Protective housing

Abstract

A protective housing (1) for an electronic device (5) is proposed, in particular for a smartphone or tablet or an electronic device (5) with at least one camera and a touchscreen (7), comprising a top part (2), a middle part (3) and a bottom part (4), wherein the top part (2) has an operating area (6) which is configured for interaction with a touchscreen (7) of the inserted electronic device (5), the bottom part (4) has a light passage (18) which is configured for a camera of the inserted electronic device (5) and the middle part (3) connects the top part (2) to the bottom part (4), characterized in that the middle part (3) forms a receiving space (8) which is preferably shaped to fit the electronic device (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective housing for an electronic device, in particular a smartphone or tablet or an electrical device with at least one camera and a touchscreen. The protective housing comprises an upper part, a middle part, and a lower part, wherein the upper part has an operating area configured for interaction with a touchscreen of the inserted electronic device. The lower part has a light passage for a camera of the inserted electronic device. The middle part connects the upper and lower parts.

[0002] It is common practice to equip electronic devices with protective casings. This serves to protect them from impacts or water, for example, and thus often extends the lifespan of the electronic device. Common protective casings for electronic devices such as mobile phones or tablets are constructed from a single piece. The rapid development of new electronic devices, often introduced annually, often results in new device designs with new dimensions. Frequently, the newly developed devices no longer fit into the previously used protective casings, rendering them obsolete and requiring replacement. One problem, therefore, is that new electronic devices with changed dimensions do not fit into existing protective casings.This leads to high acquisition costs, as new protective housings have to be purchased or manufactured, and is also not ecologically sustainable, as existing protective housings often have to be discarded even when in good condition.

[0003] The invention is concerned with improving protective housings for electronic devices, in particular tablets.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

[0005] The protective housing according to the invention is therefore characterized in that a central part forms a receiving space that is preferably shaped to fit the electronic device. This can, for example, make it possible for future product developments for new electronic devices with different dimensions to only require the production of a new central part, rather than a completely new protective housing for the new electronic device. This saves costs and reduces waste. It can also be achieved, for example, that the shaped receiving space encloses and secures the electronic device, ensuring that it rests securely in the receiving space in the central part.

[0006] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the receiving space forms at least one buffer element. This can, for example, ensure that the electronic device in the receiving space is protected from impacts by the buffer element. The receiving space is preferably formed integrally with the buffer element. This can, for example, achieve better shock absorption. It is also possible, for example, to save production and assembly costs because only one part needs to be manufactured. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the receiving space forms a soft support. This can, for example, ensure that the electronic device is softly mounted in the receiving space, which has a positive effect on the protection of the device. The receiving space is preferably formed integrally with the soft support. This can, for example, save production and assembly costs because only one part needs to be manufactured.Buffer elements and soft pads provide additional protection for the often shock-sensitive electronic device, as they can absorb and reduce impact energy.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment, the receiving space contacts the electronic device on at least five sides. In particular, the receiving space can be provided for the electronic device to contact the electronic device on at least six sides. This allows, for example, secure contact and safe storage to be achieved through multiple contact points between the electronic device and the receiving space. Any existing impact energy can be evenly distributed across the electronic device, which, for example, reduces the impact load on a single point.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the receiving space has at least one bevel, but preferably at least or exactly four bevels, at which the upper part is in surface contact. This can, for example, make the connection between the receiving space and the upper part more stable due to the surface contact. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the receiving space has at least one bevel, but preferably four bevels, at which the lower part is in surface contact. This can, for example, make the connection between the receiving space and the lower part more stable due to the surface contact.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the middle part has at least one connecting opening. This makes it possible, for example, to fasten the upper part, middle part, and lower part. In particular, this connecting opening can be formed on a slope. Preferably, the middle part has four connecting openings. This makes it possible, for example, to create a stable and secure connection between the upper part, middle part, and lower part. The connecting openings are preferably formed on a slope, in particular the slope already mentioned.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting opening forms a holding area with at least one connecting opening in the upper part. This makes it possible, for example, to fasten the upper part. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting opening forms a holding area with at least one connecting opening in the lower part. This makes it possible to fasten the lower part.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting openings form a holding area with at least one connecting opening in the upper part. This makes it possible, for example, to secure the upper part using multiple connections. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting openings form a holding area with at least one connecting opening in the lower part. This makes it possible to secure the lower part using multiple connections.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the middle part has a camera hole whose hole dimensions are smaller than the light transmission dimension of a light passage in the lower part. This can, for example, make it possible for the light transmission of the lower part to be larger than the camera hole in the middle part, even if the dimensions of the camera hole in the middle part change. This has the advantage that this embodiment allows adaptability between the middle part and the lower part, in that a future, new middle part with larger camera hole dimensions can still be used with the existing lower part. The light passage can be designed as a transparent window or as a camera hole. The camera window design saves manufacturing costs, since no additional tool is required to create the hole.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the light transmission dimension of the lower part is at least 20 percent larger than a hole dimension of the middle part, for example, the aforementioned one. In particular, the light transmission dimension of the lower part can be 50 percent larger than a hole dimension of the middle part, for example, the aforementioned one. This improves, for example, the adaptability to changing dimensions of future middle parts.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the middle part completely covers the light passage of the lower part outside the camera hole of the middle part. This can, for example, create a stable support surface between the middle part and the lower part.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the middle part forms a circumferential structure of the protective housing, the edges of which describe a polygon whose circumference exactly fits to a circumference described by the edges of the upper part. In this way, for example, a seal against liquids and dust can be achieved between the upper part and the middle part. This is particularly the case when the middle part forms a circumferential structure of the protective housing, the edges of which describe a polygon whose circumference is identical to a circumference described by the edges of the upper part. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the middle part forms a circumferential structure of the protective housing, the edges of which describe a polygon whose circumference exactly fits to a circumference described by the edges of the lower part.This can, for example, provide a seal against liquids and dust between the lower part and the middle part. This is particularly the case when the middle part forms a peripheral structure of the protective housing, the edges of which define a polygon whose perimeter is identical to a perimeter defined by the edges of the lower part.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the middle part overlaps the upper part laterally. This can, for example, achieve an additional, stabilizing connection between the upper part and the middle part. In particular, it can be provided that an overlapping part of the middle part contacts an outer surface of the upper part. This can, for example, achieve additional protection for the edges and outer surfaces of the upper part. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the middle part overlaps the lower part laterally. This can, for example, achieve an additional, stabilizing connection between the lower part and the middle part. In particular, it can be provided that an overlapping part of the middle part contacts an outer surface of the lower part. This can, for example, achieve additional protection for the edges and outer surfaces of the lower part.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the height difference between the lower and upper sections is at least as large as the height of the functional elements in the middle section. This can, for example, ensure sufficient space for the functional elements. The functional elements can be arranged in the surrounding structure. This can, for example, ensure that the functional elements are easily accessible and operable.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the surrounding structure has at least one opening. This can, for example, provide a connection point for power and data cables. In particular, the surrounding structure can have more than four openings. This can, for example, allow brackets to be attached to the surrounding structure.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the circumferential structure has at least one coupling region. This can, for example, make it possible to attach a holding element to the circumferential structure in the coupling region. The at least one opening is preferably arranged in the coupling region. This can, for example, facilitate the coupling of a holder in the opening in the coupling region. In particular, it can be provided that the circumferential structure has at least four coupling regions. This can make it possible for the coupling regions to enable the attachment of several carrying or holding elements to the protective cover.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the upper part and the lower part are held together by at least one clip-on clamp. This can, for example, ensure that the upper and lower parts are firmly held together by the clamp. In particular, it can be provided that a connecting element protruding from the protective housing is formed on the clamp. This can, for example, ensure that the protective housing can be held to the connecting elements by external fastening mechanisms such as straps, cables, belts, or straps.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the at least one clip-on clamp has a coupling element which forms a positive connection with the coupling region. This can, for example, achieve a stable and secure connection between the clip-on clamp and the coupling element. In particular, it can be provided that the at least one clip-on clamp has a coupling element which forms a positive connection with the at least one opening in the coupling region. This can, for example, achieve additional securing and holding of the clamp on the coupling region, since the opening is additionally contacted. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least one clip-on clamp has a coupling element which forms a force-fitting connection with the coupling region.This creates, for example, static friction between the clamp and the coupling area, which further secures the connection. In particular, it can be provided that the at least one clip-on clamp has a coupling element that forms a force-locking connection with the at least one opening in the coupling area. This can, for example, ensure that the coupling element and the opening are held together by friction.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the protective housing has at least one functional element that is at least partially arranged in the at least one opening of the surrounding structure. This can, for example, ensure that buttons on the electronic device that are concealed by the central part and not directly accessible remain pressed.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the central part comprises at least one sealing element, which is preferably formed integrally with the central part. This can, for example, ensure that the central part is sealed against liquids and dirt. Alternatively or additionally, the central part can comprise at least one sealing element that encloses the operating area. This can, for example, ensure that the operating area is sealed against the central part. For example, liquids or dirt located on the display of the electronic device cannot enter the receiving space.

[0024] To achieve the object described above, a series of protective housings is further provided, wherein at least two variants of protective housings in the series have identical upper parts but different middle parts. This makes it possible, for example, to adapt the upper and middle parts. Alternatively or additionally, a series of protective housings can be provided, wherein at least two variants of protective housings in the series have identical lower parts but different middle parts. This makes it possible, for example, to adapt the lower and middle parts. For example, in new product developments for electronic devices, it is sufficient for the protective housing to adapt a new middle part to the electronic device, whereby the original upper and lower parts can be retained.

[0025] To achieve the object described above, the use of a middle part, in particular a protective housing, for adaptation to an electronic device is also provided, while retaining the upper part of a protective housing. This can, for example, achieve a cost reduction in the production of upper parts. Alternatively or additionally, the use of a middle part, in particular a protective housing, for adaptation to an electronic device is also provided, while retaining the lower part of a protective housing. This can, for example, achieve a cost reduction in the production of upper parts.

[0026] The invention will now be described in more detail using exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments arise from combining the features of one or more claims with one another and / or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiments.

[0027] It shows: Fig. 1 a protective housing including electronic device in a three-dimensional view from above, Fig. 2 a protective housing in three-dimensional view from above, Fig. 3 a protective housing in exploded view, Fig. 4 a lower part of the protective housing in three-dimensional view, Fig. 5 a protective housing without electronic device in a three-dimensional view from above.

[0028] The Fig. The protective housing 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 1, consisting of an upper part 2, middle part 3 and lower part 4, protects the electronic device 5 located therein. The upper part 2 comprises an operating area 6, which allows interaction with the touchscreen 7 of the electronic device 5.

[0029] The middle part 3 is in Fig. 2. It forms a receiving space 8 that is shaped to fit the electronic device 5. The buffer element 9 and the soft support 10 are formed integrally with the receiving space 8. For secure support and advantageous shock absorption, the receiving space 8 contacts the electronic device 5 on at least five, in particular six, sides 11.

[0030] Corner protectors 12 are formed at the corners of the middle part 3, enclosing the upper part 2 and the lower part 4, thus protecting the entire protective housing 1 at its corners. The middle part 3 has one or more connecting openings 13 formed on the slope 14. The upper part, middle part, and lower part can be connected to one another in a holding area 15 through the connecting openings 13. The lower part 4 has pins 33 formed, which are guided through the connecting openings 13 and inserted into matching pin holes on the upper part 2.

[0031] The middle part 3 has a camera hole 16, the hole dimension 17 of which is smaller than the light transmission dimension 34 of the light transmission 18 of the lower part 4. The camera hole 16 of the middle part 3 is shaped to fit the electronic device 5. The dimensions of the camera hole 16 of the middle part 3 therefore approximately correspond to the dimensions of the camera of the electronic device 5. Since the light transmission dimension 34 of the light transmission 18 of the lower part 4 is larger than the hole dimension 17 of the camera hole 16 of the middle part 3, middle parts 3 with camera holes 16 of different dimensions can be installed.

[0032] The middle part 3 of the protective housing 1 forms a circumferential structure 19, the edges 20 of which define a polygon 21, the circumference of which precisely matches or preferably is identical to a circumference defined by edges 20 of the upper part 2 and the lower part 4. The middle part 3 overlaps the upper part 2 and the lower part 4 laterally. An overlapping part 22, which may be part of a corner protector 12, contacts the outer surface 23 of the upper part 2 and the lower part 4.

[0033] The vertical distance 24 between the upper part 2 and the lower part 3 is at least as large as the height of the functional elements 25 arranged in the middle part 3. The functional elements 25 are preferably arranged in the circumferential structure 19. The circumferential structure 19 has openings 26, which are preferably arranged in the coupling regions 27. In the coupling regions 27, the upper part 2 and the lower part 4 are held together by clip-on clips 28. For fastening to a belt, for example, protruding connecting elements 29 are formed on the clips 28. For fastening the clip 28 to the protective housing 1, the clip 28 has a coupling element 30, which forms a positive and non-positive connection with the coupling region 27, in particular with an opening 26.

[0034] The functional element 25 is at least partially arranged in an opening 26 of the circumferential structure 19.

[0035] The sealing element 31 is formed integrally with the central part 3, in particular, the sealing element 32 being formed by the circumferential structure 19. The sealing element 32 also encompasses the operating area 6.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows an external view of the lower part 4 of the protective housing 1. The light passage 18 with its light passage dimension 34 is shown.

[0037] Fig. Figure 5 shows the protective housing 1 consisting of the upper part 2, the middle part 3, and the lower part 4. The electronic device 5 is not shown. This view shows that the light passage dimension 34 of the light passage 18 is larger than the hole dimension 17 of the camera hole 16 of the middle part 3.

[0038] The light passage 18 can be designed as a transparent window or as a camera hole. The transparent camera window design shown here has the advantage that the camera window portion does not need to be printed during the manufacturing process, which saves costs. Furthermore, manufacturing costs are saved because no new tool needs to be manufactured to create a hole in the lower part.

[0039] A protective housing 1 for an electronic device 5 is proposed, in particular for a smartphone or tablet or an electronic device 5 with at least one camera and a touchscreen 7, with an upper part 2, a middle part 3 and a lower part 4, wherein the upper part 2 has an operating area 6 which is designed to interact with a touchscreen 7 of the inserted electronic device 5, the lower part 4 has a light passage 18 which is designed for a camera of the inserted electronic device 5 and the middle part 3 connects the upper part 2 to the lower part 4, characterized in that the middle part 3 forms a receiving space 8 which is preferably adapted to the shape of the electronic device 5. List of reference symbols 1 protective housing 2 top 3 Middle part 4 Lower part 5 Electronic device 6 Operating area 7 touchscreen 8 Recording room 9 Buffer element 10 soft pad 11 pages 12 corner protectors 13 connecting openings 14 slopes 15 Holding area 16 Camera hole of the middle part 17 Hole dimensions 18 Light transmission 19 Structure 20 edges 21 polygons 22 overarching part 23 Exterior area 24 height distance 25 functional elements 26 openings 27 Coupling area 28 bracket 29 Connecting element 30 coupling element 31 Sealing element 32 keys 33 cones 34 Light transmission dimensions

Claims

[1] Protective housing (1) for an electronic device (5), in particular a smartphone or tablet or an electronic device (5) with at least one camera and a touchscreen (7), with an upper part (2), a middle part (3) and a lower part (4), wherein the upper part (2) has an operating area (6) which is designed to interact with a touchscreen (7) of the inserted electronic device (5), the lower part (4) has a light passage (18) which is designed for a camera of the inserted electronic device (5), and the middle part (3) connects the upper part (2) to the lower part (4), characterized by that the central part (3) forms a receiving space (8) which is preferably adapted to the shape of the electronic device (5). [2] Protective housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving space (8) forms at least one buffer element (9) and / or at least one soft support (10), in particular wherein the receiving space (8) is formed in one piece with the buffer element(s) (9) and / or the soft support(s) (10). [3] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving space (8) contacts the electronic device (5) on at least five, in particular six, sides (11). [4] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving space (8) has at least one, preferably four, bevels (14) on which the upper part (2) and / or the lower part (4) is in planar contact. [5] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central part (3) has at least one, preferably at least four, connecting opening(s) (13), in particular wherein the connecting opening(s) (13) is / are formed on the slope (14). [6] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting opening(s) (13) form / form a holding region (15) with at least one connecting opening (13) of the upper part (2) and / or the lower part (4). [7] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle part (3) has a camera hole (16) whose hole dimension (17) is smaller than a light passage dimension (34) of a light passage (18) of the lower part (4). [8] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light transmission dimension (34) of the lower part (4) is at least twenty percent, in particular fifty percent larger than one or the hole dimension (17) of the middle part (3). [9] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central part (3) covers the light passage (18) of the lower part (4) outside the camera hole (16) of the central part (3) in a planar manner. [10] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle part (3) forms a circumferential structure (19) of the protective housing (1), the edges (20) of which describe a polygon (21) whose circumference is a precise fit, preferably identical to a circumference which is described by edges (20) of the upper part (2) and / or the lower part (4). [11] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle part (3) laterally overlaps the upper part (2) and / or the lower part (4), in particular wherein an overlapping part (22) of the middle part (3) contacts an outer surface (23) of the upper part (2) and / or the lower part (4). [12] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a height distance (24) between the lower part (4) and the upper part (2) is at least as large as the height of functional elements (25) in the middle part (3) and / or wherein the functional elements (25) are arranged in the circumferential structure (19). [13] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential structure (19) has at least one, in particular more than four, opening(s) (26). [14] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential structure (19) has at least one, in particular four, coupling region(s) (27), wherein preferably at least the at least one opening (26) is arranged in the coupling region (27). [15] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper part (2) and the lower part (4) are held together by at least one clip-on clamp (28), in particular wherein a connecting element (29) projecting from the protective housing (1) is formed on the clamp (28). [16] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clip-on clamp (28) has a coupling element (30) which forms a positive and / or non-positive connection with the coupling region (27), in particular with the at least one opening (26). [17] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective housing (1) has at least one functional element (25) which is arranged at least partially in the at least one opening (26) of the circumferential structure (19). [18] Protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central part (3) has at least one sealing element (31), which is preferably formed integrally with the central part (3), in particular wherein the at least one sealing element (31) is formed by the circumferential structure (19), and / or wherein the at least one sealing element (31) encloses the operating area (6). [19] Series of protective housings (1), in particular of protective housings (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two variants of protective housings (1) of the series have identical upper parts (2) and / or lower parts (4), but have different middle parts (3). [20] Use of a middle part (3), in particular of a protective housing (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 18, for adaptation to an electronic device (5), wherein the upper part (2) and / or lower part (4) of a protective housing (1), in particular as previously claimed, are retained.

Images