Acoustic signaling device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an acoustic signaling device 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. The vibrating body has an opening through which an actuating element is guided to cause the excitation device to strike the vibrating body when the actuating element is actuated. The acoustic signaling device is characterized by a cover made of an elastic material that covers, preferably completely covers, the vibrating body on the side opposite the excitation device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an acoustic signaling device for generating an acoustic signal and a parlor game comprising such an acoustic signaling device.

[0002] For example, some board games are based on the principle of determining the person who has solved a certain task first or answered a certain question fastest. A suitable way to determine the person who has solved the task or question fastest is to use a manually operated acoustic signaling device, such as a table bell or similar device. This way, ringing the table bell clearly identifies the person who believes they have correctly solved the task or question first.

[0003] A conventional table bell typically has a metal bell for generating an acoustic signal and an actuating button located centrally on top of the bell. When the actuating button is manually actuated, the bell is excited by an excitation device, such as a hammer striking the inside of the bell.

[0004] In the relaxed atmosphere of a board game, it can happen that the ringing of the table bell is not regularly done calmly and purposefully, but rather impetuously and imprecisely due to the competitive situation between the players.

[0005] This can lead to the unpleasant situation for the players of the board game that the hand of a player who rings the table bell first is pressed unpleasantly against the bell of the table bell, which is typically made of metal, by a striking movement of other players (who arrive too late), which can reduce the appeal and enjoyment of the game.

[0006] A conventional table bell can be found, for example, in DE 38 873 A or US 264 226 A.

[0007] DE 10 2012 016 905 A1 and US 2007 / 144426 A1 each disclose a prior art having all the features of the preamble of claim 1. DE 10 2016 013 790 A1 and US 264 226 A show further acoustic signaling devices from the prior art.

[0008] It is the aim of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages listed above and to create an acoustic signaling device, in particular a table bell, in which even in hectic and impetuous game situations (in which, among other things, the striking movement of the players exerts a very high pressure on the signaling device), the actuation of the signaling device is not perceived as unpleasant by any player.

[0009] This object is achieved by the acoustic signaling device having all the features of claim 1, since the disadvantages mentioned are thereby overcome or mitigated. Advantageous embodiments of the acoustic signaling device are listed in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the present invention, an acoustic signaling device for generating an acoustic signal is provided, which comprises, among other things, an oscillating body for generating the acoustic signal in an oscillating state, an excitation device for manually exciting oscillation of the oscillating body, and a holding device for holding the oscillating body and for supporting the excitation device. The oscillating body has an opening through which an actuating element is guided in order to cause the excitation device to strike the oscillating body upon actuation of the actuating element. The acoustic signaling device is characterized by a cover made of an elastic material and covering, preferably completely covering, the oscillating body on the side opposite the excitation device.

[0011] Accordingly, when manually activating the acoustic signaling device, the player's or user's hand only comes into contact with the elastic material of the cover, preventing direct contact with the vibrating body, which is typically made of metal. This is particularly true in boisterous situations, such as those typical of board games, since the cover surrounds the vibrating body in a dome-like manner.

[0012] The presence of the elastic cover prevents direct contact with the vibrating body, which is usually made of hard metal, thus eliminating the unpleasant sensation of direct contact with the vibrating body under increased force. The elastic cover acts as a damping layer, allowing the fun to continue unhindered even in boisterous or hectic game situations.

[0013] According to an optional development of the present invention, it can be provided that the oscillating body has a dome-like or umbrella-like shape and preferably the opening is arranged centrally in the dome-like or umbrella-like shape.

[0014] The dome- or umbrella-like shape is brought into contact with the holding device in such a way that it arches over the excitation device.

[0015] Furthermore, according to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the cover is designed in the manner of a hood and / or does not touch the outer side of the oscillating body facing away from the excitation device in an undeformed state.

[0016] The cover thus covers the oscillating body, preventing direct contact with the oscillating body when the signaling device is manually activated. It is advantageous if the cover does not come into contact with the oscillating body, at least when the device is not activated, but ideally also when activated. Accordingly, the cover is designed in such a way that the oscillating body is covered like a hood, while at the same time maintaining a certain distance between the oscillating body and the cover. The distance between the cover and the oscillating body ensures that the vibrations are not unnecessarily dampened.

[0017] According to an advantageous modification of the present invention, the cover is made of a deformable plastic that springs back to its original shape after deformation. This minimizes the impact on sound development while simultaneously achieving the desired positive effect of the cover.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it can be provided that the actuating element arranged in the opening of the oscillating body is movable back and forth along its longitudinal direction and preferably projects to the outside of the oscillating body in a rest position due to its interaction with the excitation device.

[0019] The actuating element can be designed in a rod-like or plunger-like manner and is arranged such that it extends through the opening in the oscillating body. It can be provided that by manually pressing the actuating element from an outer side to an inner side of the oscillating body, the excitation device is activated and an acoustic signal is generated upon contact with the oscillating body. This can be achieved by actuating a lever mechanism in which a lever is pivoted about an axis by pressing in the actuating element, so that the end of the lever remote from the actuating element strikes the inner side of the oscillating body.

[0020] According to the present invention, it is provided that the actuating element is provided at its end facing away from the oscillating body with a contact surface extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the actuating element, which contact surface preferably prevents direct contact of the cover with the oscillating body when the signaling device is actuated as intended by pressing in the cover.

[0021] According to the present invention, the acoustic signaling device is actuated through the cover, whereby a preferred area for actuating the signaling device can be graphically displayed or graphically delimited on the side of the cover facing the user. This visual highlighting indicates an area on the underside of the cover where the actuating element is located, 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 ensure that the acoustic signaling device produces the desired sound even when the cover is acted upon over a large area (for example, by placing the entire palm of the hand on the signaling device), a contact surface extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the actuating element is provided on the end of the actuating element protruding towards the cover, which increases the probability of successful actuation of the signaling device. In addition, this contact surface also ensures that, when the cover is acted upon over a large area, no or as few surface areas of the cover as possible come into direct contact with the vibrating body. This would have the undesirable effect of hindering the sound development, meaning that the desired generation of the acoustic signal is not achieved in a satisfactory manner.Accordingly, the contact surface is intended to act as a shield for the cover against direct contact with the vibrating body, provided the cover is pressed in at the area typically pressed in to activate the acoustic signaling device. The diameter of the contact surface is smaller than the diameter of the dome- or hood-shaped vibrating body.

[0022] Furthermore, in this context, it can be provided that the contact surface has the basic shape of a circular, flat disc, so that in a depressed state, only a small contact area is created with the hood- or dome-shaped vibrating body. Preferably, contact with the vibrating body occurs at or near a vibration node of its fundamental vibration, so that the contact surface has only a slight, if any, impact on the generation of the acoustic signal.

[0023] According to the invention, a spring element, in particular a spiral spring, is provided on the side of the contact surface facing away from the oscillating body, which spring element contributes to returning the cover to its original shape as quickly as possible when the signaling device is actuated by pressing in the cover. Accordingly, a spring element can be arranged between the contact surface and the underside of the cover to help return the cover to its original shape. In certain circumstances, it may be the case that in a frequently used acoustic signaling device, the cover no longer has sufficient stability to spring back to its original shape after actuation. However, even in a new acoustic signaling device, the provision of the spring element is advantageous, since this allows the original shape to be assumed more quickly.

[0024] According to a further optional development of the present invention, the holding device can have a base plate on which a socket is arranged, which serves to receive the oscillating body, preferably via a snap-in connection. The socket of the base plate is typically designed such that it passes through the opening of the oscillating body and fixes the oscillating body in the region of the opening via a snap-in connection. The socket can be configured such that the actuating element is arranged inside the hollow-shaped socket.

[0025] Furthermore, the base can also serve to support the excitation device, which can be implemented, for example, by a bent lever. In this case, the excitation device can be mounted on the base so that it can rotate about a pivot axis, so that in interaction with the actuating element a pivoting movement can be carried out, which leads to an impact on the inside of the oscillating body. The pivot axis can therefore be oriented horizontally, so that the downward pressure of a lever arm of the excitation device caused by actuating the actuating element leads to an upward movement of another lever arm arranged at an angle to it, which then comes into contact with the oscillating body. The contact surface of the excitation device can also be made of a metal in order to achieve the most effective excitation of the oscillating body.

[0026] 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 section located at the edge and extending out of the plane of the base plate.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be provided that the maximum diameter of an umbrella-like or dome-shaped oscillating body is smaller than the diameter of the circular base plate, preferably wherein the maximum diameter of the oscillating body is more than 10%, preferably more than 20% smaller than the diameter of the base plate. According to a further modification of the present invention, it can be provided that the cover is flush with the web section, surrounds it on the outside circumference and / or is fastened to it, preferably by using the elastic tensioning force of the cover.

[0028] In addition, according to the invention, it can be provided that the cover extends to the underside of the base plate facing away from the base and partially or completely covers this underside.

[0029] It can therefore be provided that the cover surrounds all components of the acoustic signaling device.

[0030] The invention further relates to a parlor game with an acoustic signaling device according to one of the variants discussed above.

[0031] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures. These show: Fig. 1: an exploded view of an acoustic signaling device according to the invention.

[0032] In the Fig. 1 The exploded view shows the structure of the acoustic signaling device according to the invention.

[0033] The holding device 6 extends from a base plate, which has a web-like elevation on its circular outer circumference. The receptacle for the excitation device 7, 8 can be seen, which enables a pivoting movement for striking the excitation device 7, 8 against the oscillating body 5. At the end of the holding device 6 remote from the base plate, a locking device is provided, which serves to secure the opening of the oscillating body 5 so that the oscillating body 5 is held only in the area of ​​the opening, which typically also corresponds to a vibration node of the fundamental vibration of the oscillating body. This locking device is hollow so that an actuating element 4, which is designed as a plunger, can interact with an area of ​​the excitation device 7, 8.If the actuating element 4 is now pressed in, this leads to an upward movement of the area of ​​the excitation device 7, 8 that comes into contact with the vibrating body 5, thus generating an acoustic signal. In order to enlarge the area of ​​the actuating element 4 that leads to actuation of the acoustic signaling device, a disc-like contact surface 3 is provided on the end of the actuating element 4 that protrudes outward from the vibrating body 5. This contact surface also has the positive effect that the cover that is pressed in when the signaling device is actuated cannot come into direct contact with the area of ​​the vibrating body 5 located below the contact surface 3.

[0034] A spring element 2 can be arranged on the side of the contact surface 3 facing away from the oscillating body 5, which serves to urge the cover 1 back to its original shape. The spring element 2 can be a spiral spring and has a positive effect on returning the cover 1 from its deformed state.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the spring element 2 can be a spiral spring whose diameter increases with distance from the oscillating body 5. This increases the contact area with the underside of the cover, which also increases the surface of the cover with which the actuating element is acted upon.

[0036] The cover 1 is made of an elastic material and, in addition to the oscillating body 5, naturally also covers the spring element 2 and the contact surface 3. The cover 1 can be designed like a hood, wherein its edge region facing the base plate or holding device has a circular shape and can have a diameter that is identical to that of the base plate or the upper web region of the base plate. The edge region of the cover can thus be flush with the web region or the base plate. Furthermore, the diameter can also be larger than that of the base plate or the web region, so that the cover 1 encloses the web region on the circumference. The elasticity of the elastic material of the cover 1 can be used to achieve a clamping connection between the cover 1 and a base plate or the web region extending therefrom.This clamp connection has the advantage of simplifying the manufacture of the acoustic signaling device and eliminating the need for additional fastening elements. Finally, the individual components of the signaling device can be connected or locked together, with cover 1 then simply being slipped over the device in a final step.

[0037] A separate fastening, for example by means of an adhesive connection, is not necessarily required, but can be provided.

Claims

1. Acoustic signaling device for generating an acoustic signal, comprising: an oscillating body (5) for generating the acoustic signal in an oscillating state, an excitation means (7, 8) for manual excitation of an oscillation of the oscillating body (5), a holding means (6) for holding the oscillating body (5) and for supporting the excitation means (7, 8), wherein the oscillating body (5) comprises an opening through which an actuation element (4) is guided, in order to bring about striking of the excitation means (7, 8) on the oscillating body (5) upon actuation of the actuation element (4), and a cover (1), which consists of a resilient material and covers the oscillating body (5) on a side opposite the excitation means (7, 8), preferably completely, characterized in that the actuation element (4) is provided, at the end thereof facing away from the oscillating body (5), with a contact surface (3) which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the actuation element (4) and which, when the signaling device is actuated as intended, prevents direct contact of the cover (1) with the oscillating body (5) by way of pushing-in the cover (1), and a spring element (2), in particular a spiral spring, is provided on the side of the contact surface (3) facing away from the oscillating body (5), which spring, upon actuation of the signaling device by means of the cover (1) being pushed-in, contributes to returning the cover (1) to its original shape as quickly as possible.

2. Signaling device according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the oscillating body (5) has a dome-like or shield-like shape and the opening is preferably arranged centrally in the dome-like or shield-like shape.

3. Signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the cover (1) is configured in a hood-like manner and / or does not contact the outside of the oscillating body (5) that is facing away from the excitation means (7, 8).

4. Signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (1) is produced from a deformable plastics material which, following deformation, springs back into its original shape.

5. Signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation element (4) arranged in the opening of the oscillating body (5) is movable 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 means (7, 8).

6. Signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact surface (3) has the basic shape of a circular disc.

7. Signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding means (6) comprises a base plate on which a holder is arranged, which serves to receive the oscillating body (5), preferably by means of a snap-in connection.

8. Signaling device according to the preceding claim 7, wherein the base plate of the holding device is circular and has a peripheral ridge portion which is located on the edge and extends out of the plane of the base plate.

9. Signaling device according to preceding claim 8, wherein the cover (1) ends flush with the ridge portion, surrounds this peripherally on the outside, and / or is fastened thereon, preferably by using the resilient clamping force of the cover (1).

10. Signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein the cover (1) extends as far as the underside of the base plate facing away from the holder and covers said underside in part or completely.

11. Board game, comprising an acoustic signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims.

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