WO1992014643A1 - Dispositif d'avertissement pour bicyclette - Google Patents

Dispositif d'avertissement pour bicyclette Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1992014643A1
WO1992014643A1 PCT/CA1992/000059 CA9200059W WO9214643A1 WO 1992014643 A1 WO1992014643 A1 WO 1992014643A1 CA 9200059 W CA9200059 W CA 9200059W WO 9214643 A1 WO9214643 A1 WO 9214643A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
warning device
transducer
bar
handle
spring member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/CA1992/000059
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Robert Guest
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CA 2036487 external-priority patent/CA2036487A1/fr
Priority claimed from US07/656,737 external-priority patent/US5083108A/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO1992014643A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992014643A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K21/00—Steering devices
    • B62K21/26—Handlebar grips
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J3/00—Acoustic signal devices; Arrangement of such devices on cycles
    • B62J3/10—Electrical devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02—Bases, casings, or covers
    • H01H9/06—Casing of switch constituted by a handle serving a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. by the handle of a vacuum cleaner
    • H01H2009/068—Casing of switch constituted by a handle serving a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. by the handle of a vacuum cleaner with switches mounted on a handlebar, e.g. for motorcycles, fork lift trucks, etc.

Definitions

  • the bell has limitations.
  • the volume of the sound generated by a bell may be too low to alert other vehicles or pedestrians, particularly in a noisy heavy traffic area, and the pitch may
  • a warning device for a bicycle comprises a tubular casing for fitting into the end opening of a handle-bar and, at one end of the casing, a housing for a transducer, the housing being configured to protrude from the end of the handle-bar when the tubular casing is inserted into the handle-bar, the tubular casing housing drive circuitry connected with the transducer by switch means mounted to or adjacent the housing and operable by the little finger of a cyclist's hand grasping the handgrip.
  • the switch means comprises a switch arm extending from the transducer housing to overlie the handlebar and/or handgrip and carrying a switch operable by pressure against the handlebar and/or handgrip.
  • the switch arm may be pliable to conform to the contour of the underlying handlebar and/or handgrip.
  • the switch means comprises a pressure-actuated switch, conveniently a membrane or diaphragm switch, housed in a flexible sleeve and disposed adjacent the handgrip. The switch can be actuated by squeezing the switch member against the handgrip.
  • the circuitry may comprise a power source, for example an electric cell, housed within the tubular casing.
  • the transducer may emit an audible warning signal and preferably comprises a piezoelectric transducer.
  • the circuitry and the transducer may form an oscillator and may include an amplifier to cause the transducer to vibrate, generating an audible sound.
  • a warning device for a bicycle comprises a tubular casing for mounting into the end opening of a handlebar and having at one end thereof a housing for a transducer, and retaining means preferably in the form of a spring member which has an arc- like configuration and extends longitudinally externally of the tubular casing from a position adjacent the housing to the opposite or distal end of the tubular casing, such that, when the tubular casing is inserted into the open end of a handle ⁇ bar, the spring member engages the inner surface of the handle-bar and is deformed.
  • the engagement of the spring member with the inner surface of the handle-bar retains the warning device in position with the tubular casing substantially entirely within the handle-bar.
  • the warning device may be withdrawn by applying sufficient force to overcome the frictional forces due to the engagement between the spring member and the handle-bar.
  • the force exerted by the spring against the handlebar is adjustable, conveniently by means of an adjusting screw member acting against an end of the spring member.
  • the housing may advantageously comprise a radial end face with a cylindrical ring portion projecting longitudinally therefrom, the transducer being mounted to said ring portion to form with said end face a chamber, the chamber being vented by at least one port extending through said housing adjacent said ring.
  • the housing may comprise an end cap attached to said casing and the switch arm may comprise two longitudinal parts, each formed integrally with a respective one of the casing and the end cap, the longitudinal parts cooperating to enclose the switch and its connecting wires.
  • the connections between the switch and the circuit board may advantageously comprise a flexible printed circuit strip.
  • a piezoelectric warning device characterized by a housing comprising a radial end face with a cylindrical ring portion projecting longitudinally therefrom, and a piezoelectric transducer mounted to said ring portion to form with said end face a chamber, the chamber being vented by at least one port extending through said housing adjacent said ring.
  • Figure 1 is a sectional side view of a warning device according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is an exploded sectional view, slightly enlarged, of the device of the invention
  • Figure 2A is a partial sectional side view showing the transducer housing of an alternate form of the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a form of circuit suitable for use in the invention.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a warning device according to the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a modification of the warning device of Figure 1;
  • Figure 6 is an end view of the modified warning device of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is partial cross-sectional view of a transducer housing of the device of Figure 5; and Figure 8 is a schematic circuit diagram for the modifie warning device of Figure 5.
  • Figure 1 shows the end of a handle-bar 10 having thereo a handgrip 11.
  • the ends 12 of the handle-bar 10 and th handgrip 11 are conveniently co-extensive.
  • An audible warnin device shown also in Figure 2, comprises a tubular casing 14 having at one end a transducer housing 15 formed by a radiall extending flange 16, a cylindrical flange extendin longitudinally from the radial flange 16, and a cap portio 18.
  • the radially extending flange 16 serves as an abutment, fo abutting the end of the handlebar 10.
  • the tubular casing 14 and the transducer housing 15 are preferably of an insulatin material, such as a plastics material, for exampl polypropylene.
  • the cap 18 is secure to flange 17 using an adhesive, such as an epoxy resin typ adhesive.
  • Figure 2A An alternative arrangement is shown in Figure 2A whic shows a base flange 16 with a cylindrical flange 17 as i Figure 2, but differs in that it shows a cap 18A which extends outwardly of flange 17 and has, at spaced points on it periphery, inwardly directed clips or fastening members 20 which project behind base 16 when cap 18A is installed to hol cap 18A against flange 17. It will be seen in Figure 2A that the end of handgrip 11 is recessed slightly to accommodat clips 20. Alternatively the base 16 may be spaced outwardl a short distance.
  • th tubular casing 14 has a circuit board 21 mounted at th proximal end, that is at the end adjacent the tubular housin 15.
  • the circuit board 21 carries drive circuitry which is no shown in this drawing, but will be described subsequently wit reference to Figure 3.
  • a power source such as an electric cell 22 or a battery if the tubular casin is lengthened, also contained within tubular casing 14, the drive circuit 21 constitutes a power supply for the warning device.
  • a spring contact 23 interconnects an end of cell 22 and the circuitry of circuit board 21.
  • the other end of cell 22 contacts an end 24 of a longitudinally extending, flat leaf spring member 25 of electrically conducting material.
  • the spring member 25 passes through an opening 26 in tubular casing 14 at the distal end, and extends longitudinally of the casing to the proximal end of tubular casing 14, that is substantially to the junction of tubular casing 14 and housing 15, where it passes through the casing and projects within the compartment formed by the casing walls.
  • An end cap or closure 27 has a head 28 and a screw portion 30. There may be a small internal flange 31 at the distal end of tubular casing 14 which has an internal thread 32 for threaded engagement with screw portion 30.
  • the screw portion 30 of closure 27 is engaged with thread 32 and closure 27 rotated, the end of closure 27 engages the end 24 of spring member 25 and presses the end 24 inwardly against the terminal of cell 22. This ensures good contact and also biases spring member 25 outwardly into an arc-like configuration.
  • the arc-like configuration deforms slightly as the spring member 25 is pressed against the inner surface of the handle-bar 10.
  • the tubular casing 14 may be withdrawn by application of sufficient force to housing 15 enabling the warning device to be readily removed when the bicycle is to be left unattended.
  • a piezoelectric transducer 33 within housing 15 is a piezoelectric transducer 33, such as is available commercially under the type name PKM29-3A0 by Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Japan.
  • the transducer 33 is mounted, for example by bonding with an adhesive, to a tubular insert 34 in housing 15. Sound vibrations generated by transducer 33 are emitted through opening 35 defined by the walls of tubular insert 34.
  • the opening 35 may, if desired, be sealed by a flexible plastic membrane to exclude moisture.
  • the piezoelectric transducer has three connections made to it.
  • connections are a power connection, a feedback connection, and a common connection or "ground”.
  • three pads or projections 43, 44, 45 formed on the inner surface of base 16 are connected by wires to the circuitry, and engage appropriate points on the transducer 33 when the housing 15 is assembled. This manner of making connections between the circuitry of board 21 and transducer 33 when it is installed may also be used for the housing configuration of Figure 2.
  • the pads will be referred to in connection with Figure 3.
  • Switch arm 36 has an elongate member 37, one end of which extends into, and seals, a slot in the flange 17.
  • the other end of member 37 terminates in a flat sleeve portion 38 containing a pressure-operated membrane switch 40.
  • Two lengths of stiff, yet pliable, copper wire 42A and 42B, respectively, extend through the member 37 to connect the switch 40 to the circuit board 21, as will be described later with respect to Figure 3.
  • the member 37 is preferably of flexible insulating material, such as a plastics material, and the flat sleeve member 38 is of a compressible or highly flexible insulating material defining a space in which switch 40 is mounted.
  • the pliability of the copper wires 42A and 42B allows the switch arm to be conformed to the surface of the handgrip by firm pressure on sleeve 37 once the device has been installed in the handle-bar.
  • switch arm 36 To operate the warning device, pressure is applied to switch arm 36, particularly pressure in the area indicated by arrow 41 ( Figure 1) , to press switch arm 36 against handgrip 11 and flex the material of flat member 38 to compress and close membrane switch 40.
  • Cell 22 is shown connected to the base of transistor 46 which is on circuit board 21.
  • the collector of transistor 46 is connected through a series arrangement of resistors 47 and 48 to a conductor 50.
  • Conductor 50 is connected to pad 45 and represents a common or ground connection.
  • the emitter of transistor 46 is connected via resistor 51 and conductor 52 to pad 43. This represents the drive connection or power connection.
  • Conductor 53 is connected at one end to pad 44 and at the other end to the junction between resistors 47 and 48. This represents the feedback connection from transducer 33.
  • the other terminal of cell 22 is connected to one side of switch 40 by way of spring member 25 and conductor or wire 42A.
  • the other side of switch 40 is connected by wire 42B to the conductor 50.
  • the transducer 33 and the associated circuitry oscillate when switch 40 is closed, causing transducer 33 to vibrate and generate sound.
  • the drive circuit might include an inverter stage to allow the device to be used with a power source having an operating voltage significantly lower than that of the piezoelectric transducer.
  • FIGs 5, 6 and 7, which illustrate a warning device similar to that shown in Figure 1, but incorporating several modifications to improve sound operation and/or facilitate manufacture parts corresponding to those in Figure 1 have the same reference numbers but with a prime.
  • a tubular casing 14' has a transducer housing 15' formed by a radial flange 16' at one end of the casing 14' and a cap 18'.
  • cap 18' also differs from those shown in Figures 2 and 2A in that it has no central opening and insert 34. Instead, cap 18' is shaped as a truncated cone with a conical portion 55 and a flat truncation 56. As shown also in Figure 8, two orifices 35' spaced diametrically at the junction between the conical portion 55 and flat portion 56 serve as ports for the sound from the transducer 33'.
  • a ring 34' extends longitudinally inwards from the conical portion 55 and terminates in a knife edge at its distal end.
  • the diameter of ring 34' is substantially equal to the diameter of the flat portion 56 and serves as a nodal support for the piezoelectric transducer 33' which is bonded to its knife edge.
  • the piezoelectric transducer 33', nodal support ring 34' and flat cap portion 56 form an acoustic chamber, the dimensions of which can be selected to optimize sound output for a particular piezoelectric transducer 33'.
  • a printed circuit board 21' is mounted in the casing 14' and is a close fit across its diameter. Wires 50', 52' and 53' soldered to the piezoelectric transducer 33' connect it to the printed circuit board 21'.
  • a two-wire flexible printed circuit strip 57 is connected at one end to a connector 58 on the printed circuit board 21' and at its other end to the membrane switch 40'.
  • the flexible circuit strip 57 is sandwiched between two flexible strips 59 and 60 which form a flexible switch arm 36'.
  • the flexible strips are formed integrally with the flange 16' and the cap 18', respectively, during moulding, and clipped or bonded together around the flexible printed circuit strip 57 and membrane switch 40' during assembly.
  • the flexible strips are preformed during moulding to protrude away from the housing 15' and then curve towards it, forming an arcuate portion 61 to provide clearance should the handlebar grip have a lip 62 ( Figure 1) adjacent its end.
  • the leaf spring member 25' extends through a hole in the flange 16' and is returned to lie against the interior of casing 14'.
  • a "Z" shaped spring clip 63 is soldered at one end to the printed circuit board 21' and bears against the returned end of leaf spring member 25' to make electrical contact in a manner which provides easy assembly of the printed circuit board into the casing 14'.
  • printed circuit board 21' is reduced in width to form a spigot 64.
  • Helical contact spring 23' has a tightly coiled section 65 at one end which grips the spigot 64 and makes electrical contact.
  • the transducer 33' has its ground G connected in common with the cathode of a diode 66 and the emitter of transistor 67 to one terminal of the cell 22'.
  • the other terminal of cell 22' is connected by way of leaf spring member 25', Z-shaped spring contact 63, and membrane switch 40' to one terminal of an inductor 68 which is in parallel with a pair of series connected resistors 69 and 70.
  • the other terminal of inductor 68 is connected in common with the collector of transistor 67 to the main or drive terminal M of the transducer 33'.
  • the anode of diode 66 and the base of transistor 67 are connected in common to the other end of series resistors 69 and 70.
  • the midpoint of the resistors 69 and 70 is connected to the feedback terminal F of the transducer 33'.
  • Embodiments of the invention provide a loud sound when actuated to alert the drivers of other vehicles, and pedestrians, of the presence of a bicyclist that has the device installed.
  • the transducer in which the transducer is housed in a chamber formed by a closed end face of the housing, with a cylindrical nodal support and one or more lateral ports, the sound output may be optimized by tuning the dimensions of the chamber.
  • the warning device is easily installed, and is of simple design and configuration, especially when the switch arm is formed in two halves moulded with the respective one of the casing and the housing.
  • One advantage of embodiments of the invention is that they provide a warning device for a bicycle which is readily mounted within the handle-bar of a bicycle and readily removed by the cyclist to avoid its theft when the bicycle is left unattended.
  • An advantage of other embodiments of the invention is that they provide a warning device for a bicycle that is of simple construction with a readily accessible operating switch which, is some cases, can be operated by the cyclist's little finger while the index and middle fingers are applying pressure to a brake lever.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Audible And Visible Signals (AREA)

Abstract

Un dispositif d'avertissement à incorporer dans un guidon (10) de bicyclette comprend une enveloppe tubulaire (14) et un boîtier à transducteur (15). L'enveloppe tubulaire se loge dans l'extrémité du guidon, alors que le boîtier à transducteur jouxte l'extrémité du guidon. Un élément à ressort plat (25) présentant une forme arquée s'étend longitudinalement à l'extérieur de l'enveloppe tubulaire, se mettant ainsi en contact avec l'intérieur du guidon et maintenant le boîtier dans sa position définitive. L'enveloppe tubulaire abrite une cellule de batterie (22) et les circuits de commande (21). Un transducteur piézoélectrique (33) monté dans le boîtier à transducteur est relié aux circuits pour créer un circuit oscillant. Un interrupteur à pression (40) est monté à l'extérieur du boîtier à transducteur, de préférence sur un bras d'interrupteur (36) qui s'étend vers l'arrière sur l'extrémité du guidon. Un côté de l'interrupteur est relié par l'élément à ressort à l'un des côtés de la cellule, et l'autre côté de l'interrupteur est relié au circuit oscillant. Lorsque le circuit de l'interrupteur est fermé, du courant passe au circuit d'oscillation, et le transducteur émet un signal sonore.
PCT/CA1992/000059 1991-02-15 1992-02-14 Dispositif d'avertissement pour bicyclette Ceased WO1992014643A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2036487 CA2036487A1 (fr) 1991-02-15 1991-02-15 Dispositif d'avertissement pour bicyclette
CA2,036,487 1991-02-15
US07/656,737 US5083108A (en) 1991-02-19 1991-02-19 Warning device for a bicycle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992014643A1 true WO1992014643A1 (fr) 1992-09-03

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CA1992/000059 Ceased WO1992014643A1 (fr) 1991-02-15 1992-02-14 Dispositif d'avertissement pour bicyclette

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1992014643A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1516807A1 (fr) * 2003-09-17 2005-03-23 Shimano Inc. Couvercle pour jeu de direction de bicyclette
FR2921335A1 (fr) * 2007-09-25 2009-03-27 Didier Clement Klaxon avec commande a manette pour deux roues.
WO2011156872A1 (fr) * 2010-06-18 2011-12-22 Sonic Grip Limited Poignée

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2023323A (en) * 1978-06-08 1979-12-28 Mallory & Co Inc P R Chime tone audio system utilizing a piezoelectric transducer
GB2078005A (en) * 1980-05-19 1981-12-23 Aisin Seiki Warning light illumination apparatus
GB2081939A (en) * 1980-08-07 1982-02-24 Suwa Seikosha Kk Alarm wrist watch
US4875142A (en) * 1986-04-01 1989-10-17 Donald Spector Bicycle safety lights

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2023323A (en) * 1978-06-08 1979-12-28 Mallory & Co Inc P R Chime tone audio system utilizing a piezoelectric transducer
GB2078005A (en) * 1980-05-19 1981-12-23 Aisin Seiki Warning light illumination apparatus
GB2081939A (en) * 1980-08-07 1982-02-24 Suwa Seikosha Kk Alarm wrist watch
US4875142A (en) * 1986-04-01 1989-10-17 Donald Spector Bicycle safety lights

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1516807A1 (fr) * 2003-09-17 2005-03-23 Shimano Inc. Couvercle pour jeu de direction de bicyclette
US7080848B2 (en) 2003-09-17 2006-07-25 Shimano Inc. Bicycle head cap unit
CN100400367C (zh) * 2003-09-17 2008-07-09 株式会社岛野 自行车车头顶盖单元及其设置方法
FR2921335A1 (fr) * 2007-09-25 2009-03-27 Didier Clement Klaxon avec commande a manette pour deux roues.
WO2011156872A1 (fr) * 2010-06-18 2011-12-22 Sonic Grip Limited Poignée
US9139244B2 (en) 2010-06-18 2015-09-22 Sonic Grip Limited Sound emitting handgrip for a tubular handlebar
CN103038127B (zh) * 2010-06-18 2015-12-16 索尼格瑞普有限公司 握柄

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