Direction indicator device for bicycles

Abstract

The invention relates to a direction indicator device for bicycles, comprising two direction indicator modules F, each with a lighting unit (3) for mounting on the handlebars of the bicycle projecting on both sides of the longitudinal axis of a bicycle, an operating unit (8) for mounting near a respective grip (G) of the handlebars (L) of the bicycle, and at least one control unit (7) for controlling the two lighting units (3) of the two direction indicator modules (F), which is connected to the two operating units (8), wherein the at least one control unit (7) is designed to activate the lighting unit (3) assigned to this operating unit (8) upon actuation of an actuating means (9) of the operating unit (8) and to deactivate the other lighting unit (3) at the same time.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a direction indicator device for bicycles according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] When cycling, indicating a change of direction, for example, to turn or change lanes, is usually done by extending the arm in the direction in which the cyclist wishes to change direction. To do this, the cyclist must remove one hand from the handlebars.

[0003] Generally, this approach poses no problem for experienced cyclists. However, in the dark or in poor visibility conditions, the cyclist's hand signals are difficult for other road users to recognize. Furthermore, having only one hand on the handlebars negatively impacts stability, for example, when braking with only one hand on the handlebars. Even with cargo bikes, turning with only one hand when fully loaded can be hazardous. This also applies to heavy e-bikes or pedelecs (pedal electric cycles).

[0004] To avoid these problems, it is known that direction indicators are installed on bicycles, e-bikes, pedelecs, and also e-scooters (hereinafter collectively referred to as "bicycles"). When switched on, the direction indicators must flash between bright and dark at a specified frequency. They must be mounted and designed in such a way that the indication of the intended change of direction can be clearly perceived by other road users for whom their visibility is important, under all lighting and operating conditions.

[0005] Direction indicator devices on bicycles are known per se. They consist of at least one actuating unit mounted on the handlebars, as well as indicators whose light elements are mounted to the left and right of the bicycle's longitudinal axis. The actuating units are usually equipped with an actuating device in the form of a button or slider, which is attached to the (inner) side of the respective handlebar grip on the bicycle's handlebars, facing away from the handlebar ends.

[0006] Such a direction indicator device for bicycles is known, for example, from CN 207 000 675 U. This device has a right and a left light unit, which are attached to the two outer ends of the bicycle handlebars and can be operated via two switches mounted near the handlebar grips. The device includes a control unit for activating the light units, which is connected to the operating units. US Pat. No. 8,803,674 B2 also discloses a direction indicator device that enters a hazard warning mode when its actuating means are simultaneously pressed.

[0007] The known direction indicators generally meet the requirements placed on them. However, it often happens that cyclists forget to deactivate a light unit (indicator) after activating it. With direction indicators that have a separate control unit for each of the two light units, the problem arises that during a subsequent, opposite turn, the second light unit is activated, resulting in both light units flashing together, which is recognized as hazard warning flashing. Contrary to the cyclist's opinion, following traffic in this case is not informed of the intended turn. Activating or deactivating a light unit in this case means switching the light unit on or off in a sequence of a predetermined frequency between light and dark (flashing).

[0008] The invention aims to remedy this situation. The invention is based on the object of creating a direction indicator device for bicycles that prevents accidental activation of hazard warning lights. According to the invention, this object is achieved with the features of patent claim 1.

[0009] The invention provides a direction indicator device for bicycles that prevents accidental activation of hazard warning lights. Because the control unit is configured to activate the light unit associated with that control unit and simultaneously deactivate the other light unit when one actuating means of the control unit is actuated, accidental simultaneous activation of both light units is prevented.

[0010] In a further development of the invention, the control unit is configured to activate both lighting units upon simultaneous actuation of an actuating means on both control units. This enables an intentional hazard warning flashing process.

[0011] The functions of the control unit can be realized either by interconnecting electrical components or by an integrated microprocessor.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to activate the lighting unit associated with an operating unit for a defined flashing sequence only upon a brief tap of an actuating means of an operating unit. For this purpose, the control device has a timer.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control device comprises a microprocessor, wherein an input device is provided by which an individual setting of a desired flashing sequence is possible.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, the control unit is equipped with a learning function. This makes it possible to integrate other direction indicators into the control system, for example, if another direction indicator is to be installed at the rear. This allows the light units located on either side of the longitudinal center axis to be interconnected so that they flash synchronously when the handlebar-side light unit is activated.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the control unit and / or at least one direction indicator module are connected to a rechargeable battery. If the bicycle is an e-bike, this can be the bicycle's battery. A rechargeable battery can also be integrated into the control unit or into one or more direction indicator modules. Integrating a rechargeable battery into a direction indicator module offers the advantage that it can be easily retrofitted without necessarily requiring the installation of cables.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control device is connected to the lighting units wirelessly, for example, via radio, in particular via Bluetooth, with the direction indicator modules being equipped with a radio receiver. This allows the lighting units to be controlled by the control unit without the need to lay cables, further facilitating retrofitting a bicycle with the direction indicator device.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control device is configured to control the lighting units with a modified flashing frequency when the battery voltage falls below a certain threshold when a control unit is activated. This allows information about a low battery charge level to be provided directly via the lighting units located in the driver's field of vision, without the need for a separate charge indicator.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the direction indicator modules are designed as handlebar-end indicators and each comprise a housing, with the two control units each arranged on the outside of one of the housings. This allows the lighting units to be operated via the control units without the cyclist having to remove their hand from the handlebar grip. Furthermore, the actuating means mounted on the outside of the respective housing eliminate the need for separate installation of the control unit. Most preferably, a rechargeable battery is arranged in the housing of at least one direction indicator module.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the actuating means of the control units are formed by a ring surrounding the housing. This design has the advantage that the direction indicator device can be actuated not only at one location, but at any location around the housing.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the actuating means can be formed by at least one ring segment which surrounds the housing at least in part.

[0021] In a further development of the invention, the actuating means of the control units are mounted floating on the housing. This allows the direction indicator to be triggered in the axial direction of the bicycle handlebar.

[0022] Advantageously, the actuating means of the control units correspond to at least one sensor, which enables reliable triggering and deactivation of the direction indicator device.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the actuating means interact with at least one return element. This increases the ease of use of the direction indicator device, as the user always finds the actuating means in the same position regardless of the current operating state, thus reducing the risk of incorrect operation.

[0024] Further developments and refinements of the invention are specified in the remaining subclaims. An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a direction indicator device according to the invention in a state mounted on a handlebar; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a direction indicator device according to the invention in a different embodiment when mounted on the handlebar; Fig. 3 the schematic representation of an operating unit; Fig. 4 the schematic representation of a control unit in a different design; Fig. 5 the schematic representation of an operating unit in a further embodiment; Fig. 6 the schematic representation of an operating unit in an additional embodiment; Fig. 7 the schematic representation of a modified control unit; Fig. 8 the schematic representation of the Fig. 7 shown control unit in functional position.

[0025] The direction indicator device for bicycles chosen as an example comprises two direction indicator modules F, which are designed in the form of handlebar end indicators and which are Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are shown installed on a handlebar L. The handlebar L is tubular and has two handles G, each of which encloses the handlebar L.

[0026] The direction indicator modules F are constructed identically in the exemplary embodiment and each comprise a housing 1, which partially protrudes into the tubular handlebar L. To reliably hold the direction indicator modules F, each housing 1 is provided with a clamping element 2 in its area located in the handlebar L. In a modification of the exemplary embodiment, several clamping elements 2 can also be provided on a housing 1.

[0027] A lighting unit 3 is arranged in the end of the housing 1 facing away from the handlebar L, and thus outside the handlebar L. The housing 1 is transparent or at least translucent in this area. The lighting unit 3 is preferably formed by one or more LEDs (light-emitting diodes).

[0028] A rechargeable battery 4 is arranged in the housing 1, which supplies the lighting unit 3 of the direction indicator module F with electrical energy. In the exemplary embodiment, the rechargeable battery is a rechargeable battery. For this reason, a charging socket 5 is arranged in the housing 1 at the end facing away from the lighting unit 3, which allows connection to a charger. In a modification of the exemplary embodiment, it is of course also possible to use non-rechargeable batteries instead of the rechargeable battery. It is also possible to connect the direction indicator modules F to the rechargeable battery of an e-bike.

[0029] The direction indicator module F has an operating unit 8 formed by actuating means 9 arranged on the outside of the housing 1. The operating unit 8 is connected to a control unit 7 arranged in the housing 1, which in turn is connected to the lighting unit 3. The actuating means 9 can be designed in different ways.

[0030] In a first version, as shown in Fig. 3, the actuating means 9 are formed by a ring 91 surrounding the housing 1. In the embodiment according to Fig. 4, the actuating means 9 are formed by four ring segments 92 that surround the housing 1. In the embodiments according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the actuating means 9 are formed by a ring segment 93 which surrounds the housing 1 only in some areas.

[0031] The actuating means 9 each correspond to at least one sensor 10. The sensors 10 are designed such that, upon contact with a ring 91 or ring segment 92, 93, they transmit a signal to the control unit 7, which then ensures the activation or deactivation of the respective lighting unit 3. In these embodiments, contact with the sensors 10 is achieved by a radial movement of the ring 91 or the ring segments 92, 93.

[0032] In the embodiment according to Fig. 6, the actuating means 9 cooperate with a return element 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the return element 11 is a spring which, for example, returns the ring segment 93 to its initial position after it has been actuated.

[0033] In the example according to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the actuating means 9 are mounted in a floating manner on the housing 1. A floating mounting in the sense of the present invention means that the actuating means 9 are designed in the form of a closed ring 91, which has axial play. In this embodiment, the sensors 10 are axially aligned and are contacted by an axial movement of the ring 91.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the control element 8 with its actuating means 9 is arranged directly near the handle G on the handlebar L. Consequently, the user can easily reach the actuating means 9 with the ball of their hand. It is not necessary to remove their hand from the handle.

[0035] The triggering of a direction indicator module F, ie the activation or deactivation of the lighting unit of the direction indicator module F, takes place by actuating the ring 91 or the ring segments 92, 93 of the two direction indicator modules F. As a result, the ring 91 or the respectively actuated ring segments 92, 93 come into contact with at least one sensor 10, whereby a signal is sent to the control unit 7.

[0036] Unless a return element is provided, the ring 91 or the respectively actuated ring segments 92, 93 remain in the position assumed by the actuation. After completing the turning maneuver or lane change, the user returns the ring 91 or the respectively actuated ring segments 92, 93 to their original position.

[0037] If one or more reset elements 10 are installed, the ring 91 or the respectively actuated ring segments 92, 93 return to their original position immediately after their actuation and thus the triggering of the signal. After completing the turning maneuver or lane change, the user actuates the ring 91 or the respectively actuated ring segments 92, 93 again, thereby sending a signal to deactivate the lighting unit 3. Even then, the ring 91 or the respectively actuated ring segments 92, 93 return immediately to their original position under the influence of the reset element(s) 10.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment, the control units 7 of the two direction indicator modules F are equipped with a radio module through which they are wirelessly connected to each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the radio modules are designed according to the Bluetooth standard.

[0039] The control units 7 each comprise a microprocessor and are configured, upon actuation of an actuating means 9 of the operating unit 8 of a direction indicator module F, to activate or switch on the lighting unit 3 assigned to this operating unit 8 and, at the same time, to deactivate or switch off the lighting unit 3 of the other direction indicator module F. For this purpose, the control units 7 communicate with one another: If an actuating means 9 of the operating unit 8 of a direction indicator module F is actuated, this activates the lighting unit 3 and simultaneously reports this actuation to the control unit 7 of the other direction indicator module F, which deactivates the lighting unit 3 assigned to it, provided that the latter is activated.In the event that the actuating means 9 of both direction indicator modules F are actuated simultaneously, thus both control units 7 alternately report and receive an actuation of the operating unit 8 of the respective direction indicator module F, both control units 7 activate the associated lighting unit 3, whereby a hazard warning function is achieved.

[0040] The control unit 7 of each direction indicator module F also monitors its functions. For example, the control unit 7 monitors the charge level of the accumulator 4. If the charge level falls below a predetermined level, the control unit 7 reports this to the control unit 7 of the other direction indicator module F, whereby the control units 7 initiate a modified flashing frequency for each flashing operation of each direction indicator module F. This modified flashing frequency is reset as soon as the predetermined charge level of the accumulator 4 is restored.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 7 can send a message to the user when the charge level falls below a specified level. For this purpose, an indicator, e.g., formed by one or more LEDs, can be provided on the direction indicator. An acoustic warning or a message to a smartphone connected via Bluetooth is also conceivable.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 7 is further configured to activate the lighting unit assigned to this operating unit only for a defined flashing sequence when an actuating means of an operating unit is only briefly tapped.

[0043] The radio module of the direction indicator module F also enables communication with a smartphone, which can be used to adjust, among other things, the configuration of the direction indicator, such as the duration of a flashing sequence when briefly tapping an actuator on a control unit. The radio module also allows the direction indicator to be operated or adjusted using a separate radio button.

[0044] In addition, the control unit 7 of the direction indicator module F is equipped with a learning function. This learning function allows the two direction indicator modules F of the vehicle display device, as well as other direction indicator modules F installed on the respective bicycle or on a bicycle trailer attached to the bicycle, to be linked to each other.

[0045] In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, only one direction indicator module F is provided with a rechargeable battery 4. The two direction indicator modules F are electrically connected to one another via a connecting cable 6, via which the control units 7 of the two direction indicator modules F also communicate. In the event of a low charge level, with this embodiment, it is only necessary to remove the direction indicator module F equipped with the rechargeable battery 4 from the handlebar L and connect it to a charging station after the electrical connection between the two direction indicator devices has been interrupted. For this purpose, the connecting cable 6 is provided at at least one of its two ends with a plug (not shown), which makes it easy to disconnect and reconnect the connection. In a modification of the exemplary embodiment, it is also possible to arrange the charging socket 5 outside the handlebar L.This makes it possible to connect the battery 4 to a charging cable and thus to a charging station when it is installed.

[0046] The invention provides an easy-to-use direction indicator device that prevents accidental hazard warning flashing. Furthermore, it is very suitable for retrofitting. This applies in particular to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, in which both direction indicators have a rechargeable battery. This eliminates the need for wiring, so the direction indicators only need to be installed at the ends of the handlebar.

[0047] In a further embodiment (not shown), a central control unit is provided which is connected to the direction indicator modules F by cable or wirelessly via radio modules. In such an embodiment, both lighting units are controlled via this central control unit, wherein the control unit is configured, upon actuation of an actuating means of an operating unit of a direction indicator module F, to activate the lighting unit assigned to this operating unit and simultaneously to deactivate the other lighting unit of the other direction indicator module F, and, upon simultaneous actuation of the actuating means of both direction indicator modules F, to activate both of their lighting units, thereby achieving the hazard warning function. A learning function is also enabled in this embodiment, whereby individual direction indicator modules F are coupled to the central control unit, preferably wirelessly via radio.The central control unit can be arranged in the housing of a direction indicator module F or in a separate housing.

Claims

[1] Direction indicator device for bicycles, comprising two direction indicator modules F, each with a lighting unit (3) for mounting on the handlebars of the bicycle projecting on both sides of the longitudinal axis of a bicycle, one operating unit (8) each for mounting near a handle (G) of the handlebars (L) of the bicycle, and at least one control unit (7) for controlling the two lighting units (3) of the two direction indicator modules (F), which is connected to the two operating units (8), characterized by that the at least one control unit (7) is configured to activate the lighting unit (3) associated with this operating unit (8) when an actuating means (9) of the operating unit (8) is actuated and to deactivate the other lighting unit (3) at the same time. [2] Direction indicator device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the at least one control unit (7) is designed to activate both lighting units (3) upon simultaneous actuation of an actuating means (9) on both operating units (8). [3] Direction indicator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one control unit (7) is configured to activate the lighting unit (3) assigned to this operating unit (8) only for a defined flashing sequence upon merely briefly tapping an actuating means (9) of an operating unit (8). [4] Direction indicator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one control unit (7) is provided with a learning function. [5] Direction indicator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one control unit (7) and / or at least one direction indicator module (F) is connected to an accumulator (4). [6] Direction indicator device according to claim 5, characterized by that the at least one control device (7) is designed to control the lighting units (3) with a changed flashing frequency when an actuating means (9) of an operating unit (8) is actuated when a limit voltage of the accumulator (4) is undershot. [7] Direction indicator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a central control device (7) is arranged which is connected wirelessly, preferably by radio, in particular by Bluetooth, to the direction indicator modules (F), wherein the direction indicator modules (F) are provided with a radio receiver. [8] Direction indicator device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat both direction indicator modules (F) have a control device (7) and are connected to one another via a connecting cable (6) or wirelessly, by radio, in particular via Bluetooth, wherein the direction indicator modules (F) have a radio module for the wireless connection. [9] Direction indicator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the direction indicator modules (F) are designed as handlebar end indicators and each comprise a housing (1), wherein the two operating units (8) are each arranged on the outside of one of the housings (1). [10] Direction indicator device according to claim 9, characterized by that the actuating means (9) of the operating units (8) are formed by a ring which surrounds the housing (1). [11] Direction indicator device according to claim 9, characterized bythat the actuating means (9) of the operating units (8) are formed by at least one ring segment which surrounds the housing (1) at least in part. [12] Direction indicator device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by that the actuating means (9) of the operating units (8) are each mounted in a floating manner on a housing (1). [13] Direction indicator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating means (9) of the operating units (8) correspond to at least one sensor (10). [14] Direction indicator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating means (9) of the operating units (8) interact with at least one return element (11). [15] Direction indicator device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized bythat the accumulator (4) is arranged in one of the housings (1), wherein preferably an accumulator (4) is arranged in each of the two housings (1) of the direction indicator modules (F).

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