Earphone cleaning case and cleaning method

Abstract

This invention provides an earphone cleaning case and cleaning method. The earphone cleaning case includes an earphone compartment and an upper shell adapted to the earphone compartment. A cleaning chamber for housing earphones and a cleaning module for cleaning the earphones are disposed within the cavity formed by the earphone compartment and the upper shell. The cleaning module includes a driving component, a bevel gear disposed on the driving component, and a first cleaning link and a second cleaning link respectively meshing with the bevel gear. One end of the first cleaning link meshes with the bevel gear, and a first cleaning part is disposed at the other end of the first cleaning link. One end of the second cleaning link meshes with the bevel gear, and a second cleaning part is disposed at the other end of the second cleaning link. The driving component is used to drive the first and second cleaning parts to clean the earphones on corresponding sides via the bevel gear. This invention frees the user's hands, enabling automatic cleaning of earphones and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic product technology, and more specifically, to an earphone cleaning case and cleaning method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of in-ear headphones, more and more users need to clean the headphone area during use. However, manual cleaning is often difficult and tedious, affecting the user's headphone experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide an earphone cleaning case and cleaning method to solve the problems of inconvenience in cleaning existing in-ear earphones, which require users to operate with both hands and affect the user experience.

[0004] The present invention provides an earphone cleaning case, comprising: an earphone compartment and an upper shell adapted to the earphone compartment; wherein, a cleaning compartment for accommodating earphones and a cleaning module for cleaning earphones are disposed within the cavity formed by the earphone compartment and the upper shell; the cleaning module includes a driving member, a bevel gear disposed on the driving member, and a first cleaning link and a second cleaning link respectively meshing with the bevel gear; one end of the first cleaning link meshes with the bevel gear, and a first cleaning part is disposed at the other end of the first cleaning link; one end of the second cleaning link meshes with the bevel gear, and a second cleaning part is disposed at the other end of the second cleaning link; the driving member is used to drive the first cleaning part and the second cleaning part to clean the earphones on the corresponding sides via the bevel gear.

[0005] In addition, an optional technical solution also includes a fan and a dust collection module housed in the earphone compartment; wherein, the dust collection module is connected to the cleaning compartment via an air duct, and the fan is used to suck dirt from the cleaning compartment into the dust collection module when the earphone compartment is activated.

[0006] In addition, an optional technical solution is that the first cleaning linkage includes a first connecting rod and a first sleeve sleeved at the end of the first connecting rod, the end of the first sleeve having a first tooth that meshes with a bevel gear; a first receiving groove and a first wedge magnet block received in the first receiving groove are provided on the inner side wall of the first sleeve, and a first limiting groove is provided on the outer side wall of the first connecting rod; the magnetism of the inner end of the first sleeve and the first connecting rod is adjustable.

[0007] In addition, an optional technical solution includes a battery connected to the first cleaning link; wherein, when the battery starts to supply power, the first wedge magnet is completely housed in the first receiving groove, and the polarity of the first wedge magnet is opposite to that of the first sleeve; and the inner end of the first sleeve and the end of the first connecting rod have the same magnetism, and the first connecting rod slides away from the first sleeve under the action of magnetic force until the wedge magnet corresponds to the position of the first limiting slot, and the first wedge magnet falls into the first limiting slot under the action of magnetic force, and the first cleaning part reaches the preset cleaning position.

[0008] In addition, an alternative technical solution is that the depth of the first receiving groove is not less than the height of the first wedge magnet block, and the depth of the first limiting groove is less than the height of the first wedge magnet block.

[0009] Alternatively, an optional technical solution is to install a light sensor on the driver unit, which is connected to the driver unit via a motherboard. The light sensor is used to detect the current ambient light and sends a command to turn on the driver unit when the upper shell is closed with the earphone compartment. At the same time, the light sensor is also used to send a command to control the battery to start supplying power.

[0010] Alternatively, an optional technical solution is that the second cleaning link and the first cleaning link have the same structure, and the second cleaning link and the first cleaning link are symmetrically distributed about the bevel gear.

[0011] In addition, an optional technical solution is to include an indicator light set on the drive component; wherein the indicator light is used to light up during the cleaning process and turn off after the cleaning is completed.

[0012] Alternatively, an optional technical solution is that the dust hopper module includes a housing and a dust hopper housed within the housing, with a dust hopper cover at the end of the dust hopper. The dust hopper cover is connected to the dust hopper via a pressing rod. An irregular groove is provided on the housing, and a pull rod is provided on the dust hopper, which is limited within the irregular groove. One end of the pull rod is fixed to the dust hopper, and the other end is limited to move within the irregular groove. When the dust hopper cover is pressed, the pressing rod drives the dust hopper and the pull rod located on the dust hopper to move, so that the other end of the pull rod switches between different positions within the irregular groove, thereby realizing the elastic self-locking or opening of the dust hopper cover.

[0013] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for cleaning earphones, which uses the above-mentioned earphone cleaning case to clean in-ear earphones; wherein, the earphone cleaning method includes: placing the earphones to be cleaned into the cleaning compartment inside the earphone case and fastening the upper shell; activating the cleaning function, the drive unit drives the bevel gear to rotate, and the bevel gear drives the first cleaning part and the second cleaning part to rotate, and the first cleaning part and the second cleaning part clean the two earphones respectively.

[0014] Using the aforementioned headphone cleaning case and cleaning method, the two cleaning parts can be rotated by a drive component and a bevel gear, thereby cleaning the two in-ear headphones separately, thus solving the problems of inconvenient cleaning of in-ear headphones and affecting user experience.

[0015] To achieve the foregoing and related objectives, one or more aspects of the invention include the features that will be described in detail below. The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate certain exemplary aspects of the invention. However, these aspects indicate only a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention can be used. Furthermore, the invention is intended to encompass all such aspects and their equivalents. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other objects and results of the invention will become more apparent and readily understood with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the earphone cleaning case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of an earphone cleaning case according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning module and dust collection module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 An exploded view of a cleaning module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 The state of the cleaning link according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 6 The state of the cleaning link according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an earphone cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The markings in the attached diagram are: upper shell 1, earphone 2, first earphone 21, second earphone 22, earphone compartment 3, indicator light 4, dust chamber module 5, drive component 6, bevel gear 7, first cleaning link 81, first gear 811, second cleaning link 82, second gear 821, second sleeve 822, second connecting rod 823, second cleaning part 9, air duct 10, second wedge magnet block 11, second limiting slot 12.

[0025] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding features or functions. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes and to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it will be apparent that these embodiments may also be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form for ease of description of one or more embodiments.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the following terms, such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the content or structure of this invention.

[0029] To address the problems of existing in-ear headphones requiring manual cleaning, which is difficult and cumbersome and negatively impacts the user experience, this invention provides an earphone cleaning case and method. A drive component moves a bevel gear, which in turn drives a first and a second cleaning linkage on both sides. This allows for cleaning of both earphones via a first cleaning section at the end of the first cleaning linkage and a second cleaning section at the end of the second cleaning linkage. The simple structure is suitable for cleaning in-ear headphones, freeing up the user's hands and improving the user experience.

[0030] To describe in detail the structure of the earphone cleaning case and cleaning method of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the earphone cleaning case according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Partial schematic structures of the earphone cleaning case according to embodiments of the present invention are shown from different angles.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, the earphone cleaning case of this embodiment includes an earphone compartment 3 and an upper shell 1 adapted to the earphone compartment 3; wherein, a cleaning compartment for accommodating earphones 2 and a cleaning module for cleaning earphones 2 are provided in the cavity formed by the earphone compartment 3 and the upper shell 1, and the cleaning module further includes a driving member 6, a bevel gear 7 provided on the driving member 6, and a first cleaning link 81 and a second cleaning link 82 respectively meshing with the bevel gear 7; one end of the first cleaning link 81 meshes with the bevel gear 7, and a first cleaning part is provided at the other end of the first cleaning link 81; one end of the second cleaning link 82 meshes with the bevel gear 7, and a second cleaning part 9 is provided at the other end of the second cleaning link 82; the driving member 6 can drive the bevel gear 7 to drive the first cleaning part and the second cleaning part 9 to clean the earphones 2 on the corresponding side. After the earphones 2 to be cleaned are placed in the cleaning compartment, the cleaning module can be activated to clean the earphones on the corresponding side through the cleaning part, such as a cleaning brush.

[0033] During the cleaning process of the earphone 2 by rotating the cleaning section, some dust or dirt may be generated. In order to collect this dust or dirt, the earphone cleaning case may also include a fan and a dust collection module 5 housed in the earphone compartment 3. The dust collection module 5 is connected to the cleaning compartment through the air duct 10. When the fan is turned on, it can draw air into the cleaning compartment, thereby sucking the dirt in the cleaning compartment into the dust collection module 5 for collection. After a period of use, the cleaning compartment can be removed for cleaning and then installed back into the earphone compartment 3.

[0034] Figure 4 An exploded schematic structure of a cleaning module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Combination Figures 1 to 4As shown, the earphone 2 includes a first earphone 21 and a second earphone 22. The cleaning module may include a first cleaning link 81 for the first earphone 21 and a second cleaning link 82 for the second earphone 22. Taking the structure of the second cleaning link 82 as an example, it is described as follows: the second cleaning link 82 includes a second connecting rod 823 and a second sleeve 822 sleeved at the end of the second connecting rod 823. The second sleeve 822 can be limited inside the earphone compartment 3 by a corresponding limiting groove or other structure. It is combined with the earphone compartment 3 by a cover plate to limit the first sleeve and the second sleeve 822 in the cleaning module. The end of the second sleeve 822 has a second gear tooth 821 that meshes with the bevel gear 7. A second receiving groove and a second wedge magnet block 11 received in the second receiving groove are provided on the inner side wall of the second sleeve 822. A second limiting groove 12 is provided on the outer side wall of the second connecting rod 823. The magnetism of the inner end of the second sleeve 822 and the second connecting rod 823 can be adjusted by a battery to achieve the effect of magnetic adsorption or magnetic repulsion.

[0036] Specifically, a battery connected to the second cleaning link 82 can be installed in the earphone compartment 3. When the battery starts to supply power, the second wedge magnet 11 will be completely contained in the second receiving groove under the action of magnetism. The polarity of the second wedge magnet 11 is opposite to that of the second sleeve 822. Furthermore, the inner end of the second sleeve 822 and the end of the second connecting rod 823 have the same magnetism. Under the action of magnetism, the second connecting rod 823 slides away from the second sleeve 822 until the wedge magnet corresponds to the position of the second limiting slot 12. Under the action of magnetism, the second wedge magnet 11 falls into the second limiting slot 12, and the second cleaning part 9 reaches the preset cleaning position.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the cleaning linkage of the present invention in the state where the battery is not powered is shown. At this time, the polarity of the second wedge magnet 11 and the polarity of the second connecting rod 823 are negative, the second sleeve 822 is anode, the second connecting rod 823 is fully inserted into the second sleeve 822, that is, the end of the second connecting rod 823 is in contact with the bottom of the second sleeve 822. At this time, the input of the second cleaning linkage 82 is in the non-working mode, which is to reserve space for the earphone.

[0038] Furthermore, when the battery powers the second sleeve 822, such as Figure 6The schematic diagram of the cleaning linkage of this embodiment of the invention in the battery-powered state shows that the polarity of the second sleeve 822 and the second wedge magnet 11 is anode, and the polarity of the second connecting rod 823 is the same as that of the right end of the second sleeve 822, generating a magnetic repulsive force. This pushes the second connecting rod 823 to move to the left from inside the second sleeve 822. At the same time, since the polarity of the second sleeve 822 and the second wedge magnet 11 is the same, it pushes the second wedge magnet 11 to move downward until part of its structure falls into the second limiting slot 12, which positions the second connecting rod 823 and the second sleeve 822, allowing the second connecting rod 823 to move with the second sleeve 822. At this time, the second cleaning linkage 82 extends from inside the sleeve to a preset position, and the second cleaning part 9 at the end of the second connecting rod 823 can then be used to clean the earphones in the cleaning chamber.

[0039] It is understood that, in order to ensure that the second wedge magnet 11 can play both limiting and non-limiting roles, the depth of the second receiving groove must be no less than the height of the second wedge magnet 11, so that it can be completely received in the corresponding receiving groove to avoid collisions during the movement of the connecting rod. Furthermore, the depth of the second limiting slot 12 is less than the height of the second wedge magnet 11, so that after it falls into the second limiting slot 12, part of the structure is still located in the second receiving groove, which plays a role in limiting the connection between the second connecting rod 823 and the second sleeve 822.

[0040] It should be noted that the first cleaning link 81 and the second cleaning link 82 have the same structure, including a first connecting rod and a first sleeve sleeved at the end of the first connecting rod. The end of the first sleeve has a first gear tooth 811 that meshes with the bevel gear. A first receiving groove and a first wedge magnet block received in the first receiving groove are provided on the inner side wall of the first sleeve. A first limiting groove is provided on the outer side wall of the first connecting rod. The magnetism of the inner end of the first sleeve and the first connecting rod is adjustable. The second cleaning link 82 and the first cleaning link 81 are symmetrically distributed about the bevel gear 7. The structure of the first cleaning link 81 will not be described in detail here.

[0041] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, a photosensitive sensor is also provided on the driving component 6, such as a motor. The photosensitive sensor and the driving component 6 are connected and conductive through a motherboard. The photosensitive sensor is used to detect the current ambient light. When the upper shell 1 is closed with the earphone compartment 3, the brightness of the ambient light is 0. At this time, the photosensitive sensor can send a command to turn on the driving component 6. At the same time, the photosensitive sensor is also used to send a command to control the battery to start supplying power, so that the first cleaning link 81 and the second cleaning link 82 extend.

[0042] A power switch and an indicator light 4 can be installed on the housing of the driver 6 or the earphone compartment 3. When the earphones are placed in the earphone compartment 3 and the upper shell 1 is closed, the cleaning function can be started by the power switch, and the current cleaning status can be indicated by the indicator light 4. For example, the indicator light 4 can be lit to indicate that the cleaning process is in progress, and turned off after the cleaning is completed, or the color of the indicator light 4 can be changed.

[0043] It should be noted that since the dust chamber module 5 needs to be cleaned regularly, it needs to be designed to be easy to put in and take out. In the earphone cleaning case of this embodiment, the dust chamber module 5 includes a shell and a dust chamber housed in the shell, with a dust chamber cover at the end of the dust chamber. The dust chamber cover is connected to the dust chamber via a pressing rod. An irregular groove is provided on the shell, and a pull rod is provided on the dust chamber, which is limited in the irregular groove. One end of the pull rod is fixed to the dust chamber, and the other end is limited to move within the irregular groove. When the dust chamber cover is pressed, the pressing rod drives the dust chamber and the pull rod located on the dust chamber to move, so that the other end of the pull rod switches between different positions in the irregular groove, realizing the elastic self-locking or opening of the dust chamber cover. That is, after a period of use, the dust chamber cover can be manually pressed to open the dust chamber for cleaning, and the dust chamber cover can be pressed back in after cleaning.

[0044] Specifically, the assembly process of the earphone cleaning case in this embodiment of the invention includes: first, inserting the battery into the earphone compartment 3 and fixing the battery cover to the earphone compartment 3 with screws; then, inserting the drive component 6 into the earphone compartment 3 and fixing it with adhesive, inserting the indicator light and fixing it with screws, at which time silicone plugs can be inserted to cover the screw holes; then, inserting the first cleaning link 81 and the second cleaning link 82 into the corresponding limiting grooves in the earphone compartment 3 and fixing them; then, fixing the cover plate covering the two cleaning links to the earphone compartment 3 with screws; then, inserting the fan and dust chamber into the earphone compartment 3, connecting the air duct 10 to the cleaning compartment, and fixing the fan and dust chamber with adhesive; then, installing the dust chamber cover onto the dust chamber by pressing the spring switch, and assembling the upper shell and the earphone compartment 3 together by hinges or other structures.

[0045] Corresponding to the above-mentioned headphone cleaning case, the present invention also provides a headphone cleaning method, which uses the above-mentioned headphone cleaning case to clean in-ear headphones.

[0046] Specifically, Figure 7 A flowchart of a headphone cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] like Figure 7 As described above, the headphone cleaning method of this invention includes:

[0048] S100: Place the earphones to be cleaned into the cleaning compartment inside the earphone case and close the top shell;

[0049] S200: Activate the cleaning function. The drive unit drives the bevel gear to rotate, and the bevel gear further drives the first cleaning part and the second cleaning part to rotate, and the first cleaning part and the second cleaning part clean the two earphones respectively.

[0050] It should be noted that the embodiments of the above-mentioned headphone cleaning method can be referred to the description in the embodiments of the headphone cleaning case, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] According to the above-mentioned headphone cleaning box and cleaning method, the retractable cleaning linkage structure is driven by the driving component to move, and then the headphone is cleaned by the cleaning part at the end of the cleaning linkage. The dirt after cleaning is collected and cleaned. The overall structure of the device is simple and easy to operate. It can be applied to the self-cleaning operation of in-ear headphones, thereby improving the user's headphone experience.

[0052] The headphone cleaning case and cleaning method according to the present invention have been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications can be made to the headphone cleaning case and cleaning method proposed in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the contents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An earphone cleaning case, characterized in that, include: An earphone case and an upper shell adapted to the earphone case; wherein, A cleaning compartment for accommodating the earphones and a cleaning module for cleaning the earphones are provided within the cavity formed by the earphone case and the upper shell. The cleaning module includes a drive unit, a bevel gear disposed on the drive unit, and a first cleaning link and a second cleaning link respectively meshing with the bevel gear; One end of the first cleaning link meshes with the bevel gear, and a first cleaning part is provided at the other end of the first cleaning link; one end of the second cleaning link meshes with the bevel gear, and a second cleaning part is provided at the other end of the second cleaning link. The drive unit is used to drive the first cleaning part and the second cleaning part to clean the earphones on the corresponding sides via the bevel gear; The first cleaning linkage includes a first connecting rod and a first sleeve sleeved on the end of the first connecting rod, wherein the end of the first sleeve has a first tooth that meshes with the bevel gear; A first receiving groove and a first wedge magnet block received in the first receiving groove are provided on the inner side wall of the first sleeve, and a first limiting groove is provided on the outer side wall of the first connecting rod. The magnetism of the inner end of the first sleeve and the first connecting rod is adjustable.

2. The earphone cleaning case according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fan and dust collection module housed within the headphone compartment; wherein... The dust chamber module is connected to the cleaning chamber via an air duct, and the fan is used to draw dirt from the cleaning chamber into the dust chamber module when the fan is running.

3. The earphone cleaning case according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a battery connected to the first cleaning link; wherein, When the battery begins to supply power, the first wedge magnet is completely housed within the first receiving groove, and the polarity of the first wedge magnet is opposite to that of the first sleeve; and... The inner end of the first sleeve and the end of the first connecting rod have the same magnetism. Under the action of magnetic force, the first connecting rod slides away from the first sleeve until the wedge magnet block corresponds to the position of the first limiting slot. Under the action of magnetic force, the first wedge magnet block falls into the first limiting slot, and the first cleaning part reaches the preset cleaning position.

4. The earphone cleaning case according to claim 3, characterized in that, The depth of the first receiving groove is not less than the height of the first wedge magnet block, and the depth of the first limiting groove is less than the height of the first wedge magnet block.

5. The earphone cleaning case according to claim 3, characterized in that, A photosensor is mounted on the driving component, and the photosensor is connected to the driving component via a motherboard; wherein... The light sensor is used to detect the current ambient light and send a command to turn on the drive unit when the upper shell is closed with the earphone compartment; at the same time, the light sensor is also used to send a command to control the battery to start supplying power.

6. The earphone cleaning case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second cleaning link has the same structure as the first cleaning link, and the second cleaning link and the first cleaning link are symmetrically distributed about the bevel gear.

7. The earphone cleaning case according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes indicator lights disposed on the drive unit; wherein, The indicator light is used to illuminate during the cleaning process and turn off when cleaning is complete.

8. The earphone cleaning case according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dust bin module includes a housing and a dust bin housed within the housing, with a dust bin cover at one end of the dust bin; wherein, The dust hopper cover is connected to the dust hopper via a pressing rod. An irregular slot is provided on the housing. A pull rod is provided on the dust hopper and limited to moving within the irregular slot. One end of the pull rod is fixed to the dust hopper, and the other end is limited to moving within the irregular slot. When the dust chamber cover is pressed, the pressing rod drives the dust chamber and the pull rod located on the dust chamber to move, so that the other end of the pull rod switches between different positions in the irregular slot, thereby realizing the elastic self-locking or opening of the dust chamber cover.

9. A method for cleaning headphones, characterized in that, Cleaning in-ear headphones using the headphone cleaning case as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; wherein the headphone cleaning method includes: Place the earphones to be cleaned into the cleaning compartment inside the earphone case, and then close the top shell. When the cleaning function is activated, the drive unit rotates the bevel gear, which in turn rotates the first and second cleaning parts, cleaning the two earphones respectively.

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