"PASSIONAL BELL-TYPE DEVICE, IMPLEMENTATION METHOD AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT"

Abstract

"PASSIVE BELL-TYPE DEVICE, IMPLEMENTATION METHOD AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT" The invention relates to a passive bell-type device, as well as to a method for activating and deactivating such a device, the device comprising a body (1), a bell (7) fixed to said body and extending along a first axis (x), a hammer (8) designed to perform a pendulum motion inside the bell so as to produce a ringing sound when it comes into contact with the inner wall of the bell, means (9) for retaining said hammer inside the bell, said means being partly housed in a cavity (15) of the body extending along the first axis, the device further comprising pusher means (4) partly housed in the cavity, opening at a first end (41) outside the body and adapted to slide in the cavity so as to come into contact with the hammer in order to immobilize said hammer.Figure for the abridged version: Fig.1.

Description

Title of the invention: “PASSIVE BELL-TYPE DEVICE, METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION AND ASSOCIATED MACHINE”

[0001] The invention relates to a passive bell type device, as well as to a method for activating and deactivating such a device. The invention finds more particularly application in the field of two-wheeled vehicles of the bicycle or scooter type. State of the art

[0002] Bells, like doorbells, are well-known audible warning devices and are generally used to locate animals, people and vehicles or to warn of their presence.

[0003] In particular, bell-forming mechanisms are known which consist of a bell-shaped metal casing with a freely swinging internal clapper or striker.

[0004] Thus, jolts, vibrations or simply the natural movement of the wearer induce continuous ringing.

[0005] These mechanisms are found in particular among cyclists, and in particular among mountain bike enthusiasts to warn pedestrians, wildlife or other cyclists of their presence.

[0006] However, these mechanisms do not have an on / off switch to interrupt these continuous ringing sounds.

[0007] It is easy to understand that these ringing sounds can constitute noise pollution over time, when it is not necessary for the user to signal himself.

[0008] It is also easily understood that it is not practical for the user to dismantle the mechanism to store it in such a way as to interrupt the ringing, since this involves immobilizing the wearer of the mechanism, carrying out dismantling and storage actions (opening a bag or other).

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for passive bell-type devices to be silenced or dampened by the user, who must be able to activate and deactivate these devices safely while moving.

[0010] Therefore, the invention proposes a passive bell type device comprising a switch that the user can easily operate with a finger when the user is moving. Presentation of the invention

[0011] More specifically, the invention relates to a passive bell type device comprising a body, a bell fixed to said body and extending along a first axis (x), a hammer intended to perform a pendulum movement inside the bell around the first axis, so as to produce a ringing sound when it comes into contact with the inner wall of the bell, means for retaining said hammer inside the bell, said means being partly housed in a cavity of the body which extends along the first axis (x), the device further comprising pusher means partly housed in the cavity of the body, opening at a first end outside the body and capable of sliding in the cavity so as to come into contact at a second end with the hammer in order to immobilize said hammer.

[0012] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0013] Advantageously, the device comprises means for attachment to a bicycle handlebar, said means preferably comprising a jaw pivotally mounted at one of its ends on the body as well as a screw-nut assembly for fixing the other of its ends to the body.

[0014] Also advantageously, the means for retaining the hammer inside the bell are a cable fixed at one of its ends inside the body and at the other of its ends to the hammer.

[0015] Preferably, the cable is fixed at one of its ends inside the body by means of a locking element removably fitted into the body, a cover covering the locking element to close the body by clipping.

[0016] According to a first embodiment, the pusher means form an elbow which opens out of the body through an opening made in the cover and along an axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis (x).

[0017] Preferably, the opening made in the cover comprises at least a first groove which induces an additional force to slide the pusher means.

[0018] According to a second embodiment, the pusher means form a push button provided with a spring, and opening out of the body along the first axis (x), said push button admitting a first stable position outside the body and a second stable position pressed into the body and in contact with the hammer.

[0019] Advantageously, the bell and the hammer are made of metallic materials and preferably are made of brass or steel.

[0020] Equally advantageously, the second end of the pusher means is provided with a vibration damper, so as to muffle the sound that the hammer could emit when subjected to vibrations.

[0021] Equally advantageously, the second end of the pusher means is intended to cover the hammer, said second end having shock-absorbing properties.

[0022] The invention also relates to a two-wheeled vehicle of the bicycle or scooter type, characterized in that it comprises a passive bell type device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, said device comprising means for attachment to a bicycle handlebar, said means comprising a jaw pivotally mounted at one of its ends on the body and a screw-nut assembly for securing the other end to the body.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for activating, respectively deactivating a passive bell type device mounted on a two-wheeled vehicle of the bicycle or scooter type, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, characterized in that the user presses the first end of the pusher means, so that the second end of the pusher means comes into contact with the hammer to immobilize it, and respectively so that the second end of the pusher means moves away from the hammer to release it. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment, and from the appended drawings in which:

[0025] [Fig-1]: [Fig.l] represents an exploded perspective view of a device of the type passive bell according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0026] [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] represents a longitudinal sectional view of a device of the type passive bell according to the first embodiment of the invention and in the activated state;

[0027] [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] represents a longitudinal sectional view of a device of the type passive bell according to the first embodiment of the invention and in the deactivated state;

[0028] [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] represents an exploded perspective view of a device of the type passive bell according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0029] [Fig.5]: [Fig.5] represents a longitudinal sectional view of a device of the type passive bell according to the second embodiment of the invention and in the deactivated state;

[0030] [Fig.6]: [Fig.6] represents an exploded perspective view of a device of the type passive bell according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0031] [Fig.7]: [Fig.7] represents a longitudinal sectional view of a device of the type passive bell according to the third embodiment of the invention and in the deactivated state; Description of the embodiments

[0032] [Fig.l] shows a passive bell-type device, according to a first embodiment, and which comprises a body 1 as well as a bell 7 which is fixed to said body and which extends along a first axis x. The bell contains a hammer 8 intended to carry out a pendulum movement inside the bell around the axis x, so as to produce a ringing sound when it comes into contact with the inner wall of the bell.

[0033] The hammer is retained inside the bell by means 9 which are partly housed in a cavity 15 of the body 1 which extends along the first axis x.

[0034] The device further comprises pusher means 4 which are partly housed in the cavity 15 of the body 1, and which open out at a first end 41 outside the body 1.

[0035] These means are capable of sliding in the cavity so as to come into contact at a second end 42 with the hammer 8 in order to immobilize said hammer.

[0036] This passive bell type device can be attached for example to a bicycle handlebar, an electric scooter, or to any mobile object or subject, by means of a jaw 3 pivotally mounted 12, 13 at one of its ends on the body 1 as well as a screw-nut assembly 11, 14 to fix the other of its ends on the body 1.

[0037] Other configurations are possible, such as those using an elastic band cooperating with a jaw.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 which describe the first embodiment, the fixing assembly is therefore composed of the fixing jaw 3 and the body 1, these two parts being articulated by the pin 13 while the nut 14 is inserted into the body 1 into which the screw 11 will be screwed by passing through holes passing through the body and the jaw. The initial fixing diameter is 35 mm, but this can be reduced to 31.8 mm, 25.4 mm or 22 mm via shims not shown.

[0039] Of course, it is entirely possible to envisage other fixing assemblies, depending on whether the passive bell type device is intended to be fixed to an animal, an individual or a particular object other than a mountain bike.

[0040] The means 9 for retaining the hammer 8 inside the bell 7 may be a cable fixed at one of its ends inside the body 1 and at the other of its ends to the hammer.

[0041] The cable can then be fixed at one of its ends inside the body 1 by means of a locking element 5 removably fitted into the body 1, a cover 2 covering the locking element to close the body.

[0042] According to the first embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3, the pusher means 4 form an elbow which opens out of the body through an opening 20 practiced in the cover 2 and following an axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis x. This emerging elbow can be likened to a lever.

[0043] Advantageously, the opening 20 made in the cover 2 comprises at least one first groove 21 which induces an additional force to slide the pusher means 4.

[0044] Equally advantageously, the opening 20 made in the cover 2 comprises at least one second groove 22 which also induces an additional force to slide the pusher means 4.

[0045] Thus, as shown in figures 1 to 3, the bell 7 is blocked linearly by the body 1 and remains in rotation relative to the cover 2.

[0046] The cover 2 covers the locking element 5 of the cable 9, and is clipped onto the body 1. The locking element 5 accommodates an upper lead of the crimped cable 9, this cable passing through the pusher means 4.

[0047] A cover 6 surrounds the pusher means 4, so as to close the opening 20 when the pusher means slide towards the hammer. A lower lead of the crimped cable 9 is in contact with an O-ring 10 located in the counterbore of the hammer 8. This O-ring makes it possible to compensate for the tolerances of the assembly and also makes it possible to dampen vibrations. The pin 12 secures the mechanism by locking the locking element 5 and the body 1 together.

[0048] Of course, the retaining means may take a form other than a cable and their attachment in the body 1 may be achieved otherwise than with the locking element 5.

[0049] According to a second embodiment shown in [Fig.4] and 5, the pusher means 4 form a push button provided with a spring 46, and opening out of the body 1 along the first axis x, said push button admitting a first stable position outside the body and a second stable position pressed into the body and in contact with the hammer.

[0050] This push button opens out of the body 1 along the first axis (x) in a first stable position called “high”.

[0051] It is provided with a spring 46 so that when the user presses its first end, it slides into the body to sink into the latter in a second stable position called "low". From then on, the second end of the push button comes into contact with the hammer and immobilizes it.

[0052] When the user presses the first end of the push button again, the latter, under the action of the spring, returns to its first stable position called "high" and the hammer is no longer in contact with the second end of the push button.

[0053] In this embodiment, the bell 7 is fixed to the body 1 by means of a support bell 70. The hammer 8 is fixed to the cable 9 by means of a cable support 80. The means forming the push button 4 comprise a button, a stop wedge 43 fitted on the one hand onto the button and on the other hand onto a press 44. The press is extended by a blocker intended to apply pressure to the hammer during the translation of the assembly forming the push button.

[0054] According to a third embodiment shown in [Fig.6] and 7, the pusher means 4 are a lever provided to cooperate with the cover 2 of the body according to a bayonet type assembly. Thus, according to a rotational movement, then translation along the axis (x), then rotation, the body 40 of the lever translates inside the body 1.

[0055] In this third embodiment, the bell 7 is fixed to the body 1 by means of a bell support 70 and the cable 9 is fixed on the one hand to the hammer and on the other hand to the cover 2 by means of lead weights.

[0056] Advantageously and for all embodiments, the bell and the hammer are made of metallic materials and are preferably made of brass or steel. These materials allow, when the hammer strikes the internal wall of the bell, to ensure sufficient ringing.

[0057] Also advantageously and for all embodiments, the end of the pusher means 4 which is in contact with the hammer is provided with a vibration damper which contributes to cancelling any sound emission from the hammer when the latter is immobilized by the pusher means 4.

[0058] As an alternative or as a complement and for all embodiments, the end of the pusher means 4 which is in contact with the hammer is provided to cover the hammer.

[0059] To activate the passive bell-type device with the first embodiment, the user presses at least once (depending on whether there are one or two flutes) on the first end 41 of the pusher means 4 in a direction opposite to the hammer, so that the second end 42 of the pusher means 4 moves away from the hammer 8 to release it.

[0060] Thus, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, when the pusher means 4 of the “lever” type are in the upper position, their lower end is not in contact with the hammer 8.

[0061] The hammer 8 is therefore “free”. The vibrations transmitted into the machine (mountain bike, electric scooter) by the roughness of the road or paths are therefore transmitted through the device into the cable and then the hammer 8.

[0062] The latter will therefore leave its state of equilibrium and the hammer 8 will therefore move by bending the cable 9 until it strikes the bell, thus generating a ringing sound.

[0063] The upper position is secured by the first groove 21 of the cover 2 which retains the means 4 to prevent them from blocking the hammer 8.

[0064] To deactivate the passive bell-type device with the first embodiment, the user presses at least once (depending on whether there are one or two flutes) on the first end 41 of the pusher means 4 in the direction of the hammer, so that the second end 42 of the pusher means 4 comes into contact with the hammer 8 to immobilize it.

[0065] Thus, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, when the pusher means 4 are in the lower position, their lower end is in contact with the hammer 8.

[0066] The hammer 8 is therefore “blocked”. The vibrations transmitted into the bicycle by the roughness of the road and paths are therefore transmitted through the device into the cable and then the hammer 8. The latter will therefore seek to leave its state of equilibrium. However, the pressure of the pusher means 4 on the hammer 8 will generate a tension in the cable 9 which will stiffen the latter and prevent it from bending. Thus, the device no longer produces a ringing sound.

[0067] Now concerning the transition phases between the locking and unlocking positions with the first embodiment, they are identical and operate with the same principle. During the locking phase which consists of passing the pusher means 4 from the upper position to the lower position, the means 4 each time force the passage through the first groove 21 through the opening 20 thus making a first clicking noise. When the device comprises a second groove 22, the user continues the movement to the second groove to force the passage of the means 4 through the latter. This movement generates a second clicking sound which corresponds to the locking of the hammer 8.

[0068] The unlocking phase is identical in the opposite direction to the locking phase.

[0069] Concerning the method of activating and deactivating the second mode, it is similar to that of the first mode in the sense that pressing the push button allows, when the button is in the upper position, to bring the pusher means 4 into translation into contact with the hammer 8. When another press on the push button follows, the spring 46 returns the push button to the upper position and thus releases the hammer.

[0070] The method of activating and deactivating the third mode is also similar to the previous ones, in that the rotation / translation / rotation of the lever according to the bayonet mounting makes it possible to execute the translation of said lever so as to establish contact or cancel the contact between the hammer and the lever.

[0071] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and Many adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. Nomenclature

[0072] 1. Body 2. Cover 3. Bit 4. Pusher means 5. Blocking element 6. Cache 7. Bell 8. Hammer 9. Means of restraint 10. O-ring 11. Screws 12. Pin 13. Piercing in the body 14. Nut 15. Cavity 20. Opening 21. First gadroon 22. Second gadroon 40. Lever body 41. First end of the pusher means 42. Second end of the pusher means 43. Stop wedge 44. Press 45. Blocker 46. ​​spring 70. Bell holder 80. Hammer support

Claims

Claims

1. Passive bell-type device comprising a body (1), a bell (7) fixed to said body and extending along a first axis (x), a hammer (8) provided to perform a pendulum movement inside the bell so as to produce a ringing sound when it comes into contact with the inner wall of the bell, means (9) for retaining said hammer inside the bell, said means being partly housed in a cavity (15) of the body (1) which extends along the first axis (x), the device further comprising pusher means (4) partly housed in the cavity of the body, opening at a first end (41) outside the body (1) and capable of sliding in the cavity so as to come into contact at a second end (42) with the hammer (8) in order to immobilize said hammer,characterized in that the retaining means (9) of the hammer (8) inside the bell (7) are a cable fixed at one of its ends inside the body (1) and at the other of its ends to the hammer, the cable being fixed at one of its ends inside the body (1) by means of a locking element (5) inserted removably in the body (1), a cover (2) covering the locking element to close the body by clipping.,

2. Passive bell type device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for attachment to a bicycle handlebar, said means preferably comprising a jaw (3) pivotally mounted (12, 13) at one of its ends on the body (1) as well as a screw-nut assembly (11, 14) for fixing the other of its ends to the body (1).

3. Passive bell-type device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pusher means (4) form an elbow which opens out of the body through an opening (20) made in the cover (2) and along an axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis (x).

4. Passive bell-type device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the opening (20) made in the cover (2) comprises at least a first groove (21) which induces an additional force to slide the pusher means (4).

5. Passive bell-type device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the push-button means (4) form a push button provided with a spring (46), and opening out of the body (1) along the first axis (x), said push button admitting a first stable position outside the body and a second stable position pressed into the body and in contact with the hammer.

6. A passive bell-type device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bell and the hammer are made of metallic materials and preferably are made of brass or steel.

7. Passive bell-type device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end (42) of the pusher means (4) is provided with a vibration damper.

8. Passive bell-type device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end (42) of the pusher means (4) is provided to cover the hammer.

9. Two-wheeled vehicle of the bicycle or scooter type, characterized in that it comprises a passive bell-type device according to any one of the preceding claims, said device comprising means for attachment to a bicycle handlebar, said means preferably comprising a jaw (3) pivotally mounted (12, 13) at one of its ends on the body (1) and a screw-nut assembly (11, 14) for securing the other of its ends to the body (1).

10. Method for activating, and respectively deactivating a passive bell type device mounted on a two-wheeled vehicle of the bicycle or scooter type according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the user presses at least once on the first end (41) of the pusher means (4), so that the second end (42) of the pusher means (4) comes into contact with the hammer (8) to immobilize it, and respectively so that the second end (42) of the pusher means (4) moves away from the hammer (8) to release it.

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