Smk Corporation

Harumi Kanou

Takeshi Matsuda

Hiroshi Yokozawa

Yoshiaki Kobayashi

Kazumi Nagase

In an arrangement in which the earphone cord 16 of earphones 15 is connected to a remote control unit 11 and the remote control cord 12 of this remote control unit 11 is detachably connected to a portable audio unit 10 by means of a plug 14, a battery 19 that drives the elements inside the remote control unit 11 is embodied in a plug unit 13 having the plug 14. Specifically, a battery accommodation recess 23 is formed in the plug unit 13, and a battery holder 26 into which the battery 19 is fitted is detachably attached to this battery accommodation recess 23. As a result, with the plug 14 inserted into the portable audio unit 10, the portable audio unit 10 and the plug unit 13 are an integral unit and do not have the weight of the remote control unit 11 if the portable audio unit 10 is kept in a pocket or handbag. The remote control unit 11 becomes lighter and smaller to the extent of the battery 19.

Remote control plug unit carrying a battery

Charger with data receiver for barcode reader

A portable audio unit has a main unit, such as a CD player or tape recorder. The main unit is connected to a control unit by a cable. Audio and control signals are transmitted by the cable. The control unit has a connector for an earphone. Audio signals are transmitted by the cable from the main unit, to the control unit and to a connected earphone. Control signals are transmitted from the control unit to the main unit for controlling functions such as volume, power, tape-play, etc. The main unit has a built-in winder that stores and retrieves the cable. The control unit may be attached to the main unit when the cord is wound up and stored. With the control unit attached and the cable stored in side the main unit, the portable audio unit may still be operated by the control unit which forms a built-in control panel. With the cable extended, the control unit may be used as a remote control permitting the main unit to be placed in a handbag or pocket. In a portable audio unit having a separate remote control, a control panel is included in the main unit. The present invention avoids the need for the control panel because the control unit doubles as a control panel. Cost, size and complexity of the portable audio unit are thereby reduced.

Growing community of inventors

Tokyo, Japan

Harumi Kanou