CN112972116A

CN112972116A - Protective earmuffs and assemblies thereof

Info

Publication number: CN112972116A
Application number: CN202110381688.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吴子乾
Original assignee: Tekman Nanjing Electronics Co ltd
Current assignee: Tecman Nanjing Safety Protection Equipment Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-09
Filing date: 2021-04-09
Publication date: 2021-06-18

Abstract

The application discloses protective earmuffs and assemblies thereof. The protective earmuff comprises a shell base in which an acoustic cavity for noise attenuation and a chamber for housing electronics are formed; an outer cover for covering at least the accommodation chamber; and a locking structure acting between the outer cover and the housing base to ensure that the outer cover and the housing base are detachably connected. The locking structure comprises a first locking component fixedly arranged on the outer cover so as to be selectively engaged with the housing base; a second locking member pivotably provided on the outer cover, the second locking member being separated from the first locking member and being pivotable between a locking position in which the outer cover and the housing base are locked together by the locking structure and an unlocking position in which the outer cover is separable from the housing base; and a force application member provided between the second locking member and the outer lid to apply a force to the second locking member that always tends to return from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Description

Protective earmuffs and assemblies thereof

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to protective earmuff assemblies for use in industrial settings, and in particular to protective earmuffs for such assemblies.

Background

There are various noise interferences in industrial sites. Accordingly, field workers often need to wear protective earmuff assemblies to prevent irreversible hearing loss. In addition, the protective earmuff component can be equipped with a microphone and an earphone, so that the voice of noisy field operation personnel can be accurately picked up while the noise of an industrial field is reduced, and the voice is transmitted to other field working personnel wearing the protective earmuff component, so that the protective earmuff component can be effectively communicated with each other at any time.

The protective earmuffs can cover substantially the entire human ear, so that the field noise in most frequency ranges can be shielded by the physical mechanical design of the protective earmuff housing. In addition, batteries, such as rechargeable batteries, are also required to be provided in the protective earmuff housing as a power source for the operation of the electronic devices, such as earphones, associated control circuitry, and the like. Thus, it is desirable to design at least a portion of the protective earmuff housing to be removable so that the battery can be removed from the housing and replaced at any time when needed, or to service the circuitry inside the earmuff housing.

Often the same protective earmuff assembly may be worn by different workers in the field, each worker having different operating habits or experiences. Therefore, it is necessary to equip the earmuff housing with a locking structure that has a high reliability of the locking housing and is easy to open.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, the present application is directed to a novel locking design for an earmuff shell that can be easily and reliably opened and locked in the industrial field.

According to one aspect of the application, there is provided a protective earmuff comprising:

a housing base in which an acoustic cavity for noise attenuation and a chamber for accommodating an electronic device are formed;

an outer cover for covering at least the accommodation chamber; and

a locking structure acting between the outer cover and the housing base to ensure that the outer cover and the housing base are detachably connected, the locking structure comprising:

a first locking member fixedly disposed on the outer cover to be selectively engageable with the housing base;

a second locking member pivotably provided on the outer cover, the second locking member being spaced from the first locking member and being pivotable between a locking position in which the outer cover and the housing base are lockable together by the locking structure and an unlocking position in which the outer cover is separable from the housing base; and

a force application element provided between the second locking member and the outer lid to apply a force to the second locking member that always tends to return it from the unlocked position to the locked position. Since the locking structure of the present application enables the connection or disconnection of the outer cover to the housing base upon the pivotal movement of the second locking part thereof, the user can easily disassemble and assemble the protective earmuff, while at the same time secure locking of the outer cover to the housing base and automatic resetting of the second locking part are ensured due to the employment of a separate force application element.

Optionally, the first locking member and the second locking member in the locked position are simultaneously engaged with the housing base to lock the outer cover to the housing base.

Alternatively, the force application element is located in an installation space defined between the second locking member and the outer lid and capable of changing in volume with pivoting of the second locking member.

Alternatively, the first locking part is a projection formed on a circumferential flange of the outer cover, and a catch groove is formed in a periphery of the housing base so as to be engageable with the projection.

Optionally, a locking receptacle is formed in a periphery of the housing base to be able to at least partially receive the second locking member.

Optionally, the first locking part and the second locking part are spaced apart from each other in a diameter direction of the outer cap. It is noted that the term "diameter" here does not necessarily mean that the outer cover must be circular or oval, but it is understood that the distance between the first locking part and the second locking part may be maximized, seen in a cross section through the outer cover perpendicular to the thickness direction of the housing base.

Optionally, the second locking component comprises a locking portion defining the mounting space together with the outer cover, the locking portion being at least partially located within the locking receptacle and an actuating portion exposed when the outer cover is locked to the housing base. By the user's finger touching the actuating portion to cause the second locking member to perform the pivotal movement, the operation of the locking structure can be performed more conveniently than in the case of the locking member capable of only linear movement.

Optionally, the locking portion includes at least one arcuate flange and at least one arcuate ridge is formed in the locking receptacle, the arcuate flange following the arcuate ridge and pivoting about the arcuate ridge as the locking portion pivots within the locking receptacle. The design of the arcuate flange and the arcuate ridge helps guide the pivoting movement of the locking portion within the locking receptacle while preventing accidental escape of the locking portion from the locking receptacle, increasing the reliability of the locking structure of the present application.

Optionally, the arcuate flange is capable of applying a force to the arcuate ridge in the locked position that blocks the locking portion from exiting the locking receptacle.

Optionally, the force application element is a torsion spring, and the torsion spring has a helical spring section and two spring arms extending from two ends of the helical spring section. Preferably, the central axis of the helical spring section coincides with or is parallel to the pivot axis of the second locking part.

Optionally, one of the two spring arms is in contact with the second locking member and the other spring arm is in contact with the outer cover within the mounting space.

Alternatively, the force application member is a pair of magnets, a first magnet of the pair of magnets is located on the locking portion, and a second magnet of the pair of magnets is located on the outer cover, and sides of the first magnet and the second magnet facing each other have the same magnetism.

Optionally, the electronics comprise electronics for noise attenuation.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is also provided a protective earmuff assembly, comprising:

connecting a head band; and

a pair of protective earmuffs removably attached at opposite ends of the attachment band, one or both of the pair of protective earmuffs being the aforementioned protective earmuff.

Adopt the above-mentioned technical means of this application, the user can conveniently and reliably lock the enclosing cover to the housing base of protection ear muff to ensure that the electron device of protection ear muff can receive the protection safely. In addition, when needed, the user can also conveniently detach the outer cover to overhaul or replace the electronic device.

Drawings

The principles and aspects of the present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale for clarity of illustration and will not detract from the understanding of the present application. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating one example of a protective earmuff assembly according to the present application;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a protective earmuff according to one embodiment of the application, wherein the protective earmuff can be installed in the protective earmuff assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the outer cover that is part of the shell of the protective earmuff separated from the shell base and the locking structure in a locked state;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the protective earmuff as shown in FIG. 2, but with the locking structure in an unlocked state;

FIGS. 4A through 4D are side views schematically illustrating how the outer cover of the protective earmuff is unlocked and removed from the housing base;

FIG. 5A is a partial view schematically illustrating a resilient member acting on the locking structure when the locking structure is in the locked condition;

FIG. 5B is a partial view schematically illustrating the resilient member acting on the locking structure when the locking structure is in the unlocked condition;

fig. 6A and 6B are partial views showing a protective earmuff according to another embodiment of the present application, respectively, showing a force-applying element acting between the locking structure and the housing base when the locking structure is in a locked and unlocked state.

Detailed Description

In the various figures of the present application, features that are structurally identical or functionally similar are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates one example of a protective earmuff assembly 10 according to the present application. The protective earmuff assembly 10 generally comprises a pair of protective earmuffs 100 and an attachment band 200. The attachment band 200 is designed to be worn on the top of the user's head and the opposite ends are removably attached to the pair of protective earmuffs 100. One or each of the pair of protective ear cups 100 can be provided with electronics such as a bluetooth module, headset, control circuitry, battery, etc., and therefore a removable outer cover (as described below) to facilitate replacement of the battery or servicing of the associated electronics. For example, the attachment band 200 may generally include a flexible curved band portion 211 adapted to contact the head of a user and a metal frame 228 extending from opposite ends of the flexible curved band portion for releasable attachment to each protective earmuff 100. Meanwhile, the conductive cable 230 for connecting the two protective earmuffs 100 may also be at least partially penetrated in the connecting head band 200. After each protective earmuff 100 is attached to the attachment band 200, and in particular to its respective metal frame 228, the protective earmuff 100 can pivot relative to the attachment band 200 to facilitate adjustment of the position of the protective earmuff 100 to the head contour of the user. In particular, the metal frame 228 may also be configured to be telescopic relative to the flexible curved strap portion 211 so as to adapt to the head contour of the user; and/or the flexible curved band portion 211 itself may be configured to be telescopically adjustable along its length.

Referring now to fig. 2-5B, one embodiment of a protective earmuff 100 according to the present application is described. It should be clear to one skilled in the art that the protective earmuffs 100 described herein can refer to any one or each of the protective earmuff assemblies 10.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a protective earmuff 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. The protective earmuff 100 can comprise a housing base 210, an outer cover 220 mountable on a side of the housing base 210 that faces away from the user's head during use, and an ear cushion 230 mountable on a side of the housing base 210 that faces toward the user's head during use. For clarity, the cover 220 is shown in FIG. 2 as having been removed from the housing base 210, and the side of the cover 220 facing the housing base 210 when installed can be seen.

The housing base 210 may be made of, for example, plastic, can internally form an acoustic cavity for attenuating external noise, and is used to house electronic devices such as a bluetooth module, earphones, a microphone, a control circuit, a battery, and the like. Here, the electronic device may also include, but is not limited to, an electronic device that is also used for noise attenuation. Therefore, for the need of maintenance and replacement of the related electronic devices, the outer cover 220 is usually provided on the side of the housing base 210 facing away from the head of the user during use, so as to shield these electronic devices from external damage at the construction site.

On the side of the housing base 210 opposite the outer cover 220 is mounted an ear pad 230 which is capable of contacting the head of the user, in particular the ear or tissue surrounding the ear. Thus, the ear pad 230 is substantially annular and has a sponge structure. A pair of pivotal coupling structures 240 are further provided on the outer circumference of the housing base 210 for coupling with the metal frames 228, respectively. In particular, the metal frame 228 is adjustable to move relative to the pivotal connection 240.

The outer cover 220 may also be made of plastic, for example. As shown in fig. 2 and 3, a chamber for accommodating the electronic device may be formed on a side of the housing base 210 facing away from the head of the user when in use. The outer lid 220 is used to cover at least the chamber. In the embodiments of the present application, the compartment may be, for example, for accommodating two No. 7 batteries. Of course, it will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the chamber may also be used for accommodating other (not shown) electronic devices. On the periphery of the housing base 210, a circumferential recessed portion 211 is formed. Correspondingly, a circumferential flange 221 is formed on the periphery of the outer cover 220 facing the housing base 210. Alternatively, the circumferential recess 211 and the circumferential flange 221 may be formed continuously or intermittently around the peripheries of the housing base 210 and the outer cover 220, respectively. When the outer cover 220 and the housing base 210 are in abutting contact with each other, the circumferential flange 221 can just closely engage the circumferential recess 211, thereby preventing damage to the electronic components housed on the enclosed housing base 210. Preferably, in order to ensure the air-tightness or water-tightness of the connection of the outer cover 220 on the housing base 210, an elastic sealing strip may also be provided on the circumferential flange 221 and/or in the circumferential recess 211.

At least one catch groove 212 is also formed on the periphery of the housing base 210, for example the at least one catch groove 212 may be connected with the circumferential recess 211. Likewise, at least one protrusion 222 is formed on the periphery of the outer cap 220, particularly, on the circumferential flange 221 of the outer cap 220. In an embodiment of the present application, the card slot 212 may be configured to extend from the circumferential recess 211 in a radial direction generally toward a center, e.g., a geometric center, of the housing base 210, as shown in fig. 4A to 4D. Similarly, the protrusion 222 may also be configured to extend from the circumferential flange 221 generally radially toward a center, e.g., a geometric center, of the outer cover 220, for example. Thus, when the circumferential flange 221 engages the circumferential recess 211, the protrusion 222 may extend into the catch 212, providing a degree of locking of the outer cover 220 on the housing base 210.

A locking receptacle 213 is formed in the periphery of the housing base 210 generally diametrically opposite the at least one card slot 212. The locking receptacle 213 is adapted to at least partially receive a pivotable locking member 223 provided on the outer cover 220 as described below. The locking receptacle 213 is provided inward in the thickness direction of the housing base 210. In the context of the present application, reference to the thickness direction of the shell base may generally refer to a direction generally along or generally parallel to the coronal direction of the earmuff assembly 10 or the earmuff 100 when worn by a user.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, two mutually opposed walls 213a (only one of which is visible in the drawings) are formed in the locking receptacle 213, and two mutually opposed arcuate ridges 213b (only one of which is visible in the drawings) are formed on the two mutually opposed walls 213 a. The two arc-shaped ridges 213b protrude outward from the respective walls 213a in the same track shape, and the protruding directions of the two arc-shaped ridges 213b are opposite to each other.

Viewed from the outside, the cover 220 has a section 225 which is recessed toward the housing base 210. That is, the section 225 protrudes inward on the side of the outer cover 220 facing the housing base 210. Two spaced lugs 224 (only one of which is visible in fig. 2 and 3) are provided on the side of the outer cover 220 facing the housing base 210. The two lugs 224 may be located laterally on either side of the section 225. In the context of the present application, the term transverse may refer to a direction generally along or generally parallel to the sagittal direction of a part or assembly of the earmuff assembly 10 or the earmuff 100 when the part or assembly is mounted in place as part of the earmuff assembly 10 or the earmuff 100 and the earmuff assembly 10 or the earmuff 100 is worn by a user.

The locking part 223 is pivotably mounted between the two lugs 224 such that the locking part 223 has a locking portion 223a, i.e. a first portion, on the side of the outer cover 220 facing the housing base 210 and an actuating portion 223b, i.e. a second portion, on the side of the outer cover 220 facing away from the housing base 210. The locking member 223 may be integrally formed of plastic, for example. For example, as an example, a pair of pivot pins may be formed on the locking part 223, as between the locking portion 223a and the actuating portion 223b, opposite to each other, so as to ensure that, by sandwiching the locking part 223, in particular the locking portion 223a thereof, between the two lugs 224, the pair of pivot pins are rotatably engaged respectively in a pair of through holes 224a formed in the two lugs 224, thereby defining a pivot axis about which the locking part 223 is pivotable relative to the outer cover 220, in particular relative to the lugs 224.

Referring further to fig. 5A to 6B, an installation space that may be changed according to the pivoting volume of the locking part 223 is defined between the locking part 223a and the outer cover 220. A force application member, such as a torsion spring 226, may be installed in the installation space. The torsion spring 226 may have a helical spring section and

spring arms

226a and 226b extending from both ends of the helical spring section, respectively. Preferably, the helical spring segment is coaxial or parallel with the pivot axis of the locking member 223. For example, the torsion spring 226 may be mounted such that the spring arm 226a is in contact with the locking part 223, in particular the locking portion 223a thereof, and the spring arm 226b is in contact with the outer cover 220, in particular the side of the outer cover 220 facing the housing base 210.

The actuating portion 223b of the locking member 223 is located on the side of the outer cover 220 facing away from the housing base 210, so that a user can easily reach the actuating portion 223b with a finger and cause it to pivot about the pivot axis. The torsion spring 226 as the urging element is arranged in the installation space between the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220 to always apply a force tending to separate the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220 from each other about the pivot axis, regardless of the change in the volume of the installation space. Thus, as shown in fig. 4A-4D, the locking member 223 is pivotable relative to the outer cover 220 between a locked position (fig. 4A) and an unlocked position (fig. 4B and 4C) when assembled in place. In the locked position, the actuating portion 223b is at least partially in contact with the outer cover 220, and the volume of the mounting space between the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220 is maximized, while the force exerted between the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220 by the torsion spring 226, which tends to cause the two to pivot away from each other about the pivot axis, is minimized. In the unlocked position, the actuating portion 223b is maximally spaced from the outer cover 220, and the volume of the mounting space between the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220 is minimized, while the force exerted between the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220 by the torsion spring 226, which tends to pivot the two away from each other about the pivot axis, is maximized.

Two arc-shaped flanges 231 are formed on two opposite sidewalls of the locking portion 223 a. The lateral distance between the side walls of the locking portion 223a forming the two arcuate flanges 231 is less than or equal to the lateral distance between the arcuate ridges 213b of the locking receptacle 213, such that when the locking portion 223a is in the locking receptacle 213, each arcuate flange 231 can also pivot radially just beyond its corresponding one of the arcuate ridges 213b as the locking member 230 pivots about the pivot axis. Accordingly, the arc-shaped flange 231 may extend substantially following the trajectory shape of the arc-shaped ridge 213 b. The arc-shaped flange 231 and the arc-shaped ridge 213b at least partially coincide in the thickness direction of the housing base 210.

The degree of overlap of the arcuate flange 231 with the arcuate ridge 213b is maximized when the locking member 223 is in the locked position within the locking receptacle 213 as shown in fig. 4A. At this time, since the arc-shaped flange 231 is blocked by the arc-shaped ridge 213b, the locking member 223 in the locking receptacle 213 cannot move outward at least in the thickness direction of the housing base 210. The degree of overlap of the arcuate flange 231 with the arcuate ridge 213B is minimized when the locking member 223 is in the unlocked position within the locking receptacle 213 as shown in fig. 4B. At this time, the arc-shaped flanges 231 are no longer blocked by the arc-shaped ridges 213b at least in the thickness direction of the housing base 210, so that the user can easily remove the locking member 223 from the locking receptacle 213.

According to an example of the present application, the above-described pivotable locking member 223 (e.g., as the second locking member) together with the protrusion 222 (e.g., as the first locking member) can be considered to substantially constitute a locking structure that acts between the outer cover 220 and the housing base 210. Meanwhile, the locking structure is also equipped with a torsion spring 226 as a biasing element acting on the locking member 223.

How the cover 220 provided with such a locking structure is attached to and detached from the housing base 210 will be described below with reference to fig. 4A to 4D.

As shown in fig. 4A, the cover 220 is locked in place on the housing base 210. At this time, a secure locking of the outer cover 220 on the housing base 210 can be ensured due to the interaction of the projections 222 with the housing base 210, in particular the latching slots 212 thereof, and due to the locking member 223 in the locked position not being removable in the locking receptacle 213 of the housing base 210. To detach the outer cover 220 from the housing base 210, a user needs to pull the exposed actuating portion 223B of the locking member 223 with a finger (not shown) so that the locking member 223 can be changed from the locking position to the unlocking position about the pivot axis, as shown in fig. 4B. In fig. 4B, the arc-shaped flange 231, which is not seen from the outside, is no longer blocked by the arc-shaped ridge 213B at least in the thickness direction of the housing base 210. Thus, the user can pivot outward about the protrusion 222 as a pivot point, such that the locking member 223 is clear of the locking receptacle 213, as shown in FIG. 4C. Then, the protrusion 222 is moved away from the slot 212, so that the cover 220 is separated from the housing base 210. As can be seen from a comparison of fig. 4C and 4D, as the user's finger (not shown) leaves the actuating portion 223b, the locking member 223 can automatically return to its locking position by being subjected to the force exerted by the torsion spring 226 as a force-applying element. In this locked position, the actuating portion 223b can just sit in the recessed section 225 on the outside of the outer lid 220, making the appearance neat.

With the locking structure of the present application, since the locking member 223 thereof needs to be pivotally moved when switching from the locking position to the unlocking position, it can be more convenient for the user. For example, in a rough construction site, it is not difficult to move the locking member due to dirt or sweat on the fingers of the user. Such difficulty in movement is likely to occur, for example, if the locking member must be moved linearly. In addition, since the direction of pivotal locking/unlocking movement of the locking member 223 and the direction of removal of the outer cover are not entirely in the same plane or in parallel planes, the reliability of locking the outer cover to the housing base is improved. Above all, due to the use of a force element in the locking part 223, always an external force may ensure that the locking part 223 tends to return to its locking position or to hold it reliably in the locking position, thus significantly reducing the likelihood of accidental failure of the locking structure compared to technical solutions not using such a force element.

According to another alternative embodiment of the present application, as shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the force application element provided between the locking part 223 and the outer cap 220 may also take the form of a pair of magnets 227a, 227B. For example, in the installation space defined between the locking part 223a and the outer cover 220, in which the volume may be changed when the locking part 223 pivots about the pivot axis, the magnet 227a may be located on the locking part 223, such as the locking part 223a, and the magnet 227b may be located on the side of the outer cover 220 facing the locking part 223a, and the faces of the

magnets

227a and 227b facing each other are the same magnetism. Thus, there is always a force between the

magnets

227a and 227b due to the magnetic nature of like poles repelling each other tending to cause the locking member 223 and outer cover 220 to pivot away from each other about the pivot axis. At the same time, such forces increase as the volume of the installation space decreases. That is, in the locking position as shown in fig. 6A, the actuating portion 223b is at least partially in contact with the outer cover 220, and the volume of the installation space between the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220 is maximized while the repulsive force exerted by the

magnets

227a and 227b between the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220 is minimized. In the unlock position, the actuating portion 223b is maximally spaced apart from the outer cover 220, and the volume of the installation space between the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220 is minimized while the repulsive force exerted by the

magnets

227a and 227b between the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220 is maximized.

In another alternative embodiment, not shown, the force application member may also take the form of a U-shaped leaf spring located in a mounting space defined between the locking portion 223a and the outer cover 220, which may vary in volume as the locking part 223 pivots about the pivot axis, so that as the volume of the mounting space varies, the distance between two side wings of the U-shaped leaf spring, which respectively contact the locking part 223 and the outer cover 220, varies, thereby applying a force therebetween that tends to separate them. Of course, it should be clear to a person skilled in the art that the above described embodiments are given for non-limiting purposes only, and any form of force application element that can apply a force between two parts that are pivotable relative to each other that tends to separate the two may be employed in the solution of the present application. The purpose of this force application element design is to enable the locking member 223 to automatically return to the locked position from the unlocked position when not subjected to external force from the user.

In the embodiment of the present application, the arc-shaped ridges 213b and/or the arc-shaped flanges 231 are disposed in a pair-wise manner. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that an arcuate ridge 213b and an arcuate flange 231 engaged therewith may be provided separately. Or alternatively the arcuate ridges and arcuate flanges may be more as desired. Furthermore, one of the arcuate ridge 213b and the arcuate flange 231 may be provided in a non-arcuate manner, such as merely as a projection, so long as it is ensured that in the locked position of the locking member 223, the locking member 223 is locked in place within the locking receptacle 213 by interference therebetween. Even in an alternative embodiment, the locking of the locking part 223 in the locking receptacle 213 can be achieved by providing a pawl in the locking portion 223a of the locking part 223 and a receiving portion in the locking receptacle 213 which can receive the pawl. For example, in this case, the pawl can only engage into the receiving portion in the locking position of the locking member 223, thereby ensuring that the locking member 223 is locked in place within the locking receptacle 213. Of course, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that this jaw and receiver design may be interchanged between the locking member 213 and the outer cover 220.

Although specific embodiments of the present application have been described herein in detail, they have been presented for purposes of illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the application. Further, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the various embodiments described in this specification can be used in combination with each other. Various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A protective earmuff (100), comprising:

a housing base (210) in which an acoustic cavity for noise attenuation and a chamber for accommodating electronic devices are formed;

an outer cover (220) for covering at least the chamber; and

-a locking structure acting between the outer cover (220) and the housing base (210) to ensure that the outer cover (220) and the housing base (210) are removably connected, characterized in that the locking structure comprises:

a first locking member fixedly provided on the outer cover (220) to be selectively engageable with the housing base (210);

a second locking member pivotably provided on the outer cover (220), the second locking member being spaced from the first locking member and pivotable between a locked position in which the outer cover (220) and the housing base (210) are lockable together by the locking structure and an unlocked position in which the outer cover (220) is separable from the housing base (210); and

a force application element arranged between the second locking part and the outer cover (220) to apply a force to the second locking part that always tends to return it from the unlocked position to the locked position.

2. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first locking part and the second locking part in the locked position engage simultaneously with the housing base (210) to lock the outer cover (220) to the housing base (210).

3. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the force-exerting element is located in a mounting space defined between the second locking part and the outer cover (220) that can change volume upon pivoting of the second locking part.

4. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first locking part is a protrusion (222) formed on a circumferential flange (221) of the outer cover (220), and a catch groove (212) is formed in the periphery of the housing base (210) to be engageable with the protrusion (222).

5. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 4, wherein a locking receptacle (213) is formed in the periphery of the housing base (210) to be able to at least partially receive the second locking member.

6. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 5, wherein the first and second locking parts are spaced apart from each other along the diameter of the outer cover (220).

7. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 6, wherein the second locking part comprises a locking portion (223a) defining the installation space together with the outer cover (220) and an actuating portion (223b), the locking portion (223a) being at least partially located within the locking receptacle (213) and the actuating portion (223b) being exposed when the outer cover (220) is locked to the housing base (210).

8. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 7, wherein the locking portion (223a) comprises at least one arc-shaped flange (231) and at least one arc-shaped ridge (213b) is formed in the locking receptacle (213), the arc-shaped flange (231) following the arc-shaped ridge (213b) and the arc-shaped flange (231) pivoting around the arc-shaped ridge (213b) when the locking portion (223a) pivots in the locking receptacle (213).

9. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 8, wherein the arc-shaped flange (231) in the locked position can apply a force to the arc-shaped ridge (213b) that blocks the locking portion (223a) from exiting the locking receptacle (213).

10. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 9, wherein the force-exerting element is a torsion spring (226), and the torsion spring (226) has one helical spring section and two spring arms (226a and 226b) projecting from both ends of the helical spring section, respectively.

11. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 10, wherein, within the installation space, one spring arm (226a) of the two spring arms (226a and 226b) is in contact with the second locking member and the other spring arm (226b) is in contact with the outer cover (220).

12. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 9, wherein the force-exerting element is a pair of magnets, a first magnet (227a) of the pair of magnets being located on the locking portion (223a) and a second magnet (227b) of the pair of magnets (227a, 227b) being located on the outer cover (220), the sides of the first magnet (227a) and the second magnet (227b) facing each other having the same magnetic properties.

13. The protective earmuff (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronics comprise electronics for noise attenuation.

14. A protective earmuff assembly (10), comprising:

connecting a head band (200); and

a pair of protective earmuffs removably attachable at opposite ends of the attachment band (200), characterized in that one or both of the pair of protective earmuffs is a protective earmuff (100) according to any of claims 1-13.