bell for a bicycle

Abstract

The disclosure includes a bell for a bicycle, comprising a clamp that can be attached to the handlebars and a sound chamber. When attached, the sound chamber extends in sections around the handlebars. The clamp is designed as a hinged housing that extends around the outside of the sound chamber.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a bell for a bicycle, which can be attached to the handlebars by means of a clamp. Background of the invention

[0002] The patent application EP 3 199 436 A1 discloses a bell for a bicycle. This includes a clamp for attaching the bell to the handlebars. A ring-segment-shaped sound body is resiliently supported by springs extending outwards from the clamp. The bell is rung by a mallet. Such a bell, with a ring-segment-shaped sound body that extends concentrically around the handlebars when attached, has the advantage of a more compact design compared to most bells with a bowl-shaped sound body.

[0003] The springs supporting the soundboard are usually quite delicate. At the same time, the soundboard is accessible from the outside.

[0004] This has the disadvantage that the bell is quite sensitive to mechanical stress. In particular, the bell can be damaged by pulling on the soundboard.

[0005] Furthermore, such a bell has the disadvantage that the sound chamber can come into contact with accessories, such as a handlebar bag or cables or wires routed past the bell. A component in contact with the sound chamber typically dampens its vibration so much that the bell no longer functions.

[0006] This is particularly disadvantageous with drop bar handlebars, where the brake cables are often routed in such a way that a bell comes into contact with the cables when mounted as intended on the top of the handlebar.

[0007] Document US 1 028 767 S shows a bell for a bicycle with a hinged case. Object of the invention

[0008] In contrast, the invention is based on the objective of at least reducing the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is already solved by a bell for a bicycle according to one of the independent claims.

[0010] Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0011] The invention relates to a bell for a bicycle. For the purposes of this invention, a bicycle also includes a bicycle with an electric auxiliary drive (e-bike, pedelec) as well as a multi-track, pedal-powered vehicle (e.g., cargo bike).

[0012] The bell comprises a clamp that can be attached to the handlebars and a sound body that, when attached, extends section by section around the handlebars. The sound body is preferably designed as a ring segment that, when attached, is aligned coaxially with the central axis of the handlebars. The sound body can, in particular, be designed as a section of a circular cylinder. The sound body is preferably not shell-shaped, but rather a solid component, especially a strip-shaped component, made of metal, particularly with a wall thickness of at least 1 mm.

[0013] According to the invention, the clamp is designed as a hinged housing which extends around the outside of the sound body.

[0014] In contrast to the prior art described above, the housing, designed as a clamp, extends around the outside of the sound body. The housing can, in particular, have a U-shaped profile, at least in the area of ​​the sound body. According to the invention, the housing forms an outer wall which preferably extends in a ring-like fashion around the handlebar when installed, with the sound body positioned between the outer wall and the handlebar. Furthermore, the housing has side walls, which are understood to be the walls located on the right and left sides during intended use.

[0015] The sound element is connected to the housing in such a way that it can vibrate and thus produce a warning tone. In particular, the sound element is connected to the housing by means of at least one spring. In contrast to the prior art mentioned above, the sound element is not supported by springs extending from a clamp that surrounds the handlebar, but is preferably connected to the side walls of the housing by means of springs.

[0016] This allows the housing to be open adjacent to the handlebar, i.e., on its inside.

[0017] This allows the sound chamber to be positioned closer to the handlebars, resulting in a compact design despite the housing extending around the outside of the sound chamber. In particular, the sound chamber is less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, away from the handlebars.

[0018] In particular, the housing forming the clamp can, at least in the area of ​​the sound chamber, be supported by its side walls on the handlebars when attached. Preferably, no wall of the housing is positioned between the sound chamber and the handlebars.

[0019] Since the sound element is located inside the housing when installed, it is better protected against damage. At the same time, the housing prevents the sound element from coming into contact with, for example, a handlebar bag or cables and wires running past the bell, thus preventing it from being muffled.

[0020] The hinged housing comprises at least three, preferably exactly three, segments connected by hinges.

[0021] In particular, a three-part design of the housing allows for particularly easy opening and attachment.

[0022] The end segments are designed to be retractable, in particular by means of a screw, in order to clamp the bell in place.

[0023] The hinges are preferably designed as film hinges, which are arranged on the side of the housing facing away from the sound body, i.e. on the outer wall of the housing in accordance with the invention.

[0024] The housing can be designed, in particular, as a one-piece injection-molded part made of plastic.

[0025] In particular, the housing can be made of polypropylene.

[0026] The soundboard is suspended from one of the segments by springs. In particular, the soundboard can be suspended by springs extending transversely through the housing.

[0027] The springs can extend from one side wall of the housing to the soundboard.

[0028] The springs can be designed in particular as coil springs or spiral springs.

[0029] The sound body can be coupled to the housing on each side by at least two, preferably exactly two, springs.

[0030] Preferably, the sound body is spring-mounted on a single segment. In particular, in a three-segment design, the sound body is suspended on the middle segment.

[0031] The housing preferably has at least one opening on the outside in the area of ​​the sound body. In particular, the outer wall in the area of ​​the sound body can have a plurality of openings.

[0032] The openings can be designed in any way desired; in particular, the openings can be designed as a multitude of transverse slots.

[0033] The openings allow the sound generated by the sound body to escape from the housing more easily.

[0034] Furthermore, the sound chamber is visible through the openings in the casing. This creates a visually appealing effect. In particular, the sound chamber can also be painted in a bright color.

[0035] Preferably, the sound body is designed as a ring segment which forms a lateral passage whose opening dimension is at least as large as the inner diameter of the closed clamp or the outer diameter of the handlebar.

[0036] The ring segment is therefore open in such a way that it can be placed radially onto the handlebar, which is designed as a tube. This makes the sound chamber easy to mount, and in particular, it is not necessary to remove the handlebar grip.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound body is arranged in a housing of the bell, which encloses the sound body.

[0038] As mentioned at the beginning, this provides improved protection for the soundboard against damage.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound body is suspended from a segment arranged between two other segments. In particular, in the case of three segments, the sound body is arranged on a central segment.

[0040] Preferably, a spring-loaded mallet is arranged at one end of the housing. The spring-loaded mallet can be located, in particular, in the area where the housing can be tightened with a screw to achieve a clamping effect.

[0041] Preferably, the sound body assumes a circumferential angle of 30 to 280°, particularly preferably of 180 to 260° and most preferably of 210 to 250°.

[0042] The housing preferably completely encloses the sound body on the outside.

[0043] Furthermore, the housing preferably includes an opening for the spring-mounted mallet. The mallet can be moved away from the housing against the spring force and, when released, strikes the soundboard through the opening.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, a housing of the bell, which forms the clamp, comprises a channel designed as a cable guide.

[0045] The housing may in particular include a channel located between the sound body and a through-hole for a screw to pull the segments of the housing together.

[0046] This allows trains and cables to be routed past the inside of the bell.

[0047] The channel should preferably be closable with a cover. This can, in particular, be clipped in place.

[0048] The cover should ideally rest against the handlebars when attached. This secures it against falling out when the bell is in place.

[0049] The segments of the housing preferably assume a circumferential angle of 60 and 180°, particularly preferably between 80 and 160° and most preferably between 100 and 140°.

[0050] The housing preferably forms a cage in which the soundboard is enclosed when installed.

[0051] The invention further relates to a clamping handle for a bicycle, which includes the bell described above. The bell serves as a clamp for attaching the handle.

[0052] The handle may in particular comprise a slotted sleeve which is partially covered with an elastic material that forms a gripping area.

[0053] The handle can be clamped simultaneously with the bell via the slotted sleeve protruding from the elastic material. Preferably, the handle is clamped from the inside.

[0054] The invention further relates to a bicycle which includes the bell described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0055] The subject matter of the invention shall below refer to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10 will be explained in more detail using examples. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows perspective views of a bell according to the invention attached to a handlebar. Fig. Figure 3 shows the bell with the case open. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fixed bell according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 shows the bell with the case open. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are cross-sectional views.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. Section 10 will explain in more detail how to mount the soundboard in the housing. Detailed description of the drawings

[0057] Fig. Figure 1 shows in a perspective view an embodiment of a bell 1 according to the invention, which is clamped onto a handlebar 2.

[0058] The bell 1 comprises a housing 10. This is designed as a ring with an essentially circular cylindrical outer contour and extends around the handle 2.

[0059] The housing 10 is designed as a clamp; in particular, the housing 10 can be designed as a clamp 10 for handlebars 2 with a diameter between 20 and 35 mm. An embodiment for a handlebar 2 with a diameter of approximately 22 mm is shown here.

[0060] The housing is formed from three segments 10a to 10c, which are connected to each other via the film hinges 11.

[0061] The outer wall of the housing 10 has a plurality of openings 12. In this embodiment, the openings 12 are designed as transversely arranged slots.

[0062] The bell 1 can be operated via the mallet 30, which has a profile 31 for better gripping.

[0063] As in the perspective representation according to Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the housing 10 is designed as a clamp. Segments 10a and 10c can be tightened together by means of a screw 3 to clamp the bell 1 to the handlebar 2. The opposing segments 10a and 10c tighten the clamp, which is designed as a housing; segment 10c forms the counter bearing for the screw 3. In this clamping section, the striker 30 is connected to segment 10c via a spring 4, in particular a coil spring.

[0064] The mallet 30 can be pressed downwards by the user, then springs back and strikes the sound body.

[0065] The side walls of the housing 10 include slots 7 in the area of ​​the film hinges, so that the segments 10a and 10c can be folded away from the middle segment 10b.

[0066] Fig. Figure 3 shows in a perspective view how segments 10a and 10c are folded outwards to accommodate bell 1.

[0067] The film hinges 11 allow segments 10a and 10c to be easily folded away, thus providing a large opening dimension in a simple way.

[0068] The sound body is spring-mounted on the middle segment 10b and is designed as a solid ring segment.

[0069] The ends of the sound body 20 protrude from the middle segment 10b.

[0070] In the area of ​​the sound body 20, the housing 10 is open on the inside.

[0071] In the area of ​​the sound body 20, the side walls of segments 10a to 10c are clamped to the handlebar 2 laterally next to the sound body 20 when attached.

[0072] The housing 10, which forms a clamp, can be tightened by means of a screw 3 guided through segment 10a, the head of which is countersunk in segment 10a. Segment 10c includes a thread 13 and forms the counter bearing.

[0073] When attached, the housing 10 is folded together by attaching the segments 10a and 10c, thus forming a cage that extends around the handlebar 2 and encloses the sound body 20.

[0074] Fig. Figure 4 shows in a perspective view another embodiment of a bell 1 which is clamped onto a handlebar 2.

[0075] Compared to the in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. In the embodiment described in section 3, this bell 1 is designed for handlebars 2 with a larger diameter, in particular about 32 mm.

[0076] This illustration particularly shows hole 14, through which screw 3, located in a through hole of segment 10a, is accessible.

[0077] Otherwise, the design of bell 1 essentially corresponds to the embodiment described above. In particular, bell 1 comprises a striker 30, which is connected to segment 10c via spring 4.

[0078] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the bell 1 with its housing 10 open for attachment to the handlebar 2. In this embodiment as well, the ends of the sound body 20 protrude from segment 10b. The sound body 20 has a larger circumferential angle than the central segment 10b.

[0079] The ends of the sound body 20 are thus located in segments 10a and 10c when attached.

[0080] Segment 10a contains a cover that spans the inner wall of segment 10a and extends into the side walls.

[0081] Cover 15 is clipped in place.

[0082] In its installed state, the inner wall of the cover 15 rests against the handlebar 2 and is secured against falling out.

[0083] With the cover 15 removed, segment 10a includes a channel running transversely through the housing 10, through which trains or cables can be routed.

[0084] Fig. 6 is a cross-section of the in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 depicted bell 1.

[0085] The cover has now been removed, revealing channel 5, which extends through the housing.

[0086] The screw 3 for tightening the housing designed as a clamp is guided through a through hole 16 and is accessible via the larger diameter hole 14 designed as a blind hole.

[0087] In this embodiment, segment 10c contains a thread 13 for the screw 3. The thread 13 can in particular be designed as a metal threaded insert.

[0088] This can be, for example, injected, glued in or pressed in.

[0089] In another embodiment not shown, the thread 13 can also be formed by an insert placed from the opposite side.

[0090] To couple the mallet 30 with the segment 10c, the segment 10c includes a nozzle 17. This nozzle can be conical, in particular, to clamp the spring 4. Preferably, the end of the spring 4 is also glued in place.

[0091] The mallet 30 also includes a hole with a socket 32.

[0092] By pressing the beater 30, it is moved away from the sound body 20 and, when it springs back through the opening 8 of the housing, strikes the sound body 20.

[0093] Channel 5 is located between the sound body 20 and the screw 3 or the clamping area of ​​the housing, which is formed by the retractable segments 10a and 10c.

[0094] Since there is no clamp on the inside of the sound body 20 surrounding the handlebar, the sound body 20 can be positioned close to the handlebar, so that a compact design is possible despite the housing surrounding the sound body 20.

[0095] Fig. 7 is a corresponding cross-section of the in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment of a bell 1.

[0096] Since there is no channel for trains in this embodiment, the sound body 20 can extend further into segment 10a compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

[0097] It is understood that in this embodiment, too, the opening dimension of the sound body 20 is so large that the bell 1 can be placed on the handlebar from a radial direction.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 8 to Fig. Section 9 will explain in more detail the assembly of the sound body 20 in the housing.

[0099] Fig. Figure 8 shows the sound body 20 in a perspective view.

[0100] The side walls of the sound body each include blind holes 21, into which the in Fig. The springs 6 shown in Figure 9, which are designed as coil springs, can be used.

[0101] To facilitate the insertion of the springs 6, the blind holes 21 may include a chamfer.

[0102] For assembly, the springs 6 are first inserted into the blind holes.

[0103] Subsequently, during assembly, the springs are compressed, if necessary using a specially designed tool, to insert the soundboard and springs into the housing. Fig. 10. Insert the segment shown, 10b.

[0104] To accommodate the springs 6, segment 10b includes spigots 19 on the inside of the side walls.

[0105] In front of the nozzles 19, in relation to the insertion direction, there is a ramp 18 which compresses the springs 6 when inserted so that they can slide over the nozzles 19.

[0106] The nozzles 19 are also preferably provided with an insertion ramp.

[0107] The springs 6 therefore first slide over the ramps 18, then over the sockets 19 and snap onto the sockets 19 in the final position.

[0108] The sound body 20 is then suspended in segment 10b.

[0109] The invention made it possible to provide a simply constructed bell that is insensitive to mechanical stress and in which the sound body is arranged in a way that prevents it from being touched. Reference symbol list 1 bell 2 handlebars 3 screws 4 springs 5-channel 6 springs (suspension of sound body) 7 slots 8 Opening 10 cases 10a-10c Segment 11 film hinge 12 Opening 13 threads 14 holes 15 Cover 16 through hole 17 studs (for the mallet spring) 18 Ramp 19 studs (for springs to suspend the sound body) 20 sound bodies 21 Blind Hole 30 mallets 31 Profiling 32 stubs

Claims

Bell (1) for a bicycle, comprising a clamp attachable to the handlebar (2) and a sound body (20) which, in the attached state, extends section by section around the handlebar (2), wherein the clamp is designed as a hinged housing (10) which extends around the outside of the sound body (20), characterized in that the hinged housing (10) comprises at least three segments (10a-10c) which are connected by hinges (11). Bell (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the hinged housing (10) comprises at least exactly three segments (10-10c). Bell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (10) is open in the area of ​​the sound body (20) on the side facing the handle (2). Bell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinges are designed as film hinges (11) which are arranged on the side of the housing (10) facing away from the sound body (20). Bell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sound body (20) is resiliently suspended on one of the segments (10b), in particular with springs (6) passing transversely through the housing, and / or characterized in that the housing (10) has at least one outer opening (12) in the area of ​​the sound body (20). Bell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sound body (20) is designed as a ring segment which forms a passage whose opening dimension is at least as large as the inner diameter of the closed clamp. Bell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (10) comprises a channel (5) designed as a cable passage. Bell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (10) encloses the sound body (20). Bell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sound body (20) is suspended on a segment (10b) arranged between two other segments (10a, 10c). Bell (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring-loaded mallet (30) is arranged at one end of the housing, and / or that the sound body (20) assumes a circumferential angle of 30 to 280°, preferably 180 to 260°, particularly preferably 210 to 250°, and / or that the housing (10) has a U-shaped profile, and / or that the housing (10) completely encloses the sound body (20) on the outside, and / or that the housing (10) comprises an opening (8) for the spring-loaded mallet (30), and / or that the ends of the housing (10) can be drawn together by means of a screw (3), and / or that the channel (5) can be closed with a cover (15), and / or that the segments (10a-10c) have a circumferential angle between 60 and 180°, preferably between 80° and 160°, particularly preferably between 100° and 140°, and / or that the housing (10) is designed as a cage,in which the sound body (20) is enclosed in the attached state. Clamping handle or bicycle, comprising a bell (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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