WO2025199741A1

WO2025199741A1 - Earphone case

Info

Publication number: WO2025199741A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/083809
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yijun Shi
Original assignee: Harman International Industries Inc
Current assignee: Harman International Industries Inc
Priority date: 2024-03-26
Filing date: 2024-03-26
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-26

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an earphone case, comprising: a top cover module; a main body module, comprising a main body outer shell and a main body inner shell fixedly mounted in the main body outer shell; and a hinge device, comprising a hinge member and a rotation axis, by means of the hinge device the top cover module is pivotally connected to the main body module, thereby enabling the earphone case to be switched between a closed state and an open state, wherein the main body outer shell is constructed as a basin-shaped member, and the main body inner shell includes a notch starting from a top surface thereof, a hinge accommodation cavity is formed between a rear wall of the basin-shaped member and the notch of the body inner shell, in which the rotation axis of the hinge device extends, so that in the closed state of the earphone case, the top cover module is in contact with the main body outer shell, and a linearly extending contact line is formed between the top cover module and the main body outer shell at least in the view of the rear wall from outside.

Description

EARPHONE CASE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an earphone case.

BACKGROUND

A variety of earphone cases are known in the prior art which serve as holding and/or charging devices for earphone devices. The earphone cases typically include a top cover module and a main body module, wherein the top cover module and the main body module are pivotally connected such that the earphone cases switch between a closed state and an open state. The main body module includes a battery device for charging the earphones and recesses for shape-fittingly holding the earphones. When the earphones are placed in the main body module, the earphones are charged with the aid of the battery device.

However existing designs of earphone cases are not always satisfactory. For example, a pivoting means of the earphone case is used to hinge the top cover module and the main body module to each other, however, the pivoting means occupies the outer wall of the main body module of the earphone case, which creates a complicated demarcation line in appearance; besides, the gap between the top cover module and the main body module is too large.

Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an earphone case which is capable of overcoming the above drawbacks.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an earphone case, which comprises: a top cover module; a main body module, comprising a main body outer shell and a main body inner shell fixedly mounted in the main body outer shell; and a hinge device, comprising a hinge member and a rotation axis, by means of the hinge device the top cover module is pivotally connected to the main body module, thereby enabling the earphone case to be switched between a closed state and an open state.

The main body outer shell is constructed as a basin-shaped member, and the main body inner shell includes a notch starting from a top surface thereof, a hinge accommodation cavity is formed between a rear wall of the basin-shaped member and the notch of the body inner shell, in which the rotation axis of the hinge device extends, so that in the closed state of the earphone case, the top cover module is in contact with the main body outer shell, and a linearly extending contact line is formed between the top cover module and the main body outer shell at least in the view of the rear wall from outside.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the rotation axis is lower than an upper edge of the rear wall.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge member comprises a hinge upper portion fixedly connected to the top cover module and a hinge main portion extending downwardly from the hinge upper portion, wherein the rotation axis is arranged on a side of the hinge main portion facing the rear wall of the main body outer case.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge main portion is curvedly constructed, wherein the hinge main portion is curved towards a center of the earphone case.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, during a switching of the earphone case between the closed state and the open state, the hinge main portion pivots through the hinge accommodation cavity with respect to the main body module.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge member comprises at least one cam which is connected to a mid-region of the hinge body part by means of a connecting segment, the cam is provided with a rotation axis bore, through which the rotation axis passes and is torsional fixedly connected thereto.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the main body inner shell comprises at least one support which provides a mating rotation axis bore for arranging the rotation axis.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the mating rotation axis bore is constructed as an elongate bore longitudinally extending in a height direction, in which the rotation axis is supported movably.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an elastic stop pad is fixedly provided on the main body inner shell, which stop pad is arranged above the cam and acts so interferingly with the cam that, the rotation axis moves along its longitudinal direction in the mating rotation axis bore during a switching between the closed state and the open state of the earphone case.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the stop pad is made of rubber or silicone.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, during a switching of the earphone case from the closed state to the open state, the cam transforms at least from a first angular position to a second angular position and a third angular position sequentially, thereby flip-opening the top cover module relative to the main body module while overcoming a friction between the cam and the stop pad.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, in the closed state of the earphone case, the cam is in the first angular position, in which a first angle formed by a connection line from a tip of the cam to a rotation center of the rotation axis and a normal line to the stop pad deviates away from the rear wall of the main body outer shell, thereby preventing the top cover module from flip-opening with respect to the main body module.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first angle is between 5° to 20°.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, in the closed state of the earphone case, the rotation axis is located in a mid-region of the mating rotation axis bore.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, in the second angular position, the connection line from the tip of the cam to the rotation center of the rotation axis coincides with the normal line to the stop pad, and the friction between the cam and the stop pad is maximum.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the rear wall of the main body outer shell remains against the top cover module while the cam moving from the first angular position to the second angular position.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the rotation axis moves upwardly from its initial position in the mating rotation axis bore to its highest point while the cam moving from the first angular position to the second angular position.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, in the third angular position, a third angle formed by a connection line from the tip of the cam to the rotation center of the rotation axis and the normal line to the stop pads biases towards the rear wall of the main body outer shell, and the friction between the cam and the stop pad is minimum.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the third angle is between 20° to 35°.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, in the third angular position the friction between the cam and the stop pad is zero.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge device further comprises a spring member constructed to support the opening of the top cover module with respect to the main body module.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the spring member acts between the rotation axis and the main body inner shell.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the earphone case further comprises an auxiliary connecting means for keeping the closed state of the earphone case.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the auxiliary connecting means is constructed as a magnetic and/or snap-fit connecting means.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the earphone case comprises charging device for charging earphones arranged in the earphone case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the various embodiments can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the inventive concepts, briefly summarized above, can be had by reference to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the inventive concepts and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope in any way, and that there are other equally effective embodiments.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a three-dimensional view of an earphone case in an open state according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs. 2a and 2b schematically illustrate front and rear views of the earphone case in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an exploded view of the earphone case shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a three-dimensional view of a hinge member of the earphone case shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a side view of the hinge member shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a three-dimensional view of the earphone case in a closed state according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional stereo view of the earphone case shown in Fig. 6 in the open state;

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a partial stereo view of the earphone case according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an enlarged view of region A of the earphone case shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the earphone case in closed state according to one embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 10a schematically illustrates a first angular position of the cam of the earphone case shown in Fig. 10;

Fig. 11 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the earphone case in partial open state according to one embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 11a schematically illustrates a second angular position of the cam of the earphone case shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 12 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the earphone case shown in Fig. 10 in a further partial open state;

Fig. 12a schematically illustrates a third angular position of the cam of the earphone case shown in Fig. 12; and

Fig. 13 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the earphone case shown in Fig. 10 in the open state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the flowing drawings and description. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

As used herein, the singular forms “a” , “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises” , “comprising” , “includes” , and/or “including” , as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” and the symbol “/” are meant to include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Additionally, while the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, steps or calculations, these elements, components, steps or calculations should not be limited by these terms, rather these terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, step or calculation from another. For example, a first component could be termed a second component, similarly a first calculation could be termed a second calculation; similarly a first step could be termed a second step; all without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to an earphone case, which comprises: a top cover module; a main body module, comprising a main body outer shell and a main body inner shell fixedly mounted in the main body outer shell; and a hinge device, comprising a hinge member and a rotation axis, by means of the hinge device the top cover module is pivotally connected to the main body module, thereby enabling the headphone case to be switched between a closed state and an open state.

The main body outer shell is constructed as a basin-shaped member, and the main body inner shell includes a notch starting from a top surface thereof, a hinge accommodation cavity is formed between a rear wall of the basin-shaped member and the notch of the body inner shell, in which the rotation axis of the hinge device extends, so that in the closed state of the earphone case, the top cover module is in contact with the main body outer shell, and a linearly extending contact line is formed between the top cover module and the main body outer shell at least in the view of the rear wall from outside. preferably, the rotation axis is lower than an upper edge of the rear wall.

In the prior art, the hinge device for hinging the top cover to the main body occupies a portion of the outer wall of the main body such that the dividing line between the top cover and the main body protrudes toward the main body in the region of the hinge device. In addition, the gap between the top cover and the main body is too large. Unlike the prior art, according to the present disclosure, the hinge device is arranged closer to the direction towards the main body inner shell of the main body module. In the closed state of the earphone case, the hinge device together with its rotation axis is hidden behind the rear wall of the main body outer shell without occupying the external space of that rear wall. As a result, especially when viewed from the rear wall, a flat and linearly extending line is formed between the top cover module and the main body outer shell, and a cleaner and smoother appearance is formed between the top cover module and the main body module.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge member comprises a hinge upper portion fixedly connected to the top cover module and a hinge main portion extending downwardly from the hinge upper portion, wherein the rotation axis is arranged on a side of the hinge main portion facing the rear wall of the main body outer case. Preferably, the hinge main portion is curvedly constructed, wherein the hinge main portion is curved towards a center of the earphone case. Preferably, during a switching of the earphone case between the closed state and the open state, the hinge main portion pivots through the hinge accommodation cavity with respect to the main body module.

The hinge main portion of the hinge member rotates about the rotation axis. When the hinge body portion is curved constructed, the pivoting function of the hinge member can be realized in a more space-saving manner.

The hinge upper portion can be fixedly connected to the top cover module with the help of a bolt connection. Alternatively, the hinge upper portion can be fixedly connected to the top module by means of a bonding, snap-fit connection.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge member comprises at least one cam which is connected to a mid-region of the hinge body part by means of a connecting segment, the cam is provided with a rotation axis bore, through which the rotation axis passes and is torsional fixedly connected thereto. Preferably, the main body inner shell comprises at least one support which provides a mating rotation axis bore for arranging the rotation axis. Preferably, the mating rotation axis bore is constructed as an elongate bore longitudinally extending in a height direction, in which the rotation axis is supported movably. Preferably, an elastic stop pad is fixedly provided on the main body inner shell, which stop pad is arranged above the cam and acts so interferingly with the cam that, the rotation axis moves along its longitudinal direction in the mating rotation axis bore during a switching between the closed state and the open state of the earphone case.

With the help of the interaction of the cam and the stop pad and the movable support of the rotation axis in the mating rotation axis bore, the top cover module is forced to remain close to the main body module in the closed state. Therefore, an extremely small gap between the top cover module and the main body module is realized. In additional, the elongate bore shaped constructed mating rotation axis bore also provides more freedom of the movement for the rotation axis, thus avoiding a jamming of the earphone case during opening and closing.

In the closed state of the earphone case, the cam is in the first angular position, in which a first angle formed by a connection line from a tip of the cam to a rotation center of the rotation axis and a normal line to the stop pad deviates away from the rear wall of the main body outer shell, thereby preventing the top cover module from flip-opening with respect to the main body module. Preferably, the first angle is between 5° and 20°. In the closed state of the earphone case, the rotation axis is located in a mid-region of the mating rotation axis bore.

In the second angular position, the connection line from the tip of the cam to the rotation center of the rotation axis coincides with the normal line to the stop pad, and the friction between the cam and the stop pad is maximum.

The rear wall of the main body outer shell remains against the top cover module while the cam moving from the first angular position to the second angular position. In addition, during this process the rotation axis moves upwardly from its initial position in the mating rotation axis bore to its highest point while the cam moving from the first angular position to the second angular position.

In the third angular position, a third angle formed by a connection line from the tip of the cam to the rotation center of the rotation axis and the normal line to the stop pads biases towards the rear wall of the main body outer shell, and the friction between the cam and the stop pad is minimum. Preferably, the third angle is between 20° and 35°.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the earphone case comprises charging device for charging an earphone arranged in the earphone case.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the earphone case 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The earphone case 10 has a charging function, which is not only used to accommodate earphones not shown in the figures, but also to charge them.

The earphone case 10 comprises a top cover module 12, a main body module and a hinge device 16, by means of the hinge device 16 the top cover module 12 is pivotally connected to the main body module 14, thereby enabling the earphone case 10 to be switched between a closed state as shown in Fig. 6 and an open state as shown in Fig. 7.

The top cover module comprises a top cover outer shell 122 and a top cover inner shell 124. The top cover inner shell 124 is fixedly connected in the top cover outer shell 122 by snap-fit connection, thereby realizing a double-layer constructed top cover module 12. Optionally in embodiments not shown, however, the top cover module 12 may also be constructed as a one-piece or single layer.

The main body module 14 comprises a main body outer shell 140 and a main body inner shell 142. The main body inner shell 142 is fixedly connected in the main body outer shell 140 by snap-fit connection or other connection, thereby realizing a double-layer constructed main body module 14.

In particular, as shown in Fig. 3, the main body outer shell 140 is constructed as a basin-shaped member that includes a rear wall 1402 and a front wall 1404. The openings of the basin-shaped member are constructed substantially continuously in a circumferential direction, in particular with a continuous contour in the region of the rear wall 1402 and a downwardly curved portion in the region of the front wall 1404. As a result, in the closed state of the earphone case 10, the top cover module 12 is in contact with the main body module 14 and it is formed a linearly extending contact line L1 in the region of the rear wall 1402 as shown in Fig. 2a; while in the middle region of the front wall 1404, a downwardly extending recessed segment 1404a is formed as shown in Fig. 2b, and a user is able to snap the recessed segment 1404a with a finger in order to open the earphone case 10.

The main body inner shell 142 comprises an inner shell top plate 1422 that extends in a horizontal direction and two earphone accommodating slots 1424 that recessed and formed downwardly from the inner shell top plate 1422. The inner shell top plate 1422 includes a notch in a central region with an opening facing the rear wall 1402. A space between the notch and the rear wall 1402 constitutes a hinge accommodation cavity for accommodating the hinge device 16.

For charging the earphones, the earphone case 10 is further provided with a charging device. The charging device comprises a charging interface 18 provided at the rear wall of the main body module 14, an electrical contact 20 provided in earphone accommodating recesses 1424, and a battery assembly 22 arranged between the main body inner shell 142 and the main body outer shell 140. The charging device works in a known manner and is not described herein.

The hinge device 16 comprises at least a hinge member 160, a rotation axis 162, stop pads 164 and a spring member 166.

Figs. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate the hinge member 160. The hinge member 160 comprises a hinge upper portion 1602, a hinge main portion 1604, a cam 1606, a connecting segment 1608 and a hinge lower portion 1610.

According to an embodiment as shown in Fig. 4, the hinge upper portion 1602 is constructed as a projection with an upper bore 1602a. A bolt 1602b could pass through the upper bore 1602a and be threaded to the top cover inner shell 124 of the top cover module 12, as shown in Fig. 6. In some embodiments not shown, however, the hinge upper portion may also be constructed with other designs.

The hinge main portion 1604 extends curvedly downwardly from the hinge upper portion 1602, wherein the hinge main portion 1604 is curved towards a center of the earphone case 10. Two cams 1606 are arranged on a side of the hinge main portion 1604 facing the rear wall 1402, and the cams 1606 are connected to a mid-region of the hinge main portion 1606 by means of the connecting segment 1608. The cams 1606 each include a rotation axis bore 1606a, through which the rotation axis 162 passes and is torsional fixedly connected in them. The hinge lower portion 1610 is provided at an end of the hinge main portion 1604 opposite to the hinge upper portion 1602. In this embodiment, the hinged lower portion 1610 is constructed as a stop plate, wherein in the open state of the earphone case 10 as shown in Fig. 7, the hinged lower portion 1610 is stopped with the inner shell top plate 1422 of the main body inner shell 142, thereby restricting the opening angle of the top cover module 12.

Fig. 8 illustrates a partial three-dimensional view of the earphone case 10, removing the main body outer shell in order to clearly show the internal structure. As shown in Fig. 8, for arranging the hinge device 16, the main body inner shell 142 is further provided with two supports 1426 that provide mating rotation axis bores 1426a for arranging the rotation axis 162. The rotation axis 162 passes through simultaneously the rotation axis bores 1606a of the cams 1606 and the mating rotation axis bores 1426a of the supports 1426. The rotation axis bores 1606a and mating rotation axis bores 1426a are located and designed such that the rotation axis 162 arranged in the bores 1606a and 1426a is lower than the upper edge of the rear wall 1402 of the main body housing 140. This spring member 166 is socketed on the one hand on the rotation axis 162 and acts on the other hand in a slot 1428 provided by the main body inner shell 142. The spring member 166 is constructed to support the opening of the top cover module 12 relative to the main body module 14.

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates an enlarged view of region A shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 9, the mating rotation axis bore 1426a is constructed as an elongate bore longitudinally extending in a height direction, in which the rotation axis 162 is supported movably. Therefore, more freedom of the movement for the rotation axis 162 and the hinge member 160 is provided during opening and closing of the earphone case 10. To compensate for assembly clearance that may be introduced by the freedom of movement, stop pads 164 are fixedly attached, preferably bonded, or integrally injection molded to the inner shell top plate 1422 of the main body inner shell 142. The stop pads 164 could made of silicone or rubber so as to be resilient or elastic. The elastic stop pads 164 are arranged above the cam 1606 and act so interferingly with the cam 1606 that, the rotation axis 162 moves along its longitudinal direction in the mating rotation axis bore 1426a during a switching between the closed state and the open state of the earphone case 10. This allows an extremely small gap to be retained between the top cover module 12 and the main body module 14 in the closed state of the earphone case 10.

The following describes the opening and closing operations of the earphone case 10 with reference to Figs. 10 to 13.

During a switching of the earphone case 10 from the closed state as shown in Fig. 10 to the open state as shown in Fig. 13, the top cover module 12 flips-opened relative to the main body module 14. An angle α with an opening facing upward is formed by a connection line from a tip P of the cam 1606 to a rotation center O of the rotation axis 162 and a normal line to the stop pads 164 over the rotation center O. The angle α varies with a rotation of the cam 1606 during the opening and closing of the earphone case 10. An opening angle β of the top cover module 12 is determined by an angle between a plane E1 in which the edge of the main body outer shell 140 is located and a plane E2 in which the edge of the top cover outer shell 122 is located. Since the rotation axis 162 is torsional fixedly connected to the cam 1606 of the hinge member 160, and the hinge upper portion 1602 of the hinge member 160 is fixedly connected to the top cover module 12, the opening angle β of the top cover module 12 with respect to the main body module 14 is substantially the same as the pivoting angle of the cam 1606. During a switching of the earphone case 10 from the closed state to the open state, the angle α undergoes a process of first decreasing and then increasing.

In the closed state of the earphone case 10 as shown in Fig. 10, the top cover module 12 is closed with respect to the main body module 14, wherein the top cover outer shell 122 is in substantial contact with the main body outer shell 1204 or a very small, negligible gap is maintained between the two. The rotation axis 162 is located in a mid-region of the mating rotation axis bore 1426a. As shown in detail in Fig. 10a, in the closed state of the earphone case 10, the cam 1606 is in the first angular position, in which the angle formed by the connection line from the tip P of the cam 1606 to the rotation center O of the rotation axis 162 and the normal line to the stop pads 164 is a first angle α1 that deviates away from the rear wall 1402 of the main body outer shell 140. This first angle α1 can be adjusted in an angular range of 5° to 20° according to the design needs. In the embodiment for example the first angle α1 could be 10°. This first angle α1 is so designed that in the closed state of the earphone case 10, the tip P of the cam 1606 is directed away from the rear wall 1402 with respect to the rotation center O of the rotation axis 162. Thus, if it is desired to open earphone case 10, when the top cover module 12 is pivoted with respect to the main body module 14, the tip P of the cam 1606 rotates with the rotation axis 162 in a clockwise direction in Fig. 10a, so that the tip P interferes with the stop pads 164 to an increasing extent, bringing about an increasing friction force. This prevents the flip-opening of the top cover module 12 with respect to the main body module 14 and realizes a self-locking function. As an alternative, other auxiliary connecting means may be provided for maintaining the earphone case 10 in a closed state. The auxiliary connecting means is constructed, for example, as a magnetic connecting means or a snap-fit connecting means.

Fig. 11 schematically illustrates the earphone case in partial open state. The top cover module 12 overcomes friction to pivot at the opening angle β relative to the main body module 14 in an opening direction R1. As shown in FIG. 11a, when the opening angle β reaches the aforementioned first angle α1, the cam 1606 pivots into a second angular position. In the second angular position, the connection line from the tip P of the cam 1606 to the rotation center O of the rotation axis 162 coincides with the normal line to the stop pad 164, also the angle α is reduced to a second angle α2 of 0°. In this case, the interference between the cam 1606 and the stop pads 164 is the maximum and the friction is the greatest. During a transformation of the cam 1606 from the first angular position to the second angular position, the rear wall 1402 of the main body outer shell 140 is maintained against the top cover module 12, while the front wall 1404 is lifted with respect to the top cover module 12, which drives the hinge member 160 to lift up, and the rotation axis 162 moves upwardly from its initial position in the mating rotation axis bore 1426a to its highest point.

Fig. 12 schematically illustrates the earphone case in a further partial open state. Further pivoting of the top cover module 12 relative to the main body module 14 in the opening direction R1 results in a further increase of the opening angle β, while the angle α is re-increased. When the angle α increases to a third angle α 3, the cam 1606 rotates to a third angular position shown in FIG. 12a, in which the third angle α3 formed by the connection line from the tip P of the cam 1606 to the rotation center O of the rotation axis 162 and the normal line to the stop pad 164 biases towards the rear wall 1402 of the main body outer shell 140, and the rear wall 1402 of the main body outer shell 140 is no longer pressed against the top cover module 12 so that the hinge member 160 and the rotation axis162 disposed in this mating rotation axis bore 1426a fall down, thus minimizing and interfering effect between the cams 1606 and the stop pads 164. The third angle α3 can be adjusted in an angular range of 20° to 35° according to the design needs.

Because of an elimination of the interaction of the cam 1606 with the stop pad 164, the top cover module 12 is able to continue to pivot to the open state shown in Fig. 13 with the support of the spring member 166.

The features, structures, or characteristics of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be suitably combined.

the present disclosure can be implemented as follows.

Item 1: an earphone case, which comprises: a top cover module; a main body module, comprising a main body outer shell and a main body inner shell fixedly mounted in the main body outer shell; and a hinge device, comprising a hinge member and a rotation axis, by means of the hinge device the top cover module is pivotally connected to the main body module, thereby enabling the earphone case to be switched between a closed state and an open state, wherein the main body outer shell is constructed as a basin-shaped member, and the main body inner shell includes a notch starting from a top surface thereof, a hinge accommodation cavity is formed between a rear wall of the basin-shaped member and the notch of the body inner shell, in which the rotation axis of the hinge device extends, so that in the closed state of the earphone case, the top cover module is in contact with the main body outer shell, and a linearly extending contact line is formed between the top cover module and the main body outer shell at least in the view of the rear wall from outside.

Item 2: the earphone case according to item 1, wherein the rotation axis is lower than an upper edge of the rear wall.

Item 3: the earphone case according to item 1 or 2, wherein the hinge member comprises a hinge upper portion fixedly connected to the top cover module and a hinge main portion extending downwardly from the hinge upper portion, wherein the rotation axis is arranged on a side of the hinge main portion facing the rear wall of the main body outer case.

Item 4: the earphone case according to any of items 1-3, wherein the hinge main portion is curvedly constructed, wherein the hinge main portion is curved towards a center of the earphone case.

Item 5: the earphone case according to any of items 1-4, wherein during a switching of the earphone case between the closed state and the open state, the hinge main portion pivots through the hinge accommodation cavity with respect to the main body module.

Item 6: the earphone case according to any of items 1-5, wherein the hinge member comprises at least one cam which is connected to a mid-region of the hinge body part by means of a connecting segment, the cam is provided with a rotation axis bore, through which the rotation axis passes and is torsional fixedly connected thereto.

Item 7: the earphone case according to any of items 1-6, wherein the main body inner shell comprises at least one support which provides a mating rotation axis bore for arranging the rotation axis.

Item 8: the earphone case according to any of items 1-7, wherein the mating rotation axis bore is constructed as an elongate bore longitudinally extending in a height direction, in which the rotation axis is supported movably.

Item 9: the earphone case according to any of items 1-8, wherein an elastic stop pad is fixedly provided on the main body inner shell, which stop pad is arranged above the cam and acts so interferingly with the cam that, the rotation axis moves along its longitudinal direction in the mating rotation axis bore during a switching between the closed state and the open state of the earphone case.

Item 10: the earphone case according to any of items 1-9. wherein the stop pad is made of rubber or silicone.

Item 11: the earphone case according to any of items 1-10, wherein during a switching of the earphone case from the closed state to the open state, the cam transforms at least from a first angular position to a second angular position and a third angular position sequentially, thereby flip-opening the top cover module relative to the main body module while overcoming a friction between the cam and the stop pad.

Item 12: the earphone case according to any of items 1-11, wherein the cam is in the first angular position, in which a first angle formed by a connection line from a tip of the cam to a rotation center of the rotation axis and a normal line to the stop pad deviates away from the rear wall of the main body outer shell, thereby preventing the top cover module from flip-opening with respect to the main body module.

Item 13: the earphone case according to any of items 1-12, wherein the first angle is between 5° and 20°.

Item 14: the earphone case according to any of items 1-13, wherein in the closed state of the earphone case, the rotation axis is located in a mid-region of the mating rotation axis bore.

Item 15: the earphone case according to any of items 1-14, wherein in the second angular position, the connection line from the tip of the cam to the rotation center of the rotation axis coincides with the normal line to the stop pad, and the friction between the cam and the stop pad is maximum.

Item 16: the earphone case according to any of items 1-15, wherein the rear wall of the main body outer shell remains against the top cover module while the cam moving from the first angular position to the second angular position.

Item 17: the earphone case according to any of items 1-16, wherein the rotation axis moves upwardly from its initial position in the mating rotation axis bore to its highest point while the cam moving from the first angular position to the second angular position.

Item 18: the earphone case according to any of items 1-17, wherein in the third angular position, a third angle formed by a connection line from the tip of the cam to the rotation center of the rotation axis and the normal line to the stop pads biases towards the rear wall of the main body outer shell, and the friction between the cam and the stop pad is minimum.

Item 19: the earphone case according to any of items 1-18, wherein the third angle is between 20° and 35°.

Item 20: the earphone case according to any of items 1-19, wherein in the third angular position the friction between the cam and the stop pad is zero.

Item 21: the earphone case according to any of items 1-20, wherein the hinge device further comprises a spring member constructed to support the opening of the top cover module with respect to the main body module.

Item 22: the earphone case according to any of items 1-21, wherein the spring member acts between the rotation axis and the main body inner shell.

Item 23: the earphone case according to any of items 1-22, wherein the earphone case further comprises an auxiliary connecting means for keeping the closed state of the earphone case.

Item 24: the earphone case according to any of items 1-23, wherein the auxiliary connecting means is constructed as a magnetic and/or snap-fit connecting means.

Item 25: the earphone case according to any of items 1-24, wherein the earphone case comprises a charging device for charging earphones arranged in the earphone case.

Any and all combinations of any of the claim elements recited in any of the claims and/or any elements described in this application, in any fashion, fall within the contemplated scope of the present invention and protection.

The descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

While the preceding is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure can be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

An earphone case (10) , comprising:

- a top cover module (12) ;

- a main body module (14) , comprising a main body outer shell (140) and a main body inner shell (142) fixedly mounted in the main body outer shell (140) ; and

- a hinge device (16) , comprising a hinge member (160) and a rotation axis (162) , by means of the hinge device (16) the top cover module (12) is pivotally connected to the main body module (14) , thereby enabling the earphone case (10) to be switched between a closed state and an open state,

wherein the main body outer shell (140) is constructed as a basin-shaped member, and the main body inner shell (142) includes a notch starting from a top surface thereof, a hinge accommodation cavity is formed between a rear wall (1402) of the basin-shaped member and the notch of the body inner shell (142) , in which the rotation axis (162) of the hinge device (16) extends, so that in the closed state of the earphone case (10) , the top cover module (12) is in contact with the main body outer shell (140) , and a linearly extending contact line (L1) is formed between the top cover module (12) and the main body outer shell (140) at least in the view of the rear wall (1402) from outside.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the rotation axis (162) is lower than an upper edge of the rear wall (1402) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the hinge member (160) comprises a hinge upper portion (1602) fixedly connected to the top cover module (12) and a hinge main portion (1604) extending downwardly from the hinge upper portion (1602) , wherein the rotation axis (162) is arranged on a side of the hinge main portion (1604) facing the rear wall (1402) of the main body outer case (140) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 3, wherein the hinge main portion (1604) is curvedly constructed, wherein the hinge main portion (1604) is curved towards a center of the earphone case (10) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 3, wherein during a switching of the earphone case (10) between the closed state and the open state, the hinge main portion (1604) pivots through the hinge accommodation cavity with respect to the main body module (14) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 3, wherein the hinge member (160) comprises at least one cam (1606) which is connected to a mid-region of the hinge body part (1604) by means of a connecting segment (1608) , the cam (1606) is provided with a rotation axis bore (1606a) , through which the rotation axis (162) passes and is torsional fixedly connected thereto.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 6, wherein the main body inner shell (142) comprises at least one support (1426) which provides a mating rotation axis bore (1426a) for arranging the rotation axis (162) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 7, wherein the mating rotation axis bore (1426a) is constructed as an elongate bore longitudinally extending in a height direction, in which the rotation axis (162) is supported movably.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 8, wherein an elastic stop pad (164) is fixedly provided on the main body inner shell (142) , which stop pad (164) is arranged above the cam (1606) and acts so interferingly with the cam (1606) that, the rotation axis (162) moves along its longitudinal direction in the mating rotation axis bore (1426a) during a switching between the closed state and the open state of the earphone case (10) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 9, wherein the stop pad (164) is made of rubber or silicone.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 9, wherein during a switching of the earphone case (10) from the closed state to the open state, the cam (1606) transforms at least from a first angular position to a second angular position and a third angular position sequentially, thereby flip-opening the top cover module (12) relative to the main body module (14) while overcoming a friction between the cam (1606) and the stop pad (164) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 11, wherein in the closed state of the earphone case (10) , the cam (1606) is in the first angular position, in which a first angle (α1) formed by a connection line from a tip (P) of the cam (1606) to a rotation center (O) of the rotation axis (162) and a normal line to the stop pad (164) deviates away from the rear wall (1402) of the main body outer shell (140) , thereby preventing the top cover module (12) from flip-opening with respect to the main body module (14) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 12, wherein the first angle (α1) is between 5° and 20°.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 12, wherein in the closed state of the earphone case (10) , the rotation axis (162) is located in a mid-region of the mating rotation axis bore (1426a) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 12, wherein in the second angular position, the connection line from the tip (P) of the cam (1606) to the rotation center (O) of the rotation axis (162) coincides with the normal line to the stop pad (164) , and the friction between the cam (1606) and the stop pad (164) is maximum.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 15, wherein the rear wall (1402) of the main body outer shell (140) remains against the top cover module (12) while the cam (1606) moving from the first angular position to the second angular position.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 15, wherein the rotation axis (162) moves upwardly from its initial position in the mating rotation axis bore (1426a) to its highest point while the cam (1606) moving from the first angular position to the second angular position.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 15, wherein in the third angular position, a third angle (α3) formed by a connection line from the tip (P) of the cam (1606) to the rotation center (O) of the rotation axis (162) and the normal line to the stop pad (164) biases towards the rear wall (1402) of the main body outer shell (140) , and the friction between the cam (1606) and the stop pad (164) is minimum.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 18, wherein the third angle (α3) is between 20° and 35°.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 18, wherein in the third angular position the friction between the cam (1606) and the stop pad (164) is zero.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the hinge device (16) further comprises a spring member (166) constructed to support the opening of the top cover module (12) with respect to the main body module (14) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 21, wherein the spring member (166) acts between the rotation axis (162) and the main body inner shell (142) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the earphone case (10) further comprises an auxiliary connecting means for keeping the closed state of the earphone case (10) .
The earphone case (10) according to claim 23, wherein the auxiliary connecting means is constructed as a magnetic and/or snap-fit connecting means.
The earphone case (10) according to claim 1, wherein the earphone case (10) comprises a charging device for charging earphones arranged in the earphone case (10) .