WO2008037747A1

WO2008037747A1 - Compact rechargeable headset and corresponding charging assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2008037747A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/060228
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chobthumsakul Rachata; Cuebchompoo Rassamee
Original assignee: Argard Co Ltd; Fougere, Franck
Priority date: 2006-09-26
Filing date: 2007-09-26
Publication date: 2008-04-03

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a wireless headset (1) to be engaged against a user's ear. The headset comprises a casing (10) designed for receiving therein a speaker (301), a battery (201) and an electronic circuit (40) comprising an antenna for wireless communication and a signal processing unit connected to the speaker. The casing is showing three compartments (23, 22, 21) for receiving the electronic circuit, the battery and an ear bud comprising the speaker respectively. The compartments present substantially a rotational symmetry shape, with their respective axis (Cl, C2, C3) being substantially parallel to each other. The compartments are located in adjacent succession to each other from a first end to a second end of the casing. The compartments are positioned in relation to each other so as to define a recess (50) designed to engage against the lower portion of the user's ear. The recess comprises a front portion (201) designed to engage against the inner portion of the user's ear and continued with a rear portion (502) designed to engage against the outer portion of the uear. Furthermore, taxis of the speaker, battery and electronic circuit compartments respectively are shifted away from each other so as to allow the shaping of the recess.

Description

COMPACT RECHARGEABLE HEADSET AND CORRESPONDING CHARGING ASSEMBLY

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to radiocommunication systems, and, more particularly, to a headset for use primarily in connection with a wireless application. More precisely, the invention relates to wireless headsets such as might be used to interface with a communication equipment such as a cellular telephone, a MP3 player, a portable DVD player, a computer system, etc., via a wireless link using a radiocommunication protocol such as Bluetooth standard, WiFi standard, Zigbee standard, etc. Further, the invention relates to a compact wireless headset intended to be worn on one ear.

2. Background of the invention

In communication systems, wireless headsets facilitate hands-free communication. There is a wide- variety of wireless headsets available on the market.

One type of wireless headset useful with communication equipments are headsets that are attached to only the ear of a user, using some type of a hook or attaching component. The hook affixes the headset to the ear or head of the user and positions a speaker near the user's ear and a microphone near the user's mouth to enable hands-free communication.

One disadvantage to this type of headset is that the headset is generally large and bulky and thereby difficult to store when they are not in use. Another disadvantage is that the headset can not be used on either ear without changing the hook or without modifying the configuration of the headset. The third problem is that this type of wireless headset is often uncomfortable due to the fact that its overall design is not optimised for allowing the headset to be physically supported only by the user's ear.

Besides being uncomfortable, such design is easily dislodged from the user during use, particularly when the user wears glasses. Additionally, headset equipped with a hook (or any similar hanging device) and many other types of headsets typically use internal batteries for providing the operating power. Further, more and more companies are designing, manufacturing and selling headsets equipped with battery charging connectors, but despites their efforts at design level, they can not manage to achieve a compact headset.

Another issue not adequately solved in existing devices is the need for a properly balanced headset (in terms of weight and volumes) in its various positions of use (namely when hooked at the user's ear and/or when sat on its charging cradle).

Thus, there is a need to provide a compact, aesthetic and more comfortable headset.

3. Objectives of the invention

It is therefore a feature of the subject invention to provide a new lightweight compact wireless headset.

It is another feature of the present invention to provide a compact wireless headset that can be rapidly positioned and safely engaged in the opening of the auditory canal of a user's ear.

It is another feature of the present invention to provide a compact wireless headset that accommodate human's ear profile for a better ear-holding and a better ambient noise insulation.

It is yet another feature of the present invention to provide a compact and properly balanced wireless headset that can be easily and efficiently charged without using expensive battery charging connectors or cumbersome charging cradle.

It is also another feature of the present invention to provide a compact wireless headset that can be used with all existing communication devices and adaptable to all existing radiocommunication protocols.

4. Main characteristics of the invention These objectives, as well as others which will become apparent hereinafter, are attained by the invention by means of a wireless headset to be engaged against a user's ear, comprising a casing designed for receiving therein a speaker, a battery, and an electronic circuit comprising an antenna for wireless communication and a signal processing unit connected to said speaker. According to the invention: said casing is showing three compartments for receiving said electronic circuit, said battery and an ear bud comprising said speaker respectively, said compartments presenting substantially a rotational symmetry shape, with their respective axis being substantially parallel to each other, and said compartments being located in adjacent succession to each other from a first end to a second end of the casing ; the respective compartments are positioned in relation to each other so as to define a recess designed to engage against the lower portion of the user's ear. The recess comprises a front portion designed to engage against the inner portion of the user's ear and continued with a rear portion designed to engage against the outer portion of the user's ear. The axis of said speaker, battery and electronic circuit compartments respectively are shifted away from each other so as to allow the shaping of said recess. According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, said compartment for receiving said electronic circuit opens on to said compartment for receiving said battery, and said compartment for receiving said battery opens on to said compartment for receiving said speaker.

Advantageously, said front portion presents substantially a "S" shape. According to an advantageous characteristic, said rear portion is substantially flat.

Advantageously, said axis of said electronic circuit compartment is extending along an intermediate position between said axis of said speaker and battery compartments respectively. According to another advantageous characteristic, said recess is formed so that it extends inwards inside said casing, said recess thus showing a hollow portion on the outside of the casing and a protruding portion on the inside of the casing.

Advantageously, said battery is positioned within the casing so that said battery overhangs at least partially said recess in a direction substantially vertical to the direction of the battery compartment axis so as to allow stable positioning of said wireless headset on the user's ear.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said battery is a rechargeable cylindrical type battery. Advantageously, said recess is provided with at least one charging contact pad designed to come into contact with at least one electrical pad of an upper reception housing of said charging cradle, so that in a charging position: said recess is slotted and immediately locked in said reception housing, and - said wireless headset sits by gravity on said cradle.

According to an advantageous characteristic, each charging contact pad is formed so that it extends outwards outside said rear portion of the recess.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the mass ratio and the lever arm ratio between said first and second end are so that they allow stable positioning of said wireless headset on said cradle, for an angle of the main axis of the headset with respect to the horizontal direction comprised between 0° and 60°, preferentially around 30°.

The invention also relates to a wired headset comprising the features of the above-described wireless headset, except for an antenna for wireless communication

The invention likewise relates to a headset and charging assembly of the type consisting of a headset to be engaged against a user's ear, and a charging cradle of the type comprising an upper reception housing for receiving said headset. According to the invention: said casing is showing three compartments for receiving said electronic circuit, said battery and an ear bud comprising said speaker respectively, said compartments presenting substantially a rotational symmetry shape, with their respective axis being substantially parallel to each other, and said compartments being located in adjacent succession to each other from a first end to a second end of the casing.

The respective compartments being positioned in relation to each other so as to define a recess designed to engage said upper reception housing, so that said headset may removably sit by gravity on said cradle. 5. Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer by reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given only as an illustrative and non-limiting example, and the drawings attached among which: - FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the headset of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the headset illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a cradle for use with a headset, the cradle having a headset resting thereon; and - FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a cradle for use with a headset.

6. Disclosure of the invention

Turning now to the detailed drawings, FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the headset 1 of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1, the headset 1, when designed for use in a wireless application, comprises a headset casing 10 designed for receiving therein a speaker 301, a battery 201, and an electronic circuit 40. The electronic circuit 40 generally comprises an antenna (not shown) and a digital signal processing unit (not shown) for permitting restitution of audio signals (for example transmitted from a MP3 player), via the speaker 301. The headset 1 further comprises a microphone 4 with noise filtering insulator. In one embodiment of the present invention, the microphone 4 is a unidirectional microphone.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the headset casing 10 is made of plastic (for example Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene materials) with surface finish of ultra fine metallic paint to resembles metal surfaces.

As more fully described hereafter, the headset according to the invention is design to be used on either ear, without a need to make any mechanical or electrical adjustments.

As seen in FIG. 1, the headset casing 10 is showing a first compartment 21 for receiving the speaker 301, a second compartment 22 for receiving the battery 201 and a third compartment 23 for receiving the electronic circuit 40. In this embodiment, the first, second and third compartments present substantially a rotational symmetry shape. It is to be noted that the axis Cl, C2, C3 of the three compartments 21, 22, 23 are substantially parallel to each other. The headset casing 10 further has two ends; a first end 101 and a second end 102. The three compartments 21, 22, 23 are located in adjacent succession to each other from the first end 101 to the second end 102. The compartments are communicating with one another, in others words the third compartment 23 is opening on to the second compartment 22 and the second compartment 22 is opening on to the first compartment 21. The electronic circuit 40 and the battery 201 extend near the first end 101 of the headset casing 10 and are substantially parallel to each other. As illustrated by FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the speaker 301 is embodied as an ear bud 30 and extends at the second end 102 of the headset casing 10. The ear bud 30 generally comprises a speaker 301 having, in this embodiment, a relatively soft material 302, such as foam or gel, or any other suitable material, extending around or encasing the speaker 301 to protect the ear from direct contact with the speaker 301. Other embodiments need not have the material 302 or can have other mechanisms for securing the ear bud 30 within the ear or otherwise protect the ear. The soft material 302 further functions to secure the ear bud 30 within the opening of the auditory canal of a user's ear. Thus, the ear bud 30 is typically formed to fit snugly, but comfortably, within the opening of the auditory canal of the user's ear.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first 21, second 22 and third 23 compartments (described above) are positioned in relation to each other so as to define a recess 50 designed to engage against the lower portion of the user's ear. More precisely, the recess 50 comprises a front portion 501 designed to engage against the inner portion of the user's ear and continued with a rear portion 502 designed to engage against the outer portion of the user's ear. It is important to note that the axis Cl, C2, C3 of the three compartments 21, 22, 23 are shifted away from each other so as to allow the shaping of the recess 50. In a particular embodiment, the axis C3 of the third 23 compartment is extending along an intermediate position between the axis Cl, C2 of the first 21 and second 22 compartments.

The recess 50 is shaped so as to accommodate human's ear profile. For this purpose, the front portion 501 of the recess 50 presents a "S" shaped profile that matches the ridge of cartilage above the ear lobe at the lower entrance to the ear canal, or more particularly, the anti tragus of one's ear, and the rear portion 502 of the recess 50 is substantially flat and positioned to engage the user's lobule of auricle (or ear lobe). This recess 50 is formed in such a way that it extends inwards inside the headset casing 10, thus showing a hollow portion 503 on the outside of the casing and a protruding portion 504 on the inside of the casing. For purpose of illustration, the height of the protruding part 504 is shown to be around 4mm. Thus, the headset 1 of the invention is more comfortable to wear as its overall design takes into account the anatomy of the inner and outer ear.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the paint coating on the front 501 and rear portions 502 is rubber based (also called "snow soft" paint) such that the part 501 and 502 feel soft to touch. In a general manner, these parts are design not to interfere with the ear but in case it touches the ear, it is comfortable to the skin.

As noted above, in order to make the headset 1 more compact, it is proposed to position the battery 201 between the electronic circuit 40 and the speaker 301. More precisely, the battery 201 overhangs at least partially the recess 50 in a direction substantially vertical to the direction of the axis C2 of the second 22 compartment (i.e. the battery compartment axis), such that the battery can counterbalance the first end 101 of the headset casing 10. In this way, the battery 201 may equally distribute the weight of the headset 1 between the ends of the headset casing 10, thus allowing stable positioning of the headset 1 on the user's ear. The battery used in one embodiment of the present invention is a cylindrical rechargeable battery of a type and chemistry generally known in the art, e.g., any lithium ion battery or the like. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the headset 1 of the present invention. As seen best in FIG. 2, a control ring 100 (that forms the third compartment 23 for receiving the electronic circuit 40) resiliently clips the outside of the first end 101 of the headset casing 10. The control ring 100 comprises three buttons; a power button (not shown) for allowing the user to turn the headset 1 on and off, a volume up control button 1101 and a volume down control button (not shown) for adjusting the volume of the speaker 301 (FIG. 1). The control ring 100 further comprises two rubber pads 1102 with adhesive backing. These pads 1102 provide grip and enhance stability while at docking station (also called hereafter "reception housing of the charging cradle"). They also prevent surfaces damage thought the abrasion of the control ring 100 against surfaces of docking station (i.e. the rubber pads 1102 protect the surfaces of the control ring 100 from scratching).

Unlike the headsets of prior art, which use large size connectors for charging purpose, the headset 1 of the invention implements two lightweight "L" shaped charging contact pads 60, as illustrated in FIG. 2, for engaging a charging cradle 2. The charging contact pads 60 are located at the lower end of the second compartment 22 (for receiving the battery). More precisely, each charging contact pad is formed so that it extends outwards outside the rear portion 502 of the recess 50 (FIG. 1). It is to note that each charging contact pad 60 is formed or bent in accordance to a process involving heat, folding and stamping a flat metal piece to shape. This operation is carried out on the entire thickness of the charging contact pad.

The charging contact pads 60 have metal strips protruded into the interior of the second compartment 22 of the headset casing 10. In this embodiment, end of the metal strips are terminated at electronic circuit 40 soldering holes (not shown). It is important to note that the design of the contact pad does not require adhesive or welding when assembly. It relies on snap method to lock contact pads in position.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one embodiment of an inverted "V" shaped charging cradle 2 that can be used in connection with the headset 1 of the present invention. The headset 1 is designed to removably cooperate with the charging cradle 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the charging cradle 2 comprises a pair of legs 91 (called front leg) and 92 (called rear leg) which are connected at corresponding ends by an intermediate portion 93. The front leg 91 has an opening 911, which in the illustrated embodiment, is positioned at the extremity near the intermediate portion 93. The opening 911 is designed to engage a power cable 3. The legs 91 and 92 are extending in diverging directions from the intermediate portion 93 of the charging cradle 2. For purpose of illustration, the opening angle 94 of the diverging legs is shown to be around 60°. It should be understood, however, that in an actual apparatus the opening angle 94 will be set between 50° and 70°.

In FIG. 4, it may be seen that the charging cradle 2 is provided with an upper reception housing 70 for holding the headset 1 of the invention against the cradle 2 when the headset is not in use (i.e. in charging position). The reception housing 70 comprises a front portion 701 formed in the upper end of the front leg 91 and designed to engage against the control ring 100 (FIG. 2) of the headset casing 10, and continued with a rear portion 702 formed in the upper end of the rear leg 92 and designed to engage against the ear bud 30 (FIG. 1) of the headset casing 10. The reception housing 70 further comprises two electrical pads 703 designed to come into contact with the charging contact pads 60 of the headset 1 (FIG. 2). It is important to note that the junction of the front 701 and rear 702 portions forms a lip 704, which is formed in such a way that it extends outwards outside the cradle 2. This lip 704 is positioned to engage at least partially the recess 50. In charging position, when placing the headset 1 onto the cradle 2, the lip 704 resiliency clips the recess 50, thus locking the headset 1 onto the cradle 2 and squeezing the charging contact pads 60 of the headset 1 against the electrical pads 703 of the cradle 2. The mass ratio and the lever arm ratio between the first 101 and second 102 ends of the headset casing 10 are so that they allow stable positioning of the headset 1 onto the cradle 2. Particularly, as seen in FIG. 3, the headset 1 sits by gravity on the cradle 2. For purpose of illustration, the angle (called charging angle) of the main axis of the headset with respect to the horizontal direction is shown to be around 30°. It should be understood, however, that in an actual apparatus the charging angle γ will be set between 0° and 60°.

It will be understood that the above-described apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless headset (1) to be engaged against a user's ear, of the type comprising a casing (10) designed for receiving therein a speaker (301), a battery (201), and an electronic circuit (40) comprising an antenna for wireless communication and a signal processing unit connected to said speaker, characterized in that said casing is showing three compartments (23, 22, 21) for receiving said electronic circuit (40), said battery (201) and an ear bud (30) comprising said speaker (301) respectively, - said compartments (21, 22, 23) presenting substantially a rotational symmetry shape, with their respective axis (Cl, C2, C3) being substantially parallel to each other, and said compartments being located in adjacent succession to each other from a first end (101) to a second (102) end of the casing ; - the respective compartments are positioned in relation to each other so as to define a recess (50) designed to engage against the lower portion of the user's ear, in that said recess (50) comprises a front portion (501) designed to engage against the inner portion of the user's ear and continued with a rear portion (502) designed to engage against the outer portion of the user's ear, and in that said axis (Cl, C2, C3) of said speaker (301), battery (201) and electronic circuit (40) compartments respectively are shifted away from each other so as to allow the shaping of said recess (50).

2. A wireless headset according to claim 1, characterized in that said compartment (23) for receiving said electronic circuit (40) opens on to said compartment (22) for receiving said battery (201), and said compartment (22) for receiving said battery (201) opens on to said compartment (21) for receiving said speaker (301).

3. A wireless headset according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said front portion (501) presents substantially a "S" shape.

4. A wireless headset according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said rear portion (502) is substantially flat.

5. A wireless headset according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said axis (C3) of said electronic circuit (40) compartment is extending along an intermediate position between said axis (Cl, C2) of said speaker (301) and battery (201) compartments respectively.

6. A wireless headset according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said recess (50) is formed so that it extends inwards inside said casing (10), said recess thus showing a hollow portion (503) on the outside of the casing and a protruding portion (504) on the inside of the casing.

7. A wireless headset according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said battery (201) is positioned within the casing (10) so that said battery overhangs at least partially said recess (50) in a direction substantially vertical to the direction of the battery compartment axis (C2) so as to allow stable positioning of said wireless headset on the user's ear.

8. A wireless headset according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said battery (201) is a rechargeable cylindrical type battery.

9. A wireless headset according to any of claims 1 to 8, designed to removably cooperate with a charging cradle (2) characterized in that said recess (50) is provided with at least one charging contact pad (60) designed to come into contact with at least one electrical pad (701) of an upper reception housing (70) of said charging cradle (2), so that, in a charging position: said recess (50) is slotted and immediately locked in said reception housing (70), and said wireless headset (1) sits by gravity on said cradle (2).

10. A wireless headset according to claim 9, characterized in that each charging contact pad (60) is formed so that it extends outwards outside said rear portion (502) of the recess (50).

11. A wireless headset according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mass ratio and the lever arm ratio between said first (101) and second (102) end are so that they allow stable positioning of said wireless headset (1) on said cradle (2), for an angle (θ) of the main axis of the headset with respect to the horizontal direction comprised between 0° and 60°, preferentially around 30°.

12. A wired headset comprising the features described in any of claims 1 to 11 except for an antenna for wireless communication.

13. A headset and charging assembly of the type consisting of a headset (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12 to be engaged against a user's ear, and a charging cradle (2) of the type comprising an upper reception housing (70) for receiving said headset (1), characterized in that said casing is showing three compartments (23, 22, 21) for receiving said electronic circuit (40), said battery (201) and an ear bud (30) comprising said speaker (301) respectively, said compartments (21, 22, 23) present substantially a rotational symmetry shape, with their respective axis (Cl, C2, C3) being substantially parallel to each other, and said compartments being located in adjacent succession to each other from a first end (101) to a second (102) end of the casing ; the respective compartments being positioned in relation to each other so as to define a recess (50) designed to engage said upper reception housing (70), so that said headset (1) may removably sit by gravity on said cradle (2).