Illumination and / or steering indication device for equipping vehicle handle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device and / or a steering indicator (10) for fitting to a handlebar (20) of a vehicle, such as a bicycle. According to a preferred embodiment, the device is arranged to allow a separate extraction of a battery that powers a light source of the device. According to another embodiment, the device is configured to equip an electric vehicle and is arranged to be connected to a battery providing power for propulsion of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lighting device and / or turn indicator for a vehicle handlebar, such as a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle. The invention also relates to a device for a vehicle including removable components. Background Technology

[0002] All vehicles must be equipped with lights to allow riders to illuminate their path and to be visible when external lighting—such as daylight or streetlights—is insufficient, especially at night. For all vehicles, it is generally expected that they be visible from all directions (360° visibility). Furthermore, indication of changes in direction is required, for example, through the use of turn indicators.

[0003] However, many vehicles equipped with handlebars—such as bicycles, tricycles, and scooters—do not come with a lighting system by default and may require a separate installation. In some cases, lights are present, but the vehicle lacks turn indicators.

[0004] In the prior art, lighting systems are provided that are designed to be mounted on handles or in the side ends of handles. For example, the commercially available "WingLights 360" illuminator is such a case. Many of these solutions are bulky. They have drawbacks, particularly in terms of the need to replace their included batteries and the high risk of theft.

[0005] Documents WO2020173959, RO201500041U1, US2004207520 A1, and DE102014006837 disclose retractable lighting systems or turn indicators in which the light source can be inserted into the handle when not in use. In these systems, specific solutions are required for battery replacement. Furthermore, 360° visibility is either not provided or impossible to achieve in these solutions.

[0006] Separable solutions also exist, such as those described in documents KR20170004801 and KR101406282B1. Separable components are relatively bulky and contain electronics, a light source (typically an LED), and a battery. If the user must separate such a component, the risk of damage to the system's vulnerable parts increases. To replace and / or charge the battery, the separable component must be disassembled to remove it. These solutions also present the problem of accidental detachment and / or theft.

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a lighting and / or turn indicator system that allows for easy charging and / or replacement of the system battery.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to improve lighting and / or provide 360° visibility, particularly in the absence of external lighting. Another object of the present invention is to provide improved visibility independently of lighting systems and / or turn indicator systems.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system based on a universal construction scheme that offers multiple options for lighting fixtures, such as having only turn indicators, only front / rear lights, or both. This would enable the provision of a range of products related to lights or turn indicators to users based on a limited number of different components. Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a lighting device and / or direction indicator for equipping a vehicle—e.g., a bicycle—handlebar, the device comprising: an external device arranged to be fixed to the handlebar as an extension of one of its two lateral ends, the external device including a support on which one or more light sources are arranged; and a connecting device connected to the external device and configured to accommodate a power source and / or connect the external device to a power source, the connecting device being arranged to be at least partially positioned within a tubular component of the handlebar.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the support includes a central opening that provides a channel connecting the connecting device to an opening leading to the exterior of the lighting device and / or turn indicator.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention is arranged to allow the removal and / or insertion of the battery and / or the component containing the battery for charging or replacing the battery. Preferably, when the battery and / or the component containing the battery is removed from the device, the one or more light sources remain connected to the lighting device and / or the turn indicator. Preferably, the one or more light sources and / or the electronics for controlling the one or more light sources are not part of the component and / or the removable part, and / or are not arranged to be detachable from the device of the present invention.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the support includes an inner surface guided to the channel and an outer surface guided to the outside, with one or more light sources arranged on the outer surface.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the support includes a printed circuit board (PCB), preferably a flexible and / or bendable PCB.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention includes an annular diffuser and / or a light guide arranged to guide light emitted by one or more of the light sources to one or more annular outer surfaces and / or externally visible surfaces.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention includes a battery and / or a component containing the battery, the battery and / or the component being arranged to be inserted into the device and / or removed separately from the device through the opening.

[0018] In one embodiment, the component includes: (i) a hollow longitudinal housing for accommodating the battery; and (ii) an electrical connector arranged to allow electrical connection between the battery and / or the component and the one or more light sources.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the component may be detached from the device for the purpose of charging or replacing the battery, and the component does not serve as a light source for the vehicle's lighting and / or turn indicators, and / or the component does not serve as a light source for increasing the rider's visibility while riding.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the component has an external shape arranged to allow the component to be inserted into the device and / or the connecting device in a single orientation or in a limited number of orientations—e.g., 1-3 orientations, preferably 1-2 orientations.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a closing and / or locking mechanism (81, 86, 87) for closing the opening, the mechanism being arranged to (i) open manually, (ii) open with a tool, and / or (iii) open with a coin, so as to allow a user to remove the battery and / or battery-containing components from the device through the opening (80).

[0022] In one embodiment, the mechanism includes a component (81) arranged to be operated by a user as described above to remove the battery / component. In another embodiment, component 81 forms part of and / or is integral with the component.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the component includes a cover with a locking member, the cover and / or the locking member being arranged to be rotatable relative to a housing and / or a tube of the component—at least partially—accommodating a battery. Preferably, rotation of the locking member relative to the housing / tube allows the component to be locked and / or unlocked to permit insertion into and / or removal from the device of the present invention.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is an electric vehicle equipped with a battery for propelling the vehicle, the device including an electrical connection arranged to connect the device to the battery for vehicle propulsion.

[0025] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims and the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer upon reading a non-limiting description of some preferred embodiments. This description is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C These are, respectively, a perspective view, a side view, and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a bicycle handlebar equipped with the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C They are Figures 1A-1C The device shown is illustrated in a perspective view, a side view, and a longitudinal cross-sectional view.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figures 2A-2C An exploded view of the apparatus shown.

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figures 2A-3 A perspective view of the electronic components of the device shown.

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figures 2A-3 The diagram shows a perspective view of the device, in which the battery assembly has been removed from the device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C These are, respectively, a perspective view, a side view, and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figures 7A-7C An exploded view of the apparatus shown.

[0034] Figure 9 It is equipped with a basis Figures 7A-8 The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the bicycle handlebars of the embodiment shown.

[0035] Figure 10A , Figure 10Band Figure 10C These are, respectively, a perspective view, a longitudinal cross-sectional view, and a schematic exploded view of the device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10D yes Figures 10A-10C An exploded view of the battery of the device shown.

[0037] Figure 10E and Figure 10F They are Figures 10A-10C A perspective view and a side view of the electronic components of the device shown.

[0038] Figure 10G yes Figures 10A-10C Detailed exploded view of the device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The apparatus shown in the accompanying drawings illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0040] Figures 1A to 1C The right end of a bicycle handlebar 20 is shown, which is equipped with a grip 21 intended to be held by the rider's right hand when the bicycle is being ridden. In these figures, the sleeve includes a pair of annular clips 22 for securing the sleeve to the handlebar.

[0041] The handle 20 is equipped with a light and / or a turn indicator device 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0042] For the purposes of this invention, "illuminator" specifically includes headlights and / or taillights of a vehicle. Headlights are typically directional lights (e.g., white or yellow), such as beams, and are used to illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle in the direction of forward travel. Taillights are typically red and are used more to improve visibility than to illuminate the road. Taillights may also include diffused light, and / or diffused light.

[0043] For example, the lighting device of the present invention includes a bicycle lamp.

[0044] Turn indicators are not intended for road lighting and may, in principle, include diffused light. In terms of color, turn indicators preferably include orange and / or red light. Turn indicators are preferably turn signals and / or include flashing lights. For example, turn indicators may include flashing bicycle lights.

[0045] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In this case, only the external component (external device 50) is visible, which is attached to the handle as an extension of the right-hand side end.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the external device 50 includes a cylindrical shape whose diameter substantially corresponds to the diameter of the sleeve 21, such that the device is harmoniously and / or inconspicuously integrated into the sleeve-device assembly to form an end cap at the handle end.

[0047] The external device includes at least one actuating member 54 arranged to allow the rider to operate the device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, member 54 is implemented as a single button, but the invention contemplates other types of actuating members, such as sliders, levers, pull tabs, etc. The invention also contemplates providing multiple actuating members that can be independently selected from the mentioned actuating members.

[0048] As will be further described below, the present invention contemplates one or more controls that can be activated by the rider. Providing a single actuating element to activate a specific control among multiple controls is considered advantageous because it is user-friendly. The selection of various lighting controls and / or turn indicator controls can be made in a manner in which the actuating element is activated.

[0049] exist Figure 1C , Figures 2A-2C , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this context, the connection device 30, which is connected to the external device 50, is also visible. Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the middle, the handle was omitted, and... Figure 1C The longitudinal cross-sectional view shown illustrates the connecting device 30 inside the handle 20.

[0050] The connecting device 30 includes a tubular component or tube 31 that is rigidly and preferably permanently connected to an external device 50, particularly to a housing portion or housing 55 of the external device. The connection can be achieved, for example, by bonding, welding, threading, riveting, and snap-fit. The invention also contemplates the tube 31 and housing 55 being formed as a single piece.

[0051] The connecting device 30 also includes a mounting assembly 90, which functions to achieve rigid attachment of the device 10 inside the handlebar—particularly within the hollow portion of the handlebar. Various possibilities exist in the prior art for securing elements inside tubes and / or hollow portions, particularly in the field of bicycle mechanics. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting assembly includes a plug 91 rigidly secured to a first end of the tube 31, oriented towards the interior of the handlebar along the direction of the stem. The plug can be threaded, glued, or otherwise secured to the tube. The plug has a hole to allow the threaded portion of a stud screw 92 to pass through, with the screw head seated against the edge of the plug. The screw 92 passes through a tubular resilient member 93 to be anchored in the threaded hole of a nut 94. When the device 10 is placed in a desired position in the handlebar 20, for example as… Figure 1C As shown, screw 92 can be turned using a wrench or screwdriver, the handle of which is long enough to pass through the opening 80 of the device of the invention and reach the head of screw 92. Components 91-94 are arranged such that tightening screw 92 pulls nut 94 toward plug, and thus compresses the elastic member 93 mounted on screw. Component 93 may be made, for example, of an elastomer, and the compression of this elastomer as described above causes its thickness to increase until the elastomer abuts against the inner wall of the hollow component of the handle. The compression of component 93 causes pressure on this inner wall, thereby rigidly anchoring the device of the invention to the hollow component 23 of the handle.

[0052] This invention is not limited to a specific fastening method, and other types of connectors are considered for anchoring the connecting device 30 inside the handlebar to secure the device of the invention. For example, two rigid components—e.g., metal components—can be used instead of an elastomeric component; they are in contact with each other, and due to the presence of contact surfaces inclined relative to the screw axis, tightening the screw produces relative displacement of the two components, which can generate pressure and / or support against the inner wall of the handlebar, thereby achieving anchoring. This solution is known, for example, for securing the stem to the head tube of a bicycle frame.

[0053] The device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery 41 or a component or unit 40 comprising said battery. Figure 3 The battery and / or the aforementioned components are arranged to be placed within the device of the invention, particularly within the connecting device 30. Figure 1C As shown, the component 40 containing the battery is placed in the tube 31 of the connecting device.

[0054] The external device 50 preferably includes an opening 80 that allows insertion and / or removal of component 40 (and / or battery 41). The opening 80... Figure 5The opening 80 is clearly visible. In an embodiment, the opening 80 is an external side opening, which is preferably oriented relative to the lateral / transverse direction of the bicycle, preferably arranged on a substantially vertical plane and / or arranged substantially parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel. In this specification, in the case of directional indication, the term "substantially" may cover a deviation of up to 45°, preferably up to 25°, and more preferably up to 10° relative to the stated direction and / or angle.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, components 52-60 of the external device 50 include a central opening or channel (components 55-56, 58-60), or are arranged on or within the wall of the housing 55 (components 52-54) so ​​as not to obstruct the central component of the external device 50, and to leave and / or form a channel 70 connecting the interior of the connecting device 30 with the exterior of the device 10 of the present invention.

[0056] In one implementation, the channel is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the handle.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, housing 55 includes a circular opening 75 disposed in the bottom of housing, allowing communication with the interior of tube 31. Actuating member 54, as well as front window 52 and rear window 53, are disposed in the wall 76 of housing. External devices also include tubular member 56, support member 60, and two annular members 58, 59, all of which are annular, tubular, and / or include openings or recesses to form channels 70 for inserting and removing battery 41 and / or battery-containing components.

[0058] Support member 60 in Figure 4 The support member is shown in more detail below. It comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) with an overall tubular appearance, but portion 73 is flat. The PCB is preferably flexible and / or bendable. The support member includes an outer surface 72 and an inner surface 71 facing the channel 70. Light sources—specifically LEDs 61-65 and 66, 67—are arranged on the outer surface. In the illustrated embodiment, several types of LEDs are arranged on the support member 60. For example, a series of multiple LEDs 61-65 are arranged such that each LED is spaced apart from its adjacent LEDs around the periphery of the outer surface.

[0059] In embodiments of the invention, device 10 includes a series of LEDs and / or a row of LEDs arranged one after another and spaced apart from each other along a curve and / or around the periphery of a support structure or along the main components of the periphery. The support structure is, for example, annular, circular, tubular, and / or cylindrical, or a structure with a central opening.

[0060] The distance between an LED and its two adjacent LEDs on its periphery is approximately the same, or if not the same, the spacing always includes the minimum distance between LEDs, such as at least one centimeter. It should be noted that no LEDs are arranged on the lower part 73 of the printed circuit board (PCB), which is oriented towards the ground when the device 10 is attached to the handle.

[0061] LED 66 is arranged on support 60 such that when device 10 is attached to handle, LED 66 is oriented forward. LED 66 performs conventional lighting function. LED 67 serves as the taillight source and is therefore oriented in the rearward direction.

[0062] In contrast, LEDs 61-65 serve as turn indicators and / or improve rider visibility at night. Each of these LEDs 61-65 may be smaller and / or consume less energy than the illumination LED 66. LEDs 61-65 operate together and / or are turned on and / or off simultaneously, and are preferably independent of LEDs 66 and 67.

[0063] The support 60 also includes other electronic components required to control the electronic functions, such as a microprocessor 69.

[0064] The support 60 also includes a pair of electrical connectors 78, which are intended to make electrical contact with the electrical contacts 46 of the component 40 containing the battery 41.

[0065] The microprocessor and other electronic components are preferably arranged on the outer surface 72, while the connector 78 is preferably arranged on the inner surface 71 of the PCB facing the channel 70, such that when the support 60 is placed in the correct position in the channel 70 of the device 10, the support can make electrical contact with the battery (assembly 40).

[0066] Figure 3 The tubular component 56 shown is a rigid support for supporting the flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 68 of the component 60. The printed circuit board (PCB) is preferably mounted on the component 56.

[0067] Part 56 includes a flange 79 that extends around the entire periphery of the part, while the printed circuit board (PCB) 68 / support 60 includes a groove 77 along a portion of its periphery adapted to receive the flange. When the PCB is mounted onto part 56, it is locked in the longitudinal direction by the flange located in the groove 77. Due to the flexibility of the PCB, it can be twisted to a certain extent without damage in order to place it in a mounting position on the rigid member 56.

[0068] Because printed circuit boards (PCBs) are relatively thin, in Figure 2C While not easily visible in the cross-sectional view, LED 66 is present. Component 56 has openings in its walls to allow electrical connectors 78 to pass through, exposing these connectors in the channel 70 through which the assembly 40 is inserted. The tubular component 56 partially forms the inner wall of the external device, i.e., partially forms the wall of the channel 70 passing through the device 50.

[0069] The external device also includes two windows 52 and 53, which are arranged in the wall 76 of the housing 55 and are intended to allow light emitted by the LEDs to pass through, particularly the light emitted by the headlights and taillights. The forward-oriented window 52 is preferably completely transparent and allows white light emitted by the LED 66 to pass through for illumination in the forward direction of travel of the vehicle equipped with the device of this embodiment of the invention. The rearward-oriented window 53 can be colored red for use as a taillight of the vehicle. In the figures, LEDs 67 serving as a rearward-facing light source are also arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB), for example on the outer surface 72 in a suitable location. Alternatively, the windows can be made completely transparent and red LEDs can be used, or the taillights / LEDs can be omitted entirely, i.e., a single light source can be used for both the front and rear.

[0070] In an embodiment, the device of the present invention includes a diffuser and / or a light guide 58 arranged to guide light emitted from one or more light sources 61-66 to one or more external annular surfaces 82, 83. Preferably, the diffuser and / or the light guide is annular or includes annular elements.

[0071] Figure 3 The component 58 shown is preferably formed, covered, and / or made of a translucent material and / or a coloring material. In a preferred embodiment, the material is red, pink, light red, yellow, or orange. Preferably, component 58 comprises and / or is made of an orange material so as to emit orange light when the light source is turned on, preferably diffused light.

[0072] from Figure 2C , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Understandably, LEDs 61-65 are arranged such that the light they emit is directed toward component 58. In other words, inside device 50, component 58 is exposed to the light emitted by LEDs 61-65. This light is then directed through component 58 to the outside. Figure 1A , Figure 2C and Figure 3As can be seen, component 58 includes surfaces 82, 83, which are externally visible and / or exposed to the outside of device 10 when device 10 is mounted in handle.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, component 58 includes one or more surfaces 82, 83 visible from the outside of device 10, which can be illuminated by one or more light sources arranged in the device.

[0074] In one embodiment, component 58 includes at least one annular surface that is capable of emitting light and is visible from the outside and / or exposed to the outside.

[0075] In one embodiment, component 58 includes at least two surfaces that are visible from the outside and / or exposed to the outside and capable of emitting light. In a preferred embodiment, component 58 includes at least two annular surfaces 82, 83.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiments, the exposed annular surfaces 82 and 83 are different; for example, they have different shapes and / or different orientations.

[0077] For example, surface 82 extends on the outer surface of the cylinder. Surface 82 is a curved annular surface. It is arranged to emit light in a direction that may be orthogonal (perpendicular) to the outer surface of the cylinder. When the device 10 is mounted in the handlebars, the light emitted from surface 82 will improve the rider's visibility from the front and rear of the vehicle, and, less importantly, also improve the rider's visibility from above and / or even possibly below the vehicle.

[0078] Surface 83 is a substantially flat and / or planar annular surface. It is oriented toward the side of the vehicle, thereby improving the rider's visibility from the right side of the vehicle (or from the left side when the device is mounted on the left side of the handlebars).

[0079] like Figures 1A-1C As shown, surfaces 82 and 83 are preferably arranged to provide at least 180° visibility of the device on the right side of the handlebars. This 180° visibility means that when riding a bicycle equipped with the device, the hemisphere to the right of the rider (or a semicircle parallel to the ground) is illuminated, and a person in that area will be able to see the light emitted by the device.

[0080] The second device, mounted on the left side of the handlebars, also provides 180° visibility, covering the rider's left hemisphere (or a semicircular area parallel to the ground), thus providing 360° coverage around the rider together with the two devices (left and right). The rider is thus visible in all directions.

[0081] The external device 50 according to the illustrated embodiment also includes a protective ring 59, which is placed on the diffuser and / or light guide 58 to cover it and form a lateral / outer annular edge of the device of the present invention.

[0082] according to Figures 1A-6 In the embodiments shown, the device of the present invention preferably includes a battery 41 or a battery assembly 40.

[0083] The battery is preferably arranged to be removable individually, i.e., without disassembling the external device including the light source and / or electronics. The electronics specifically include the electrical components of the printed circuit board (PCB) and control buttons.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, component 40 serves as a battery dedicated to the device, as a custom battery, and / or as a stand-alone battery. It is component 40 that is removed from the device of the invention as a whole. The invention also contemplates that battery 41 may not be integrally integrated into component 40, and that battery 41 may be removed separately as described above with respect to component 40.

[0085] Component 40 includes a hollow part or tube 42 in which an elongated battery 41 is housed. The cross-section of the tube 42 is not perfectly circular. The wall forming the tube 42 includes a flat portion 45. Figure 5 The flat portion extends along the length of the tube and is used to determine the orientation for inserting component 40 into the device of the present invention.

[0086] Like component 40, tube 42 is longitudinal and therefore has two opposite ends. When the component is placed in the handlebar, the first end is oriented toward the center of the handlebar (along the direction of the stem), and the second end is oriented toward the corresponding outer lateral end of the handlebar, i.e., the right or left side as determined by the vehicle's forward travel direction.

[0087] Component 40 includes a part 43 with a connector for electrically connecting the battery of component 40 to an electrical connector 78 disposed in a channel 70 of an external device. In the illustrated embodiment, part 43 is positioned toward the second end of tube 42. Figure 2C (on the right side of the tube 42), and connected to the electrical contacts of the battery 41 via a cable located inside the tube 42 and not shown in the figures. Component 43 contacts the electrical contacts 46 that appear on the outer surface of the assembly 40. Figure 5 ).

[0088] The component includes a cover, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed by a disc-shaped member 81, a screw 85, and a ring 84, forming a closure and / or end of the component 40 toward the second end. A connector 43 is accommodated at the second end of the tube 42. External electrical contacts 46 are preferably also arranged in the tube 42, particularly in the tube wall, so that the connector of the component 43 accommodated in the component 40 can contact the connector 78 of the external device 50 and / or the connector 78 in the channel 70. A gasket 44 is inserted into the tube 42 toward the second end to define a housing for carrying the component 43 of the connector 43. Figure 2C ), where the tube is closed at this end.

[0089] The ring 84 is screwed onto the second end of the tube 42 by a screw 85, and a disc 81 is placed on the ring and serves as a protection and / or closure for the ring 84 and / or as a protection and / or closure for the second end of the assembly 40. The disc 81 also serves, for example, together with the ring 84 as a user-actuable component to eject the assembly 40 or place the assembly 40 into the device. In the assembly 40, the disc 81 is rigidly attached to the ring 84, for example, by adhesive or riveting.

[0090] The ring 84 also includes lugs and / or protrusions 86 that serve as locking elements. The external device—particularly the annular member 58—includes complementary notches 87 and an inner edge that serves as an entry point for the assembly 40 when the rotational position of the assembly 40—particularly the ring 84—aligns the lugs with the notch. The annular inner edge acts as a stop and retains the assembly 40 when it is inserted through the opening 80 and subsequently rotated by the rotation of the disc 81, which rotates the ring 84.

[0091] The compression elastic element 88 is housed in the tube 31 toward the first end (inner end) of the connecting device 30, so as to push the component 40 outward along the direction of the opening 80 when the component is placed in the connecting device 30.

[0092] It should be noted that, due to the illustrative nature of the accompanying drawings, Figure 2C The elastic element 88 is not shown abutting against the assembly 40, and the closure of the tube 42 facing the first end is also not shown, but those skilled in the art will understand the operating principle.

[0093] When component 40 is placed in device 10, the user can press the disc-shaped piece 81 that appears in opening 80 with their finger—for example, thumb. Figure 1A , 2AAnd 6), and can be driven to rotate by turning a finger. When the lug 86 of the ring aligns with the notch 87 of the outer device, the component 40 is popped out by the action of the compression elastic member 88. The user can then remove the component 40 from the device 10 of the present invention, for example, to replace or charge the battery, or when the user parks the bicycle and does not wish to leave the battery in the device.

[0094] exist Figure 5 In this configuration, component 40 is separated from device 10. To insert component 40 into the device, the correct rotational position of component 40—particularly tube 42—needs to be found such that the flat portion 45 of tube 42 is aligned with corresponding and / or complementary flat portions disposed in channel 70, as described, for example, with reference to components 60 and 56. Therefore, the geometry of one or more components that define at least a portion of the inner wall of the channel determines the orientation of component 40 that allows it to be inserted into device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, component 40 can only be inserted when the flat portion 45 is oriented downwards. This is in… Figure 5 The illustration shows the left component 40 in a rotated position where insertion through channel 70 is not permitted. The arrow indicates a 180° rotation of the component and its placement in front of opening 80. The right component 40, oriented as shown, can be inserted through an external device.

[0095] The ring 84 with lug 86 can rotate freely relative to the tube 42. However, the ring is rotatably locked to the disc 81. After the assembly is inserted into its housing within the tube 31 of the connecting device 30, the position of the tube 42 no longer changes, but the ring 84 and the disc 81 remain freely rotatable. The user can rotate the disc 81 until the lug of the ring aligns with the notch 87. Then, the user can overcome the force of the compressive elastic element 88 to push the assembly 40 further into its housing. Finally, the user can rotate the disc 81 to lock the assembly 40 in its housing.

[0096] Once inserted, component 40 remains stably contained within device 10 thanks to compression elastic element 88 and / or despite compression elastic element 88—which pushes the component along the ejection direction.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the structural design of the components makes reverse insertion (with the disc 81 and / or the ring 84 inserted first) impossible, because at least one component forming the channel 70 or a portion thereof only allows the lug 86 to be inserted through the notch 87 and cannot pass further.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the profile of tube 42—which has a flat outer surface 45 here—only allows component 40 to be inserted into the channel in the intended direction, thereby allowing the battery contacts to make electrical contact with the electrical connector 78 inside the channel 70.

[0099] This invention is not limited to any particular complementary shape for guiding and / or forcing the battery / component 40 into the device correctly. For example, the profile of the tube 42 may be polygonal, have only one axis of symmetry or even no axis of symmetry, and the channels 70 may be arranged complementaryly. The invention contemplates any other manner and / or geometric configuration of the component and its housing in the device capable of performing this function, as well as any other manner and / or geometric configuration of the optional locking elements—here, the lugs (protrusions) 86 and the notches 87—capable of performing this function.

[0100] Component 40 can be designed as a non-removable unit and / or a unit not intended to be disassembled by the user. In this case, as described above, component 40 itself functions as a custom battery. This custom battery may or may not be rechargeable, depending on whether the battery 41 within tube 42 is a rechargeable battery.

[0101] In another embodiment, component 40 is arranged to be detachable by a user and / or to allow battery 41 to be separated from component 40. Again, in this case, battery 41 can be either rechargeable or disposable, at the user's choice. If component 40 is arranged to be detachable by a user, battery 41 is preferably a standard battery available in retail stores.

[0102] according to Figures 1A-6 The advantage of the present invention in the illustrated embodiment is that the battery (or component 40) can be removed, disassembled, and / or detached from the device 10 without removing other components, particularly those related to electronics and / or the light source. This makes the detachable components compact and reduces the risk of damage to electronic components. The risk of theft is also reduced, as the device cannot operate without component 40.

[0103] The present invention envisions that the device according to this embodiment can be configured to operate only as a turn indicator, only as a front lighting device / taillight, or provide both functions.

[0104] The presence of the device electronics and / or LEDs 61-66 is configured according to these functions. For example, in a configuration where headlights and / or taillights are absent, LEDs 66 and 67 are oriented forward and rearward, respectively. Figure 2C , Figure 3 and Figure 8 () may not exist. The embodiment corresponding to this device 100 is in Figure 6As shown in the figure. The flashing function (turn indicator) is preferably provided by other light sources, particularly by LEDs 61-65, whose light is transmitted through diffusers and / or light guides 58 to cover a 180° visibility angle on one side, with the remaining 180° provided by a device mounted on the other side of the handle.

[0105] Figure 6 The difference between the device 100 of the second embodiment shown and the device 10 is that the front window 52 and the rear window 53, which are intended to allow light to pass through, are absent. Alternatively, the same housing 55 as the device 10 can be used, but the windows 52 and 53 are replaced by opaque panels.

[0106] Figures 7A to 9 A device 200 according to a third embodiment is shown. Device 200 is intended for use in electric vehicles and / or vehicles equipped with internal batteries—preferably propulsion batteries. In this embodiment, the vehicle is a bicycle, tricycle, cargo bicycle, kick scooter, motorcycle, or electric scooter. Therefore, the light source of device 200—i.e., the illumination LEDs and / or the LEDs used for the turn indicators—is powered by the vehicle's battery.

[0107] Therefore, device 200 does not necessarily include a tube to house the battery. The connecting device 30' shown in the figures includes a base 31' containing wires for connecting the electronics of device 200 to cable 43', which in turn connects to the vehicle's battery. The base 31' serves both to attach device 200 to the end of the handlebar and as a support for the housing 55' of the external device 50'. Device 200 can be rigidly attached to the handlebar using a mounting assembly similar to the mounting assembly 90 of the device in the previous embodiment. In the embodiment shown in the figures, no such assembly exists, and the device is preferably secured using a ring mounted on the handlebar, such as... Figure 1A The ring 22 is included. Other fastening devices are also possible, and the invention is not limited to any particular fastening device.

[0108] To connect the connecting device 30' to the external device 50', a snap-fit ​​connector is provided, which includes a male component 32' on the device 30' and an annulus forming a female component 33' on the external device. Figure 8 The present invention considers a rigid connection and / or permanent connection between the connecting device 30' and an external device, or another type of detachable connection.

[0109] like Figure 7C and Figure 8 As shown, several components inside the external device 50' are related to those mentioned above. Figures 1A-6The components described in the illustrated embodiment—parts 56, 58, and 59 in particular—are identical. Component 60', including a printed circuit board (PCB) with electronics and LEDs, can be configured to be electrically connected to cable 43', and thus to electrical connector 78 ( Figure 4 The opening 80' formed by the annular member 58 may be absent or replaced. The opening 80' formed by the annular member 58 is preferably covered by a cover and / or a disc-shaped member 81', which may constitute a permanent closure of the opening 80' or may be a separate disc-shaped member. The disc-shaped member 81' may be designed as a detachable cover for the maintenance and / or repair of external devices—e.g., electronic components. Finally, the disc-shaped member 81' may be detachable to allow access to the mounting assembly, for example, to allow access to the mounting assembly using tools, as described above with respect to mounting assembly 90.

[0110] As with the device of the previously described embodiment, various modifications can be implemented. Modifications may include front and rear lights as well as turn indicators, and another modification may include only turn indicators. As mentioned above, these functions can be implemented using different LEDs.

[0111] To facilitate control of the light source of the device, a single actuating member 54 is preferably provided. This actuating member is preferably easily accessible with a finger—e.g., thumb—or the outside of the hand while riding. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating member is preferably arranged upward and / or is arranged on the upper part of the external device 50, 50', and preferably is arranged in the upward-oriented portion of the housing 55, 55'.

[0112] The actuating component can also be oriented more toward the rider and / or towards the rider, especially toward the rider's face while riding.

[0113] In order for a single control element—such as a button—to be used to activate several different functions, the electronics of the device are preferably configured to distinguish and / or identify different inputs made by the user operating the control element 54. For example, pressing the button for one second or more seconds can turn the headlights and / or taillights on or off, while a short press of the same control element can cause the turn indicator to start flashing and stop flashing.

[0114] The lighting device and / or turn indicator 300 according to the fourth embodiment are in Figures 10A-10G The example is shown in the figure. The device 300 and Figures 1A-6The device of the first embodiment shown differs primarily in the following features: the external device 150 is provided with a separate housing and / or attachment 255, which is connected to the main housing 155 of the external device, here on the underside of the main housing, but the separate housing may alternatively be connected to the front face of the main housing. This separate housing contains a headlight or conventional light source. Next, the device 300 includes a separate cover 181, replacing the caps 81, 85, 84 arranged with the battery assembly 40. Another difference is that the support 160 carrying the LEDs and / or possibly other electronic components is made of multiple parts, here three or four parts, depending on whether the lighting LEDs 166 in the separate housing are counted. In the first embodiment, the support 60 is made as a single piece. The light guide 158 of the third embodiment provides only a single annular surface (instead of two) to generally emit diffused light primarily for improving rider visibility. Finally, the device of this fourth embodiment is generally more complex because it contains more parts.

[0115] Typically, the reference numerals for the structural elements in the fourth embodiment are increased by 100 relative to the corresponding or similar structural elements in the first embodiment. For example, reference numeral 150 is used for the external device of the fourth embodiment, while reference numeral 50 is used above for the external device of the first embodiment.

[0116] like Figure 10A As shown, the device of the fourth embodiment includes an internal device 130, which includes a mounting assembly 190 having the same anchoring function in the hollow portion of the handle as described in the first embodiment. An external device is connected to the internal device. The external device also includes an actuating member 154, a cover 181, a housing 155, an external protective ring 159, and two rear window portions 153.1 and 153.2. Figure 10G ), the front window portion 152.1 of the main housing 155, and the front window portion 152.2 arranged on the aforementioned separate housing 255.

[0117] Figure 10B The internal components and structure of the device 300 are shown, and these components are in Figure 10G It is also visible in the middle.

[0118] Figure 10CThe main components of device 300 are shown: an external device 150 and its separate extension 255, a battery assembly 140, a cover 181, and an internal device 130. The extension is secured to the housing 155 of the external device by screws 174.1. The separate housing 255 has at least one hole or channel on its upper surface to allow the screws 174.1 to pass through and to allow electrical connections to connect one or more LEDs from the separate housing to a support 160 containing electronics. An LED indicator 251 is also mounted on the external device. This indicator allows the user to see which functions are in use, i.e., which lights of the device are activated at any given time.

[0119] As shown in the accompanying drawing, the cover 181 has external threads and can be secured to the outer device 150 via a threaded hole formed in a channel 170 leading to an opening 180 located on the exterior of the outer device. Figure 10G As shown, the threaded hole is located on the tubular component 156. In the case of device 300, the cover can be removed by loosening, preferably manually. For this purpose, a rib 189 is provided on the cover 181; the user can pinch the rib with his thumb and forefinger to allow manual loosening and tightening, thereby opening and closing the opening 180, which provides an entrance to the channel 170.

[0120] Figure 10D The components of assembly 140 of the separable battery 140 of forming device 300 are shown in more detail. The assembly includes: the battery itself 141, a tube 142 for accommodating the battery, a cap 148, a connector 147 (here a USB connector) for allowing charging of the battery, and a small connecting plate 143 with electrical contacts for connecting assembly 140 to the electronics of support member 160.

[0121] Figure 10E and Figure 10F A support member 160 is shown, on which at least some light sources are arranged. In this embodiment, the support member 160 is formed of multiple components: a main component 168.1 having an overall tubular shape, a lower plate 168.2 with electrical contacts, and an annular component 168.3 carrying light sources 162, which are laterally oriented relative to the user of the bicycle (and axially oriented relative to the axis of the handlebars). A separate component 168.4 is arranged in a separate housing 255, and this component carries a front light source 166. Components 168.1-168.4 are electrically connected. Multiple light sources—preferably LEDs—are arranged on the support member 168. As in the case of device 10 of the first embodiment, the support member 160 and / or the separate components 168.1-168.4 are a support member and / or a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, a set of LEDs 161 is arranged on the front-facing side of the support member 168.1, and two sets of LEDs 163 are arranged on the rear-facing side of the support member 168.1. Figure 10E (Only one group 163 is visible). These groups of LEDs preferably emit their light through the front window 152.1 and the rear windows 153.1 and 153.2, respectively. The rear windows 153.1 and 153.2 typically emit diffused light. The rear window 153.2 preferably emits red light to allow it to function as a conventional taillight, and the rear window 153.1 preferably emits white / yellow light to allow it to function as a turn indicator. A switch 149 is also arranged on the support component 168.1, which is configured to detect the activation of the button 154, thereby allowing the electronics to illuminate the elements according to how the user operates the button—for example, as described above.

[0123] The front window portion 152.2 has a front surface that is slightly inclined relative to the lateral direction in order to guide the oblique light beam toward the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. As previously mentioned, the individual housing 255 emits "illuminating" light, i.e., relatively strong non-diffuse light. Since each free end of the vehicle's handlebars is provided with a device 300 according to the invention, light from both devices will be guided to converge on a point and / or area at a specific distance in front of the vehicle. This increases direct illumination of the road area directly in front of the vehicle.

[0124] Figure 10G The components of device 300 are shown in detail. Note the presence of several seals and / or sealing rings 157 to allow the device to be waterproof and to permit the components to be securely assembled.

[0125] As with the device 10 of the first embodiment, the external device 150 includes a component 156, which is substantially tubular in this case, and the inner wall or internal surface of the component forms the inner wall of the channel 170. Support components 168.1-168.4 are arranged on and / or around the component 156. Therefore, the electronics of the device 300 are arranged in the space between the outer housing 155 and the tubular component 156 to leave the channel 170 for free insertion and removal of the battery assembly 140.

[0126] In one embodiment, the support is made of one or more components 60; 160, 168.1-168.4, which are arranged around the inner walls of the housings 55, 155 of the external device and / or adjacent to the channels 70, 170, so as not to occupy the central portion of the external device in which the channels are arranged.

[0127] In an embodiment, the external devices 50, 150 include: housings 55, 155 that form at least a portion of the outer wall and / or boundary of the external device; and components 56, 156 that may be substantially tubular, forming an inner wall that at least partially defines the dimensions of the channels 70, 170, wherein the supports 60, 160 are preferably arranged in the space between the housings and the tubular components. The invention is not limited to any particular shape and / or geometry of the channel 170.

[0128] Diffuse light is emitted onto the annular surface 183 ( Figure 10A The diffuser 158 on the device has been described. In the case of device 300, the protective ring 159 is attached to the housing 155 by screws 174.2. Thus, the ring 159 also serves as an assembly ring, allowing the diffuser 158, the ring 168.3, and the tubular component to be secured to the housing 155 and / or secured within the housing.

[0129] Similar to device 10, the resilient element 188 of device 300 allows the battery assembly 140 to be pushed outward through the opening 180. The fastening device 190 includes a longitudinal screw 192, the head of which is received in the tube 131 of the inner device 130 via a ring 191. The screw 192, together with components 193.1 and 193.2 and the nut 194, anchors the inner device 130 in the hollow portion of the handle by sliding between rigid components 193.1 and 193.2, as described below.

[0130] Those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting this disclosure to their own needs and implementing lighting devices and / or turn indicators, particularly for equipping vehicles, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, those skilled in the art can adapt this disclosure to any vehicle using handlebars or similar structures to determine direction of travel. Preferred vehicles within the scope of this invention are bicycles, kick scooters, tricycles, cargo bicycles, motorcycles, and / or scooters. They may or may not be electric.

Claims

1. A lighting and / or turn indicator device (10, 300) for equipping handlebars (20) of a vehicle, such as a bicycle or scooter, the device comprising: - An external device (50) is arranged to be fixed to the handle in an extension of one of the two lateral ends of the handle, the external device including a support (60) on which one or more light sources (61-66) are arranged. - A connecting device (30, 30') is connected to the external device (50) and is arranged to accommodate a power source (41) and / or to connect the external device to a power source, the connecting device being arranged to be at least partially located inside the tubular portion (23) of the handle; The feature is that the support member (60) is arranged in the external device to leave a channel (70) that connects the connecting device (30) to an opening (80) outside the lighting device and / or the turn indicator (10).

2. The apparatus (10, 300) according to claim 1, wherein, The channel is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the handle. In particular, the channel is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the handle at the lateral end and / or free end of the handle. Preferably, the device is accommodated in the end.

3. The apparatus (10, 300) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The opening (80) is an external side opening, preferably arranged on a face that is substantially perpendicular and / or substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

4. The apparatus (10, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support (60, 160) is formed of one or more components arranged around the channel (70) and / or close to the inner wall of the housing (55, 155) of the external device so as not to obstruct the central portion of the external device in which the channel (70) is arranged.

5. The apparatus (10, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The external device includes a housing (55, 155) and a generally tubular component (56, 156), the housing forming at least a portion of the outer wall and / or boundary of the external device, and the tubular component forming an inner wall that at least partially defines the dimensions of the channel (70). Preferably, the support (60, 160) is arranged in the space between the housing and the tubular component.

6. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support member (60) includes an inner surface (71) facing the channel (70) and an outer surface (72) facing the outside, wherein one or more light sources (61-66) are arranged on the outer surface.

7. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support member (60) includes a printed circuit board (PCB) (68), preferably a flexible and / or bendable PCB.

8. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the device (10) comprising an annular diffuser and / or a light guide (58), the annular diffuser or light guide being arranged to guide light emitted by one or more of the light sources (61-66) to one or more external annular surfaces (82), the one or more of the light sources (61-66) being, for example, light sources (62, 63).

9. The apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus (10) comprising: A battery (41) and / or a component (40) containing the battery, the battery and / or the component being arranged to be inserted into the device and / or removed separately from the device through the opening (80).

10. The apparatus (10) according to claim 9, wherein, The components include: - A hollow longitudinal casing (42) for accommodating the battery (41), and - Electrical connectors (43, 46), which are arranged to allow electrical connection between the battery and / or the component and the one or more light sources (61-66).

11. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, The component (40) can be detached from the device (10) for the purpose of charging or replacing the battery, and the component does not serve as a light source for the vehicle's lighting and / or turn indicators.

12. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The component (40) has an external shape that is configured to allow the component to be inserted into the device (10) in only one orientation and / or to be inserted into the connecting device (30) in only one orientation.

13. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the device (10) comprising a closing and / or locking mechanism (81, 86, 87) for closing the opening (80), the mechanism being arranged to be opened manually or by means of a tool or coin, so as to allow a user to remove the battery (41) and / or the component (40) containing the battery from the device (10) through the opening (80).

14. A lighting device and / or turn indicator (10) for equipping handlebars (20) of a vehicle, such as a bicycle or scooter, the device comprising: - An external device (50) is arranged to be mounted on the handle as an extension of one of the two lateral ends of the handle, the external device including a support (60) on which one or more light sources (61-66) are arranged. - Connecting device (30, 30'), which is connected to the support device (50) and is arranged to accommodate a power source (41) and / or to connect the external device to the power source, the connecting device being arranged to be at least partially located inside the tubular part (23) of the handle; The device is characterized in that it is arranged to allow the removal and / or insertion of the battery and / or the component (40) containing the battery for the purpose of charging or replacing the battery (41), and the one or more light sources (61-66) remain connected to the lighting device and / or the turn indicator (10) when the battery and / or the component is removed from the device (10).

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and 13, wherein, The vehicle is an electric vehicle including a battery that provides power for the propulsion of the vehicle, and the device (10) includes an electrical connector arranged to connect the device (10) to the battery that provides power for the propulsion of the vehicle.

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