WO2020227771A1 - Enceinte de chargement et de stérilisation pour écouteurs - Google Patents

Enceinte de chargement et de stérilisation pour écouteurs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020227771A1
WO2020227771A1 PCT/AU2020/050472 AU2020050472W WO2020227771A1 WO 2020227771 A1 WO2020227771 A1 WO 2020227771A1 AU 2020050472 W AU2020050472 W AU 2020050472W WO 2020227771 A1 WO2020227771 A1 WO 2020227771A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
earphone
light source
light
enclosure
socket
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU2020/050472
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English (en)
Inventor
Mahamendige Minoli Elizabeth Rehanthi MENDIS
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Individual
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Individual
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
Priority claimed from AU2019901623A external-priority patent/AU2019901623A0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2020227771A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020227771A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1025—Accumulators specially adapted for earpieces; Arrangements specially adapted for charging thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C11/001—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for storing portable audio devices, e.g. headphones or digital music players
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C15/00—Purses, bags, luggage or other receptacles covered by groups A45C1/00 - A45C11/00, combined with other objects or articles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C15/00—Purses, bags, luggage or other receptacles covered by groups A45C1/00 - A45C11/00, combined with other objects or articles
    • A45C15/06—Purses, bags, luggage or other receptacles covered by groups A45C1/00 - A45C11/00, combined with other objects or articles with illuminating devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor using physical processes
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet [UV] radiation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/24—Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/26—Accessories
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/10—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or discharging batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/70—Circuit arrangements for charging or discharging batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or discharging batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/70—Circuit arrangements for charging or discharging batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
    • H02J7/731—Circuit arrangements for charging or discharging batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B5/00—Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
    • H04B5/70—Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems specially adapted for specific purposes
    • H04B5/79—Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems specially adapted for specific purposes for data transfer in combination with power transfer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1091—Details not provided for in groups H04R1/1008 - H04R1/1083
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/12—Sanitary or hygienic devices for mouthpieces or earpieces, e.g. for protecting against infection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/02—Interior fittings; Means, e.g. inserts, for holding and packing articles
    • A45C2013/026—Inserts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/11—Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/12—Apparatus for isolating biocidal substances from the environment
    • A61L2202/122—Chambers for sterilisation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B7/00—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
    • B08B7/0035—Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass by radiant energy, e.g. UV, laser, light beam or the like
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/17—Hearing device specific tools used for storing or handling hearing devices or parts thereof, e.g. placement in the ear, replacement of cerumen barriers, repair, cleaning hearing devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
    • H04R5/033—Headphones for stereophonic communication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
    • H04R5/033—Headphones for stereophonic communication
    • H04R5/0335—Earpiece support, e.g. headbands or neckrests

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to charging enclosures for earphones. More particularly, this invention relates to an enclosure comprising a germicidal light source therein for sterilising the earphones whilst recharging.
  • Wireless earphone recharging enclosures are used nowadays for recharging wireless earphones.
  • Such enclosures typically comprise a base and a lid and a pair of sockets therein for left and right stereo earphones.
  • the sockets typically comprise electrical contacts to recharge internal rechargeable batteries of the earphones when not in use.
  • D1 WO 2019070175 A1 (DEGAUSS LABS AB) 1 1 April 2019 [hereinafter referred to as D1 ] which is a storage device for earphones having an electric charger therein for recharging the earphones and UV light source for sanitising the earphones.
  • US 20170319725 A1 (ROBERT HANN) 09 November 2017 [hereinafter referred to as D2] discloses a similar configuration but which includes a divided to shield the interior circuitry from the germicidal light source thereby protecting and concealing these components from the UV radiation.
  • CN 208241838 U SHENZHEN XINZHENGYU TECH CO LTD 14 December 2018 [hereinafter referred to as D3] discloses a wireless in-ear earphone storage box which has an ultraviolet LED lamp within the base which locates to correspond to the ear cap of the earphone.
  • CN 206894268 U (1 MORE ACOUSTICS TECH CO LTD) 16 January 2018 [hereinafter referred to as D4] shows a similar configuration comprising an ultraviolet lamp aimed at the earphone therein.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a charging enclosure for an earphone device, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.
  • a charging enclosure for an earphone device has a base and a lid.
  • the base has a mount therein forming an indented socket for the earphone.
  • the socket conforms generally to the shape of the earphone device.
  • the base has recharging circuitry therein for recharging the earphone when located within the socket, such as by electrical contacts or inductive pick up loop.
  • the enclosure further comprises a germicidal light source which irradiates and sterilisers the earphone within the socket.
  • the mount comprises a translucent interior socket wall between the earphone and the light source through which the light source irradiates the earphone .
  • the germicidal light source is able to sterilise a greater surface area (if not the entire surface area) of the earphone through the translucent interior socket wall as opposed to the configurations of D3 and D4 for example which pinpoint adjacent a specific part of the earphone.
  • the light source is located within the base and irradiates the earphone through the adjacent translucent interior socket wall.
  • An interior of the base may comprise a reflective coating such that the light source may irradiate the earphone through the translucent interior socket wall both directly and by reflection.
  • the light source may be located to irradiate a part of the earphone directly, such as the generally more contaminated audio port whereas the other surfaces of the earphone are irradiated by reflection.
  • the mount further comprises a translucent upper surrounding the socket.
  • an interior of the lid may further comprise a reflective coating.
  • light from the light source may propagate through the translucent upper surrounding the socket and reflect off an undersurface of the lid to further irradiate the earphone from above.
  • the enclosure comprises a light source withi n the lid which irradiates the earphone directly from above but also from below through the transparent upper and translucent interior socket wall by reflection through the base.
  • the base may comprise an illuminated compartment having the light source therein and a separate electrical compartment.
  • the separate electrical compartment may be shielded from the illuminated compartment from the light source .
  • the enclosure comprises a plurality of light sources configured to irradiate certain areas of the earphone with greater intensity. Furthermore, the plurality of light sources may irradiate at different frequencies of light, thereby providing broad-spectrum germicidal action.
  • Certain light sources may irradiate certain portions of the earphone at a certain frequency as compared to other portions of the earphone.
  • the light source may comprise a longer wavelength to penetrate ear wax build-up within the audio port of the earphone as compared to wavelengths for other surfaces of the earphone.
  • the enclosure comprises a fibre-optic waveguide therein, having a proximal end interfacing the light source is an optical coupling and having a distal end routed to illuminate the earphone through the translucent interior socket wall.
  • the distal end may be orientated directly towards the audio port of the earphone.
  • the enclosure comprises reflective waveguide pieces therein which reflect and/or refract light towards the earphone.
  • the enclosure may comprise a light controller which controls the operation of the light source.
  • the light controller may interface a lid contact switch or recharging circuitry of the enclosure to operate the light source only when the lid is closed and/or the earphones been recharged.
  • the light controller may monitor the duration of use of the earphones (such as by monitoring intervals between lid opening and recharging) and adjust the duration of radiation proportionately.
  • the enclosure comprises a protrusion (such as a plastic brush or the like) located within the socket which is orientated to insert within the audio port of the earphone when the earphone is inserted within the socket to physically clean an interior of the audio port.
  • the protrusion may be translucent such that the light source irradiates an interior of the audio port therethrough.
  • the protrusion may be connected to a piezoelectric vibrator to agitate the protrusion within the audio port.
  • Figure 1 shows a type of charging enclosure for an earphone device
  • Figure 2 shows a further type of charging enclosure for a earphone device
  • Figure 3 shows a side elevation cross-sectional view of a charging enclosure of a first type wherein an earphone is inserted longitudinally therein, the enclosure comprising a germicidal light source therein in accordance with an embodiment
  • Figure 4 shows a side elevation cross-sectional view of a charging enclosure of the first type comprising a plurality of germicidal light sources therein in accordance with an embodiment
  • Figure 5 shows a side cross-sectional elevation view of the charging enclosure of a second type wherein the earphone is inserted sideways therein in accordance with an embodiment
  • Figure 6 shows a side cross-sectional elevation view of the charging enclosure of the second type with a plurality of light sources therein ;
  • Figure 7 shows a side cross-sectional elevation view of the charging enclosure of the second type comprising a plurality of light sources therein, including within the lid thereof;
  • Figure 8 shows a side cross-sectional elevation view of the charging enclosure of the first type comprising fibre-optic waveguides therein in accordance an embodiment
  • Figure 9 shows a side cross-sectional elevation view of the charging enclosure of the first type comprising and/or refractive waveguides therein in accordance with an embodiment
  • Figure 10 shows an exemplary system schematic of the enclosure in accordance with an embodiment.
  • Earphone charging enclosures 1 00 of different configurations are shown in Figures 1 and 2 which comprise a base 1 01 and a lid 102.
  • the base 101 comprises a mount 103 therein forming a socket 104 conforming generally to the shape of an earphone 1 05.
  • the enclosure 100 holds two stereo earphones 105.
  • the earphone 105 typically comprises a main body 106 and an audio port 107, typically surrounded by an annular silicon sleeve but not necessarily.
  • the audio port 107 inserts downwardly into the socket 104.
  • the earphone 105 further comprises an elongate stem 1 08.
  • the mount 103 of the enclosure 100 of Figure 1 may comprise an elongate trough 1 1 7 within which the stem 108 locates.
  • the interior of the lid may comprise recesses 1 09 conforming over the earphones 1 05 located within the sockets 104 thereunderneath.
  • the charging enclosure comprises recharging circuitry 1 09 drawing power from a power input 1 1 0 (such as a USB socket or the like) or an internal rechargeable battery 1 1 1 .
  • the recharging circuit may provide power via charging contacts 1 12 which electrically contact corresponding electrical contacts of the earphone 105 to recharge an interior rechargeable battery of the earphone 105.
  • the charging enclosure 1 00 comprises inductive coils 1 13 for noncontact recharging.
  • the charging enclosure 1 00 further comprises a germicidal light source 1 14.
  • the germicidal light source 1 14 emits germicidal light, typically ultraviolet light in the frequency range of 240 to 280 nm.
  • the germicidal light source 1 14 is preferably an LED.
  • the light source 1 14 may be controlled by light controller 1 15 operating a light switch 1 1 6 to control the operation of the light source 1 14.
  • the light controller 1 1 5 may operably coupled to an electronic device such as a smartphone device via a data interface such that the electronic device can be used to control the operation of the light controller 1 1 5.
  • the electronic device can be used to control the operation of the light controller 1 1 5.
  • the user may control the timing, operation and frequency of the light source 1 14.
  • Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of the enclosure 1 00 enclosing an earphone 105 therein.
  • the base 101 may comprise the recharging circuitry 109 beneath the mount 1 03.
  • the power input 1 1 0 may interface through a side wall of the base 1 01 .
  • the base 1 01 may further comprise the rechargeable battery 1 1 1 and/or the light controller 1 1 5 in embodiments.
  • Figure 3 further shows the light source 1 14 located within the base, the light source emitting germicidal light 1 18 sterilising surfaces of the earphone 1 05.
  • An interior of the socket 1 04 may comprise a translucent interior socket wall 1 1 9 between the light source 1 14 and the earphone 105 through which the germicidal light 1 1 8 propagate to sterilise the earphone.
  • the stem 108 of the earphone 1 05 is located vertically and the light 1 14 is located within the base in alignment with a distal end thereof.
  • the germicidal light 1 18 propagates from the light source 1 14, through the translucent interior socket wall 1 19 to reach the earphone 105.
  • the mount 103 may further comprise a translucent upper 121 surrounding the socket 104 through which the germicidal light 1 18 can also propagate towards the earphone 105.
  • the interior of the enclosure 100 may comprise a waveguide.
  • the waveguide comprises an interior reflective surface 120.
  • an interior of the base 101 may comprise reflective coating 120 which reflects the germicidal light 1 18 back towards the earphone 105.
  • the light beams 1 18 reflected by the reflective coating 120 may reach the earphone 105 through the translucent interior socket walls 1 19 of the socket 104 and through the translucent upper 121 .
  • an interior of the lid 102 may further comprise a reflective coating 120 such that the germicidal light 1 18 reflect off an undersurface of the lid 102 towards the earphone 105.
  • the base 101 may comprise an illuminated compartment 129 and an electrical componentry compartment 130.
  • the illuminated compartment 129 may comprise the light source 1 14 therein.
  • the interior walls of the illuminated compartment 129 may be located to reflect the light 1 18 uniformly towards the earphone 105 in the manner illustrated in figure 3.
  • the base 102 may comprise an opaque shielding wall 131 shielding the electrical componentry 130 from the light source 1 14.
  • Figure 4 shows an embodiment wherein the enclosure 100 comprises a first light source 1 14A and a second light source 1 14B, the first light source 1 14A located beneath the earphone 105 and the second light source 1 14B located above the earphone device.
  • the light sources 1 14A, 1 14B cooperate to irradiate the earphone 105 from both sides.
  • the germicidal light is able to travel through the translucent upper 121 surrounding the socket 104 and the interior translucent interior socket walls 1 19 of the socket 104.
  • Figure 5 shows an embodiment wherein the earphone 105 is in an orthogonal orientation as compared to that of Figure 3.
  • the germicidal light 1 18 may yet propagate through the translucent interior socket wall 1 19 of the mount 103 within the socket 104 to irradiate and sterilise the earphone 105.
  • the germicidal light 1 1 8 may reflect from interior reflective surfaces 1 20 within the base 1 01 to reach the earphone 105 through the translucent interior socket wall 1 1 9.
  • germicidal light 1 18 may propagate through the translucent interior socket wall 1 1 9 be reflected off reflective surfaces 120 within the lid 1 02 to reach the earphone 1 05 from above.
  • the recharging circuitry, light controller and the like may be low profile and located away from the light source 1 14 to avoid interrupting the germicidal light 1 18.
  • the light source 1 14 may be located to shine directly into the audio port 1 07 of the earphone 105 whereas germicidal light 1 1 8 reaches other surfaces of the earphone 1 05 by reflection thereby maximising sterilisation within the interior of the audio port 107.
  • enclosure 100 may comprise more than one light source 1 14 irradiating the audio port 107 directly to increase the intensity of the germicidal light 1 1 8.
  • the enclosure 1 00 may comprise further light sources 1 14 irradiating other portions of the earphone 1 05, such as the stem 108 of the earphone 105.
  • the different light sources 1 14 may emit different frequencies of light.
  • light sources 1 14A and/or 1 14B may emit lower frequency light source radiation to penetrate ear wax buildup within the audio port 1 07 as compared to light sources 1 14C and 1 14D radiating exterior surfaces of the earphone 105.
  • light sources 1 14A and 1 14B may emit different frequencies of light to thereby irradiate the same areas of the earphone 1 05 with germicidal light radiation of different frequencies for broad-spectrum germicidal action.
  • the light controller 1 15 may control light sources 1 14A and 1 14B separately so as to, for example, irradiate the audio port 107 of the earphone 1 05 with germicidal light radiation a first frequency for a first period and with germicidal light radiation at a second frequency at a second period.
  • Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment wherein the enclosure comprises a first light source 1 14A within the base and a second light source 1 14A within the lid 102, thereby irradiating different areas of the earphone 105.
  • the light controller 1 1 5 may control the light switch 1 16 to operate the light sources 1 14 separately.
  • light source 1 14A may emit light at a first frequency
  • light source 1 14B may emit light at a second frequency.
  • Light source 1 14A may be of greater intensity than that of light source 1 14B, to more strongly irradiate the generally more contaminated audio port 1 07 of the earphone 105. Furthermore, the radiation from the stronger light source 1 14A may be somewhat attenuated through the translucent interior socket wall 1 1 9 thereby being relatively safe for the user.
  • the enclosure 1 00 may comprise a lid contact switch 1 22 operably interfacing the light controller 1 15 or the light switch 1 16.
  • the enclosure 100 may be configured such that the light source 1 14 operates on ly when the lid 1 02 is closed.
  • the first light source 1 14A may operate when the earphone device 1 05 is recharging within the socket 1 04 and the second light source 1 14B may operate when the lid 102 is closed.
  • the light controller 1 15 may interface the recharging circuitry 1 09 to determine when the earphone 105 is being recharged. In this manner, the light controller 1 1 5 may operate the light source 1 14 only when the earphone 105 is being recharged.
  • the light controller may comprise a timer controller 1 23 timing the operation of the light source 1 14.
  • the light controller 1 15 is a digital controller comprising a processor for processing digital data and having a memory device configured for storing digital data including computer program code instructions which are fetched, decoded and executed by the microprocessor for implementing the functionality described herein.
  • the computer program code instructions may be logically divided into various controllers, including the timer controller 1 23.
  • the timer controller 1 23 may be configured to operate the light source 1 14 for a set period commencing after the closing of the lid 102 or the initiation of recharging of the earphone 1 05.
  • the set period may be configured to be sufficiently long to adequately sterilise the earphone device 1 05.
  • the like controller 150 may comprise a program controller 1 24 which operates the light source 1 14 according to differing programs.
  • the program may comprise irradiating the earphone 105 with a first light source 1 14A at a first frequency and subsequently with a second light source 1 14B and a second frequency.
  • the like controller may record how long the earphone 1 05 has been removed from the socket 104, such as by monitoring the lid contact switch 1 22 for the recharging circuitry 109 and control the light source 1 14 to irradiate the earphone 105 for a proportionate time period. As such, the longer the earphone 1 05 has been used the greater the sterilisation duration.
  • Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment wherein the waveguide 126 comprises one or more fibre-optic waveguides 1 25 interfacing the light source 1 14 at an optical coupling 1 27 at proximal ends thereof and wherein the distal ends thereof are located to irradiate different surfaces of the earphone 1 05.
  • one of the fibre-optic waveguides 125 may be directed directly into the audio port 1 07 of the earphone.
  • Figure 9 shows an embodiment wherein the enclosure comprises one or more interior waveguide reflectors 1 28 which reflect or refract light from the light source 1 14 towards various surfaces of the earphone 105. As shown in Figure 9, certain of the reflectors 128 may be translucent such that light can refract therethrough towards the earphone 107 or other waveguide reflectors 128.
  • the base 1 02 may comprise at least one lens (not shown) which focuses germicidal light radiation towards the earphone 1 05.
  • the lens may focus light towards a certain area of the earphone 1 05, such as the audio port 107.
  • the socket 104 may comprise a protrusion therein which inserts into the audio port 107 to dislodge ear wax buildup and other debris therefrom.
  • the protrusion may locate within the lowermost point of the socket 1 04 and extend upwardly so as to insert within the audio port 107 of the earphone 1 05 when the earphone 1 05 is inserted into the socket 1 04.
  • the protrusion is translucent such that the germicidal light 1 18 passes therethrough to irradiate the interior of the audio port 107.
  • the protrusion may be operably coupled to a piezoelectric vibrator to vibrate within the audio port 107 to physically scrub ear wax buildup in other debris therefrom.
  • the protrusion may comprise a brush comprising plastic bristles which are translucent, thereby allowing the light to pass therethrough.
  • the protrusion may comprise fibrous wadding or the like.
  • the protrusion may comprise an adhesive surface which sticks to contaminants within the interior or the audio port.
  • the protrusion comprises silicon.
  • the protrusion comprises a microfibre coating.
  • the enclosure 1 00 may comprise an impeller therein creating suction through a suction port orientated adjacent the audio port 107 of the earphone 1 05 to withdraw debris therefrom.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une enceinte de charge pour un dispositif d'écouteur comprenant une base formant une prise échancrée pour l'écouteur et un circuit de recharge à l'intérieur de celle-ci pour recharger l'écouteur. L'enceinte a une source de lumière germicide qui irradie et stérilise l'écouteur à l'intérieur de la prise. La base comporte une paroi de prise intérieure translucide entre l'écouteur et la source de lumière à travers laquelle la source de lumière irradie l'écouteur. Ainsi, selon la présente configuration, la source de lumière germicide est capable de stériliser une zone de surface supérieure (si non la totalité de la surface) de l'écouteur à travers la paroi de prise intérieure translucide.
PCT/AU2020/050472 2019-05-13 2020-05-13 Enceinte de chargement et de stérilisation pour écouteurs Ceased WO2020227771A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2019901623 2019-05-13
AU2019901623A AU2019901623A0 (en) 2019-05-13 An improved wireless charging enclosure for headphone devices

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020227771A1 true WO2020227771A1 (fr) 2020-11-19

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GB2602267A (en) * 2020-12-18 2022-06-29 Dyson Technology Ltd Storage case for a portable device
WO2022240212A1 (fr) * 2021-05-12 2022-11-17 삼성전자 주식회사 Appareil de stockage de dispositif audio comprenant une fonction de nettoyage de matière étrangère
US20230007379A1 (en) * 2020-01-06 2023-01-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Electronic device
CN116471510A (zh) * 2023-03-20 2023-07-21 深圳市睿耳电子有限公司 耳机使用时长的获取方法、电子设备及可读存储介质
EP4272768A3 (fr) * 2022-02-22 2024-02-07 LG Electronics, Inc. Dispositif électronique
WO2024111813A1 (fr) * 2022-11-24 2024-05-30 삼성전자주식회사 Berceau d'écouteur bouton et procédé associé de reconnaissance de la taille de l'embout d'écouteur bouton
EP4580212A4 (fr) * 2022-11-24 2026-02-25 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Berceau d'écouteur bouton et procédé associé de reconnaissance de la taille de l'embout d'écouteur bouton

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US20230007379A1 (en) * 2020-01-06 2023-01-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Electronic device
US12219313B2 (en) * 2020-01-06 2025-02-04 Lg Electronics Inc. Electronic device
GB2602267A (en) * 2020-12-18 2022-06-29 Dyson Technology Ltd Storage case for a portable device
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WO2022240212A1 (fr) * 2021-05-12 2022-11-17 삼성전자 주식회사 Appareil de stockage de dispositif audio comprenant une fonction de nettoyage de matière étrangère
EP4272768A3 (fr) * 2022-02-22 2024-02-07 LG Electronics, Inc. Dispositif électronique
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EP4580212A4 (fr) * 2022-11-24 2026-02-25 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd Berceau d'écouteur bouton et procédé associé de reconnaissance de la taille de l'embout d'écouteur bouton
CN116471510A (zh) * 2023-03-20 2023-07-21 深圳市睿耳电子有限公司 耳机使用时长的获取方法、电子设备及可读存储介质

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