WO2008152539A1

WO2008152539A1 - A cable management device, and a method of managing cables of an audio playback apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2008152539A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/052139
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Schoeffmann; Mark Hannah
Original assignee: Nxp B.V.
Priority date: 2007-06-11
Filing date: 2008-06-02
Publication date: 2008-12-18

Abstract

A cable management device (100) for an audio playback apparatus (110), the cable management device (100) comprising a tubular member (101) adapted to enclose two cables (102, 103) of the audio playback apparatus (110) and adapted to be movable relative to the two cables (102, 103).

Description

A cable management device, and a method of managing cables of an audio playback apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cable management device. Beyond this, the invention relates to an audio playback apparatus. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of managing cables of an audio playback apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Audio playback devices become more and more important. Particularly, an increasing number of users buy headphone-based audio apparatuses.

Portable electronic devices are intended for recording or playback of acoustic signals. For many applications it is necessary to have a headset, typically comprising one or more loudspeakers in the form of one or two earplug, or one or more microphones. For example, by using a headset, a user of mobile phones can enjoy more privacy when the others around cannot hear the telephone conversation. The loudspeaker and a microphone are usually connected to the portable electronic device by using a headset wire which usually includes two pair of wires. One annoying feature of two wire pairs is that they get easily entangled. EP 1,489,820 discloses a headset wire for a portable electronic device comprising a first pair of wires electrically connectable to a first loudspeaker, and a second pair of wires electrically connectable to a microphone or to a second loudspeaker. The headset wire further comprises a slidable connecting means adapted to releaseably bring the first and the second pair of wires closer to each other or to releaseably join them together.

However, such headset systems may be inconvenient in use since cable jam may occur.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an audio system that is convenient in use.

In order to achieve the object defined above, a cable management device, an audio playback apparatus, and a method of managing cables of an audio playback apparatus according to the independent claims are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a cable management device (for instance a device for keeping cable in an ordered state) for an audio playback apparatus (for instance a headset or an MP3 player having a headset) is provided, the cable management device comprising a tubular member (such as a textile sleeve) adapted to enclose (at least) two cables (wherein each cable may comprise a pair (or any other number such as one or at least three) of wires and an electrical insulator) of the audio playback apparatus and adapted to be movable (for instance slidable) relative to (for instance along) the two cables.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an audio playback apparatus is provided, the audio playback apparatus comprising two cables adapted for carrying (or transmitting) audio signals (such as electric signals), and a cable management device having the above mentioned features, wherein at least a part of the two cables is accommodated within the tubular member of the cable management device.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of managing cables of an audio playback apparatus is provided, the method comprising moving a tubular member enclosing the two cables of the audio playback apparatus relative to the two cables.

According to another independent aspect of the invention, an audio playback apparatus is provided, the audio playback apparatus comprising

- two cables adapted for carrying audio signals, - a cover member (such as a tubular sleeve) adapted to cover the two cables and adapted to be movable relative to the two cables, wherein at least a part of the two cables is accommodated within the cover member,

- an audio reproduction unit (such as earpieces) adapted for reproducing audio data and electrically coupled to a first end portion of the two cables, - a connector unit (such as a plug) electrically coupled to a second end portion of the two cables, adapted to be connected to a periphery device (such as a CD player) and adapted for transmitting the audio data from the periphery device to the audio reproduction unit, and

- a signal transmission control unit (such as an electronic switch) adapted to disable a signal transmission (for instance to disable a transmission of the audio signals) between the audio reproduction unit and the connector unit when the tubular member encloses at least a predetermined portion of the two cables of the audio playback apparatus (for instance essentially the entire extension of the cables), and adapted to enable a signal transmission (for instance to disable a transmission of the audio signals) between the audio reproduction unit and the connector unit when the tubular member encloses less than the predetermined portion of the two cables (for instance significantly less than the entire extension of the cables).

The term "cable management device" may particularly denote any device which is capable of handling cables, particularly of at least partially accommodating two cables to prevent cable jam. Such a cable management device may, in a first operation state, receive a large part of the cables or the entire cables. In a second operation mode, the cable management device may expose a large(r) portion of the cables to allow for a use of the cables or components attached thereto, for instance to conveniently insert loudspeakers at end portions of the cables into the ears of a listener.

The term "audio playback apparatus" may particularly denote any apparatus capable of playing back audio content such as songs, speech, or any other kind of acoustic signals. Such an audio playback apparatus may comprise a connection to an audio data source such as a harddisk or a CD (inserted in a CD player) and may comprise loudspeakers such as earpieces for converting the electronic audio data into acoustic waves, perceivable for a human ear.

The term "tubular member" may particularly denote any tube, that is to say hollow cylindrical element which has at least one lumen, channel or guideway for receiving two (or more) cables in an interior thereof. Particularly, such a tubular element may be a hose, wherein an interior of the hose is adapted for receiving the two cables. Such a tube may be configured as a sheath for accommodating cables of an audio device, particularly of a portable audio device.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, two cables of an audio playback apparatus may be received in a tubular member in a manner that a user may operate the tubular member to selectively store the cables essentially entirely within the tubular member, or to expose a portion of or essentially the entire cables to extend out of the tubular member for use. Thus, cable jam may be securely prevented, and with a single hand movement (to slide the tube forwardly over the cables or backwardly to expose the cables), the user may convert the system from a tidy state into a state ready for use, or vice versa. Therefore, with extremely low effort, cable jam may be prevented. Simultaneously, the tubular structure may reliably protect the cables against any environmental influences such as mechanical forces, humidity, dirt, etc., thereby enabling the system to be used even under harsh conditions.

Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, cable management for wired headsets may be made possible using a simple tube. A cable management system for wired headsets may use a tube enclosing the wires in the headset. The tube can be moved up and down the wires in the headset, thus adjusting the length in a flexible manner. Therefore, in order to prevent cable jam at stereo headsets of a wired headset system, a tube may be provided consisting of a flexible material and being adapted to enclose at least two flexible wires in such a way as to be movable along the wires.

The tube may comprise a friction reinforcement section to absorb friction forces in touch with the wires. Therefore, a textile tube may be used covering the cables, wherein the tube can be moved to allow for a flexible adjustment of the cable length, with the friction reinforcement section serving for preventing undesired sliding motions of the sleeve in under the influence of very small forces (below a predefined threshold value).

At the tube (particularly on an exterior surface thereof), a microphone, a volume control, etc. can be arranged. A connector (for an electrical connection to a periphery device such as a CD player) may be fixed to the tube, for instance to an end thereof. Furthermore, the tube may have a friction element (as an anti-glide protection) at the end to allow for a stable and flexible operation of the device.

Next, further exemplary embodiments of the cable management device will be explained. However, these embodiments also apply to the audio playback apparatus, and to the method of managing cables. The tubular member may be made of a flexible material. The term "flexible" may particularly denote the property that a shape of the tubular member may be reversibly altered by compressing, elongating or laterally actuating a portion of the tubular member, particularly when a force acting on the tubular member exceeds a certain threshold value. Such a shape change may be reversible, so that upon exertion of a counterforce, the deformation may be undone. The flexibility of the tubular member may be selected such that the muscle force of an average human being is sufficient to conveniently move the tubular member between an operation state in which it essentially entirely covers the cables, and another operation state in which it exposes essentially the entire cables or a portion of the cables. The tubular member may be made of a material being prolongable when being stretched and being shortenable when being compressed. For instance, when being in an extended state, the tubular member may have an essentially cylindrical smooth outer surface. In contrast to this, when being in a compressed state, the tubular hose may be in a partially folded, crinkled, or convoluted state, so that a length is reduced by such a folding. This may allow to flexibly adjust a length of the tubular member to cover or uncover the cables to an adjustable extent. The material of the tube may be adapted such that, by compressing the tube longitudinally, different portions of the material of the tube may be brought in an overlapping state, by rolling up or turning up the wall of the tube to form sections having two or more layers.

The tubular member may be made of a contiguous fabric, so that the tubular member may be provided as a hose element. By taking this measure, a continuous hollow cylindrical structure may be provided which may protect an interior of the tubular member against mechanical influences, against humidity and against dirt. The tubular member may be made of a textile material such as cotton wool, nylon, or synthetic fibers like polyamide or silicone or spandex fibers or a mixture thereof. A length of the tubular member may be in the order of magnitude between 5 cm and 50 cm, particularly between 10 cm and 20 cm in an elongated state. A lumen formed in an interior of the tubular member may have a dimension in the order of magnitude between 1 mm and 1 cm, particularly between 0,2 cm and 0,5 cm. A thickness of the wall of the tubular element may have a dimension in the order of magnitude between 0,1 mm and 2 mm, particularly between 0,3 mm and 1 mm.

The tubular member may comprise a cable inlet portion and may comprise a cable outlet portion, wherein the cables may be inserted into a cable inlet portion, guided through the lumen of the tubular member, and lead out of the cable outlet portion. The cable inlet portion and/or the cable outlet portion may comprise one or more friction reinforcement sections adapted for locally exerting increased friction forces to the cables when sliding along the friction reinforcement section. Such a friction reinforcement section may be a rubber portion in an interior of the tubular member which provides a certain mechanical resistance for a size reduction of the tubular member. In other words, when a force lower than a threshold force is exerted on the tubular member, the tubular member will not be compressed. However, when the threshold force is exceeded to overcome the friction, a change in the length of the tubular member is enabled. Such a friction portion may, as an alternative to a rubber portion, be also a mechanical bottleneck or a narrow portion or a constricted opening, thereby selectively adding a certain mechanical resistance when the cables are guided through the friction reinforcement section.

The cable management device may be adapted to be compressible along a longitudinal axis of the tubular member (for instance to such an extent that the length of the tube is reducible by at least 30%, particularly by at least 50%, more particularly by at least 80%). The material of the tubular member may be selected so that, after releasing a compression force, the tubular member remains in the compressed state. The material of the tubular member may further be selected such that, after releasing an elongation force, the tubular member remains in an elongated state. The tubular member may comprise exactly one lumen through which the cables are guidable. The provision of a single lumen tube may allow manufacturing the cable management device with low cost. However, according to another exemplary embodiment, several cables may be guided through different lumens of a multi lumen tube.

The tubular member may be adjustable in length to thereby allow to adjust a portion of the two cables being covered by the tubular member and to simultaneously adjust a remaining portion of the two cables being uncovered by the tubular member. By adjusting a coverage ratio of the cables, i.e. a portion or degree of the cable length being presently covered by the sleeve-like tubular member, the device may be brought in accordance with anatomical properties of a human user so that the user may carry a headset conveniently without cable jam. In other words, a balance between flexibility and rigidity may be fine tuned.

One end portion of the tubular member may be adapted to be movable along the two cables, and an opposing end portion of the tubular member may be adapted to be fixed with respect to the two cables. The former end portion may serve as an adjustment unit, whereas the latter end portion may provide stability.

Next, further exemplary embodiments of the audio playback apparatus will be explained. However, these embodiments also apply to the cable management device and to the method of managing cables.

The audio playback apparatus may comprise an audio reproduction unit adapted for reproducing audio data by generating audible acoustic waves from electric signals and electrically coupled to a first end portion of the two cables. A connector unit (or plug) may be electrically coupled to a second end portion of the two cables adapted to be connected to a periphery device (such as a harddisk or a CD storing audio content) and adapted for transmitting the audio data from the periphery device to the audio reproduction unit. Such an audio reproduction unit may be an entity capable of generating acoustic waves perceivable by a human user and indicative of the content encoded in audio data.

For instance, an audio reproduction unit may be a loudspeaker. It is also possible that the audio reproduction unit comprises a plurality of loudspeakers, for example in a multi-audio channel system such as a stereo system. The loudspeakers may be attached to the first end portion of the two cables to thereby generate acoustic waves in accordance with the audio data supplied at the first end portion of the two cables. The connector unit may be a plug or a socket that allows to be electrically connected to a periphery device such as a CD player or an MP3 player, providing the audio data in accordance with audio content to be reproduced.

At the first end portion, the tubular member may freely glide relative to the cables enclosed by the tubular member. The friction member may limit this gliding. At the second end portion, it is possible that a further friction member may be provided. Alternatively, the cables may freely glide also at the second end portion. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tubular member may be fixedly connected to the connector unit. In such an embodiment, the tubular member is adhered, clamped, screwed, or locked by a snap-in mechanism to the connector unit. This gives the entire system a high degree of stability, whereas a motion of the tubular member is possible at the first end portion, optionally limited by friction reinforcement. The audio reproduction unit may comprise one or more headphones, earpieces and/or loudspeakers. For instance, when being used in a headset, two loudspeakers may be provided which are adapted, arranged and designed to be functionally coupled to ears of a human user. When operating the audio playback device, the user may install the two loudspeakers on/in the ears that may require bending the cables along a significant portion thereof. In such an operation mode, the user may slide back the tubular member to compress it so that the compressed tubular member exposes a significant portion of the cables for convenient wear by the user. In another operation mode, the user may wish not to playback audio data by the audio playback apparatus, but to tidy up the audio playback apparatus with low effort. For this purpose, the user may slide the tubular member over the entire cable, thereby preventing cable jam with a single hand motion.

The audio playback apparatus may further comprise a microphone that may be arranged/attached at the tubular member or may be embedded therein. Such a configuration may be highly advantageous for a bidirectional communication system (such as a mobile phone) since the outer surface of the tubular member may be co-used synergetically to attach one or more microphones thereto. In such an embodiment, the audio playback apparatus may be used, for example for a mobile phone allowing a user to listen to a communication partner by the loudspeakers and to simultaneously transmit speech via the microphone and the cables to a communication partner device.

Furthermore, a control unit or adjustment unit may be arranged at the tubular member or may be embedded therein and may be adapted to enable a user to control an audio playback property of the audio playback device. Therefore, in a very intuitive manner, a user may operate the control unit arranged directly at an outer surface of the tubular member for a conventional control of the audio playback properties. For example, a volume of the speech to be reproduced may be controlled. It is also possible to mute the audio transmission completely, regarding the playback via the loudspeakers and/or regarding capturing audio data by a microphone. Also, a frequency distribution (such a mix of bass and treble components) of the audio data may be manipulated, thereby providing an equalizer function. Also a balance control is possible allowing to individually adjust loudness of audio content played back by different loudspeakers of a multi-speaker system (such as a stereo system or a 5.1 system). Furthermore, the control unit may allow a user to adjust a playback operation, such as play, pause, stop, fast forward, fast reverse, slow motion, etc. Therefore, a normal playback mode and a trick playback mode can be adjusted conveniently.

The device for processing audio data may comprise a signal transmission control unit adapted to disable a signal transmission between the audio reproduction unit and the connector unit when the tubular member encloses at least a predetermined portion of the two cables of the audio playback apparatus, and adapted to enable a signal transmission between the audio reproduction unit and the connector unit when the tubular member encloses less than the predetermined portion of the two cables. In other words, such a signal transmission control unit may automatically terminate a signal transmission when the user has accommodated the cables in the sleeve, where signal transmission may be automatically started or enabled when the user unpacks the cables from the sleeve for subsequent audio playback.

The device for processing audio data may be realized as at least one of the group consisting of an audio surround system, a mobile phone, a headset, a loudspeaker, a hearing aid, a television device, a video recorder, a monitor, a gaming device, a laptop, an audio player, a DVD player, a CD player, a harddisk-based media player, an internet radio device, a public entertainment device, an MP3 player, a hi-fi system, a vehicle entertainment device, a car entertainment device, a medical communication system, a body-worn device, a speech communication device, a home cinema system, a home theatre system, a flat television, an ambiance creation device, a subwoofer, and a music hall system. Other applications are possible as well.

However, although the system according to an embodiment of the invention primarily intends to improve the handling of sound or audio playback devices, it is also possible to apply the system for a combination of audio data and visual data. For instance, an embodiment of the invention may be implemented in audiovisual applications like a portable video player or a home cinema system in which cable-bound applications are involved.

The aspects defined above and further aspects of the invention are apparent from the examples of embodiment to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to these examples of embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to examples of embodiment but to which the invention is not limited.

Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 illustrate an audio playback apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in different operation modes.

Fig. 4 illustrates a portion of an audio playback apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrate different components of an audio playback apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 illustrate an audio playback apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in different operation modes.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The illustration in the drawing is schematically. In different drawings, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference signs.

In the following, referring to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, an audio playback apparatus 110 comprising a cable management device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained.

Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 show the cable management device 100 and the audio playback apparatus 110 in three different operation modes, as will be explained in the following in more detail.

The cable management device 100 comprises a tubular hose 101 made of a textile material and adapted to enclose two cables 102, 103 (having one or more wires each comprising an electrically conductive core and an electrically insulating cover) of the headset 110 and being adapted to be movable/slidable along the two cables 102, 103. The tubular member 101 is made of a flexible material, which is prolongable when being stretched along a longitudinal direction thereof, and which is shortenable when being compressed along a longitudinal direction thereof. An arrow 130 indicates an expansion direction along a longitudinal direction. The tubular sleeve member 101 is made of a contiguous fabric. The tubular hose 101 comprises a cable inlet portion 104 and comprises a cable outlet portion 105. In an interior of the tubular member 101, a single lumen is formed (not shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3) through which the cables 102, 103 extend. Although not shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the cable inlet portion 104 comprises a bottleneck ring made of high friction rubber material so that an additional friction force is generated by the friction reinforcement section and which acts onto the cables 102, 103 when the cables 102, 103 are guided through the lumen of the tubular hose 101, and are guided through the friction reinforcement section. The two cables 102, 103 may carry/conduct/transmit electric audio signals such as speech signals received by a wireless communication system (such as a mobile phone or a cellular phone). Additionally or alternatively, the cables 102, 103 may also carry acoustic data encoding music, such as a song.

A first earpiece 111 and a second earpiece 112 are provided, wherein the first earpiece 111 is connected to the first cable 102, and the second earpiece 112 is connected to the second cable 103. The earpieces 112, 111 comprises loudspeakers and are connected electrically and mechanically to the cables 102, 103 at a first end portion thereof. Furthermore, a plug or connector 113 is provided at a second end portion of the cables 102, 103 opposing the first end portion. Thus, electrical signals can be conducted from contact portions 131, 132 of the connector 131 via the cables 102, 103 to the earpieces 111, 112. The connector unit 113 may be connected to a periphery device such as a socket of a CD player or an MP3 player.

A microphone 114 is arranged at an outer surface of the tubular hose 101, and is located close to the first end portion 104 of the hose. When the earpieces 111, 112 are inserted into the ears of a human listener, and the hose 111 is in a compressed state to expose a sufficiently large portion of the cables 102, 103, the microphone 114 will be automatically at an appropriate position close to the mouth of the human listener, thereby allowing to capture speech signals of the user with high quality. The microphone 114 may be electrically coupled to the wires 102, 103 and/or to the plug 113 to provide the captured signals for further signal processing or for transmission.

A control unit 115 is also provided at a central portion of the tubular hose 101, comprising buttons for playing back or stopping playback of audio data. The control unit 115 may be interconnected to the cables 102, 103 and/or to the plug 113 thereby allow for a manipulation of audio signals travelling along the cables 102, 103 before being played back via the earpieces 111, 112. Via the control unit 115, audio playback properties of audio signals to be reproduced by the earpieces 111, 112 may be adjusted, and it is also possible to adjust properties of the microphone 114.

Although not shown in Fig. 1, the control unit 115 may comprise buttons by which a playback position may be adjusted, a play function may be activated, a stop function may be activated, etc.

Furthermore, a label 133 is attached to an outer surface of the tubular hose 101, which carries an inscription "NXP" in the present embodiment. However, it is also possible to include operation information, etc. on such a label 133. Although not shown in the figures, a display unit (such as an LCD display) may be provided at the sheath 101.

In the operation mode shown in Fig. 1, the tube 101 is in a storage position, in which the tube 101 is elongated or expanded to cover essentially the entire surface of the cables 103, 102 along essentially the entire extension of the cables 103, 102.

Further, the audio playback device 110 comprises a casing member 150 (for instance a plastic member manufactured by injection moulding) which receives end portions of the cables 102, 103 and electrically couples them to the contacts 131, 132 of the connector plug 113.

Fig. 2 shows the audio playback device 110 in another operation mode which may be denoted as a listening position. In the operation mode of Fig. 2, the tube 101 is compressed or slid together to a large extent. As an alternative to the provision of the tube 101 to be foldable in an accordion-like manner, it is also possible to provide the tube in a telescope-like manner in which different segments of the tube 101 can be interleaved in a coaxial or concentric manner.

Fig. 3 shows the audio playback apparatus 110 in a third operation mode which may be denoted as an "asymmetric" operation mode in which the cable 103 has a significant portion out of the tube 101, whereas the cable 102 is mainly stored within the tube 101.

Fig. 4 shows a portion of an audio playback apparatus 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In Fig. 4, a portion 400 is shown at which the plug 113 is connected to the tubular hose 101. For this purpose, a female connection element 401 made of a plastic material such as polyethylene is provided and is connected to the tube 101. A male connection member 402 is provided and is connected to the plug 113. As can be taken from Fig. 4, the female connection element 401 has a recess shaped and dimensioned to receive the male connection element 402. As indicated by an arrow 403, the male member 402 can be received in the female member 401, for instance by means of a factional connection/non-positive connection. Alternatively, snap-in elements (not shown) can be provided to provide a positive connection. It is also possible, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, to connect the male element 402 within the recess of the female element 401 using glue, thereby forming an adhering connection.

Fig. 5 shows the system 400 of Fig. 4 in an operation state in which the female element 401 and the male element 402 are brought in engagement, thereby assuming a so- denoted "end position".

Fig. 6 shows an enlarged view of the tube 101 also showing a lumen 600 thereof.

Fig. 7 shows an image of a practical implementation of a headset 700 in an operation state in which the tubular hose 101 is shifted over the entire extension of the cables 102, 103.

In contrast to this, Fig. 8 shows an image 800 of the audio playback apparatus in which the hose 101 is shortened so as to expose a significant portion of the cables 102, 103 to enable to wear the earpieces 111, 112 by a human user.

It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or features and the "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cable management device (100) for an audio playback apparatus (110), the cable management device (100) comprising: a tubular member (101) adapted to enclose two cables (102, 103) of the audio playback apparatus (110) and adapted to be movable relative to the two cables (102, 103).

2. The cable management device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member (101) is made of a flexible material.

3. The cable management device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member (101) is made of a material being prolongable when being stretched and being shortenable when being compressed.

4. The cable management device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member (101) is made of a contiguous fabric.

5. The cable management device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member (101) comprises at least one material of the group consisting of polyamide, silicone, spandex, and cotton.

6. The cable management device (100) according to claim 1, adapted to be compressible along a longitudinal axis of the tubular member (101).

7. The cable management device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member (101) comprises exactly one lumen through which the cables (102, 103) are guidable.

8. The cable management device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member (101) is adjustable in length to thereby allow to adjust a portion of the two cables (102, 103) being covered by the tubular member (101) and to adjust a remaining portion a portion of the two cables (102, 103) being uncovered by the tubular member (101).

9. The cable management device (100) according to claim 1, wherein one end portion of the tubular member (101) is adapted to be movable along the two cables (102, 103), and an opposing end portion of the tubular member (101) is adapted to be fixed with respect to the two cables (102, 103).

10. The cable management device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member (101) comprises a cable inlet portion (104) and comprises a cable outlet portion (105); wherein at least one of the group consisting of the cable inlet portion (104) and the cable outlet portion (105) comprises a friction reinforcement section adapted for reinforcing friction to the cables (102, 103) when sliding along the friction reinforcement section.

11. An audio playback apparatus (110), the audio playback apparatus (110) comprising: two cables (102, 103) adapted for carrying audio signals; a cable management device (100) of claim 1, wherein at least a part of the two cables (102, 103) is accommodatable within the tubular member (101) of the cable management device (100).

12. The audio playback apparatus (110) according to claim 11, comprising an audio reproduction unit (111, 112) adapted for reproducing audio data and electrically coupled to a first end portion of the two cables (102, 103); comprising a connector unit (113) electrically coupled to a second end portion of the two cables (102, 103), adapted to be connected to a periphery device and adapted for transmitting the audio data from the periphery device to the audio reproduction unit (111, 112).

13. The audio playback apparatus (110) according to claim 12, wherein the tubular member (101) is fixedly connected to the connector unit (113).

14. The audio playback apparatus (110) according to claim 12, wherein the audio reproduction unit (111, 112) comprises at least one of the group consisting of headphones, earpieces, and loudspeakers.

15. The audio playback apparatus (110) according to claim 11, comprising a microphone (114) arranged at the tubular member (101).

16. The audio playback apparatus (110) according to claim 11, comprising an adjustment unit (115) arranged at the tubular member (101) and adapted to enable a user to adjust an audio playback property of the audio playback apparatus (110).

17. The audio playback apparatus (110) according to claim 16, wherein the adjustment unit (115) is adapted as at least one of the group consisting of a volume control, an equalizer, a balance control, a playback operation mode adjustment unit, and a mute switch.

18. The audio playback apparatus (110) according to claim 12, comprising a signal transmission control unit adapted to disable a signal transmission between the audio reproduction unit (111, 112) and the connector unit (113) when the tubular member (101) encloses at least a predetermined portion of the two cables (102, 103) of the audio playback apparatus (110), and adapted to enable a signal transmission between the audio reproduction unit (111, 112) and the connector unit (113) when the tubular member (101) encloses less than the predetermined portion of the two cables (102, 103).

19. The audio playback apparatus (110) according to claim 11, realized as at least one of the group consisting of an audio surround system, a mobile phone, a headset, a headphone playback apparatus, a loudspeaker playback apparatus, a hearing aid, a television device, a video recorder, a monitor, a gaming device, a laptop, an audio player, a DVD player, a CD player, a harddisk-based media player, a radio device, an internet radio device, a public entertainment device, an MP3 player, a hi-fi system, a vehicle entertainment device, a car entertainment device, a medical communication system, a body- worn device, a speech communication device, a home cinema system, a home theatre system, a flat television apparatus, an ambiance creation device, a subwoofer, and a music hall system.

20. A method of managing cables (102, 103) of an audio playback apparatus (110), the method comprising: moving a tubular member (101) enclosing the two cables (102, 103) of the audio playback apparatus (110) relative to the two cables (102, 103).