Telephone handset for hands-free use in an auto mobile

Abstract

A portable telephone which solves problems conventionally associated with using a portable telephone together with a hands-free accessory is disclosed. When the portable telephone is being used on its own and a microphone arm thereof is in a home position, the portable telephone can be put in a waiting state wherein it can receive incoming calls. When the portable telephone is being used on its own and the microphone arm is in a pulled-out position, telephone conversations can be had using a microphone and a speaker built into the portable telephone. When the portable telephone is connected to a hands-free accessory and the microphone arm is in its home position, conversations can be had in a hands-free mode using a microphone and a speaker connected to the hands-free accessory. When the portable telephone is connected to a hands-free accessory and the microphone arm is in its pulled-out position, conversations can be had in a normal mode using the microphone and the speaker built into the portable telephone even though the portable telephone is connected to the hands-free accessory. As a result, no special key for mode changeover between the hands-free mode and the normal mode need be provided either on the portable telephone side or on the hands-free accessory side, nor is it necessary to perform a two-step key pressing operation to effect mode changeover.