Light for a bicycle and lighting equipment for a bicycle with such a light

Abstract

The present invention relates to a light (2) for a bicycle, in particular a rear light (4) or headlight, with a housing (6) which forms a mounting surface (8) for attachment to the bicycle, in particular to a mudguard, a handlebar stem, or a mounting plate of a luggage carrier of the bicycle, wherein the mounting surface (8) is preferably projected by at least one fastening element (10) by means of which the light (2) is to be attached to the bicycle. The light has a plug housing (12) projecting from the mounting surface (8), which receives at least one contact element (14) and can be plugged into a mating connector housing element (22) by forming a plug contact between the contact element (14) and a mating contact element (18) received in the mating connector housing element (22). In a subordinate aspect, the present invention relates to a lighting device for a bicycle with such a light (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a light for a bicycle, in particular a rear light or headlight, with a housing that forms a mounting surface for attachment to the bicycle, in particular to a mudguard, a handlebar stem, or a mounting plate of a luggage carrier of the bicycle, wherein the mounting surface is preferably projected by at least one fastening element by means of which the light is to be attached to the bicycle. The term "mudguard" is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to mean a wheel guard.

[0002] In current technology, one or more cables are run from the power source to the bicycle's rear light, stripped, and then connected directly to the light by clamping, screwing, or using a plug. The connection point is usually from above, below, behind, or from the side. These directions are defined by the direction of travel. "Front" is accordingly where the front wheel, headlight, and handlebars are located, and "rear" is where the rear wheel and taillight are. If cables are connected from the front, the connection is generally outside the mounting surface of the taillight, which is used to attach the taillight to the luggage rack or fender.

[0003] Consequently, the loose, stripped ends of the cables are susceptible to chemical and mechanical damage, not reverse polarity protected, and can only be assembled in several steps. If connectors are present, they are usually freely accessible and unprotected. The connecting cable from the rear light is also always freely accessible and unprotected before it is routed safely inside the luggage rack, mudguard, or bicycle frame. If a connecting cable is routed out of the light, the cable must be sealed against the light housing, a cable gland must be provided to prevent chafing, and strain relief must be included to protect the internal electronics from damage, loss of contact, and / or short circuits.

[0004] The same problems arise with current technology for bicycle headlights. Either the connecting cable is routed out of the headlight, creating issues with cable routing, strain relief, and sealing. Or, individual cable lugs are led out of the headlight housing, onto which individual cable lugs are attached, with the connectors usually being freely accessible and unprotected. Furthermore, the connection system is not reverse polarity protected on the headlight, and installation requires several steps. The cable lugs sometimes need to be attached to the cable ends beforehand, which demands skill, tools, and time.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to remedy at least one of the problems described. One aspect of the present invention aims to simplify the mounting of a lighting device or a light on a bicycle. In particular, the mounting should be faster and / or polarity-proof. Further aspects of the present invention aim to make the bicycle's lighting device or the light robust against mechanical and chemical influences, and / or to give the light a clean appearance, i.e., without the impression of a freely dangling connection cable, and / or to improve its protection against vandalism.

[0006] To solve this problem, the present invention proposes a light for a bicycle with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, the light according to the present invention has a plug housing projecting from the mounting surface, which receives at least one contact element and can be plugged into a counterpart element of the plug housing, forming a plug contact between the contact element and a mating contact element received in the counterpart element of the plug housing.

[0007] In the present invention, individual cable clamps, freely dangling cables in unprotected areas, and bare cable ends or cable glands on the light housing are eliminated. Furthermore, the connector housing extends beyond the mounting surface of the light housing, which is intended for attaching the light to a mounting element on the bicycle. This means the plug contact is located on the inside of the mounting element on the bicycle, thus providing better protection against external influences. This makes the light more robust against mechanical and chemical influences. The plug connection itself also simplifies installation. The overall appearance is also clean, without the impression of a freely dangling connection cable.

[0008] A light within the meaning of the present invention is, in particular, a (front) headlight, a rear light or taillight, a brake light, any combination of a taillight, reflector and brake light, a direction indicator, or a combination thereof. A light within the meaning of the present invention can be formed by at least one electrical component that serves to illuminate a bicycle and / or is subject to type approval or is to be placed on the market. A bicycle within the meaning of the present invention also includes bicycles with electric motor assistance, bicycle-like vehicles with type approval or individual approval, as well as scooters of any type and bicycle trailers. A bicycle within the meaning of the present invention can also include wheelchairs and other products insofar as they are usually equipped with bicycle-like components.The mounting surface of the light housing for attaching the light to the bicycle is generally located on the side of the housing opposite the main light emission surface. However, the main light emission surface can be inclined relative to the mounting surface to achieve optimal light distribution in accordance with legal requirements; that is, the main light emission surface and the mounting surface do not necessarily have to be parallel. The mounting surface can, for example, be positioned between the rear fender and the taillight, between the mounting points of the luggage rack and the taillight, or between the headlight and the handlebar stem. For the purposes of the invention, a connector housing projecting from the mounting surface can preferably also be understood to be a connector housing projecting into the connector housing.With this understanding, it is conceivable that the plug housing is recessed into the light housing to such an extent that it is flush with the mounting surface from the outside.

[0009] For attachment to the bicycle, the mounting surface can be extended by at least one mounting element, which may be a threaded rod. Alternatively, the light housing can be equipped with at least one, and preferably at least two, hooks adapted to hold a tab, allowing the light to be clamped to the bicycle. Such hooks can be located on the side of the light housing. Another alternative is that the light housing can be designed without any protruding mounting elements. In this case, the light housing can, for example, be glued to the mudguard.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing projecting from the mounting surface has a thread around its outer circumference, i.e., the connector housing is essentially designed as a hollow screw, so that the connector housing can be screwed directly to the mounting element of the bicycle, which is provided with a corresponding mating thread. In this preferred embodiment, the connector housing thus also forms the fastening element.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing can be inserted into a pre-drilled bore of the bicycle's mounting element, forming an anti-rotation feature. Preferably, the mounting element can be inserted into a different pre-drilled bore of the mounting element. The mounting element can, for example, be a mudguard of the bicycle. Preferably, the connector housing has a shape that deviates from a rotationally symmetrical design. This deviation can be formed by at least one radial bulge at a specific circumferential location, which is adapted to receive a locking element of the connector housing's counterpart. Apart from this bulge, the connector housing can be essentially cylindrical.If the connector housing projects into the light housing, the counterpart connector housing can be inserted into a pre-drilled hole in the bicycle's mounting element, forming an anti-rotation feature. The counterpart connector housing preferably has a shape that is compatible with the previously described shape of the connector housing, which deviates from a rotationally symmetrical design.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing projects substantially perpendicularly from the mounting surface. More preferably, the connector housing and the fastening element extend substantially parallel to each other. The lengths of the connector housing and the fastening element can differ. Preferably, the connector housing is shorter than the fastening element. Particularly preferably, the connector housing is at most half the length of the fastening element.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing defines an insertion direction essentially perpendicular to the contact surface. This means that the counterpart element of the connector housing is inserted into the connector housing in precisely the opposite direction in which the connector housing projects from the contact surface.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing is formed in one piece with the contact surface. The connector housing can be manufactured using an injection molding process. Both the connector housing and the light housing can be made of plastic.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contact element of the connector housing is contacted with a circuit board of the luminaire without the need for cables, preferably directly, and most preferably via a plug-in connection. Direct contact can, in particular, be a connection that does not require cables. This can contribute to a more reliable connection and cost reduction. Particularly preferably, the contact with the circuit board can be achieved using contact pins or contact tongues. A soldered connection, produced, for example, by soft soldering, hard soldering, wave soldering, or reflow soldering, or an adhesive connection using an electrically conductive adhesive can also constitute direct contact within the meaning of the present invention. Other connection techniques that can be used include screw connections or clamp and spring contacts.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing is at least partially conical. This enables improved sealing of the plug contact, particularly against rain or splashing dirty water during driving. Preferably, the conical section is formed by the previously described bulge. Due to its conical shape, the bulge can interact with the locking element of the mating plug contact such that the mating plug contact is held with increased contact force in the radial direction against the inner circumferential surfaces of the connector housing. Typically, the bulge tapers towards the light housing.

[0017] In a related aspect, the present invention relates to a lighting device for a bicycle comprising a power source, a lamp according to one of the preceding claims, and a connecting cable with a plug housing for electrically connecting the power source to the lamp by means of a plug connection between the contact element of the lamp and the plug housing of the connecting cable. The power source can be, for example, a generator, a battery, a drive system, or a voltage converter. The connecting cable with the plug housing is preferably the only connecting cable between the power source and the lamp. Accordingly, it is then no longer necessary to run two cables to the lamp.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector housing and the mating connector housing element are designed to prevent reverse polarity. For this purpose, the connector housing and the mating connector housing element can be designed with a mechanical coding or a poka-yoke function, so that a plug connection can only be established with a specific, predetermined orientation of the mating connector housing element. This mechanical coding can be formed by the previously described indentation on the connector housing and the corresponding locking element on the mating connector housing element.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, one of the connector housing and the corresponding connector housing element has a locking lug, and the other of the connector housing and the corresponding connector housing element has a locking groove, wherein the plug contact can be secured by a locking connection between the locking lug and the locking groove. Typically, the locking connection can be released by actuating a lever connected to the locking lug.

[0020] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of two exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1a a perspective view of the mounting surface of a rear light according to a first embodiment, Fig. 1b a perspective view of the connector housing counterpart of a connecting cable according to the first embodiment, Fig. 2 a perspective side view of the rear light according to the first embodiment, Fig. 3 a top view of the mounting surface of the rear light according to the first embodiment, Fig. 4 a perspective side view of the connector housing counterpart of the connecting cable according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 5 a perspective view of the mounting surface of a rear light according to a second embodiment.

[0021] The Fig. Figure 1a shows a light 2 for a bicycle in the form of a rear light 4 according to a first embodiment. The rear light 4 has a housing 6 with a contact surface 8 for contact with a mudguard of the bicycle, which is projected by a mounting element 10 for attachment to the mudguard. A connector housing 12 projects substantially at right angles from the contact surface 8, which is formed integrally with the contact surface 8 and accommodates four contact elements 14, which are arranged in a circular segment shape in the connector housing 12 and are designed as contact pin receptacles 16. The contact elements 14 can be plugged into mating contact elements 18 in the form of contact pins 20 of a connector housing counterpart element 22 formed on a connecting cable 21 (see Figure 1a). Fig. 1b).

[0022] The contact pin receptacles 16 specify an insertion direction E perpendicular to the contact surface 8. The insertion direction E is in Fig. 2 is shown with a correspondingly marked arrow. The mounting surface 8 is provided on one side of the housing 6 opposite the light emission side and is inclined at an acute angle relative to the main light emission surface 24. The fastening element 10 is designed as a threaded rod 26.

[0023] The connector housing 12 has a substantially hollow cylindrical rim 28 that surrounds the contact elements 14 and has a substantially U-shaped bulge 30 at its point closest to the fastening element 10 in plan view (see Fig. 3) The bulge 30 is provided internally with a locking groove (not shown) which interacts with a locking lug 32 formed on the connector housing counterpart 22 to form a locking connection (see Fig. 4) The locking lug 32 is connected to the connector housing counterpart 22 via a lever 34. The locking connection can be released by actuating the lever 34, i.e., by applying pressure to the lever 34 in the direction of the connector housing counterpart 22. However, this is not possible without a tool if the lever 34 is fully engaged in the recess 30 when the connector housing counterpart 22 is inserted into the connector housing 12. The locking connection can thus be combined with vandal protection. For easier handling, the lever 34 can also be accessible after the connector housing counterpart 22 has been inserted into the connector housing 12, and in particular, accessible for applying pressure with a finger.

[0024] The protrusion 30 and the locking lug 32 with the associated lever 34 ensure that the connector housing 12 and the connector housing mating element 22 are designed to prevent reverse polarity, as the connector housing mating element 22 can only be inserted into the connector housing 12 in a specific, predetermined orientation. The protrusion 30, on the one hand, and the locking lug 32 with the associated lever 34, on the other, thus correspond to a mechanical coding or fulfill a so-called poka-yoke function, which prevents reverse polarity due to human error. Furthermore, the contact elements 14 and the contact pins 20 are sealed against environmental influences, since the connector housing mating element 22 is also essentially hollow cylindrical and forms a large sealing surface by its circumferential contact with the inner circumference of the hollow cylindrical rim 28 of the connector housing 12. The sealing surface can be further increased by using a labyrinth seal.

[0025] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a light 2 for a bicycle in the form of a rear light 4 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the connector housing 12 itself forms the fastening element 10. For this purpose, the connector housing 12 has a thread 36 around its circumference. It is designed, so to speak, as a hollow screw that can be screwed directly into a corresponding mating thread on the mounting element of the bicycle. The separate threaded rod 26 of the first embodiment can therefore be omitted in the second embodiment. Nevertheless, the threaded rod 26 can also be present in the second embodiment to increase protection against rotation. Other components identical to the first embodiment are marked with the same reference numerals.In particular, the connector housing counterpart 22 can be designed essentially as in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the locking groove for the locking lug 32 of the connector housing counterpart 22 can, for example, be provided on the mounting element of the bicycle. A U-shaped protrusion of the rim 28 of the connector housing 12 is not required in any case. The orientation of the locking lug 32 in the second embodiment can optionally be reversed compared to that in the first embodiment. Fig. 4; i.e., the locking lug 32 can point towards the contact pins 20 in the second embodiment. Reference symbol list 2 lights 4 rear lights 6 cases 8 Plant area 10 Fastening element 12 connector housings 14 Contact element 16 Contact pin holder 18 Counter contact element 20 contact pins 21 connection cables 22 Connector housing counterpart 24 Main light emission area 26 threaded rod 28 rand 30 bulge 32 Rastnase 34 levers 36 threads E Insertion direction

Claims

Light (2) for a bicycle, in particular rear light (4) or headlight, with a housing (6) which forms a contact surface (8) for attachment to the bicycle, in particular to a mudguard, a handlebar stem or a mounting surface of a luggage carrier of the bicycle, wherein the contact surface (8) is preferably projected by at least one fastening element (10) by means of which the light (2) is to be attached to the bicycle, characterized by a plug housing (12) projecting from the contact surface (8), which receives at least one contact element (14) and can be plugged into a plug housing counterpart element (22) by forming a plug contact between the contact element (14) and a mating contact element (18) received in the plug housing counterpart element (22). Luminaire (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug housing (12) can be inserted into a pre-made bore in the protective plate, forming an anti-rotation device. Luminaire (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug housing (12) forms the fastening element. Luminaire (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plug housing (12) defines an insertion direction (E) substantially perpendicular to the contact surface (8). Luminaire (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug housing (12) is formed in one piece with the contact surface (8). Luminaire (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact element (14) of the plug housing (12) is contacted with a circuit board of the luminaire (2) without a cable, preferably directly contacted and particularly preferably plug-in contacted. Luminaire (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug housing (12) is conical at least in sections. Lighting device for a bicycle comprising a voltage source, a lamp (2) according to one of the preceding claims and a connecting cable (21) having the plug housing counterpart element (22) for electrical connection of the voltage source and the lamp (2) by means of a plug contact between the contact element (14) of the lamp (2) and the plug housing counterpart element (22) of the connecting cable (21). Lighting device according to claim 8, characterized in that the plug housing (12) and the plug housing counterpart element (22) are designed to prevent reverse polarity. Lighting device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that one of the plug housing (12) and plug housing counterpart element (22) has a locking lug (32) and the other of the plug housing (12) and plug housing counterpart element (22) has a locking groove and the plug contact is secured by a locking connection between locking lug (32) and locking groove.

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