Earphone box comprising lifting mechanism

Abstract

The invention provides an earphone case (1) for housing an earphone (4). A lifting structure (7) has a first end (7a) interconnected with a lid (5) and a second end (7b) for moving the earphone (4) along a first axis (A1). An elongated element (8) comprises the first end (7a) and the second end (7b), the first end (7a) being fixedly connected to the lid (5) such that pivoting of the lid (5) causes pivoting of the elongated element (8). Alternatively, the elongated element (8) comprises the first end (7a) of the lifting structure (7), a slider (9) comprising the second end (7b) of the lifting structure (7). The first end (7a) is pivotally connected to the lid (5), pivoting of the lid (5) causing linear movement of the first end (7a) along a second axis (A2), in turn causing linear movement of the second end (7b) along the first axis (A1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an insertable headphone case including a housing comprising a first recess for receiving at least one headphone and a lid hinged to the housing. The lid is pivotable between a first position and a second position, wherein the lid closes the opening of the first recess when in the second position. Background Technology

[0002] Wearable electronic devices are becoming increasingly popular among consumers, one type of which is wireless earbuds. These earbuds come with a charging case, where the earbuds are stored and charged when not in use.

[0003] The way wireless earbuds are arranged in the charging case often makes them difficult to remove. The earbuds are placed in a deep cavity, and there are no special shapes or surfaces on the earbuds that make it easy to grab them with your fingers and remove them from the charging case.

[0004] Previous proposed solutions involved complex mechanisms comprising several interacting moving parts, which occupied a significant amount of space in the charging case, were complex and expensive to manufacture, and were prone to damage. Consequently, these complex mechanisms have not been implemented in real-world applications.

[0005] Therefore, an improved headphone case is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to provide an improved plug-in earphone case. The above and other objects are achieved through the features of the independent claims. Other implementations will be apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a plug-in earphone case is provided, the plug-in earphone case comprising: a housing including a first recess for receiving at least one earphone; a lid hinged to the housing, the lid pivotable between the first position and the second position, the lid being configured to close an opening in the first recess when in the second position; at least one lifting structure having a first end directly interconnected with the lid and a second end disposed within the housing, the second end of the lifting structure being configured to move away from the opening when the lid pivots from the first position to the second position, and the second end of the lifting structure being configured to move toward the opening of the first recess when the lid pivots from the second position to the first position, such that the second end of the lifting structure is... The earphone engages and pushes it out of the first groove along a first axis. The lifting structure includes an elongated element, the elongated element including a first end and a second end of the lifting structure, the first end being fixedly connected to the cover such that pivoting of the cover causes pivoting of the elongated element. Alternatively, the lifting structure includes an elongated element and a slider, the elongated element including the first end of the lifting structure, the slider including the second end of the lifting structure, the first end of the lifting structure being pivotally connected to the cover, the pivoting of the cover causing linear movement of the first end along a second axis, the second axis extending at an angle of 0 < α < 90° with the first axis, the linear movement of the first end along the second axis causing linear movement of the second end along the first axis.

[0008] This solution simplifies the process of removing the earphones from the case. It is simple, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, involves few parts, is durable, and takes up little space.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first recess is used to accommodate two earphones, and the plug-in earphone case includes a lifting structure for engaging with both earphones simultaneously, thereby facilitating a solution with as few components as possible.

[0010] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first recess is used to accommodate two earphones, and the plug-in earphone case includes two lifting structures, each for engaging with one earphone, thereby facilitating the adoption of the most flexible possible solution.

[0011] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the plug-in earphone case further includes a second recess for receiving the lifting structure when the lid is in the second position, thereby facilitating the placement of the lifting structure inside the earphone case without affecting the earphone storage space.

[0012] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second groove is used to enable the elongated element to slide and / or pivot in response to linear movement of the first end of the lifting structure along the second axis, so that the lifting structure can move within the headphone case without affecting the headphone storage space.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the cover is hinged to the housing along a hinge axis that extends perpendicular to the hinge axis, such that the arrangement is used for products in which the earphones are arranged within the earphone case, such that the respective audio output points of the earphones are oriented in a direction away from each other or toward each other.

[0014] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the cover and the elongated element constitute a single component, making manufacturing simple and cost-effective.

[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first recess is configured such that when the earphones are arranged in the first recess, the sound transmission axis of the earphones extends parallel to the hinge axis, so that the arrangement is used for products in which the earphones are arranged in the earphone case such that the respective audio output points of the earphones are oriented in a direction away from each other or towards each other.

[0016] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second end of the elongated element is configured to pivot along a semi-circular path extending in a plane parallel to the first axis, such that the arrangement is used for products in which the earphones are arranged parallel to each other within the earphone case, such that the corresponding audio output points of the earphones are oriented in the same direction toward the hinge axis or toward a direction away from the hinge axis.

[0017] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the elongated element is pivotally connected to the slider so that the pivoting motion of the lid is converted into linear motion of the slider.

[0018] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the first groove is configured such that when the earphone is arranged in the first groove, the sound transmission axis of the earphone extends perpendicular to the hinge axis, so that the solution is used for products in which the earphone is arranged parallel to the earphone case, such that the corresponding audio output points of the earphone are oriented in the same direction toward or away from the hinge axis.

[0019] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the elongated element is used to pull the slider toward the opening or push the slider into the first recess in response to the pivoting movement of the lid, thereby facilitating a simple but effective solution for removing the earphones from the earphone case.

[0020] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the second end of the lifting structure is pivotally connected to the slider so that the slider moves linearly without negatively affecting the connection with the lifting structure.

[0021] According to a second aspect, a plug-in headphone system is provided, the plug-in headphone system comprising at least one earphone and the aforementioned plug-in headphone case. This system facilitates easy removal of the earphones from the headphone case, is simple and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, comprises few components, is durable, and occupies little space.

[0022] These and other aspects will become apparent from the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0023] In the following detailed description of the invention, various aspects, embodiments, and implementations are explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1a A cross-sectional front view of an example of an insertable headphone case provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a A cross-sectional side view of an insert-type headphone case;

[0026] Figure 2a A cross-sectional front view of an example of an insertable headphone case provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a A cross-sectional side view of an insertable headphone case. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1a and Figure 1b as well as Figure 2a and Figure 2bAn embodiment of an insertable headphone case 1 is shown. The insertable headphone case 1 includes: a housing 2, the housing 2 including a first recess 3 for receiving at least one headphone 4; a cover 5 hinged to the housing 2, the cover 5 pivotable between a first position P1 and a second position P2, the cover 5 being used to close the opening 6 of the first recess 3 when in the second position P2; at least one lifting structure 7, the at least one lifting structure 7 having a first end 7a directly interconnected with the cover 5 and a second end 7b disposed within the housing 2, the second end 7b of the lifting structure 7 being used to move away from the opening 6 when the cover 5 pivots from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and the second end 7b of the lifting structure 7 being used to move toward the opening 6 of the first recess 3 when the cover 5 pivots from the second position P2 to the first position P1, such that the second end 7b of the lifting structure 7 engages with the headphone 4 and The earphone 4 is pushed out of the first groove 3 along the first axis A1. The lifting structure 7 includes an elongated element 8, which includes a first end 7a and a second end 7b. The first end 7a is fixedly connected to the cover 5, so that the pivoting movement of the cover 5 causes the pivoting movement of the elongated element 8. Alternatively, the lifting structure 7 includes an elongated element 8 and a slider 9. The elongated element 8 includes the first end 7a of the lifting structure 7, and the slider 9 includes the second end 7b of the lifting structure 7. The first end 7a of the lifting structure 7 is pivotally connected to the cover 5. The pivoting movement of the cover 5 causes the first end 7a to move linearly along the second axis A2. The second axis A2 extends at an angle of 0 < α < 90° with the first axis A1. The linear movement of the first end 7a along the second axis A2 causes the second end 7b to move linearly along the first axis A1.

[0029] The plug-in earphone case 1 includes a housing 2 and a cover 5 hinged to the housing 2, such as Figure 1b and Figure 2b As shown.

[0030] The housing 2 includes a first recess 3 for accommodating at least one earphone 4. The first recess 3 typically accommodates two earphones 4 adjacent to each other; alternatively, the two earphones 4 are separated by a partial partition wall within the first recess 3.

[0031] Lid 5 can be Figure 1b and Figure 2b The first position P1 shown is... Figure 1a and Figure 2a The cover 5 pivots between the second position P2 shown. The cover 5 is used to close the opening 6 of the first groove 3 when in the second position P2.

[0032] The plug-in headphone case 1 also includes at least one lifting structure 7. The first recess 3 can be used to accommodate two headphones 4, and the plug-in headphone case 1 can include a lifting structure 7 for engaging with both headphones 4 simultaneously. Alternatively, the first recess 3 can also be used to accommodate two headphones 4, and the plug-in headphone case 1 includes two lifting structures 7, each for engaging with one headphone 4.

[0033] The lifting structure 7 has a first end 7a that is directly interconnected with the cover 5 and a second end 7b disposed within the housing 2. The first end 7a is directly interconnected with the cover 5, without being connected by gears or other means. The lifting structure 7 and the cover 5 can be manufactured as a single piece using methods such as injection molding or casting of plastic or metal materials, or they can be manufactured as two separate components and then connected to each other.

[0034] The second end 7b of the lifting structure 7 is used to move away from the opening 6 when the cover 5 pivots from the first position P1 to the second position P2 (i.e., when the cover 5 is closed), assuming that the earphone 4 is at least partially arranged in the first recess 3. The movement of the second end 7b away from the opening and further into the housing 2 allows the earphone 4 to slide further into the appropriate position in the first recess 3 when the cover 5 is closed.

[0035] The second end 7b of the lifting structure 7 is also used to move toward the opening 6 of the first groove 3 when the cover 5 pivots from the second position P2 to the first position P1 (i.e., when the cover 5 is open), so that the second end 7b of the lifting structure 7 engages with the earphone 4 and pushes the earphone 4 out of the first groove 3 along the first axis A1. The first axis A1 may extend coaxially or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the earphone and the longitudinal axis of the first groove 3, such as... Figure 1a , Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown by the vertically extending dashed arrow.

[0036] The cover 5 can be hinged to the housing 2 along the hinge axis A3, and the first axis A1 can extend perpendicular to the hinge axis A3. The hinge can be any suitable type of hinge, such as a traditional pin-hole hinge or a snap-fit ​​hinge where a cylindrical rod engages a correspondingly shaped retaining lug. Furthermore, the hinge can be a "plastic hinge" or a "movable hinge," wherein the components connected by the hinge are manufactured as a single unit. This can be achieved if the hinge material is such as polypropylene, which is thick enough to achieve durability but can be repeatedly bent without breaking.

[0037] The lifting structure 7 can engage with the lower surface of the earphone, causing the lifting structure 7 to push the earphone 4 out of the first recess 3. The lifting structure 7 can also be used to completely disengage from the earphone when the earphone 4 is placed in the first recess 3. Alternatively, the lifting structure 7 can be used to contact the earphone 4 when the earphone 4 is placed in the first recess 3, with the earphone 4 pushing the lifting structure 7 into the housing 2.

[0038] The lifting mechanism 7 includes an elongated element 8. The elongated element 8 can have any cross-sectional shape, and this shape can be varied. For example, the cross-section can be adjusted to produce any desired lifting height as the earbud is removed from the first recess 3.

[0039] In one embodiment, the lifting structure 7 includes an elongated element 8, which includes a first end 7a and a second end 7b of the lifting structure 7, such as... Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown. The first end 7a is fixedly connected to the cover 5, such that the pivoting movement of the cover 5 causes the pivoting movement of the elongated element 8, as shown. Figure 1b As indicated by the dashed arrow in the diagram. The second end 7b of the elongated element 8 can be used to pivot along a semi-circular path S1, which extends in a plane parallel to the first axis A1. When the cover is opened, the elongated element 8 partially pivots toward the opening 6, causing the earphone 4 to be pushed out of the first recess 3. When the cover is closed, the elongated element 8 partially pivots away from the opening 6 into the earphone case 1 and the first recess 3 and / or the second recess 10. The cover 5 and the elongated element 8 can constitute a single component.

[0040] The first groove 3 can be configured such that when the earphone 4 is placed within the first groove 3, the sound transmission axis A4 of the earphone 4 extends parallel to the hinge axis A3, such as... Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown. The sound transmission axis A4 of the headphone 4 represents the main direction of audio propagation.

[0041] In one embodiment, the lifting structure 7 includes an elongated element 8 and a slider 9, the elongated element 8 including a first end 7a of the lifting structure 7, and the slider 9 including a second end 7b of the lifting structure 7. Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown.

[0042] The first end 7a of the lifting structure 7 is pivotally connected to the cover 5. When the cover 5 is opened in a direction at least partially away from the opening 6, the pivoting motion of the cover 5 causes the first end 7a to move linearly along the second axis A2. The second axis A2 extends at an angle of 0 < α < 90° to the first axis A1, as shown below. Figure 2b As shown by the dashed arrow in the diagram. The linear movement of the first end 7a along the second axis A2 causes the second end 7b to move linearly along the first axis A1. When the cover 5 is opened, the second end 7b moves in the direction toward the opening 6, causing the earphone 4 to be pushed out of the first groove 3. The cover 5 and the elongated element 8 can constitute a single component.

[0043] The first groove 3 can be configured such that when the earphone 4 is placed within the first groove 3, the sound transmission axis A4 of the earphone 4 extends perpendicularly to the hinge axis A3, such as... Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown.

[0044] The elongated element 8 can be pivotally connected to the slider 9. The second end 7b of the lifting structure 7 can be pivotally connected to the slider 9. In addition, the elongated element 8 can be used to pull the slider 9 toward the opening 6 or push the slider 9 into the first groove 3 in response to the pivoting movement of the cover 5.

[0045] The plug-in headphone case 1 may include a second recess 10 for accommodating the lifting structure 7 when the lid 5 is in a second position P2 (i.e., the lid 5 is closed) and the lifting structure 7 is fully arranged inside the headphone case 1. The second recess 10 may be separate from and / or interconnected with the first recess 3. The second recess 10 may also be used to enable the elongated element 8 to slide and / or pivot in response to linear movement of the first end 7a of the lifting structure 7 along a second axis A2.

[0046] The present invention also relates to an in-ear headphone system 11, which includes at least one earphone 4 (most commonly two earphones 4) and the aforementioned in-ear headphone case 1.

[0047] This document has described various aspects and implementations in conjunction with various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art, upon studying the accompanying drawings, the invention, and the appended claims, will be able to understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed subject matter. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality. The enumeration of measures in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that a combination of these measures cannot be used to obtain an advantage.

[0048] The reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings (e.g., cross shading, component arrangements, scale, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered an integral part of the entire written description of the invention. The terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down,” as well as their adjective and adverbial derivatives (e.g., “horizontally,” “to the right,” “upward,” etc.) used herein, when a particular drawing is facing the reader, simply indicate the orientation of the illustrated structure. Similarly, the terms “inward” and “outward” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation (where applicable).

Claims

1. An insertable earphone case (1), characterized in that, Comprising: a housing (2) comprising a first recess (3) for accommodating at least one earphone (4); a lid (5) hinged to the housing (2), the lid (5) being pivotable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), the lid (5) being intended to close an opening (6) of the first recess (3) when in the second position (P2); at least one lifting structure (7) having a first end (7a) directly interconnected with the lid (5) and a second end (7b) arranged within the housing (2), the second end (7b) of the lifting structure (7) being intended to move away from the opening (6) when the lid (5) is pivoted from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), the second end (7b) of the lifting structure (7) being intended to move towards the opening (6) of the first recess (3) when the lid (5) is pivoted from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1) so that the second end (7b) of the lifting structure (7) engages with the earphone (4) and pushes the earphone (4) out of the first recess (3) along a first axis (A1), the lifting structure (7) comprising: an elongated element (8) comprising the first end (7a) and the second end (7b) of the lifting structure (7), the first end (7a) being fixedly connected to the lid (5) so that a pivoting movement of the lid (5) causes a pivoting movement of the elongated element (8), or an elongated element (8) comprising the first end (7a) of the lifting structure (7), a slider (9) comprising the second end (7b) of the lifting structure (7), the first end (7a) of the lifting structure (7) being pivotally connected to the lid (5), a pivoting movement of the lid (5) causing a linear movement of the first end (7a) along a second axis (A2), the second axis (A2) extending at an angle of 0<α<90° with respect to the first axis (A1), the linear movement of the first end (7a) along the second axis (A2) causing a linear movement of the second end (7b) along the first axis (A1).

2. An insertable earphone case (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first recess (3) being intended to accommodate two earphones (4), the plug-in earphone case (1) comprising one lifting structure (7) intended to engage with both earphones (4) simultaneously.

3. An insertable earphone case (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first recess (3) being intended to accommodate two earphones (4), the plug-in earphone case (1) comprising two lifting structures (7), each lifting structure (7) being intended to engage with one earphone (4).

4. An insertable earphone case (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second recess (10) is also included, the second recess (10) being intended to accommodate the lifting structure (7) when the lid (5) is in the second position (P2).

5. An insertable earphone case (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The second recess (10) is configured to enable a sliding movement and / or a pivotal movement of the elongated element (8) in response to a linear movement of the first end (7a) of the lifting structure (7) along the second axis (A2).

6. An insertable earphone case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The lid (5) is hinged to the housing (2) along a hinge axis (A3), the first axis (A1) extending perpendicular to the hinge axis (A3).

7. An insertable earphone case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The lid (5) and the elongated element (8) constitute a single piece element.

8. An insertable earphone case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The lid (5) is hinged to the housing (2) along a hinge axis (A3), the first recess (3) being configured such that, when the earphone (4) is arranged in the first recess (3), an acoustic axis (A4) of the earphone (4) extends parallel to the hinge axis (A3).

9. An insertable earphone case (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The second end (7b) of the elongated element (8) is configured to pivot along a semi-circular path (S1), the semi-circular path (S1) extending in a plane parallel to the first axis (A1).

10. An insert earphone case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The lid (5) is hinged to the housing (2) along a hinge axis (A3), the first recess (3) being configured such that, when the earphone (4) is arranged in the first recess (3), an acoustic axis (A4) of the earphone (4) extends perpendicular to the hinge axis (A3).

11. An insertable earphone case (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The elongated element (8) is pivotally connected to the slider (9).

12. An insertable earphone case (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The elongated element (8) is configured to pull the slider (9) towards the opening (6) or to push the slider (9) into the first recess (3) in response to the pivotal movement of the lid (5).

13. An insertable earphone case (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The second end (7b) of the lifting structure (7) is pivotally connected to the slider (9).

14. An insert earphone system (11), characterized by An earphone plug-in case (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising at least one earphone (4).

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