to act as antenna for the wireless communication unit 8 for emission and/or reception of an electromagnetic field.

(14) The supporting structure 2 has an effective length L and an effective width W. The opening 11 is arranged substantially in a centre part of the effective length L of the supporting structure 2.

(15) The supporting structure 2 comprises a feed area 9 at the first side of the opening 11. The feed area 9 is interconnected with the wireless communication unit 8. The feed area 9 may be arranged substantially in the centre part of the effective length L of the supporting structure 2. The connecting line 10 is connected to the feed area 9.

(16) The opening 11 is arranged at a side/edge part of the supporting structure 2. The opening 11 is arranged in the centre/middle part of the supporting structure 2.

(17) The supporting structure 2 is substantially symmetric about a centre part of the effective length L of the supporting structure 2. The supporting structure 2 is substantially symmetric about an axis passing through the connecting line 10 and the opening 11 across the width of the supporting structure 2.

(18) Signal wires 5, 6 are arranged on the supporting structure 2. The signal wires 5, 6 are routed across the feed area 9. The signal wires 5, 6 are routed in the part of the supporting structure 2 connecting the first side and the second side of the supporting structure. The signal wires 5, 6 are connected to a processing unit 15 in the second side of the supporting structure 2. The signal wires 5, 6 extend from the processing unit 15 in the second side of the supporting structure 2 to the first side of the supporting structure 2.

(19) The signal wires 5, 6 may run parallel to the connecting line 10. The connecting line 10 may be parallel to an edge of the opening 11.

(20) FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a supporting structure for a hearing device. The supporting structure 2 comprises a first portion (A) and a second portion (B). The supporting structure 2 comprises an opening 11. The opening 11 is arranged in a third portion (C) between the first portion (A) and the second portion (B).

(21) The opening 11 has a length L.sub.o and a width W.sub.o. The supporting structure 2 comprises a connecting line 10 which extends along the length L.sub.o of the opening.

(22) The connecting line 10 extends from the wireless communication unit 8 provided at a first side of the opening 11. The connecting line 10 extends from the wireless communication unit 8 to a second side of the opening 11. The connecting line 10 is interconnected at an interconnection 12, such as connected to ground/earth, via the electrically conductive ground layer 7 at the second side of the opening 11.

(23) The length of the connecting line 10 corresponds to the length L.sub.o of the opening 11, such as within +/−10% of the length.

(24) The size of the opening 11 may be used to tune the antenna impedance. The size of the opening 11 may be defined by the length L.sub.o of the opening 11.

(25) Thus, the impedance of the antenna is configured to be tuned by changing the length L.sub.o.

(26) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example of a supporting structure for a hearing device. The supporting structure 2 has a length L and a width W. The supporting structure 2 comprises an opening 11. The opening 11 has a length L.sub.o and a width W.sub.o. The supporting structure 2 comprises a connecting line 10 which extends along the length L.sub.o of the opening.

(27) The connecting line 10 extends from the wireless communication unit 8 provided at a first side of the opening 11. The connecting line 10 extends from the wireless communication unit 8 to a second side of the opening 11. The connecting line 10 is interconnected at an interconnection 12, such as connected to ground/earth, via the electrically conductive ground layer 7 at the second side of the opening 11.

(28) The length of the connecting line 10 corresponds to the length of the opening, such as within +/−10% of the length.

(29) The connecting line 10 extends across the opening at a distance z from an edge of the opening 11.

(30) The size of the opening 11 may be used to tune the antenna impedance. The size of the opening 11 may be defined by the length L.sub.o of the opening.

(31) Thus, the impedance of the antenna is configured to be tuned by changing the length L.sub.o and/or by changing the distance z between an edge of the opening 11 and the connecting line (10).

(32) FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of a supporting structure for a hearing device. The supporting structure 2 has at least a first layer 20 and a second layer 21. The first layer 20 is an electrically conductive layer, such as the electrically conductive ground layer 7. The first layer 20 extends over the entire supporting structure 2, such as over at least 75%, such as over at least 80%, such as over at least 90% of the supporting structure 2. The second layer 21 is arranged adjacent to the first layer 20, such as under the first layer 20. The wireless communication unit 8 and the connecting line 10 are provided at the second layer 21.

(33) The opening 11 may be provided in the first layer 20.

(34) The opening 11 may comprise a cut-out in the supporting structure 2 and/or in a non-conductive part of the first layer 20.

(35) The length of the opening 11/cut-out in the supporting structure 2 may correspond to the length of the non-conductive part of the first layer 20. Alternatively, the length of the non-conductive part of the first layer 20 is shorter than the length of the opening 11/cut-out in the supporting structure 2.

(36) FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 1 with a supporting structure 2 arranged inside. The hearing device 1 is shown with parts of the housing cut away to expose a hearing device battery 3, the supporting structure 2 and an acoustic output transducer 16. The hearing device battery 3 supplies power to the hearing device circuit substantially mounted on, or in, the supporting structure 2. The hearing device circuit includes a wireless communication unit 8 connected to a connecting line 10 provided as part of the supporting structure 2. An opening 11 is provided in the supporting structure 2. The hearing device circuit is also connected to the acoustic output transducer 16 for reproducing an audio signal through a sound tube 4 connected thereto, e.g. an audio signal picked up by the hearing device microphone (not shown).

(37) The supporting structure 2 acts as an antenna for the hearing device 1, and allows the wireless communication unit 8 to transmit or receive wireless signals to, and from, external units such as a mobile device, a wireless streaming device or another hearing device with improved quality of the wireless signals when compared with existing antenna configurations. In FIG. 6, the general polarisation direction is substantially perpendicular to the viewing plane, thus particularly facilitating wireless communication with another hearing device placed on the opposite side of the user's head.

(38) Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCES

(39) 1 hearing device 2 supporting structure 3 battery 4 sound tube 5 signal wire 6 signal wire 7 electrically conductive ground layer 8 wireless communication unit 9 feed area 10 connecting line 11 opening 12 interconnection of connection line 15 processing unit 16 acoustic output transducer 20 first layer 21 second layer