Cargo containers for cargo bikes and cargo bicycles

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cargo container for cargo bikes, in particular for long john cargo bikes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cargo bike, in particular a long john cargo bike.

[0002] A wide variety of cargo bikes with different designs are known for transporting loads such as goods or people, and especially children. For example, there are cargo bikes where the load, or a cargo container, is positioned between a front wheel and a rear wheel. These can be single-track or two-track cargo bikes. Furthermore, cargo bikes of the "Long John" type are known. Long John cargo bikes are characterized in particular by the fact that a load-bearing platform, preferably positioned low, is provided between the head tube and the front wheel.

[0003] Common lighting concepts for cargo bikes are generally based on standard bicycle lighting concepts. However, such bicycle lighting concepts, or other state-of-the-art cargo bike lighting concepts, lead to numerous problems in the context of cargo bikes.

[0004] "Cargobike now" reveals the features of the generic term of claim 1.

[0005] For example, due to the considerable size of cargo bikes and the resulting lighting with only one low beam and one rear light, there is insufficient illumination and therefore insufficient visibility, especially for other road users.

[0006] Furthermore, it sometimes happens that standard lighting for cargo bikes provides insufficient illumination of the road ahead for the rider. For example, if a low beam headlight is mounted on the handlebars, as is common with bicycles, the visibility of cargo and / or other equipment in front of the handlebars may be insufficient or completely obstructed. Conversely, if a low beam headlight is mounted on the front wheel, also common with bicycles, the distance between the rider and the light source, especially on long john cargo bikes, can result in inadequate illumination. In particular, the area between the rider and the front wheel remains unlit, which can lead to problems.

[0007] Furthermore, it sometimes happens that cargo bikes are not perceived as such by other road users due to insufficient lighting in road traffic, and consequently this can lead to confusion and / or dangers in road traffic.

[0008] Another problem with cargo bikes, independent of those mentioned above, arises when cornering in limited lighting conditions, such as dusk or darkness. For example, due to cargo, superstructures, and / or cargo bike components in front of the bike, the path of the curve may not be illuminated, or only insufficiently so. In particular, the area of ​​the path, especially when cornering, between the front wheel and the rider is not properly illuminated by current lighting systems. This can lead to objects, such as posts, being located between the front wheel and the bike while cornering, not being seen and thus representing undetected hazards. Long-John cargo bikes, in particular, tend to swing in the direction of the turn, especially compared to regular bicycles.Furthermore, it is common for long-john cargo bikes to have their low-beam headlights positioned near the typically small front wheel. This can lead to insufficient visibility and / or illumination of the cargo bike, for example, when obstacles are in the beam.

[0009] The object of the invention is to create a load-bearing container for cargo bikes and a cargo bike, wherein the lighting of the cargo bike is improved.

[0010] The problem is solved according to the invention by a load-bearing container with the features of claim 1 and a cargo bicycle with the features of claim 11.

[0011] A lighting system for cargo bikes according to the invention is, in particular, a lighting system for long john cargo bikes. Specifically, it is a lighting system for single-track and / or two-track cargo bikes. It is especially preferred that it is a lighting system for electric bicycles (e-bikes), in particular pedelecs and / or e-bikes. The lighting system includes a cornering light device for illuminating a curve. Preferably, this is an automatic cornering light device. "Automatic" here means, in particular, that when driving through a curve, for example, when turning left or right, the corresponding illumination of the curve is automatically activated. This automatic implementation of the cornering light device can be, in particular, mechanical and / or electrical.In this context, "curve" refers in particular to any deviation from a straight-ahead path. This includes, in particular, turning, but also any other deviation in the direction of travel. Preferably, cornering involves maneuvering by means of handlebar steering and / or "leaning into the curve." It is preferred that the cornering light illuminates not only the curve in front of the front wheel of the cargo bike, but also areas beside and / or behind the front wheel of the cargo bike, especially in the direction of the curve. A particular advantage of the cornering light according to the invention is that it provides improved illumination of the curve, in particular complete illumination of the curve. Instead of an automatic cornering light, a continuous cornering light is also possible. "Continuous" here preferably refers to a cornering light that, when activated, e.g.,When switched on, and especially when switched on, the cornering light remains switched on. Therefore, there is no swiveling and / or selective activation of the cornering light device when cornering. It is thus preferred that the continuous cornering light device is activated with a constant illumination, especially while cycling. Particularly preferably, the continuous cornering light device is a type of side lighting device for illuminating side areas, especially the left and right areas next to the cargo bike. In particular, the continuous cornering light device has a cornering light on each side.It is particularly preferred that, when the lighting system is used in a long-john cargo bike, the continuous cornering light device is designed and / or arranged such that it illuminates the side areas next to the head tube and front wheel on both sides, preferably the side areas next to the load carrier. Alternatively or in addition to illuminating the side areas next to the head tube and front wheel on both sides, it is preferred that the continuous cornering light device is designed and / or arranged such that it illuminates the side areas next to the front wheel on both sides. This advantageously ensures that, in the long-john concept, which pivots sharply in the direction of the turn, areas to the sides of the wheel / load carrier are illuminated.

[0012] Preferably, the lighting system comprises one or more of the following components: a position light, a direction indicator, a contour light, a position light, a lever light, a low beam headlight, a taillight, a rear reflector, a front spotlight, and an underbody light. It is particularly preferred that the lighting system comprises one or more of the aforementioned components in combination with a cornering light. However, it is also preferably possible that the lighting system does not have a cornering light, but preferably only one or more of the aforementioned components. The position light, in particular, comprises a pennant light.Preferably, the pennant light is connected to the cargo bike by a spacer, preferably a vertical one extending from the cargo bike, such as a pole. It is common for bicycles to have pennants to attract attention. For example, this makes it possible to see a bicycle even behind objects, especially if the pennant extends beyond the object. However, in low-light conditions, such pennants are not visible or only insufficiently visible. This disadvantage can be overcome by using position light devices. In other words, the direction indicator light device is a turn signal device. In a preferred embodiment, the direction indicator light device has at least one right-hand direction indicator light and at least one left-hand direction indicator light.The turn signal lights preferably emit orange light and / or flashing light, or are designed to emit such light. It is particularly preferred that the lighting system has at least two right and at least two left turn signal lights, with one left and one right turn signal light each being designed for mounting or already mounted in the rear and front areas of the cargo bike. In a preferred embodiment, the lighting system has, independently or in addition to the turn signal lights in the rear or front area of ​​the cargo bike, at least one right and one left turn signal light each on the side walls of a cargo container. The contour lighting device is designed for contour illumination of the cargo bike and / or a cargo container for the cargo bike.It is particularly preferred that the contour lighting device is arranged at the outermost edges and / or corners of the cargo bike and / or the cargo container, and preferably that only the upper edges and / or corners have or are connected to the contour lighting device. The contour lighting device advantageously makes it possible to display the contour of the cargo bike and / or the cargo container to other road users, thus making the cargo bike user identifiable. The position lighting device includes, in particular, position lights to indicate the position and / or direction of travel of the cargo bike to other road users. It is particularly preferred that the position lighting device has red and / or white position lights.The fog light device comprises at least one, preferably two, fog lights, which are designed primarily in accordance with the fog lights used in motor vehicles. Preferably, these are wide-beam headlights, preferably emitting white light. "Wide-beam" here refers in particular to a wider beam angle than that of dipped headlights. Preferably, a fog light has a beam angle of over 45°, over 60°, over 90°, over 120°, or over 150°. It is also possible for a fog light to have a beam angle of approximately 180°. The design of the lighting system with a fog light device is particularly preferred in combination with cornering lights. For example, it is possible to also use the fog lights as cornering lights or to perform the function of cornering lights by means of fog lights.Thus, for example, it is possible to achieve cornering illumination by selectively activating the fog lights on the left or right side. The low-beam headlight assembly is preferably swiveling. Particularly preferably, the low-beam headlight assembly has at least one, in particular swiveling, low-beam headlight, and more preferably two, preferably right and left, low-beam headlights. The at least one low-beam headlight emits a white light. Preferably, the low-beam headlight is designed essentially like standard low-beam headlights for cargo bikes and / or bicycles. If two low-beam headlights are present, it is preferred that they are swiveling in both directions from their straight-ahead normal position. However, it is also preferably possible that the low-beam headlights are swiveling only in one direction from their normal position, in particular back and forth.Preferably, a right-hand dipped headlight is present, and it is swivelling to the right. Preferably, a left-hand dipped headlight is present, and it is swivelling to the left. The design of the lighting system with a dipped headlight is particularly preferred in combination with a cornering light device. In this case, the function of the cornering light device can be taken over by the dipped headlight device, for example, if the dipped headlight device is swivelling, preferably by means of a swiveling device (see below). If at least one dipped headlight and at least one fog light are present, it is preferred that the dipped headlight has a lower light output than the fog light. The taillight device preferably has at least one taillight, preferably two, preferably right and left, taillights.The at least one rear light is preferably designed to emit red light. It is particularly preferred that the rear light is essentially designed like standard rear lights for bicycles and / or cargo bikes. The lighting system according to the invention has, in particular, one or more of the following reflectors, and several of the reflectors shown individually below may also be present: rear reflector, front reflector, spoke reflector, side reflector, pedal reflector, wheel reflector. The aforementioned reflectors are, in particular, essentially designed like standard reflectors of bicycles and / or cargo bikes. It is particularly preferred that one or more of the reflectors are reflectors. Reflectors are preferably reflective elements, reflective paint, or reflective strips.The at least one rear reflector is, in particular, a red rear reflector. The at least one front reflector is, in particular, a white front reflector. The at least one side reflector and / or the at least one spoke reflector and / or the at least one pedal reflector and / or the at least one wheel reflector are, in particular, orange reflectors. It is particularly preferred that the aforementioned reflectors reflect such colored light. The underbody lighting device includes, in particular, at least one underbody light. Preferably, the underbody lighting device includes at least two underbody lights, in particular a right and a left one. It is particularly preferred that the underbody lighting device is designed to emit white light.It is preferred that the underbody lighting device illuminates at least one lateral area of ​​the ground next to the bicycle, and in particular, illuminates both lateral areas of the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the underbody lighting device is arranged, or can be arranged, on downward-facing surfaces of the cargo bicycle. In particular, the underbody lighting device is designed such that it illuminates the ground areas to the side of the front wheel.

[0013] Preferably, the cornering light device includes at least one cornering headlight for illuminating a curve. Particularly preferred is the cornering light device having two, especially left and right, cornering headlights for illumination on both sides. In particular, the cornering light device is selectively activatable, i.e., switchable on and off. Selectively activatable means, in particular, the selective supply of current for switching on and off. Alternatively or in addition to the selective supply of current, it is also preferably possible to selectively absorb the emitted light, e.g., to cover it. Covering is preferably achieved by means of a, in particular, hinged, shutter. It is possible that the cornering headlight(s) is / are integrated into the fog light(s).The selectively activatable cornering light device corresponds in particular to an embodiment of a static cornering light and / or "cornering lamps." It is therefore preferred that the selective activation is controlled by steering input and / or activation of the turn signal actuator, in particular the indicator actuator. For example, if the cargo bike turns right, it is preferred that the right cornering light or the right fog light switches on and thus illuminates the right-hand lane of the curve. It is preferred that the cornering light device has a swiveling mechanism for pivoting the light in the direction of the curve. It is preferred that this swiveling mechanism be electrical and / or mechanical.Preferably, the swiveling device pivots the low-beam headlight and / or the cornering light and / or the fog light and / or at least one light-directing device, such as a lens or a reflector. Preferably, the light-directing device is designed to deflect the light from the at least one low-beam headlight, the at least one cornering light, or the fog light. The reflector can, for example, be a mirror. The swiveling device preferably pivots in the direction of the curve. Preferably, a type of dynamic cornering light is implemented by means of the swiveling device. Thus, if the cargo bike is only making a small turn, the deflection is also minimal. It is particularly preferred that the swivel angle of the swiveling device corresponds to the angle of the turn.In particular, the swivel device has a unilateral swivel angle of a maximum of 15° and therefore a total swivel angle of a maximum of 30°.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the cornering light device includes a detection device for recognizing a cornering maneuver of a cargo bike.

[0015] It is particularly preferred that the detection device controls, or in particular activates, the at least one cornering light device and / or the swiveling device and / or the underbody lighting device and / or the fog light device, either indirectly or directly. Direct control means, for example, that the detection device directly controls the aforementioned devices. For instance, the detection device may have a mechanical connection, such as a cable or the like, and use this connection to swivel the swiveling device and / or prevent the emission of light from the cornering light device and / or the underbody lighting device and / or the fog light device, for example, by covering them. Indirect control means, in particular, that the detection device is connected to a control unit, which then in turn controls the aforementioned devices.Communication between the control unit and the detection device and / or between the control unit and the aforementioned devices (swivel device, cornering light device, underbody light device, fog light device) for control purposes is carried out in particular via wired or wireless means, for example via radio, Wi-Fi, infrared or Bluetooth.

[0016] It is preferred that the detection device is designed to detect handlebar deflection and / or a lean angle of the cargo bike and / or wheel rotation and / or turn signal activation. If a turn signal activation is detected, this activation can be used, for example, for the indirect or direct control of the aforementioned devices (swivel device, cornering light device, underbody light device, fog light device). If the detection device detects a lean angle of the cargo bike, it is possible that the detection device includes a sensor, in particular a position sensor, such as a gyroscope. If handlebar deflection and / or wheel rotation are detected, it is preferred that the detection device includes a sensor and / or a mechanical deflection or rotation transmission device.Particularly when the detection device incorporates sensors, it is preferred that the detected signal, especially the detection of a turn, be transmitted wirelessly, for example via radio, Wi-Fi, infrared, or Bluetooth, and / or via a wired connection. It is possible, in particular, for a sensor to be mounted on the handlebars and / or the front wheel, which detects a deflection or rotation and transmits this, preferably wirelessly, directly or indirectly to the aforementioned lighting device or swivel device, thereby controlling or activating it.

[0017] It is preferred that the cornering light device is connected to a battery for power supply. Particularly preferably, the battery is a rechargeable battery, especially a battery pack. In a preferred embodiment, the battery is an e-bike battery, i.e., the battery for operating an e-bike, in particular the e-bike's motor. It is preferably a pedelec battery or e-bike battery.

[0018] The cargo container according to the invention is a cargo container for cargo bikes. It is particularly preferred that it is a container for goods and / or persons, especially children. The cargo container has, in particular, a substantially cuboid body, preferably open at one end. It is preferred that the cargo container body is multi-part, especially two-part. Preferably, the cargo container body is divided into two identical parts. A vertical division of the cargo container body is particularly preferred. In the case of a vertical division, it is preferred that this division is longitudinal, especially in the direction of travel when the cargo container is connected to a cargo bike. In a preferred embodiment, the cargo container is selectively connectable, especially couplingable, to the cargo bike.Therefore, it is preferred that the cargo container be detachable from the cargo bike. Preferably, it is a cargo container for long john cargo bikes. The cargo container has a lighting system with one or more of the features described above. Preferably, the cargo container has a lighting system according to the invention with a cornering light device. However, it is also possible alternatively for the cargo container to have a lighting system without a cornering light device. In particular, the cargo container therefore has a lighting system with one or more of the lighting devices described above, without a cornering light device.It is particularly preferred that the load-bearing container has a lighting system comprising a position light device and / or a direction indicator device and / or a contour light device and / or a position light device and / or a fog light device and / or a low beam headlight device and / or a tail light device and / or at least one rear reflector and / or at least one front light and / or an underbody light device. If the load-bearing container has a lighting system with a position light device, it is preferred that the position light device extends from a lid or wall of the load-bearing container, preferably vertically upwards.If the load-bearing container has a lighting system with one or more of the aforementioned lighting devices and / or spotlights, it is preferred that these lighting devices and / or spotlights are connected to, and in particular attached to, the outer surfaces of the load-bearing container. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that these lighting devices and / or spotlights are integrated within the contour of the load-bearing container, in particular that they are embedded in the load-bearing container. It is preferred that the connection of the aforementioned lighting devices and / or spotlights to the load-bearing container is made by means of gluing and / or screwing and / or riveting and / or by means of a positive-locking connection.In a preferred embodiment, where the cargo container incorporates the low-beam headlight and / or the cornering light, it is preferred that the low-beam headlight and / or the cornering light is positioned higher than the front wheel and / or the front fork assembly. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a higher illumination level, particularly despite a small front wheel, e.g., on a long-john cargo bike.

[0019] It is preferred that the load-bearing container body comprises, and in particular consists of, plastics. Thermoplastic plastics are preferably used. Foams such as polyurethane (PUR) and particle foams are preferably used. Closed-cell foams are particularly preferred. The load-bearing container body preferably comprises, and is most preferably made of, expanded polypropylene (EPP). Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polyethylene (EPE) can also be used. A combination of these materials, e.g., polystyrene combined with a polyolefin such as polyethylene, is also possible. A combination of the materials with other materials is also possible, for example, in a multilayer or sandwich construction.

[0020] Furthermore, a thermoplastic elastomeric spherical foam is suitable as a material for the load-bearing container body. Such a foam is offered by Sekisui under the product name "ELASTIL". This is, in particular, a closed-cell foam. In a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing container body, according to the invention, comprises or is made from a thermoplastic elastomeric spherical foam, such as Elastil. A combination with the other materials described that are suitable for constructing the load-bearing container body is also possible.

[0021] Another suitable material for constructing the body of the load-bearing container is a polyester-based PU material. The material offered by BASF under the brand name "Elastopan" is particularly suitable. Preferably, the body of the load-bearing container is made of or constructed from such a material, and it is also possible to combine this material with other materials described.

[0022] It is particularly preferred that the load-bearing container body comprises one or more particle foams and is, in particular, manufactured from one or more particle foams. E-PTU, EPP, EPS, EPE, or similar foams are especially preferred as base materials. Particle foams generally consist of small spheres of the expanded base material. These particles, shaped as spheres or other bodies, are formed into their final shape in a tool such as a mold or the like under heat, optionally also under steam. Particle foams have the particular advantages of good thermal insulation, good damping properties, and low density, and are also cost-effective to manufacture.

[0023] In the case of a multi-part load-bearing container body, it is preferred to manufacture the several parts identically, for example by means of a mold, in particular a casting mold.

[0024] As an alternative to the cast version, a 3D-printed load-bearing container body is preferred.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing container has interior lighting to illuminate at least part of the interior of the load-bearing container.

[0026] Preferably, the load-bearing container has a lid opening sensor for detecting the open state of the lid. Particularly preferred is that the lid opening sensor directly or indirectly controls the interior lighting, preferably activating it when the lid is opened and / or deactivating it when the lid is closed. In the case of indirect control, it is preferred that the load-bearing container has at least one control unit connected to both the lid opening sensor and the interior lighting, so that control is effected via the control unit. Particularly preferred is that the lid opening sensor comprises a mechanical and / or electrical sensor.The mechanical sensor is specifically a type of mechanical refrigerator light sensor. The electrical sensor is specifically a magnetic sensor.

[0027] According to the invention, the load-bearing container has at least one recess open to the outside, wherein the direction indicator light device is at least partially received in the recess. The at least one recess is, in particular, a pre-formed recess, i.e., preferably a recess that was already produced during the pre-forming of the load-bearing container, e.g., by means of a suitable mold. Alternatively or additionally to the pre-formed recess, a cut-off recess is also possible, i.e., a recess produced by a cutting process, in particular by drilling and / or turning and / or milling. Recesses produced using different methods, e.g., pre-formed and cut-off recesses, are possible. "Outside" here refers in particular to the area surrounding the load-bearing container, excluding the interior.A further recess is specifically designed to accommodate at least one of the lighting devices described above and / or a power supply device, particularly for the cornering light device. It is especially preferred that the recess accommodates the contour lighting device and / or the position lighting device and / or the fog light device and / or the low beam headlight device and / or the tail light device and / or the at least one rear reflector and / or the at least one front light and / or the underbody lighting device, with it being preferred that at least a partial, preferably a complete, recess is located within the outer contour of the load-bearing container. It is particularly preferred that the power supply device includes a battery, and in particular consists of one.Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the power supply device has a docking device for, in particular selective, connection with an e-bike battery.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the curve-beaming device is arranged on the load-carrying container, preferably on the container body, and is connected to the load-carrying container, preferably on its outer surface. It is particularly preferred that the curve-beaming device is arranged on the front of the load-carrying container, for example, on the front wall of the load-carrying container.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the curve-detection light device is arranged on both sides of the front and / or on each side wall of the load-bearing container. Alternatively or additionally to the arrangement on the front and / or side walls, it is preferred that the curve-detection light device is arranged in the lower half, preferably the lower third, and particularly preferably the lower quarter of the load-bearing container. Alternatively or additionally to the arrangement of the curve-detection light device on the front and / or side walls or the lower arrangement described above, it is preferred that the curve-detection light device is arranged in the lateral edge region, preferably in the outer quarter of the lateral edge regions. The lower arrangement described above refers in particular to a horizontal division of the load-bearing container into two halves, three-thirds, or four quarters.The arrangement described above in the lateral edge area refers in particular to a vertical division into four quarters, and it is then preferred that the curve lighting device is arranged in one or both of the outer quarters, in particular the front.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing container has at least one cavity. The cavity is preferably open to the inside or internally located. "Open to the inside" here refers to a cavity that is designed as a recess to the interior of the load-bearing container. "Internal cavity" refers to an opening, preferably closed, within the body of the load-bearing container, preferably within at least one wall and / or bottom and / or lid of the container. The at least one cavity is preferably a pre-formed cavity, i.e., preferably a cavity that was already produced during the initial forming of the load-bearing container, for example, by means of a suitable mold. Internal cavities can preferably, and advantageously in the case of a two-part load-bearing container body, be produced directly by means of a mold.These internal cavities are difficult or impossible to implement in a one-piece mold. As an alternative or in addition to a molded cavity, a part-cut cavity is also possible, i.e., a cavity produced by a part-cutting process, in particular by drilling and / or turning and / or milling. Cavities produced using different methods, e.g., molded and part-cut cavities, are possible. It is preferred that the at least one cavity is designed to accommodate at least one cable, in particular for the lighting device; and / or to accommodate at least one control device, in particular for the cornering light device; and / or to accommodate a power supply device, preferably including a battery, in particular for the cornering light device; and / or to accommodate the interior lighting. When accommodating at least one cable, it is preferred that the cavity be designed as a type of open or closed cable channel.It is also possible, alternatively or additionally, that the cavity is designed to accommodate the load-bearing container lid opening sensor.

[0031] When the cavity is designed as a recess open to the inside and / or in the case of a recess open to the outside, it is also possible that this is an opening passing from the outside to the inside.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the load-carrying container has a reflector device arranged on its exterior. Preferably, the reflector device includes at least one reflector, and in particular, consists of one reflector. The at least one reflector can be, for example, a reflective strip and / or reflective paint. It is particularly preferred that the reflector device is arranged on one side, in particular the left, of the load-carrying container and / or on another, in particular the right, side, and / or on the front, rear, and / or on the deck of the load-carrying container. When the load-carrying container is equipped with a reflector device, it is advantageous, for example, that the load-carrying container can be seen even without a power supply, e.g., in road traffic.In particular, this makes it advantageous that even a cargo container detached from the cargo bike can be perceived.

[0033] The cargo bike according to the invention is in particular a long john cargo bike. It is especially preferred that it is an e-cargo bike, for example, a pedelec or e-bike. The cargo bike has a cargo bike frame, preferably with a support element. The support element is designed to accommodate a cargo container, preferably according to the invention. It is preferred that the support element is arranged between the handlebar tube and the fork of the front wheel. Furthermore, the cargo bike has a lighting system with one or more of the features described above. The lighting system is connected to the cargo bike frame directly or indirectly, and in particular arranged on it. In the case of an indirect connection, it is preferred that the lighting system is connected to the cargo container, and in particular arranged on it.

[0034] Preferably, the cargo bike has an e-bike battery connected to the cargo bike frame. It is particularly preferred that the e-bike battery is arranged in the area of ​​the support element, and especially that it is connected to the cargo bike frame in the area of ​​the support element. It is especially preferred that the lighting system is connected to the e-bike battery for power supply.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the cargo bike has a cargo container with one or more features of the cargo container according to the invention described above. In this embodiment, the lighting system of the cargo bike is the lighting system of the cargo container. In other words, the lighting system of the cargo bike is formed by the lighting system of the cargo container.

[0036] It is preferred that the cargo bike has a docking system for connecting the cargo container to the e-bike battery. It is particularly preferred that the energy connection be selectively connectable, preferably couplingable. It is preferred that the energy connection for supplying power to the cargo container, especially its lighting system, is provided by the e-bike battery.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the docking system comprises a first docking device and a second docking device. The first docking device is connected to the load-bearing container, in particular rigidly. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0038] They show: Figure 1 is a schematic, perspective view of an embodiment of a cargo bike according to the invention with an embodiment of a lighting system according to the invention, Figure 2 is a schematic, perspective view of an embodiment of a cargo container according to the invention with a further embodiment of a lighting system according to the invention, and Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of a cargo container according to the invention with a further embodiment of a lighting system according to the invention.

[0039] Identical components or elements are identified in the figures using the same reference numerals or variations thereof (for example, 122, 122a, 122b, etc.). For the sake of clarity, elements that have already been identified are not provided with reference numerals in all figures.

[0040] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cargo bike 1000 according to the invention, wherein the cargo bike 1000 is shown in a variant of a Long John cargo bike. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a cargo bike 1000 according to the invention, wherein the cargo bike 1000 is shown in a variant of a Long John cargo bike. Figure 1 an embodiment of a lighting system 10 according to the invention is shown.

[0041] Between the handlebar tube 1012 and the fork element 1014 of the front wheel 1016, the cargo bike 1000 has a support element 1006, which is connected to the cargo bike frame 1002, preferably integrally. In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 1006 has two horizontal frame elements 1018, which are connected on one side to the handlebar tube 1012 and on the other side to the front wheel 1016, in particular via a fork element 1014, via rising frame elements 1020, which are preferably integrally connected to the frame elements 1018.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the cargo bike 1000 has two batteries 1004 and 1004b. In alternative embodiments not shown, it is possible to have only one battery 1004 or 1004b, particularly if the cargo bike 1000 is otherwise identical in design. The batteries 1004 and 1004b are e-bike batteries, which primarily serve to operate the electric motor 1024 of the cargo bike 1000. The illustrated embodiment is therefore preferably an e-bike, particularly in the form of a pedelec or e-bike. The battery 1004 and / or the battery 1004b also serve, in particular, to supply power to one or more of the illustrated lighting devices 18, 34, 38, 46, 50 of the lighting system 10.It is preferred that at least one, and in particular all, of the lighting devices 18, 34, 38, 46, 50 are connected to the battery 1004 and / or the battery 1004b via cables (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, it is preferred that one or more, and in particular all, of the lighting devices 18, 34, 38, 46, 50 are connected to one or more control devices (not shown) for controlling them. Control is preferably via cable and / or wirelessly.

[0043] The lighting system 10, as shown, comprises several lighting devices 18, 34, 38, 46, 50, with only one element 20, 36, 40, 48, 50 of each lighting device 18, 34, 38, 46, 50 being shown by way of example. It is preferably possible to provide several such elements 20, 36, 40, 48, 52. It is particularly preferred that a corresponding element 20, 36, 40, 48, 52 is attached to and / or connected to the cargo bike frame 1002 on the opposite side of the frame, preferably in the same manner.

[0044] On the rear frame 1022, a taillight device 38 with a taillight 40 (shown) is connected to the bicycle frame 1002. Preferably, the taillight emits red light to the rear. Furthermore, a direction indicator light device 18, which includes a direction indicator light 20, is connected to the rear frame 1002. Preferably, the direction indicator light device 18 emits flashing orange light on one side of the cargo bike 1000, depending on the indicated direction of travel. Not shown, but preferably, the cargo bike 1000 also has direction indicator lights on the front frame, particularly on the rising frame elements 1020, which emit light, in particular, to the front.

[0045] A low-beam lighting device 34, shown with a low-beam headlight 36, is connected to the rising frame elements 1020. Preferably, the low-beam lighting device 34 emits white low-beam light forward.

[0046] The cargo bike 1000 has a cornering light device 50, or more preferably a cornering light device 12, with the support element 1006, preferably with the horizontal frame elements 1008, and particularly preferably in the area of ​​the handlebar tube 1012. The cornering light device 50 is shown to have a cornering headlight 52. Preferably, the cornering light device 50 is selectively switched on when the bike is cornering, with the cornering headlight 52 shown being activated preferably when turning right and, in particular, an opposite cornering headlight (not shown) being activated when turning left.

[0047] Furthermore, an underbody lighting device 46, including an underbody headlight 48 as shown, is connected to the support element 1006. Alternatively or additionally to the cornering headlight 52, it is possible to activate the underbody lighting device, particularly on the respective side, when cornering, thus creating a cornering light device 12 by means of the underbody lighting device 46. Furthermore, it is alternatively or additionally possible to pivot the cornering light device 50 and / or the low-beam headlight device 34, preferably by means of a pivoting device (not shown), in the respective direction of the curve, thus illuminating the curve.

[0048] An advantage of the cornering light device 12, particularly as illustrated, with cornering light device 50 and / or underbody light device 46, is that areas between the steering tube and the front wheel, especially in the direction of the turn, are illuminated. Obstacles located in this area are thus illuminated, particularly in contrast to the prior art, and can therefore be identified.

[0049] Furthermore, a docking system 1008 with docking device 1010 for energy transfer of the battery 1004, for example to a load-bearing container 100 (see for example Figure 3 ) provided. Preferably, the docking device 1010 shown is a contact interface for energy transmission with a further contact interface (not shown) of a current collector, for example a load-bearing container 100 (see, for example, Figure 3 ).

[0050] In Figure 1 (and Figure 3 The lines shown are examples of light emanating from the lighting devices, e.g., from rear light 40. These are schematic representations of the emitted light. In particular, these lines illustrate the direction of illumination. However, these lines can also be omitted in alternative representations.

[0051] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a load-bearing container 100 according to the invention with a further embodiment of a lighting system 10 according to the invention.

[0052] A position light device 14 extending upwards with a pennant light 16 is connected to the load-carrying container body 101. A connecting rod 17 is arranged between the pennant light 16 and the load-carrying container body 101 for spacing purposes. Reflector strips 134b are connected to the outside of the load-carrying container body 101 on the side walls 120a, 120b, extending in particular to the rear 136 and / or to the front 118. The load-carrying container 101 also has an aluminum bracket 133, which is coated, at least partially, with reflective paint 134a. The reflector strips 134b and the reflective paint 134a thus form reflectors 134.

[0053] In the area of ​​the front 118 and the rear 136, the load receiving container 100 has a direction indicator lighting device 18 with two direction indicator lights 20, in particular turn signals.

[0054] The side wall 120a and preferably the side wall 120b further comprises a position light device 26 with three position lights 28 shown.

[0055] A cornering light device 50, including a cornering headlight 52 (shown), is provided at the front, particularly preferably in recesses 110 of the load-bearing container 100. It is possible that the cornering light device 50 is controlled by means of a swiveling device 54 (not shown), preferably in the direction of the curve, and / or that the cornering headlights 52 are selectively activated to illuminate the curve.

[0056] Furthermore, the load-bearing container 100 has an underbody lighting device 46 with underbody light 48 in the area of ​​the bottom 138.

[0057] In the interior area 104, preferably in the upper area, on the inside, the load-bearing container 100 has interior lighting 102 with an interior light 103. Furthermore, a load-bearing container lid opening sensor 106 is provided on the inside of the load-bearing container 100, and is particularly connected to the load-bearing container body 101. It is especially preferred that the load-bearing container lid opening sensor 106 detects the open state of a load-bearing container lid (not shown) and activates the interior lighting 102 indirectly or directly when the lid is open and deactivates it when the lid is closed.

[0058] Furthermore, the load-bearing container 100 has a coupling device 105 for coupling the load-bearing container 100 to a cargo bike.

[0059] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a load-bearing container 100 with another embodiment of a lighting system 10. The illustrated embodiment is essentially based on the embodiment from Figure 2 created.

[0060] In particular, for the energy supply of the load-bearing container 100, preferably for the energy supply of the lighting system 10, the load-bearing container 100 has a docking system 1008 with a docking device 114 in the area of ​​the bottom 138. The docking device 114 is arranged in an outwardly open recess 110c of the load-bearing container 100, or of the load-bearing container body 101. It is particularly preferred that the docking device 114 is connected to a docking device 1010, as for example in Figure 1shown, docks and thus enables a power supply via battery 1004. Preferably, the energy transfer takes place via an energy contact 115, which in particular comes into contact with the energy contact 1010 ( Fig. 1A battery 116 is provided in an internal cavity 122d to supply power to the load-bearing container 100, in particular to power the lighting system 10. As shown, the battery 116 can be present in addition to the docking system 1008, in which case the battery 116 is specifically powered via the docking system 1008. Alternatively, however, it is also possible (not shown) to provide only the battery 116 or only the docking system 1008. A control device 126, which is optional, is connected to the docking system 1008 and / or the battery 116. The control device is also shown to be arranged in a cavity 122d. The connection is made via a cable 124c, which lies in a cavity 122 designed as a cable duct. The control device 126 is designed in particular to control the lighting system, preferably the lighting devices.Particularly preferred is a wireless and / or wired control of the control device 126, for example for activating or deactivating the lighting devices.

[0061] The interior lighting 102 is arranged in a cavity 122a, designed as an inwardly open recess. The interior lighting 102 is powered by the docking system 1008 and / or the battery 116 via a cable 124a, which is routed through a cavity 122b open to the interior.

[0062] In the front area, a low beam headlight device 34 and a cornering headlight device 50 are provided, which are controlled and / or supplied with energy via a cable 124b in an internal cavity 122c.

[0063] The low beam headlight 36 of the low beam lighting device 34 is arranged in a recess 110a, wherein the low beam headlight does not protrude beyond the contour of the load-bearing container 100.

[0064] The cornering headlight 52 of the cornering lighting device 50 is also received in a recess 110b, but the cornering headlight 52, as shown, protrudes beyond the contour of the load-bearing container 100. For example, this makes it possible to generate a larger light radius using the cornering headlight 52 compared to the low-beam headlight 36 and / or to swivel the cornering headlight 52 by means of a swiveling device (not shown).

[0065] Any combination of the elements, in particular the lighting devices, preferably those shown in the figures and described above, can be implemented in preferred embodiments.

Claims

1. A load-receiving container (100) for load-carrying bicycles (1000), in particular Long John load-carrying bicycles, comprising a lighting system (10), wherein the lighting system (10) comprises at least one lighting device (14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 42, 44, 50) connected to the load-receiving container (100), and wherein one of the at least one lighting devices (14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 42, 44, 46, 50) is a direction indicator lighting device (18), characterized in that the load-receiving container (100) has at least one recess (110), which is open towards the outside, for at least partially receiving at least one of the lighting devices (14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 46), wherein the direction indicator lighting device (18) is at least partially accommodated in the recess (110).

2. The load-receiving container (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting system (10) further comprises at least one of the following lighting devices (14, 22, 26, 30, 34, 42, 44, 46, 50): - a position lantern lighting device (14); and / or - a contour lighting device (22) for illuminating the contour of the load-carrying bicycle (1000) and / or a load-receiving container (100); and / or - a position lighting device (26); and / or - a fog lighting device (30); and / or - a low-beam lighting device (34) comprising at least one low-beam headlight (36); and / or - a rear lighting device (38) comprising at least one rear light (40); and / or - at least one rear reflector (42); and / or - at least one front reflector (44); and / or - an underside lighting device (46).

3. The load-receiving container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by an interior lighting (102) for illuminating at least a part of the interior (104) of the load-receiving container (100).

4. The load-receiving container (100) according to claim 3, characterized by a load-receiving container lid opening sensor system (106) for detecting the opening state of a load-receiving container lid (108) and for the preferably direct or indirect activation of the interior lighting (102) when the load-receiving container lid (108) is opened and / or deactivation when the load-receiving container lid (108) is closed.

5. The load-receiving container (100) according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the load-receiving container (100) comprises at least one recess (110) open towards the outside for: - receiving a power supply device (112), in particular for the cornering light device (12), comprising a docking device (114) for a in particular selective connection to an e-bicycle battery (1004) or comprising a battery (116).

6. The load-receiving container (100) according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the at least one lighting device (14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 42, 44, 46, 50) is connected to an outer surface of the load-receiving container (100), or in that the at least one lighting device (14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 42, 44, 46, 50) is accommodated within the contour of the load-receiving container (100), in particular is recessed in the load-receiving container (100).

7. The load-receiving container (100) according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the lighting system (10) comprises a cornering lighting device (50) as one of the at least one lighting devices (14, 22, 26, 30, 34, 42, 44, 46, 50) on the load-receiving container (100), preferably on the front (118) of the load-receiving container (100).

8. The load-receiving container (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the cornering lighting device (50): - is arranged on both sides at the front (118) or the side walls (120) of the load-receiving container (100); and / or - is arranged in the lower half, preferably the lower third, particularly preferred the lower quarter of the load-receiving container; and / or - is arranged in the lateral edge region, preferably the outer quarter of the lateral edge regions.

9. The load-receiving container (100) according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the load-receiving container (100) comprises at least one cavity (122) open to the inside or located inside for: - receiving at least one wire (124) in particular for the light devices (14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34) (36); and / or - receiving at least one control device (126) for the cornering light device (50); and / or - receiving a power supply device (128) for the cornering light device (12), preferably comprising a battery (116); and / or - receiving the interior lighting (102).

10. The load-receiving container (100) according to one of claims 1-9, characterized by a reflector device (132) arranged on the outer side of the load-receiving container (100), wherein it is preferred that the reflector device (132) comprises at least one reflector (134), preferably at least a reflector strip, on one side wall (120a) of the load-receiving container and / or on another side wall (120b) of the load-receiving container (100) and / or on a front (118) of the load-receiving container (100) and / or on a rear (136) of the load-receiving container (100) and / or in a load-receiving container lid (108).

11. A load-carrying bicycle (1000), in particular a Long John load-carrying bicycle, comprising a load-carrying bicycle frame (1002), preferably including a carrying element (1006), and a load-receiving container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The load-carrying bicycle (1000) according to claim 11, characterized by an e-bicycle battery (1004) connected to the load-carrying bicycle frame (1002) and arranged in particular in the area of a carrying element (1006), the lighting system (10) being connected to the e-bicycle battery (1004) for power supply.

13. The load-carrying bicycle (1000) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by a docking system (1008) for the preferably selective power connection of the load-receiving container (100) to the e-bicycle battery (1004).

14. The load-carrying bicycle (1000) according to claim 13, characterized in that the docking system (1008) comprises a first docking device (114) connected to the load-receiving container (100) and preferably arranged in the area of the bottom (138) of the load-receiving container (100), and a second docking device (1010) directly or indirectly connected to the e-bicycle battery (1004) and preferably arranged in the area of the support element (1006).