Hammer device for breaking free from vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hammer device for breaking free from vehicles, for its installation on any window (V) of the vehicle and comprising: a bracket (2), for its attachment to the window (V) pane (L); and a hammer (3), which is integrated in the bracket (2) with at least one impact tip (4) made of an extremely hard material, a spring (5) linked to the tip (4), an actuator mechanism (6) for actuating the compression / release of the spring (5), and activation means (8) for activating the actuator mechanism (6), such that the actuator mechanism (6) releases the spring (5) by using the activation means (8), the spring in turn pushing the impact tip (4) and striking the glass of the pane (L) with sufficient strength so as to break it. The actuator mechanism (6) is repetitive, successively releasing and compressing the spring (5) that repeatedly pushes and retracts the impact tip (4) of the hammer (3).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] EXHAUST PERCUSSION DEVICE FOR VEHICLES

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as expressed in the title of this specification, relates to an exhaust firing pin device for vehicles that provides, for its intended function, advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail below.

[0005] The object of the present invention lies in a percussion device, applicable for its installation in contact with the glass of any of the windows of the cabin of a vehicle, be it a car, bus, truck, van or similar, preferably at least in the driver's window, whose purpose is to act as an emergency escape system, being designed to serve as a fast, easy, always available and easily accessible means to break said glass in case it becomes blocked due to causes such as an accident, falling into the water, deformation of the metal structure, etc., allowing the occupant to leave the vehicle easily, effortlessly and as quickly as possible.

[0006] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The scope of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of automobile accessories, focusing particularly on the field of active safety systems, and more specifically on systems for breaking windows in case of emergency.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Currently, existing vehicle systems for breaking cabin windows in the event of an accident, which are usually only available on buses or other public transport vehicles, simply consist of a small hammer installed next to the window. This is a completely manual system that, consequently, requires the occupant to remove it from its mounting and exert the physical force necessary to break the window.

[0010] Pocket hammers or hand-held window breakers are also popular, allowing a vehicle window to be broken. However, while this option has the advantage of not requiring as much force as a conventional hammer, it does require the vehicle occupant to carry the device with them at all times so it's within easy reach in case of need. Furthermore, if the device is stored, for example, in the glove compartment or attached somewhere in the vehicle's cabin, the occupant must know how to find it, be able to reach and remove it, and be able to hold it and position it perpendicular to the windshield to operate it correctly. This, in addition to requiring the necessary time, can be difficult for an injured person.

[0011] For this reason, it would be desirable to have a system for breaking the glass of the windows that does not entail the previously mentioned drawbacks of the currently known solutions, that is, that does not involve the need to apply force and that does not involve having to carry it around or having to look for it or take it down from some fixing support, position it correctly, etc., since the user may be seriously injured and / or with compromised mobility and / or in a state of panic or shock, the objective of the present invention being the development of an improved device that meets this premise.

[0012] On the other hand, and as a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although other solutions are known, at least by the applicant, the existence of any exhaust percussion device for vehicles, or any other invention of similar application, which presents technical, structural and constitutive characteristics equal to or similar to those claimed here, is unknown.

[0013] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The exhaust percussion device for vehicles proposed by the invention is configured as an optimal solution to the objectives previously indicated which, in turn, represents an improvement of the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0015] Specifically, what the invention proposes, as previously indicated, is a striker device that is especially designed to be installed in one of the windows of the cabin of the vehicle in which it is desired to have it, be it a car, bus, truck, van or similar, preferably at least in the driver's window, being designed to be placed so that it is in contact with the window glass, preferably hidden next to the window lifting mechanism, and act as an emergency escape system, serving as a fast, easy, always available and easily accessible means to be able to break said glass in case it becomes blocked due to causes such as an accident, falling into the water, deformation of the metal structure, etc., allowing the occupant to leave the vehicle easily, effortlessly and as quickly as possible.

[0016] To this end, and more specifically, the device essentially comprises the following elements:

[0017] - a support element, which allows the assembly to be placed next to the vehicle's windscreen, and may or may not move with it; and

[0018] - a striker, integrated into the support element, which, in turn, comprises:

[0019] - at least one impact tip made of very hard material, preferably ceramic or diamond,

[0020] - a spring associated with the impact tip,

[0021] - an actuating mechanism, which may be mechanical or electrical, preferably associated with a spring retainer of the impact tip, and

[0022] - means for activating the actuating mechanism; such that, upon activating the firing pin actuating mechanism, through the activation means usable by the user, the impact point is released, striking the windshield with sufficient force to break it and allow the occupant to finish removing the generated glass and easily exit the vehicle.

[0023] It should be noted that the activation means will be located so that they are easily accessible to the user, either next to or near the window. They may consist, for example, of a button or a rotating tab, or they may be attached to the vehicle's upholstery, for example in the form of a handle.

[0024] Furthermore, optionally, the striker comprises an actuating mechanism and activation means that allow the spring to be re-tensioned to retract and repeat the release of the impact tip, achieving consecutive passage from a rest position to a spring tension position to successively release and retract the impact tip and thereby be able to repeatedly strike the window pane if necessary.

[0025] Specifically, preferably, in one embodiment of the invention, the firing pin comprises a cam-shaped actuating mechanism that acts on a disc with protuberances that cause the retraction and release of the spring associated with the impact tip when rotated by the user by means of a rotating tab forming the activation means, with the particularity that if the tab is rotated, the cam mechanism causes the retraction and release of the spring and, consequently, the repetition of the impact. In this case, the assembly is installed fixed to a support plate and is fixed aligned with the glass to act on it.

[0026] And, in another variant embodiment, the firing pin comprises an actuating mechanism in the form of a tensioning cable associated at one end to the impact tip incorporated in a clamp that acts as a support to fix it to the windscreen, while the activation means is a handle provided at the opposite end or distal end of the cable, such that, in this case, the user can successively actuate said handle to repeat the release of the firing pin and has the advantage of greater freedom of location for its installation, as it does not require alignment with the windscreen, so that the handle can be left loose on the vehicle's upholstery.

[0027] Thus, the main advantages of the device are multiple:

[0028] - It will always be operational in the vehicle.

[0029] - It is fully integrated, so it can never be forgotten or lost.

[0030] - It offers a quick and virtually effortless exit.

[0031] - Any occupant of the vehicle can use the system.

[0032] - It is beneficial for people with claustrophobia.

[0033] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, a drawing is attached to this specification, as an integral part thereof, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first example of the exhaust firing pin device for vehicles that is the object of the invention, showing its configuration and parts; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view, taken from another point of view, of the example of the device of the invention shown in Figure 1 , in this case shown with the impact tip in an extended position, to strike the windshield; Figures 3 and 4 show perspective views of the example shown in the preceding figures and represented, respectively, with the impact tip in a retracted position and in an extended position; Figure 5 ...- Shows a schematic view of the internal part of a vehicle door with a first installation mode in the driver's window of the device of the invention, according to the example shown in Figures 1 to 4, in its option with the support configured to be fixed to the windshield itself and move with it; Figure 6.- Shows a schematic sectional view of the device fixed to the windshield, according to the example shown in Figure 5; Figure 7.- Shows a schematic view of the internal part of a vehicle door with a second installation mode in the driver's window of the device of the invention, in this case in an option of the device in which the support is configured to be fixed next to the windshield and without moving with it; Figures 8-A and 8-B.- Shows separate schematic sectional views of the example of the device fixed to the windshield, according to that shown in Figure 7; Figures 9-A, 9-B and 9-C.- Shows respective views, in front, side elevation and section, of a second embodiment of the striking device of the invention, specifically an example of the vane thereof with a rotating flange and cam mechanism that allows the impact on the windshield to be repeated, having been represented without being installed on the windshield and without the support for coupling to it; figure number 10.- Shows a perspective and exploded view of the example of the device shown in figures 9-A to 9-C, showing the main parts and elements it comprises and their configuration; figures number 11-A and 11-B.- Show respective sectioned perspective views of the example of the device shown in the previous figures, in this case represented once incorporated into the windshield with the support for coupling to it and with the impact tip in a retracted position in figure 11-A and in an extended position in figure 11-B; figures number 12-A to 12-E.- Show, in respective sectional views, the successive phases of operation of the device; Figure 13.- Shows a perspective view of another example of the firing pin device of the invention, specifically an example of the vahante thereof with a tensioning cable as the activation means, having been represented with the support clamp for coupling the firing pin coupled to the moon, appreciating its configuration and main parts; Figure 14.- Shows an enlarged view of detail A indicated in Figure 13 and which allows to appreciate the configuration of the activation means provided at the distal end of the tensioning cable; and Figures 15-A and 15-B.- Show, in respective sectional views, the respective phases of operation of the device with the impact tip in the retracted position and in the extended position.

[0035] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0036] In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering, there are various non-limiting embodiments of the exhaust percussion device for vehicles of the invention, which comprises what is described in detail below. Thus, as can be seen in said figures, the device (1) of the invention essentially comprises:

[0037] - a support element (2), suitable for fixing it to the glass (L) of the window (V) for which it is intended; and

[0038] - a striker (3), integrated in the support (2) and which, in turn, comprises:

[0039] - at least one impact tip (4) made of very hard material, preferably ceramic or diamond,

[0040] - a spring (5) linked to the impact tip (4),

[0041] - an actuating mechanism (6) for compression / release of the spring (5), and

[0042] - activation means (8) of the actuating mechanism (6), such that, by using the activation means (8) and activating the actuating mechanism (6), the spring (5) is released which, in turn, pushes the impact tip (4) and this hits the glass of the moon (L) with sufficient force to break it.

[0043] In an embodiment visible in figures 1 to 8, preferably, the actuating mechanism (6) has a retainer (7) of the spring (5) that keeps it compressed while the activation means (8) are not actuated.

[0044] Preferably, the impact tip (4) and the spring (5) are incorporated inside a sleeve (9) with a slot (10) through which the retainer (7) of the actuating mechanism (6) is inserted, located laterally to said sleeve (9).

[0045] Preferably, the support element (2) is a plate that also comprises one or more stops (11), for example made of rubber or other similar material, incorporated therein to limit the space intended for the glass (L) and avoid unwanted vibrations.

[0046] Preferably, the activation means (8) of the actuating mechanism (6) of the striker (3) of the device (1) is incorporated next to the window (V), on the inside of the vehicle in some easily accessible place. In any case, in one embodiment option, the actuating mechanism (6) is mechanically operated, for example through a tensioner (12), such as a cable or rod, linked to the activation means (8).

[0047] And in another embodiment option, the actuating mechanism (6) is electrically operated.

[0048] On the other hand, looking at figure 5 it can be seen how, in one embodiment, the support element (2) of the device (1) is configured to be installed next to the window (L) so that it is fixed to said window (L) and, where appropriate, moves with it when the window lifting mechanism (V) is activated, a mechanism that has not been represented because it does not form part of the object of the invention.

[0049] To this end, in this embodiment option, as can be seen in Figure 6, the support (2) of the device (1) is a plate bent so that it has a section configuration in II, such that it is fixed inserted in the edge of the glass (L), for example held with glue or another fixing means.

[0050] And, looking at figure 7, it can be seen how, in another embodiment option, the support (2) of the device (1) is configured to be installed next to the window (L) so that it is fixed to the structure of the vehicle, for example the door (P), where the window (V) is located and does not move with the window (L) if, where appropriate, the lifting mechanism thereof is activated.

[0051] To do this, in this embodiment option, as can be seen in figures 8-A and 8-B, the support

[0052] (2) is a plate bent so that it has an L configuration, such that it is fixed by one branch on the structure and by the other it is placed on the area where the moon (L) runs.

[0053] In both cases, the support plate (2) is preferably fixed by glue, especially in the option in which it is fixed to the edge of the window (L), but without ruling out other conventional fixing means.

[0054] In any case, in the preferred embodiment of the device (1), it has a firing pin

[0055] (3) which includes a repetitive drive mechanism (6), that is, such that, by using the activation means (8) and activating the drive mechanism (6), it successively releases and compresses the spring (5) which, in turn, pushes and retracts the impact tip (4) of the firing pin (3) and this repeatedly hits the glass of the moon (L).

[0056] To this end, in a first variant of the embodiment of said option of the device (1), visible in figures 9-A to 12-E, it can be seen how the actuating mechanism (6) of the firing pin (3) is formed by a cam which, moved by activation means (8) consisting of a rotating tab, acts on the spring (5) of the impact tip (4) through a disc (6.1) with protuberances on which the tip (4) slides, joined in an anchor (4.1) for fixing in a cylindrical body (6.2).

[0057] Preferably, the rotating activation tab (8) is folded down through an articulated coupling (8.1) and a spring (8.2) allowing it to be kept collected when not in use and to be deployed for use.

[0058] Thus, the operation of the device presents the following operating phases:

[0059] - Rest phase (figure 12-A). The activation tab (8) is retracted. The impact tip (4) of the firing pin (3) is withdrawn and locked. The spring (5) is compressed, in the initial preload position.

[0060] - Initial phase (figure 12-B). The activation tab (8) is lifted, allowing the cam drive mechanism assembly (6) to rotate within the cylindrical body (6.2).

[0061] - Activation phase (Figure 12-C). The activation tab (8) is turned, causing the firing pin (3) with the impact tip (4) to slide over the protuberances of the disc (6.1) of the cam actuator mechanism (6) and to withdraw from the glass (L). The spring (5) is charged to maximum compression.

[0062] - Firing phase (Figure 12-D). The activation tab (8) is further rotated. The tip (4) of the firing pin (3) slides over the cam mechanism (6) and finds the drop that releases the spring (5). The tip (4) is fired against the glass (L).

[0063] - Repetition phase (figure 12-E). If the activation tab (8) is turned further, the tip (4) of the firing pin (3) continues to move on the cam (6) and the spring (5) is reloaded and can be released again as many times as desired while the activation tab (8) is turned.

[0064] As can be seen in figures 11-A and 11-B, in this embodiment, the rotating tab that constitutes the activation means (8) and the set of the rest of the elements that comprise the device (1), that is, the cam mechanism (6) and the firing pin (3) with the impact tip (4) and the spring (5) incorporated in the cylindrical body (6.2), are fixed with the support (2) aligned with the glass (L), preferably inserted in the upholstery (T) of the vehicle door where the window of said glass (L) is located.

[0065] And, looking at figures 13 to 15-B, it can be seen how, in a second embodiment of the option of the device (1) with repetitive firing pin (3), the actuating mechanism (6) thereof is a tensioning cable that is associated with the spring (5) of the impact tip (4) by a proximal end thereof, fixed to a support (2) in the form of a clamp that is anchored to one edge of the moon (L), and the activation means (8) are defined by a handle provided in an anchoring bushing (6.3) of the opposite end or distal end of said tensioning cable mechanism (6), such that, by pulling said activation handle (8), the tensioning cable (6) releases the spring (5) which, in turn, causes the firing of the tip (4) of the firing pin (3), said action being able to be repeated as many times as necessary.

[0066] Furthermore, preferably, the tensioning cable mechanism (6) includes a retainer (7) to keep the spring (5) locked in the retracted position. To this end, the activation handle (8) has a retaining pin (7) that can be inserted into a locking slot (7.1) provided for this purpose in the anchoring sleeve (6.3).

[0067] Advantageously, the anchoring sleeve (6.3) of the tensioning cable (6) can be left loose on the interior upholstery of the car, since it is not necessary to align the handle forming the activation means (8) with the support clamp (2) that is fixed to the windscreen (L).

[0068] In this case, the operating phases of the device are basically the following:

[0069] - Rest phase. The tip (4) of the firing pin (3) is in the retracted position and the spring (5) is locked by the retainer (7) of the bushing (6.3) of the distal end of the tensioning cable (6). The spring (5) is in initial preload.

[0070] - Initial phase (figure 15-A). The retainer (7) of the anchoring sleeve (6.3) is unlocked and the activation handle (8) is pulled back to tension the cable (6) and charge the spring (5).

[0071] - Firing phase (figure 15-B). When the trigger handle (8) is released, the spring (5) fires the tip (4) of the firing pin (3) against the glass (L), breaking it.

[0072] - Repetition phase. If the activation handle (8) is pulled and released again, the cable (6) compresses and releases the spring (5) again and with this the tip (4) of the firing pin (3) impacts the glass again. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to explain it further so that any expert in the field understands its scope and the advantages derived from it.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Exhaust striker device for vehicles, applicable for installation in any of the windows (V) of the vehicle cabin, whether it is a car, bus, truck, van or similar, is characterized by comprising: - a support element (2), suitable for fixing to the glass (L) of the window (V) for which it is intended; and - a striker (3), integrated in the support (2), which, in turn, comprises: - at least one impact tip (4) made of very hard material, such as ceramic or diamond, - a spring (5) linked to the impact tip (4), and - an actuating mechanism (6) for compression / release of the spring (5), and - activation means (8) of the actuating mechanism (6), such that, by using the activation means (8) and activating the actuating mechanism (6), the spring (5) is released which, in turn, pushes the impact tip (4) and this hits the glass of the moon (L) with sufficient force to break it. 2.- Exhaust firing pin device for vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (6) is repetitive, such that, when using the activation means (8), it successively releases and compresses the spring (5) which, in turn, repeatedly pushes and retracts the impact tip (4) of the firing pin (3) that hits the windshield (L). 3.- Exhaust firing pin device for vehicles, according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (6) is a cam associated with the spring (5) by means of a disc (6.1) with protuberances on which the tip (4) slides, joined to an anchor (4.1) for fixing in a cylindrical body (6.2); and the activation means (8) consist of a rotating tab that rotates said cam (6). 4.- Exhaust firing pin device for vehicles, according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotating tab that constitutes the activation means (8) and the set of the rest of the elements that comprise the device (1), that is, the cam mechanism (6) and the firing pin (3) with the impact tip (4) and the spring (5) incorporated in the cylindrical body (6.2), are fixed with the support (2) aligned with the moon (L). 5.- Exhaust firing pin device for vehicles, according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (6) is a tensioning cable associated with the spring (5) of the impact tip (4) at a proximal end thereof; and the activation means (8) are defined by a handle provided in an anchoring sleeve (6.3) of the opposite end or distal end of said tensioning cable mechanism (6). 6.- Exhaust striker device for vehicles, according to claim 5, characterized in that the anchoring sleeve (6.3) of the tensioning cable (6) with the handle forming the activation means (8) remains loose on the interior upholstery of the car, without alignment with the support clamp (2) that is fixed to the windshield (L). 7.- Exhaust firing pin device for vehicles, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (6) has a retainer (7) of the spring (5) that keeps it compressed while the activation means are not activated. (8). 8.- Exhaust firing pin device for vehicles, according to claim 5 or 6 and 7, characterized in that the activation handle (8) has a retaining pin (7) that can be inserted into a locking slot (7.1) provided in the anchoring bushing (6.3) of the tension cable actuating mechanism (6). 9.- Exhaust percussion device for vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the impact tip (4) and the spring (5) are incorporated inside a sleeve. (9) with a slot (10) through which the retainer (7) of the actuating mechanism (6) located laterally to said sleeve (9) is inserted. 10.- Exhaust striker device for vehicles, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (2) comprises one or more stops (11) incorporated therein to limit the space intended for the windscreen (L) and avoid unwanted vibrations. 11.- Exhaust firing pin device for vehicles, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (6) is of operating mechanic. 12.- Exhaust firing pin device for vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (6) is electrically operated. 13.- Exhaust striker device for vehicles, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (2) is configured to be installed next to the window (L) so that it is fixed to said window (L) and, where appropriate, moves with it when the window lifting mechanism (V) is activated. 14.- Exhaust striker device for vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (2) is a plate bent so that it has a U-section configuration, such that it is fixed inserted into the edge of the window (L). 15.- Exhaust striker device for vehicles, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (2) is configured to be installed next to the window (L) so that it is fixed to the structure of the vehicle where the window (V) is located and does not move with the window (L) if, where appropriate, the lifting mechanism thereof is activated. 16.- Exhaust striker device for vehicles, according to claim 15, characterized in that the support (2) is a plate bent so that it has an L configuration, such that it is fixed by one branch on the structure and by the other is located on the moon (L).

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