Acoustic signaling device

Abstract

Acoustic signaling device for generating an acoustic signal, comprising: a vibrating body (5) for generating the acoustic signal in a vibrating state, an excitation device (7, 8) for manually exciting an oscillation of the oscillating body (5), a holding device (6) for holding the oscillating body (5) and for supporting the excitation device (7, 8), wherein the oscillating body (5) has an opening through which an actuating element (4) is guided in order to cause an impact of the excitation device (7, 8) on the oscillating body (5) upon actuation of the actuating element (4), characterized by a cover (1) made of an elastic material and covering, preferably completely covering, the vibrating body (5) on the side opposite the excitation device (7, 8).

Description

The present invention relates to an acoustic signal device for generating an acoustic signal, and to a society game comprising such an acoustic signal device.Thus, some society games are based on the principle of detecting a person who has first achieved a certain task or has answered a certain question the fastest. For this purpose, it is appropriate to determine the person who has attained the task or question most quickly using a manually actuatable acoustic signal device, for example a table bell or the like. Thus, the actuation of the table bell leads to the person actuating the table bell being identified in a unique manner as a person who is the view to have the task or the question first solved correctly.A conventional table bell usually has a metal bell for generating an acoustic signal and an actuating button arranged centrally on the top side thereof. When the actuation button is actuated manually, the bell is excited by an excitation device, for example a hammer or the like striking the inside of the bell.In the released atmosphere of a company game, it may happen that the actuation of the table bell usually does not take place smoothly and in a targeted manner, but rather takes place in an ungested and less precise manner on account of the competition situation between the players.In this case, the players of the company game may have an unpleasant situation in which the hand of a player first operating the bell is pressed unpleasantly onto the bell of the bell, which is typically made of metal, by a striking movement of other (excessively late) players, which can reduce the game incentive and the game friends.A conventional table bell can be found, for example, in DE 38 873 A or U.S. Pat. No. 264 226 A.The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide an acoustic signalling device, in particular a table bell, in which even in hectareic and ungesthet playing situations (in which, inter alia, a very high pressure is exerted on the signalling device by the striking movement of the players), the actuation of the signalling device is felt to be unpleasant for no game participant.This object is achieved by the acoustic signal device having all the features of claim 1, since the disadvantages listed are thereby overcome or alleviated. Advantageous embodiments of the acoustic signal device are listed in the dependent claims.According to the present invention, there is accordingly provided an acoustic signal apparatus for generating an acoustic signal, comprising a vibrating body for generating the acoustic signal in a vibrating state, an excitation device for manually exciting a vibration of the vibrating body, and a holding device for holding the vibrating body and for supporting the excitation device, wherein the vibrating body has an opening through which an actuating element is guided in order to cause the excitation device to strike the vibrating body when the actuating element is actuated. The acoustic signal device is characterized by a cover which consists of an elastic material and covers, preferably completely covers, the vibrating body on the side opposite the excitation device.Accordingly, it is thus provided that, when the acoustic signal device is manually operated, the hand of a player or user comes into contact only with the elastic material of the cover and no direct contact with the vibrating body, which is typically made of metal, is possible. This preferably also applies in ungesthet situations, as are typical for company games, since the cover surrounds the vibrating body in a dome-like manner.The presence of the cover made of elastic material prevents direct contact with the vibrating body, which is usually made of hard metal, so that the disadvantageous unpleasant feeling of direct contact under increased force action with the vibrating body no longer occurs. The cover, which is made of an elastic material, acts as a damping layer, so that the fit of play can be continued untrapped even in untrapped or hectarey play situations.According to an optional development of the present invention, it can be provided that the vibrating body has a dome- or screen-like shape and the opening is preferably arranged centrally in the dome- or screen-like shape.The dome-shaped or umbrella-shaped form is brought into contact with the holding device in such a way that it bulges over the excitation device.Furthermore, according to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the cover is designed hood-like and / or does not touch the outer side of the vibrating body facing away from the excitation device in an undeformed state.The cover thus covers the oscillating body, so that direct contact with the oscillating body is not possible when manually actuating the signal device. It is advantageous here if the cover does not come into contact with the oscillating body at least during a non-actuated state, but in the optimal case also during actuation. Accordingly, the cover has such a configuration in which the oscillating body is covered in a hood-like manner and at the same time there is a certain distance from the oscillating body to the cover. The distance of the cover from the vibrating body ensures that the vibrations are not unnecessarily damped.According to an advantageous modification of the present invention, it is provided that the cover is made of a deformable plastic which, after deformation, returns to its original shape. This results in the least possible impairment of the sound development, but at the same time the desired positive effect of the cover is achieved.Furthermore, according to the present invention, it can be provided that the actuating element arranged in the opening of the vibrating body can be moved back and forth along its longitudinal direction and preferably protrudes in a rest position due to its interaction with the excitation device to the outside of the vibrating body.The actuating element can be designed approximately rod-like or in the form of a plunger and is arranged in such a way that it extends through the opening in the oscillating body. In this case, it can be provided that the excitation device is activated by manually pressing in the actuating element from an outer side toward an inner side of the vibrating body and an acoustic signal is generated by contact with the vibrating body. This can be done by actuating a lever mechanism, in which a lever is pivoted about an axis by the actuation of the actuating element, so that the end of the lever remote from the actuating element strikes against the inside of the oscillating body.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the actuating element is provided at its end facing away from the vibrating body with a contact surface extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the actuating element, which preferably prevents direct contact of the cover with the vibrating body when the signaling device is actuated as intended by pressing in the cover.According to the present invention, the acoustic signal device is actuated through the cover, wherein a preferred region for actuating the signal device can be graphically depicted or graphically delimited on the side of the cover facing the user. This optical protrusion designates a region on the underside of which the actuating element is arranged, so that acting on this section of the cover results in the desired acoustic signal. In order to enlarge this area and at the same time to ensure that even when the cover is acted upon over a large surface area (for example by placing the entire palm of the hand on the signal device), the acoustic signal device generates the desired sound, a contact surface extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the actuating element is provided at the end of the actuating element projecting toward the cover, which contact surface increases the probability of successful actuation of the signal device. Moreover, this contact surface also ensures that, in the event of a large-surface effect on the cover, no or as few surface regions of the cover as possible come into direct contact directly with the oscillating body. Namely, this would bring about the undesirable effect of hindering the sound development, so that the desired generation of the acoustic signal does not proceed satisfactorily. Accordingly, it is therefore provided that the contact surface acts as a shield of the cover with respect to direct contact with the vibrating body, provided that the cover is pressed in at the region which is typically to be pressed in for actuating the acoustic signal device. The diameter of the contact surface is smaller than the diameter of the dome-shaped or dome-shaped vibrating body shape.Furthermore, in this context, it can be provided that the contact surface has the basic shape of a circular planar disk, so that in a pressed-in state, only a small contact surface with the oscillating body shape shaped like a hood or dome is produced. Preferably, the contact with the vibrating body takes place at or near a node of its fundamental vibration, so that-if at all-only a slight impairment arises in the generation of the acoustic signal by the contact surface.Furthermore, according to the invention, it can be provided that a spring element, in particular a spiral spring, is provided on the side of the contact surface facing away from the vibrating body, which spring element contributes to returning the cover to its original shape as quickly as possible when the signal device is actuated by pressing in the cover. Accordingly, a spring element can therefore be arranged between the contact surface and the underside of the cover, which helps to return the cover to its original shape. Under certain circumstances, it may be the case that, in the case of a much used acoustic signal device, the cover no longer has sufficient stability to return to its original shape after actuation. However, the provision of the spring element is also advantageous in the case of a newly valued acoustic signal device, since the taking up of the original shape takes place more quickly in this case.According to a further optional development of the present invention, it can be provided that the holding device has a base plate on which a base is arranged, which serves to receive the vibrating body, preferably by means of a latching connection. The base of the base plate is typically designed in such a way that it passes through the opening of the vibrating body and fixes the vibrating body in the region of the opening via a latching connection. The base can be designed such that the actuating element is arranged in the interior of the hollow base.Furthermore, the base can also serve for supporting the excitation device, which can be implemented, for example, by a bent lever. In this case, the excitation device can be mounted rotatably about a pivot axis when it is mounted on the base, such that, in cooperation with the actuating element, a pivoting movement can be carried out which leads to a strike against the inner side of the oscillating body. The pivot axis can accordingly be oriented horizontally, such that pressing down of a lever arm of the excitation device, which lever arm is effected by the actuation of the actuating element, leads to an upward movement of a further lever arm, which is arranged at an angle thereto and then comes into contact with the oscillating body. The contact surface of the excitation device can likewise consist of a metal in order to achieve the most effective possible excitation of the vibrating body.According to an optional modification of the present invention, it can be provided that the base plate of the holding device is circular and has a circumferential web portion which is located at the edge and extends out of the plane of the base plate.Furthermore, it can be provided that the maximum diameter of a vibration body designed in the manner of a shield or dome is smaller than the diameter of the base plate designed in the shape of a circle, preferably wherein the maximum diameter of the vibration body is more than 10%, preferably more than 20%, smaller than the diameter of the base plateAccording to a further modification of the present invention, it can be provided that the cover ends flush with the web section, surrounds the latter on the outer circumference and / or is fastened to the latter, preferably by utilizing the elastic clamping force of the cover.In addition, according to the invention, it can be provided that the cover extends as far as the underside of the base plate facing away from the base and partially or completely covers this underside.Thus, it can be provided that the cover surrounds all components of the acoustic signal device.The invention further relates to a company game with an acoustic signal device according to one of the variants discussed above.Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The following shows: FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an acoustic signal device according to the invention.The exploded view shown in FIG. 1 shows the construction of the acoustic signal device according to the invention.The holding device 6 extends here starting from a base plate which has a web-like elevation on its circular outer periphery. The recording for the excitation device 7, 8 is visible, which permits a pivoting movement for striking the excitation device 7, 8 against the vibrating body 5. At the end of the holding device 6 remote from the base plate, a latching device is provided, which serves to fix the opening of the vibrating body 5, so that the vibrating body 5 is held only in the region of the opening, which typically corresponds at the same time to a vibration node of the fundamental vibration of the vibrating body. This latching device is hollow, so that an actuating element 4, which is designed as a plunger, can interact with a region of the excitation device 7, 8. If the actuating element 4 is now pressed in, this leads to an upward movement of the region of the excitation device 7, 8 which comes into contact with the vibration body 5, so that this leads to the generation of an acoustic signal. In order to now enlarge the area of the actuating element 4 which leads to an actuation of the acoustic signal device, a disk-like contact surface 3 is provided on the end of the actuating element 4 which projects outwards from the vibrating body 5, which contact surface additionally also brings with it the positive effect that the cover to be pressed in when actuating the signal device cannot come directly into contact with the area of the vibrating body 5 lying below the contact surface 3.On the side of the contact surface 3 facing away from the vibrating body 5, a spring element 2 can be arranged, which serves to urge the cover 1 into its original shape. The spring element 2 may be a helical spring and has a positive effect on the return of the cover 1 from its deformed state.As shown in the figure, the spring element 2 may be a helical spring, the diameter of which increases at a distance from the vibrating body 5. This increases the area of contact with the underside of the cover, thereby also increasing the area of the cover with which the actuating element is acted.The cover 1 is made of an elastic material and, in addition to the vibrating body 5, naturally also covers the spring element 2 and the contact surface 3. Thus, the edge region of the cover can end flush with the web region or the base plate. Furthermore, however, the diameter can also be greater than that of the base plate or of the web region, so that the cover 1 encloses the web region on the circumferential side. The elasticity of the elastic material of the cover 1 can be used to produce a clamping connection of the cover 1 and a base plate or the web region extending therefrom. This clamping connection has the advantage that it simplifies the production of the acoustic signal device and does not require any further fastening means. Finally, the individual components of the signal device can thus be connected to one another or locked to one another, wherein in a final working step the cover 1 is then only to be placed over.A separate fastening, for example by means of an adhesive connection, is not necessarily required, but can be provided.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedUS 264 226

[0006]

Claims

Acoustic signal device for generating an acoustic signal, comprising: an oscillating body (5) for generating the acoustic signal in an oscillating state, an excitation device (7, 8) for manually exciting an oscillation of the oscillating body (5), a holding device (6) for holding the oscillating body (5) and for supporting the excitation device (7, 8), wherein the oscillating body (5) has an opening through which an actuating element (4) is guided in order to cause an impact of the excitation device (7, 8) on the oscillating body (5) upon an actuation of the actuating element (4), characterized a cover (1) which consists of an elastic material and covers, preferably completely covers, the vibrating body (5) on the side opposite the excitation device (7, 8).Signalling device according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the oscillating body (5) has a dome- or screen-like shape and preferably the opening is arranged centrally in the dome- or screen-like shape.Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the cover (1) is designed like a hood and / or does not touch the outer side of the vibrating body (5) facing away from the excitation device (7, 8).The signalling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (1) is made of a deformable plastic material which, after deformation, returns to its original shape.Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (4) arranged in the opening of the oscillating body (5) can be moved back and forth along its longitudinal direction and, in a rest position, protrudes to the outside of the oscillating body (5) on account of its interaction with the excitation device (7, 8).The signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (4) is provided at its end facing away from the vibrating body (5) with a contact surface (3) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the actuating element (4) which prevents direct contact of the cover (1) with the vibrating body (5) when the signaling device is actuated as intended by pressing in the cover (1).The signalling device according to the preceding claim 6, wherein the contact surface (3) has the basic shape of a circular disc.The signaling device according to one of the preceding claims 6 or 7, wherein a spring element (2), in particular a spiral spring, is provided on the side of the contact surface (3) facing away from the vibrating body (5), said spring element contributing to the cover (1) being returned to its original shape as quickly as possible when the signaling device is actuated by pushing in the cover (1).The signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (6) has a base plate on which a base is arranged, which serves to receive the vibrating body (5), preferably by means of a latching connection.Signalling device according to the preceding claim 9, wherein the base plate of the holding device is circular and has a circumferential web section located at the edge and extending out of the plane of the base plate.The signaling device according to the preceding claim 10, wherein the cover (1) ends flush with the web section, surrounds the latter on the outer periphery and / or is fastened thereto, preferably by utilizing the elastic clamping force of the cover (1).Signalling device according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, wherein the cover (1) extends as far as the underside of the base plate facing away from the base and partially or completely covers this underside.A company game comprising an acoustic signalling device according to any preceding claim.

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