Illumination device for saddle-riding type vehicle

Abstract

A lighting device (1) for a saddle riding type vehicle (10) includes: a housing (2) including a front opening (2A); a light source (3) attached to the housing (2); a reflector (4) configured to reflect light emitted by the light source (3); a diffuser (5), the diffuser (5) being arranged in front of the reflector (4); a transparent cover (6) attached to the housing (2), and configured to define, together with the housing (2), a space in which the light source (3), the reflector (4), and the diffuser (5) are arranged; wherein the diffuser (5) is shaped such that the diffuser (5) comprises a plurality of convex portions (5A) and a plurality of concave portions (5B) alternating with each other. A vehicle (10) with a saddle (11) comprises the lighting device (1) according to the above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting for saddle-riding type vehicles, in particular to the field of turn signal lighting devices for motorcycles and scooters. Background Art

[0002] The prior art comprises several known solutions for increasing the light emitted by a light source.It is known that vehicle lighting devices or front lighting devices comprise a reflective surface to increase the width of the light beam emitted by the light source.

[0003] There are also light guides, i.e. devices or systems suitable for directing light emitted by a light source into a specific direction or onto a specific surface. A solution to this effect is provided by document US20090185389A1, which describes a plurality of LEDs, each associated with a respective light deflector to direct the light emitted by the LED into a preferred direction.

[0004] There are also vehicle lighting devices provided with diffusers in the prior art. Document US20060044825A1 provides an example in this regard, which describes a diffuser that is configured to diffuse light so as to hide the texture of a light guide plate behind it.

[0005] Another known solution is described in EP3707028A1, where a non-transparent mask comprising a transparent window allows to produce a predetermined lighting effect by means of shadow areas and light areas produced by the non-transparent and transparent parts of the mask, respectively.

[0006] Prior art solutions do not provide a lighting device or turn signal lighting device in which a diffuser inside the lighting device, independent of the transparent cover, allows to diffuse the light emitted by the light source uniquely. In particular, there is no known solution to create a higher illumination area or a lower illumination area of ​​the lighting device using only one diffuser, i.e. without shielding each illumination area using a mask suitable for shielding a part of the light beam generated by the light source or the light source. Summary of the invention

[0007] The first object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art by a lighting device for a saddle-type riding type vehicle, wherein the lighting device includes a housing, a light source, a reflector, a diffuser and a transparent cover. Specifically, the housing includes a front opening, the light source is attached to the housing, the reflector is configured to reflect the light emitted by the light source, the diffuser is arranged in front of the reflector, and the transparent cover is attached to the housing and the transparent cover is configured to define a space in which the light source, the reflector and the diffuser are arranged together with the housing. The diffuser is shaped to include a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions alternating with each other. This specific shape of the diffuser allows the light to be diffused on the diffuser itself in a differentiated manner, thereby producing a lighting effect that a flat diffuser or a curved diffuser cannot produce. These lighting effects are achieved by the diffuser designed in this way, regardless of the arrangement of the light source behind the diffuser or the profile of the reflector.

[0008] Preferably, the diffuser can be made of a transparent material comprising a matte transparent portion and a glossy transparent portion. The use of a transparent portion and a matte portion allows the spread of light to be further emphasized, thereby creating areas of stronger illumination and areas of weaker illumination in the diffuser.

[0009] Advantageously, the matte transparent portion may be a concave portion of the diffuser. Thus, the effect of absorbing and shielding the light reflected by the reflector at the concave portion can be improved. In particular, the matte transparent portion may be located on the concave portion of the diffuser.

[0010] Specifically, the glossy transparent portion may be a convex portion of the diffuser, so that the effect of increasing the brightness of the convex portion can be improved. Specifically, the glossy transparent portion may be located on the convex portion of the diffuser.

[0011] Preferably, at least one convex portion may include a protrusion shaped such that the protrusion extends outwardly relative to the at least one convex portion. The protrusion allows light diffused by the diffuser to be concentrated at a specific portion thereof, thereby creating an additional area where the lighting effect is increased.

[0012] In particular, the outer surface of the protrusion may be matte and transparent to distribute light more evenly over the protrusion itself.

[0013] Preferably, the protrusion may have a tapered shape. Even more preferably, the protrusion may have a prismatic shape. These protrusion shapes allow obtaining a highlighting effect of the brightness reflected by the reflector.

[0014] Advantageously, the convex portion may be a linear convex portion and / or the concave portion may be a linear concave portion. Such a linear shape of the convex portion and / or the concave portion allows to improve the aesthetics of the lighting device when it is turned on and off. Such an aesthetic effect allows the lighting device to have better recognizability among other lighting devices available on the market, thereby allowing the vehicle adopting the lighting device to have better recognizability.

[0015] Preferably, the light source may comprise a plurality of spotlights and the reflector may comprise a plurality of reflecting surfaces associated with said spotlights.Such an internal lighting arrangement allows for optimizing the reflection of the light emitted by the plurality of spotlights in a main lighting direction.

[0016] Specifically, the light source may have a flat body, and the spotlight may be attached to one side of the flat body or to opposite sides of the flat body. Thus, the lighting device may provide one type of light on one side of the flat body and another type of light on the other side of the flat body. Preferably, the spotlight is an LED to optimize the energy consumption of the light source.

[0017] Advantageously, the reflector may comprise a transverse partition shaped so as to separate a first set of reflecting surfaces associated with the first group of spotlights from a second set of reflecting surfaces associated with the second group of spotlights. Such a division of the reflector by a transverse partition allows a first part of the lighting device to be dedicated to one type of illumination and a second part of the lighting device to another type of illumination.

[0018] Preferably, the first set of spotlights can be configured to emit colored light beams, and the second set of spotlights can be configured to emit white light beams. Thus, the first portion of the lighting device can be used as a position lighting device or a daytime running lighting device (DRL), and the second portion of the lighting device can be used as a turn signal lighting device.

[0019] In particular, the transparent cover can be configured to completely cover the front opening of the housing in a waterproof manner and to close the front opening of the housing. This way of closing the housing allows the lighting device to be waterproof and thus resistant to bad weather. In addition, this type of closing makes it possible to leave no external visible edge of the housing.

[0020] Advantageously, the housing may comprise an inner reflective surface and attachment means for connecting the lighting device to a vehicle.The reflective surface of the housing allows directing the light beam towards the front opening in an improved manner, ie distributing the exiting light beam more evenly.

[0021] Preferably, the lighting device may comprise a turn signal lighting device. The lighting device according to the invention has optimal use as a turn signal lighting device. In particular, if the projection is oriented in a horizontal manner, the optical effect produced by the projection allows to enhance the perception of the turn direction indicated by the signal lighting device.

[0022] A second object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-riding type vehicle, which includes at least one lighting device according to the above first object. This type of lighting device is particularly useful in saddle-riding type vehicles, because the lighting devices of motorcycles and scooters are always small in size, and vice versa, these types of vehicles need to be prominent when driving on the road. In particular, the turn signal lighting devices of motorcycles and scooters are very small and need to be seen by vehicles behind or in front to avoid accidents. A saddle-riding type vehicle equipped with this type of lighting device achieves the above results.

[0023] These and other advantages will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment given by way of non-limiting indication with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In the figure:

[0025] Figure 1 An exploded view of a first embodiment of a lighting device according to the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 shows an axonometric view of a diffuser of a first type according to the invention;

[0027] Figure 3 An exploded view showing a second embodiment of the lighting device according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 shows an axonometric view of a diffuser of a second type according to the invention;

[0029] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the lighting device according to the first embodiment under nighttime lighting conditions;

[0030] Figure 6 A vehicle is shown which is equipped with a lighting device according to the invention, in particular a turn signal lighting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description of one or more embodiments of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same or similar elements. The subject matter of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. The technical details, structures or features of the solutions described below can be combined with each other in any way.

[0032] Figure 1, Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Reference numeral 1 in the drawing denotes a lighting device.

[0033] Specifically, Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a lighting device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. Figure 3 A lighting device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the lighting device 1 includes a turn signal lighting device and a position lighting device, preferably, the lighting device 1 includes a DRL (Daytime Running Lighting). The shape and details of the lighting device 1 to achieve this result will be better explained below.

[0035] In the second embodiment, the lighting device 1 includes only one turn signal lighting device.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the lighting device 1 includes a housing 2, and the housing 2 has a front opening 2A. The housing 2 also includes at least one hole 2D, such as Figure 3 As can be seen, the at least one hole 2D is situated in the opposite wall relative to the opening 2A. The hole 2D allows the passage of a cable 7 for powering the light source 3. The cable 7 is suitably provided with a gasket (not shown in the figures) arranged at said hole 2D.

[0037] The light source 3 comprises a flat body 3B adapted to support a plurality of spotlights 3A and electronic components of the light source 3. The spotlights 3A are light emitting diodes connected to the flat body 3B. The overall shape of the light source is flat, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown.

[0038] The housing 1 is shaped to include housing grooves into which the flat body 3B of the light source 3 is inserted. The dimensions of these grooves are set to slightly pinch the flat body 3B inserted therein, thereby avoiding the use of screws. Alternatively, the flat body 3B can interlock with appropriate teeth of the housing 1 to achieve a quick connection.

[0039] The housing 2 further comprises an attachment means 2C for connecting the lighting device 1 to the vehicle 10 , such as a hole on the housing or a screw-connected protrusion.

[0040] The housing 2 also includes an exhaust valve 2E, such as Figure 1 The outlet valve 2E allows to prevent the interior of the housing 2 from underpressure or overpressure.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the lighting device 1 further comprises a reflector 4, which is provided with a plurality of reflective surfaces 4A. The reflective surface 4A has a parabolic shape, and the reflective surface 4A may comprise a plurality of faces to increase the reflective effect. The reflective surface 4A is covered with a highly reflective material, such as chrome plating.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the reflector 4 comprises one or more openings 4C shaped and arranged such that each opening 4C surrounds the spotlight 3A of the light source 3 when the reflector 4 and the light source 3 are inserted into the housing 2 .

[0043] The reflector 4 of the first embodiment comprises a transverse partition 4B, which is suitable for dividing the reflecting surface 4A of the reflector 4 into two areas. Thus, a first group of reflecting surfaces 4A' and a second group of reflecting surfaces 4A" are formed. In essence, the reflector 4 is divided into two sub-reflectors by the transverse partition 4B, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0044] In practice, the first embodiment comprises a light source 3 comprising points 3A on one side of a flat body 3B adapted to emit light of a first color and other points 3A on the other side of the flat body 3B adapted to emit light of a second color. Figure 1 , point 3A on the right side of the flat body 3B ( Figure 1 ) is configured to emit orange light, while point 3A ( Figure 1 In fact, the right side portion of the lighting device 1, i.e., the portion including the first set of reflective surfaces 4A', is configured to be used as a position lighting device or DRL, while the left side portion, i.e., the portion including the second set of reflective surfaces 4A", is configured to be used as a turn signal lighting device. Please note that Figure 1 The turn signal lighting device shown is a left front turn signal lighting device on the vehicle 10, and Figure 3 The turn signal lighting device shown is a right rear turn signal lighting device on the vehicle 10 .

[0045] Figure 3 The second illustrated embodiment is configured to be used only as a turn signal lighting device for the vehicle 10 .

[0046] Once the light source 3 and the reflector 4 have been inserted into the housing 2, the diffuser 5 is placed in front of the reflector 4, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown.

[0047] Figure 2 and Figure 4 Only the diffuser 5 is shown in order to better illustrate its features.

[0048] The diffuser 5 is completely transparent and includes no opaque portion.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the diffuser 5 includes a plurality of convex portions 5A and a plurality of concave portions 5B which alternate with each other.

[0050] The concave portion 5B and the convex portion 5A are substantially parallel to each other. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The concave portion 5B and the convex portion 5A have a linear extension, ie a straight extension.

[0051] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the second embodiment, the concave portion 5B has a matte transparent outer surface, while the convex portion 5A has a glossy transparent outer surface. The inner surface, ie the surface facing the reflector, is substantially flat and glossy and transparent.

[0052] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the first embodiment, the convex part 5A has a protrusion, called the protrusion 5C, which has a prismatic shape. The concave part 5B has a matte transparent outer surface, the convex part 5A has a glossy transparent outer surface, and the protrusion 5C has a matte outer surface. The inner surface, that is, the surface facing the reflector, is substantially flat and glossy and transparent.

[0053] In other words, the matte transparent portion is located on the concave portion 5B of the diffuser 5 , and the glossy transparent portion is located on the convex portion 5A of the diffuser 5 .

[0054] The term "matt transparent" refers to a surface that is rough to the touch, which surface, while remaining transparent, does not allow details of an object arranged behind the surface to be distinguished from the perspective of an observer.

[0055] In contrast, the term "glossy transparent" means a surface that is smooth to the touch, is transparent and allows details of an object arranged behind the surface to be discerned from the perspective of an observer.

[0056] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The protrusion 5C shown in FIG. 5 extends relative to the convex portion 5A and has a prismatic shape that tapers outwardly, ie away from the convex portion 5A.

[0057] The diffuser 5 includes a plurality of hook-shaped members 5D extending from the rear side of the diffuser 5, such as Figures 1 to 4 These hooks 5D are configured to interlock with corresponding holes 4D in the reflector 4. Alternatively, the diffuser 5 may be configured to be connected to the housing 2.

[0058] The lighting device 1 further comprises a transparent cover 6 which is shaped to completely cover the front opening 2A of the housing 2. The transparent cover 6 is sealed to the housing 2 to ensure a waterproof seal at the front.

[0059] Once the transparent cover 6 closes the housing 2 , the diffuser 5 , the reflector 4 and the light source 3 are still sandwiched in the space defined between the housing 2 and the transparent cover 6 .

[0060] Finally, refer to Figure 5 , showing the optical effect produced by the convex portion 5A and the protrusion 5C in the dark, specifically, the optical effect when backlit by the light reflected by the reflector 4 and emitted by the light source 3. It can be seen that the point light produced by the spotlight 3A of the light source 3 is evenly diffused on the outer surface of the protrusion 5C, and the protrusion 5C looks like a light source. On the contrary, the number of protrusions 5C (seven in this example) is greater than the number of spotlights 3A (four on the left side of the flat body 3B in this example).

[0061] Finally, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 The saddle-riding type vehicle 10 is shown, and the saddle-riding type vehicle 10 includes a plurality of lighting devices 1 according to the present invention, wherein the lighting devices 1 are used as front and rear turn signal lighting devices. Specifically, the lighting device 1 according to the first embodiment corresponds to the front turn signal lighting device of the motorcycle 10 (such as Figure 6 ), and the lighting device 1 according to the second embodiment is consistent with the rear turn signal lighting device of the motorcycle 10 (as shown Figure 6 shown, only partially visible).

[0062] In summary, it is obvious that the present invention can be subjected to various modifications or variations, but all belong to the scope of the present invention; moreover, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In fact, the number can be changed according to technical needs.

[0063] Reference numerals:

[0064] 1 lighting device

[0065] 2 Shell

[0066] 2A Front opening (of the housing)

[0067] 2B (shell) internal reflection surface

[0068] 2C Attachment (of the housing)

[0069] 2D (shell) hole

[0070] 3 Light Source

[0071] 3A (light source) spotlight

[0072] 3B (light source) flat body

[0073] 4 Reflectors

[0074] 4A Reflective surface (of a reflector)

[0075] 4A' (reflector) first set of reflecting surfaces

[0076] 4A”(Reflector) second set of reflective surfaces

[0077] 4B Transverse partition (of reflector)

[0078] 4C side opening (of reflector)

[0079] 4D (reflector) hole

[0080] 5. Diffuser

[0081] 5A (Diffuser) convex part

[0082] 5B (Diffuser) recess

[0083] 5C (protrusion of diffuser convex part)

[0084] 5D Hook (diffuser)

[0085] 6 Transparent cover

[0086] 7 Cables

[0087] 10 Vehicles

[0088] 11(vehicle) saddle.

Claims

1. A lighting device (1) for a saddle-type riding vehicle (10), the lighting device (1) comprising: - a housing (2), said housing (2) comprising a front opening (2A); - a light source (3), the light source (3) being attached to the housing (2); - a reflector (4) configured to reflect light emitted by the light source (3); - a diffuser (5) arranged in front of the reflector (4); - a transparent cover (6) attached to the housing (2) and configured to define, together with the housing (2), a space in which the light source (3), the reflector (4) and the diffuser (5) are arranged; wherein the diffuser (5) is shaped to include a plurality of convex portions (5A) and a plurality of concave portions (5B) alternating with each other; Wherein, the diffuser (5) is made of a transparent material, and the transparent material comprises a matte transparent part and a glossy transparent part; The matte transparent portion is located on the concave portion (5B), and the glossy transparent portion is located on the convex portion (5A).

2. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one of the convex portions (5A) includes a protrusion (5C) which is shaped to extend outwardly relative to the convex portion (5A).

3. The lighting device (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The outer surface of the protrusion (5A) is matte and transparent.

4. The lighting device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The protrusion (5A) has a tapered shape, preferably, the protrusion (5A) has a prismatic shape.

5. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The convex portion (5A) is a linear convex portion, and / or the concave portion (5B) is a linear concave portion.

6. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The light source (3) comprises a plurality of spotlights (3A), and the reflector (4) comprises a plurality of reflecting surfaces (4A) associated with the spotlights (3A).

7. The lighting device (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The light source (3) has a flat body (3B), and the spotlight (3A) is attached to one side of the flat body (3B) or the spotlight (3A) is attached to opposite sides of the flat body (3B). Preferably, the spotlight is an LED.

8. The lighting device (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The reflector (4) comprises a transverse partition (4B) shaped so as to separate a first group of reflecting surfaces (4A') associated with a first group of spotlights (3A) from a second group of reflecting surfaces (4A") associated with a second group of spotlights (3A).

9. The lighting device (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The first group of spotlights (3A) is configured to emit colored light beams, and the second group of spotlights (3A) is configured to emit white light beams.

10. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The transparent cover (6) is configured to completely cover the front opening (2A) of the housing (2) in a waterproof manner and to close the front opening (2A) of the housing (2).

11. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The housing (2) comprises an inner reflective surface (2B) and an attachment device (2C) for connecting the lighting device (1) to the vehicle (10).

12. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The lighting device (1) comprises a turn signal lighting device.

13. A saddle-ride type vehicle (10) comprising at least one lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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