EP2375784A2 - Hearing aid with amorphous speaker shielding - Google Patents

Hearing aid with amorphous speaker shielding Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2375784A2
EP2375784A2 EP11157992A EP11157992A EP2375784A2 EP 2375784 A2 EP2375784 A2 EP 2375784A2 EP 11157992 A EP11157992 A EP 11157992A EP 11157992 A EP11157992 A EP 11157992A EP 2375784 A2 EP2375784 A2 EP 2375784A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
shielding
signal
signal processing
aid according
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
EP11157992A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2375784A3 (en
EP2375784B1 (en
Inventor
Simon Hüttinger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sivantos Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd filed Critical Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Publication of EP2375784A2 publication Critical patent/EP2375784A2/en
Publication of EP2375784A3 publication Critical patent/EP2375784A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2375784B1 publication Critical patent/EP2375784B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • 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
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/609—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of circuitry

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing aid having a signal receiving means, a signal processing means for processing a signal from the signal receiving means, a magnetically operated speaker means which converts an output of the signal processing means into an output sound, and a shielding means connected between the speaker means and the signal processing means for reducing electromagnetic interference the signal processing device is arranged by the loudspeaker 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), hearing aid with external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), e.g. Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC).
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • RIC hearing aid with external receiver
  • IDO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • ITE canal hearing aids
  • 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 in FIG. 1 using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid shown. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed.
  • 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 the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • amplifiers, receivers (loudspeakers) and antennas for wireless communication are usually arranged very close to each other, so that these components interfere with each other much more strongly than is the case in other applications in which similar components occur.
  • Particularly critical in a hearing aid is the disturbance of the wireless communication by electromagnetic radiation of the listener in the communication frequency band as well as interference of the amplifier by electromagnetic radiation of the listener in the audio frequency band.
  • the influence of the handset or loudspeaker on the rest of the signal processing is therefore lower in a mobile telephone than in a hearing aid, because the power of the listener in a hearing aid is always higher than in a mobile phone. This is because having a hearing aid is sufficient high levels must be generated in order to compensate for hearing loss can.
  • an amorphous magnetic shielding tape is known.
  • This shielding tape consists of five layers, a backing paper, an amorphous metal strip and a PET film. In between there is an adhesive layer in each case.
  • the shielding tape can be used to reduce electromagnetic influences.
  • Par is a polymer bonded soft magnetic material for magnetic core applications and EMI filters.
  • amorphous metals are produced by very rapid cooling. As a result of the rapid cooling, the metal atoms remain in a largely disordered state. The resulting amorphous structure leads to a high electrical resistance and a soft magnetic behavior.
  • the metal for example, alloys are used in which 70 to 85% of the atoms are transition metals such as iron, cobalt and nickel and 15 to 30% semi-metals such as silicon and boron. In these compositions, the energy in the crystalline state is hardly lower than in the melt. The tendency to crystallize is therefore only weak.
  • Hearing aids are currently used mostly listeners who are shielded against radiation in the audio frequency range by a housing of so-called mu-metal.
  • a screen foil made of copper may be placed around the listener to improve the shielding effect in the communication frequency band.
  • mu-metal shielding has little effect because of its high permeability and low conductivity.
  • Copper on the other hand shields magnetic radiation or low frequencies only insufficiently. This means that both types of shielding are required.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to simplify the shielding of a listener in a hearing aid.
  • both electrical and magnetic fields can be shielded. So it is for the shield in the hearing aid communication frequency band (eg at 3 MHz) and for shielding in the audio frequency range only a single material or a single shielding necessary.
  • the structure of a hearing aid having a wireless communication connection can be significantly simplified.
  • the signal processing device of the abovementioned hearing device thus has a transmission unit, and the shielding device is arranged to protect the transmission unit mainly between the latter and the loudspeaker device.
  • the influence of the speaker device on the transmission unit can be reduced.
  • the shielding device forms the housing of the loudspeaker device. In this way, it can be achieved that the loudspeaker device is well shielded in all spatial directions and, in addition, no separate shielding device is necessary in addition to the housing of the loudspeaker device.
  • the shielding housing may be formed multi-layered, wherein a layer thereof serves as a carrier, on which a layer of the amorphous metal is formed. This makes it possible to produce a mechanically very stable housing.
  • the shielding device can also be designed so that it shows a clear shielding effect in the single-digit MHz range.
  • the shielding device is effective in the frequency range that is typically used for wireless communication in hearing aids.
  • the shielding device may have a preferred magnetic direction, which runs essentially parallel to a magnetic circuit of the loudspeaker device. As a result, the shielding effect against stray fields of the magnetic circuit is particularly high.
  • the shielding device may have an electrical preferred direction that is substantially perpendicular to a magnetic circuit of the speaker device runs. As a result, eddy currents are promoted whose orientation is also optimized with regard to the reduction of stray fields.
  • the hearing aid is designed as in-the-ear hearing aid.
  • Such hearing aids require a particularly small space, and the double shielding effect of the amorphous metal (audio frequency range and communication frequency range) in a single shielding is then particularly favorable.
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows a handset of a hearing aid, as used for example in a BTE hearing aid or in an ITE hearing aid.
  • the listener represents the speaker device of the hearing aid or is at least part of it. It is used to generate an output sound of the hearing aid on the basis of a signal which it receives from a hearing aid-internal signal processing device.
  • the signal processor typically includes an amplifier and, optionally, filters and other signal processing components. It receives its input signal from a signal recording device, which typically contains at least one microphone and / or an electromagnetic receiver, eg a coil.
  • a modern hearing aid usually contains a transmission device for wireless communication with an external device.
  • the transmission device has, for example, an antenna or a coil for inductive transmission.
  • the wireless communication takes place for example in one or more frequency bands in the range of 3 MHz.
  • the in FIG. 2 Illustrated example listener is an electrodynamic speaker.
  • electrical input signals in vibrations of an in FIG. 2 converted membrane not shown.
  • the vibrating diaphragm causes the immediately adjacent air to vibrate, producing the desired sound.
  • This sound leaves the listener at a sound outlet 10. From there it is led directly or with the help of a sound tube to the eardrum of the hearing aid wearer.
  • the listener For the electrodynamic conversion of an electrical input signal into the sound output signal, the listener here has a magnet arrangement 11, which converts the electrical signal into mechanical vibrations.
  • the magnet arrangement has in the present case a hard or soft magnetic block 12, which is designed cuboid.
  • This metal portion 13 has a first leg 14, which here protrudes perpendicularly from the metal block 12 and is firmly connected thereto.
  • a second leg 15 of the U-shaped metal portion 13 extends parallel to the first leg 14 and also parallel to a side 16 of the cuboid metal block 12 which is perpendicular to the side 17 from which the first leg 14 protrudes. In the unloaded state there is a certain distance between the leg 15 and the side 16 of the metal block 12.
  • the first leg 14 and the second leg 15 of the U-shaped metal portion 13 are interconnected by an arch member 18. Since the metal portion 13 only at the first Leg 14 is fixedly connected to the metal block 12 and is free at its second leg 15, the latter can perform 12 due to the distance to the side 16 of the metal block 12 vibrations.
  • a coil 19 is wound, the terminals 20 are guided here for simplicity down.
  • the coil 19 generates a magnetic flux through the first leg 14.
  • the magnetic circuit is closed via the arcuate element 18, the second leg 15, the air gap between the second leg 15 and the metal block 12 and finally via the metal block 12 itself back to the first Leg 14. If the coil 19 is energized, the metal block 12 attracts the free end of the second leg 15 in the rhythm of the magnetic flux or the electrical signal, so that this free end performs appropriate vibrations.
  • the attached to the free end of the second leg 15 membrane (not shown) then generates the corresponding sound.
  • the used as a transducer magnet assembly 11 unintentionally radiates magnetic fields as interference from the outside. All the more so as powerful hearing aids are used in hearing aids, which must compensate for the hearing loss of a hearing aid wearer. These interference fields affect components in the immediate vicinity of the listener. Since hearing aids and in particular ITE hearing aids inherently only take up a small amount of space, the remaining in a hearing aid necessary electrical components are relatively close to the listener. That All electrical components can be influenced by the interference fields of the listener.
  • the handset is operated in the audio frequency range.
  • this does not mean that interference field components exist exclusively in the audio frequency range. Rather, harmonics of the useful signal or of the useful field are also generated as interference components.
  • this frequency range also works, for example, an electromagnetic communication system, which is integrated into the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid has an antenna or coil for wireless communication in the single-digit MHz range, interfering components of the listener can definitely decisively influence the communication system. It is important to curb these interfering components effectively.
  • the magnet assembly 11 is installed in a housing 21 which is at least partially made of an amorphous, soft magnetic metal of the type mentioned.
  • This housing 21 completely surrounds the magnet arrangement 11.
  • the Schallauslassstutzen 10 is here integrally connected to the housing 21 and formed of the same material as the housing 21 itself.
  • an opening 22 in the housing 21 In the vicinity of the coil 19 of the magnetic transducer is an opening 22 in the housing 21. Through this opening, the connecting lines 20 of the coil 19 led to the outside.
  • FIG. 2 shown structure of the listener and in particular the housing 21 is merely exemplary.
  • the housing 21 in FIG. 2 half open, so that the magnetic transducer located therein is recognizable.
  • the housing 21 thus represents a shielding device, which is part of the speaker device here.
  • a shielding foil, a shielding band or another shielding element between the receiver or the loudspeaker device and any other signal processing component of the hearing device. It is only important that the respective shielding means comprises said amorphous, soft magnetic metal.
  • the amorphous magnetically soft metal used also has a preferred direction of nanocrystalline structures. This anisotropy causes the shielding device (in the case of the example of FIG. 2 the housing 21) has a preferred magnetic direction 24 and a preferred electrical direction 25. Both preferred directions 24 and 25 are perpendicular to each other.
  • the housing 21 has cuboid shape here.
  • the individual walls of the housing extend substantially parallel to the directly opposite sections of the magnetic circuit of the magnet arrangement 11.
  • the upper side 26 of the housing 21 runs parallel to the second leg 15 of the magnetic circuit.
  • the underside 27 of the housing 21 runs parallel to the immediately adjacent first leg 14 of the magnetic circuit.
  • the amorphous, soft magnetic metal is formed so that the magnetic preferred direction 24 is parallel to the second leg 15 and thus parallel to the guided therein magnetic flux. This low-frequency interference fields of the magnet assembly 11 can be attenuated.
  • the material of the housing 21 has, as already indicated, perpendicular to the magnetic preferred direction 24, an electrical preferred direction 25. This means that in this direction, the electrical resistance is lower than in the orthogonal direction thereto. Since the housing 21 completely surrounds the magnet arrangement 11, an electrical circuit is thus formed around the magnet arrangement 11 in accordance with the preferred direction 25, the axis of which is perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic circuit. In this electrical circuit eddy currents can flow, which are induced by high-frequency interference components of the magnet assembly in the housing 21. This leads to a corresponding shielding of the high-frequency components to the outside.
  • amorphous, soft magnetic metals with preferential direction (anisotropy) of the nanocrystalline structure Such materials, which are used according to the invention for shielding low-frequency alternating fields because of their better processability as an alternative to Mu metal, have a high permeability in one spatial direction and at the same time are good conductors in the other spatial direction.
  • the low-frequency magnetic field as mentioned, can be conducted in one spatial direction, while the eddy currents, which provide for the shielding of high-frequency fields, can flow with little resistance.
  • the necessary shielding effect can be achieved with only one material. This assembly steps can be saved, and the shielded handset or the entire hearing aid can be built smaller.
  • the shielding device or the housing 21 have said amorphous, soft magnetic metal with preferential direction of the nanocrystalline structures.
  • the metal may be applied / embedded in the form of a metal layer on or in one or more other material layers. Due to the multi-layeredness, other material properties of the housing, e.g. increased strength, be promoted.

Abstract

The hearing aid comprises a signal processing unit for processing a signal received from a signal recording unit. A magnetically operated loudspeaker unit is provided, which converts an output signal from the signal-processing unit into an output sound. A shielding unit (21) made of an amorphous, soft-magnetic metal is arranged between the loudspeaker unit and the signal processing unit for reducing electromagnetic interference on the signal processing unit by the loudspeaker unit.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Hörgerät mit einer Signalaufnahmeeinrichtung, einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung zum Verarbeiten eines Signals von der Signalaufnahmeeinrichtung, einer magnetisch betriebenen Lautsprechereinrichtung, die ein Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung in einen Ausgangsschall wandelt, und einer Abschirmeinrichtung, die zwischen der Lautsprechereinrichtung und der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung zur Reduktion elektromagnetischer Beeinflussung der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung durch die Lautsprechereinrichtung angeordnet ist.The present invention relates to a hearing aid having a signal receiving means, a signal processing means for processing a signal from the signal receiving means, a magnetically operated speaker means which converts an output of the signal processing means into an output sound, and a shielding means connected between the speaker means and the signal processing means for reducing electromagnetic interference the signal processing device is arranged by the loudspeaker device.

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), Hörgerät mit externem Hörer (RIC: receiver in the canal) und In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO), z.B. auch Concha-Hörgeräte oder Kanal-Hörgeräte (ITE, CIC), 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. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aid with external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), e.g. Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC). 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 Energieversorgung 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 in FIG. 1 using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid shown. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed. 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 the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

In einem Hörgerät sind Verstärker, Hörer (Lautsprecher) und Antennen für die Drahtloskommunikation bauartbedingt meist sehr nahe zueinander angeordnet, so dass sich diese Komponenten gegenseitig viel stärker stören, als es bei anderen Anwendungen der Fall ist, in denen ähnliche Komponenten vorkommen. Besonders kritisch ist bei einem Hörgerät die Störung der Drahtloskommunikation durch elektromagnetische Abstrahlungen des Hörers im Kommunikationsfrequenzband sowie Störungen des Verstärkers durch elektromagnetische Abstrahlungen des Hörers im Audiofrequenzband.In a hearing aid, amplifiers, receivers (loudspeakers) and antennas for wireless communication are usually arranged very close to each other, so that these components interfere with each other much more strongly than is the case in other applications in which similar components occur. Particularly critical in a hearing aid is the disturbance of the wireless communication by electromagnetic radiation of the listener in the communication frequency band as well as interference of the amplifier by electromagnetic radiation of the listener in the audio frequency band.

Die genannte Problematik tritt beispielsweise bei einem Mobilfunktelefon nicht auf, da das Kommunikationsfrequenzband beim Hörgerät in der Regel sehr niedrig liegt (z.B. 3 MHz), während es bei einem Mobilfunktelefon beispielsweise bei 900 MHZ liegt. Daher spielen Oberwellen des Lautsprechers beim Mobilfunktelefon im Kommunikationsfrequenzband weniger eine Rolle als bei Hörgeräten.The above problem does not occur, for example, in a mobile telephone, since the communication frequency band in the hearing aid is usually very low (for example 3 MHz), whereas for a mobile telephone it is for example 900 MHz. Therefore, harmonics of the speaker in the mobile phone in the communication frequency band play less of a role than in hearing aids.

Der Einfluss des Hörers bzw. Lautsprechers auf die übrige Signalverarbeitung ist in einem Mobilfunktelefon auch deswegen geringer als in einem Hörgerät, weil die Leistung des Hörers in einem Hörgerät stets höher ist als in einem Mobilfunktelefon. Dies liegt daran, dass mit einem Hörgerät ausreichend hohe Pegel erzeugt werden müssen, um auch einen Hörverlust ausgleichen zu können.The influence of the handset or loudspeaker on the rest of the signal processing is therefore lower in a mobile telephone than in a hearing aid, because the power of the listener in a hearing aid is always higher than in a mobile phone. This is because having a hearing aid is sufficient high levels must be generated in order to compensate for hearing loss can.

Aus dem Datenblatt " TECHNICAL DATA, Amorphous Magnetic Shielding Tape" der Firma Hitachi Metals, Ltd. vom 16. Oktober 2006 ist ein amorphes, magnetisches Abschirmband bekannt. Dieses Abschirmband besteht aus fünf Lagen, einem Trägerpapier, einem amorphen Metallband und einem PET-Film. Dazwischen befindet sich jeweils eine Klebstoffschicht. Das Abschirmband kann zur Reduktion von elektromagnetischen Einflüssen verwendet werden.From the datasheet " TECHNICAL DATA, Amorphous Magnetic Shielding Tape "from Hitachi Metals, Ltd. of 16 October 2006 For example, an amorphous magnetic shielding tape is known. This shielding tape consists of five layers, a backing paper, an amorphous metal strip and a PET film. In between there is an adhesive layer in each case. The shielding tape can be used to reduce electromagnetic influences.

Darüber hinaus ist in dem Artikel von Sven Egelkraut et al.: "Polymer bonded soft magnetics for EMI filter applications", Automotive Power Electronics, 25. und 26. März 2009, Par is, ein polymergebundenes, weichmagnetisches Material für Magnetkernanwendungen und EMI-Filter beschrieben.In addition, in the article of Sven Egelkraut et al .: "Polymer bonded soft magnetics for EMI filter applications", Automotive Power Electronics, 25 and 26 March 2009, Par is a polymer bonded soft magnetic material for magnetic core applications and EMI filters.

Schließlich ist in der Druckschrift US 6 850 803 B1 ein implantierbares medizinisches Gerät mit einer abgeschirmten Ladespule offenbart. Die Sekundärspule der Ladeeinrichtung ist an der distalen Seite abgeschirmt, um die Ladeeffizienz zu verbessern.Finally, in the document US Pat. No. 6,850,803 B1 discloses an implantable medical device with a shielded charging coil. The secondary coil of the charger is shielded at the distal side to improve the charging efficiency.

Nach einem Artikel von Hans-Rainer Hilzinger et al. mit dem Titel "Amorphe und nanokristalline Metalle" in Spektrum der Wissenschaften, Juli 1994, werden amorphe Metalle durch sehr rasche Abkühlung hergestellt. Durch das rasche Abkühlen bleiben die Metallatome in einem weitgehend ungeordneten Zustand. Die daraus resultierende amorphe Struktur führt zu einem hohen elektrischen Widerstand und zu einem weichmagnetischen Verhalten. Als Metall werden beispielsweise Legierungen verwendet, bei denen 70 bis 85 % der Atome Übergangsmetalle wie Eisen, Cobalt und Nickel und 15 bis 30 % Halbmetalle wie Silizium und Bor sind. Bei diesen Zusammensetzungen ist die Energie im kristallinen Zustand kaum niedriger als in der Schmelze. Die Neigung zu kristallisieren ist darum nur schwach.According to an article by Hans-Rainer Hilzinger et al. titled "Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Metals" in Spectrum of Sciences, July 1994, amorphous metals are produced by very rapid cooling. As a result of the rapid cooling, the metal atoms remain in a largely disordered state. The resulting amorphous structure leads to a high electrical resistance and a soft magnetic behavior. As the metal, for example, alloys are used in which 70 to 85% of the atoms are transition metals such as iron, cobalt and nickel and 15 to 30% semi-metals such as silicon and boron. In these compositions, the energy in the crystalline state is hardly lower than in the melt. The tendency to crystallize is therefore only weak.

Bei Hörgeräten werden derzeit meist Hörer eingesetzt, die gegen Abstrahlung im Audiofrequenzbereich durch ein Gehäuse aus so genanntem Mu-Metall abgeschirmt sind. Zusätzlich kann eine Schirmfolie aus Kupfer um den Hörer gelegt sein, um die Schirmwirkung im Kommunikationsfrequenzband zu verbessern. In diesem höheren Frequenzbereich ist Schirmung durch Mu-Metall wegen der hohen Permeabilität und niedrigen Leitfähigkeit nur wenig wirksam. Kupfer hingegen schirmt magnetische Abstrahlung bzw. tiefe Frequenzen nur ungenügend. Dies bedeutet, dass beide Schirmungstypen benötigt werden.Hearing aids are currently used mostly listeners who are shielded against radiation in the audio frequency range by a housing of so-called mu-metal. In addition, a screen foil made of copper may be placed around the listener to improve the shielding effect in the communication frequency band. In this higher frequency range, mu-metal shielding has little effect because of its high permeability and low conductivity. Copper on the other hand shields magnetic radiation or low frequencies only insufficiently. This means that both types of shielding are required.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, die Abschirmung eines Hörers in einem Hörgerät zu vereinfachen.The object of the present invention is therefore to simplify the shielding of a listener in a hearing aid.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Hörgerät mit

  • einer Signalaufnahmeeinrichtung,
  • einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung zum Verarbeiten eines Signals von der Signalaufnahmeeinrichtung,
  • einer magnetisch betriebenen Lautsprechereinrichtung, die ein Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung in einen Ausgangsschall wandelt, und
  • einer Abschirmeinrichtung, die zwischen der Lautsprechereinrichtung und der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung zur Reduktion elektromagnetischer Beeinflussung der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung durch die Lautsprechereinrichtung angeordnet ist, wobei
  • die Abschirmeinrichtung zumindest teilweise aus einem amorphen, weichmagnetischen Metall mit Vorzugsrichtung der nanokristallinen Strukturen ausgebildet ist.
According to the invention this object is achieved by a hearing aid
  • a signal receiving device,
  • signal processing means for processing a signal from the signal receiving means,
  • a magnetically operated speaker device, which converts an output signal of the signal processing device into an output sound, and
  • a shielding device, which is arranged between the speaker device and the signal processing device for reducing electromagnetic interference of the signal processing device by the speaker device, wherein
  • the shielding device is at least partially formed from an amorphous, soft magnetic metal with preferential direction of the nanocrystalline structures.

In vorteilhafter Weise können durch das amorphe, weichmagnetische Metall mit Vorzugsrichtung (Anisotropie) sowohl elektrische als auch magnetische Felder abgeschirmt werden. Es ist also für die Abschirmung im Hörgeräte-Kommunikationsfrequenzband (z.B. bei 3 MHz) und zur Abschirmung im Audiofrequenzbereich nur ein einziges Material bzw. ein einziges Abschirmelement notwendig. Damit kann der Aufbau eines Hörgeräts, das über eine Drahtloskommunikationsverbindung verfügt, deutlich vereinfacht werden.Advantageously, by the amorphous, soft magnetic metal with preferential direction (anisotropy) both electrical and magnetic fields can be shielded. So it is for the shield in the hearing aid communication frequency band (eg at 3 MHz) and for shielding in the audio frequency range only a single material or a single shielding necessary. Thus, the structure of a hearing aid having a wireless communication connection can be significantly simplified.

Vorzugsweise besitzt die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung des oben genannten Hörgeräts also eine Übertragungseinheit, und die Abschirmeinrichtung ist zum Schutz der Übertragungseinheit hauptsächlich zwischen dieser und der Lautsprechereinrichtung angeordnet. Damit kann der Einfluss der Lautsprechereinrichtung auf die Übertragungseinheit reduziert werden.Preferably, the signal processing device of the abovementioned hearing device thus has a transmission unit, and the shielding device is arranged to protect the transmission unit mainly between the latter and the loudspeaker device. Thus, the influence of the speaker device on the transmission unit can be reduced.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist, wenn die Abschirmeinrichtung das Gehäuse der Lautsprechereinrichtung bildet. Hierdurch kann erreicht werden, dass die Lautsprechereinrichtung in alle Raumrichtungen gut abgeschirmt ist und außerdem neben dem Gehäuse der Lautsprechereinrichtung keine separate Abschirmeinrichtung notwendig ist.It is particularly advantageous if the shielding device forms the housing of the loudspeaker device. In this way, it can be achieved that the loudspeaker device is well shielded in all spatial directions and, in addition, no separate shielding device is necessary in addition to the housing of the loudspeaker device.

Speziell kann das schirmende Gehäuse mehrlagig ausgebildet sein, wobei eine Lage davon als Träger dient, auf dem eine Lage aus dem amorphen Metall ausgebildet ist. Damit lässt sich ein mechanisch sehr stabiles Gehäuse herstellen.Specifically, the shielding housing may be formed multi-layered, wherein a layer thereof serves as a carrier, on which a layer of the amorphous metal is formed. This makes it possible to produce a mechanically very stable housing.

Die Abschirmeinrichtung kann ferner so ausgebildet sein, dass sie im einstelligen MHz-Bereich eine deutliche Abschirmwirkung zeigt. Somit ist die Abschirmeinrichtung gerade in dem Frequenzbereich wirksam, der typischerweise für die Drahtloskommunikation bei Hörgeräten verwendet wird.The shielding device can also be designed so that it shows a clear shielding effect in the single-digit MHz range. Thus, the shielding device is effective in the frequency range that is typically used for wireless communication in hearing aids.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform kann die Abschirmeinrichtung eine magnetische Vorzugsrichtung aufweisen, die im Wesentlichen parallel zu einem Magnetkreis der Lautsprechereinrichtung verläuft. Dadurch ist die Abschirmwirkung gegenüber Streufeldern des Magnetkreises besonders hoch.In a further preferred embodiment, the shielding device may have a preferred magnetic direction, which runs essentially parallel to a magnetic circuit of the loudspeaker device. As a result, the shielding effect against stray fields of the magnetic circuit is particularly high.

Des Weiteren kann die Abschirmeinrichtung eine elektrische Vorzugsrichtung aufweisen, die im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu einem Magnetkreis der Lautsprechereinrichtung verläuft. Dadurch werden Wirbelströme gefördert, deren Orientierung ebenfalls im Hinblick auf die Reduktion von Streufeldern optimiert ist.Furthermore, the shielding device may have an electrical preferred direction that is substantially perpendicular to a magnetic circuit of the speaker device runs. As a result, eddy currents are promoted whose orientation is also optimized with regard to the reduction of stray fields.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung ist das Hörgerät als In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät ausgebildet. Derartige Hörgeräte benötigen einen besonders kleinen Bauraum, und die doppelte Schirmwirkung des amorphen Metalls (Audiofrequenzbereich und Kommunikationsfrequenzbereich) in einem einzigen Abschirmelement ist dann besonders günstig.In an advantageous embodiment, the hearing aid is designed as in-the-ear hearing aid. Such hearing aids require a particularly small space, and the double shielding effect of the amorphous metal (audio frequency range and communication frequency range) in a single shielding is then particularly favorable.

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

FIG 1
den prinzipiellen Aufbau eines Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik und
FIG 2
ein Beispiel eines Hörers eines Hörgeräts gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung.
The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
the basic structure of a hearing aid according to the prior art and
FIG. 2
an example of a handset of a hearing aid according to the present invention.

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.

FIG 2 zeigt schematisch einen Hörer eines Hörgeräts, wie er beispielsweise in einem HdO-Hörgerät oder in einem IdO-Hörgerät verwendet wird. Der Hörer stellt die Lautsprechereinrichtung des Hörgeräts dar oder ist zumindest ein Teil davon. Er dient zur Erzeugung eines Ausgangsschalls des Hörgeräts auf der Basis eines Signals, welches er von einer hörgeräteinternen Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung erhält. Die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung ihrerseits enthält typischerweise einen Verstärker und gegebenenfalls Filter und andere Signalverarbeitungskomponenten. Sie erhält ihr Eingangssignal von einer Signalaufnahmeinrichtung, welche typischerweise mindest ein Mikrophon und/oder einen elektromagnetischen Empfänger, z.B. eine Spule enthält. FIG. 2 schematically shows a handset of a hearing aid, as used for example in a BTE hearing aid or in an ITE hearing aid. The listener represents the speaker device of the hearing aid or is at least part of it. It is used to generate an output sound of the hearing aid on the basis of a signal which it receives from a hearing aid-internal signal processing device. The signal processor, in turn, typically includes an amplifier and, optionally, filters and other signal processing components. It receives its input signal from a signal recording device, which typically contains at least one microphone and / or an electromagnetic receiver, eg a coil.

Ferner enthält ein modernes Hörgerät meist eine Übertragungseinrichtung zur drahtlosen Kommunikation mit einer externen Einrichtung. Die Übertragungseinrichtung weist beispielsweise eine Antenne oder eine Spule zur induktiven Übertragung auf. Die drahtlose Kommunikation erfolgt beispielsweise in einem oder mehreren Frequenzbändern im Bereich von 3 MHz.Furthermore, a modern hearing aid usually contains a transmission device for wireless communication with an external device. The transmission device has, for example, an antenna or a coil for inductive transmission. The wireless communication takes place for example in one or more frequency bands in the range of 3 MHz.

Der in FIG 2 dargestellte beispielhafte Hörer ist ein elektrodynamischer Lautsprecher. Dabei werden elektrische Eingangssignale in Schwingungen einer in FIG 2 nicht dargestellten Membran gewandelt. Die schwingende Membran versetzt die unmittelbar angrenzende Luft in Schwingungen, wodurch der gewünschte Schall erzeugt wird. Dieser Schall verlässt den Hörer an einem Schallauslassstutzen 10. Von dort wird er direkt oder mithilfe eines Schallleitungsröhrchens zum Trommelfell des Hörgeräteträgers geleitet.The in FIG. 2 Illustrated example listener is an electrodynamic speaker. In this case, electrical input signals in vibrations of an in FIG. 2 converted membrane not shown. The vibrating diaphragm causes the immediately adjacent air to vibrate, producing the desired sound. This sound leaves the listener at a sound outlet 10. From there it is led directly or with the help of a sound tube to the eardrum of the hearing aid wearer.

Zur elektrodynamischen Wandlung eines elektrischen Eingangssignals in das Schallausgangssignal besitzt der Hörer hier eine Magnetanordnung 11, welche das elektrische Signal in mechanische Schwingungen wandelt. Die Magnetanordnung weist im vorliegenden Fall einen hart- oder weichmagnetischen Block 12 auf, der quaderförmig gestaltet ist. An einer seiner Seiten ist ein U-förmiger, weichmagnetischer Metallabschnitt 13 angeordnet. Dieser Metallabschnitt 13 besitzt einen ersten Schenkel 14, der hier senkrecht aus dem Metallblock 12 ragt und mit diesem fest verbunden ist. Ein zweiter Schenkel 15 des U-förmigen Metallabschnitts 13 erstreckt sich parallel zu dem ersten Schenkel 14 und ebenso parallel zu einer Seite 16 des quaderförmigen Metallblocks 12, welche senkrecht zu der Seite 17 steht, aus der der erste Schenkel 14 ragt. Im unbelasteten Zustand besteht zwischen dem Schenkel 15 und der Seite 16 des Metallblocks 12 ein gewisser Abstand.For the electrodynamic conversion of an electrical input signal into the sound output signal, the listener here has a magnet arrangement 11, which converts the electrical signal into mechanical vibrations. The magnet arrangement has in the present case a hard or soft magnetic block 12, which is designed cuboid. On one of its sides a U-shaped, soft magnetic metal portion 13 is arranged. This metal portion 13 has a first leg 14, which here protrudes perpendicularly from the metal block 12 and is firmly connected thereto. A second leg 15 of the U-shaped metal portion 13 extends parallel to the first leg 14 and also parallel to a side 16 of the cuboid metal block 12 which is perpendicular to the side 17 from which the first leg 14 protrudes. In the unloaded state there is a certain distance between the leg 15 and the side 16 of the metal block 12.

Der erste Schenkel 14 und der zweite Schenkel 15 des U-förmigen Metallabschnitts 13 sind durch ein Bogenelement 18 miteinander verbunden. Da der Metallabschnitt 13 nur am ersten Schenkel 14 fest mit dem Metallblock 12 verbunden ist und an seinem zweiten Schenkel 15 frei ist, kann Letzterer aufgrund des Abstands zu der Seite 16 des Metallblocks 12 Schwingungen vollführen.The first leg 14 and the second leg 15 of the U-shaped metal portion 13 are interconnected by an arch member 18. Since the metal portion 13 only at the first Leg 14 is fixedly connected to the metal block 12 and is free at its second leg 15, the latter can perform 12 due to the distance to the side 16 of the metal block 12 vibrations.

Um den ersten Schenkel 14 ist eine Spule 19 gewickelt, deren Anschlüsse 20 hier der Einfachheit halber nach unten geführt sind. Die Spule 19 erzeugt einen magnetischen Fluss durch den ersten Schenkel 14. Der magnetische Kreis wird geschlossen über das bogenförmige Element 18, den zweiten Schenkel 15, den Luftspalt zwischen dem zweiten Schenkel 15 und dem Metallblock 12 und schließlich über den Metallblock 12 selbst zurück zum ersten Schenkel 14. Wird die Spule 19 bestromt, zieht der Metallblock 12 das freie Ende des zweiten Schenkels 15 im Rhythmus des magnetischen Flusses bzw. des elektrischen Signals an, so dass dieses freie Ende entsprechende Schwingungen vollführt. Die an dem freien Ende des zweiten Schenkels 15 befestigte Membran (nicht dargestellt) erzeugt dann den entsprechenden Schall.To the first leg 14, a coil 19 is wound, the terminals 20 are guided here for simplicity down. The coil 19 generates a magnetic flux through the first leg 14. The magnetic circuit is closed via the arcuate element 18, the second leg 15, the air gap between the second leg 15 and the metal block 12 and finally via the metal block 12 itself back to the first Leg 14. If the coil 19 is energized, the metal block 12 attracts the free end of the second leg 15 in the rhythm of the magnetic flux or the electrical signal, so that this free end performs appropriate vibrations. The attached to the free end of the second leg 15 membrane (not shown) then generates the corresponding sound.

Die als Wandler benutzte Magnetanordnung 11 strahlt ungewollt auch Magnetfelder als Störfelder nach außen ab. Dies umso mehr, als in Hörgeräten leistungsstarke Hörer verwendet werden, welche den Hörverlust eines Hörgeräteträgers ausgleichen müssen. Diese Störfelder beeinflussen Komponenten im näheren Umkreis des Hörers. Da Hörgeräte und insbesondere IdO-Hörgeräte prinzipbedingt nur einen kleinen Bauraum einnehmen dürfen, liegen die übrigen in einem Hörgerät notwendigen elektrischen Komponenten verhältnismäßig nahe an dem Hörer. D.h. sämtliche elektrische Komponenten können von den Störfeldern des Hörers beeinflusst werden.The used as a transducer magnet assembly 11 unintentionally radiates magnetic fields as interference from the outside. All the more so as powerful hearing aids are used in hearing aids, which must compensate for the hearing loss of a hearing aid wearer. These interference fields affect components in the immediate vicinity of the listener. Since hearing aids and in particular ITE hearing aids inherently only take up a small amount of space, the remaining in a hearing aid necessary electrical components are relatively close to the listener. That All electrical components can be influenced by the interference fields of the listener.

Der Hörer wird im Audiofrequenzbereich betrieben. Dies bedeutet aber nicht, dass Störfeldkomponenten ausschließlich im Audiofrequenzbereich vorliegen. Vielmehr werden auch Oberwellen des Nutzsignals bzw. des Nutzfelds als Störkomponenten generiert. So werden typischerweise auch im Frequenzbereich von einigen MHz (z.B. 3 MHz) elektromagnetische Störkomponenten durch die Magnetanordnung 11 erzeugt. In diesem Frequenzbereich arbeitet aber auch beispielsweise ein elektromagnetisches Kommunikationssystem, welches in das Hörgerät integriert ist. Weist also das Hörgerät eine Antenne bzw. Spule für die Drahtloskommunikation im einstelligen MHz-Bereich auf, so können Störkomponenten des Hörers durchaus maßgeblich das Kommunikationssystem beeinflussen. Diese Störkomponenten gilt es wirksam einzudämmen.The handset is operated in the audio frequency range. However, this does not mean that interference field components exist exclusively in the audio frequency range. Rather, harmonics of the useful signal or of the useful field are also generated as interference components. Thus, typically also in the frequency range of a few MHz (eg 3 MHz) electromagnetic interference components generated by the magnet assembly 11. In this frequency range, however, also works, for example, an electromagnetic communication system, which is integrated into the hearing aid. Thus, if the hearing aid has an antenna or coil for wireless communication in the single-digit MHz range, interfering components of the listener can definitely decisively influence the communication system. It is important to curb these interfering components effectively.

In dem Beispiel von FIG 2 ist daher die Magnetanordnung 11 in ein Gehäuse 21 eingebaut, welches zumindest teilweise aus einem amorphen, weichmagnetischen Metall der eingangs genannten Art hergestellt ist. Dieses Gehäuse 21 umgibt die Magnetanordnung 11 vollständig. Der Schallauslassstutzen 10 ist hier einteilig mit dem Gehäuse 21 verbunden und aus dem gleichen Material gebildet wie das Gehäuse 21 selbst. In der Nähe der Spule 19 des magnetischen Wandlers befindet sich eine Öffnung 22 im Gehäuse 21. Durch diese Öffnung werden die Anschlussleitungen 20 der Spule 19 nach außen geführt. Um trotz der Öffnung 22 eine vollständige Schirmung gewährleisten zu können, befindet sich ein zusätzlicher Gehäuseabschnitt 23 in Abstrahlrichtung vor der Öffnung 22.In the example of FIG. 2 Therefore, the magnet assembly 11 is installed in a housing 21 which is at least partially made of an amorphous, soft magnetic metal of the type mentioned. This housing 21 completely surrounds the magnet arrangement 11. The Schallauslassstutzen 10 is here integrally connected to the housing 21 and formed of the same material as the housing 21 itself. In the vicinity of the coil 19 of the magnetic transducer is an opening 22 in the housing 21. Through this opening, the connecting lines 20 of the coil 19 led to the outside. In order to ensure complete shielding despite the opening 22, there is an additional housing section 23 in the emission direction in front of the opening 22.

Die genannte und in FIG 2 dargestellte Struktur des Hörers und insbesondere auch des Gehäuses 21 ist lediglich beispielhaft. Zum besseren Verständnis des Aufbaus des Hörers ist au-βerdem das Gehäuse 21 in FIG 2 halb offen dargestellt, so dass der darin befindliche magnetische Wandler erkennbar ist.The named and in FIG. 2 shown structure of the listener and in particular the housing 21 is merely exemplary. For a better understanding of the structure of the handset is au-βerdem the housing 21 in FIG. 2 half open, so that the magnetic transducer located therein is recognizable.

Das Gehäuse 21 stellt also eine Abschirmeinrichtung dar, die hier Teil der Lautsprechereinrichtung ist. Alternativ kann zwischen dem Hörer bzw. der Lautsprechereinrichtung und jeder anderen Signalverarbeitungskomponente des Hörgeräts auch beispielsweise eine Abschirmfolie, ein Abschirmband oder ein anderes Abschirmelement angeordnet sein. Wichtig ist nur, dass die jeweilige Abschirmeinrichtung das genannte amorphe, weichmagnetische Metall aufweist.The housing 21 thus represents a shielding device, which is part of the speaker device here. Alternatively, it is also possible for example to arrange a shielding foil, a shielding band or another shielding element between the receiver or the loudspeaker device and any other signal processing component of the hearing device. It is only important that the respective shielding means comprises said amorphous, soft magnetic metal.

Das verwendete amorphe, weichmagnetische Metall besitzt au-βerdem eine Vorzugsrichtung der nanokristallinen Strukturen. Diese Anisotropie führt dazu, dass die Abschirmeinrichtung (im Falle des Beispiels von FIG 2 das Gehäuse 21) eine magnetische Vorzugsrichtung 24 und eine elektrische Vorzugsrichtung 25 besitzt. Beide Vorzugsrichtungen 24 und 25 stehen senkrecht aufeinander.The amorphous magnetically soft metal used also has a preferred direction of nanocrystalline structures. This anisotropy causes the shielding device (in the case of the example of FIG. 2 the housing 21) has a preferred magnetic direction 24 and a preferred electrical direction 25. Both preferred directions 24 and 25 are perpendicular to each other.

Das Gehäuse 21 besitzt hier quaderförmige Gestalt. Die einzelnen Wände des Gehäuses verlaufen im Wesentlichen parallel zu den unmittelbar gegenüberliegenden Abschnitten des Magnetkreises der Magnetanordnung 11. So verläuft beispielsweise die Oberseite 26 des Gehäuses 21 parallel zu dem zweiten Schenkel 15 des Magnetkreises. Ebenso verläuft beispielsweise die Unterseite 27 des Gehäuses 21 parallel zu dem ihr unmittelbar zugewandten ersten Schenkel 14 des Magnetkreises.The housing 21 has cuboid shape here. The individual walls of the housing extend substantially parallel to the directly opposite sections of the magnetic circuit of the magnet arrangement 11. For example, the upper side 26 of the housing 21 runs parallel to the second leg 15 of the magnetic circuit. Likewise, for example, the underside 27 of the housing 21 runs parallel to the immediately adjacent first leg 14 of the magnetic circuit.

In der Oberseite 26 des Gehäuses 21 ist das amorphe, weichmagnetische Metall so ausgebildet, dass die magnetische Vorzugsrichtung 24 parallel zu dem zweiten Schenkel 15 und damit parallel zu dem darin geführten Magnetfluss verläuft. Damit können niederfrequente Störfelder der Magnetanordnung 11 gedämpft werden.In the upper side 26 of the housing 21, the amorphous, soft magnetic metal is formed so that the magnetic preferred direction 24 is parallel to the second leg 15 and thus parallel to the guided therein magnetic flux. This low-frequency interference fields of the magnet assembly 11 can be attenuated.

Das Material des Gehäuses 21 besitzt, wie bereits angedeutet wurde, senkrecht zu der magnetischen Vorzugsrichtung 24 eine elektrische Vorzugsrichtung 25. Dies bedeutet, dass in dieser Richtung der elektrische Widerstand geringer ist als in der dazu orthogonalen Richtung. Da das Gehäuse 21 die Magnetanordnung 11 vollständig umgibt, bildet sich somit entsprechend der Vorzugsrichtung 25 ein elektrischer Kreis um die Magnetanordnung 11 aus, dessen Achse senkrecht auf der Achse des Magnetkreises steht. In diesem elektrischen Kreis können Wirbelströme fließen, die durch hochfrequente Störanteile der Magnetanordnung im Gehäuse 21 induziert werden. Dies führt zu einer entsprechenden Schirmung der hochfrequenten Anteile nach außen.The material of the housing 21 has, as already indicated, perpendicular to the magnetic preferred direction 24, an electrical preferred direction 25. This means that in this direction, the electrical resistance is lower than in the orthogonal direction thereto. Since the housing 21 completely surrounds the magnet arrangement 11, an electrical circuit is thus formed around the magnet arrangement 11 in accordance with the preferred direction 25, the axis of which is perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic circuit. In this electrical circuit eddy currents can flow, which are induced by high-frequency interference components of the magnet assembly in the housing 21. This leads to a corresponding shielding of the high-frequency components to the outside.

Die Problematik, sowohl elektrische als auch magnetische Felder zu schirmen, wird also durch amorphe, weichmagnetische Metalle mit Vorzugsrichtung (Anisotropie) der nanokristallinen Struktur gelöst. Solche Materialien, die wegen ihrer besseren Verarbeitbarkeit als Alternative zu Mu-Metall zur Schirmung niederfrequenter Wechselfelder erfindungsgemäß eingesetzt werden, weisen eine hohe Permeabilität in einer Raumrichtung auf und sind dabei gleichzeitig gute Leiter in der anderen Raumrichtung. So kann das niederfrequente Magnetfeld, wie erwähnt, in einer Raumrichtung geleitet werden, während die Wirbelströme, welche für die Schirmung hochfrequenter Felder sorgen, mit wenig Widerstand fließen können.The problem of shielding both electrical and magnetic fields is thus solved by amorphous, soft magnetic metals with preferential direction (anisotropy) of the nanocrystalline structure. Such materials, which are used according to the invention for shielding low-frequency alternating fields because of their better processability as an alternative to Mu metal, have a high permeability in one spatial direction and at the same time are good conductors in the other spatial direction. Thus, the low-frequency magnetic field, as mentioned, can be conducted in one spatial direction, while the eddy currents, which provide for the shielding of high-frequency fields, can flow with little resistance.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann somit die notwendige Schirmwirkung mit nur einem Material erreicht werden. Dadurch können Montageschritte eingespart werden, und der geschirmte Hörer bzw. das gesamte Hörgerät kann kleiner gebaut werden.Advantageously, thus the necessary shielding effect can be achieved with only one material. This assembly steps can be saved, and the shielded handset or the entire hearing aid can be built smaller.

Die Abschirmeinrichtung bzw. das Gehäuse 21 weisen das genannte amorphe, weichmagnetische Metall mit Vorzugsrichtung der nanokristallinen Strukturen auf. Dabei kann das Metall in Form einer Metalllage auf oder in eine bzw. mehrere andere Materiallagen aufgebracht/eingebettet sein. Durch die Mehrlagigkeit können gezielt andere Materialeigenschaften des Gehäuses, z.B. erhöhte Festigkeit, gefördert werden.The shielding device or the housing 21 have said amorphous, soft magnetic metal with preferential direction of the nanocrystalline structures. In this case, the metal may be applied / embedded in the form of a metal layer on or in one or more other material layers. Due to the multi-layeredness, other material properties of the housing, e.g. increased strength, be promoted.

Claims (8)

Hörgerät mit - einer Signalaufnahmeeinrichtung (2), - einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (3) zum Verarbeiten eines Signals von der Signalaufnahmeeinrichtung (2), - einer magnetisch betriebenen Lautsprechereinrichtung (4), die ein Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (3) in einen Ausgangsschall wandelt, und - einer Abschirmeinrichtung (21), die zwischen der Lautsprechereinrichtung (4) und der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (3) zur Reduktion elektromagnetischer Beeinflussung der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (3) durch die Lautsprechereinrichtung (4) angeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass - die Abschirmeinrichtung (21) zumindest teilweise aus einem amorphen, weichmagnetischen Metall mit Vorzugsrichtung (24, 25) der nanokristallinen Strukturen ausgebildet ist. Hearing aid with a signal receiving device (2), a signal processing device (3) for processing a signal from the signal receiving device (2), - A magnetically operated speaker device (4), which converts an output signal of the signal processing means (3) into an output sound, and a shielding device (21) which is arranged between the loudspeaker device (4) and the signal processing device (3) for reducing electromagnetic interference of the signal processing device (3) by the loudspeaker device (4), characterized in that - The shielding device (21) is at least partially formed of an amorphous, soft magnetic metal with preferred direction (24, 25) of the nanocrystalline structures. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (3) eine Übertragungseinheit aufweist, und die Abschirmeinrichtung (21) zum Schutz der Übertragungseinheit hauptsächlich zwischen dieser und der Lautsprechereinrichtung (4) angeordnet ist.Hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing device (3) has a transmission unit, and the shielding device (21) for protecting the transmission unit is arranged mainly between the latter and the loudspeaker device (4). Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Abschirmeinrichtung (21) das Gehäuse der Lautsprechereinrichtung bildet.Hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shielding means (21) forms the housing of the speaker device. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Gehäuse mehrlagig ausgebildet ist, und eine Lage davon als Träger dient, auf dem eine Lage aus dem amorphen Metall ausgebildet ist.Hearing aid according to claim 3, wherein the housing is multi-layered, and a layer thereof serves as a carrier, on which a layer of the amorphous metal is formed. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Abschirmeinrichtung (21) im einstelligen MHz-Bereich eine deutliche Abschirmwirkung zeigt.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding means (21) in the single-digit MHz range shows a clear shielding effect. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Abschirmeinrichtung (21) eine magnetische Vorzugsrichtung (24) aufweist, die im Wesentlichen parallel zu einem Magnetkreis der Lautsprechereinrichtung (4) verläuft.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding device (21) has a preferred magnetic direction (24) which extends substantially parallel to a magnetic circuit of the loudspeaker device (4). Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Abschirmeinrichtung (21) eine elektrische Vorzugsrichtung (25) aufweist, die im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu einem Magnetkreis der Lautsprechereinrichtung (4) verläuft.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding device (21) has a preferred electrical direction (25) which extends substantially perpendicular to a magnetic circuit of the loudspeaker device (4). Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, das als In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät ausgebildet ist.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed as in-the-ear hearing aid.
EP11157992.6A 2010-03-26 2011-03-14 Hearing aid with amorphous speaker shielding Active EP2375784B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US31774510P 2010-03-26 2010-03-26

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2375784A2 true EP2375784A2 (en) 2011-10-12
EP2375784A3 EP2375784A3 (en) 2013-05-01
EP2375784B1 EP2375784B1 (en) 2014-06-25

Family

ID=44123216

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11157992.6A Active EP2375784B1 (en) 2010-03-26 2011-03-14 Hearing aid with amorphous speaker shielding

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US8649542B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2375784B1 (en)
CN (1) CN202385276U (en)
DK (1) DK2375784T3 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3451688A1 (en) 2017-09-04 2019-03-06 Sonion Nederland B.V. A sound generator, a shielding and a spout

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014090282A1 (en) 2012-12-11 2014-06-19 Phonak Ag Magnetically-shielding housing
KR101420320B1 (en) 2013-03-26 2014-07-17 신 렬 이 Ultra Slim diaphragm driving Speaker
WO2017153274A1 (en) * 2016-03-07 2017-09-14 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Antenna
DE102019217861B3 (en) 2019-11-20 2021-05-20 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Hearing aid
CN113691918A (en) * 2021-09-04 2021-11-23 武汉左点科技有限公司 Anti-electromagnetic interference method and device for hearing aid

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6850803B1 (en) 2000-06-16 2005-02-01 Medtronic, Inc. Implantable medical device with a recharging coil magnetic shield

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7460681B2 (en) * 2004-07-20 2008-12-02 Sonion Nederland B.V. Radio frequency shielding for receivers within hearing aids and listening devices
DE102006043909B3 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-04-17 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Handset with additional shielding and hearing aid with this handset
JP5445890B2 (en) * 2007-03-22 2014-03-19 日立金属株式会社 Soft magnetic ribbon, magnetic core, magnetic component, and method of manufacturing soft magnetic ribbon
JP2009021403A (en) * 2007-07-12 2009-01-29 Alps Electric Co Ltd Electromagnetic wave suppressing sheet
CN101472455A (en) * 2007-12-29 2009-07-01 3M创新有限公司 Electromagnetic shielding liner and method for filling clearance of electromagnetic shielding system
JP5339192B2 (en) * 2008-03-31 2013-11-13 日立金属株式会社 Amorphous alloy ribbon, nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy, magnetic core, and method for producing nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy
US8259975B2 (en) * 2008-09-03 2012-09-04 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing aid with an attenuation element

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6850803B1 (en) 2000-06-16 2005-02-01 Medtronic, Inc. Implantable medical device with a recharging coil magnetic shield

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"TECHNICAL DATA, Amorphous Magnetic Shielding Tape", 16 October 2006, FIRMA HITACHI METALS, LTD.
HANS-RAINER HILZINGER ET AL.: "Amorphe und nanokristalline Metalle", SPEKTRUM DER WISSENSCHAFTEN, July 1994 (1994-07-01)
VON SVEN EGELKRAUT ET AL.: "Polymer bonded soft magnetics for EMI filter applications", AUTOMOTIVE POWER ELECTRONICS, 25 March 2009 (2009-03-25)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3451688A1 (en) 2017-09-04 2019-03-06 Sonion Nederland B.V. A sound generator, a shielding and a spout
US10560767B2 (en) 2017-09-04 2020-02-11 Sonion Nederland B.V. Sound generator, a shielding and a spout

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2375784A3 (en) 2013-05-01
US20110235837A1 (en) 2011-09-29
US8649542B2 (en) 2014-02-11
CN202385276U (en) 2012-08-15
EP2375784B1 (en) 2014-06-25
DK2375784T3 (en) 2014-09-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1962557B1 (en) Hearing device with a special energy reception system and corresponding method
EP2811761B1 (en) Antenna device for hearing instruments
EP3413587B1 (en) Hearing aid, in particular behind the ear hearing aid
EP2375784B1 (en) Hearing aid with amorphous speaker shielding
EP3427339B1 (en) Antenna
DE102006043909B3 (en) Handset with additional shielding and hearing aid with this handset
EP2894880B1 (en) Antenna device for hearing instruments
EP3579336B1 (en) Antenna and device incorporating the same
DE102009007233A1 (en) Hearing device with noise compensation and design method
DE102013204681A1 (en) Binaural hearing instrument and earpiece
DE102004051226B3 (en) Hearing aid with a loop to compensate for inductive interference
EP2104377A2 (en) Hearing system with subband signal interchange and corresponding method
DE102007007800B3 (en) Hearing device with receiver compensation coil
EP3209032B1 (en) Loudspeaker module for a hearing aid and hearing aid
EP3614494B1 (en) Performant magnetically inductive antenna for a hearing aid
DE102008045668B4 (en) Hearing aid with damping element
EP3826327A1 (en) Hearing aid
DE102010012946B4 (en) Hearing aid with amorphous speaker shield
DE102017012195B4 (en) Hearing aid, in particular behind-the-ear hearing aid
DE102006049469B4 (en) Hearing aid with live metal strap
DE102021201095A1 (en) Space-saving antenna for a hearing instrument
EP2911312A1 (en) Antenna with screening device and manufacturing method
EP1912475A1 (en) Absorption of electromagnetic radiation in hearing devices
EP3863304A1 (en) Hearing device with inductively coupled antenna unit
DE102009018425A1 (en) Hearing device e.g. behind-the-ear hearing aid, has telephone coil for receiving telephone signal, and suppression circuit directly connected to output of telephone coil or transmission coil before signal processing device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H04R 25/00 20060101AFI20130322BHEP

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20130904

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20140129

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: HUETTINGER, SIMON

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 675310

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20140715

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502011003517

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140807

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

Effective date: 20140926

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140925

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140926

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20140625

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141027

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141025

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502011003517

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502011003517

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: FDST PATENTANWAELTE FREIER DOERR STAMMLER TSCH, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502011003517

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: FDST PATENTANWAELTE FREIER DOERR STAMMLER TSCH, DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20150326

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502011003517

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20150326

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502011003517

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: FDST PATENTANWAELTE FREIER DOERR STAMMLER TSCH, DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 502011003517

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: SIVANTOS PTE. LTD., SG

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD., SINGAPORE, SG

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150314

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150314

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 675310

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160314

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20110314

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160314

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20140625

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230320

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20230323

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230323

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230320

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230402

Year of fee payment: 13